Today, 11/29/16, it is my pleasure and honor to be the Guest on the Transformational Tuesday Program. We’ll be discussing the power of gratitude (my favorite subject). Please join us at NOON Eastern, by registering at http://bit.ly/TT11292016.
Gratitude Boot Camp
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November 29, 2016
Transformational Tuesday Program
Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp | Tags: #GivingTuesday, Grateful, Gratitude, Gratitude Boot Camp, Gratitude Coach, Gratitude Habit, Life Choices, Live, Power of Gratitude, Power Word, Purpose, sandy harper, Transformational, Video Call |Leave a Comment
November 29, 2014
It’s Not About Fear Anymore…
Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp, My new beginning..., The Simplification Process, This Journey called Life | Tags: blogging, declutter, drama, get rid of stuff, Gratitude, Gratitude Habit, negativity, new beginnings, No More Fear, Peace, positivity, sandy harper, simplification, simplification process, Simplify, simplifying, stress |Leave a Comment
At the beginning of 2014, I publicly stated that I was going to post, on my blog, at least once per week. And… I never posted again. How embarrassing, right?
At that time, I attributed my lack of posting to FEAR… mostly fear of the ugliness that comes out of some people, as they hide behind their keyboard and spew out the first hateful thing that comes to their mind on another person’s life-event or posting (even a positive one)!
Almost one year later, I now believe the lack of posting, on my part, is not because of fear. It is because my time and energy have been consumed with the simplification process I’ve been experiencing…
Approximately 4 years ago, I was (finally) hit by one of the best, bright ideas I’ve ever had… I needed to downsize!
In a BIG way!
After 12 years of living in a 3-story, 3,000 square-foot townhome filled to the brim with furniture, clothes/shoes, paperwork, and toys (since having a baby 5 years prior), it finally dawned on me to make a much-needed change. No more stuffocation!
I had no idea what a process that decision would turn into. Six garage sales, two storage units, and three moves later, the bright idea to declutter has turned into the awesome goal of simplifying my entire life!
Not only am I (still) getting rid of stuff, I’m taking steps to eliminate drama, negativity, and stress from my life; even if that means no longer associating with some people or being in/around certain situations. Simplifying has helped me grow. I’m no longer fearful about what someone may say about anything I do or post. I’ve learned it’s their issue, not mine (and I have the power to hit the delete button).
So, I’ll continue to talk about the power of gratitude, dream of peace on earth, and do my best to promote positivity… come what may!
I’ll write about the awesome journey I’m taking towards total (or at least near-total) simplification, but will no longer make promises of how often. After all, that would invite fear (of embarrassment/disappointment) and stress back into my life. And, I simply ain’t got no time for that!
January 8, 2014
That OTHER 4-letter F-word!
Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp, The Adventures of Writing, This Journey called Life | Tags: 2014, blog, blogging, courage, cyber bullying, Facebook, facing your fear, fear, Gratitude, Gratitude Boot Camp, Gratitude Habit, happy, held captive, Life, negative posts, New Year, positive life, positive people, quotes, resolutions, sandy harper, serendipity, teenage suicide, tweeting, Writing |Leave a Comment
One of my plans (I prefer that word to resolutions … a plan is something that is going to get done, right?) for 2014 is to blog at least once per week. Since January 1st, I’ve been reflecting on why I haven’t done it in so long and have come to realize that it’s because of that other 4-letter F-word … FEAR!
Along with my big desire to live a positive and drama-free life, comes a big fear of reading negative comments about what I write.
Serendipitously, my Facebook newsfeed was filled with quotes about that other 4-letter F-word this morning — the day I decided to write about it!
Amy shared: “Facing your fears robs them of their power.” ~ Mark Burnett
Sue said: “Courage is one step ahead of fear.”
Heshie noted: “Courage adds dimension to your life.”
Eve wrote: “Fear fuels me!”
Maryellen posted: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” ~ George Addair
And … one of the 12 Gratitude Habits I created for Gratitude Boot Camp is Facing Your Fears.
So, here I come 4-letter F-word!
When I first started to blog years ago, I was taken aback by the negative comments that would come — always from anonymous posters. So, I stopped writing on-line. But, I stayed on-line. And, the attacks seem to have gotten worse. I’m always amazed and astonished at what, and who, people will lash out at in mean, and often downright evil, ways…
The 3 girls who were held captive, and tortured, for over 10 years in Ohio were called horrible names when they ventured out of their homes a short time after their release. The news of teenagers committing suicide, after being cyber-bullied, has become an all-too-frequent headline. And, already this year, a young girl was told to “go kill herself” because she tweeted that the earth was 2014 years old on New Year’s Day (whether she was kidding or mistaken, is telling her to go kill herself really necessary?).
Even the people you friend on Facebook can surprise you sometimes with what they write. Thankfully, Facebook affords you the ability to connect with positive people and the power to unfriend someone, if they do write negative or mean comments on your posts.
So, while I’m not ready to go out and hold a snake, I am ready to face that other 4-letter F-word when it comes to blogging. I will write every week, from now on. If someone says something mean or negative … I’ll read it, remind myself it’s their issue, say a prayer for them, and gladly delete their post. After all, I’m grateful my life is happy and I’m not afraid to keep it that way!
October 4, 2009
Truly forgive to finally forget!
Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp, My new beginning..., This Journey called Life | Tags: Coaching, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Gratitude Boot Camp, inspirational, motivational speaker, new beginnings, Peace, sandy harper, Self-Development, Thoughts |1 Comment
Lately, I have really been working on my own personal self-development. I’ve been blessed with the responsibility of raising a child and I am on a new journey of coaching others, so I have to hold myself to a higher standard.
One very important attribute I’ve been concentrating on is the act of forgiveness. One of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone who has caused you pain. However, as I’ve recently discovered, it is extremely liberating to “get over it.” When you do, the hurt no longer dominates your mind. When someone hurts me, I generally become consumed with thinking about it over and over and over. Therefore, I would never forget the incident! How exhausting!
Recently, I was feeling very hurt by someone who I am close to. As the incident started playing over and over again in my head, I realized I had to stop and forgive … truly forgive. That decision allowed me to stop and look at things from their perspective. It was amazing how I could physically feel the hurt going out of me and how I was crystal clear on the fact that I did not want to lose or mess up this valuable friendship. I shudder to think of what might have happened if I were not in this period of working on myself! Things are back to normal and, when we discussed the topic again, it was in a really casual & relaxing way. And, I’ve not thought of it since. This forgiveness stuff really works!
Sadly, there are sometimes instances where someone hurts you to the point where you know the relationship has to be over. But, you still must practice forgiveness of that person. Otherwise, the incident/action continues to cause you pain and discomfort — even after the person is out of your life.
Even if you do not contact that person, because you simply cannot invite them back into your life, it is still crucial that you forgive them. That’s the only way you’ll be able to move on from the negative thoughts. And, it actually makes you feel at peace whenever you ask God to bless the person who was hurtful. It also helps to realize that some people are put into your life for a reason, but were not meant to stay in it forever. As you reflect back on your relationship with that person, in a relaxed state, you will find there were lessons to be learned. You may even find yourself feeling gratitude towards that person for giving you those lessons.
It’s also important to forgive yourself. That has been a bit of a struggle for me lately. My whole life I have lived with the motto that “regret is a wasted emotion.” But, this year, I have been kicking myself for some of the mistakes I have made. I finally realized that the time & energy I’m spending on beating myself up could be spent on taking positive steps toward a bright, new future.
Now, if something hurtful happens or I make a mistake, I strive to work on the forgiveness aspect of it as quickly as possible. That way, I can move on toward my bright future. And, I always stop to count my blessings, which helps me truly forgive so I can finally forget!
August 23, 2009
The Gratitude Blue Marble Project
Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp, My new beginning... | Tags: Ambassador, Blue Marble 4Life, Celebration Florida, Global Celebration, Gratitude, Gratitude Boot Camp, inspirational, Mission, Peace, sandy harper |Leave a Comment
Gratitude Peace Marble
I am always amazed whenever The Universe brings people together at the precise moment when they are on the same exact path! I recently had this wonderful phenomenon happen to me and, I not only acquired an amazing new friend, it solidified that my new business/mission is meant to be!
While attending Mega Book ’09, I was very fortunate to meet some remarkable people, including a gorgeous lady with a beautiful soul named Elizabeth Zachariah. Elizabeth, along with her friends Cherie Duncan, Kim Roman Corle, and Jan Avant, made me feel completely welcome and I knew they were women that I wanted to get to know better. After the event, we all connected on, and have stayed in touch through, Facebook.
During the week I decided to create Gratitude Boot Camp, I received a message from Elizabeth — the founder of Blue Marble 4 Life, Inc. She wanted to ask me a question. At that point, I had not shared my thoughts about Gratitude Boot Camp with anyone. When I returned her call, she informed me that she was putting together a project that would send four Gratitude Marbles (to represent the four corners of the earth), along with a Peace Marble (inscribed with the word Peace in 37 languages), on a world-wide mission for peace. Her plan was to appoint Blue Angel Ambassadors, throughout the world, which would host The Marbles and help spread a message of Gratitude, Peace, and Love. She said that she immediately thought of me (even though she had no idea that I had just decided to devote my life to promoting the power of Gratitude) when she was thinking of Ambassadors. It was serendipitous and I felt very honored!
As a Blue Angel Ambassador, it is my duty to host a Gratitude Gathering. This gathering will bring people together — to count their blessings and to take part in this special Global Celebration of Peace — as we send The Marbles to the next destination on their incredible journey.
So, it is with great pleasure that I am hosting an event named “Walk in Gratitue — Live in Peace” in my hometown – Celebration, Florida. At 4:00 p.m. on 9/26/09, we will gather on the front lawn of Celebration’s Heritage Hall at Spring Park. I encourage everyone to wear blue and to carry or wear a peace sign.
We will view The Marbles (which are arriving in Celebration after their trip to Hale Barns, Cheshire in The United Kingdom), sign the Gratitude Journal (which is accompanying The Marbles throughout their worldy journey), and record their visit to our great community. Then, we will bid The Marbles a fond farewell as they leave Celebration and travel to Australia. Afterwards, we will continue our celebration of peace with a “Happiness Hour” at The Mona Lisa in Celebration.
You can visit www.BlueMarble4Life.com to watch the inspirational kick-off video, track The Marbles’ travels, and to register/join The Blue Marble Tribe, if you choose. If you join, you will receive your very own Gratitude Blue Marble and The Gratitude Pledge.
If you cannot attend the Gratitude Gathering in Celebration, visit http://BlueMarble4Life.com to see if The Marbles are coming to your area!
You can also follow this exciting Global Celebration of Peace at www.YouTube.com/BlueMarble4Life, at www.Twitter.com/BlueMarble4Life, and at The Blue Marble 4 Life Fan Page on Facebook (http://bit.ly/pLPf3).
I believe that living a gratitude-filled life can change the world and promote peace amongst all of God’s children.
August 12, 2009
Gratitude Boot Camp
Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp | Tags: Boot Camp, Celebration, Central Florida, Gratitude, inspirational, Life Coach, life-changing event, Mark Victor Hansen, Mega Book, Motivatinal, Orlando, Prosperity, Public Speaker, sandy harper, Self-Development, Social Media, Writer |[4] Comments
With my 50th birthday fast-approaching (wow – that does not even sound possible, even as I put it in writing for all the world to see – yikes) and ever since I unexpectedly & miracoulosly gave birth at the age of 46.5, I’ve been feeling the need for a change in my life. I’ve always felt there was something more I should be doing. And, over the past 3 years, that need has turned into a burning desire.
Through the wondrous power of social media, I was invited to attend an event that changed my life forever — by starting me upon the path of my new beginning. The event was held the first weekend of June and was called Mega Book ’09. It was hosted by a man that I’ve long admired — Mark Victor Hansen. He is a best-selling author (co-creating “The Chicken Soup for the Soul” series), the founder of MEGA Book University, and is a great leader, speaker, and philanthropist.
After attending what turned out to be a spiritual awakening for me, I decided it was time to fulfill my life-long dream of becoming a writer, coach, and speaker. Every night for several weeks after Mega Book, I would lie in bed and, as I was drifting off to sleep, ask God to reveal to me what I should be doing, right now, to inspire and help others. One night, I awoke at 2:00 a.m. with the words “Gratitude Boot Camp” practically screaming in my mind. I ran downstairs, jumped on my computer, and was ecstatic to discover that the domain names for Gratitude Boot Camp were available (and not even for a premium price…yay)! I didn’t even know what Gratitude Boot Camp meant but I felt that I needed to go for it!
For the past several weeks, I have been creating and am now launching “Gratitude Boot Camp” ~ a self-development program that guides attendees through positive and productive steps in order to Give, Grow, and Prosper!
It is the Mission of Gratitude Boot Camp to empower and inspire people to be aware of and focus on their current blessings and to take positive steps — based on gratitude — that will help them achieve a life of joy, peace, and prosperity.
I invite you to become a part of the growing gratitude community at http://Facebook.com/GratitudeBootCamp.
I’m in the process of writing two books (one for children) that will teach the 12 gratitude habits and how to incorporate them into your life.
Thank you for taking this exciting journey with me!
Sandy Speaks... 