small inspiring quotes – Be That Girl Now

Success Laws: Be careful what you wish for?

On January 10, 2013, I was reminded once again NOT to be careful what I wish for! Here is my crazy “little” story.

Our family has 2 vehicles, the “mom wagon” (The Mini Van), and the “fun car” (The Mini). While I was packing for the first part of my Canada book tour, I realized that my husband Ryan would need to keep the van to run the kids around, and I would have to take the Mini on my tour. Taking the Mini to Edmonton was no issue…I was by myself and I only had one book signing to deliver books to. My tour to Western Canada, on the other hand, involved driving from Calgary to various cities in British Columbia, including Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria. The BC trip would involve myself, my faithful book partner and cousin, Julie, and for a few days, my incredible niece, Brooke. Three high maintenance girls with luggage, twelve boxes of books and eight days of intense road tripping through the Rocky Mountains in winter was not going to work in the Mini. I started freaking out, and wondering what I would do. I discussed my options with my Business Manager, and she cleverly suggested that I try to switch vehicles with one of my family members. I knew I had a bit of time to think about my options (a week!), but I knew I was not satisfied with taking the Mini to BC. I put my “issue” out to the Universe and decided not to worry any longer. Plus, I had my Edmonton trip to worry about first!

While I packed the Mini for my Edmonton trip, I was surprised at how much room there was. I was also surprised at how much luggage one girl could need for two days! My trip to Edmonton was incredible…two tv appearances and two book signings, and then it was time to head home. When I left Edmonton, the weather was beautiful and the roads were clear, but I knew I was headed back home to a blizzard in Calgary. While I drove out of Edmonton, I consciously put my “Invisible Shield” on, cranked the tunes and started singing my heart out. Almost halfway through my drive, I heard a huge **SMASH**, and then heard the sound of wind coming into the car. While trying not to swerve all over the highway, I looked around the car. All of the windows were in tact, so I looked up. There was a huge hole in the roof where the sunroof had once been…and I was alive! The retractable mesh screen on the sunroof saved my life. I was AMAZED that I had survived.

I did not stop the car. I called Ryan (handsfree), and he told me to pull over as soon as possible. Luckily for me, Red Deer was just 10 minutes away. I pulled over and opted for a gas station with bright lights. I got out of the car, looked at the broken glass all over the car and in the sunroof, and I had no idea what to do.

I was about to get back in my car and cry when two guys in a big black truck stopped in front of me and asked if I needed help. At that point, I didn’t know what I needed!

My “Knights in Shining Black Truck”, Chris and Justin, reversed in beside me and assessed the situation. It was freezing outside that night (-15 degrees C). Chris went to work pulling out chunks of glass from the top of the car, while Justin went to ask inside for tape so they could seal the hole. These boys were troopers! There was no tape at the gas station we were at, so they drove to a different gas station, purchased a roll of strong tape and came back to me. They proceeded to tape a black garbage bag down to the top of the Mini. Poor Chris had cut himself on the glass and was bleeding, but that did not stop him from sealing that hole!

We proceeded to exchange contact information. They gave me their business cards, and I gave them each a signed copy of my book. As if what they had done for me was not enough, they said “hey, we’re heading back to Calgary too. Why don’t you follow us?”. So I did.

It was only an hour and a half to home. The roads were still clear when we left Red Deer, but within a half an hour we ran into a blizzard. It was dark, and the snow was coming down so hard it was like a whiteout! I stuck right close to my new friends, and trusted them to get me home. As I drove behind them, I felt protected, safe and happy. I could not stop smiling the whole way home, even though my fingers were gripping the steering wheel and the wind was howling loudly into my car. Once we hit Calgary, I took my
turnoff and I watched my “Knights” go riding off down the Deerfoot. The plastic bag stayed on the whole way home.

The Mini is in the sho 015 p awaiting a new sunroof from Germany so I ended up getting a rental Mini Van through my insurance company to take on my trip to British Columbia…so big, so comfortable, and so safe! Just what I wanted.
I contacted my “Knights” to thank them for not only keeping me warm on the way home, but also for ensuring that I made it home on those crazy Alberta roads. Surprisingly, one of them responded to me by saying “I am a believer in Karma, and greater forces in the Universe…was beginning to lose a little faith in the universe lately but meeting you let me know that I should never have doubted anything!”

The “morals” of my story…

I don’t know what smashed my sunroof, and I will probably never know. Sometimes, the little details don’t matter.
Ask, and you shall receive.
Things do not always happen the way you think they will, and that is OK!
The Universe is ALWAYS watching out for those who ask for, and are grateful, for help.
Be thankful to be alive!
“Situations” ARE “Opportunities” when you think positively.
Don’t be careful what you wish for. Just keep your wishes awesome.
You never know when you will meet amazing people who have something for you.
THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES.

Enjoy your life, smile more, have more fun, relax, laugh, don’t worry, and hug each other. These are the things that really matter. Namaste!

Tina O’Connor

President & CEO

Be That Books Inc.

Publishing the Best Books for Self Help.

• www.bethatgirlnow.com

• twitter.com/BeThatBooks • facebook.com/BeThatGirl.SimpleStepsToHappiness

Success Law: It is as it should be.

One of the most important Success Laws of our Universe is that what is right now is exactly as it should be. Accept what is today, no matter what the situation is. Just accept it as it is right now.

The next step is to know with every part of your being that you can attract whatever you want to your life. It starts with being aware of the vibrations that you are putting out to the Universe. Be conscious of the energy that you are sending out. If you are worried about a current situation, you will be giving off worried vibes, which can create more of the situation you are worried about. Instead of worrying, focus on the future and all of the amazing feelings you have surrounding the creation your dreams. Do what you need to do right now with pleasure, and send out those amazing positive vibes. You will get back what you send out to the Universe, so make sure you are sending out only good vibrations! Everyday when you wake up, smile at the fact that you woke up and tell yourself that you can handle everything. YOU CAN HANDLE ANYTHING. One of my favorite quotes from this week… “Breathe. The Universe is taking care of everything else.” Have a fantastic week! Namaste.

Reach Out.

The Best Books on Self Help Encourage you to Reach Out!

There is someone in your life that needs you right now. Reach out to the people around you, and do whatever you can to help them. Sometimes, a phone call or a hug, some ice cream or some flowers, a card or a note can change someone’s day, and even their life. Don’t limit this to the people closest to you. Perhaps there is someone sitting on the outskirts of your life that you had a falling out with, or just someone you haven’t seen in a long time. Now is the time to reach out to them.

This week presented me with an opportunity to make someone smile just a little. This was someone who was previously quite close to me, but due to a large change in her personal life, had ended up skimming the perimeter of my life. I received a phone call from her early one morning, and the phone call did not go well. She was sad and angry, and she lashed out at me. Realizing that she was not in a good place, I decided to take some action. After a quick stop at the grocery store, I arrived at her home with some flowers, some ice cream, and a hug. One of her first comments to me was “It took some guts to come here”. After a quick conversation, lots of tears, and several hugs, any misunderstandings that had been between between us were resolved.

I don’t think what I did took guts. I think it took compassion, and an understanding that her behavior toward me was not personal. I felt an intense desire to help in any way I could. Life is too short to let fear hold you back from doing great things.

Reach out to someone today, even if you are afraid of the response. You may end up pleasantly surprised in the results. Namaste.

Success Law: Find your path.

Discover your true passions in life, and then chase them with an intense focus. Find your path, and follow it!

Once you are following your path, you will encounter forks…choices will need to be made on which route to take. Always use your intuition to make the right choice. Your heart and soul know which path to take, so listen to them. Your path will change over time. Paths can suddenly change direction, and if you do not maintain your path, overgrowth may make it difficult to continue on. Obstacles, like trees or boulders, may block your path entirely.

When you find yourself stuck on your path for whatever reason, there is always something you can do to keep moving forward. First, enjoy a small rest and a picnic. Recharge yourself and focus your energy by slowing down, breathing, and allowing your mind to give you the answers you are seeking. Do not stay here for too long!

In your journey through life, change is the only constant. There is energy flowing all around you, and you have control over how that energy is focused in your life. When you feel stuck, change something! You have the power. You create your own paths in life. Keep yours clear by putting in effort consistently, and be prepared to do whatever it takes to keep moving forward. You may be required to build bridges, climb mountains, jump in lakes, or take leaps off of your path in search of better ones. Just do something.

Find your path, follow it, and be prepared to do anything to keep moving. Namaste.

Work!

Things that are important to you in your life will always take work. As Doug and the Slug say

“Making it work-Takes a little Longer”

“Making it work-Takes a little Time!”

They are correct, and this applies as much to work as it does to relationships! If you want something to “Work” in your life, you have got to be willing to put in the effort. As one of my coaches, Devlyn Steele (www.toolstolife.com) says, things always take longer, and are harder, than you originally anticipate. Stay focused on your goal, make it work no matter what, and do not get discouraged when it doesn’t go the way you planned. The path to your success may not always “look” the way you originally thought…keep on keeping on and you’ll get there no matter what! Have faith, work hard, stay positive, and SING your way through life. “Makin’ it work…” is in your control. Namaste.

How can I build Confidence? Treat Yourself.

You work hard. You need to take the time to relax and unwind. Treating yourself to this time will help you create your amazing future even faster!

It is easy to just go, go, go, and then just keep going! If you’re not doing, you’re not achieving, right? Wrong. You have got to take a breather once in a while and get your strength back, and keep your focus on track. Today, take a 20 minute break from “doing”, and focus on “thinking”.

Here are a few ways that you can restore yourself and regain your mental focus.

Take a long bath or a shower, by yourself.
Lock yourself in your bedroom and just sit on the bed quietly. Bring your journal, just in case.
Do yoga.
Do a small meditation and focus only on your breathing. Concentrate on visualize what you want for yourself.
Go out to the garden, or in your yard, and sit for 20 minutes without doing any work. Just enjoy what you have created.
Sit on your porch and do nothing but enjoy everything around you. You may also choose to sit on your couch if you live in Calgary, and it is still freezing in May!
Get up 20 minutes earlier than normal and just sit and have a coffee or tea before anyone else gets up. Enjoy the quiet and the lack of doing. Look out your windows and notice what is happening around you. You may just see a sunrise, some wildlife, or another thing that makes you wonder about your neighbor.

Start treating yourself to 20 minutes of “no do” time every week. Remind yourself that taking this 20 minutes is a huge part of creating your success. You will connect with yourself in ways that you have forgotten, and you will begin creating your future faster. Find true happiness in treating yourself each week. Make it important and do not justify it to anyone. If you are going to pick one thing to do to change your life, this has to be it. Find 20 minutes each week and start expanding yourself. Experience the joy of being with you, for you. Namaste.

Composting in Calgary.

I love being GREEN! It’s good for the environment, and it makes me feel so good to be doing things that contribute to our earth. Admittedly, though, I’m not perfect! This year, I got a little lazy with my compost through the winter. I kept adding everything I should add, but I didn’t turn it like I should have every week. Last weekend, with spring finally upon us and the snow gone, I decided to to give my compost a real good turning. I was intending to use some of the “ready” stuff on my current garden beds. I really went to town digging and turning, and all of a sudden a bunch of cute little rodents came rushing up to the surface! They were looking at me as if to say “what the heck are you doing to our home lady?” I promptly stopped digging, closed the lid, and went in the house.

My consequence of not regularly turning the compost is VOLES! How nice. Rather than poison or trap the little critters, I decided to take a more humane approach. I have turned my compost every day, and I have added some water. The little grey rodents have vacated their comfy home, and I have my nutrient rich compost back! Gardening is not for the faint of heart!

The natural approach is always the best approach.

The warm, stagnant environment that I allowed in my compost made it way too nice for the voles, and I take full responsibility for allowing them to move on in. Making it an uninhabitable place is also my responsibility, and it is the easiest way to discourage any critters from hanging around too long.

Always think about using simple, natural methods as your first choice. Keep the healthy life balance going in your yard, and you will be blessed with healthy land, healthy gardens, and healthy families. One small step everyday by each of us can make a ginormous impact on the health of our planet. Being Green is a mindset that is contagious! Let’s all make an effort to create more harmony. Namaste.

Listen to the Best Books on Self Help and Give Yourself Permission.

Success Law: Give Yourself Permission to do less.

There are so many social molds that we, as a society, squish ourselves into everyday. Our vision of what success is may put us into a mold where we are overwhelmed with things to do, we feel stressed out all the time, and we are on our phones all the time. We see these things happening around us, and we begin to believe that it is the only way. We form a perception of what things should look like based on what we see.

Alas…there is more to life than what we can see with our brain washed eyes. ‘Tis true!

It is important to realize that You define what success is in your life. This is your dream…your reality. Why not make “less stress, more fun” your new success mold? Give yourself permission to enjoy life a little more. Permission to worry less and be more excited. Permission to procrastinate a little on some small day-to-day things, which allows you time to explore your other passions.

Stop restricting yourself. You do deserve to be happy, relaxed, and excited. You deserve to be rich with love and money and health.

Remember Pareto’s Principle that 80% of our results are derived from 20% of the activities we do. So start doing less! Just keep your eye on the prize.

Know where you want to go and then focus solely on that goal. Do not allow anything to distract you from that end goal. Relax and enjoy the journey. Keep taking action everyday, but do not force it. Everything takes time. You know you are going to get there when the time is right, so enjoy everything you have right now! Slow down. Take deep breaths. Take in everything you have created so far, and be proud. Allow yourself to feel good now. It is all in your control. Have a wonderful week! Namaste.

A pot of gold.

The other day, I asked my children to search for the pot of gold that I hoped was hiding on our property. It was said in a joking way, but just saying it made me feel excited and like a kid again…what if we actually found a hidden treasure?

What I said was overheard by my mom’s husband Don. His wise advice to me was to “stop searching for the pot of gold; the pot of gold is you!”

This was my gentle reminder that I already have everything I need within myself. So do you. Realize that you are the pot of gold at the end of a beautiful rainbow. Treat yourself like gold…shine yourself up everyday and make good choices about how you spend yourself! You are worth it! Namaste.

Focus on the Good.

Success Law: It’s all in the Perspective.

On a rainy Tuesday morning, my alarm woke me up with a great song by Trooper…
“We’re here for a good time,
not a long time,
so have a good time,
the sun can’t shine everyday!”

This was exactly what I needed to hear this morning, and it’s so true. We never know how long we have in this particular life, and it is too easy to get caught up in the negative things that come our way.

While the sun can’t shine every day, we can enjoy every minute of what we have no matter what the sun is doing! While hauling liquor in the pouring rain this morning, one of my dream team members told me how she just loves the rain and would happily haul booze in it any day! What a fabulous outlook!

Let’s face it. Shit happens. The Universe can’t just keep sending you rainbows and flowers and unicorns everyday. Otherwise, you’d get bored and you wouldn’t appreciate it when those things did come to you. So the next time “shit happens” to you, remember that something magical will be heading up the rear (ha ha). Have a good time. Enjoy the small, special moments in your life while you are on your journey to greatness, and smile through all the other stuff that gets thrown at you. When you are in the middle of a rainstorm in your life, remember that this too shall quickly pass, and a rainbow will appear. Have a wonderful week.