SELF CARE

A little self-care leads to more self-care. Once you start doing things that care for your mind and body, you then begin to realize the benefits of putting yourself on your "to do" list.
 
Many of us believe that productivity will make us happier at the end of the day, but in reality, self-love is what makes our life more joyful.
 
When we care for and love (or even like) ourselves, we wind up feeling more worthy than any productivity can ever make us feel.
 
To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.


Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE

Keep your eye on the prize. When you are in a situation that could be stressful- don’t lose sight of what is most important. 
 
It’s easy to get caught up in the details and the minutia (especially if that’s been the way you have been doing things)- But… remembering that you have the choice of what you focus on can be EXTREMELY empowering!!!!!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.


Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
BIRTHDAY LOVE

I am filled with a tremendous feeling of love and gratitude, as I close out my birthday “week.”
 
So much love from my family and friends!  As I reflect on my blessings, I always try to find a way to inspire and share some ways you can add more joy to your own life.
 
One thing that contributed to my precious moments this week is my ability to be present in what I am doing. My meditation practice has strengthened my ability to focus on where I am and what I am doing. 
 
The other thing that added to my enjoyment is my consistent gratitude practice. I am often savoring my joy out loud, bringing the people that I am with into the beauty of the moment.
 
This week- maybe you want to give it a try.... 

1) Create the intention and practice of giving your full attention to an activity. Notice the difference- when you are not being distracted! 
 2) Stop and notice the beauty around you- say it out loud. 
 
Have a consciously more wonderful week!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.


Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
I WISH I KNEW...

As I approach my 62nd birthday (this week) – I realize a few things that I wish my younger self knew……
 
 1. I wish I knew…….that 3/4 of the things that I thought mattered....really don’t!
 
2. I wish I knew……that the people I choose to spend my time with definitely affect my mood…… so choose wisely.  
 
3. I wish I knew….to give everyone the benefit of the doubt… until they don’t deserve it.
 
4. I wish I knew….to trust myself and to follow my intuition more.
 
 5. I wish I knew….that gratitude was like medicine for my soul. 
 
And most importantly,
6. I wish I knew….to value myself more instead of seeking validation from others.
 
But no regrets- I am so grateful to feel so grounded and comfortable in my skin as I enter my 62nd year of life! 
 
Thank you for being on this journey with me – It is an honor and a pleasure!
 
To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.


Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
LIFE LESSONS

I had the “opportunity” to practice not over-reacting and appreciating the help of my community in a VERY scary unexpected situation yesterday. 
 
I took my little Zoe- my 4 lb. Pomeranian, with me to do some errands. Somehow the door locked with my keys, my phone, AND Zoe in the car. It was a very hot day, and the windows were closed. 
 
Needless to say- I immediately called the police and enlisted the help of anyone around to support me in figuring out how to get Zoe out. It turned out my neighbors, a young man that worked in a nearby store, an older woman, and her homicide detective life partner were all there to help.
 
We wound up having to break the window of my car before the police had arrived. Zoe was amazing and happy to be back in my arms, and everyone there said how they actually shared in the joy of being able to help someone in need. 
 
I am truly grateful that I have trained my brain to react appropriately and to not “lose it”, and, to ask for help when I need it. Two very big life lessons!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
TIMES GOES BY SO QUICKLY

We often hear the saying "Time goes by so quickly." 
 
I don't know if you feel the same, but the month of June has flown by the quickest ever for me! 
 
Just a reminder to really stop and appreciate the moments in your day! 
 
When you wake up, set the intention to notice all of the good that happens. Before you go to sleep - go through your day and re-think all of the positive things that happened. Watch how while time does fly…you live with a much more present and grateful mindset!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
DITCH THE SHOULDS

If you are feeling a bit stressed or angsty lately  - stop- and just notice if you are holding on to some thoughts that may not be serving you. 

For example: I should be making more $, or, I should be living somewhere else, or, my partner should be nicer to me. 


Pay attention to the "shoulds" and either do something to make a positive change or accept your situation and let go.  


To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

I love this quote: “You reap what you sow.” Think about it- it makes so much sense. You get whatever you pay attention to. 
 
These are actually very important words– if you focus on the negative you attract more negative- if you focus on the positive- you guessed it – you get more positive.  
 
Along the same lines…if you spend a lot of your time and fill your mind with Instagram or Netflix – what will you get?  
 
It is our minds that determine our mood, our actions, and our life! What kind of life do you want?
 
 If you set intentions: maybe to read that book that’s collecting dust on your night table or to check out that new exhibit at the museum and you put your attention on something a little more meaningful, you will reap the benefits. 
 
Trust me- I do Instagram and Netflix- (but I try to stay aware and keep it balanced)
 
This week be aware of what you are sowing….because that is what you will reap!!! XO


 To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
SHARE YOUR GIFT

I wish for all of you the meaning and fun that I have experienced these past few months in creating our upcoming “Meditation, Mindfulness and More” online class.
 
Two wonderful colleagues and I have been meeting on zoom to create this class, and it has been an effort and a joy at the same time. 
 
Being creative and working towards something that allows you to share your gifts (whatever they are) with others, can be a tremendous source of meaning in your life!
 
Brainstorm some fun ways you can share yourself and your gifts (if you need help uncovering them- let me know) with others and then go on – MAKE IT HAPPEN!
 
If you would like to learn more about the one day online “Meditation, Mindfulness and More” class- (Monday, July 17 from 7-8:30 pm) please feel free to reach out for details.

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
DOWN TIME

I am pretty much a creature of habit. I do my morning exercise, I eat the same breakfast every day, I meditate, I work with my clients and when I am not- I usually find myself doing something else that I feel is  productive. Whatever it may be- organizing closets and drawers (paring down and simplifying), gardening, finding ways to inspire people… the list goes on) however….
 
Research has shown that "Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets." 
 
To be at our most productive we need to give ourselves time to just be!  We often feel as though we are wasting our time if we aren’t doing anything.
 
Downtime is a chance for the brain to make sense of what it has recently learned, to look at and go inward and get to know ourselves in a deeper and more meaningful way than just being busy with activity after activity. 
 
Look at your calendar. Carve out a day (maybe Sunday), or ½ a day or even 3 hours with absolutely NOTHING to do. Does that make you a little uneasy? Good- That’s all the more reason you need it! Try it- see how you feel!  

 To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click 
here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
THANK YOU

I had an amazing experience this morning while watering the flowers that I recently planted. As I watered them, I noticed that as I poured the water into the pots, the flowers opened and it’s as if they said: “thank you.”  

Now, I’ve had that experience before, where the plants open up when receiving water, but this was as though they were really grateful and talking to me.

I am telling you this, because it wasn’t just that. Then I heard the birds, I felt the breeze, and even my neighbor’s dog barking was a welcome sound.

This may sound a little woo woo to you but trust me - I call myself an open skeptic. I’m very grounded. The reason I share this is because I KNOW all this happened as a result of my gratitude and meditation practices. 

If there is one thing I wholeheartedly recommend, it is to develop your own meditation practice. Meditation isn’t hard- making the time is.

We will be leading an online class (date TBD) to help you learn a few basics and get you started or back into it. Stay tuned …. And STAY TUNED!!!!! XO
 
To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Melissa Garson
TAKE CHARGE!

There is probably a common thread among the things that “trigger you.”  You most likely get angry or fearful or feel overwhelmed by the same types of situations over, and over again.
 
It’s time to take CHARGE! 
 
This week – take a step back when you feel angry, anxious, or sad about something. Take note of what it is- notice what you are actually “saying” to yourself about it….. and…. if there is any control you actually have over the situation.

If there is something you can do to mitigate it and you choose to- then DO it! (Remember to ask yourself- “Where would I be without this thought?”) If not– you guessed it- “LET IT GO”! The more you practice – the easier it becomes! 
 
Become aware of when it happens again. These are your OPPORTUNITIES to learn and grow as a person.

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

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Melissa Garson