The Answer Key

Truly embrace and enjoy the experience of the holidays by planning wisely, accounting for the unexpected as best you can, simplifying your to-do list, and making time to take care of yourself in some way every day.  The best way to master the holidays is to change up your approach- be different. Take your time this year. No more running around, breaking a sweat, racing against the holiday clock. Plan ahead, start early, and do not rush but mosey your way through the holidays. Take the stress out of your days by working smarter, not harder: clear out your fridge to make room for the Tupperware to come, p re-prep side dishes, and make big, easy one-pot meals days before that can double for lunch or leftovers. Lastly, e njoy the season, mindfully. Be present living in the moment for every beautiful experience, and end the year with a satisfied spirit and a content heart.   Creating a healthy balance between your to-do list and your for-you list is the important, but most of all, ...

Once you decide to carve out time for yourself and begin to analyze how you usually spend your time, you really see how much of your daily agenda is filled with all of the things and people that you put above and before yourself. Children aside, you can feel guilty choosing you and put yourself on the back burner indefinitely. This coming year calls for a fresh start, perspective, and posture on your standing on your own totem pole. It will require a lot of new disciplines. You will need to distance yourself from your neediest friends and family. You will need to slow down, minimize, or take a break from the messiness, chaos, and drama other people bring to you from their lives. You will need to make a conscious effort to avoid overexertion. Your newfound, grade A commitment to remember you will require that you stop allowing yourself to ignore your own needs to fulfill the demands of those around you. The guilt will still be there, at least initially, but eventually you will feel the ...

Your big dream, the one you have had the longest, the one that scares you a little, the one that you have dismissed more times than you care to count, the one that lingers at the forefront of your mind while you are at your nine to five- it is still there for a reason. Whatever hand life has dealt you may have paused, shifted, or sent you on a serious detour away from it for a while, but do not let the unforeseen obstacles that have darkened your path deter you from making your dream a reality. As long as it stays on your mind, brings a smile to your face, puts joy in your soul, and there is still room for it in your heart, make room for it in your life. No matter how long it may take to see it come to fruition, the more time you spend invested in something your heart truly desires will only bring its full potential closer to you. How long it has been, how long it may take, and how you go about it has little importance in contrast to seeing your blossom finally in full bloom. Make time...

Y ou are a amazing, you are beautiful, you are awesome, and you are great in your own way.  Know that your gifts and abilities are an advantage given to you to serve you on your journey. Everything you focus your energy on will grow so be aware of what a wonderful vessel of love you are, give yourself away mindfully, and have clear intentions.  Whatever you in all your unique majesty has to offer the world will be great and will come to pass as long as you remember to believe in yourself.  Go after everything that you truly want or have wanted, and foresee it in your future. All your dreams require are your attention, persistence, and unwavering effort no matter how small or slow it may seem to be- keep at it. Be aware of where you invest your focus, time, and energy, and remember that  your best investment will always be the one you make in yourself.  ~For more positive posts stop by  www.facebook.com/TheAnswerKey  & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey  ...

The only thing standing between you and your happiness is your state of mind. Do not focus on the reasons happiness has evaded you, but choose to acknowledge and appreciate all the things, experiences, and deeds you have to be grateful for and immediately increase the happiness in your life.  Even on your worse day you can choose to be positive, concentrate on the good, the gain, growth, or grace no matter how well hidden it may be, and s eek the silver lining in even the most unfortunate things.  When you are mindfully engaging in positive experiences, you will simultaneously attract more happiness into your life. Decide today that no matter what tries to stand in its way, happiness is yours for the taking, and watch happiness find you. Happiness  is not a destination, a person, or specific set of circumstances; being happy is choosing to be present, conscious, and aware of the best each experience has to offer. Happiness is a choice you make from one moment to the n...

Your entire life is the sum of your moments and the choices you have made, a reflection of what has mattered the most to you. Every decision you make going forward should be mindfully invested in your future from one moment to the next. O ne moment after another, you are staking a claim, taking ownership, exclaiming out loud, or silently making a statement about where your priorities lie.   You are the answer to your prayers, the magic touch, the secret ingredient, the key to your destiny. It is how much and how often you choose to invest your Self, in your own life goals that makes all the difference in what will or will not come to pass. Invest more of your time in you creating the best moments in your life starting now! ~For more positive posts stop by  fb.me/TheAnswerKey  & tweet me  @_TheAnswerKey  daily!

Accomplishing your goals is the result of your consistent effort. Stacking your priorities daily will help you stay focused, be actively reaching for that vision everyday, mastering your craft through practice, and ultimately achieving the goals you set. Along the way, there will always be the unexpected interruption, distraction, or snags that show up in your day. The key to owning your day is stacking your priorities anyway, even around your disruptions. As quickly as you can, get back to what is most important for you to do. Stacking your priorities at the top of your day will give you better odds at completing them no matter what shows up later on. At the end of the day, w hen your priorities have already been addressed and taken care of,  you may find yourself more available and useful to others and the unexpected situations that make their way into your day while getting closer to achieving your goals at the same time. Remember to always make room for you in your day. ~ For ...

A new day is filled with new opportunities. Wherever you left off, after giving yourself time to rest, rejuvenate, and renew your intention, focus, and drive; know that you are capable and deserving of all life has to offer. Enjoy the journey. Take time to take it all in. Acknowledge that there are so many without your unique gifts, vision, or mission, but also be conscious not to minimize or sacrifice your right now for the future you are building. Bask in the life you have today, and take time to appreciate it for all it is worth. Every day, wake up with the belief that life is worth living. Recognize and acknowledge that you have been given another chance and there is value in every day you have that opportunity, and then set off to make the most of the opportunity that awaits you. ~For more positive posts check out www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

When you have chosen to break from the norm and follow your own path you will undoubtedly raise curiosity in those around you. Their intentions are not always obvious, but if anyone is asking, they are asking for a reason. Some genuinely want to encourage, support, or help you, but others have another agenda: discussion, deterrence, or disruption, thus sometimes you have to know when to keep your plans to yourself. Whether you stretch out and hone in on a specific direction or stretch up and reach for a new level of success, choose it wholeheartedly and be steadfast in your actions. Keep it low key and stay tight-lipped about your business. You do not owe anyone anything, especially an explanation. Continue to work in silence and eventually your success will have its own say; make your wish, work hard, then watch it come true. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Your purpose starts in your soul, your vision grows in your imagination, and it all manifests through your work. Your experience will manifest what you desire when you have fully given in to your purpose.   As you are serving your purpose, answering your calling, and living a life of true fulfillment your greatness will shine through you.  Put in your work, invest in yourself, and you will receive a bountiful harvest from the seeds you have planted in your life.  Be passionate in what you do daily and your life will attract and reflect a loving, positively, joy-filled experience.   T alk about it, be about it, and live it everyday.    ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey  & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey  daily!

Do whatever it is that will bring your life the most fulfillment. No matter how unusual, atypical, or unreasonable it may seem to be to anyone else, your life is yours and yours alone.  You do not need anyone's opinion demoting, discouraging, diminishing, distracting, or deterring you from doing what you need to do to get, be, or have what you want out of life. What may be extreme to someone else is perfect for you, designated for your path, and requires the magic you have to offer.  You do not need anyone's permission or approval. Be you. Be secure in knowing that you know what is best for your Self. Be brave. Show up in your life owning your experience. Be open. You will reap the benefits of your authenticity, and you  could be the example someone else is looking for to muster up the nerve to be true to themselves, but if it is only for the reason of living your life wholeheartedly with passion, vigor, courage, tenacity, conviction, and in truth- that is as good a reaso...

Some situations will not go according to plan. Some people will still take advantage of your kindness. Some mates do cheat. Some clients may walk, but even under the worst circumstances, you stand to gain something from your experience. Spending too much time focusing on your losses slows your progress and stunts your growth. Choose not to dwell on them. As soon as you can, try to move forward. Spend very little time on the situation itself and seek resolution instead. Take some time to find the lesson behind the experience knowing that all things are working to your benefit. Focus on the big picture knowing that you are another day wiser and another step closer to becoming a better version of yourself in the process. Know that all of your experiences are ultimately meant to serve a positive purpose in your life. The good, the hurtful, the bad, and the ugly of life have meaning and brings the gift of a positive lesson in tow. No matter how heavy your heart is now, you are brave, you ar...

While on the hunt for success, remember to take a breath every now and then. Take it easy on yourself even if you feel like throwing in the towel, remember what got you going in the first place. Know that great things always take time, but most importantly they require persistence and passion. Progress is what truly matters and every little bit counts. Fill your entire being with positive perspective especially when challenges arise on your journey. Leave no room for doubt. Commit to trying, putting forth your best effort every chance you get, and never give up. Embrace who you have become so far, be proud of the growth you have made from who you once were, and look ahead with your purpose at the forefront of your mind, your shoulders back, and courage in your heart.  ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey  & tweet me  @_TheAnswerKey  daily!

There are always going to be reasons that can block you from chasing your dreams, but most of them only live in your head.  With all the life you have ahead of you, why not give yourself a chance? Anything is possible. Sometimes things can get rough, challenges come, you will get knocked down, but great things happen all the time too. At any moment your entire life could change for the better- something great could happen to you. Why not you? Make your dreams a priority, be prepared for greatness, and put the odds in your favor. Even if you can only do a little at a time. Baby steps are better than no steps at all. Have the courage to go after it, give it your best, do the most you can whenever you can, and never give up on you. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me  @_TheAnswerKey daily!

You have to reserve the right to create and maintain balance in your life. You have every reason to not take that call, go to that event, or interact with those people if it means you sacrifice your own peace and happiness. Choose how you spend your time, your energy, intellect, and emotion and who you share them with. Make sure the price you pay in exchange for those things is really worth your while. Remember that you are your first priority. Take care of you and be selective about how much of you gets to go around. Hot commodities only remain that way when they are reserved for a select few. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me  @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Harnessing your creativity and making it a priority can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Your first challenge is to face your fear. Rage against the internal struggle within between staying still and foraging a new path. Do not be afraid to make your own way. Own your charge and accept your dream as a calling. A calling is a purpose with no end.  Be open to the change that comes with it. Change is always apart of growth, making room for newness to enter your life. You will out-grow habits and people to prepare you to receive your new reality. Get ready for the shift to come and embrace it.  Have the courage to pursue your dream no matter what or how difficult a task it may seem to be- be relentless. Think of your mentors, not to follow their path per se, but to witness the possibility of what can happen when you have the courage to make your dream a reality. Develop the confidence to go for it, cultivate it everyday in some way, and know that the reality you dream...

Despite the heaviness of your heart, the lump of fear in your throat, or the worries that swirl around your mind and keep you up at night, know that things are in motion. Whatever unfavorable state you may be in is temporary. Just as good as things were before the hard times of your life, they will be again. Everything, every bit of it is working in your favor if you let it. The things you thought you wanted or needed that did not pan out to your liking, they too are all blessings just in disguise.  Great things take time. Keep going through it, through all of its trouble, bear down and take the heat. You will ultimately reach the awesomeness that awaits you on the other side of your troubled times. ~ For more positive posts stop by  fb.me/TheAnswerKey  & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey   daily!

When you have been taken advantage of or taken for granted it is ushered in with a sting just under the skin, inexplicably watery eyes, heaviness in the chest, a lump in your throat, a general numbness, something to physically make you aware that you have been compromised. Give yourself the respect of knowing when you are being misused, abused, or disregarded. Pay attention to those who disrespect, exhaust, or waste your time and energy. Then, choose to put a stop to it and make the very next moment absolutely worth your while.  Unfortunately, some people in your life will always prioritize themselves, their issues, their problems, needs and wants and will monopolize your time, energy, and overall presence, but only if you let them. As much as helping others is what you do, know when to say when, and make sure you save some of you for yourself. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Always putting yourself last tells the world that is your place in this life. The people around you will begin to behave in just that way, with an expectation for you to put them, their wants, and their needs ahead of your own.  Do not be afraid to make choices that are best for you sometimes.   Take heed to whatever your current situations are meant to reveal about your post on the hierarchy of your life. Listen carefully when others make requests, are they requests or demands of you and your time? Help, and help often, but do not forget to make choices that uplift you, enhance your heart-space, consider your best interest, and serve a purpose in your own life as well. People get burned out as a result of not having made the best choices for them as an individual too often; constantly showing up last on their priority list. Take time to take care of yourself, put your needs on your list of priorities everyday, and just say no every once in a while. Use that time you were so w...

On this first day of May, welcome the new month with a new intention. Concentrate your love, your energy, and your power on that which is most important to you. Every day is worth your best effort, but the first day is the most crucial when creating a new habit. Set your intentions on what you want for your life, for your day, and in each moment. Do your work, but also make time to have fun and enjoy the goodness and blessings life offers you every day. Lastly, end your day with gratitude in your heart. Notice and appreciate the small things this month like the tiny blossoms on the trees and witness them bloom over time just as your life has, does, and will over time with the right amount of concentrated effort. Enjoy your week as best you can, knowing your are blessed, being a blessing as often as you can beginning today. Embrace the newness of this May. ~When you get a sec stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey and tweet me @_TheAnswerKey daily! 

Every time you wake up from a good, decent, or even a not so great night's sleep, you have been gifted a new start. With every sunrise, day break, and crack of dawn you have a fresh start. From one moment to the next newness is awaiting you. Take this day, this moment, this breath to choose to make the best of it. Infuse right now with positivity and love, taking a deep, cleansing breath on purpose. Let that be your ongoing intent- purpose. Be one that is present, one who is purposefully going to embrace all the happiness, peace, calm, and comfort this experience has to offer. The value your effort holds is priceless and the gratitude you express for it all welcomes more of it into your life- expect it. Pursue all the best, the best job, the best experiences, the best partner, the best you, and your best life- start now. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me   @_TheAnswerKey daily!

It is easy to be distracted by the frivolous, the chaotic, or dramatic things going on around you. As soon as you find yourself in that space, take a breath, take a beat, give yourself pause, and choose better. Choose to be better. Choose a better perspective. Have a better appreciation of your energy and invest it intently with love as your chariot. Be the light that can guide others who want to come out of the darkness on their way, but know who wants to stay in the dark and be okay with leaving them there. Many situations will arise that may upset you, disappoint you, or knock you off your mark, but make sure those moments are temporary. Lead by example as one who can experience something devastating without letting it devastate you. Your next day in the sun will come as soon as you choose it. As often as you can m indfully be a beacon of light, positivity, and love for yourself and for others.   Your light will always shine if you let it. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/...

Live every day with more intensity, purpose, and passion. Focus your attention more on the present moment, making the most of it, and then the next, and then the next. Grow a greater appreciation for your  accomplishments thus far while you make your way through your journey of dreams, goals, and milestones. Know that the timing of your life is beautifully, magically, woven best for you. Embrace your current place and circumstance for what it is, and make the most of everyday building your future. Be in pursuit of fulfilling your dreams, but do not forget to enjoy the journey on your way there. In everything you do be passionate about it, have clear intentions, let it have a true purpose in your life, and when you pour your intensity and effort in, let yourself be free- breathe and evolve with every mindful, open, positively loving step. Then with all the life you have left to live; enjoy it. Live your life to the fullest and carpe your diem! ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me...

Everyone wants to be happy, but the how can be complicated, or is it? Happiness tends to elude those chasing it, but the pursuit is not required. Happiness is a chosen experience in what you say, what you do, and how you live your life. From one moment to the next, despite what is or is not going on around you happiness is your choice. Despite external challenges, accept and know that everything is contributing to your growth, what is for you will be yours, and nothing can infringe upon your happiness without your permission. It can not be destroyed or diminished, you can only be distracted. Decide to be happy; choose it and it will always choose you. ~For more positive posts check out fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey  daily! photo: quotesvalley.com

If you make up in your mind that the things that bring you joy will always outweigh the things that don't; you are already starting your day off on the right foot.  Do not charge yourself with a bad day based on one negative person, situation, or unfortunate set of circumstances. Give the day the opportunity to turn around. Decide to be open to the awesomeness everyday still has to offer; you never know what the rest of the day may bring. Start the day with your expectations set on awesome. No matter what happens, you should consider every day a great day unless there is death in it. Yes, your only excuse for not having a great day every day is if you are in mourning, and even then, you should find the space to turn grief into gratitude for the experience of knowing and loving them. It may not be easy, but make it a great day, every day is more than a mindless notion; let it be the mindset to get you going every morning, and even when it is not all it could have been cracked up to ...

No matter what is going on around you; what trouble arises, what drama shows up on your doorstep, or negativity tries to impede on your happiness, take your power back. Your time is precious and valuable and your life will be the sum of what you make it. The time will roll on no matter what you decide to do with it so make a choice to use it in the most positive, loving, happiest way you can. Everyday, focus on your joy, invest in your gift, increase your peace, despite what may be thrown at you. Make the most of the time you have living more mindfully and minimizing the time you waste on worthless, useless, meaningless things. No one knows how much time is left in their hourglass so spend your time well. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Put more you in your day. Passionately, wholeheartedly, and consistently put the necessary amount of you in what you want to do. No matter what anyone else says, thinks, or tries to project onto you, you know that are at work and putting your best effort into everything you do; keep it up. That thing you want most deserves more of your time so make time for it- keep at it because you deserve it too. If things deflect, deter, or damage your faith still stick to it. The possibilities in your every step are limitless- keep going. Even the smallest bit of progress is still progress; it moves you forward and brings you closer to your goal and makes you better at whatever it is than you were before so don't give up. As long as you keep working on you and toward that life in your head that means you are trying, being brave, making an effort to be, have, and make things better and it will ultimately have to manifest, but first you have to give more of you to it. It is great to give yoursel...

When you have a dream, no matter how crazy it may seem, that dream is sitting and waiting for you to move. It will be as patient as you require. It may even be dormant and sit silently for a while, but it is waiting, and will continue to wait until you decide you are ready, you are relentless, you are unwavering in its coming to be. It waits for you to believe in it. It waits for you to make it real. It waits for you to make a move- take action. You may have challenges, obstacles, and fears, but know that there is nothing truly standing in your way but the priority it holds on your priority list. If you make it necessary, as necessary as shelter, food, clothes, and water it will move up on that list. Move it up. Make it non-negotiable. Choose today to answer to the draw, the pull, the calling that your dream is speaking to you and show up, rise up, and never give up on it. Keep dreaming, but starting today, dream with your heart, mind, and eyes wide open then make your move. ~For more ...

It is crucial that you believe in you more than anyone else does.  Y our belief in you is incredibly important. No matter how exhausting, how far, or how long it may take, you must first believe. As long as you are alive, you have more time, knowing that time invested in your dream is always time well spent no matter how much time your dream requires; let that belief be what keeps you going. Realizing that time will pass no matter what you do, find the courage to consciously choose to repeatedly give your time to your dream and make time for it. Believe that to make the most of your time is for you to invest it in your dream and making it happen because you believe in it and yourself despite, obstacles, challenges, fear, or doubt. Your belief is enough to keep you going knowing every little effort brings you closer to making your dream your reality. You could very well be much closer than you think. There is no big secret to success if you know the key; the key to your success is Y...

While there may be some difficult, challenging, or painful circumstances that arise in your life, rise above them. Never let anyone or anything diminish, dismiss, or define your greatness. Know that your grayest cloud weighed down by your biggest problem, filling your deepest wound with lemons sprinkled with salt can also be wrapped in hope, potential, and endless possibility. Life amounts to what you choose to make it; make it the best life you can live. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me  @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Some people who falsely attach their happiness to other people or stuff will find it a temporary, fleeting fix. While the awesome partner, job, car, house, friends, and vacation may enhance your happiness, none of them should define it.  Happiness is not something you go out and find. It is an internal experience you choose. It is the perspective you have while you are on your journey to your purpose, your passion, and your dreams fulfilled- not the destination's location. It is in the doing, being, and seeking authentic fulfillment. Happiness is "found" in the alignment of the mind, heart, and soul saturated in the positive, focused on gratitude, and invested in love. At the end of the day, you choose. Choose to be happy if for no other reason than the fact that on your worst or last day, it is your choice to make. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Everyone has a dream of doing, having, or being something, and there are steps you must take to turn that dream to into an accomplishment and become successful at it. Like all things, your first decision is the decision to believe in yourself enough to start. Begin with the commitment and promise to yourself to make it happen. The first step to successfully doing almost anything is in your preparation. You must have a real understanding of the process your journey will require. With every and anything you set out to do, you need to understand what success at it looks like- learn as much as you can. Then, the second step is remaining committed, focused, and invested. Your commitment is crucial to make it through challenges despite the obstacles that may present themselves throughout your journey. Lacking the necessary commitment and focus will undoubtedly stall you from achieving any goal you have for yourself. Also, being invested in your own success must be a priority. The time you co...

Every chance you take and effort you make will move you closer to achieving your dreams if given enough time. The greatest gift you can give is your belief in yourself and the expression of your God-given gift to the world in all its glory, but first you must decide that your dreams and goals are worth every effort, energy, and as much of your time as your other priorities. Your dream has to become a priority in and of itself. While you divide your time, people will notice, and it  is a possibility that while on your quest other people will not share your same appreciation for your dreams, find them lofty, or unattainable, but thankfully, whether they are or are not is not their choice to make. Y ou must immediately quash any thought, doubt, or suggestion from them that you are not worthy of it, and muster up the courage to go for it anyway. You are just as capable, talented, and worthy as anyone to make your dreams come true, whether they do or don't is entirely up to you, and tim...

Try to make it a great day every time you get the chance. Start your steps to happiness with this understanding; the first reason to be happy is in your face as soon as you open your eyes every morning. You have another opportunity to live your life better than you did yesterday. From the very beginning of your day, as soon as you roll out of bed and start your morning routine, put a smile on your face first. Think about the goals you will accomplish today. Direct your thoughts. Put on some good mood music, light your favorite scented candles, take a hot bath, phone a friend, but most importantly, remind yourself that all trials are temporary. Something great is on its way no matter what your current circumstance may be. Keep your head up, your hopes high, energy and thoughts positive, and push forward. Through it all, no matter what the experience is before you, you can positively endure it, learn from it, and grow into your best self. Pace yourself, smile through it all, and beco...

While choosing what you want may seem hard, it may very well be the easy part. Deciding to relentlessly go after what you want no matter how much unsolicited advice and opposition you get from others, the lump in your throat when you speak of it, the unsubstantiated fear of unworthiness, and despite the overall unknown is truly the hardest part. That said, you can walk away or you can embrace every obstacle with the belief that you will come out okay on the other side no matter what challenges arise, and just go for it anyway. If you know in your heart that whatever is pulling you, constantly on your mind, fills your heart with joy, and brings you fulfillment is already yours to have, be, become, and experience in your life, no matter what the outcome is in your pursuit, the journey will be worth it. This is your year, so do it... go for it... fight for it... grab hold of it like it had already belonged to you, you temporarily misplaced it, and you are back to reclaim it as your ow...