Dream Board Manifest! One Year Later!

My Dream Board, June 9, 2018

One year ago today, I created this Dream Board. And it’s astonishing how things manifested.

First, look close, you will see that animals are a priority in my life. Since this dream board, my husband Dennis and I were able to save a feral cat, Bennie, and take care of him for the rest of his months. He was already sick when we took him in with FIV. But we loved him with all our hearts and gave him the best care we could. Five months later, he had to be put down. I collapsed in my husband’s arms. We were both heart-broken. Our vet told us, “He came to you to live out the rest of his life.”

One month later, we took in Sammy. I adopted him from St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter in Madison, New Jersey. Sammy was considered a senior cat, at age 9, but he’s tiny and very kitten-like. He’s a little doll and fits in beautifully with the family. He’s best buddies with our kitty Nicholas, who is now 6 (and came into our lives on this day three years ago!)

At the beginning of 2019, I created a giving journal, keeping track of all the places I give donations to each week. Many of them involve giving to animals, especially cat rescues. Do you see the word “FREE“? I’m always winning things–and I do mean ALWAYS! One of the things I won since creating the dream board was a certificate for a tattoo — I got a cat silhouette on my inner arm.

See “Power of Positive Speaking“? (Upper middle?) THAT is my next biggest goal, to become a motivational speaker. I joined Toastmasters right after my “Best Girlfriend Getaway” (see lower right corner) in October (to “Summit of Greatness” in Columbus, Ohio). Three days of nothing but motivational speakers, including Jay Shetty, Lewis Howes, Amy Purdy, Lindsey Stirling,  and so much more.

And greatness was indeed achieved! Just a few months after joining Toastmasters, I excelled winning “Best Speaker” for a speech on David Bowie. Then I auditioned to do a workshop, “Be Your Own Hero” which was based on my upcoming book, “Be Extra-Ordinary: 10 Ways To Become Your Own Hero.”

Unexpectedly, I’ve also made a few friends at Toastmasters, that I go to lunch with; and some who have come see me speak!

Which brings me to ….

Dreams, Friends, and Love are right at the top … I’m always counting my blessings for the amazing friends that come into my life; especially those that I grow closer to each year. That goes for my husband too. My BEST friend ever — the person I want to spend time with more than anyone else. I’m so blessed to have people in my life I can share my dreams with. People I can cheer on too and watch them grow. My tribe. My high-five tribe!

Which brings me to …

Do you see Bright Ideas? Oh, I have many! Many which didn’t work out — yet. But it’s so fun throwing them out there to friends who believe in you. Going for lunch meetings with minds of greatness. These are my PEERS! I can’t believe it. Sometimes I have to ask myself, “Am I dreaming?”

Do you see the rainbow? Just a few days ago, I saw the first FULL rainbow I ever saw in my life. People hate NJ because of all the rain. But I LOVE it! As a writer, I love spending time inside, writing during a storm. One night after a storm, around dusk, the time I love best. My husband and I were taking a walk — and there it was, a full rainbow! It took my breath away.

The other stuff you see in the dream board is more vague and personal. Some day I may speak about it, but most likely won’t. As honest and open as I am, there’s a side to me that’s insanely mysterious that people will never find out about.

That said, I’m thrilled that I’ve grown so much in my spiritual journey — and have a long way to go; which is why I am pro-aging and you’ll NEVER hear me longing for youth. I’m having such a beautiful love affair with my aging self!

LIFE IS AMAZING. I AM BLESSED! ❤

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing, and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” will be available October 2019. To pre-order, go here: https://kicamprojects.com/shop/be-extraordinary/

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

Best Evaluator at Toastmasters

Maryanne Christiano Mistretta – Best Evaluator, Toastmasters International

It’s been a glorious week in my public speaking journey. Sunday I was honored to present a workshop, “Be Your Own Hero” for Toastmasters District 83. And Thursday night I won for “Best Evaluator.”

I’ve only been a member of Toastmasters since October 2018, and in seven short months I’ve scored the workshop, won for “Best Speaker,” “Best Table Topics,” and “Best Evaluator.” All this for my journey to become a motivational speaker!

Being an evaluator scared me. Who am I to judge someone else’s speech, which they worked so hard to present? The thing is, unlike having a prepared speech, when you’re an evaluator, you have to come up with something to say on the spot! (Kind of like being a judge on American Idol!) I was so terrified to do this, I procrastinated for several weeks, even avoiding going to Toastmasters by going to other events on Thursdays instead, like concerts, book clubs, etc.

When I got up there, I was so nervous, but I channeled my nervous energy into positive energy. Luckily I had the pleasure to evaluate a positive speech, called “Follow Your Dreams.” The speaker was amazing and I was so high on what she said, that I was able to nail my evaluation of her. It was hard finding something to give feedback on because she was so good. But I thought about myself, when I read in front of an audience and realized I could give the same feedback I’ve been given. Not to use filler words.

In the past few months I’ve watched so many amazing motivational speakers on You Tube and Ted Talks and in person. Using filler words like “like,” “so,” and even “um,” seems to be the norm; something we can all be aware of.

Hell, I even caught myself saying “um” during my presentation, but I still won! And the person who evaluated my evaluation offered ZERO critique on my evaluation. He said my evaluation was “perfect.” I also received praise from others in my Toastmaster group that it’s rare that someone wins at a “first.” But I nailed it.

The point of all of this is, don’t worry about being perfect, just get out there and do it! Not everyone will notice your imperfections, or that you are nervous. And maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised by a win — whether it’s your first time doing something, or after many tries!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for motivational speaking engagements and is the author of the following books: 

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” will be available October 2019. To pre-order, go here: https://kicamprojects.com/shop/be-extraordinary/

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

Ageism, it’s REAL!

I’ve tried to say this on Facebook and received zero support and response. So I figured, perhaps if Madonna said it, people will listen.

Earlier today I read a disturbing comment that all old people are racists and homophobic (and should die!) As someone who will be entering my senior years in less than a decade, I find these sort of comments extremely disturbing. And of course untrue.

For decades the beauty end of ageism was shoved down a person’s throat. Botox, fillers, staying under a certain weight, do this, do that to stay young.

But now, we have to also worry about people falsely assuming we are racist and homophobic just because we’re of a certain age?! And even worse, that we should die?!

Well, let me tell you something … some of the oldest people I know are the LEAST racist and homophobic. A perfect example is when I worked at a newspaper and helped an elderly entertainment editor with her section each week. She embraced all types of people no matter what their color or sexual preference.

And this is not the exception. It’s the rule.

Old people are extremely accepting, kind, and loving. If someone is old and an asshole, that’s all it is — an old person who is an asshole. That same old asshole was most likely a young asshole at one point in his/her life.

It’s ignorant to lump all people into categories.  As I blogged last week, it’s never ever black and white. It’s always gray.

And I wish, with all my heart, that some people who are limited in their thinking will meet that one inspirational person who shows them differently. Because if you hang out with that one person, more and more will arrive in your life like magic.

Be blessed.
Be happy.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of three books. Her fourth book “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” will be traditionally published later this year by Higher Ground. She is available for ghost writing, book editing, and motivational speaking. Contact her directly at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

 

Honesty = Freedom

Honesty = Freedom

Earlier this month my company Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) teamed up with Be the Difference! inspirational t-shirt company.

Joy, a resident of Jersey City, began the Be the Difference movement to encourage and inspire. Joy was seeking positive people to join the movement; and I excitedly said, “Count me in!” because I am living it!

I’m proud to wear my “Honesty = Freedom” t-shirt, because it truly says so much! Obviously, when you’re honest, you don’t have to exhaust yourself with lies for whatever reason. But, even more important, being honest with yourself is extremely liberating because you know you’re doing your best to live the life you truly want.

Now that it’s t-shirt weather in NJ, I love wearing my “Follow Your Dreams” t-shirt, to keep me inspired! ❤

Are you honest with yourself?

How does honesty free you?

If you’d like to purchase this t-shirt (or any others that might inspire you!) visit: http://www.bethedifferencellc.com/

Use the discount code “peartree” to get 10% off your purchase!

Follow Be the Difference on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/btdllc

And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/btdllc

Ten percent of all proceeds go to Hayden’s Heart: http://www.haydensheart.org/

Hayden’s Heart is a non-profit organization “Keeping Hayden’s memory alive by raising CHD (Congenital Heart Defect) awareness and helping other families in their time of need.”

High School Friends Reunited 35 Years Later!

Maryanne (left) and Pam – Class of 1981!

Today’s most awesome reunion with my high school classmate Pam was phenomenal on multi-levels. As adults, we had a super duper time lunching at New Jersey’s famous Tick Tock Diner. But this meeting goes way beyond a reunion. I had an agenda … to thank Pam, personally, for a favor she did for me back in high school.

Pam was my high school hero. She defended me, standing up to a bunch high school bullies! That was a very brave thing for a young, petite girl to do. At the time I was a deer in headlights. I was grateful, but shocked. I was young and so awkward, I never gave Pam the proper thank-you. Nor did I even give her a smile. I just stared blankly and went about my business. Not that I didn’t appreciate what she did, but perhaps in my young mind I felt undeserving? Why would this cool girl, who was obviously mature beyond her years, defend me?

As the years went on, I often thought back to this genuine act of kindness and that if I ever ran into Pam, I’d give her a big hug and thank her. Back in the 1980s we didn’t have internet. So if you didn’t have someone’s phone number, you had to wait until you ran into them.

In the mid-1990s I ran into one of Pam’s high school boyfriends on a train while commuting to work and I told him, “If you ever see her, tell her I said ‘Hi.'”

Then the internet came, and I looked Pam up several times over the years and then finally found her on Face Book. I hoped she’d remember me as a nice person, not the awkward girl who was too shocked and shy to say “Thank you for defending me.”

Shortly afterwards, she friend-ed me back and we made a date to have lunch! I was ecstatic and counted down the days til I was able to meet my hero!

After 35 years I was finally able to give Pam a great big hug and some flowers! We spent three hours catching up and having a blast!

Mission accomplished! It’s never too late to thank someone for their kindness! ❤

I look forward to seeing my “forever friend” again in the near future!

I love you, Pam! ❤

Guest Speaker on “Bright Side with Tekneshia”

Blog radio host, Tekneshia Day

I’m honored to be a guest on blog radio show, “Bright Side with Tekneshia” tomorrow, March 24 at noon, EST. 

Here’s the link for those who would love to tune in: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tekneshiaday/2014/03/24/on-the-guest-list-adventures-of-a-music-journalist-with-maryanne-christiano

 

 

Hypnotherapy Works!

Me with good friend and hypnotherapist, Scott Lea

I was heading up north today for my uncle’s funeral (which was truly a beautiful service) and on the way over I stopped at the Vitamin Shoppe in Little Falls to support my good friend Scott Lea who had a table set up.

Almost 10 years ago, I used Scott’s services because I was a mess — I was obsessed with health! Then I got on this kick where I was constantly worrying about my teeth. I thought they hurt every day and kept going to the dentist only to find nothing was wrong with my teeth. Weird, right?!

After a few sessions of hypnotherapy with Scott, my teeth stopped hurting — it was all my imagination! It was stress and being obsessed with my health that was doing me in. Stress is the worst thing for a person. You can eat all the organic food in the world, but if you’re not at peace with yourself, it’s not doing you an ounce of good!

Then two summers ago, I had a bit of a relapse, the health obsession started up again — this time with my eyes! I went to three different eye doctors to find nothing wrong (except that I’m near-sighted which is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, otherwise my eyes are healthy). I went to Scott again, and while this time it took a little longer to stop worrying, but I eventually did by using the subliminal CDs that Scott recorded for me.

Now I can honestly say I am worry free — and have been for quite some time.

Since relaxing and not stressing over health, I’ve become a much happier person — and now truly healthier!

It’s such a great feeling to get through the day without worrying about anything — not health, not people, not growing old, not my career — NOTHING! I just LIVE, happy, every day — and that is how life should be! (Note: The only time I was sad was when my 19-year-old cat died, and that’s understandable, obviously.)

If anyone is interested in Scott’s services, please check out his website: http://manageme07.wix.com/asc 

There are over 200 known uses for hypnotherapy, some include: stop smoking, stress, pain control, insomnia, anxiety, phobias, weight loss, drug addiction, and eating disorders.

You Can Do Anything, at Any Age

Me as a curtain model, 2011, age 47

This photo was from the summer of 2011 when I modeled for Emery Curtains. For a two day shoot I received $600.

I was excited because they wanted a woman in her 40s and it was just days before my 48th birthday. The company chose me from a photo I sent.

I’m only 5’3″ and not exactly stick thin, I’m not what one would typically think when you think of a “model” — but from time to time I did make some money modeling over the years.

While doing swimwear and lingerie fashion shows was fun in my 20s, I like being an older model much better because you get to do things that aren’t as cliche. Over the past two years I played a mom in two online videos, one was for Intel.

And just today I modeled for a photographer who wanted “real” and “ethic” looking people. Immediately I was like, “I’m Italian, sign me up!” And got paid for something that was fun and rewarding.

I will post some of the shots when the photographer sends them to me (and then speak more of the shoot).

To me, modeling is an art form, and just because you hit a certain age you shouldn’t have to stop doing something you love so much. And just because you’re not super tall, super young or super thin, doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Life is a creative playground, with so many opportunities for those who seek them. The possibilities are endless, so nothing should stop anyone.

That is how I wish to inspire today — is there something you always wanted to do but don’t think you fit the criteria? Think again. Think out of the box. You can do anything you want in life! And I’d like to try everything.

The Spine is Your Lifeline

Photo of me by Darlene Foster, 2011

Monday night, after dinner, all at once I felt absolutely horrible. I thought I had food poisoning. My head got all congested, I was wiped out, had a horrible migraine, it felt like I was coming down with something. (I mentioned when I wrote about The Carrie Diaries I couldn’t even stay awake for a show I looked forward to for weeks!)

Tuesday, I struggled through the day, booking my music clients (but I did get bookings for all of them!) Near the end of my work day, I could barely work. My eyes hurt so much when I looked at the computer. It was another night of being in bed early. And another night of having a migraine.

By Wednesday I was going to work onsite for two chiropractors that I promote with marketing services. I was so out of it, it was torture leaving the house (and from me — a person who loves to work, this was just not right!) I woke up with another migraine.

My husband expressed his concern. He said, “I’m worried about you. You’re not used to being sick.”

I said, “I’ll be alright. If anything I’ll come home early.”

So I was at the health care center, trying to promote. But I was really struggling, afraid I wouldn’t do a good job, afraid I’d fall asleep, wondering if I could just make it three little hours until lunch. I hadn’t even eaten breakfast. Whatever was in my system made me lose my appetite. And I was starting to feel very weak. It was painful to look at the computer, my eyes were so heavy.

Then I had an a-ha moment … perhaps a chiropractic adjustment would help knock whatever it was out of my system?

Dr. Bob White gave me an adjustment. “Adjustment” is the word chiropractors prefer to use. They don’t like to say, “crack.” But damn, that was the biggest crack I ever heard in my neck and instant relief! INSTANT!

I was like, “Whoa, I feel so much better!”

Dr. Bob said, “Magic, right?”

My whole sinus area cleared up and I felt like I had a brand new head.

So I go upstairs to work and started feeling better by the minute. Happy. Healthy. Positive. Even euphoric.

My migraine went away, my vision was sharper, my eyes didn’t hurt anymore. Then as the day went on I got my appetite back. And so much energy! I woke up this morning so refreshed and back to my normal happy Maryanne self!

I asked the other doctor, Dr. Jason, why a chiropractic adjustment could help my eyes feel better. He said before the adjustment there could have been pressure on my optic nerve.

Fascinating, right?

I’ve been going to chiropractors for years (on and off) and getting back relief and that is expected, but having a horrible common cold cured right before your very eyes is downright miraculous! This is definitely a first hand testimony to the benefits of chiropractic care!

If anyone reading is in the New Jersey area, here is the website for Dr. Bob: http://www.advancedintegratedhealth.com/

In addition to chiropractic care, they have other natural options for hypothyroid, type II diabetes, weight loss, etc.

It’s just amazing how the body can heal itself naturally! No need for pills or drugs.

La-la-la-la, let’s all have a great day today!

Gearing Up for 2013!

I loved 2012 in so many ways. I accomplished a major goal of mine which was to be more expressive and confident in myself, including myself in more conversations and not feeling embarrassed if I was center of attention, because I deserve it!

For 2013, I continue to work on that because it’s really a hard one for me. I’m too afraid to let loose because of fear of rejection and/or fear of coming across as egotistical — and that is definitely not me, as I’ve been told I am “too humble” by those closest to me.

I need to remember what they taught you in school — JUST BE YOURSELF! Whether it’s being funny or philosophical or standing up for something I believe in, I have every right just as everyone else does!

If someone doesn’t like who I am, or is annoyed by me, that is their issue not mine (because we know so many people are annoying themselves, so who are they to say!)

I always hated when people referred to Anna Nicole Smith as a “bimbo” because she once said something very profound: “If you don’t like me, I’ll like you anyway.” Now THAT is the spirit! To be able to like everyone, even if they don’t like you — you’ve mastered something very special in your life. And I truly believe I am there!

And speaking of special, early in 2013, I’ll be interviewing one of my favorite fellow bloggers, Rohan Healy http://rohan7things.wordpress.com/about/

Rohan wrote this amazing book, “The 7 Things That Made Me Genuinely & Irreversibly Happy: and how they can do the same for you.”

His recent blog entry, “7 Things You Can Do To Make Your 2013 Better than 2012!” is very inspiring: http://rohan7things.wordpress.com/2012/12/30/7-things-you-can-do-to-make-your-2013-better-than-2012/

To illustrate that these things really work, I will comment on each one of his seven points!

1. Stop Spending Time with the Wrong People. It was very important for me to let go of a few people this year. I’ve blogged about that a few times. People can be the greatest in the world, but doesn’t mean they are right for you. When a friendship feels like “work” — whether it’s one person always trying to call the other and get together, or you’re always worrying about how the luncheon will turn out (will it be fun or will it drain you?), then it’s time to take a break or move on. Believe me, when you let go of the wrong people, you will definitely grow closer to the right ones. Or new rights ones will appear!

2. Create Reasonable Goals and Stick to Them. Running my own business is very hard, but knowing my limitations and when to let go of a client that is no longer serving my highest interest really helped keep my career on track. Just like having “wrong” friendships, you can have wrong clients too. There is no law that says you have to keep every client. If something isn’t working, you’ll know it.

3. Affirmations and Holistic Healing. I know this first hand. I have a saying, “I don’t do doctors.” I’ve had one too many miracles in my life healed by positive thinking, meditations and believing in ME — not them! I am 49. My blood work is excellent. My bone mass is excellent. And I am only a few pounds more than I weighed in high school. And I have no gray hair. The color of my hair is all natural, I haven’t dyed it since 2010!  I am doing something right!

4. Practice Self Discipline. Self discipline is very important to me. Except for when I’m on vacations, I get up every morning and have a moment of silence where I light a candle. I also exercise every morning. Whether it’s a half hour or just five minutes of stretching, this, to me, is what keeps me focused and ready to start the day!

5. Try Abundance Consciousness. When you believe you deserve something, you get it! Whether it’s love, money, health … it’s all yours! The gifts from the universe are ours for the taking. It’s just so bizarre, sometimes I’ll find an extra $100 bill lying around when I really needed money. Other times there will be more money in my checking account than I thought there was. Mind you, this always happens when I’m in a positive frame of mind, not a doubting one!

6. Learn to Love and Accept Yourself. This one is easy for me because I have so much love to give, whatever is left over is for me! Each year I try to be the best I can and I’m always happy with how far I’ve come.

7. Read Some Old Philosophy. I love philosophy. My favorite of all time is Gurdjieff. Also, I’d like to add to this — read the stuff that is positive, period. Don’t bother reading “train wreck” blogs or Twitter pages. If something makes you cringe reading it, best to pass it by and move on to something that makes you feel high and happy.

Thanks to Rohan for all his wisdom and inspiration!

NOW, on to the celebration!

I’ve always believed that it was important to have a good New Year’s Eve. It would set the tone for the upcoming year. And best of all, that New Year’s kiss — which is right up there with the wedding kiss!

Tomorrow night I’ll just be having dinner with my love, then we’ll spend some time for family. And I will be waiting for the stroke of midnight to get an amazing kiss from the love of my life!

WISHING ALL OF YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My all your dreams come true in 2013!