JENNIFER M. BLAIR’s blog

Embrace Beauty, Inside and Out

Photo credit: fs999

It is said that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Are you acquainted with what is beautiful to YOU? What stirs your senses, makes your heart beat faster and makes you smile? Do you know what makes beautiful people pretty?

As a lover of beauty, I find that beauty must be experienced and reflected in as many aspects of life as possible. By taking the time to discover your own personal style, tastes and preferences, you can then let it emulate everywhere and in everything. Beauty in all its many forms must be witnessed, enhanced, preserved and shared. And what you create through your definition of beauty will be a mirror of your true essence and ultimately an inspiration to others.

There is No Time to Waste: Get Going

Photo credit: Zach Werner

It’s almost Memorial Day weekend and summer is upon us… a typical time for creating new adventures by taking breaks, visiting relatives, entertaining friends, taking up new hobbies or athletic endeavors, beginning home projects, playing outdoors, attending concerts and enjoying all life has to offer while the weather is warmer and there is a vibrant energy in the air. It is often a time when people can take time off from the day-to-day, and do something different and fun-filled. Summer also offers us the chance to fulfill our dreams.

So, what is your heart’s desire, and have you started making plans? Are you dreaming big and have you begun taking steps to make your life vision a reality?   If not, what are you waiting for?

Turn Envy Into Action

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Do you spend time thinking about what you don’t have and what others do have? Do you imagine “the grass is greener on the other side?” Consider what life might look like if you ended up with another person, could be just like so-and-so, could live somewhere else, or perhaps had more money to live a decadently free life? In other words, do you find that you are at times “green with envy” of other people, places and things?

To some degree, I believe most people want more of something they do not have whether it is materially, relationally, spiritually, financially, emotionally or physically. If not, where would the motivation come from to do better, become better, and accomplish more?

Fun, Frolic and Play… Everyday

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Summer is almost here! A time that is relaxed, carefree, lazy and unstructured. It is the perfect time to frolic and play and have fun every single day. Frolic is defined as playful behavior or action, merriment, gaiety, fun… so how much fun are you really having? Are you taking time to build play into your life, every day, all year?

People often wait until the weekend or a vacation but you can start now, especially since summertime gives us a jump-start. The truth is when you focus on play and enjoyment, you can create more overall happiness in your life.

Harness the Power of Adventure

Photo credit: Tess Thompson

I recently returned from a trip to the Czech Republic with my daughter. She studied there for two months, and at the end of her program, I joined her for two weeks of exploring Prague. I was there long enough to gain an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of the city, as well as have a new experience with my daughter.

While I was fortunate enough to spend several days in Europe, most people do not have the time or resources to travel abroad. Travel can teach you things you did not know you did not know, and can show you sights and people of immeasurable beauty. Even if you are unable to travel, you have the power to pursue the unknown, and to learn— which, really, is, what travel is all about.

Here are some tips on how to have your best adventure, no matter where you are.

Jennifer’s Top 54 Self-Help Books

Photo credit: Rosario Taracena

I confess: I love self-help books. I would like to say that I read them for “work” since I am in the business of helping others. And yes, I do find nuggets and novels that I pass along to my clients and followers who have shared that it’s very helpful.

But I also read them for myself. I began my journey in the self-improvement world over 15 years ago, and was immediately taken by connecting the dots to my past, my present, and sometimes my future. I am still seduced by just the right words, thoughts and ideas that I discover on the paper.

In honor of my 54 years on October 26th, I share this list of my favorite 54 books…

Launch Yourself: Love What You Do

Photo credit: Laura Hartog

Becoming an empty nester is a time when a parent’s child or children are flying the coop and leaving home, maybe for the first time beyond summer camps, school trips, family visits or extended vacations. These fantastic creatures are seeking their independence and moving on to higher learning, jobs, marriages or other living arrangements, and it can be both exciting and scary.

I can personally share that experiencing this rite of passage is conflicted. It can be a time of ecstatic joy and reclaimed freedom, as well as sadness, grief and loss. Sending off anything or anyone, much less our children can be bittersweet. There is an excitement of seeing children come into their own and their hard work coming to fruition by hopefully witnessing them being accepted into their college of choice or attaining their first great job.

If this applies to you, or someone close to you, you can give yourself permission to redefine life as you have known it and explore not only “what’s next?” but also “what could the best possible future look like?”

10 Ways Showing Compassion Can Lead to More Success at Work

Compassion is an emotion felt within ourselves and as a result, a desire to ease the pain and suffering of those around us is ignited. This interpersonal process involves the ability to notice, feel, or perceive another person’s pain and to be with or take action to help alleviate that person’s suffering.

Either way, suffering is suffering… I always say to my clients, each person’s suffering is as big to them as another person’s. There are many different ways to show compassion for others; however it MUST come from the heart. If we can meet suffering with loving-care and kindness, compassion will naturally arise.

Here are 10 ways showing compassion at work, and in life, can lead to more happiness and success.

Let Your Inner Light Shine

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As we enter the Holiday season, I think about what is sparkly, bright and shiny. I love to embrace all things glittery this time of year… flickering lights, dazzling jewels, festive clothing, shimmering stars, champagne bubbles, candlelight yoga, and even the twinkle of an eye. But most importantly, all of this shininess reminds me there is an even bigger year opportunity to let our own inner light shine.

When a person sparkles, they become alive and fully illuminated to a greater state of being. I often wonder where that glimmer comes from. What creates radiance, and how can one use their brilliance to be genuine with themselves and the world?

7 Ways to Build Your Personal Power

What makes a person powerful? Is it her money, fame, position, charisma, social status, or expertise? While some of these are strong characteristics, a true powerful person has the ability to use not only her external resources, but also activate her internal gifts and talents. Powerful people put their stakes in the ground on what they know to be real, and continue moving toward the greater good of self and others.

Do you feel powerful in your life? If not, why?