Reading This May Cause Miracles

{I like to journal in my personalized Maybook}

Yes, I’m quirky and fashion obsessed, but I also strongly feel that there should be deeper takeaways from my blog.  There’s a place for higher conversation here, so to speak. I would never want you to think my sole intention here is for you to buy this! Or wear that! Or hair extensions rule! You catch my drift? Of course you do. You’re a smart cookie.

You see, during 2012 a series of people and events entered my life, which in some magical way, created radical change. How so? Friend and local self help coach Nikki Novo asked me to teach how-to blogging workshops to locals and that spiraled into something far bigger and we launched our own biz, Working Girls. Then, personal trainer Massi Miranda started coaching me and we have forged a tight friendship, a tighter tush and a healthier relationship with food. Then, The Standard Hotel hired me to blog on their behalf and I’ve been exposed to a holistic way of living and a new lease on spirituality. More goodness has happened but you get the crux of what I’m saying. Sometimes, the smallest changes can create a quantum shift.

So I had the pleasure of meeting “Spirit Junkie” and self-help author Gabby Bernstein last week for a speaking engagement for her third book May Cause Miracles at The Standard and here are a few ideas that resonated with me and will affect your life in a mammoth manner.

Subtle changes in your life will, in effect, cause dramatic change. For example, I was freaking out on my kids regularly (Greeks tend to SCREAM even when we should be using our “indoor voices”). I had to be the change. Not them. Realizing this notion was huge. So before having a mommy meltdown, I now try to be mindful — I take a deep, collective breath before going crazy on my kids. Said breath usually calms me down and better parenting skills follow. Ommmmm.

Follow your intuition (it’s always right!) and surround yourself with positive people. Feeling that there are social vampires in my life is a tough pill for me to swallow. Cutting them out is even harder and a work in progress. Frenemies are like ticks, they cling on, suck the life out of you and won’t let go!  But the takeaway here is follow your gut.  If someone in your life feels remotely shady, they most likely are. So listen to the little voices in your head. They are always right (damn them)! And frankly, bad juju is worst than having the flu. And it’s highly contagious like the clap.

When it comes to your professional life, ask for more. Ask for that promotion. Ask for more money. Ask for additional work. Ask for that corner office with a view. Ask, ask, ask! Don’t be scared. It takes gumption and chutzpah to succeed in the business world. I’m always shocked when I kindly question a pay raise and the client says YES. But if you never ask, you’ll never get more. And I used to ask with my tail between my legs, but I now know my self worth and inquire with a profound sense of confidence.

The Law of Attraction works. Everyone always asks me, “Why are you always so happy?” And the answer is quite simple. I feel that I’m lucky. I manifest positive goals. I treat people with respect. I smile all the time. I try not to complain. I tell myself EVERY DAY that I deserve the best. What you put out is what you get. Plain and simple. That’s powerful stuff!

♥ I am flawed. No one is perfect. Duh! I used to suffer from crippling anxiety attacks. I hate large crowds. I can’t stand judge-y people. I can’t stomach friends on their phones during an entire meal. I despise my muffin top. There’s always room for improvement. But being in tune with my imperfections is just as important as being in alignment with my strengths. I now avoid the very situations that cause me stress and unhappiness. Oftentimes, it takes knowing what you dislike to lead you on the path to happiness.

So inquiring minds want to know… What goal/goals are YOU manifesting for 2013?

17 Comments

  1. January 28, 2013 / 9:40 am

    Hi Maria! what an inspirational post! I know exactly what you mean with taking a deep breath with the kids and staying away from people who might not be the healthiest (lets say in a nice way). Im so happy you have found a way to stay in touch with yourself and through tat become even more successful. I think the “ask more” its something I always struggle with. Its hard for me to ask for things, specially money, but Im deff taking your advice and finding a way to break away from that. xo Dee

  2. January 28, 2013 / 9:50 am

    Bravo, my friend! Fantastic post. And I found it very helpful to be able to relate with you and not feel like I am alone. Seeing you shine give me the permission to shine, as well. So I thank you for that. Love it!

  3. January 28, 2013 / 10:04 am

    Love this post, Maria! First off, love your style of writing. So accessible, clear, authentic. Second, love how you apply the May Cause Miracles principles to your real life in a practical way – especially the part about taking a deep breath before having a mommy meltdown, something we all need to practice on a daily basis! So often when we want our kids to listen, the first thing we can do is listen better ourselves, right? Thank you for keeping it real. xx

  4. January 28, 2013 / 11:52 am

    Love it! So glad you wrote this. I get asked a lot as to why I am not on “the scene” as much as others or mingle with fellow “Miami people”, and it is very much for reasons said above. Good to know I’m not alone in this thought process and congrats for bringing yourself to a point of personal reflection. <3

  5. Jessica Lantos
    January 28, 2013 / 12:13 pm

    Thanks for this Maria! I love these kind of posts. I complain far too much it’s my 2013 goal to not complain and be more thankful and welcoming of everything! Xoxo to you

  6. Lizzie
    January 28, 2013 / 1:36 pm

    Thank you so much for this inspirational post! I love it! Also, I absolutely love your personalized book! I couldn’t help but to order one personalize for moi!

  7. Sofia
    January 28, 2013 / 2:40 pm

    Love this post, momma! The law of attraction works!!!

  8. Wordy Girl
    January 28, 2013 / 7:09 pm

    WOW! I’m simply in LOVE with this comment thread. I am so HAPPY you guys can relate and are on the path to self improvement as well.

  9. January 28, 2013 / 9:16 pm

    As always, you rocked it Maria!! I LOVED READING AND TUNING INTO YOUR SAGE-Y, WISE SELF! I saw Gabby last year with Nikki and she was incredible! So glad for the refresher post!! P.S. Love the direction you are heading in with The Wordy Girl! Keep it coming! xoxo, Nicki G.

  10. January 29, 2013 / 5:45 am

    Amen sister! I’m reading Rhonda Byrne’s The Power now & getting so much clarity on Law of attraction & positivity. I want to now get Spirit Junkie after. i really love this post too & very inspiring. Love & light Amiga! Xoxox Annie

  11. January 29, 2013 / 9:52 am

    Could not have said it better my friend! You are a great inspiration yourself and I am blessed to have YOU and your light in my life! XO

  12. Massiel Miranda
    January 29, 2013 / 9:57 am

    The one and only “Literati Guru Ji”, you move me with your words. My 2013 goals CHOOSE, FOCUS and ALLOW. Choose “compassion” by withdrawing from emotions does not, paradoxically, mean hardening your heart. On the contrary, the practice of detachment, which includes not passing judgement on others or their actions, tends to create a purity of vision that draws the heart toward compassion. A clear “focus” for the eye altering, alters all (William Blake). Allow: All events will flow into a beautiful resolution. May the outward equal the inward. Feeling light within, I walk. (A native American saying) This was a beautiful post. Thank you Maria ji

  13. January 29, 2013 / 1:41 pm

    look at you evolving! I LOVE it… looks good on ya! HAPPY all your goodness is coming to fruition 😉

  14. Sebastian
    January 29, 2013 / 8:53 pm

    Keep up the great posts with realness.

  15. January 30, 2013 / 11:14 am

    I’m going to ask for more and expect more for myself in the New Year. Thanks for the words of wisdom 🙂

  16. August 1, 2013 / 6:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about gabby bernstein. Regards

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