Earn Your Happy

Getting 100% real with you today as I discovered that I was the recent object of someone’s gossip. Doesn’t the word alone just give you an icky feeling? Ugh, me too. And it made me want to gossip right back (which would have made me feel worse), but I didn’t. It’s our first reaction when someone says something bad about ourselves or someone else, but it never leads to anything productive. So instead, I talked it over with my husband. Because I knew I was in a safe zone to express my feelings and talk things through, I was able to determine that I didn’t need to worry about what this person chose to say about me. I was able to let it go. Now, this isn’t always the case, but because I’m not close with this person I knew there was nothing I could do that would change anything about the situation. And perhaps they didn’t even mean what they said in a bad way. If, however, this was a close relationship I would have more than likely confronted this person if I wanted the relationship to remain intact. “Gossip blocks your blessings.” Words carry so much energy – both positive and negative – so don’t spend those precious words tearing someone else apart when you likely don’t know the full story. “Words are either life-giving or death-giving.” If you’re around gossip, “be the person who gossip dies with.” And if you find yourself around those who tend to gossip, realize it’s only a matter of time before you’re the subject of his or her talks. It’s up to YOU to take the high road. “Be a gossip killer.” Be the person who expresses their feelings and talks things out instead of building a wall or speaking untruths about others. Be the person who others can talk to and know that your words are safe with them. In This Episode You Will Learn: Why gossip might be holding you back How to deal with someone who gossips about you The importance of talking something through and coming to a peaceful conclusion Why it’s important to find that “safe zone” when talking things through Resources: The Bliss Project 2018 >> LEARN MORE!  

Do you ever wake up and feel like you’ve just experienced spiritual amnesia? You know, when you take classes, listen to podcasts or do something else that lights your soul on fire only to wake up the next morning feeling…not so soulful, barely recognizing who you were the day before.   I’m here to tell you that this is normal. As one of my favorite quotes says:   “Every day is day one.”   It’s one of my favorites because it’s so true. You change on a daily basis and what happened yesterday has no bearing on today. So what made you happy yesterday, doesn’t necessarily make you happy today. And many days you won’t even know who you are…red flag!   “If you’ve forgotten who you are, you may want to reassess.”   Ask yourself, “what’s working for me. What’s not?” Are you continuing to do something because you think you should or because you think you’re going to get a certain result? Sometimes we’re so caught up in what we should do that we forget what we enjoy doing.   To ensure that I stay in this constant state of evaluation and questioning (and happiness), it’s imperative that I pray, meditate and get grateful (this is often only 5-6 minutes a day).   “Do the thing that makes you find peace.”   Get present, become aware and make time for what truly makes you happy – regardless of what’s happening that day (crazy work day, family visiting, running kids all over town). Play your favorite music that helps you get in flow. Drink that favorite cup of coffee even if you only have five minutes to have a few sips in a locked bathroom. ;-) You will find that every little bit helps to make this experience of life just a little more joyful.   What keeps you joyful and in the present?     In This Episode You Will Learn:   How to figure out what’s not working in your life How to get present Why having daily rituals are so important How to make life more enjoyable   Resources:   The Bliss Habit For more information, visit theblisshabit.com. Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

Subscribe to Earn Your Happy on iTunes. Time to get comfortable, take your pants off (be sure to tune in to get this reference) and get ready to listen as I talk with two best friends (and podcasters), Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams, who you will soon feel like yours too. With Lindsey originally from the East Coast and Krista from the Midwest, life brought them both out to California by way of New York. They met a couple years ago when a mutual friend suggested that Krista reach out to Lindsey for advice on auditioning for SoulCycle. They immediately clicked and felt that there would be an even bigger connection later on. They were right! Even though Krista didn’t become a SoulCycle instructor, she and Lindsey did create the hilarious and tell-it-like-it-is podcast, Almost 30. During this podcast, they share the life transitions they’re going through in real-time, where they’ve been and what tools they’ve used to help them get there – all while keeping it authentic to who they are and with a lot of laughs. I hope you love listening to these ladies as much as I did and that it encourages you to find those people who get you and allow you to be unapologetically who you are. Questions Asked in this Episode What is SoulCycle? How did you two meet? How did you come up with the Almost 30 podcast? Where are you two now and what are your unapologetic dreams? What work are you doing around your money mindset? How do you allow yourself to show up and create a safe space for other people? When do you feel most free – most yourself? How do you set massive goals but detach from the outcome and remain present? What do you feel you’re resisting right now? In This Episode You Will Learn: About life transitions and why it’s so important to have a sisterhood/community to help you navigate it. About finding your true calling in life Why imperfect is better than perfect Starting a podcast Why self-love and forgiveness is crucial in the creative process About balancing personalities, responsibilities and tasks when in a business partnership How to shift your money mindset Quotes: “Small decisions and small actions lead to something great.” – Krista “We must try to be the best versions of ourselves for each transition that comes along.” – Lindsey “Just because it’s not perfect doesn’t mean I shouldn’t put it out there.” – Lindsey “There isn’t a better feeling than knowing people accept you for who you are.” – Krista “I’m most free when I’m not focused on the end result.” – Lindsey “If you’re wanting what someone else has, then you’re not being grateful for what you have.” – Krista “The process becomes who you are.” – Lori “Appreciate your potential and just do it.” – Lindsey -- The Almost 30 Podcast is a weekly podcast filled with interviews and conversation about navigating big changes and transitions in life. It’s more than being almost 30, it’s about equipping yourself with the tools, insights and inspiration to be your best self! We keep it light, we keep it funny, and we keep it real. Resources: Almost30Podcast.com HundredBlog.com IG: @almost30podcast FB: facebook.com/Almost30podcast Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Ecker Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

Penny for your thoughts? What have you been thinking in the last week or so? List the top three feelings you’ve felt, keeping in mind it could be a combination and vary by the hour! ;) That’s how I’ve felt lately anyway. “How you feel is how you view the world around you.” Let’s say you’re happy. When you have a hectic day, you don’t get angry, you choose gratitude and feel blessed to be so busy. If you’re anxious or feeling angry, you can likely guess that ANYTHING will set you off (why are they chew SO LOUDLY?) and things don’t look as rosy. Emotions don’t just appear; they need our thoughts to fuel them. So if you’re pouring gasoline on a fire, you’re going to get bigger flames or an explosion. Same with your thoughts. If your thoughts are literally raging, your emotion (and actions for that matter) will follow suit. So how can control this whiplash of emotions on a day-to-day basis? First off, take a minute and reflect: What emotions am I feeling? Then, what are the thoughts that are fueling that emotion? Once you’ve figured that out, INSERT NEW THOUGHT(S). Recently, I’ve had to use this reframing practice along with a little help from a mastermind friend who steered me in the right direction. I wanted to hold onto that feeling of overwhelm – book, travel, programs etc. – and darn it, I wanted to be validated for it. My lovely friend, Lindsay, wasn’t going to give me an inch though. Instead, she encouraged me to “find presence in the busier schedule.” “Don’t rob other experiences because of one emotion.” So since then, I’ve been super mindful of these overwhelming thoughts. And I’ve used a special piece of jewelry to keep me aware and remind me to SLOW DOWN and get in the present when those feelings come creeping back. And I encourage you to do the same. “Make your world instead of destroying it with your thoughts.” Is it hard? Heck yes! It does NOT always feel awesome, but we must choose to get out of victim mode. Think the most peaceful, loving thoughts, forgive for the other thoughts and move on. In This Episode You Will Hear About: About the link between our thoughts and emotions How choosing new thoughts can help you About the importance of keeping your thoughts in the present Why being aware of your thoughts is so important Resources: The Bliss Project 2018 >> LEARN MORE! Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

Are you happy right NOW in this moment? Or do you have certain contingencies that it hinges on? Are you waiting or relying on someone or something to make you happy? Whether it’s a spouse, best friend, job or goal are you depending on something other than yourself to FINALLY bring you happiness? Here’s where that gets a little tricky… “Happiness is a choice in each moment.” We must understand that the “thing” you’re waiting on is NOT going to make you any happier in the long term than you are right now in this moment. And that’s why happiness can be a little sticky at times. If you are relying on anyone other than yourself, your happiness level will average out to be where you are now until you decide to be happy all the time. OK, I’m realistic. I don’t expect you to be happy ALL the time. If something bad happens, feel those feelings, but don’t let them hang around too long. Often it’s as simple as waking up and CHOOSING the mood you’re going to be in. It’s all about adjusting your “default mood.” Sure, there may be some things in your life right now that plain suck. But you know what? That doesn’t mean YOUR LIFE sucks! “Start becoming really grateful and experiencing deep gratitude for all the little things.” If you’re looking for the good, you’ll find it. The same goes for the opposite. Instead of looking for what’s missing, look at what you do have. I still have times where I need to remind myself to get in the present and stop blaming others – unfortunately we blame those closest to us first (sorry, Chris!). And this is usually when my daily practices/rituals are off kilter (not meditating, not enough sleep etc.). Most importantly, if you find that you’re relying (blaming) on someone/something to be complete, don’t judge yourself too harshly. Recognize it and forgive quickly – you’re human! So what is it that YOU desire? What could you shift your thoughts to right now and get really grateful for? I promise that when you can step into gratitude and learn lessons along the way, the happiness will follow (and so many other great things). “Your happiness is what attracts amazing people and things.” In This Episode You Will Hear About: Why happiness is a choice The importance of daily rituals/practices The Law of attraction Tribe Resources: The Bliss Project Live Event Tickets Go On Sale July 19th! Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

Just a couple days ago on the 4th of July, I was able to take a WHOLE day just for PLAY with friends – no writing, no meetings, no worries – celebrating America’s birthday. And while initially I felt as though it may stress me out more (I am on a book deadline), I couldn’t have been MORE wrong. Today I feel energized, more creative and honestly like I just drank about 10 straight shots of espresso (OK, let’s not get too crazy). I realized that the play is actually equally as (if not more) important as the writing, creating programs, podcasts etc. “The play IS the work.” It can be a bit confusing at first because while you’re “playing,” it doesn’t feel as though you’re being productive. But I assure you, you are! It’s especially beneficial when you feel as though you’ve hit a creativity rut. “The play is productive. The play is important. The play is creative. The play is freedom. The play is expansion. The play is real connection.” After you’ve taken the time, you’re able to come back with a fresh perspective – new eyes. Ideas abound and the world just seems…better. Am I right? “Personally, when I play and try new things, I have so much more to say.” Anyone else? You’re always up-to-date and relevant because you’re constantly thinking of new things and connecting. What would it look like for you to plan some sort of play into every week? Please share – I would love to hear all about it! In This Episode You Will Hear About: Adding more play into your week Ridding yourself of creativity blocks Finding fresh perspective Connection Resources: The Bliss Habit 12-Week eCourse: TheBlissHabit.com Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

Subscribe to Earn Your Happy on iTunes. Do you feel supported by family, friends, co-workers etc.? If not, we must realize that this support will not magically appear on its own. In order to receive this support, we must first support ourselves – unconditionally. There was a stretch of time when I felt that I didn’t have any true friends... I didn’t want to drink, party all night only to feel like crap the next day, but all my friends at the time did. I wanted to be healthy and fit, but my friends chose Thirsty Thursday over healthier options. Of course, thinking I had NO other options, I followed along and my dreams continued to take the backseat. But here’s the thing, it wasn’t their fault. It was me who wasn’t willing to put myself first. I wasn’t willing to let go of those short-term pleasures. I wasn’t ready to support myself and get out of my own way. It was time to step into my fear and CHOOSE to become the person I truly wanted to be. So I chose to start supporting myself. I had to find things, even if it meant on my own, that would help me reach my goals and practice saying no to the things that wouldn’t. For me, the most pressing need when I started this journey was my health. I gradually started making the choice to not go out and drink myself into oblivion. And it wasn’t until I did that, that I could start pursuing my fitness goals/career. What’s your most pressing need right now? What would make you feel BETTER? To get more rest, to eat better, exercise more or change your circle of friends? Full honesty… It isn’t easy. “But if you don’t start choosing to support yourself, you have to get comfortable with the idea that you’re never going to change.” You must ask yourself if you’re OK waking up in five years and being in the same place. If nothing changes, nothing changes. It’s scary, but you’re the only one who can do it. “You can either choose complete suppression or face your fear.” Face that fear TODAY! What are some ways you can support yourself RIGHT now? Is it time-blocking your calendar to fit in 20 minutes of exercise? Is it scheduling dance or music lessons? Is it reaching out to someone to be your mentor? It doesn’t matter how big or small your acts are as long as you’re ACTING. Failure is a given, but if we choose to focus on the blessing rather than each individual failure we’ll fail faster into better success. In This Episode You Will Hear About: Supporting yourself to feel better Facing your fears Spirit Junkie Masterclass Resources The Bliss Habit Spirit Junkie Masterclass + Free 2018 Bliss Ticket: http://www.loriharder.com/gabby (Expires Thursday June 28th at 6 PM EST) Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

I’m always so excited to have today’s guest, Gabrielle Bernstein, on Earn Your Happy, but today is even more exciting because we’re talking about her Spirit Junkie Digital Master Class – the class that undeniably took my business (and life) to a whole new level. So often when people have a pull to do something “more”, they automatically respond with, “Who am I to do this?” But really the question that should be asked is, “Who am I NOT to do this?” To nip these thoughts in the bud, one of Gabrielle’s foundational components, trains you in confidence. It’s your time to rise up and the only way to build that confidence is to practice clearing the fear and blocks from your path. One fear that comes up often is unapologetically making money while remaining spiritual. “Earning for our great work is also a great opportunity to invest in our well-being so that we can continue to do the work we’re here to do.” In Gabrielle’s teachings, she’s crafted her program to be equal parts spiritual and business growth and business training. She hopes to bust the myth that you can’t make money AND be spiritual at the same time. “We have to do the spiritual work to clear the belief systems that hold us back from our earning capacity and hold us back from stepping into our light.” Honestly, I understand this 100% because I, like many of you, was in this same position not that long ago. And it wasn’t until I shifted my way of thinking (with the help of Gabrielle’s Spirit Junkie Master Class) that my business and life catapulted to places I’d only dreamed. I was ecstatic about all the things that seemed possible to me. New opportunities were appearing, left and right! “Change the way you perceive abundance, then abundance can flow.” I cannot tell you how TRUE this statement is. “When you’re in alignment with inspiration, joy, excitement and enthusiasm, you become a magnet for opportunities.” So maybe you have the ideas, but you’re afraid that it’s already been done before. You’re right, it probably has. But that doesn’t mean the world doesn’t need more inspiration from people like you! “There are far more people in need of that inspiration than there are people doing it.” Just make sure that the work you’re doing lights you up from the inside out. If you’re excited about creating your content, trust and know that other people will get excited about it too. The Spirit Junkie Master Class helps you connect with the spiritual side of this process while also allowing you to get laser-focused and successful with the business component. Make sure your energy is aligned with your inspiration. “Your most valuable currency is energy. If your energy isn’t clear, joyful and inspirational, then you won’t be a magnet for more of that.” If you’re feeling like you have a message and you want to be unapologetic about sharing that message with the world, I highly recommend joining the Spirit Junkie Digital Master Class tribe. See the resources below to sign up and to receive a very special bonus offer from me. I could not be more grateful for Gabrielle and this course as it pushed me to the edge. She gave me richness and deep roots that gave way to the freedom to take my business to new and different places. I cannot wait to hear about the shifts YOU make because of this course as well… In This Episode You Will Hear About: Spirit Junkie Digital Master Class Authenticity Confidence How to clear blocks and fears Spiritual and personal growth Business training Abundance Resources: IG: @gabbybernstein FB: facebook.com/gabriellebernstein Spirit Junkie Digital Master Class – loriharder.com/gabby Free Three-Part Video Training with Gabrielle Bernstein – loriharder.com/video Earn Your Happy Podcasts with Gabrielle Bernstein – Episode 38 Earn Your Happy Podcasts with Gabrielle Bernstein – Episode 66 Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com

Do you feel like you’re living every day like it’s Groundhog’s Day? You know, same thoughts, same people, same problems… Sounds like it’s time to switch things up and add some excitement back into your life. But to do that we need to bust through fears and try new things. Of course, we can’t do that without first changing our thoughts. To set the tone for the day, I highly recommend waking up and instantly repeating a positive mantra – either out loud or in your head. I know, I know… sounds a little cheesy, but I assure you, it works. Every morning my husband and I say the following: “I am happier, healthier, wealthier and more fit than I was yesterday.” But that’s only the beginning of the day! Do small things throughout the day that keep the positivity and excitement going. Bear in mind that it doesn’t have to be anything HUGE. “Life and enjoyment of life is made up of the very simple pleasures.” Here are a few different things you could do: Change your thoughts. Feel a negative thought creeping in? Stop it in its tracks with a more positive one. Be sure to do this throughout the day – not just in the morning. Try different things. Go to a new coffee shop, try a different workout etc. Ask different questions. Ask people BETTER questions: what’s good, new or exciting? What was your favorite part of today? Read a book. Know a friend with a nose for good books? Ask them for their list. Try different foods. Yes, please! Go to a movie. This list could go on and on… Also, be sure you’re expanding your network – both virtually and in person. Ask a new friend out for coffee or to meet at a new workout class. And since social media has a tendency to highlight more negative things, be sure use that “block” button freely and start following more uplifting people/pages. Personally, I know that I don’t want any seeds of negativity growing in my mind, because that’s exactly what my mind will hold on to. It is SO important for YOU to weed out any potentially negative vibes. “You are the variable. You are the only one who can change your outcome.” Doing the same thing will only ever get you (you guessed it) the SAME thing. And who wants that? Certainly not me and likely not you. “If you want a different day, you’ve got to start with different thoughts in the morning.” Now, go let those thoughts lead you to THE BEST day! In This Episode You Will Hear About: The importance of experiencing new things Positivity Changing your thoughts Mantras Resources The Bliss Habit Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

Subscribe to Earn Your Happy on iTunes. Quick…what are you thinking RIGHT now? Are they positive thoughts filled with love and gratitude? Or are they low-vibe, energy-sucking thoughts that make you want to eat a can of worms? If you’re the latter… don’t eat the worms! Kidding, but seriously, I do want to discuss the power of thoughts and how those thoughts affect your current situation. I don’t know about you, but I’m fascinated with research – especially when it’s connected to the power of thoughts and changing outcomes. Currently, I’m reading the book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza, and he discusses how by shifting our thoughts from being a victim of our circumstances we can instead cause an effect that creates a different outcome. Nerd alert – I get so excited reading about studies like this. Dispenza shares research that directly links changes in DNA to positive thoughts. Did you read that? Changes in a person’s DNA!! Isn’t that amazing?! He advises though, that it’s not just about positive thoughts. Within the testing groups of one of the mentioned studies, the changes were only seen when there were positive thoughts AND feelings that went with them. “It’s not just the thoughts, but rather the intentions behind them.” We have the power to change our outcomes – just thinking and feeling different things. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m realistic. We’re not all going to wake up singing happy songs and dancing, but that’s exactly why we practice rituals that help get us present and shift into gratitude. “When you feel grateful, you attract more to be grateful for.” If you wake up feeling crappy, I get it! Acknowledge that crap sandwich, but don’t eat it! Feel those feelings, but don’t stay there. Give yourself some time, vent to a person if you need to, but MOVE ON. “Get rid of the thoughts that aren’t serving you, because that’s the outcome you’ll be living in.” Quickie Tip: Don’t let the idea of changing ALL your thoughts at once bog you down. This is not an all-or-nothing approach. The next time one of those negative Nelly thoughts comes for a visit, recognize it for what it is and choose to make your next thought just a little better. It’s those baby steps that lead to the most impactful and sustained growth. In This Episode You Will Hear About: How thoughts affect outcome Positivity Cause and effect Gratitude Resources and Books The Bliss Habit Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.