Tag Archives: Paige Hunter PhD

6 Tips to Help You be More Lovable…

Seriously?! Did you know 2015 Valentine’s Day sales were projected to top out at 18.9 BILLION dollars? That having been said, clearly money can’t buy us love or make us more lovable even in the form of chocolates, flowers or fine dining.

6 Tips to Help You be More Lovable

Of course, it’s not shameless to ask, “why not get our piece of the pie in that 18.9 billion dollar projection and be adorned, pampered, appreciated?” I’m laughing because truly, you and I know this one day serves the retail industry more than it does lovers and friends.

We see the festive messages depicting fancy experiences, telling us how to love and be loved. All the hoopla is over in one stinkin’ day! And, I think while it may be good for the economy, it may not be for the stress levels of the “dearly beloved.”

In response to Valentine’s Day celebrations, I’m offering up six tips to help you be more lovable year round.

No pressure or time crunch necessary.

That’s right. I’m here to help you be more lovable and it may not be what you think. Sit down a while and forget about wearing sexy, silky pj’s– though that can’t be a bad thing either.

Turn your attention on what can be more than a flash in the pan, and definitely more self-honoring. Focus on being that deeply centered person you are. Consider filling yourself up with what makes you happier, healthier and well, more lovable.

1- Envision what’s good.

We’ve been in the presence of a “Debbie Downer”. It ain’t pretty! In fact, it’s down right draining. As we envision what’s good, what can go right, what’s positive in our lives, we actually attract less stress. We open a space for those around us to experience what envisioning and expecting good can feel like. We give others and ourselves permission to get more into “possibility thinking”. It’s highly attractive.

6 Tips to Help You be More Lovable

2- Be kind to yourself and others.

There’s nothing more lovable than seeing someone who makes a mistake, acknowledges it and is then kind to themselves or those around them after the mistake has been made. Here’s an example of that. A while back I was a passenger in a car that was hit by someone who was apparently really exhausted.

This is what resulted from that accident: The person who hit us– got out of the car and asked if we were okay. We were. Then she proceeded to apologize for hitting us, and said, “The next time when my body is telling me to take a day off from work, I’m going to listen and sleep in. I’m just glad we’re all okay.”

Wow! Kindness is powerful. Kindness shown when it would be easy to beat ourselves up is even more powerful, especially when the mistake is preventable. So why not be kind in the process? It’s what makes us lovable.

3- Appreciate your efforts.

When was the last time you stopped to simply appreciate all that you do? Sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked from remembering that our efforts aren’t always noticeable, but they matter.

6 Tips to Help You be More Lovable

Take inventory of this. Stop and celebrate a little. This is why you are lovable even if we don’t all see your efforts. I know you are up to something like paying the bills­– or caring for a precious being­–and I appreciate it.

4- Be Honest.

Are you really giving yourself permission to feel lovable? Is it time to refocus on what you need to do to move yourself forward?

In friendships and romantic relationships our expectations aren’t for the other to be perfect, our desire is that they be honest. The same is true with our self. When we can address thoughts or actions that are incongruent with our life mission, we step into a place where countless good can happen. Honesty requires courage to acknowledge what we’re doing well, but also the things we need to rise up and say, “knock if off, already!!!”

Honesty makes us endearing.

Click To Tweet

5- Take Care of Your Body

In the words of Jim Rohn, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.” In my childhood I really understood the magnitude of these words, I just didn’t know how to take care of my body.

On my adventure to become healthier, I discovered that I needed to learn to love and accept myself unconditionally as God does. I realized taking care of my physical being empowers me to love more and to be loved more because I’m more present.

6 Tips to Help You be More Lovable - Enjoy Life

It’s not rocket science. It takes learning and listening to what best supports our unique body. When I see others caring about what they put in their mouths, or enjoying an exercise program, I’m grateful for them. I believe we all respect them for making decisions to show up for their family and those that love them. It’s admirable.

6- Enjoy Life

Psst… you don’t need my permission or anyone else’s to enjoy life. In fact, it’s what makes you irresistibly lovable! When we decide to live a life that is satisfying and full, there’s a shift that happens. We tend to repel those who don’t want a piece of that joy and we engage those who hunger for it.

“And then you laughed and it seemed a thousand joyous songs leapt into the air.” ~Brendon Burchard

I’m for more belly laughs and smiles. I’m not Aristotle, but I think it makes us more lovable. Do what you enjoy. Is it time outside like one of the kids? Is it cooking up some tasty vittles, it is connecting with those who brighten your day? Whatever it is, please do it.

Bonus Tip

Ever felt a bit stuck with feeling lovable? Not knowing where to really start?
6 Tips to Help You be More Lovable

Guess what? You aren’t alone. Sometimes it’s toxins in our bodies stirred up by bad emotion, food or drugs. Sometimes it can be challenging circumstances.

I want to help you find your true north. Your most lovable self. I want to offer you a chance to be your best.

For the first time ever,  I’m offering a special course through Real School Health. Click here to find out the inside scoop.

You see I believe when we are healthy, happy and fit, we feel more lovable because we feel good about our self. It’s that simple. And when you buy, know this. You are making a difference not only in your well-being but in the lives of others too! Fifty percent from the profits of the sales will go feeding the hungry and rescuing children from human trafficking through one of my favorite charities, Children’s Hunger Fund.

I hope you’ll join the party. If you decide it’s not time to punch your dance card, know you are still most lovable.

Now, over to you! Share with us, what makes you feel lovable? Or what you do find lovable in others?

Are you a “road worthy” entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve had great opportunities to live in places that are completely opposite from the way I was brought up. This has led to some fascinating discoveries.

For the past four months I’ve been living in Guadalajara; Mexico’s second largest city with roughly 5 million people. And then there was the little town of Bulverde where I first began my driving days when the population was 2700 and has now soared to 7500.

Let me be clear, this is my second time living in the Guadalajara area. My first opportunity came in 2004-2005, so as we say in Texas, “this ain’t my first rodeo”. What’s different this time is now I can (sort of) navigate my way around without getting too lost, overwhelmed, or stressed by the crazy congestion and “unique” driving

Yesterday I chose to have a big lemonade on the balcony of a restaurant to survey the activity below. Then it hit me.  The hustle and bustle, the horns honking, the cars weaving in and out of the slower trucks and buses, all the wheels and break squeals, the whirling and whistling…the epiphany was clear.

Big city driving is so much like being a capable entrepreneur.

You see, usually when I venture out of my Mexican cocoon, my capable, locally-grown husband doubles as a ninja-like chofer. I seized an opportunity this past weekend before he flew back to our ranch home to check in with the critters, caretakers, and other important business. I asked for guidance. I had an important appointment I didn’t want to miss so I asked my favorite local Mexican if he’d drive me through the process of navigating my way through new construction to avoid getting lost and pulling my hair out.  Why am I sharing this? Well, we all know the maps or GPS don’t always include the newest streets, best detours or shortcuts. First lesson.

Entrepreneurs, like drivers prefer to learn from the successful experiences of mentors and experts, rather than rely on less dynamic tools like maps or a GPS.

As I sat there drinking my lemonade I was grateful. This particular day was exceptionally satisfying.

The mission of driving there and back was safely accomplished! All the while I’d single-handedly avoided 2 near collisions and no! I’m not kidding you. Ironically, the use of signal lights aren’t part of the national way of driving, nor is allowing plenty of space for lane changes. And somehow, I was able to keep my happy and avoid road rage. Yes! And this friends, leads me to the second a-ha.

Focus. During the business process entrepreneurs reach milestones by focusing on what needs to be achieved and avoid what will take them “off road.”

In times past, I was a nervous ball of energy driving through maddening traffic. I’d try deep breathing while wanting to run over a pedestrian. To say the least, it’s definitely been a process of developing a skill set. Quite frankly, it’s opened up all sorts of personal development opportunities for this country girl. I’m learning to laugh at myself as I reflect on how far I’ve come. I’m doing it for the love of business, my husband and need I say, adventure? I’ve chosen to dare greatly this time around and it’s paying off because the enjoyment level is skyrocketing. What was once petrifying is now electrifying. Well, okay not really, but it’s vastly improved which leads me to lesson three.

Developing skills can be challenging. The better we become, the more we enjoy the results, and of course, life.

I’m not going to lie to you. I still prefer driving in the countryside. In fact, I get really stoked when I see sheep in a field grazing. It speaks to me. That day I sat in the “winner’s circle” sipping my celebratory lemonade, reveling in how I took to the road like a champ. Chaotic traffic and all, there’s a lesson in ev-er-ything. And now when I take to the road I can reframe how it can bring me more lessons as an entrepreneur. I may not be ready for the Indy 500 or the Baja 1000 but I can tell you I’m becoming a bit more road worthy.

So here’s my question for you. Are you a “road worthy” entrepreneur?

Now, don’t use me as the perfect example to live by because I’m still a work in progress. But do yourself a favor, dig around a little. Sharpen your entrepreneurial saw by asking yourself the following questions.

  • Who helps guide my business in the right direction? Do I really listen and apply it toward the long-term benefit of myself and others?
  • Do I stay focused under pressure avoiding unnecessary incidents that can keep me from reaching desired results?
  • How do I go about improving my skills to make life more enjoyable?

That’s my challenge for you my friends. I’d love to hear from you. What one action step are you willing to take to make you more “road worthy”?

Enter your answer in the comments below, or click to tweet it.

What action step are you willing to take to make you more road worthy?

Click To Tweet

 

Happy driving!

Good Grief! Mother’s Day is Coming!

When Grief Creates Growth

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. For years it’s been a usual time of grieving for me. Now it seems to have brought deeper personal growth. I invite you into a journey that’s turned into joy and more purpose.

A few months ago, I was asked to speak to a group of entrepreneurs on growing a solid business. After speaking, I opened the floor to questions. I chose not to hold anything back that could create value. Just as the first question hit, I thought perhaps I should run. Instead, my heart urged me to share. Deeply. Perhaps uncomfortably for some. It was cathartic just as much as the process of grieving had been.

I’ve always been an overcomer.

I’ve overcome being broke and weighing more than most high school football players. I’ve overcome university politics and autoimmune disease. Truth is, I’d overcome most everything but giving birth.

Through unsuccessful IVF treatments, I considered myself privileged to have had the option. Through several adoption fly-bys that went awry, the gnawing, unsatisfying, raw emotions plagued me; especially in May. On Mother’s Day I’d skip church so not to cry as beautiful, brave mothers would stand and be honored. On Mother’s Day I’d ask my supportive husband to wisk me away so I could cry unnoticed by my own mother, friends and family. You see, grief for a normally joyous person is like hell on earth.

This past January a gift came to my house.

She’s AnaKarla, the daughter of our friend, Jorge. She asked me to play a game. I agreed. I was supposed to think of a famous person and the computer would offer a range of yes or no questions to discover what famous person was on my mind. Albert Einstein. Check! First woman in Space, Sally Ride. Check! Latino Crooner, Luis Miguel. Check! Martin Luther King, Jr. Check! And then, there was Mother Theresa. What?! NO CHECK! She was deemed irrelevant because I refused to acknowledge her as childless. For indeed she was a great mother amongst children! This infuriated me! The computer game could not recognize her. #@!*&^:<@(*)`!!! How could a game revoke the “motherhood” of Mother Theresa? And there it was. Truth. The truth I had hungered for, and the first time I realized that the grief I had been holding onto truly needed to go! I was allowing it to stay when there was no further reason to grieve.

If I could allow Mother Theresa to be a mother, why could I not be a “mother”? It was time to reframe how I perceived myself.

About that time my husband, Daniel, and I were leaving on a 3 month sabbatical from the norm. We’d be living in Mexico. My plan was to expand the way I conduct business and work on becoming more “motherly”. I didn’t know how exactly it would all show up. I simply took steps, baby steps. I called up my trusted friend at Children’s Hunger Fund. I asked if we could get involved in their work in Mexico. Turns out there was no coverage in that area for orphanages or foster homes. The need became clear. Over the next 3 months I searched out, and worked with beautiful volunteers and organizations to address the needs of the children. It was life altering.

When I returned home, I received a greeting card.

I thought it to be an Anniversary card. It wasn’t. This card was different. It profoundly touched me. It was a Mother’s Day card. When I saw it, I began to sob uncontrollably. The remainder of the grief escaped as I began to understand how deeply my being as a person matters. To my parents. To children. And yes, the world! I finally agreed that I matter with or without bearing children. Breathe in. Breathe out. I matter and my work is life changing. The card simply read, “Happy Mother’s Day! It’s also for those special women who love with a mother’s heart. For the love, caring and kindness you bring to everyone blessed enough to be part of your life. (More tears, but tears of joy and relief, tears of being deeply loved and accepted.) It was signed, “We are so blessed by your life. We love you. Janny (my mom’s nickname) & Daddy” (because he’s still daddy to me). A day later, I received a text from my friend Sherry, “Happy Mother’s Day friend! You have the heart of a mother”. The wave of heavy grief lifted. I was ready to take on the world again!

Purpose.

Grief brings growth and a deeper sense of purpose. If we allow it. My work is more meaningful. I dare to dream big again, I dare to stay connected with the causes I know will “mother” children in need. And, I dare to be a working mother.

Goodbye tears- cuz ain’t nobody got time for that! Hello purpose! Deep soul-moving purpose. Purpose that surpasses sorrow. Purpose that lives to better tomorrow.

Here’s a picture of what moved me forward. These are some of the precious kids whose life journey pulled me from a pit of grief.

Grief brings growth and a deeper sense of purpose motherhood children

How about you? Ever left behind a deep grief into greater purpose? What moved you forward?

Three Key Principles to Multiply Your Entrepreneurial Value

Could you use an extra $500 every month? Go ahead. Answer that. I know we can all find a way to employ an extra $500. My hope is that you’ll read this post and take action by providing or doing something spectacular adding increase to your life.

Here’s three key principles to multiply your entrepreneurial value

Principle one: Understand that integrity is an asset

Integrity is one of the most challenging characteristics to find in today’s marketplace. Therefore, I suggest we look at integrity as a valuable asset. Customers desire to conduct business with those who have a heart to serve as well as earn profits.

The world begs for entrepreneurs who deliver honesty, thoughtfulness, genuine help, and quality. When the public senses a business operating in integrity, there comes a tipping point where trust and confidence converge into expectancy and anticipation. As such upcoming services or products are welcomed with open arms.

Integrity leads to more profits. Integrity and profits are meant to go together like chips & salsa, wine & cheese or Fiona & Shrek. Okay, you get the point. It’s clear that the message businesses communicate today must be holistic in nature and resonate with the heart of their public. When integrity is perceived, our entrepreneurial value quickly rises.

Integrity and profits go together like chips and salsa, wine and cheese, Fiona and Shrek

Click To Tweet

Principle two: Let wisdom be your guide

Forget a little mouse in your pocket! What we all need is a Yoda or two, or three. While I’m all for mentoring and coaching, what I’m referring now is wise *professional* counsel. I have my favorites as a businessperson. And, because it’s tax season, I’ll focus on the importance of having a bang-up, insightful CPA.

Early on in my business I was making decisions on a shoestring budget. One of the best decisions was hiring a great CPA. It provided me with a peace of mind. Simply knowing someone was in my corner to make sure I had crossed the “t’s” and dotted the “i’’s” when filing was a huge relief. I also found great value in the professional advice when taking maximum business deductions. I learned that starting out in business wasn’t always about how much money I could make, but rather, how much I could keep.

When paying for the services of a CPA, think of it this way. You’re paying for their years of study, experience ad expertise. You’re paying them to stay on top of the changing laws and regulations that apply to you.

When you work with an astute CPA, you’ll maximize your money while minimizing your time trying to learn what they know. You’ll minimize your chances of making big mistakes. Working with a helpful CPA, you’ll have someone really walk you through the financial statements so you can see how your business is performing and what tweaks you can make to increase its value.

Principle Three: Practice Realistic Expectations & Core Competencies

Aspiring entrepreneurs often have incredible yet lofty ideas. It’s the entrepreneurial season I most love. It’s the stage where anything is possible, creativity is high and hopes are soar. It’s the turning point where dream incubation can coincide with action. And when the entrepreneurially-minded push pass the spark it up phase and muscles for core competencies are flexed and strengthened…well…watch out world!

Not so fast Speed Racer! Yes, we were all born to be an overnight success! Realistically speaking that overnight success may happen anywhere from 365 nights to 537 nights. When our expectations around entrepreneurship are realistic, we waste little time dreaming and head off into doing so the dream comes to pass. The most realistic expectation can be taken from the “farmer’s formula” of seed, time and harvest. Often we want to plant the seeds, skip over time and harvest the next day. However there’s an incubation and growth period. And during time part of the formula is where the core competencies come in handy.

What are these core competencies?

Goal Setting. Consistency. Demand for efficiency and quality. It’s seeking information and daring greatly. It’s systematic planning and tweaking. It’s confidence to act boldly. As entrepreneurs manage their expectations for creating success and dominate these core competencies big waves of value are created. Now how’s that for happy?

Entrepreneurs are the thought leaders of today. They bring much to the table. It’s passion, it’s purpose and when done right brings about sustainable profits.

May our key pursuits include integrity and wisdom so we increase our value in the world. And may our realistic expectations and core competencies bring about that extra $500, $5000 or $5 million every month.

Join the discussion and share with me. What key principle can you focus on to multiply your entrepreneurial value in the world? Please and thank you!

Strange Brew: The Curiously Healthy Exilir Called Kombucha

Anytime I’m checking out at the grocery store, without fail the sales clerk or someone in line asks me, “What’s that?” I’m always surprised that so few know about it. Then I remind myself that I’ve only been in-the-know for about four years. “It’s Kombucha”.

Kombucha Tea on store shelf

Then the flurry of questions continue. “What’s it taste like? What is it? Is it expensive? Why do you drink it? Is it like beer? It seems strange.”

Then I go into my best sales pitch even though I’m not a brand ambassador for the Kombucha company. I just know it’s benefits are so incredible and I can’t help myself. My usual schpeel goes something like this.

It’s Kombucha. It’s a health drink. It comes in a variety of flavors. Don’t shake it up! It’s fermented like a beer or soda. It’s fantastic for you because it‘s raw living food that’s chock full of probiotics and enzymes. Probiotics are good bacteria that help to keep your gut flora balanced. Enzymes help break down, digest and better absorb our foods. I love the taste of it, my favorite’s the ginger. It may seem expensive but the alternative to bad health is far more expensive. I drink it because I know 80% of my immune system is located in the gut and I feel more energetic and balanced when I drink it. You can save more money if you brew your own. Currently I’m not brewing because I’m a bit of gypsy living between here and Mexico. Please, give Kombucha a whirl! Your body will thank you. AND, exit.

These are the friendly encounters I’ve had at my local grocery store. I realize the culture we currently live in has become so much about the mainstream offerings of soda pops and sugary coffee drinks that are devoid of nutrition and laced with chemicals. I am here to be like a beacon in the night guiding all who will listen to give this “Strange Brew” a chance!

Please share with me. Let me know if you’ve tried Kombucha. If so, did you have a favorite? If you haven’t, will you this “Strange Brew” a chance? Leave me a comment.

Be weird! Be extraordinary!

Click To Tweet

Cheers and bottoms up!

To your health!

Connect with me online: Connect with Dr. Paige Hunter on Instagram Connect with Dr. Paige Hunter on LinkedIn