Video Contest for A Spirit of Giving

My long-time friend, Nita Bauer, created an organization called "A Spirit of Giving." The organization has a video contest going on and I'd like to ask you to take a look at it and repost this on your own FB page to allow your friends to see it. Looks like a lot of fun! Check it out at www.inaspiritofgiving.com

Finale: the Week without Complaints

I have to say that I need to continue to work on being "complaint-free." I found that at times my mouth got ahead of my brain. I plan to continue to be mindful of what I am thinking before the thought leaves my mouth. This has been a learning experience and I need to continue to focus on reframing what I say, what topics I focus on, and how I come across to others. How did you fare?

My Challenge to myself: A Week without Complaints

I just talked to my 80 year old grandmother today on the phone. I love her and I enjoy talking to her, yet her theme is always the same: a litany of complaints and criticisms. Not of me, of course. She has a humorous way of talking, so I generally laugh a lot during our conversations. Still, I wonder.

I just did a self-reflective exercise in which I was to write my legacy, the thing I would want people to say about me on my 80th birthday. I've done this exercise several times before I revisited it during the last week. Here's what I wrote this time:

"She is a kind person, generous with her time, humorous, a joy to be around. She inspires others, she is very persuasive, but ever so gentle in her approach. She always knows exactly what to say and has impeccable timing. Graceful and charming, she makes others feel immediately comfortable."

Now, I have 38 years to make this dream a reality. In the meantime, I will begin with a challenge to myself to refrain from making any kind of complaint for the next 7 days. I know my thoughts may turn to complaints, so I will work on reframing the thoughts, finding a way to be grateful for something instead of complaining, even if I choose not to give voice to my thoughts.

This should be interesting. I wonder what I'll learn from this. Who else is up to the challenge? I'd love to have you join me in this experiment so we can share what we've learned.

Michelle E. Vásquez, MS, LPC
Working on her Legacy today

What attitude will you choose today?

I choose joy today. Life is a precious gift and I want to handle it reverently while enjoying it to the fullest extent.

Michelle, Your Grateful Relationship Coach

www.trueloveafter40.com

I'd Love to Know Your Story of Overcoming Fear

Fear sharpens our skills. Sometimes fear paralyzes us. Some fears are lifelong; some are fleeting.

Do you have an inspirational story of overcoming fear? I'd love to hear about it. I'm in the process of writing about how I conquered my fear of Space Mountain. It only took 30 years! When it's written, I'll let you know about it. Meanwhile, I'd love to know how you've been able to grow and transform yourself through dealing with fear.

Michelle
Your Successful Singles Relationship Coach
www.trueloveafter40.com
www.michellevasquez.com

Grateful for my 19 year old cat

My cat, Maui, has been with me since I was 22 years old. I got her as a 6 week old kitten in 1990. I celebrate her birthday in early February, since I believe that's when I got her. That was 19 years ago and my memory is not so great. At any rate, how wonderful to have a companion who has been with me as I've "grown up."

She had some health scares in 2007, coinciding with my late husband's struggle with terminal kidney cancer. I didn't think she would make it through 2007, but I got her treated and she did better for a while.

Again in 2008 it was touch and go, with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and kidney problems along with constipation! Poor kitty. I began to take her to a wonderful holistic vet, Maria Williams, DVM, in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Williams did acupuncture and chiropractic work on Maui, and slowly, she began to recover. She also gave me some herbal formulas for her diagnosis. Most of the liquid ends up on me or the floor, but some of it must be helping, because she is much better.

Maui and I travelled to Huntington Beach in a U-Haul for three days with my new husband. She did fine on the trip and she is now moving around more freely, not looking like she is hurting, nor is she making the awful howling noises she was making for such a long time. She is asleep under my desk right now. My new husband loves her and pets her and even gives her water from the bathtub whenever she wants it.

Maui has been a wonderful friend. I am very grateful for the gift of her presence in my life.

Grateful for the New Year

I have begun a new chapter in my life, moving to California and marrying a man I met there. Lots of big adjustments to be grateful for. I have a new opportunity to recreate my business to expand it nationwide. I will now be offering Relationship Coaching services to people all over the country. I am so grateful for the opportunity to expand my business and assist people in improving their relationships!

I wish you the best of success in your relationships, Michelle

Receive free weekly tips and tools for creating the relationship of your dreams when you sign up to receive my newsletter Relationship Success at: http://sanantoniorelationshipcoach.com/

For a list of books I recommend go to: http://sanantoniorelationshipcoach.com/Recommended_Resources.html

Want to be a Conscious Dater? Check out: http://www.meetup.com/consciousdatingsanantonio-com/ Post your thoughts and comments about dating at: http://awaresingle.blogspot.com/

Michelle E. Vásquez, MS, LPC
Your Nationwide Relationship Coach, Licensed Professional Counselor

I help people attract the life they want and create the relationships that bring them joy.
714-717-5744
http://www.michellevasquez.com