Welcome to Michele’s Daily Dash!

Words to Inspire, Support and Motivate the Creation of Your Empowered & Dynamic Life Design


    Humanity's misfortune is when we don't realize the very gifts we are! We don't serve the rest of the world or ourselves by playing small. Live your life big! Own your truth! We must embrace the knowing that we deserve to live a life we love, one that supports who and what we are. We need to be willing to say, 'Yes! I choose me!'


  • What do you want to be when you grow up?

    Posted Mar 18th, 2010 By in Career, Change, Life Purpose With | No Comments

    When I grow up I’m gonna be a policeman and a fireman, a shortstop for the New York Yankees, an astronaut, and a superhero. ~ Response from a five-year old when asked what he wants to be when he grows up. Let me add that his reply was said with ridiculous amounts of enthusiasm and confidence that he indeed would “be” each of those items he listed. Children are very courageous and empowered without being conscious of it. They aren’t burdened with societal norms and beliefs, haven’t been conditioned with false truths, and aren’t embracing lack and limitation. Because they are 100% connected with their hearts, their dreams are endless. Their powers of love and imagination are fully expressed. I’m sure at some point someone will tell my five-year old friend that there’s no way he could ever be a superhero because they don’t exist, but I guarantee you that he will carry that dream somewhere inside of him forever. It’s not always the “title” we want to achieve in our lives when we dream big. We are all born with an innate essence, as well as unique talents and skills. Often we aren’t aware of these amazing gifts because what comes naturally to us is as easy as breathing. When we’re children, we connect to these larger than life dreams because our very beings make up the essence of what the “title” requires or represents.

    Ask yourself two questions today: What would I do today knowing that I didn’t need to worry about money or time and I was guaranteed 100% success? What do I want to be when I grow up? I realize just about everyone reading this is a grown up, but we’ve never left our inner child. He or she is still a part of us, although we might have pushed them down so we don’t hear their guidance. What did you aspire to be as a child, teenager, and now as an adult? Out of what I hope to be a very long list, are there ideas you would still enjoy exploring? Exploration is aligned with research and you’re not committed to anything more than learning more about the very titles, positions, careers and superhero status you once desired. Also take the time to look at why you didn’t choose to pursue your dreams. Was it out of fear, being told your choices were irresponsible or feeling limited? If your dreams are still calling to you it doesn’t matter if they are rational or irrational. It’s time to break them down and see how the skills, talent and experience needed for your dream connects directly with your essence and unique gifts.

    There’s a reason this divine idea came to you regardless of your age and have fun taking the time to discover why. I have many friends who love to cook and they are awesome at it. They create recipes from scratch and I am a grateful tester. Most of them do not want to go to culinary school, do not want to be a chef or a caterer; however, something clicks when they are in the kitchen. Some find it relaxing and a form of meditation, which allows them to clear their mind. Others enjoy the act of connecting with their inner artist and creating a dish filled with color. If they delved deeper into what it is about cooking and entertaining that they enjoyed a rather long list of elements would result. There could be several items on their elements list that connect and could be explored further toward a possible new career or business. We are living in exciting times where the old rules of work, career and jobs do not apply. There are many creative strategies that support living and doing the life you love. Are you willing to be willing?

  • How many layers in YOUR onion?

    Posted Mar 17th, 2010 By in Uncategorized With | No Comments

    Over three years ago I had the courage to shut up for a three-day weekend and attend a silent retreat. Prior to that weekend, my experience with silence could fit into a thimble, and the thought of ever knowing stillness with no use of phones or technology seemed impossible. However, when the opportunity presented itself the pull was so strong, I knew that only good would come from it. At the time of the silent retreat I had a lot going on both personally and professionally, as well as feeling that there were blocks keeping me from moving forward and this overwhelming sensation that I should be doing something more with my life. There was a lot of meditation, both walking and still, but there was one meditation in particular, guided, that I will remember forever. It began at the top of the stairs and with each step down you were led downstairs into a basement where you would find three boxes, each larger then the next. Now before I even got down to the bottom step I knew that what was going to be in those boxes were challenges I either had not dealt with yet or thought I had and all was well. How did I know this before I opened those stupid boxes? My heart told me to get ready as I walked down the last step.

    What I found within each box was a specific and different life experiences still tied to my being in some way. I realized that the blocks preventing me from moving forward and uncovering the cause behind certain energies enveloping me were wrapped up in one word ~ forgiveness. The three separate times in my life contained within each of those boxes were in different stages of release. The smallest box had one tiny thought fly up, and it became clear that this was the final layer of what was once a very BIG onion. The entire challenge was now healed. I was able to recognize it for what it was, not only forgive myself but others involved in the situation and release it forever. How did I know it was forever? I felt lighter and filled with joy. The next two boxes were bigger because the challenges were still in their large onion phase and only a few layers had been peeled back and discarded. Damn those onions! But part of moving into action and manifesting our divine dreams and goals involves letting go of false truths, resentments, and healing. It is all about forgiveness and forgiveness work is continual.

    When I first began my journey with forgiveness I fought back a lot because I believed I was justified. If I forgive someone then I’m saying it was okay and letting him or her off the hook. However, the more work and focus I gave to the word “forgive” allowed my consciousness to shift to the realization that to forgive doesn’t mean to condone. It means that we are taking back the power and energy we gave away to a person or situation that wasn’t warranted. By reclaiming our power, we are able to focus on our divine goals, dreams and ideas and receive clarity on moving forward. When we hold onto resentments, we are blocking our good from showing up. For me, I realized it was harder to work on forgiveness of myself than forgiveness of others. There are many people who are experienced at beating themselves up and not letting themselves off the hook. We need to remind ourselves daily that we, and everyone else in the world, are doing the very best we can with where we are in the present. If someone is rude to me on the subway, I am able to let it go ~ not because I think it’s okay but because I have no idea what his day had been like up until the point he and I crossed paths. And if I choose to go toe to toe with the rude dude, then my power is going toward something negative and I have too much good coming into my life to block its flow!

    We all carry with us onions of different sizes depending on the challenge. It’s time to take a look at each one and recognize the thoughts, words and actions we’ve assigned. Some of the top onions we deal with are finances, home, body, career and relationships. Give yourself the gift of “you time” to write down your thoughts on each area. Are there resentments, memories, experiences and people (including yourself) in your life that need to be forgiven? Create a forgiveness list and at the top of the page write I forgive and fully release the following people and situations from anger and resentment. Initially forgiveness work might feel arduous, but oh the places you will go as you direct all of your energy toward the manifestation of your dynamic and delicious life.

  • Are you ready to change the world? Get ready to MOVE!

    Posted Mar 16th, 2010 By in Bring it on!, Building Relationships, Change, Life Purpose, Social Media With | 1 Comment

    When I was developing my mission and vision statements for Life Design, I knew I wanted to inspire, co-create and support life dashes filled with discovery of personal truth, abundance, prosperity and wholeness for all who are courageous enough to demand it and say, hell yes, my time is now! But I knew that my practice was more than the creative strategies I formulate with individuals and companies, and I would develop a plan where I would provide value, give back and connect with others. I wanted to make a difference and change the world. For me, it’s about being a part of something bigger than myself, and the tremendous opportunities I have to learn from others and affect change. I’m a believer that there is more than enough and collaboration benefits us all. A significant part of my giving back and becoming a part of the conversation has stemmed from my use of social media and the various networks I’ve created. It’s about quality vs. quantity and providing value vs. posting a sales pitch. I’m interested in what others have to say about the world they live in, and I know that if sharing my observations, philosophies, and experiences, for which social media is the perfect vehicle, inspires someone else to act or improve a situation than my life purpose and Life Design is on track.

    I’m often asked what contributes to the successes in my life and 100% has to do with my consciousness. I live in love and not fear. I’m not concerned with missing out on opportunities because I know the right ones for me show up. Additionally, I give back. The quickest way to receive your good is to show gratitude and generosity long before your divine dreams and goals show up. It might sound like the order should be reversed, but if I’m saying thank you for what I know will show up before it does than I’m living a life of limitless potential and not lack. My mind is not cluttered by what ifs, how tos and negativity. And trust me, the more you give back, the more you get. It’s a proven Universal Law and it’s eternal. On more than one occasion I’ve had people tell me “Aren’t you sort of giving away the farm with all you post on your social networks, blogs and Michele’s Daily Dash? Where’s the compensation?” Knowing that I’m making a difference is compensation. Connecting people and watching their relationships turn into collaborative projects is compensation. The word of mouth referrals and recommendations I’m blessed to receive because of my “giving away the farm” is the best compensation there is.

    The connections I’ve made via Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have led me to phenomenal collaborative efforts, new business opportunities and friendships across the globe. Yet, if I’d not moved into action, if I didn’t reach out, if I didn’t connect, if I didn’t get out from behind my desk, if I didn’t give back, the prosperous, joy and love filled life I’m living would not exist. As you’re moving into action toward your divine ideas and dreams what plans have you put into place for giving back? Where is your audience and what ideas will you act on to reach out and connect? How do you plan on making a difference and change the world? Asking the right questions, listening to your still, small voice, and MOVEMENT will get you there.

  • Do you really want to live a life of "If only"? MOVING INTO ACTION!

    Posted Mar 15th, 2010 By in Bring it on!, Career, Change, Goal Setting, Life, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness With | 1 Comment

    This past weekend I was blessed to witness some wonderful successes achieved by a handful of people. A friend’s 13 year-old son shared his great news about not only being accepted to his top choice for boarding school, but how he also received a full scholarship ~ including tuition, room & board, books, meals as well as transportation to and from school. A client, who’s an interfaith minister, shared how she not only has received requests from organizations to put together a lecture series to begin in April of this year, but has also booked a wedding for July. A friend and someone who attended Project 2010 this past January had fabulous news that she’s been receiving wonderful catering opportunities and has decided to go to culinary school focused on pastry. (As someone who has tasted her delicious dishes, I look forward to continuing to be her official tester.) And yesterday two friends who are dynamic women put together a gorgeous, original and successful event focused on brides called the Ultimate Engagement. What Maya and Elizabeth created in two months was nothing short of amazing. What do all of these people have in common, aside from my knowing them? They didn’t just sit on an idea, goal or divine dream. They didn’t just put their energy into the thoughts and emotions surrounding the very things they wanted to achieve; they moved into action.

    One of my favorite quotes is by Will Rogers: Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. Think about that for a minute. What does that quote mean to you. Can you relate? I know I can. There’ve been times in my life where’ve I enjoyed creating my own personal waiting room ~ complete with a stressing station and doubting diaries. Often we exile ourselves into the waiting room because the very things we’ve been setting into motion involved (initially) only our thoughts and emotions; however, when opportunities showed up and sometimes in mass, panic made an appearance as well. The manifestation of our dreams is a combination of inspired thought connected with loving and enthusiastic emotion followed by, and this is where people get stuck, ACTION. Sometimes we forget the movement that must take place in order to reach our goals or we become overwhelmed in the “how” and feel frozen in our emotions. As I’ve shared numerous times, the how is not up to us and we have to let go and trust our hearts and the still small voice that provides us with wisdom and guidance. In a sense, we must surrender.

    I realize that letting go and surrendering the how behind our good seems contradictory to my statement of moving into action. When we let go and step out on faith or surrender to the “how” of things, this doesn’t mean quitting or sitting still. It means we are detaching ourselves from the situation or challenge, but not from the solution. Just because we’re not going to worry about step 10 in the process, doesn’t mean that we ignore steps 1 – 9. We need to be active participants in the creation of our dynamic lives. If the only change you make in your life is to focus on thought without combining action or emotion, you wind up living in a world of “if only”. If only I had a different job I would be happier. If only I lived in a different city I would meet the love of my life. If the only change you make in your life is to focus on emotion without thought or action, you wind up frozen in fear, self-doubt and yes, even happiness. While frozen in happiness might sound attractive, if you don’t move beyond the daydream, you won’t live what you love. If the only change you make in your life is to focus on action without thought or emotion, you wind up running around scattered and waste a lot of energy. There’s no meaningful path or direction.

    For many of us, we combine two of the three and hope that’s enough. Usually it’s thought and emotions and we know what happens in those instances. Opportunities come right on up to our door and we don’t open it. Opportunities get tired of waiting and they move to the next door that will. Moving into action is exhilarating if that’s the energy you choose to put into it. Connect with your fearless inner child who doesn’t worry about “do overs” and relishes each success; however small it might appear, with enthusiastic Ta Das! Your action steps don’t need to be huge, and in fact, I’m a fan with smaller, easily achievable steps that propel and motivate you forward to the next one. Remember in school when you had to put together an outline and between 1 – 10 there might be 1.a, 1.b, 1.c; 2.a, 2.b, etc? The combination of tiny steps become milestones on your journey toward receiving your good and manifesting your dreams. Are you ready to act?

  • Just by being present…

    Posted Mar 12th, 2010 By in Change, Collaboration, Life, Life Purpose, Starting Over With | No Comments

    The summer I turned 18, I was up from Florida visiting family and attending my cousin’s wedding near the Jersey Shore. During one of the BBQ’s, a second cousin of mine about 20 plus years my senior came over to talk to me and catch up. He knew my college experience was about to begin in one month’s time and I had no idea what to expect. He told me to always live in the moment and allow myself to experience the very things that were going to show up. Sometimes it’s going to feel scary and sometimes people will enter your life and it will take years before you realize the why and appreciate the very gifts they gave and shared. I sat there in silence absorbing the advice. It sounded simple enough, but at the same time there was this enormity to the unknown path ahead of me. Before he moved on to give the next young relative his pearls of wisdom, he said, “I don’t know, but something tells me you’re going to end up living and working in NYC one day.” Now at 18, that was just about the coolest thing anyone could ever have said, but back then I don’t know that I believed it.

    Twenty-four years later and that 10-minute conversation has stayed with me. I can’t say I’ve always been conscious of the message my cousin left with me that day, but it definitely held a special place in my heart reserved for those days when I shut up long enough to hear the words again. Lately, experiences in my life have caused me to look back on my journey up until now. On paper, it certainly doesn’t look like a straight line from the diverse jobs, careers and industries I’ve held and worked in to the cities where I’ve lived. Yet, there has always been a common element, a favorite part of my day, regardless of my personal and professional life ~ giving back and making a difference. I’ve had job titles that seemingly have nothing to do with philanthropy or social responsibility; however, I would always find a way to integrate those very things into my day. The knowing I was supposed to be a part of something bigger than myself was a part of my natural essence and wasn’t going to be denied. One of the reason’s I’m able to look back fondly on my careers is because there were elements in each directly connected to my “I AM” ~ my unique gifts and talents that are an innate part of my being. It took time, patience and stepping out on faith that has allowed me to combine all the very things I loved into a life that isn’t compartmentalized as personal or professional. It’s a dynamic and delicious life where I live my absolute truth 24/7.

    What positive word, expression or act have you received from someone else that has stayed in your heart and continues to inspire you? Get still on that for an afternoon and see what you come up with. We are all connected whether we are conscious of it or not. It’s why we feel so much for others’ stories and jump into action when help is needed. Think about Haiti and Chile and the world of support filled with cooperation and collaboration. We are by our very nature connectors, and often don’t know just how we’ve affected someone else’s life ~ in a good way. Yesterday, my daily challenge to you all was to spend the next week creating your “I AM” list and see how many words you can use to describe your natural essence. As your list is created, you’re will start to connect the dots and see patterns toward personal and professional choices. You’ll begin to hone in on the very gifts you are bringing to this world, as part of your life purpose, and a visualization of what you can create will begin to unfold. “Teachers” and experiences you at one time cursed will be seen as gifts and lessons. If you remember someone who made a difference in your life and you’re able to thank them in person ~ reach out. And know that you know that just by being present, you are making a difference in your life and in the life of others.

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