Making Your World a Better Place with Tess Marshall
Join me in welcoming a very special guest, Tess Marshall.
Tess is an insightful and light-hearted author— Flying by the Seat of My Soul—and creatrix of the blog "The Bold Life. She is also a life coach with tremendous energy and joie de vivre.
I met her in 2002, if my memory serves me correctly. My husband and I were publishing Healing Garden Journal and she was one of our monthly columnists. Her articles had an energy that were so motivating, so full of enthusiasm, that you knew you could do just about anything with Tess cheering you on. I am so happy to have found her again and delighted to share her with you today. She's speaking with us about how we can make our world a better place. Love it!
Tess also invites you to her website where you can download a FREE copy of her book. I've read it and it's wonderful! Hurry on over to claim yours and get ready to be walloped by her trademark "go-get-'em" energy.
Sit back and enjoy ...
75 Ways to Make Your World a Better Place to Be
by Tess Marshall
It’s easy to fret, worry and obsess over the trouble in the world today. It’s tempting to see the problems outside of ourselves and pass blame and responsibility to others.
It’s wise to realize that all answers come from within and we are 100% responsible for what we experience in our lives and in our world.
We may be angry about war and yet be at war with a neighbor or family member. We may complain about government spending and be in debt ourselves.
Today let’s challenge ourselves to become aware of the complaints, fears, and troubles we project on the world, own them and like Gandhi says, “Be the change we wish to see in the world.” As we heal ourselves we will heal the world.
Begin today with the following steps:
Stop complaining for three weeks. Each time you catch yourself begin your three weeks over. Note what issues come up repeatedly.
Talk to God. Ask for guidance, forgiveness and protection.
Lighten up and laugh. Life is messy; learn to roll with the punches.
Live the next seven days without fear.
Live from your heart.
Fill your heart with love for self and others.
Study a different country, people and culture.
Read, listen and affirm. Read a daily meditation book, listen to uplifting stories, and affirm life is good.
Live life with joy and enthusiasm.
Connect with nature. What did Walt Whitman mean when he said, “With every leaf a miracle…?"
Spend time with children and greet the world with wide-eyed wonder.
Learn something new.
Eliminate the words hate, can’t, won’t.
Volunteer. Get outside of yourself. You are part of God’s healing plan and your participation is needed.
Keep a journal. Write down the details of a good day.
Focus on peace and your world will become peaceful.
Identify role models for strength and inspiration.
Acknowledge your wonderful blessings.
Become grateful for the less obvious.
Practice tithing. You can’t out give God.
Send a check to your favorite charity.
Work in a soup kitchen.
Do one brave act today. Do it with love and for a good purpose.
Give. Share your talents with someone today.
Create your “self love” story. Expand your love to others.
Forgive someone today.
Think, speak and act in a loving manner.
Quiet your mind with silence and meditation.
Be your own best friend.
Write yourself a letter of gratitude.
Praise others.
Say “I love you” to 5 people daily.
Discover beauty everywhere: in color, movement, music, words, sounds, textures and fragrances.
Make magic out the ordinary.
Create a ritual of daily quiet time and introspection.
Take responsibility for your self care.
Express your gratitude to difficult people.
Donate your time to a good cause.
Leave a generous tip.
Go the extra mile.
Respect and visit older adults.
Recycle.
Grow your own food.
Surprise someone.
Set personal boundaries.
Exercise and eat healthy.
Fast from the news and other negative media.
Donate everything you don’t use.
Live simply.
Learn Haiku.
Know your neighbors.
Become a mentor or tutor.
Adopt an animal.
Smile.
Dream big.
Create and hold a vision for our world.
Choose happiness.
Practice deep breathing.
Contribute.
Refuse to give up.
Give yourself permission to relax.
Commit to change.
Heal your relationships.
Accept diverse people.
Use your talents and resources.
Join a support group.
Become a peaceful presence.
Value your life and yourself.
Enjoy your present possessions.
Continue to move forward.
Act on your ideas.
Radiate a spirit of love.
See the bigger picture.
Expect a miracle.
See the world as you wish it to be.
Pass it forward.
~~~~~0~~~~~
Thank you, Tess. Isn't this an amazing list, y'all? If we engaged in even a small percentage of these acts, our lives would hold a whole new vigor.
What do YOU think? Tess and I would love to hear your thoughts ...
What is your heart saying right now?
~~~~~
Tess Marshall has a masters degree in counseling psychology, is an author and currently works as a life coach. You can visit her blog at www.TheBoldLife.com where you can purchase her book, “Flying by the Seat of My Soul.”
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36 comments:
Oh it's just so easy to love Tess! And that list is fantastic. The idea of not complaining for three weeks is very intriguing, especially coupled with paying attention to whatever complaints keep repeating. HUGE lessons there!
Great post (as always!)!
Jan, I think you've said it so well at the very end - even if we did a small sampling of these, just think how much this would impact our lives. I couldn't agree more.
Tess, what a wonderful list you've created and shared! Know that I love you and all you're doing - the world is better, my life is better - because we've crossed paths!
Hi Megan,
Yes when someone first shared that lesson with me years ago I was amazed at how often I complained about the price of gas. Years ago!
The complaint is repeated by millions of people over and over.
What we have control over of course is what kind of car we drive, car pooling etc. Instead we give our peace of mind for what we can't control...repeatedly.
Good morning, Tess!
I'm so glad you are with us today with this very inspiring list and I can see how many of them might be just the ticket right now in my own life. I'm still pondering which one to commit to next...
Megan,
Like you, not complaining for 3 weeks would be a good challenge. I do try to maintain "Right Speech," one of the precepts of Buddhist teachings, but complaining puts a whole new spin on that.
Lance,
I agree. For as long as I have known Tess she has been a fount of life-affirming wisdom--and Joy! And she's not had the easiest of lives which anyone would know if they read her book. Perhaps moving beyond those hardships is what created her zest for living.
Good morning Jan and Tess! Tess, your energy is contagious, moving virtually right into my home. There are a few items on your list that I especially connect to. Lighten up and laugh, Choose happiness, Become a peaceful presence. These I try to live always. It seems so much of our state of mind is a conscious decision, and it's amazing how just making that choice is so uplifting.
There are also a few here I'd like to try:
Live the next 7 days without fear. (What a boldness that brings to life!)
Make magic out of the ordinary (What a great vision to bring to life)
And oh, the list goes on. Thanks for inspiring us, and wishing you both a wonderful day :)
Lance,
Great to see you over here meeting my friends. You've brought hope and happiness to my online and off world!
Jan,
Thanks for having me. Time does fly, eh? I'm grateful you conncected with me again. And appreciate you sharing your space with me.
Joanne,
I'm sure you know we teach what we need to learn so the 7 days of nofear I'm practicing again and again. It's easier than telling myslef OK I'm never going to be in fear again.
It's nice meeting you and I'm on my way over to your blog!
Thanks Jan for sharing Tess with us and thank you Jan for sharing your wise words.
It really does take each of use doing one thing and then another and another, in our own corner to change the world.
I did the no-complaining thing for a short while...it was an eye opener and much more difficult than I thought it would be. I didn't realize I complained that much. yeesh!
I'll add two more words that I've done my best to eliminate from my vocabulary: "Try" and "But".
I think taking responsibility for my choices is the key to being happy.
There's a lot of great wisdom in this post. Almost too much for me to take in all at once. I think I'll print this out and post it where I can see it on a regular basis. Good daily reminder.
Living the next 7 days without fear is particularly apt for me right now as I go through a tight spot financially....
BTW, I LOVE the cover art on Tess' book. Thanks for pointing me to her.
Blessings,
Carolynn
My heart is happy after having read this list. There are so many great ideas on here that I don't even know where to start! Thank you for sharing all of these ideas with us. You're making the world a better place by doing so.
Hi Jan and Tess!
I adore reading your list! Incorporating these into everyday life would be such a blessing.
Cheryl,
Yes it does and I want to do my part every minute of every day. It's my motivation in life.
Carolyn,
I understand the tight spots in life. If we live with fear we draw more to us if we live with more courage we'll be more couragous.
Fear is the easy way out. I hope your abundance sky rockets.
Oh and thanks on the book cover.
Some wise person once said we have 5 seconds to get a person interested in our book so make it great.
Dani,
What you see in my you have in yourself and if anyone reads your blog it's perfectly clear. Keep on keepin on!
Tabitha,
Thanks for stopping by and I'm so happy I could help today make your world brighter!
Joanne,
I am appreciating your two choices,definitely! Practiced with regularity, I am sure they would be simply life-changing.
Cheryl,
Ditto...and may we all pay it forward, as Tess suggests. :-) One little corner can become a neighborhood...
Carolynn,
Good for you about noticing the complaining...And here's to many days of fear elimination in your camp! You can do it, I know you can. :-)
Dani,
I'm still pondering all these and deciding which new one to go with for today, this week, and on...Yes, a great list!
Tabitha,
Glad you like it and that this fabulous list touched your heart.
Tess,
I love Carolynn's idea of printing it off and hanging it on the refrigerator. Anytime we feel an urge to snack, there it would be! You could highlight a new one each week (or go for the 21 day habit thing). :-)
Jan,A great post!
So much to take in!An amazing list.thanks for introducing Tess.I visited her blog and was very impressed.We are lucky to get such wonderful mentors like you and Tess to guide us
blessings
sema
What a great list. I'm printing this one out!!
What a full, soul-soothing, heart-lifting, joy-inspiring list. I'm pleased to realize that I already do many of these. Thanks for the reminders, and a new goal--to add even more of these into my life.
Many thanks to both of you!
Sema,
I'm happy to share the list and invite others to help make the world a better place. What's so great is so many of us are not only willing we are doing it!
Thanks for complimenting my blog and stop by again soon.
Lisa,
I'm happy you have my list as you "travel local" sharing your world with all of us outside of California.
Amanda,
Then that makes you my soul sister. It's so exciting to meet new people who are on the same path!
Hi Sema,
Oh, glad you liked what Tess had to say. I wonder if there was one invitation that spoke to you the most?
Lisa,
Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Blessings!
Amanda,
It seems many of us will be adding to our daily To-Do Lists in these bold, heartfelt ways, thanks to Tess. Thanks for visiting. :-)
Lots of wisdom and guidance here as always! Tess, so nice to "meet" you here at jan's place. As you can see, many of us love hanging out here, and I am a new fan of yours, through Jan's introduction so I'll be hanging out with you too! Thank you for your generous, wise sharing. You are a wonderful teacher and guide, like Jan. Many blessings! diantha
That is a wonderful list. I am going to go check her out. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jan,
Nice to meet you :-)You have a very nice blog.
Hi Tess
Great post, I love it. Grow your own food...hmm. I am going to need some help on that one, I am what they call a black thumb!?
You did a wonderful job on this one.
By the way, I love this part "It’s wise to realize that all answers come from within and we are 100% responsible for what we experience in our lives and in our world."
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Wow-an ansiprational blog. Just what the doctor ordered. There simply are not enough of these out there, so thank. I've joined and saved your site to my favorites.
Stephen Tremp
www.stephentremp/blogspot.com
Lot's of wise words here. And I like Tess's blog too.
"See the bigger picture." Wish that could go as a Post It on the foreheads of our world leaders. Well, no, they wouldn't see it there... but they could read it off each other's foreheads!
And to think, with ideas like this, that I was never appointed to the UN...
Hi Jan and Tess, I thought I'd stop by before leaving my studio for the evening, and I'm so glad I did! This is a beautiful list, and I do seem to practice much of it. What popped out for me today was "give yourself permission to relax." This is advice I love to give to others, but somtimes forget to take for myself. I often ponder the thought of permission- permission to eat the raspberries as fast as I can pick them, rather than freezing some for winter...permission to enjoy...permission to rest. Thank you for the wonderful, heart-opening list. Love, Ingrid
Tess,
I have to say that this list is great. As I am read through the list I kept saying to myself "This one is my favorite!" and then I'd get to another one and repeat the same thing. :-) I guess I love them all. You've created a meaningful list and it really is useful too! It's a great way to keep oneself reminded of the things that really make life worth living, the things that are truly important. Kinda puts things in perspective.
Thanks!
Ladies!!! You both are amazing! Tess, I love this list...so many good things to do. I like the idea of live 7 days without fear. No too daunting ;) Then maybe I can go 14...21...you get the picture.
Jan, so glad to see her on your blog today!
My goodness, Tess - you definitely have a gift for 'printoutable' lists! The one that leapt out at me first, just because of where I am at this moment? With every leaf a miracle
Thanks, Jan for inspiring and showcasing this!
Yes, an amazing list, for sure! From one amazing and inspirational woman.
Lucky you to have actually met her in person.
I like them all but adopt an animal is something I'm going to consider when we get back from Canada. We've already got 2 dogs. And a second cat would balance us out perfectly, I think.
Hello Jan and Tess!
Thank you for posting this incredible list. Many of the ideas listed are things I've been trying to do, but I need to be reminded often. It's so easy to fall into those old habits (especially when you listen to the news)!
Diantha,
Isn't it great when we find more and more wise others to spend time with? :-)
Hi Annie,
Glad you checked in. Yep, check out Tess. A great resource and supportive presence.
Giovanna,
Welcome! Inner wisdom truly is one of our great "natural resources." May you happily access yours!
Stephen,
Welcome to you too! So glad you'll be hanging out with us here. Spread and share the wisdom...
Paul,
Love your thoughts. Yes, sticky notes on the forhead. I can see it now. And you would have made an awesome leader--in fact, you already are. A guide for the soul...
Ingrid,
Oh, those permissions. I love that one too, especially permission to enjoy, savor, relax, just bask in the joy of being alive!
Keith,
Welcome, and I so glad you found Tess' list helpful. We all need a bit of reminding now and then.
Caroline,
That is a very worthy intention--a week without fear...a life without fear. I like to remember that FEAR is nothing more than False Evidence Appearing Real. An illusion really....
Janice,
Isn't that just the most beautiful statement? May we view all of nature's bounty in this way!
Jannie,
Adopting an animal sounds marvelous, another sure-fire way to connect with our innate kindness and compassion. :-)
Angela,
We all get walloped by "spiritual amnesia" now and then and thank goodness we have wise others to shine a beacon of light so we can access our innate wisdom once again...
And, Tess, thank you once again for being with us. You are such a wonderful, inspirational presence. You continually remind us of who we REALLY are and what we are capable of. :-)
I'll see you next week on YOUR blog. Hugs to you! Jan
Wow Tess, what a list indeed! What beautiful and most importantly simple things you have outlined here.
Too often people don't even bother "trying" to make the world or even their lives better, because they fear all the hard or complex work needed. But the truth is, making life wonderful for ourselves and others could not be any easier!!!!
Hi Tess and Jan .. that's a wonderful post .. it's great to be across at your blog. Tess - you are amazing with such wise words. I love the list .. so simple, but so thought provoking ..
the one that stood out - coming from over the pond .. was the one on studying a different country, people, culture .. essential now in this global world - we need to look at things from others' perspectives
Wonderful read - many thanks
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Evita,
Welcome! Wise words here. It is not as hard as people might think to make the simple and ordinary changes (as Tess mentions here) to live more peaceably with ourselves and others.
Hilary,
Welcome, as well! I agree with you that intercultural, interspiritual understanding is top on the list. It opens our hearts in untold ways. :-)
This is quite the list! Wouldn't it make a beautiful book?
Hi Amy,
Yes, it would. Or a beautiful poster. Or even entries on a blank page in a journal. We should tell Tess!
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