Author Archive

I have been on the 'speaking circuit' a fair bit over the past few weeks and have met hundreds of really special people. I am grateful for the invitations to share my information as I know that it really does make a difference in the lives of these people. However, sometimes I hear comments such as: I know 'this stuff'. This is all common sense. That's nothing new. So what? Who Cares? (Those comments, along with all the positive feedback that I get – of course!) Those are the statements that really speak to my heart. Intellectually, yes, we all know 'this stuff'. My question to you, then, is: “Why aren't you applying this information so as to make a difference in your life?” How many great books have you bought with the intention of learning, and applying, the information? How many books have you bought, with great intentions, and those books are sitting on a shelf somewhere in your home (or office)? Research shows that many of the very popular Home Study Systems, currently on the market, are still sitting on shelves, in people's homes – and the plastic wrap is still on it! (Is this you?) It all goes back to intention! And yes, it IS that easy. When we have goals – when we plan certain aspects of our lives – we begin to live our life by intent. That's very exciting! What I do recommend is having the resources to help us with this process. When you have trouble with your car, you take it to a mechanic. When you have dental problems, you go to a dentist. When you need financial advice, you meet with a financial planner. Why would you 'steer' your life any differently? Most often, we don't know what we don't know – and there are people and resources to help us. On the trip around the world, one of the things that totally fascinated me was the way people in Africa helped each other. I overheard one of the men, in this particular scenario, say “Many hands make for light work!” Words of wisdom! (If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284) I work with an amazing business coach, Fabienne Fredrickson. I intend to take my business to new heights over the next few years – in which case, I want to work with the best of the best. Set the intention of what you want your life to look like and feel like. Find the resources to help make it happen. It really IS that easy. “If you don't invent your future, someone else will!” – Lou Tice Steps2Happiness Assignment Look back at the Balance Wheel that you created, as a result of last week's article. What is your intention with what you created? What DO you want to have happen in your life that's not happening now? What books/resources do you have available to help you in some areas of your life? Take baby steps, today, and live your life by intent!

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It ‘s Not About Knowing the Information – It’s About Personally Applying the Information!

On Tuesday, November 17th, I had the opportunity to attend a fund-raiser for our local Youth for Christ organization.  The guest speaker was William Paul Young, the author of “The Shack”.  There were more than 500 people in the room (for the 2nd night in a row) and you could hear a pin drop as Paul shared his life story. I was given the book, “The Shack', as a gift from my friend, Michelle B.  While, typically, I can be found reading auto-biographies and business-related books, Michelle assured me that this book would grab my heart.  So, while on a business trip to Los Angeles, I pulled out the book and began to read…….and it was a page turner…….I couldn't put it down.  As I sat and read, in the various airports along the way, people commented non-stop about the book. Paul Young was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta and moved many, many times in his life.  He tells the story of how he grew up, surrounded by dysfunction and sexual abuse.  His story was riveting and very moving.  His wife 'hounded' him for about 5 years, he said, to write this story.  He explains that 'the shack' is a metaphor for his heart.  He has taken him 50 years (he stressed that, over and over again!) – 50 years to feel whole and complete, after many, many years of counselling.  The book was originally written for the benefit of his children – and he took his 'little book' to a business depot, planning to make a few copies for each of his children and family members.  He had NO idea that 'this little book', after having been rejected by no less than 65 publishers, would ever amount to anything! His presentation moved me to tears.  While he shared his story, standing in front of a replica of a shack (built by the host organization), you could see many people in the audience nodding in agreement with many of his statements.  He spoke about being raised as a pastor's kid and all the challenges that came with that.  He had a very difficult upbringing and shares accolades about his wife and their strong relationship which was also tested a few years ago by the affair that he had with her best friend.  Once again, many heads in the audience were nodding along with him. “The Shack” – a simple story about the trilogy, yet a deep story about his life journey.  The shack – a metaphor for his heart, he explains.  And we all have a story!  What's your story? What are you carrying around in your heart? Read this book – it will give you perspective and you will begin to see, and think, differently about some things.

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"The Shack’ – a metaphor for his heart!

There is no passion to be found… in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~ Nelson Mandela I was just on a phone call with a very close friend and we were discussing the content of my newsletters over the past few months. The title of this article is actually one of the statements she made in the course of our conversation. She has done a lot of self-study, read many self-help books, is very successful in her life overall but is at a point of wanting to make some changes and, the question remains, “it all sounds so easy….but where do I start?” (My comment to her was that she MUST attend my 3-day LIVE event in Toronto on Feb. 25, 26 and 27 – at which time she will not only get the tools and techniques for where/how to start, but also some solid information and products for 'continuing the work' over the course of the year. I told her that I would love to speak that boldly to the many women who have written to me over the past few months, as a result of having read my newsletters, and feeling the same way she does – so I guess I just did tell you – be there, in Toronto, end of February!) In my Home Study System, “The 10 Steps2Happiness” , the very first step is to identify what you want in life. For many women, however, the past few decades have been spent caring for anyone and everyone but themselves. It feels foreign to ask, or even answer, that question – “What do I want?” In my coaching practice, I work with women in business and ask them the same question, “What do you want to have happen in your business?” Blank stares. Pauses in conversation. Uncertainty. As many of you know, one of the tools with which I work is the Life Balance Wheel. When working with women in business, I customize that wheel to become the Business Balance Wheel (spokes are labelled as marketing, finances, team members, products, services, systems etc.). To begin the process of identifying what you want to have happen in your life (or your business) that's not happening now, simply label the spokes of the respective wheel. On a scale of 1-10, for each spoke, make note of where you are on the spoke (see one of my samples that I've included here). Connect the dots, color in the spokes, and you will get a visual sense of what your wheel looks like/feels like (when you start to think about it). Choose one of the spokes and begin by making a list: Identify what you don't want to have happen (we're very good at that, typically); ex. – for the Family spoke – I don't want Christmas to be the emotional upset that it was last year; for Business, in Marketing for instance, I don't want??? On the opposite side of that list, identify what you DO want to have happen (which is usually just the opposite of the answers you have for no. 1 above) Take that first item on the “What I DO Want” list and make it happen – today! Now I know that many of you will be wondering about the need for a 6-month, 1-year, 5-year plan. Yes, that's important too. However, you want to start somewhere. Then, celebrate the completion of your first step and go for the second one. Baby steps! That's what it's all about. When I was on my trip around the world, I had some similar thoughts as we visited the pyramids in Cairo. They are phenomenal. The 'vision' must have been overwhelming; however, as you take a close look at the pyramids, you will see that they were built, one stone at a time. Same way with living your life! It's not so scary when you take it one step at a time. (If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284) Steps2Happiness Assignment If I were to wave a magic wand over you, think about one thing that you would like to have happen in your life that's not happening now? What's holding you back? What would it look like without the 'problem'? What is one thing you can do today to begin living a happier life? To schedule a free 30-minute “Get Acquainted Call” with me, contact my team at info@steps2happiness.com. There is no need to do this alone – so take that step today!

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It sounds so easy, but where do I start?

I am an avid Oprah fan and one of her favorite quotes has stuck with me, “It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared”! As a motivational speaker, and business owner, I am always involved in continuous learning activities.  I want to become the best person I can possibly be!  I attend courses, workshops, conferences, and so on.  Last month, I had the pleasure of attending an event, hosted by Company of Women ( www.companyofwomen.ca ) in the Toronto area.  Imagine my surprise (and delight!) when, at the end of the day, I heard that the closing keynote speaker had cancelled at the last minute.  Whoooooohoooooo!  I am always ready for an opportunity and this one was staring me right in the face……..so I jumped at the chance to share my information (“The 10 Steps2Happiness”), create more awareness about the work I do with the women in the room (my target market!) and, as well, to help out as I could see that the event organizer was quite stressed. Yes, I was prepared, willing, wanting………and then, to my delight, read the blog (see below) that Anne Day (Company of Women) posted.  It was an absolute pleasure to 'close out the day' on a happy note! So keep Oprah's words in mind and you, too, can seize the moment! bizwomen Anne Day is the Founder of Company of Women, an organization that supports, connects and promotes women in business. Bizwomen will focus on the thoughts and observations of being women in business today. Saturday, October 24, 2009   The universe provides Several years ago a group of us went to hear Gloria Steinham talk. Imagine our disappointment when it was announced at the start of the event that she was sick and unable to make it. Instead, the organizers advised that they had brought in Tobin Anderson. At the time, we all shook our heads – none of us had ever heard of her. Well, we had the privilege of hearing one of the most profound and moving presentations from a woman who was terminally ill with cancer but who refused to let life pass her by. She has since passed away, but I can honestly say that her talk was one of the best I have ever heard and I will always remember her words of wisdom. Instead of getting second-best, we had the best. I share this story because you just never know how your week will unfold, and sometimes what seems like a disaster turns out to be best thing that could have happened. I started my week talking to a group of professionals about starting a business and how you have to be flexible to survive whatever change comes your way. By the end of the week, I was having to practice what I preached! It was every event planners biggest nightmare – I found out thirty minutes prior to the scheduled presentation that my keynote speaker was sick, and not coming! But the universe provides. Among our participants we had a motivational speaker. Not only that, she had her presentation with her. And her lively, funny keynote was just what we needed after an action-packed day. Pat Mussieux – thank you. You were my guardian angel, my Tobin Anderson, and a real trooper. Not only did Pat come to the rescue, she was one of the highlights of the day. Labels: company of women; Pat Mussieux , motivational speaker

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Better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one……..

Such a happy day today in London, Ontario, Canada!  The weather was 16 degrees, sunshine everywhere and happiness in the air. I went to the beach at Port Stanley today with my good friend, Marg.  The waves were phenomenal, the beach was perfect and the sun made it an ideal experience.  There were smiles on the faces of people everywhere! These guys were the picture of authentic happiness!  You could just hear the laughter and then, when they came in on the beach for a bit of a break, it was fabulous to hear the joy in their voices. Marg and I were enjoying our Tim Horton's coffee and a great chat as we walked the beach.  Then, of course, into town for some shopping.  It is what I would call a perfect day! How happy are you these days?  What would it take to increase your happiness levels? (To get your free CD, “The 10 Steps2Happiness”, visit my website at www.steps2happiness.com” – my gift to you, delivered right to your door!) Sending you smiles, Happy Pat

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Authentic Happiness in action…..

So, the question still stands, “DO you want to live an authentic life?” What would it take? What changes do you need to make? It all begins with the way we think. “If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting.” You've got to change something for something to change. If you sincerely feel that it's time to remove the mask(s), then you must ask yourself some serious questions: What mask have I been wearing when at work? What mask have I been wearing when with different family members? What mask have I been wearing when with friends? What mask do I wear when I go to church? Why have I been wearing these masks? What has been the pay-off? What difference will it make when I remove all masks and begin to live as my authentic self? Who am I, really? Having spent 2 days last weekend with my dear friend, Katie, was an interesting experience. Having moved across the country three (3) years ago, it was refreshing for me to start a new life in a new place. I could really be me! No one knew me or knew of my past life. It was all fresh, inviting, free and exciting. I was free to be me! I know that many of you understand what I am saying here. It's not that I had a 'hidden past' – not at all – but I did have experiences, a reputation, a family, relationships, pain etc. that I left behind. In my new life, I was creating what I wanted, on a daily basis – in life and in business. I know that many people, deep in their hearts, would want to have the same opportunity. Then, to have my friend of 35 years walk through the door – bringing with her all the memories, experiences, adventures, etc. of our 'past' with her – well, that was a bit unsettling for me (at first). I had mixed feelings of joy and pain, as all the memories came rushing back through my mind. Those emotions caught me off guard. They were short-lived, but did cause me to stop and think for a bit. That's what it will feel like for many of you once you decide to take off the masks that you wear on a daily basis. It's unsettling and exciting, all at the same time. Life is a rush! When you make the decision to create some changes in your life, that's when the 4 major barriers raise their ugly little heads….habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations. When you decide to live an authentic life, core beliefs will stare you in the face and it may become overwhelming to get past them. There are techniques for doing so – I've done it, and so can you! One of the first steps to take is to begin to love yourself for who you are. I can remember sitting in church one Mother's Day, many years ago. I really didn't like Mother's Day much because, as a step-mother, it can be a challenging 'event'. I was sitting there, feeling sorry for myself, because all the mothers were being acknowledged with accolades and flowers, etc. In those days, there was very little reference to the role of a step-mother and, when there was, typically it was in a negative sense. The Youth Pastor was giving the sermon that day and I really felt he was speaking directly to me when he said the words, 'Remember, God doesn't make any junk!” Wow! “Are you speaking to me?” I thought. I left church that day with a whole different mindset and feeling really good about myself because, as the great step-mother that I knew I was, I began to feel very good about myself and the difference I was making in the lives of my step-children. What a relief to know, and feel, that I could just be ME! When I took my trip around the world, it was most interesting to experience, and get to know, some of the people in the different cultures. In Cambodia, for instance (where I left my heart), there are no masks – in fact, many of the people don't even have clothes! Can you imagine what life would be like, here, if we were totally exposed like that, in all ways on every day? One of my lasting memories, having visited the villages, was the sound of laughter and joy that permeated the air. Just imagine what our lives would be like if that was our focus? (Want to have that experience too? If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284) So, if you can just recognize all the goodness within you, and celebrate the gift that you are to this world, it's easy to live an authentic life. It's a lesson I learned by changing some core beliefs about myself. You can do it too! If you're not feeling sure of 'who you are' these days because of what is going on in your life, I'd recommend you make some changes starting today. I am hosting a special 2-day retreat, in London, for women who would like to figure out who they are and what they want to be 'when they grow up'. Steps2Happiness Assignment Take inventory of your life – how does it feel? What does it look like? Are you happy? Are you still wearing your masks? Are you suffocating? Visualize what your life would be like without a mask, in each and every situation you encounter. How would THAT feel? Take one more step, today, to live an authentic life. Write down, and use my affirmation, “I am authentic, effective and progressive in my day to day life.” For more photos of my trip around the world, and to read my stories, visit www.travelblog.org/bloggers/Happy-Pat/

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Want to Live an Authentic Life?