Happiness - Journal | Get Happy Zone

Up Your Happiness in a Down Economy

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin

Today I had the distinct pleasure of sharing the importance of how to Up Your Happiness in a Down economy. Happiness plays a significant role with improving the quality of our lives while in a down economy, especially related to health and longevity. You will learn the key behind being the CEO of Your Life with unlocking the code to activating Conscious Happiness. To learn more please listen in to the Why Wait radio show by clicking on this link: Up Your Happiness in a Down Economy with Guest Jackie Ruka

Jackie Ruka is an author, artist, therapist and lifestyle expert who started Get Happy Zone, a personal development organization dedicated to launching your unique happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, a Toolbox for Rapidly Activating the Life You Desire.” Go here, www.gethappyzone.com, to read Jackie’s blog.

Weekly Quote: “If all you focus on is money you will have a hard time getting any. Focusing on the money only is like focusing on the apple, but forgetting the seed. The seed of TRUE abundance is not money, but doing what you love. Love is the strongest energy in the Universe and if you step away from the life that you know and begin to step towards a life of doing what you love, you will be planting very powerful seeds. After enough time and care the seeds you plant will begin to blossom and bare amazing fruit. Money and many other forms of abundance will literally chase you. Focus on what makes you happy, take risks in that direction and don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t possible. Look to those who inspire you and ask yourself what would they do? These folks know about true abundance, take note.” Jackson Kiddard

Posted in Consciousness, Happiness, Leadership, Mindfulness, creativity | Tagged happiness, lifestyle, Positive thinking, Redefining success, Tips | Leave a comment

Become Happier in your professional life by Changing your Story, here’s how!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin

Becoming happier in your professional life is about your personal story, you know, the one that you believe in your head and perhaps share in a 30 second elevator speech, cocktail party or social event. Nowadays, your hook is not enough, it’s all in your story which resonates and captures people’s attention. So perhaps it’s time to change your story?

As you know, this past weekend the glorious Super Moon glowed upon our earth. Spiritually, the Super Moon’s energy exhibited the shadows of what no longer serves us, a strong vibrational energy of out with the old and in with new is the message of this powerful Super Moon. I have often found people become perplexed by this open ended statement of out with the old in with the new, what does it really mean? Simply put, you can begin to lead a happier life by changing your story of the old YOU, transformed into the new you through the process of self reflection. Discovering a change in boundries or your relationship to the story, through an expansive and elevated manner with the bigger picture in mind. Through an awareness of organizing your inner story where your external outer story communicates a verbal existence of your inner experience. Oral storytelling is how we link to others, especially when shared in a practiced authentic cadence.

In todays world where past, present and future seem to have collided and the speed of change is faster than we can keep up with, it will take more than a minute to determine what no longer serves you. A more mindful and meaningful approach to self reflection are questions such as; What can I do to improve my well being ? How can I improve the way I present myself to the world? What do I need to do differently in order to make this happen? What have I learned ? And do I believe it enough that my passion exudes and attracts a feeling of; inspiration, relief, or laughter within myself and others ?

We are all constantly sharing or telling stories, look at Facebook for example. Posts and snippets about moments in time that capture a feeling, a visual , an event from a bigger story. So many stories floating around about different people and places at points of time in life. It’s not that we don’t know how to construct a story , it’s a matter of how to convey a believable story that captures you and your essence qualities. A good place to start that Brendon Burchard, Author of Milllionaire Messenger, shares is here:

X + Y = Z

I teach X (topic) to Y (audience) so they can Z (benefit), or you can use a metaphor for example I might describe myself as the Queen of Self Reinvention , you may be the Martha Stewart of Marketing etc., you get my point. Position yourself for accelerated growth by aligning your About ME: your personal strengths, personality and talents with your mojo. If you are serious about changing your story, I suggest reading Michael Margolis’ blog GetStoried.com .

Life Enhancement Tip : To move forward and beyond where you are now you must be willing to ELEVATE and go beyond where you have been. Write a paragraph that describes you, but write it in such a way where there is no ego involved, write it as a story that comes from the heart not the head. Step back and think of what gripped you at a time that created a change in you and your truth, this is a story to tell and share in your Bio, About ME or presentation to share with your audience. Exercise flow writing, this is what rises in your mind, tap in , write out the space of awareness and then stop. Begin again til you have a few vignettes. Circle the themes. You flow into the influence of what makes you unique.

Quote: It’s not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean. Tony Robbins

Posted in Career Repurposing, Happiness, Innovation, Leadership, Making Change, how to be happier, professional life, reinvention | Leave a comment

Spring into Life with Renewal and Courage!

Posted on May 3, 2012 by admin

It’s that time of year where all is blooming and newness is surging. Spring is a time of renewal and there is no better time to hit the reset button and build up the courage to create what you desire in your life. But, first let’s take a closer look at what renewal actually means, it could mean a much different concept to me than to you. According to yourdictionary.com, renewal is to make new or as if new again, make young, fresh or strong again or reestablish, revive. To give new spiritual strength to. What do you desire to renew in your life or wish to give new spiritual strength toward?

Lately I have had several conversations surrounding trust and trusting others into our lives. Why is this ? I think it is fair to say that we all want love in our lives and we are all responsible for our own happiness. To choose happiness on a day to day type of manner can work for a while , however, sustained happiness is encouraged by allowing positive people into our lives. To allow, we must trust, moreover, we must trust in ourselves and our own judgement. This is where it gets murky for most. Simply put, opening our hearts takes trust and courage. The courage to believe you can do this despite your fear and the free will to make it happen with strong belief of deserving and receiving. Perhaps you have shutdown your feelings to this idea based on fear and self limiting beliefs. Trust is an act based upon integrity. If you are acting from integrity, you will attract it. If the cues from others are telling you otherwise, just observe and learn. You will know when to speak up and re – establish trust in a manner that works for both parties.

It is the optimist who hopes for change, it is the realist who adjusts the situation and makes the change. The difference between hope and faith is that hope lives in a perpetual feeling and faith takes action . So what gets you AMPED !!? The first thing that pops into your head is usually what you most desire. Go change your situation, right now and have the courage to take a step in a direction that leads you closer to your dream. If you can imagine it, you can do it !

Life Enhancement Tip: Imagine that you are at the place you want to be. Visualize your self standing there with a beautiful golden light surrounding you. Positive people surround you and your essence glows, your talent glows, your heart is open as your dream is in the making. You are loved !

Quote: “How happy you decide to be, is depending upon how much you love who you are.” Mick Murphy

Posted in Inspiration, Life purpose, Making Change, courage, how to be happier, positive thinking, renewal | Tagged Positive thinking | 1 Comment

How to Live Your Life with More Meaning

Posted on April 2, 2012 by admin

Today the idea of how to live your life with more meaning can sound overwhelming, as if it’s another task to add to your to do list. However, the opposite could be true, in which living a life with more meaning offers all of us the added balance that has been missing from our daily lives. Adding more meaning to your life can be as simple as investing in an activity that stimulates and exhilarates you. Read more about how to live your life with more meaning by guest blogger Marci Shimoff who shares her Formula for Happiness , here:

Last week, I started watching the new season of my favorite show-Dancing with the Stars. I’m completely mesmerized!

This show has a special place in my heart, as my dad and I watched it together during the last few months of his life. (My dad was a great dancer in his day, and I remember learning how to dance when I was 7 years old by standing on his feet.)

At 91, he was fading fast and not alert to most things, but when Dancing with the Stars would come on TV, he would sit up with a big smile on his face and his eyes would light up with joy. We’d watch it together laughing and feeling the love.

Clearly, we aren’t the only ones who get a big hit of joy watching the show. 24 million other viewers tune in on Monday nights for their fix, as well. Why?

Because this show is all about happiness. The music, the energy, the exhilarated expressions on the contestants’ faces-this energy is contagious, and we, as viewers, catch it.
When I look at the show’s phenomenon from the standpoint of what I know about happiness, it makes a lot of sense. Dancing with the Stars incorporates what I call“The 4 M’s of Happiness.” Both the pros and the stars use these four main ingredients of happiness, and you and I feel them when we watch.

Here they are:

1. Mindset: The pros and the stars consciously and consistently choose thoughts and feelings of optimism, positivity, gratitude, and appreciation. They know that a high-energy mindset translates into a great performance.
2. Meaning: The dancers feel inspired by what they are doing. They’re focused on something that’s purposeful and meaningful to them. They always speak about the joy that they experience being on the show.
3. Movement: Moving the body is good medicine. It produces big doses of happiness chemicals, and counteracts the stress chemicals that produce doubt, fear, and insecurity.
4. Membership: All the dancers and all of us watching are part of a like-hearted group of people. Feeling connected to others, having good relationships, and experiencing a sense of belonging are all fundamental to living in a state of happiness.

You and I can use the exact same principles to expand our happiness no matter what’s going on in our lives.

Try the 4 Ms of Happiness on for size:
Mindset: Check out your mindset. Are you staying optimistic and positive? Are you bringing gratitude into your life regularly? Try setting an alarm on your cell phone (a nice musical one) to schedule “thank you moments” into your day.
Meaning: What gives you meaning? Are you doing something every day that inspires you, helps you feel on purpose? Fill in this sentence: ”My life feels meaningful when I __________,” and incorporate that activity into your life on a regular basis.
Movement: Are you moving your body? Stand up right now and stretch. Go outside and get some fresh air a few times during your day. Dance a little (or at least shake your body) while you’re out there.

Membership: Are you a member of something? Connect with people who share your values. Consider joining a group of like-hearted people – perhaps volunteer at the animal shelter or take an improv class or join a hiking club.
Though you may not get called upon to kick up your heels in front of millions of weekly viewers, when you start minding your 4 Ms, you’ll definitely create more opportunities to smile, enjoy and be happy for no reason.

Marci Shimoff is a celebrated transformational leader

and #1 New York Times best-selling author. To learn

more of her powerful techniques for establishing deep

and authentic happiness and well-being, visit

www.HappyForNoReason.com

GHZ Weekly Quote:
“The best things in life make you sweaty.” Edgar Allen Poe

Jackie Ruka is an author, artist, therapist and lifestyle expert who started Get Happy Zone, a personal development organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, a Toolbox for Rapidly Activating the Life You Desire.” Go here, www.gethappyzone.com, to read Jackie’s blog.

Posted in Happiness, Life purpose, Mindfulness, how to be happier | Tagged Inspiration, joy, life, live your life, positive mental attitude, well- being | Leave a comment

Stay in a Life Rut or get on the Speedway to Happiness ?

Posted on March 17, 2012 by admin

Do you ever wonder why things just are not going your way toward happiness? You’re making changes, or trying to, yet you keep hitting the same walls and obstacles. We have all been there and sometimes this calls for an awakening. But first we need to recognize that the tail we are chasing continues to lead to the same place, I term this as a life rut. A life rut can go on for months or even years. Often we choose to be in this life rut or perhaps on a subconscious level you are fearful of change. I say, No More Excuses, it’s time to get off the life rut bus and onto the speedway to happiness.

When my Dad passed away, I was heartbroken but kept a strong front. Inside I was hurting and found it difficult to look at a photograph of him without feeling completely crushed inside. A couple of years passed before I realized how unfulfilled my life felt. Sometimes, we start to think , “oh well, guess this is the way it is supposed to be”. Uh, no, I don’t think so, not if you are the CEO of your life ! The question is, have you been ACTING like the CEO of your life or have you been putting off the feelings of yesterday that you choose not to address with the same fears that are holding you back? At that time in my life, I was choosing to squash my feelings. As Dr. Phil would say, how’s that working for you? Afterall, recognizing and dealing with your feelings/fears is an act of loving yourself, yes?

Get Happy Tips:

1. Unlock your feelings :Recognize your feelings, feel them, express them out loud to a support person, or seek a therapist, counselor, mentor as a sounding board.

2. Find your catharsis: Determine what makes you feel in a groove of insightfulness. Is it drawing, running, surfing, blogging, journaling, yoga, dancing, cleaning, building, creating ? Choose to move your body and your mind into a state of fluidity. Get your juices flowing ! Exertion of your self and your brain is the physical act of moving your life in a forward position instead of keeping it in neutral.

3. Do the opposite of what you have been doing. Set new boundries with your self and others and start acting like the CEO. Take back your power and choose to live in your freedom. This is a process of letting go of your old paradigm to begin anew.

4. Practice JOY. What I mean by JOY is to Just Own Yourself. Accept all of you, the good bad and the ugly. You are not perfect yet everything in life is just temporary. We live in a society of constant change. If your not in your JOY, you will be run down, burnt out and fried. When you practice JOY, you become the decision maker, you set the shots and you also live by them.

5. Delegate. The art of being a consistent leader is delegating. The trait of a good leader is asking for help. You cannot do it all. So, go to the professionals who can help you make sense of the road your on and help sort out the trail you intend to blaze.

6. Take a cup of courage and no this does not mean experimenting with new flavored vodkas, although tempting. The rut bus might seem safe compared to the speedway to happiness of going outside of your comfort zone. When you travel outside of your comfort zone, you will begin to realize that you are not only way more capable than you give yourself credit but you will begin to have way more fun, even if that means making a few mistakes. Mistakes are lessons and stepping stones that get you one step closer to redefining your happiness and success.

Daily Quote: The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t, life controls you. Tony Robbins

Posted in Consciousness, Depression, Empowerment tools, Happiness, Leadership, Lifestyle, Making Change, empowerment | Tagged get happy, well- being | 3 Comments

Tools for Reaching a Happy, New Tipping point.

Posted on February 20, 2012 by admin

World Happy Day was February 11, 2012 . On this special day , on 7 continents, 60 countries and over 600 locations the screening of the “HAPPY” movie was seen in hundreds of locations with fantastic attendance. This was an exceptional conscious awareness screening, in which to build upon a new revolution of personal wellness and happiness in a collective manner. Hence, surrounding yourself with positivity encourages a new tipping point toward happiness.

We are all vibrationally connected in some way or form and many of us are effected by someone who is struggling. When we travel with low vibration, we attract fear, worry, anxiety and a debilitating rut can take over. Often it is a certain someone, as I term an earth angel, who crosses your path that offers some relief. In most cases, your situation may not be as bad as it seems but because you are feeling bad about self, you perceive a “no way out”, type of view. This is very common and you are not alone.

I came upon a situation the other day with someone whose low vibration got the best of her. She was upset, crying and felt alone. Her life seemed to come to a halt and she was faced with looking at herself and dealing with pain that she had been suppressing. She had not been able to find a job, has little money and is exhausted. In truth, she is a very capable, smart and an experienced professional whose dealing with a broken heart. Exhaustion is a sign of holding back your emotions, let them out, cry, scream, talk, converse and let it go. We are humans where toxic emotions can buildup and send us into a downward spiral. Releasing your emotions is a cathartic effort that in hindsight will relieve the inner pressure, where acceptance resides.

Often when the Universe takes you to it, you can get through it. A death or loss of your identity , at first can be scary. You may be scared all of the time. How you react to this is key and pivotal to moving forward in your life. When you are faced with a major change, your life takes a new path. Although it’s difficult to see what that path looks like, what’s important is in knowing your being asked to reach a higher level of yourself. A level that feels like a stretch and requires a cup of courage for you to reach. However, this higher calling is already within you. You have been prepared for this all along by each and every encounter, experience and adversity in your life up to this point.

Once you take that cup of courage and begin to feel that your fears are illusions, you become more capable than you realize. Your passion is exuded and you’re a magnet for all your hopes and dreams. Life and the small treasures and people in it become crystal clear. Don’t give up, fight back ! Encouraging a new point of your happiness is in your reach, a new level of happiness is the tipping point in the direction of your higher self.

Weekly Quote: In memory of Whitney Houston

“If you sing alone in your shrine, the vibrations return to you as a reaction. But in community singing, what you have is not a reaction but a wave of vibrations. They enter into the atmosphere and purify the polluted air.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba

HAPPY Tools:

A “Letting Go ” method for Life Enhancement: Sit for ten minutes each day in quietness. Focus on every area of your body. Allow for each area to relax. As you breathe in the positive and exhale the negative, focus on smiling. Your eyes, smile, your face smiles , your stomach smiles, your liver smiles, your muscles smile, your back smiles, your kidneys smile and your heart smiles. When you enter the world from your smiling meditation, your vibration will be an all time high. Watch and observe how good things will come to you and you to good. ( More techniques are available in Jackie’s upcoming book, Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt – Life, A Creative Toolbox for Rapidly Activating the Life You Desire”, out in June 2012.

Many have asked about the “HAPPY” movie that was screened on World Happy Day. I highly recommend this wonderful journey with learning about the science and true stories about happiness. The “HAPPY” movie in DVD can be purchased at Lululemon Athletica yoga stores or at http://www.thehappymovie.com. If you prefer to download it to your computer , it is now on itunes.

Posted in Depression, Empowerment tools, Happiness, Life purpose, Lifestyle, empowerment | 2 Comments

What is Your Happy Movement ?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by admin

In today’s world we all seek happiness and can benefit from a little more happy in our lives. How does one go about doing that and where do you start ? How about creating a happy movement for yourself ? The how, in a word it starts with your PASSION. What are you passionate about? When you think of your passion often times it’s your hobby and not necessarily your job. Few if any are doing their passion as a career. This is not to say it is not possible, it is very possible, if that is what you want. How often do you hear about a co- worker who left her corporate life to open a scrapbook store or a lawyer turned writer. These are folks whose inner compass pointed to their happiness, a place where fulfillment resides. In turn, they listened to self and created their own happy movement by taking a leap of faith.

According to the Conference Board poll 45 % of Americans are unhappy in their jobs, polled in 2010. That is nearly half of Americans out there, walking the streets and driving to work everyday , a destination they are unhappy spending more than 60% of their time a week. This is a scary statistic and not one to live by. Perhaps it’s not the job per se, but the lack of fulfillment surrounding the circumstances related to it. Many talents are underutilized and we are withering away from our full potential. The Universe has so much more in store for all of us. If this is you, quitting your day job may not be the best strategy but forming an exit plan is. What is an exit plan? The best exit plan is one you proactively devise by leaving a job, career or even an unhappy situation, based on your own terms and not someone elses. This is not to say that there are not sacrifices involved, however the potential benefits out weight the risks.

For those who have been laid off or been a part of a company downsize, it does not feel so good and it can be a confusing time forming a new identity during economic downturn, at least for right now. The good news is you have been spared from being a statistic in the pool of unhappy people . The more profound insight is, you now have the opportunity to synergistically utilize your knowledge and expertise in ways far beyond a job description. You have the power to create your own job description and life description. Just imagine how good it is to gain the freedom you deserve and utilize it to feel a more fulfilled life.

When you continue to operate in the live, work, create, play, mode, you become this, a mold to a mode. In your happy movement you begin to imagine, align and expand in areas of your life left untapped. This especially is so, when you brilliance has been left dormant or not fully utilized. Nine out of ten times, any action you place toward your happy movement will bring a result. When you deliberately create, you are aspiring toward your happy movement. Creating is the life force behind all that we do and when you imagine your future as bright, it will be bright.

We are all going through a transformation of some sort. One way in which I counsel those who are reinventing self is to begin to imagine. Your imagination is the platform to the key of your calling. Listening to your dreams at night and writing your aha moments can be a tell tale sign that your percolating into existence a message, a recipe, a song, a delivery system, a book , a design, a new project. Whichever it may be, decide to unleash your happiness movement and your brain will follow. You are only one thought away from your magic, one word away from love, one email away from opportunity and one new outlook away from a new lease on life.

The research shows that money does not equate to happiness. What it does show is that your health improves, your stress level goes down and you tend to rest easier in your day to day life when you choose happiness over adversity. Your ability to succeed is far beyond what you currently believe. The time is now to break out of your old paradigm and start anew.

I am excited about your happy movement and I want you to be too ! So, get on it, put together that happiness blueprint and begin a big beautiful life plan, express yourself and let it roll with faith in knowing, your future is bright !

Weekly Quote: The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt

Jackie Ruka is an author, artist therapist and lifestyle expert who started Get Happy Zone, a personal development organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, a Toolbox for the Life You Desire.” Go here, www.gethappyzone.com, to read Jackie’s blog.

What would you like to change in your life’s canvas? If you are stuck and feeling uninspired Get Happy Zone is where we want to help you flesh out your desires and embark on a more positive course! Should you or your business require inspiration please inquire atinfo@gethappyzone.com.

Posted in Consciousness, Happiness, Lifestyle, how to be happier, stress | Tagged happiness, life purpose, lifestyle, love, making change, out of work, stress, unemployed | Leave a comment

What do you Affirm in Your Life?

Posted on December 29, 2011 by admin

You and only you determine how you travel on your life path alone.

As we approach the portal of 2012, one may be looking back on what to change in your future, based on what you affirm about yourself today. What does it mean to affirm? To validate, confirm, state positively. Most of us look back with grim feelings of a hazy year. This is energy; energy changes like the ebb and flow of our bodies. However, by affirming what you know in your heart that is good, pure, healthy and gratuitous, you can move forward in knowing your life affirmation as positive in nature. When you rekindle your light, you shine much brighter and see your life’s path more clearly.

It’s not where you have been, but where you are going that counts. The challenges of the past are old energy, feelings of yesterday. When you allow old feelings of yesterday to interfere in your today, you become stuck. Yes, healing takes time. However, rejection is redirection. Change or tweak your life plan if the original is not working. Easier said than done, you might be thinking. My response: simplify, simplify, simplify. Many of us get ahead of ourselves. Here are a few exercises in which to affirm who you are today:

Solitude — Did you know the original songs written by Neil Diamond were written in complete solitude? At a time when he had no money or home, just a guitar and himself. He rented a one room flat and locked himself away from distractions. The greatest American classic tunes such as “Cherry, Cherry,” “Solitary Man” and “Sweet Caroline” were created and born from within silence of the mind and opening of the heart. Reset your thoughts by opening your heart. Try this 10 minutes or more everyday, in solitude.

Three- word mantra — If you are stuck or unsure how to proceed, choose three inspiring words that you aspire toward as your inner guide for proceeding in the New Year. This can be three simple words such as, “Miracles Happen for me, NOW!” A new mantra attracts good energy and activates a surge of positive change in thought and action.

Your written word — Most if not all business professionals succeed based on a plan. Hence, the business plan when you write out your mission, the action, strategy and goals by which you calculate to succeed. Your written word is a concrete declaration and commitment to yourself. A 30- or 60- or 90-day plan is useful for changing and tweaking your plan as you proceed. The affirmation process throughout the year can be accomplished much the same way, why not?

Feeling — Many of us are afraid to feel our feelings. Yet it is our feelings that allow us to dig deep and embrace our pain. When you embrace pain, you slowly break down those walls you have been keeping up. Walls are not answers — they are excuses. So much energy is involved in maintaining walls. Your hurt leads to answers, but one cannot comprehend what those answers are when your walls have you closed off to people, opportunities and your true potential (higher self).

Believing — To achieve, you must believe. Belief in self can be simple. Start with your three-word mantra and “OM” it to your heart’s content. If you choose to look outward, choose a positive mentor who can validate your strengths and offer guidance.

Make Your Moments Count — Organize your time and make your moments count. Time often escapes us with day-to-day minutia. This is not who we are. This is who we have become. Become what counts in your life!

Declare your affirmation — With a lipstick or washable marker, write out what you declare on your bathroom mirror. You will be amazed how looking at your affirmation everyday will create a new belief system. What I affirm and declare in my life today is that, “I am good, I attract good and I live an exceptional life!” What do you affirm in your life today?

Weekly Quote: “You are the power in your world! You get to have whatever you choose to think!” Louise Hay

Jackie Ruka is an author, artist, therapist and lifestyle expert who started Get Happy Zone, a personal development organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, a Toolbox for the Life You Desire.” Go here, www.gethappyzone.com, to read Jackie’s blog.

Posted in Consciousness, Happiness, Life purpose, Making Change | Tagged affirm, approach, change, chants, determined, energy, energy changes, human behavior, human interest, life, life affirmation, life path, mantra, meditation, mysticism, New Year, paths, portal, religion, spiritual practice, spirituality, what do you | Leave a comment

New Year Tips for How to be Your Happiest!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by admin

Are you feeling that holiday energy buzz where you realize it’s the end of the year and there’s so much left to do? The holidays encourage, ending business with a bang, making holiday travel plans, shopping for bargains, and getting the house ready for family and friends. Here are a few practical holiday tips with how to be your happiest.

Let’s start with where the holidays might hurt and that’s your pocket book. Saving money and time makes everyone happy, here are a few creative ways to do both.

- Buckle down and write your to do list now. Start crossing off what is most important two weeks before you celebrate your holidays. This saves you on time by organizing yourself ahead of the holiday rush.

- Cash in on credit card and banking points. Learn where you can use those points now for cash that you have already spent throughout the year. For example, did you know you can use your American Express points on Amazon by linking your account to them? Your accrued points can be utilized to buy and ship holiday gifts in time to be opened.

- Take advantage of the super sales, Groupon and Living Social specials. Small business’ are offering some fantastic deals right now with great prices on services. Buy now to gift those savings to your Mom, sister, friend or yourself with a gift certificate, yoga classes, facial, gift basket etc.

- Your trash is someone else’s treasure. Consign what you no longer require and use the cash or store credit for gifts. You might be surprised what you can sell or purchase via consignment shops. Old jewelry, vintage coats and holiday dresses and shoes are hot items now.

- Have fun creating your Holiday cards and save money by sending it via email. For those who prefer the postal route, utilize unused cards bought last year or craft a photo card of you, your pets, family or favorite trip you went on. Creating is fun and encourages the holiday spirit.

- Clear the clutter and renew your space. As you prepare your space for a new year why not toss out papers, magazines and the piles of stuff that accrues over the year. If you have not read it or utilized it by now, recycle it. A cluttered house is a cluttered mind. A feeling of freedom ushers in by detoxing your environment.

- Do a trade! Swap your service or product with someone who offers what you might be looking for. This is a great way to collaborate, build referrals for your business and save some cash.

- How about giving yourself a break in the kitchen and pot luck social meals ? Save your time and money and ask family and friends to contribute to future feasts.

- Enjoy yourself, take time out for you !

Quote of the day: “See the world as if for the first time; see it through the eyes of a child, and you will suddenly find that you are free.” Deepak Chopra

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Self Development expert who started Get Happy Zone, a personal development organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, a Toolbox for the Life You Desire. Go here to read Jackie’s blog.

What would you like to change in your life’s canvas? If you are stuck and feeling uninspired Get Happy Zone is where we want to help you flesh out your desires and embark on a more positive course ! Should you or your business require inspiration please inquire at info@gethappyzone.com

You can RSS this blog by signing in at the pink box on the top right of the page and receive weekly blogs right to your inbox. In addition, please forward this site to your friends and family who need a happy boost! Warmly, Jackie

Posted in Happiness, Holidays, Mindfulness, how to be happier, new economy, stress | Tagged christmas, happiest, happiness, holiday savings tips, holiday specials, holiday spirit, holidays, making change, renew, self development | 3 Comments

5 Lifestyle Steps for reaching a New Balance

Posted on November 22, 2011 by admin

* 5 Lifestyle Steps for Reaching a New Balance

The 5 techniques in your pursuit of Happiness entails mindfulness . Mindfulness encourages an inner shift and prompts awareness for alignment to take place. As you continue to practice mindfulness you will experience synchronistic occurrences, this is the Universe answering your souls intent. Below are a few techniques , perhaps a few you already incorporate into your daily practice;

Get out of your own way. Fear, greed , self centeredness and the “whats in it for me” point of reference is an unfashionable 20th century mindset and not what the Universe or your inner guide has in store. In fact, its just the opposite. Tapping into self, calming your mind and making sense of your feelings will encourage authenticity while putting your ego at bay.
Meditation is a powerful exercise for learning to calm the mind. Your most creative ideas and aha moments are stirred through meditation. Perhaps this is why long showers, a walk, or running/biking is so therapeutic. Alone time with resting everyday chatter can be released and the engine of your essence can kick into gear.
A belief Mantra is an essential and powerful affirmation of self and the world around you. One in which I often say to self is the following “ I am a powerful being and all my hopes and desires are happening in divine timing.” A little self assurance can go a long way, especially since patience is essential to permitting the change from within.
Being content with where you are in the moment. Are you feeling overall good about where you are at this moment? Check in with self. How are you feeling ? Are you paying attention to your intuition with what it is whispering to you.
Journaling is an excellent form of self expression. Exercising the right side of the brain opens the door to your unconscious thoughts. As you lower your defense mechanisms, your feelings ,brilliant ideas and leftover toxic emotions will surface. A gentle form of letting go while transforming toward those next life steps. A mind dump is so freeing to your soul !
Let go of resentments. Forgiveness is a form of acceptance. More importantly, forgive yourself.
Stop worrying. It is a useless energy zapper and increases stress. Take advantage of this energy and use it to make necessary changes for yourself. This will free you to blossom into your purpose and passion. Practice a mantra that counteracts your worry.
Pamper yourself. We live in a society of go,go,go and distractions that veer you away from your dreams. Treat yourself kindly a little bit everyday, it does not have to be expensive and encourages alignment . A few self- love examples: a bubble bath with some hawaiian music and candles, a cup of herbal tea, reading a good book , a massage, taking in some sun while listening to the waves lap against the shoreline, yoga and a good night’s rest.
Learn more about mindfulness techniques and power mantra’s in my new book Get happy and Create a Kick Butt Life ! If your new to meditation, ask me for the free code to the Mind Movie to get you started when you sign in to http://www.gethappyzone.com website !
I am curious how you successfully zone in on your happiness ?

Posted in Happiness, Life purpose, Making Change, Mindfulness | Tagged change, happiness, health, lifestyle, making change, success, what creates success, yoga | 5 Comments

How to Control Stress, before the Holidays !

Posted on November 14, 2011 by admin

How to Control Stress, before the Holidays !

There are 3 ways to dealing with change: act, accept or affect. Dealing with change has alot to do with your growth level and personality type with how stress appears to you. If you are growing and graduating toward a personality that is ego-less than you are better able to control your stress.

When it comes to the emotional ladder related to change about 60% of people are fencesitters, meaning they would prefer to take a wait and see approach. The 20% of people who are cynics usually feel secure where they are or feel there is a better approach but, don’t necessarily act on it outside of self sabotage. The people who are not in arrested personality development and have grown to a level of being a champion are the other 20% who are excited about change. These folks tend to be non competitive, supporters of others and feel a sense of harmony, authenticity, and transparency with a capacity to see the success of change for the greater good.

How does change affect you? Do you sit where the majority do with being a fencesitter or are you the resistant type at first, to hearing about change? We all have a point with in the fabric of our personalities that has a default. It’s usually the initial feeling or gut reaction to a change that is our default factor. This initial reaction is based on control and is ego based. It may not look pretty and as you know in our family and interpersonal relationships we often know how someone we love will react to a change as well. My mother , for example, automatically goes into resistant mode any time the norm is interrupted. Knowing this about her helps me to better relate and communicate with her about life changes and prevents anticipated upheaval. When you understand the emotional ladder of change for yourself and others in your life, a proactive approach can be the best approach, not only to control stress but also better relate with others in your life.

One of the more profound ways to measure our capacity for change is to be more present in our hearts, minds and bodies. Awakening our whole selves to the present moment and deciphering change in a conscious manner. Having the ability to see the big picture with being outside of our ego selves by being in tune with our higher selves. Our higher self is detached from the defenses of our personalities. The more awake to the present we become the more conscious we are of our environment. Instead of perceiving the holidays with old feelings of holidays past, squash your inner Scrooge and toss his big selfish ego to the curb. When you allow your inner Scrooge to take over, negativity, grief and depression start to enter into the picture. Those type’s of emotions are like feeding a stray cat milk , which will keep coming back. So, don’t feed it to begin with.

Lastly, this is a time to have an attitude of gratitude. Look at what you do have and celebrate. Write down three things every morning between now and Christmas that you are thankful for. This exercise alone, will bring you more love, abundance and happiness into your life because you’re choosing to celebrate and not deliberate. We all have choices, you can take the high road or you can continue to peer in the rearview mirror of life.

Quote for the day: If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Art Therapist, Business Professional and Inspiration Expert who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes , VIP sessions, and upcoming e-book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, A Creative Toolbox for a Life You Desire.” To learn more about Get Happy Zone and receive the how to Get Happy blog in your inbox please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com

Posted in Happiness, Holidays, Making Change, stress | Tagged happiness, holidays, loving self, stress | 1 Comment

You hold the Creativity key to Global Change !(Book bite)

Posted on October 22, 2011 by admin

So what is the creative key to global change? In a nutshell it exists within self. Often people equate creativity to art, fashion, film or writing when in fact creativity encompasses so much more than artistic categories. Think back to when you experienced your first desire to express yourself , what did that feel like for you ? Was it liberating, did your brain spontaneously play and ramble in a manner that felt like freedom? This particular brain buzz is , namely , your creative groove. An inspiring set of moments where your brilliance is on fire. There is no stopping you when you are in your zone. I love this feeling ! One of the reasons why I named my company Get Happy Zone.

In all actuality, we are born with a creative chip whether you exercise this chip or not is where your creative muscle flourishes or dissipates over time. The creative side of our brains represents, fresh ideas and connecting them to new forms or concepts. Innovation is carrying out these creative ideas via a strategic manner. So what does that have to do with global change ?

Today’s companies and leaders recognize the transformation age we are in (creative, empathetic age). Companies will not be able to thrive based on former armchair management but rather the use of the whole brain , with fluidity, speed and innovation as the success ingredients required to strive for competitive edge. In other words, to be the leader of the pack and stand out amongst your competition, your service or product looks and/or feels intuitive, which is why Apple is so successful.

Now is no time to be shy about flexing your creative muscle. The time is now ! Break out your Crayola’s, camera, sketch book or that old recipe of yours and start celebrating your expressive side . Your creative ideas are an answer to a CEO, business leader or communities need for a solution . By linking your creative ideas to the needs of global change ,we can begin to operate in a whole and organic manner. This is why collaboration will be so important as we move forward for healing and thriving, together.

My upcoming book, Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life! A Creative toolbox for the Life You Desire, shares insight for what I term as “linking”. In this Chapter you can expect to utilize your uniqueness and begin to activate your linking skills to the needs currently percolating in the hallways of world entities. It is my belief that the answer to recovering from a depression is to recognize the opportunities. In so doing, we can graduate from victim hood and take on new roles by defining your higher self . As your higher self is your heart exercising your authentic power.

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a personal growth organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, a Creative toolbox for the Life You Desire. To learn more about Jackie’s technique please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com

Posted in Career Repurposing, Innovation, Life purpose, Making Change, What Creates Success, empowerment, how to be happier, new economy | 1 Comment

The One Method to Detoxify Your Life !

Posted on October 12, 2011 by admin

Einstein once said, “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” He was a master of deliberate creation - deliberately focusing your thought with the intention of feeling alignment with your own desire.

The one method you can learn to create a kick butt life is that of deliberate creation. So many people want to know the secret behind this. Well , for one thing our thoughts are crucial to what our beliefs are , in relation to your self and how you view the world. But,what holds the secret sauce together for the art of deliberate creation to take place?

The brain is the sexiest and most fascinating of the human organs. The personality, five senses, behavior, humor, thinking, perception, and reasoning, operate out of this soul headquarters of the nervous system. Your brain took charge of your human functions on every level of your existence as you entered this world. You are a miracle!

Of course, the brain is still by far an organ that holds mystery. Why we say that which we say, do that which we do, act as we do, and feel as perplexed or confused as we do seems to have no precision to it. Yet, the brain creates all those things for you while it is the same organ that defines your logic and dictates moments for digging deep in your life.

The term “thinking out of the box” in most cases means asking your right brain to go beyond what is familiar to it. The brain’s left hemisphere usually breaks things down, quantifies, and conjures up data for determining results. When you add right brain activities to the mix, you can use creativity and imagination to think beyond limits by looking at whole pictures, rather than pieces of them. You possess the ability to practice the use of the whole brain and live a kick ass life if you’re willing to change toxic thinking patterns .

We all possess toxic thinking patterns and sometimes will it upon ourselves. For example, you may place credence in someone who really is not portraying what you perceive , yet you continue the relationship for short lived benefits, only to find your hopes consistently result in disappointment. As much as you would like to believe this person was everything you perceived them to be, you allow for disappointment. How often does this happen to you and how often do you repeat this pattern?

To detoxify your life, you must detoxify your brain. Take inventory as to what feels right and what does not. Determine who is toxic in your life or what might be contributing to you being toxic toward self.

Toxicity toward self, may manifest in many ways including aches and pains in your body, compulsive activity like over eating, over spending or hopping from one relationship to the next. Some might term this as avoidance. Unconsciously you may not even recognize how deep in it you are til an alarming occurrence takes place.

When your brain sends you messages and your heart interprets those messages you can choose to overlook red flags and give in to a desire or choose to be discerning. Weigh the pro’s and con’s and protect your heart from what may be a fleeting selfish need at the moment .

Bottom line, to detoxify your life you are choosing to boost your alignment to live in your truth and equally be authentic to your heart, your brain will thank you for it!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE FROM YOUR LIFE’S CANVAS ?

If you are stuck and feeling uninspired Get Happy Zone is where we want to help you flesh out your desires and embark on a more positive course ! Should you or your business require inspiration please inquire at info@gethappyzone.com

TODAYS QUOTE: “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. Carl Jung

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Art Therapist, Business Professional and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes , VIP sessions, and upcoming e-book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life, A Creative Toolbox for a Life You Desire.” To learn more about Get Happy Zone and receive the Get Happy blog in your inbox please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com

Posted in Happiness, Making Change, What Creates Success, how to be happier | 7 Comments

The Power of Positive Psychology, three simple steps!

Posted on October 1, 2011 by admin

If you are ready to change your course, you need to first embrace the notion that you are in charge.
Second, you must learn how the power of positive psychology should be a new foundation in which to learn and live from. No one teaches this to you in school or even in life unless you were surrounded by this school of thinking growing up or through mentors.
To truly create a new paradigm and proactively shift from your old model, let’s explore what positive psychology is and how it can help you get closer to your aspirations.
Positive psychology, according to the author of the book, “Flourish,” Dr. Martin Seligman explains, “The goal of positive psychology in well-being theory, it is to increase the amount of flourishing in your own life and on the planet.” This is in contrast to authentic happiness, more of which is related to increase the amount of happiness in your own life and the planet.
These are two seemingly similar yet very different perspectives: that of authentic happiness and positive psychology. What this tells me is that in order to practice well-being, you also must determine what your flow in life is and align this with that of our planet. For the greater good type of outlook, rather than what is good for me, is therefore good for you mindset.
Thinking in a bigger and higher self manner can determine a more positive vibration and therefore encourage a positive attraction in return, which causes a domino effect, not just for self, but for all that may take on a new mindset.
For example, look at TOMS Shoes, the brand that set a social trend in shoes as well as capital commerce. Buy a pair of shoes and a second pair goes to a child in need. TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie’s tagline is “One for One.” Almost like all for one and one for all, you cannot go wrong with this altruistic and positive approach.
The key then is to remove ego and take on the positive psychology challenge.
Let’s try it and use these three simple steps:
1. Do what matters. In today’s world, doing for the sake of doing is, well, boring. Let’s get original about our time and its use and do something that matters each day. Drop off some clothes at a mission; offer a coffee to a thirsty person in need; volunteer your time, home or knowledge to a student. Doing what matters is important because you matter.
2. An attitude of gratitude. We as a nation have so much excess, not to mention our freedom. When you are in charge of your life, be thankful and share the love and positivism that we all want and desire. Remember, even those who are unhappy or miserable don’t seem to be able to get out of their own way, but still want a nice life. There is nothing wrong with that. Your gesture may not seem like much, but all it takes is one person to show another that their existence is not invisible. We are all put on this earth for a purpose and a specific reason as are the people who show up in your life. Learning the lessons – even the painful ones – teaches us our own strengths.
3. Trust. Trust that everything happens in divine timing. Practice patience with knowing that whatever you desire, the plan is not always up to us, but may actually morph into something even better than what you anticipated. Open your heart to the possibilities and remain open to receive as the Universe usually delivers when you are open and in turn allows you to give.
Your flow – or as I call it your creative groove – is a feeling that is natural and true. In most cases something that you have mastered a skill at and simply love the process so much that you are in your zone, aka happy zone. This is not to say that you are not practicing this, but perhaps there are untapped areas of your self yet to transform and you are holding yourself back.
Perhaps doing what you perceive to be increasing your happiness is actually denying your potential. This may be difficult then to wrap your head around the practice of positive psychology when you are complacent. This is no time to be shy or scared of what you have to offer to the world because you matter and the world needs your talent, abilities and all the lessons you have learned can indeed help others.

WHAT WOULD YOU LKE TO SHARE FROM YOUR LIFE’S CANVAS ?

TODAYS QUOTE: “Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted.” anonymous

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes , VIP sessions, and upcoming e-book “Am I Living in my Right Mind ? How to Hit the Reset Button to Create the Life You Deserve to Live.” To learn more about Get Happy Zone and receive the Get Happy blog in your inbox please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com

Posted in Leadership, Making Change, empowerment, how to be happier | Tagged authentic happiness, creative proffessionals, empowerment, flourish, get happy, happiness, leadership, life, making change, positive mental attitude, positive psychology, positivity, power, social inspiration, toms shoes | 1 Comment

Improve Your Quality of Life by Expanding your Consciousness,Now!

Posted on September 22, 2011 by admin

You may be asking yourself, so what IS consciousness ? According to Wikipedia, consciousness is: subjectivity; awareness; the ability to experience feelings; wakefulness; having a sense of selfhood; or the executive control system of the mind.

To put it bluntly: Wake up, it’s time to start living! Of course, you are living. But is it in a manner where you’re expanding or just existing, waiting for something bigger or better to happen? Or perhaps, you are doing what you’re “supposed to be doing” based upon unhealthy expectations? If this is so, then conscious living is absent from your soul’s radar. Often we are distracted by work, details, money, kids, family matters, relationship woes, schedule conflicts and the like. As our brains are racing around with all this stuff going on, we are racing through to reach the end of the day with few moments to reflect upon self. This is precisely the exact opposite of what conscious living and consciousness entails.

Much of learning in life is determining what you don’t want , so you can choose more of what you do want. When you are aware and focused you are applying your conscious self. The action behind fully embracing what you do want is living consciously. However, you have to genuinely believe in what you want so much that you set the clear intention and action behind it. So, before you decide to continue to overstretch yourself, perhaps it’s best to redefine what success means to you.

Most of us tend to compare our last success to a current one. This is a mind set that you can quickly change. Whether it’s parenting, a work project, a book you’re writing or building a new relationship, look at each endeavor with a fresh perspective. Release your old paradigm to create a new one; it can be done. Usually, there is some pain involved with letting go of the old, however, no pain, no gain. All is temporary and the new shall come in and prevail, if you are willing to allow it.

To allow for expansion of your paradigm, try these four thought-shifting questions in which you can expand your consciousness:

- Am I feeling good about taking on this new endeavor; will it allow me to grow?

- What else in my life will change and how will it effect my relationships, health, finances and lifestyle?

- When I set a new intention, is it with joy, excitement and burning desire?

- How do I envision my daily life with the intentional changes I make?

Set yourself up to dream and dream big You deserve the life you want to live!

TODAYS QUOTE: “The whole purpose of living in freedom is to enjoy the choices that you make in every successive moment of the present.” Deepak Chopra

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE FROM YOUR LIFE’S CANVAS ?

Send Jackie an email at : info@gethappyzone.com

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming e-book “Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life” To learn more about Get Happy Zone and receive the Get Happy blog in your inbox please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com

Posted in Consciousness, empowerment | Tagged conscious living, consciousness, expand, get happy, making change, Positive thinking, psychology, quality of life, Redefining success, self | 2 Comments

Do you have Life Purpose fatigue?

Posted on August 29, 2011 by admin

At one time or another we all have experienced life purpose fatigue . Fatigue is defined as extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness. If the mounds of career and self development books, coaching seminars and chasing your tail have left you weary and confused about your life’s path these are obvious signs that you have attempted what you thought was a good idea but with less than happy results. At some point its time to get serious about what your true heart desires . It’s usually when you are so sick and tired of being sick and tired that you finally decide to get serious, well thats the hope anyway. There is no reason for you to be struggling , scraping and holding back from your passions, is there ? Fatigue keeps us in the negative and holds us back with low energy. Amping up your brain and shifting to a positive , higher energy zaps a weary type of thinking, however there may be more happening on a subconscious level.

Fear, apprehension and perfection are feelings that live deep in our subconscious, most often born from a critical parent or a not good enough attitude imposed upon us as a child. Managing the process of working through this starts with self forgiveness, by stopping the negative thoughts and affirming that You Are Good Enough! Although this process can take some time it’s important to understand that the etiology of not feeling good enough may very well have started from someone you love, who perhaps was acting out of their own subconsciousness. Albeit, this does not excuse their actions, yet it gives you the reason to begin forgiving this person in your own heart and mind. I suggest the meditation tracks of Jack Kornfield Phd., an excellent way to begin letting go and accelerate forgiveness , should you struggle with the art of forgiveness.

On a lighter note, if someone has not told you lately; YOU are smart, powerful and talented and this is relevant to whichever passion you choose to express ! A few ways to get happy and improve your life’s direction:

Perspective: We are living in a time of constant change. Although you may have started in a direction that was once meaningful, your market, customer needs or personal desires change as well. Spend some time researching on your passion, ask questions, google it, visit or interview people related to your passion and dig deeper. In addition, get your hands dirty and enjoy what’s organic related to your passion, you learn more by doing.

Acceptance: You are exactly where your supposed to be right now. Enjoy the moment and take it all in. Allow to feel and learn as opposed to analyze and push toward something that may not really feel right or where you have a half belief of ( not the whole truth or story). Accept where you are right now and give your self credit.

Patience: You may have given yourself a year to attain a goal for your self or your business. Alot can happen in a year and you may only have reached three quarters of the way to meet your goal. Its okay, you are moving forward, in a direction where your traction is not a warp speed occurrence. All good things happen in good time or divine timing. Have patience with yourself.

Deliberate Creation:When you place action consistently into a cause , project or dream you will end up with results, no matter what. Maintaining a no matter what attitude and belief behind your actions will always lead to gold. Keep practicing, if you are not reaching results, tweak what your’e doing until you do reach results. Reaching your purpose is right around the corner.

TODAYS QUOTE: Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy. ~ ~Wayne Dyer

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE FROM YOUR LIFE’S CANVAS ?

Send Jackie an email at : info@gethappyzone.com

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book The Innovators Bible , A Practical Guide: How to Rapidly Create a Stellar Destiny in A future that has already Arrived. To learn more about Get Happy Zone and Jackie’s technique please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com/about

Posted in Happiness, Innovation, Life purpose, Making Change, creativity, empowerment | Tagged deliberate creation, fatigue, get happy, get happy zone, human behavior, innovation, life balance, life purpose, making change, positive mental attitude, self development book, self- esteem, success, Transformation | 10 Comments

Be Rich in Happiness the Wealth will follow !

Posted on August 8, 2011 by admin

Why fit in, when you were born to stand out. Dr. Seuss

” Creativity is the life force behind all that we do.” by John Clease. This quote , I feel is the epitomy of the new mental method in which we as a society are headed. As an artist and business professional, I find myself tapping into the creative side far beyond the artistic process I relied upon as a natural talent. Not sure about you, but my creative muscle is being stretched and squeezed in other areas of my life now more so than ever. Which brings me to the revelation of innovation defined as new things, ideas or method of approach.

According to Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, Where Right Brainers will Rule the World, our economy is exiting from the Information Age and shifting into the Conceptual Age , a time where the creative types will reign. If you believe this to be true than perhaps your needs and desires may begin to shift as well. If they have not already ? Perhaps even your feelings of what used to make you happy have shifted toward a more realistic or palatable perspective. So what does all this mean ? Reaching the edge of what computers can do that humans no longer need to has also brought to light what areas are irreplaceable. We know computers cannot generate beauty, stories, moments or touch the soul that humans touch . Computers are a delivery process not a feeling generator. So just when you thought your right brain skills remain shelved , its time to dust off your brushes, pens and nurturing side because you will just be getting started and appreciated for your creativity. However, there is a glitch. Creativity is just part of the formula of innovation or change. The key is to add in strategy. Strategy is the why, the function behind the design. Once you figure out the why, you could be well on your way to a richer path where perhaps your happiness will be redefined and of course the wealth will follow. The genius seed will need to grow and patience is part of this process.

If your intuition is telling you to finish that project , redesign a function or birth your idea into action now, you are already a winner just by starting ! When you begin to make first steps with a different attitude, your goals will be different as well, hence the method by which you were operating will then change. A domino effect takes shape, not without a few mishaps or mistakes along the way, but no worries. Just tweak or change your goal, attitude and or approach til it feels right and the results begin to take form. It’s usually when you are in the middle of processing that your Aha moments occur. Part of living a rich life is to incorporate play into your life. Many of us are void of this in our personal as well as professional lives. The process of play enriches those Aha moments and stirs the creative juices. There is no reason for you not to be able to pop your power on the planet right now, just by playing alone.

Think of ways you could add play to your work or personal life. Perhaps have a fun contest at work or with a project, do a field trip once a month or simply go dancing. Whatever it is make it different from what you have done before. Invite in the new so the old can be released. You may be surprised as to where a new path could lead .

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book The Innovators Bible ; A Practical Guide to Imagine Your Greatest Good for Popping Your Power on the Planet. To learn more about Get Happy Zone and Jackie’s technique please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com/about

Posted in Happiness, Life purpose, Making Change, What Creates Success, creativity, empowerment | Tagged activating the imagination, get happy, innovation, life purpose, making change, self development, what creates success | Leave a comment

Go from Burn Out to Leader of Your Universe ! ( book bite)

Posted on July 3, 2011 by admin

Do you remember the Gumby doll? You could stretch, shape and change him into all types of contortions. My sister and I would try to stretch him as far as we could across the TV room; I had the legs and she had the arms. Gumby had no idea if he was coming or going. Perhaps you are in a situation where you are feeling manipulated and burnt out with little direction in knowing where to turn. Looking outside of yourself seems difficult when all you can do is focus on the negative. Gaining clarity is key to moving forward in your life, however the clarity or clearing process can take some time. Often it is the breakdowns that fire up a breakthrough.

It is easy to lose confidence in yourself with not believing in your talents or strengths in times of change or crisis. Losing a job, a client or faith in what your currently doing can feel like betrayal. Yet, nothing could be further from this type of perception. The Universe is nudging you toward growth and an opportunity is knocking , but you may be too busy figuring out the chaos you find yourself in the middle of. The sooner you process change the sooner you can have gratitude for what you have. Soon you will begin to see the windows of opportunity opening for you. In the book The Passion Test, the premise is to determine your top 5 passions . When you set an intention, place action and put forth a knowing attitude you begin a new process with unraveling your purpose and dream. This is an important exercise to embark upon and the beginning of a very important and perhaps a life altering process for you. However, this is just the beginning.

As the queen of self reinvention, I have been through the transformation process and am familiar with sabotaging to my old patterns as well, predominantly out of fear. Once you truly have faced a place where you are absolutely sick of the place you are in, ready to forgo your fears and go beyond setting a new intention ,than my new book will show you how to ignite a happiness campaign customized for you. Part of this process is determining your greatest strengths and creatively activating your strengths to move your intention further along. Redefine Your Success Exercise: To do this right the first time you first must :write down all of your greatest strengths, hobbies and skills. Circle only 3 from your list that excite you . The 3 you circled represent your passions. Second, underline which of these you have been financially compensated for. The underlined skill, hobbies and strengths are your hidden passions that you can expound upon toward initiating further growth toward crystallizing your purpose. Upon completion of your list you may find the primary strengths you circled represent one of 3 leadership traits that you primarily operate from within the Universe : the Leader/Trendsetter, the Universal Connector and the Stealth Strategist. You no longer need to be in Gumby’s position any longer, once you determine your motivating makeup. To learn more about how you operate in the Universe and where you can capitalize upon your purpose , sign in to my author page to receive news and bonuses on my upcoming book: Imagine Your Greatest Good, A Practical Guide to Popping your Power on the Planet. http://www.gethappyzone.com/book

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book Imagine Your Greatest Good, a Practical Guide for Popping Your Power on the Planet. To learn more about Get Happy Zone and Jackie’s technique please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com/about

Quote: Only You define your own worth. Jackie Ruka

Posted in Career Repurposing, Empowerment tools, Happiness, Life purpose, Making Change, What Creates Success | Tagged innovation, Inspiration, Positive thinking, Redefining success, Transformation | Leave a comment

Life Lessons to being Nimble in a Unbalanced World (book bite)

Posted on June 13, 2011 by admin

It may seem easy to believe one can be nimble in order to overcome the many changes being thrown our way. Nimble , meaning agile , with ease or alert. Yet at some point, being nimble may be benefiting others while costing your integrity . For example, during breakfast this morning, with some gal pals, we ended up discussing how we have mastered multi-tasking, only to find that we are picking up the slack for the slackers. Is this us being nimble or the slackers being nimble ? Makes you wonder .

How does one go about being effective in a unbalanced world? Do you take the high road and make up the difference for others or do you finally step up and hold others accountable for what they could be doing but don’t as they know you will end up doing it for them ?

Its one thing to go with flow, roll with the punches and accommodate to the small changes however, change is happening so rapidly these days the ” go with flow” has turned into an additional set of ongoing tasks. Perhaps the word nimble is being misused in todays world and applies more to what we should expect from our computer systems rather than human systems.

So here are some tips for being the “new” nimble :

1. Learn what takes priority and what can be set aside for later.

2.Clarify what the changes are and why, is this for the greater good or the good of only one person ?

3. Agree to take on the additional work or change but voice the sacrifice of the other shifts in priority , so all are aware and on the same page.

4.Recognize if your agility is being compromised . Practice mindfulness and take measure to renew yourself at all costs.

5. Sleep, eat right , exercise and meditate (time for self). Lastly, be nimble with self. Learn to take on what you can the best way you know how. Ask for help in return.

6. Take your power back. If your get up and go has got up and went, your on the road to burn out. If being nimble means what it says than expect this from others as well . In these changing times, it takes all to be nimble not just you.

The bottom-line is we all just want to be happy. Here is a great article from financial techie James Altucher’s book who shares his happiness approach. How to Be the Luckiest Guy on Earth.

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book Imagine Your Greatest Good, a Practical Guide for Popping Your Power on the Planet. To learn more about Get Happy Zone and Jackie’s technique please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com/about

Posted in Career Repurposing, Empowerment tools, Happiness, Life purpose, Making Change, What Creates Success | Tagged business women, get happy, innovation, life balance, life purpose, making change, self development, what creates success, world | 5 Comments

How to Creatively tap into Your Authentic Power. (Get Happy book bite)

Posted on June 2, 2011 by admin

Taking a step toward your future self is alot easier than you think ! Today I participated in a workshop where the unexpected occurred and I was unprepared, at least initially. I was invited to a new group where I met my peers and we shared our fears, as well as our desires. Most of us had common fears of rejection or failure while others shared similar patterns of sabotage. The group process initiated a self awareness that was aired out and lifted illusions and obstacles that limit us from our true potential . The group sharing not only was healthy but also a powerful gateway of conscious awakening. Just think how much you could accomplish, once your fears are diminished? Often, we tend to get in our own way, dragging our feet to move in a purposeful direction. Now, is the time to recognize how special you are, as no one does the same thing in exactly the same manner as you. Your uniqueness is special and June is a great time to celebrate and blossom.

The Authentic Power workshop I facilitate with clients, is to create the book cover of your autobiography. This can include pictures, graphics, stickers, magazine cutouts, scrap book decals and the like. The caveat is to choose the theme of what your future self entails displayed on your front cover ( your desire of what you strive to be) . By doing this, you’re setting the intention and declaration for your goal into forward motion. Visualizing your book cover everyday promotes the creative juices on an unconscious level which will attract the supporters, cheerleaders and advocates to enter your life so you can blossom successfully.

Quote: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, Begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, Begin it now.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Jackie Ruka is an Author, Artist, Therapist and Inspiration Coach who started Get Happy Zone, a unique organization dedicated to launching your personal happiness campaign through her training classes and upcoming book Imagine Your Greatest Good, a Practical Guide for Popping Your Power on the Planet. To learn more about Get Happy Zone and Jackie’s technique please go to http://www.gethappyzone.com/about

Posted in Empowerment tools, Happiness, Life purpose, Making Change, What Creates Success, new economy | Tagged authentic power, business women, creativity, deliberate creation, get happy, innovation, life purpose, life transition, making change, self sabotage, success, what creates success | 1 Comment

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