Design (& Live) Your Dream Lifestyle Montreal 2020

Design Your Dream Lifestyle Montreal 2020

MBB hosted our 7th biannual Design Your Dream Lifestyle event on Saturday, this time in the vibrant, picturesque, culturally diverse city of Montreal. This has been our first international DYDL event, and the first of the new 2020 decade, and we were delighted to make it Canada. You asked, Montreal, and we responded! 48 amazing women attended and we all had a wonderful time analyzing the completed Lifestyle Designing Workbook and digging in to carve out their path to making their individual lifestyle design a reality.

You see, you can get to do life your way. You can choose what’s important to you. You can choose how to be – about whatever. You can Live on your terms. You can enjoy your life. You can be you! And you don’t have to apologize for it. You don’t have to qualify it. You don’t have to justify it. You don’t have to feel guilt or shame about it.

But you have to do the work!

Congratulations to all 10 women who completed our Money Mojo Quiz and secured a free spot in our WERK Your Money Making Genie program – a $1799 program. If you were a part of our DYDL Montreal event but did not secure a free spot, you can still take advantage of our program at a 50% cost. Send us a note and include the words DYDL Montreal WERK.

My Blooming Biz International Design Your Dream Lifestyle Events and Workshops Are Changing Women’s Lives

We are happy to say that MBB DYDL participants are delighted with our program as they are seeing results and “very optimistic about the amazing changes that are already taking place in their lives” in the words of Erin Martinez and Cathy Parker, about their new life design and where they are headed – respectively. See more of what My Blooming Biz family are saying on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, and don’t forget to like, follow, and interact with us while you’re there.

As always, we handed out 48 bags of our signature goodies that include mbb gift cards, discounts to our UPPPP Your Genius system of programs, and copies of our popular signature book written by our CEO Eugénie Nugent titled – Unleash: Manifest Your Greatness & Become The Empowered Woman You Were Born to Be – Living The Empowered Woman Lifestyle. Lots of goodies!

My Blooming Biz International | Signature Goody Bags

But if you were not at our event, do not despair! Sign up to our newsletter and get notified of our next event, and also of new launches and promotions.

In addition to being created because we understand the brilliance, beauty, and boldness of women and the role that being balanced and purpose-driven can play in improving women’s lives, My Blooming Biz was created to help women harness their skills and talents and use them to propel a ton of money to flow in. In order to live life on our own terms we need money – and lots of it, and in recognition of that, our CEO and founder Eugénie Nugent – in collaboration with her team, have designed programs that are specific to building wealth and becoming financially independent.

As she often says and strongly believes, “Having our finances in order is the highest form of self-love, a love that cannot help but to command respect.”

My Blooming Biz International | Empowerment Coaching for Women

Money is a subject many people are still hesitant to speak freely about, but money expands who we are, and what we are able to access. And so, as we teach here at My Blooming Biz International; being open about money – changing the way we view, treat, and interact with money will be the difference in whether we snatch, snatch and let go, or snatch and hold on to it, as she wrote in her book, The Elusive Money: How to Snatch & Hold On To It.

Bottom line: Money commands respect! And for those of us who were taught to hate money and negatively treat money, we need a new mindset in order to accept and act on this new reality.

Design Your Dream Lifestyle programs and events are designed to bring out the best in you and challenge you to empower yourself. In our CEO’s own words, “We are here to pull things out of you that you didn’t know were there, and assist you in making them work for you, to the enhancement and betterment of your overall life.” She has selectively created five (5) programs to help women become empowered and she is relentless in making “the empowered woman lifestyle” a reality for thousands of women.

Download your FREE copy of our Lifestyle Designing Workbook and complete the worksheets. It is packed with thought-provoking questions to get you thinking about your current life situation, where you would rather be, and how you can equip yourself (with our help) to get there.

Our next DYDL event will be in July 2020, so sign up to our newsletter to be informed when our venue is solidified. Design a life you love, and embrace your life. Embrace you!

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,

Transformational Book Series – Our Picks: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

In January 2018 we kicked off a new MBB series to highlight transformational books for women called, Transformational Book Series – Our Picks. To begin this new year, new month, new decade, we’re excited to continue the series by sharing with you our next transformational book in the series – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra.

If you’ve never heard of Deepak Chopra, please Google him – after you’re through reading this post. In short, he’s a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, and the author of a multitude of personal development books that can literally transform lives. This is one such book! Not only is this book fitting for the beginning of such a time as this, but it’s central in the art of you moving from where you are to where you want to be – realizing your dreams. In this book, Dr. Chopra explains in detail each of the seven philosophical and spiritual factors that are required in order for us to live a full productive and happy life.   

We’ve been blessed to attend a few of his conferences, and if you’ve attended any live events, you know the unparalleled experience being present brings. However, reading his books and having them physically to go over again and again – at your speed, is a huge advantage.

There are exercises and steps to follow in each chapter, and although this book is a quick read, we recommend you read and absorb each chapter – taking time to do the exercises before moving on the the next chapter(s). You will make notes, and you will refer back to this book from time to time, because there are gems sprinkled all throughout – gems that are timeless.

Dr Chopra’s 7 Spiritual Laws of Success

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality. This law is about pure consciousness; something we didn’t fully grasp until after The Reset Experience. It says that the core of our being is pure awareness. This realm of pure awareness is the place of all possibilities, and underlies all creativity. The Law of Pure Potentiality is about first tapping into that silence and stillness that resides within ourselves by taking time to just be.

2. The Law of Giving (and Receiving). This revolves around “intention” when giving and receiving, which should be unconditional and from the heart. This law is based on the fact that everything in the universe operates through dynamic exchange. Every relationship is one of give and take because giving and receiving are different aspects of the energy in the universe.

3. The Law of “Karma” or Cause and Effect. I believe we all need to understand this one! The Law of karma is all about the positive or negative valance of our words, thoughts, and deeds. In essence, everything we do creates a corresponding energy that comes back to us in some form or another. Be all about doing good – sowing good seeds, and good will inevitably return to you. Be all about doing bad – sowing bad seeds, and you bet bad things will return to you. Karma works – every time!

4. The Law of Least Effort. In short, The Law of Least Effort is based on the fact that nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease and abandoned carefreeness. Follow the path of no resistance. In other words, when you operate in your zone of GENIUS you will find FLOW, and everything becomes effortless.

5. The Law of Intention and Desire. According to Dr. Chopra, “Attention energizes and intention transforms”. When you place your attention on your intention, you will attain the desired outcome. That is why we recommend that you set your intentions before doing anything – especially when creating your Vision Board.

6. The Law of Detachment. According to Dr. Chopra, “The known is the prison of past conditioning. In our willingness to step into the unknown – the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.” A lack of knowing the TRUE “Self” creates attachments based on fear and insecurities. Let go of expectations and attachments to outcomes.

7. The Law of “Dharma” or Purpose in Life. The Law of Dharma or Purpose in Life, says that we are spiritual beings who have taken physical form to fulfill a purpose. Everyone has a purpose in life — a unique gift or special talent to give to others, and for every unique talent and expression of that talent, there are also unique needs. When we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our spirit. This is the goal of all goals. As we always say here at My Blooming Biz, it is in giving that we receive!

If you believe in the Law of Attraction as we do here at My Blooming Biz, this book will be easy to follow. It is insightful and practical leaning in to you – helping you align your consciousness, your being to the energy of the Universe so that you can effortlessly release your wish, as you do your part, and allow the Universe to do its part in making your dreams a reality.

In our previous transformational book in the series – Real Money Answers for Every Woman, Patrice Washington touched on various aspects of using your God given gifts and talents to find ways to earn more money. She talked about creating a game plan for organizing and managing your money and some financial tools you can use. She later digs deep into managing money and relationships; and how to make them both work for you, and covers every single topic of money you can think of such as:

How to get your money mindset right

How to get out of debt

How to save for college

How to get your credit score right and tight

How to tackle money and marriage/relationships

How to say no to family members/friends who keep asking you for money

How to end generational negligence on money in your family

How to raise your children to understand money and how it works

How to accumulate and build generational wealth

Dr Chopra’s book is like a precursor to Patrice Washington’s book in the sense that the 7 laws must be practiced in order for everything else to flow the right way. Yes, we need money, and excellent money management to make our lives more manageable and meaningful, but we also need to follow natural laws in order for us to fulfill our purpose, be successful, and live our best lives.

Dr. Chopra’s book reminds us of one of our CEO Eugénie Nugent’s favorite quote, which is, “Not everything depends on you, so for the things that do, make them count.” In other words, do your part to the best of your ability, and be confident enough to know that the universe will do its part in bringing your vision to fruition.

Get this book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams, read it and begin implementing its strategies.

We’re all about living a full, happy and productive life. And so, as you pursue your dream relentlessly – allowing nothing and no-one to keep you off-track – take time out to smell the roses, live in each moment, learn from setbacks, and celebrate every win.

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,

3 Things You Cannot Afford to Do Anymore Come 2020

3 Things You Cannot Afford to Do Anymore Come 2020

We’re approaching the year 2020 – the beginning of a new decade, and it’s the perfect time to weed out and separate from you the things that have not (and are not) serving your greater purpose. This can be a lot of things for many people but we want to focus on 3 main things to really let go of right now, so that you can fly. And they are:

1. Looking up to people who are looking down on you.

Give it up! Give up looking up to people who are looking down on you. We are not talking about empowerment coaches and motivational speakers you look up to; they are not looking down on you trying to stomp on you, they are looking down on you trying to pull you up. They want you to level up to the best of your abilities, even if it means surpassing them. Rather, we are referring to those family members, friends, colleagues who either: a) never miss a chance to discourage you from pursuing your dreams, while being aware of you watching them pursue theirs, or b) always wanting you to invest your time and energy into them elevating their game without regards about you and what you are about. Give it up for 2020. Let it go, and do YOU.

You may already be struggling with self-esteem issues, and this looking up while you’re being looked down on, will rob you of the limited self esteem you have real quick. You need your confidence to succeed in anything you’re pursuing, and you can no longer afford to have your confidence eroded, and your self-esteem crushed. As we always say and strongly believe, “if cash is king, confidence is queen.” Seek, find, and surround yourself with people who don’t measure you by what you have (or don’t have), but who you truly are. People who care about your goals and dreams as much as you do theirs. You’re a gem, a unique light being, and you deserve to be in your own spotlight. You have soooooo much to offer, and the people your offer is meant for is waiting for it. You have to unleash! Activate your power, manifest your greatness and become the empowered woman you were born to be – living “the empowered woman lifestyle”. As the great Les Brown implores, “…..You have greatness within you!” You don’t have to sit and look up to people who are shining their light while trying to dim yours. You shine now! Different glow, same shine! Get off the sidelines and into the main event. No one ever accomplishes anything by remaining on the sidelines cheering others on. Your cheering on time is over! It’s your time to be cheered on NOW! It’s your time to WIN!!!

2. Embracing your comfort zone.

The only thing comfortable about your comfort zone is, no-one gets to see how truly unfulfilled you are, as you drag on through your monotonous days dreaming of what it would be like to actually do what you love and live your dreams.

Real growth and improvement takes place outside of your comfort zone. You cannot remain in a SPINN cycle and expect to improve. You have to move. You have to make changes. You have to do some things differently. Yes, sometimes growing and improving requires you to take risks, risks such as taking a step when you’re not sure of the result. This is how we learn and grow. Take the step, and if you fail (and fall) you get back up, take note of what didn’t work – what caused your fall, then tweak and make the changes to give you a better chance of succeeding at your next step. You keep doing this until your mission is accomplished. Until you WIN!

Think about it! What’s the worst thing that can happen if you step out in your full self and do what you want with your life?

3. Allowing others to mindlessly use your time instead of you mindfully using it.

Time is invaluable! Actually, it is the most invaluable thing in the world, and as such you must make every effort to use every bit of your time – mindfully.

Never allow others to mindlessly use your time. And never allow them to mindfully use your time for their efforts. Money spent can be regained, but time wasted can never be regained. And you know what? The same people you’re looking up to may be the same people using up your time – whether intentionally or unintentionally. Taking care of their business, but distracting you from attending to yours. You have goals and dreams too, and you cannot allow another year to go by leaving you in the same position it found you in. You must take charge of your time, and use your time effectively to bring YOUR vision to fruition. You have a “why” so revisit your why and get to work – mindfully using your time to realize your dreams instead of allowing others to use your time. Go ahead now! Commit to yourself that you will put her first, and honor your commitment to you. If you do not put yourself first, who will? You have one life to live, and you too deserve to live it to its fullest. Time is precious! Make it count – for you, and yours.

Now all 3 may not apply to you, but if any apply, receive it and make the necessary change. Can’t keep doing the same ole’ thing in 2020 and expect different result.

Walk into 2020 with the right attitude, the right mindset, and the right behavior and action.

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,

How to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out of Debt – A 5 Step Approach – The Book

Who likes to be in debt?  If you or anyone you know likes to be in debt, please let us know in the comment section!  Debt is one of the most stigmatized, loathed, and talked-about words to have ever graced the English language. No matter where you are in the world, debt is something that follows us all.  It invades our thoughts like an army coming to wage war on us, with its fixed, revolving, and recurring payments and we often feel shackled with no escape.  It permeates our very being and wreak havoc on our lives, and sometimes continue for generations.

The accumulation of debt is something that is habitual. It plays on some of our most basal instincts of the mind that push us towards avoiding pain and gaining pleasure, and money is that tool that helps us in our virtually endless quests to constantly gain pleasure.

But, is there a way to get out of debt?  How do we free ourselves from the seemingly eternal servitude of being obligated to pay out large portions of our monthly income for the pleasures that we have already enjoyed?  How do we get rid of our debt, and remain debt free?  Is it really possible?  Or, are we just puppets in a very calculated zero-sum game of financial chess that leaves us as mere pawns on the playing field?

Well, the answer is yes!  It is possible to eliminate debt and remain debt free.  It will take some analyzing, strategic planning, and mindset shifting but it can be done.  We have helped thousands of women strategize and craft plans to eliminate their debt and begin saving and building wealth instead of paying those huge interests that make it impossible to ever have any substantial amount of savings – let alone wealth.

Much of our behavior has a lot to do with what’s going on in our minds. That impulsive buying habit you have comes partly from this subconscious interaction. So, what we have to learn to do is create some awareness to this interaction and learn to override it.  You can learn more about that process by reading our article, How to Break Bad Habits & Develop Good Habits. Another aspect of why some of us get into debt is as a result of trying to keep up with the Joneses (and the Kardashians).  We scroll social media and see all the glitz and glam that are trending and decide we need to be a part of it (#fomo) – whether we can afford to, or not – and this kind of comparative, mimicked following can quickly put a hole in your finances.

Now, understanding debt is one thing. We can talk about it all we want. We can extrapolate, analyze, criticize, theorize, and do a slew of other things related to the concept, idea, and reality of debt. But how do we get out of debt? How do we free ourselves from living a life that is imprisoned by a cycle that seems like it’s never going to end?

Some may argue there are good debt, but the only good debt we acknowledge here at MBB is the the debt that is owing to us – receivables.  As long as we are on the receiving end, then all is well with debt.  If you are in debt, you can become debt free!  Make the decision today to get out of debt and stay out of debt, and take the necessary steps to make “debt free” a reality for you.

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,

10 Surefire Things You Can Do to Live a Better Life in 2020 And Beyond

10 Surefire Things You Can Do to Live a Better Life in 2020 and Beyond

We all want to live a better life, and thankfully we can! We each can assess our current situation – at any given moment, and commit to make choices that will help us live a better life in the days and years to come.

If you’ve not been making assessments as you go throughout your year, there is no better time to take stock and begin the assessment, than at the ending of a year. So as we approach 2020, let’s get ourselves in alignment for the manifestation of our desired improvements to take place. You want to reinforce your old goals that were not manifested in 2019, create new goals to be manifested in 2020, and craft your plan to ensure your vision come to fruition. You want to look at these 2 central questions “What’s going well in your life right now?” and “What can be improved?” and work at making the necessary changes. Even if you had the best year of your life in 2019, there is room for improvement in 2020 and beyond.


Here are 10 Surefire Things You Can Do to Live a Better Life in 2020 and Beyond

1. Allocate More Time to YOUR Self, YOUR Needs, YOUR Goals, YOUR Dreams

If you’re like too many of us, you expend yourself to your family, friends, and many times colleagues, to the point where you have little to no time to do YOU or work at materializing your vision for yourself! You can commit to changing that come 2020! We’re not saying you should abandon your family, friends, and colleagues. What we’re saying is, take more time for yourself! Allot some of the time you take to deal with others’ issues, to deal with YOU and YOURS. Think about it! You probably had some things you wanted to accomplish in 2019, but because of over-extending, you did not accomplish them. When you would have been able to had you take some of that time and resources for you. There’s no harm in that! Moreover, when you are healthier, happier, and more fulfilled, you are better able to give the best of yourself while maintaining the authentic YOU. Resolve that YOU, your needs, your goals will take precedence in 2020 and beyond. You deserve the best of YOU!

2. Get Help With What You Don’t Know So Your Dreams Can Be Materialized

None of us know everything! And so we must realize when we come to that point where our knowledge and technical know-how ends and new knowledge and technical know-how is needed in order for a particular thing to be realized. Either learn the skills to do it, or hire someone who already possess the skills to do it. Take stock of the net effect between: you learning to do it versus hiring someone to do it, and whether you will need to do it in the future vs a one time need; the time it will take you to learn it then do it vs the time it will take to have someone who already possess the necessary knowledge and skill to do it, and the cost for you learning vs delegating. You must do your due diligence to ensure the person you hire possess the necessary knowledge and technical know-how to do it, so you do not defeat the purpose of outsourcing it, which could end up costing you more time and resources. Do not unintentionally hinder your progress!

3. Examine How the People You Have Constantly Helped Can Help You With Your Pursuit

Too many of us give and give and give some more, but don’t like to ask and take in return. Resolve to asking and taking in 2020. It’s time for returns! Take a look at the people you’ve been helping whether in cash or in kind and see how they can help you with your pursuit. Many times they have tools, skills, or resources we could use but we often overlook because we do not like to ask. If we are paying we will buy, but if it’s free we do not want. They are not afraid to ask! In fact, some of them are shameless in asking, taking and infringing – and we let them. No more come 2020! Make 2020 an equal opportunity year, a year of give and take!

4. Uplevel Your Goods and/or Services So You Can Be Proud to Market Them (and Market Them)

You are always shouting from the rooftop how great someone else’s product or service is. Resolve to start shouting about your goods or services! Unless of course, you don’t believe they are good enough at which point you should either: a) upgrade to the best level they can be at, or b) totally forget about and stop selling them. If YOU don’t think they are good enough, neither will your prospective customers. Make 2020 the year you are proud of your offer(s) and unapologetic in marketing them – E V E R Y W H E R E!

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder! Setup Systems and Utilize Tools to Help Make Every Task Easier

There is rarely anything we have to do that a tool is not available for – thanks to technology and the Internet. From on page grammar software (so we do not have to reach for the dictionary or thesaurus) when writing our books, updating our blogs, or compiling reports, to ready made content management software and interface to make our website creation process more timely, seamless, and user-friendly. From integrated apps that allow for online purchases to be made and downloaded to financial systems, to applications that allow for one step automatic publication on social media platforms simultaneously to improve marketing. Tools are available to help make our lives easier! All we have to do is to research the tools available to help with our particular task at any given moment, and selecting the one most suitable. Resolve to use all the systems and tools available at your disposal to make your life easier come 2020 and beyond!

6. Begin Pursuing That Degree That Will Propel You to Your Next Level Up at Your Job (or Somewhere Else With The Same Position)

You’ve been on your job for quite a few years now and eyeing that next level up position. And although you know you can do it, and possess the necessary skills and technical know-how to do it, you’ve watched others snoop in from outside and take it. You’ve investigated and have come to the realization that what’s been keeping you from that position is the academic credentials necessary to get to it. Now you must decide whether you want to invest in that higher education to secure that higher up position, or give up on that dream and remain where you are. If that position is what you truly desire, then resolve to attaining that degree. However, bear in mind that nothing is a guarantee in life! You may not end up getting that position at your current job – even after attaining that degree; but you could seek that same or similar position at some other organization. Let 2020 be the year you begin the steps to achieving your next level up degree so you can fulfill your dream of being in that particular position!

7. Worry Less! Enjoy More!

Shit happens! That’s inevitable. As long as we are here on this earth realm we are going to experience things we would rather not experience (yet have no control over) and will have to navigate our way through them and on to the next more positive experience in the next season. Of course, we have to worry at times. It’s the natural thing we do especially as women and mothers; when our child is suppose to be home from school an hour ago but is still not home and our telephone calls to check on them go unanswered. We worry! Panic even! And in a case like this, worry is warranted, but we must try to remain calm enough to think clearly on solutions. Many people are natural worriers who go through life worrying about the smallest to the biggest things. However, we must all strive to focus more on the positives, and give the negatives only enough time to resolve them. Life is full of surprises, and that more times than not, is a good thing. Let go of all those unnecessary worries that are causing stress – taking away years from your life, and embrace those joyous moments that are adding years to your life. Resolve to making 2020 that year you begin enjoying more, and worrying less!

8. Rid Yourself of All Dead Weight So You Can Fly

Lose the things that have not served you or your best interests! No, you will no longer be that person everyone calls on when they need something (which seems like always) but never call (in between their “help me” calls) to see how you’re doing and if you need anything. People will take advantage of us – if we let them. So the onus is on us to set boundaries and be okay with saying no – especially when our whole fiber of being is screaming no but our mouth puts forth a yes. That “friend” who keeps inviting you to dinner but then you have to pay. That one who wants you to watch her children so she can go off and have some “me time” but when you want her to watch your children so you can go off and have some “me time” she has a million reasons why she can’t. That one who is always borrowing your stuff and never return them, or when she does return them they are dirty or damaged. Or what about that one who has been sleeping on your couch, eating your foods, using your gas, water and light for almost a year and have not contributed in any way to anything. And when you line them up with a job they complain it’s not the type of job they want to do. The audacity! You don’t need any of this in your life. You may only see the financial way it’s affecting you, but just know that it’s also affecting you emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Any scenario where you feel – even in the slightest, that someone is taking advantage of you, resolve to allow them – no more!

9. Get and Keep Your Finances In Order (or Uplevel Your Finances)

The more money we make, the more money we spend! While this does not apply to everyone, it does apply to the majority of people who are busy making money – whether through jobs, businesses, or investing. With each milestone of zero we add to our money pile, there is something we want to spend on. A bigger house, possibly in a more thriving neighborhood. A fancier car – to go with the roads and norms in that new neighborhood, and some name brand clothing and jewelry as well as country club subscriptions to go with the upleveled lifestyle. And there is nothing wrong with this! We get one chance at this thing called life, and it’s imperative we live it to our fullest potential. Bottom line: Regardless of how good your financial situation is, there is always room for improvement. And one of the most important thing anyone can do in this lifetime on this earth, is to get and keep their finances in order. As our founder and CEO Eugénie Nugent reiterates in her UPPPP Your Genius System of Programs, her WERK Your Money Making Genie Workshop, and her MASTER Your Finances Workshop “Having your finances in order is the highest form of self love, a love that cannot help but to command respect”. She could never be more true! If you are already financially in order, then make the move to continue upleveling your finances in 2020 and beyond. If you are not yet in order financially, resolve to have your finances in order come 2020 and beyond. Let 2020 be that year you drastically upgrade your net worth and begin accumulating real wealth.

Live Your Best Life in 2020 and Beyond | My Blooming Biz International

10. Self Care 365 – Unapologetically

Last, but not least, selfcare 365! You’ve worked hard at getting to the place you are today – financially, emotionally, physically, spiritually – all the ally’s. You’ve helped others achieve some things they wanted to achieve. You’ve done your family, your friends, and sometimes colleagues, but not enough doing YOU. Starting 2020 and going beyond 2020, resolve to spend more time on you – #SelfCare #SelfLove. Whether you want to spend more time working out at the gym, swimming, getting your weekly massage, making your own natural juices, relaxing in your jacuzzi with your fine glass of wine, curled up in your favorite chair with your favorite books, trekking around the world to the various countries and cities you have on your bucket list, or relaxing in solace for quiet meditation and reflection, it is all self care and you have the right to afford yourself those things and experiences. All the things you’ve been wanting to do, do them. Dote on and pamper YOU – unapologetically!

These 10 surefire things to do to live a better life may not all apply to you, but heed the ones that do. Make your assessment, set your new goals, draft your plan of action to accomplish them, and and stay the course in materializing them. Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2020 and beyond 🍷

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,

Emergency Preparedness: Ensure You and Your Family Members Are Prepared for An Emergency

September is National Preparedness Month here in the United States, but you do not have to live in the US to be prepared for an emergency, and you should not wait for September to begin making preparation. You never know when a crisis will affect you or one of your loved ones, so it’s important to take the time now to make sure that you’re all prepared and know what to do in the event of an emergency. Since this is the month to prepare yourself, your family, and your home, for emergencies, let’s delve into some of the things you must do to be the readiest you can be.

Learn about natural disasters in your neck of the woods and how to protect yourself from them

The first step to protecting yourself from a natural disaster is to learn about the different kinds that could affect your geographical region. Once you understand which disasters could possibly occur in your area, how you’ll know they’re happening, and what you can expect during them, you will be able to prepare properly. Teach your family what they should do to stay safe during each of those situations. After you all understand what should be done in each circumstance, you can then create your plans by visiting www.ready.gov/plan to access forms. You should have safe places designated for each possibility, whether it’s in your home or at a safe place somewhere else. Consider your family’s specific needs while establishing your plans and make sure to write down your arrangement so each family member can review your strategy often and memorize it.

Prepare older children to stay home alone

If you have children in your family that are old enough to stay home alone, you’ve likely already shared safety information with them. However, it’s always important to refresh their memory on those tips at regular intervals. Teach them how to safely use kitchen appliances, who to open the door for, when to call you, and more. Teach them how to lock up your home properly and how to use your home security system if you have one. Showing them tips online, such as Youtube Video How to Stay Safe Alone at Home, will help them learn how to protect the home and themselves while you’re away.

Choose a family safe word or sentence

A family safe word or sentence can be helpful for many different situations. A solid safe word is one that wouldn’t be used in normal conversation in your family. It’s also important to have a word that won’t allow others to know that something is wrong. For example, if you only have fish as pets, a good way to let a family member know that something is wrong would be to say, “Have you fed the dog?”. Children can also use a safe word to let their parents know that they need to speak about something that’s bothering them. Teach your children what they should do if you use a safe word, how they can stay safe, and how to let others know that something is wrong.

Stock up on emergency supplies

It is vital to have resources available in your home to help your family if an emergency arises. First, sign up each of your family members with a cell phone for emergency alerts. This way, each person knows if there is an emergency in your area. Next, find phone numbers and websites to communicate an emergency to others, like poison control and your local police station. Keep a list of these resources somewhere where everyone can easily access them. Finally, put together emergency kits to keep in your home and your car. Items that should be in your kit include long shelf life foods, first aid supplies, extra batteries, solar lights, candles, matches or lighters, personal hygiene items, and more. Visit www.ready.com/kit for more emergency kit information.

Teach fire safety tips to your family

The first step to teaching fire safety is to teach prevention. Make sure each member of your family understands how to properly use appliances that could potentially start a fire. Make sure your smoke detectors are functioning and have batteries. If the unfortunate situation of a house fire does occur, it’s important that your children know what to do. Teach them to stay low to avoid breathing in smoke and to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch on fire. A fun way to practice these tips with young children is to play Firefighter Says. You can also call your local firehouse to see if they have a time available when firefighters can teach your little ones all about fire safety and what they do. Last but not least show bigger children how to use a fire extinguisher, and when to use it. Always keep one handy!

These are but a few things to do to be prepared for a disaster. Be sure to follow the links and check the websites suggested here for more on disaster preparedness. Safety should be our #1 priority and we cannot take it for granted.

Now, how do you prepare with your family for an emergency? Are you prepared? Please share with us in the comment section below.

And, if you aren’t prepared, please take some time to get your house in emergency preparedness order.

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,