Anyone Can!: Live a Happier Life

ANYONE

CAN!

LIVE A HAPPIER LIFE

MARION LICCHIELLO

Copyright © 2013 MARION LICCHIELLO.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

Balboa Press

A Division of Hay House

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.balboapress.com

1-(877) 407-4847

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4525-6556-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-6558-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-6557-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012924004

Balboa Press rev. date: 2/7/2013

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dedications and Thank You’s

1.   ATTITUDE

My Eureka Moment

Written By Pattie Simone

Attitude Is Everything!

The Defensive Attitude

A Positive Attitude Can Get You Through Anything

Written By Robbie Motter

Let It Go

Written By Kathy Welsh

The Parental Attitude

My Way Is Better Attitude

The Oh F%#K It/Who Gives A Sh%T Attitude

Appreciation And Acknowledgement Attitude

2.   NEVER EVER GIVE UP

Determined To Overcome My Disability

Written By Jim Stevens

Mother And Daughter Make Lemonade Out Of Lemons

Written By Nancy Stampahar

3.   EVERY EXPERIENCE IS A LEARNING LESSON

4.   CREATING YOUR DESTINY THROUGH VISION BOARDS

My Very First Vision Books

Cut And Paste…A Whole New Meaning

Written By Lillian Gottlieb

You Have A Future!

Written By Sandra Longmore

Creating Your Vision Board

Finding Purpose And Direction – Letting Images Guide The Way

Written By Marian Brown

You May Do More Than Just Envision

Written By Margie Licchiello Ww

A Double Vision Board Win!

5.   MANIFESTATION

6.   INTENTION

Greatness Exists Within All Of Us

Written By Christine Ferguson

My Tale Of Wow

Written By Ella Rucker

Feel The Feeling, Attract Instantaneously!

Written By Faith Mckinney

7.   FOCUS AND FAITH

8.   BEYOND GRATITUDE

9.   GOD AND EGO

10.   THE NOW

11.   ALCOHOLISM AND ADDICTION

The Day That Changed My Life

Written By Rich Barnes

12.   INTEGRITY

Learning To Say No

Ask And You Shall Receive

13.   FORGIVENESS

Surrender And Release

It’s Always Perfect

Written By Cynthia Farina

When The Going Gets Tough, Get Tougher

Written By Marlene Blaszczyk

14.   FEAR

15.   ANXIETY

Anxiety And Stress Relievers

Stress

The Map Of The Human Consciousness

Written By Andrew Mann

16.   HAPPINESS AND SELF LOVE

Loving Myself Anyway

Written By Tina Nies

17.   INTUITION

18.   FITNESS AND HEALTH

Finding A Healthy Way Of Living – The Personal Rewards Are Priceless

Written By Jill Lord

My Defining Moment

Written By Sheryl Yvette

My 1 1 1 Recommendations For Living A Healthy Life!

Let The Wonderful Contributors Of This Publication Know How Much You Appreciate Their Story

Resources

Introduction

What if you knew this book could help change your thoughts to change your life? Would you read it? I can’t make any guarantees but I can share my story and others’ stories about how we changed and improved our lives by putting the past in the past no matter how horrendous, terrible or scary. If we can do it; ANYONE CAN!

If you are still reading it’s probably because you want to improve yourself, make your life a little better or soar with the eagles. It’s all about attitude and changing your thoughts. You may even want to just share it with a friend who needs a little boost or guidance. Whether you purchased this book, won it, received it as a gift or it just appeared in your hands, I want you to know I will do everything I can to make it worth your time. I know every moment is valuable. I will show you how shifting your attitude, a decision or a thought process can change everything, in as little as a moment. I have admired and learned from many great masters over the years and will do my very best to share my stories, others’ stories and the teachings I’ve learned from my mentors who are anyone from Anthony Robbins to Oprah Winfrey, Wayne Dyer to God, Iyanla Vanzant to Louise Hay, the cashier in the store to the man asking for money in the subway station.

We are all teachers and students of the Universe and God. Be open to everything. Learn from each experience. Life is filled with many surprises, both good and bad. It’s what we make of them that determines the meaning of our life. It’s how we treat others and how we serve. It’s about giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about being open to love and relationships and becoming vulnerable even if it means getting hurt. With each experience, we grow stronger from the hurt. It’s about knowing when something negative happens that you will get through it and possibly even gain a positive new way of thinking from it. Better yet, there is usually a much more positive experience waiting for you.

Even if this is a hard concept to grasp, bear with me, it took me years and years. The journey you will embark upon while reading this book is about triumph through adversity, turning bad into good, making lemonade out of lemons, treating everyone the same whether they are a billionaire or a homeless person. We are all human, all one, all connected.

My story is one that goes from complication and devastation to elation, transformation and creation. And though I would love to share it all with you there is just too much for one book. I will begin book number two as soon as this one is complete.

Keep an open mind throughout your reading experience. If there is one thing I know for sure it is a positive outlook makes a world of difference in my journey. Better yet, realizing that no matter what happens in my life, it will be okay and there is a rainbow at the end of the horrific storm. It’s not just a positive attitude; it’s how I think about things, handle situations, and speak to others. It is also recognizing how to talk to myself with kindness and love. It’s about getting over fears and believing in your own self worth. Just being positive will get you nowhere – changing your thoughts or questions you ask yourself as situations occur, will get you everywhere.

Dedications and Thank You’s

What if you thanked everyone you knew for coming into your life whether it was a good experience or a learning experience? How do you think that would change your attitude towards circumstances? If I can do it; ANYONE CAN!

Thanks to my friends, family and others who stood by me through all the good, bad, happy, and sad throughout life, but especially this past year and a half. You know who you are and how much you mean to me. Please know if you were there for me at any point in my life, I am truly grateful and appreciate it and you. I am grateful whether you were a good part of my life, a great part, or what I will call a learning lesson.

Thank you…To all who contributed to this book as a way to help others realize if you can move forward in life through your experiences or the actions you took, they can too = ANYONE CAN! That is the purpose of this book and you are helping others by sharing your stories. I truly appreciate it and am honored you are taking this journey with me.

Of course, to my editor who received this book in dribs and drabs, (I also consider her a friend though so the top part applies to her also) my next project will be more organized.

To all of those individuals who were learning lessons who came in and out of my life, which enabled me to grow and change… I brought you into my space and take 100% responsibility for all we experienced. I thank you for being a part of my journey. I am also sorry if there is anyone I hurt along the way.

Most of all, I want to thank God, Higher Source, and this Magical Universe for being a part of me and guiding me through this book. Thank you for connecting me to spirit. I am truly blessed. Because I think differently than many, I would also like to thank the Angels, Spirit Guides, and Fairies.

My supporters and readers, who, I hope will continue to grow and learn with me on this journey as I continue to grow and learn from and with you, and most of all for everyone who encouraged me and didn’t tell me my dreams were ridiculous. For not saying anything when I took three steps forward and two steps back when it came to writing this book, relationships and everything else in life. I love you all! God Bless! Thank you to anyone new who has entered into my life since writing this book also. If I allowed you into my space, you are good for me and my life. I now know what I do and do not want – so welcome! That doesn’t mean I still don’t have a lot of learning and teaching to do!

I want to thank my man for being supportive in every way, every day. I came to a point in my life where I felt good about everything else but it was time to find someone to share it with. I am very grateful. I finally have a feeling of peace, love, joy and happiness with my companion. I do not regret or have any remorse for any of my past relationships as they are the reason I am able to write this today. I am glad for each and every experience, both good and bad. Remember - Every experience is a learning experience!

ATTITUDE

What if you knew you could change your attitude and in turn your life would transform because of it? Would you do it or at least give it a shot?

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude of mind. William James (1842- 1910)

If you have a healthy attitude you can get much further in life. In order to change our attitude, we need to change our thoughts. Learning to bounce back whenever there are hard times is crucial. Pay attention to your thoughts. It is imperative in living a healthy, happy life!

I asked one of my best friends what she would like to see in a good personal development book. One of her answers was how to connect with other people and how not to react when speaking to others. She also was concerned with how to find a better way to speak to people so they do not take what you are saying the wrong way. I’ve noticed the tremendous change over the years in this area with her, but I imagine it is still something she struggles with once in a while. A lot of us do. So, with that in mind, my question to you is: How is your attitude? Do you make sure you answer people with kindness?

I believe attitude is everything. You get hired because of your attitude, you can get fired because of your attitude, and people are or are not attracted to you because of it. Of course enthusiasm is part of attitude. Would you select a friend or partner for life if they had a really bad disposition? Or are you going to look for the lighthearted, friendly, personable, enthusiastic, confident person; the one who answers with love and kindness, not defensiveness or bitterness?

Here is a story from Pattie that explains a change in attitude and how it made a tremendous difference in her life.

MY EUREKA MOMENT

Written by Pattie Simone

Many years ago I had a eureka moment - that literally changed my life.

I can’t tell you the exact moment this occurred, but the outcome was utterly awesome! In a nutshell - one day I realized I had control over how I reacted to people and situations; and the difference in my reaction and my attitude was a game changer.

The scenario that prompted the realization and subsequent change: I was part of a civic woman’s group and one woman in particular was very irritating to me. I didn’t like anything about her - she wore old fashioned clothes, her haircut was outdated, she seemed so serious about everything and had a strict, schoolmarm air about her. A real downer!

Of course there were other women who felt the same way and occasionally we’d rehash some of the things that annoyed us at the end of our monthly meetings. One woman was wound a bit too tight with her observance of parliamentary procedures, another one said _____, etc., blah, blah, blah.

I always felt uncomfortable after these negative discussions, like there was a bad taste in my mouth. So I started observing how some of the other women interacted with each other, how the calmer, upbeat and more diplomatic ones smoothed over the rough edges when one or more people had a combative tone. These people fostered harmony not discord. They recognized the two or three camps, allowing them time to have their say and making comprises so we all came to an agreement. And stuff got done.

So back to the eureka moment… At some point I realized the obvious - I was not going to change the people who annoyed me. I DID have complete freedom of a choice to change my focus, thoughts, actions, words and hopefully, outcomes!

I could look past the silly things that distracted me and focus on our shared mission. I could also really open my eyes, and see more things from a positive perspective. So instead of focusing on the negative and what we DID NOT have in common, I made an active choice to focus on the POSITIVE and the many things we DID have in common!

The almost instantaneous effect of my new, forward-thinking attitude was amazing. The meetings became a whole lot more productive, and my new positive point of view helped me reassess other people and the way I interacted with them. I wanted to be in the camp of fostering harmony, not discord, so we could all be more productive and get things done.

Am I a perpetual Pollyanna? Nope. I get irritated by stupid, unfair or inaccurate stuff all the time. When I’m really steamed, I’ll write a note, a letter to the editor, a blog post. And within my family and circle of friends, I regularly vent about a bunch of things; people who don’t teach their kids basic manners, companies with idiotic or sexist ad campaigns, etc., etc.

But day to day, I’m choosing to be on the upswing. I infuse my business doings with enthusiastic and productive news, advice, and tips, especially within the growing global community of ambitious women listed on WomenCentric.

Give it a whirl - being positive is contagious - and studies show having an upbeat attitude is way healthier too. Be a change agent with a sunny disposition and watch great things happen to you and the people around you!

Love it! Love it! Love it! You go girl – keep that positive attitude, share it, live it, own it!

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

Years ago I had the pleasure of conducting mini lectures for Spas and Fitness Centers. I created my Attitude is Everything seminar. At the time, I was in the best shape of my life and I was rockin’ the world, mind, body and spirit (or at least I thought so, and that’s all that counts ). I was discussing the up and coming seminar ideas with my sister and she said why don’t we go to the spas and see how they treat us individually, kind of like the premise of Undercover Boss today except we weren’t their bosses. At the time I was fitness-model material and might have even been when I was modeling sportswear. One of the problems the owners presented to me was how she thought certain employees were treating people differently but didn’t know how to prove it. My sister had weighed more than I and she suggested we see how different they treat each of us as individuals, one being seemingly more health conscious than the other, even though she worked out every morning and is and always will be more flexible than I am. They didn’t know that. We were determining how they viewed us or if they judged us based on our appearance, hence ascertaining what kind of attitude they had towards others.

I presented this to the owners of the centers and they loved the idea. It was the only way to let the employees know how they were portraying themselves to others and how to change it. It was also a great way to acknowledge and award those doing a great job.

We visited three different centers.

1.   The first staff members made us wait incessantly. They treated me totally different than my sister. When one staff member spoke to us, she never looked at my sister, once. They continued for an hour and half to treat us differently. What an experience. Think about how that attitude towards someone overweight, finally deciding to begin a fitness routine, would hinder their results or even halt them from starting a program.

2.   Second told us they couldn’t see us for more than a few minutes because they were closing and we would have to come back the next day, even after explaining it was the only time we had and were very interested in joining the club that night. There was still a good twenty minutes before they closed. They hardly gave either of us the time of day; all they cared about was going home. Potential members did not matter to them at all. With that attitude from employees, businesses fail.

3.   Third one was locking the door as we ran up to it. They were just starting a party for an employee’s child and one of the employees still graciously opened the door, showed us around and treated us both as if it was the middle of the day. She even told us we could experiment with the equipment if we wanted. It was 7:02pm and right on the door it stated in no uncertain terms 7:00am to 7:00pm. Did she have to do that? NO! Was she the owner? NO. This is an example of attitude being everything. She was treating this business as if it were her own. She was also treating us like human beings. Am I saying you have to stay late at work to make a good impression? No, I am just trying to give you examples of the difference in attitudes. The third employee will be noticed and hopefully acknowledged throughout life for her attentiveness.

Keep in mind, none of the employees