Not for the Easily Offended

WARNING: This is not a post for those that are easily offended!!

Growing up, I was a total rocker-chick – big-hair, eyeliner and the like. I was more than just the image, though; I truly was a rocker chick. Music was my life. I managed a few local bands and, ultimately, branched out to work for a music promoter in Las Vegas for awhile. Like many music-obsessed fans, parallels can be easily drawn between lyrics and life. Today, I’m pulling this nugget from one of my favorite bands, AC/DC (and, yes, I took great liberties drawing the parallels because the song is actually about the partying lifestyle, but just go with it, folks):

What about you? Do you have big balls? I know I do. (And, I’m not talking about any tran-tastic appendages here, folks. I’m talking about courage, moxie, zest, belief, mojo … I’ve got big balls.) Do you have the balls to do what it takes in your life? Do you have the bigs balls needed to reach your dreams and goals?  I sure hope you do!

What do I mean? Life isn’t meant to be a spectator sport where you mildly watch is pass you by. No way! Life is meant to be consumed. And, my friend, it takes some big balls to do that. That, and you’ve got to get your Empowered Edge!

Your Empowered Edge is that little something extra that causes a spring in your step. It’s that little voice that urges you to keep going, because your dreams are waiting right over that next hill. It’s the courage to make that change. Once you get your Empowered Edge, it’s just something that is there. In fact, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Your Empowered Edge is already with you. It always has been. It just needs to be activated; and, again, that takes big balls.

Each day, you must put forth actions towards your goals or dreams. “But, Julie, how can I work on my goals, when I barely have time to catch a shower each day [or walk the dog, or pick up after the kids...]?” I’ve heard all the excuses, but the bottom line is that is that you probably don’t have the balls to truly commit to the goal…or worse, yourself. You have got to have the daily commitment to make time to work towards those dreams and goals. And, again, that takes balls. “Oh, but Julie, that seems like such a long commitment – every day until I reach my dream. What if my dream takes forever?” Well, if this is you, then you should plan on spending time each day working towards this dream. However, even I will admit, forever is a looonng time. It can feel overwhelming if you are uncertain of how long it will take, so I’m going to help you out.

For the next 21 days, commit to spending dedicated time working towards your goals. Period. Every day do at least one thing towards your goal. Make sure you do something every day for 21 days. At the end of those 21 days, I would guess that you are feeling much closer to your goal. You will also probably doing much more than just one action every day too. And, do you know else? I would speculate that you are feeling more confident and more confident too. In fact, you will feel like you’ve got the balls to do what it takes. How do you know? Because you’ve done what you needed to for 21 days.

Activating your Empowered Edge takes consistent effort, but you can do it. But first, you have to ask yourself,
“do I have the balls to do what it takes to activate your Empowered Edge?” So, do you?

Just for giggles, here’s the Alvin and the Chipmunks remix of AC/DC’s Big Balls…

Whatcha Waitin’ For?

I’m rockin’ and rollin’ this week year, folks. The past 17 days have been an incredible whirlwind of action. In fact, it feels as though I’ve accomplished more since January 1 than I did in all of 2007. A few of the highlights already have included:

* a front-page, business section feature on me and Inspired Imaginations in Colorado Hometown Newspapers
* a taped segment for Denver’s ABC affiliate for an upcoming piece on families, money and business. They are featured the Bubble Gum on my Business Plan empowerment system created by me and Kelly Paull.
* completed the BGBP home-study system with Kelly Paull. It is is releasing January 30. Pre-order your copy today!
* completed 50% of the Karmic Acts of Kindness family empowerment system
* hosted three phenomenal events: BGBP Pop-Up, BGBP Entrepreneurial Excellence Inner Circle call, Karmic Acts of Kindness Club
* plowed through all those unending projects (still have a few more to finish up – my project-kill day is next on my agenda)
* registered to attend the Ultimate Life Workshop in San Diego (my old hometown) with Jack Canfield. (I cannot wait!)
* heck, I’ve even gotten all my tax docs ready to hand over to the accountant

…The list goes on.

What’s my point? Life is short, and life is now. Don’t let all that is in store for you go undiscovered. Get off your butter, and get started on whatever you desire NOW. C’mon, whatcha waiting for?

In chaos and creativity,
JWS

Tears

Tear drops. Wet, hot tear drops. Sometimes you just can’t stop the flow of tears. It doesn’t matter what sets them off. Whether it is an off-hand remark, a supportive (sometimes not) criticism, or just a heart-strings pulling Hallmark commercial, it is okay to cry. I say this, because I spent a good part of tonight in tears. Nothing catastrophic has happened. It was just one of those days where I walked on the edge. We’ve all been there, right? I was frustrated, confused, and just out of sorts. Instead of fighting those feelings, I chose to embrace them. And, yes, it meant exposing my vulnerability – even only if to myself. Part of the road to getting your empowered edge is embracing your feelings and your vulnerability. It is what makes you human. And, after you shed those tears, you can focus on what is most important.

In chaos and creativity – and tears,
JWS

PS. Moms and Dads – it is okay to cry in front of your children. In fact, I encourage it! (Oh goodness, I’m certain I’ve just upset someone.) Anyway, I believe that displaying certain emotions in front of your children strengthens them, because if you can display that vulnerability and then perservere you are teaching them the essential lesson of resiliency. So, heres to tears! Cheers!

The Power of Karma & Kindnesss

January 1 typically marks the opportunity for a fresh start for most people. It is a chance to wipe the proverbial slate clean and start anew. (yes, we all have this opportunity every day of the year, but New Year’s does seem to be the most popular change catalyst.) This year, enhance your fresh start by cultivating Karmic Acts of Kindness.

Karmic Acts of Kindness (KAoK) is an individual and family empowerment system designed to develop and strengthen core character traits while also incorporating a lifestyle filled with karma and kindness. KAoK is truly the foundation for creating an environment that embraces chaos, inspires imagination and empowers lives.

In life, you get what you give, right? Right. Karmic Acts of Kindness blends the creative and forward-moving intensity of kindness and karma to catapult you – and your family – into your full potential. In fact, you’ll probably pass that potential and illuminate a journey into unchartered swirl of freedom and fun. Can’t beat that, can you?

And, just for any naysayers, KAoK truly works. Not only has my own life transformed based on these principles, but so have my children’s lives. At just the young ages of 4, 6 and 7, they already “get” it. Each day, their actions reflect karma and kindness. They have already started realizing their potential and moving forward. In fact, it is almost as though they are magnetically drawn to surpass their potential just by developing their core character traits.

So, what does all this mean for you? First, KAoK is meant to be shared and enjoyed by the world. So, later this month, I will be releasing the Karmic Acts of Kindness empowerment system for families. (Don’t worry, if you don’t have children, you will still glean just as much insight, clarification and empowerment as those who do have children.) Also, my Karmic Kids and I will be posting regular blogs, pods and vlogs to keep the momentum of karma and kindness going each month.

Also, we encourage you to share all your thoughts, feelings and acts of kindness in the comments section. If you ever want to contact us away from the site, please surf on over to Inspired Imaginations to send me or the kids a note or just to check out everything we offer.

In karma and kindness,
Julie Watson Smith

Cosmic Clicks

I am jazzed today! So many aspects of my life and business feel like the aligned in the past few weeks. It feels as though I have had my own little cosmic click.

What’s a cosmic click? A cosmic click is your “aha” moment. It is when that internal light flips on and your life feels illuminated. You know your purpose. You know the direction you need to take. Basically, you just know. That’s where I am, and I’d love for you to join me.

Over the past two decades I have carefully studied the art of living to my highest potential. I have gleaned information from a variety of sources: books, workshops, audios, seminars, psychic intuitive..the list goes on and on. From each source, I have found something to grow on – sometimes it was a small nugget of wisdom to gnaw on and others it was a juicy slab of inspiration to feast upon. Over the past few years, I have infused the best of the best practices with core principles of individual development. And, I must say that the results are PHENOMENAL! Those results are the YES! Your Empowerment Systems.

The first release of YES! is the Karmic Acts of Kindness empowerment system designed for both individuals and families. Karmic Acts of Kindness develops and strengthens core character traits while incorporating daily acts of karmatude and kindness. And, cultivating a life of karma and kindness is the foundation for surpassing your potential through your empowered edge.

All the YES! systems are packed with tools to lead you to your cosmic clicks, so please keep checking back. And, as always, keep embracing your chaos, inspiring your imaginations and empowering your life!

In chaos and karma,

Julie Watson Smith

Here’s to a Great ‘08!

Happy New Year, everyone! Are you ready for a phenomenal year? I know I am! I woke feeling refreshed and ready to go (it probably helped that I fell asleep at 9:45 too.) 2008 is definitely my and your year to Embrace, Inspire & Empower. Stay tuned for more!

Both me and the computer finally back up!

Hi folks,

My sincerest apologies for the lack of posts this past week. After Christmas, I was struck with a terrible sinus infection with left me in bed for a few days. After I finally started feeling better, my computer and internet connection crashed. Anyway, I’m back and so is my computer. However, in light of the New Year’s festivities starting for most in just a few hours, I will resume my regular posting in 2008. Have a fabulous and safe New Years Eve!

In chaos and karma,

Julie

KAoK: 31 Days of Kind Acts – Auld Lang Syne…a few days early

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?It seems inevitable that we fall out of touch with certain friends. Whether it is due to geographic constraints, varying viewpoints, or just day-to-day “busyness,” it happens. The song, Auld Lang Syne, which is a New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day favorite, always touches me. Should I forget my old acquaintance? Should I remove them from life? Never! I like to consider myself a collector of people. Each person I meet touches and enhances my life in so many ways. Each encounter provides new possibilities and opportunities as well as a bounty of karma and kindness.

Today, connect with your auld acquaintances. Call or email a friend or family member just to say “Thinking of you.” Embrace the good times you have shared and perhaps even rekindle that friendship.

In chaos, karma, creativity, and kindness,

Julie

KAoK: 31 Days of Kind Acts – Get another’s game on

Each year, my family gets a new board game. It’s a tradition I have kept from my own childhood. The only downside to this tradition is that eventually you wind up with a lot (and, I mean a lot) of board games that collect dust. Today, the Karmic Kids and I are donating those games (along with lots more books) to the local community hospital to place in their waiting rooms. Anyone who has spent time in a hospital waiting room knows that they can be very lonely and taxing environments. My hope is that the temporary distraction of a game will make the waiting a little better.

So, this year as you are putting away all the new treasures, take a peek to see if you have a few games or books that you can pass on to the local hospital.

In chaos, kindness, creativity, and karma,

Julie

KAoK: 31 Days of Kind Acts – Be Merry and Kind to All

Merry Christmas, everyone! I woke in the very, very early hours to three hushed whispers in the other room. I snuck out to see all the racket, and what did I see? The Karmic Kids huddled over Santa’s loot! They were ready to get the day started. Their excitement infused my tired body – even at 4:30am – so I joined in the fun. “Oh, my goodness, I just stepped in a pile of water; I bet Santa tracked in some snow!” I exclaimed in the darkness. “We want to see!” the three early risers shouted. “Oh, never mind, mom, it’s just cat throw up you stepped in,: said my son. Ewww. That’s okay, though. My spirits are bright. Especially since I just noticed the first snow falling. Colorado snow on Christmas is a true blessing. My family is warm and together.

With just one week remaining in our quest to do 31 days of kind acts, my entire family has realized that it is such an easy feat. Once you get started, kindness just starts to flow through all aspects of your life. I know it has with mine! I’ve also noticed phenomenal changes in the Karmic Kids. Yes, they still squabble and shout, but it seems as though their hearts grew a few sizes this past month. (Kinda like the Grinch, but they didn’t start out Grinchy at all.). Anyway, today’s act of kindness is just to be kind. Be kind when you receive the crocheted legwarmers from Aunt Sally. Be kind when your mom says, once again, “You are going to do what?!” Be kind when your husband gives you the Crockpot instead of the diamonds. Be kind when you step in the throw-up. And, most definitely,be kind when you are thrown up on. Whatever you face today, just be kind.

Merry Christmas to all!

JWS