Elevator Talk With Michelle

To forgive and forget is what we all learned grown up. However, it’s not quite that easy to do, especially when you are dealing with a lot of pain and suffering. Now to forgive is to heal and sometimes holding on to something is so much more painful than letting it go. There are four stages of forgiveness: Stage 1- Hurt: Initially you feel hurt and betrayed, and you might even feel some hatred toward the person that hurt you and/or wronged you. If you don’t want this stage to linger, you are going to have to tell that person or those people how you are feeling. Stage 2- Hate: While hatred isn’t a good thing, it is a natural part of life, that we all experience from time to time. Holding onto this hatred, will only affect us and not the person that hurt us. So, letting it go, will keep it from controlling your life and how you move. Even the Bible tells us to hate the sin and not the sinner. Stage 3- Hook: In this stage, you are hooked to the power you think you have over the other person. You begin to feel that by not forgiving you are becoming even more powerful because you are drowning the other person in guilt. It’s the same as sadistic pleasure. Stage 4- Healing: This is the last stage of forgiveness. You must keep moving on from one stage to the next, so you can heal. You and the person that hurt you both need to heal, and forgiveness is all the medicine you need. You may be asking yourself; how can I get to the healing stage? Well, here is how you can do that: Step 1. Acknowledge your pain. Don’t just overlook the fact that you are hurting. Acknowledge the pain and hurt that you feel in your heart. Be clear of what is hurting you, is it the action or the person? The first step to forgiveness is to get in touch with your feelings. Step 2. Think before you make any decisions. Think about what caused you pain? Is it worth the effort? Before you decide not to forgive the other person, make sure you have considered all possibilities. Step 3. Accept the past. You will have to; in fact, you should be ready to accept what happened in the past. Since you can’t change the past, why hold onto the grudges you have been carrying around? This is one of the most important steps to forgive someone who has caused you pain. Step 4. Make a decision. You have been contemplating what you need to do, so now it’s time to decide if you really want to forgive or not. Step 5. Make amends. After you have decided that you want to forgive, you will need to decide if you want to repair the relationship or just move on. Sometimes forgiveness doesn’t always mean reunion. Step 6. Learn from forgiving. Always remember that forgiveness is always about you and not the person that hurt you. Step 7. Truly and honestly forgive. This is the last step of forgiveness; this is where you finally forgive and heal yourself. You don’t have to tell anybody. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me! Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support

There is an old say that says: "there’s no place like home for the holidays." But what if you could spend Christmas at a beautiful, snow-filled resort instead? From popular winter family vacation spots to charming towns that will make you feel like you've been transported to the movie set of a Hallmark Christmas movie, there's nothing more magical than traveling somewhere new during the most wonderful time of the year. Or maybe you're looking for a romantic vacation spot for couples (cozying up in a cabin), or a fun, family-friendly destination that the kids will love. Or maybe you want to skip the cold weather altogether this season and relax on a sunny beach at a coastal town instead. Whatever new holiday tradition you decide to try this year, there are plenty of places to visit that will pull out all the stops for Christmas. Things such as sleigh rides, over-the-top Christmas decorations, picturesque holiday markets and more. So, pack your suitcases, and your holiday spirit, and get ready for a festive, fun-filled Christmas vacation this year. 1). Woodstock, Vermon 2). Solvang, California 3). New York City, New York 4). Vail, Colorado 5). Seneca Falls, New York 6). Stockbridge, Massachusetts 7). North Pole, Alaska 8). Hershey, Pennsylvania 9). Oahu, Hawaii 10). McAdenville, North Carolina 11). Aspen, Colorado 12). New Orleans, Louisiana 13). Taos, New Mexico 14). Branson, Missouri 15). Charleston, South Carolina 16). Chicago, Illinois 17). Leavenworth, Washington 18). Cleveland, Ohio 19). Andalusia, Alabama 20). Santa Claus, Indiana 21). Nantucket, Massachusetts 22). Newport Beach, California 23). Jackson Hole, Wyoming 24). Orlando, Florida 25). Bernville, Pennsylvania 26). Alexandria, Virginia 27). Kennebunkport, Maine 28). Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 29). Stowe, Vermont 30). Austin, Texas 31). Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 32). St. Augustine, Florida 33). Park City, Utah 34). Las Vegas, Nevada 35). Nashville, Tennessee Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support

It’s so easy to lose our way in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, which is why it’s important to notice the small (but) sacred moments of opportunity to connect and reflect.

1. Express gratitude for who and what you have.

2. Be grateful for what you don’t have.

3. Lead with curiosity, not condemnation.

4. Tap into your flow state.

5. Don’t maximize, “sacrifice”.

6. Prioritize positivity, whatever that means to you.

Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support

Here are 8 things you can do this summer and enjoy with your family and friends this “Christmas In July Season”: 1). No snow? No problem! Since the weather is way too hot for snow right now, you may want to try something cooler, like water balloons and wave surfing at the beach. 2). Throw a beach themed party with your family and friends. That’s right, have everyone dress up in Christmas print shorts and tank tops and have a tone of beach fun. Don’t forget to provide some good, beach food to go along with your fun. 3). Give out beach themed stocking stuffers. You could give everyone on your list some sunscreen, a beach towel, a water float, tickets to a free summer event, a beach ball, flip flops, (feel free to add anything else that’s small and inexpensive) and put them all in a mini cooler. 4). Have a Christmas in July bake off. Everyone would be challenged with baking cookies and then decorating them with beautiful Christmas colors and decorations. 5). Have a Christmas decoration party. This is the perfect time of the year, to pick up some plain ornaments from Michaels or any Christmas store and decorate them. You can use as much or as little paint and decorations as you like. All while enjoying good food, family, and friends. 6). Think about renting out your local ice-skating rink. You and your guests could dress up in Christmas attire and skate to traditional Christmas music. 7). Have an ugly t-shirt contest. This is when you put a different spin on things and have an “ugly t-shirt party”. Everybody shows up in a t-shirt that’s a mess coming and going, but that keeps with the Christmas theme. 8). Create a chill and stay at home event. This is where you and your family or a few great friends, sit in the house under the AC turned all the way up. Then you cuddle under some blankets and sip on some hot chocolate, hot tea, hot coffee and/or hot apple cider. You may want to do a movie marathon with such greats as Home Alone, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon’s Vacation, just to name a few. Merry Christmas in July, everyone! Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support

Here are 8 things you can do this summer and enjoy with your family and friends this “Christmas In July Season”: 1). No snow? No problem! Since the weather is way too hot for snow right now, you may want to try something cooler, like water balloons and wave surfing at the beach. 2). Throw a beach themed party with your family and friends. That’s right, have everyone dress up in Christmas print shorts and tank tops and have a tone of beach fun. Don’t forget to provide some good, beach food to go along with your fun. 3). Give out beach themed stocking stuffers. You could give everyone on your list some sunscreen, a beach towel, a water float, tickets to a free summer event, a beach ball, flip flops, (feel free to add anything else that’s small and inexpensive) and put them all in a mini cooler. 4). Have a Christmas in July bake off. Everyone would be challenged with baking cookies and then decorating them with beautiful Christmas colors and decorations. 5). Have a Christmas decoration party. This is the perfect time of the year, to pick up some plain ornaments from Michaels or any Christmas store and decorate them. You can use as much or as little paint and decorations as you like. All while enjoying good food, family, and friends. 6). Think about renting out your local ice-skating rink. You and your guests could dress up in Christmas attire and skate to traditional Christmas music. 7). Have an ugly t-shirt contest. This is when you put a different spin on things and have an “ugly t-shirt party”. Everybody shows up in a t-shirt that’s a mess coming and going, but that keeps with the Christmas theme. 8). Create a chill and stay at home event. This is where you and your family or a few great friends, sit in the house under the AC turned all the way up. Then you cuddle under some blankets and sip on some hot chocolate, hot tea, hot coffee and/or hot apple cider. You may want to do a movie marathon with such greats as Home Alone, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon’s Vacation, just to name a few. Merry Christmas in July, everyone! Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support

During the Summer months, I doubt many people are thinking about Christmas. Well, I love Christmas and I love thinking about it as often as possible. In fact, I love watching Christmas movies all year long (don’t judge me). You may not have thought about it, but Christmas is five months away and it will creep up on you, like a pair of tight knickers if you aren’t careful! We all procrastinate in some area of our lives, from time to time. The reason we do it is: 1). We feel overwhelmed at times. The holiday expectations that we place on ourselves and those that come from our family members, can be so much that we feel like we are going to fail. So instead of failing, we decide not to do anything at all, or we wait until the absolute last minute to get things done. 2). We overestimate the amount of time we have to get things done. Right now, Christmas seems like a long time away, and it really isn’t. 3). We think everything must be perfect. Did you know that perfectionism, is the root of procrastination? Guess what, it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be enjoyable by you, and your family. 4). We tell ourselves we work better under pressure. Honestly, there are some people that really do work better under pressure. If on the other hand, you are not willing to go into debt to measure up to someone else’s expectations, I would suggest you get started NOW. How you ask? Well, you can try some of these great ideas: 1). Start saving now. You can start saving $25 or $50 a week for your Christmas shopping. Of course, knowing what your budget is for each person on your list, will make things a whole lot better. You can use a cash envelope system, create a holiday savings account, or transfer money into your savings account. 2). Book your travel NOW. Now is the time to secure your flight and hotel arrangements. 3). Schedule your family photo. Now is the time to do a family photo for your Christmas cards, your scrapbook, holiday journal or to frame for your coffee table. You could also put your family picture on mugs, calendars, and other things to giveaway. Here are some great places to get your holiday prints done: Costco, Sam’s Club, Snapfish, and Vista Print (my favorite); just to name a few. 4). Create a family cookbook. Depending on how big your family is, you can have a nice size book of recipes. Here is software you can use to create your cookbook: - Cookbook People- This site offers cookbook software you can buy and then print yourself. - CreateMyCookbook- This site offers a high-tech way to create a family cookbook. - Microsoft- Go to Office.Microsoft.com, search under “templates” and then type in “cookbook.” 5). Schedule your December things to do NOW. Get out your December calendar and make a note of your plans for the holiday season. You may need to make some changes, as you get closer to the holiday season and that’s fine. 6). Start making your holiday crafts now. You’ll never have more spare time than you have now, during these lazy days of summer. Take advantage of this down time by learning a new craft or polish up on those you know but could use some fresh inspiration on. A great place to find inspiration is YouTube! 7). Favorite things basket. Chances are you’re familiar with Oprah’s show that showcased her favorite things. You’ll come up with all kinds of ideas once you start thinking about it. The key is to stock up on all the items you plan to use now, while the supplies are plentiful. 8). Put together your memories. Put together an album of the memories you have. If you are into junk journals or traveler’s notebooks, this is a great idea as well. You may also want to interview older relatives and make a CD, DVD or even a written transcript of the interview for each member of the family. Ask about their childhood and young adult memories, family history, and their perspective on historical events that occurred during their lifetime. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support

1). Give Yourself Permission To Succeed. You are capable of accomplishing great things, but first you must allow yourself to be successful. 2). Give Yourself Permission To Fail. A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. – George Bernard Shaw 3). Give Yourself Permission To Be Yourself. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 4). Give Yourself Permission To Be Happy. You deserve to be happy! you don't need to wait for the next paycheck, vacation, or soul mate to be happy. So often, we spend our lives thinking about the time in our future when we will be happy. 5). Give Yourself Permission To Feel Crappy Sometimes. The acceptance of one's negative experience is in itself a positive experience. – Mark Manson  Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/support

Hi and welcome back to Elevator Talk With Michelle Podcast! Today I am going to be talking about the Five Love Languages, plus the seven new ones that have been added to the list.

1). Words of Affirmation: This love language is the only one that solely centers around verbal communication; it describes primarily showing affection through words, expressing love, respect, and admiration for a partner. You are going to have to really mean what you say for it to have a meaningful impact.

2). Acts of Service: The acts of service love language is the same as “actions speak louder than words”. Those who show their love in this manner absolutely love going above and beyond to help their partner.

3). Giving and Receiving Gifts: People who speak this love language gain great satisfaction from choosing, buying, and presenting their partner with a meaningful gift.

4). Quality Time: Quality-timers understand that simply being in the same place as your partner does not equate to spending actual quality time with them. The time spent together needs to be significant, meaningful, and intentional in some way.

5). Physical Touch: It refers to the physical expression of intimacy in a relationship, showing a partner that you are close to them in both the mind and body. Holding hands, hugs and sex are all forms of physical touch, but the potential to display your affection through this language is virtually limitless.

What are seven new love languages?

1). Activity: People who focus on the Activity love language feel special and valued when their partner takes an interest in their hobbies and activities and makes an effort to enjoy hobbies and interests together.

2). Appreciation: People who focus on the Appreciation love language feel loved when their partner gives them compliments, praise, and thanks. They appreciate hearing explicitly what their partner likes and admires about them.

3). Emotional: Those who focus on the Emotional love language feel loved when their partner is able to connect with them and support them through difficult and scary emotions. Being present for the highs and lows is very important to those with the Emotional love language.

4). Financial: People with the Financial love language feel loved when their partner is generous with resources and sees value in spending money to bring their partner pleasure and joy. This love language may be expressed through gifts, or just making space in the family budget for your partner’s enjoyment.

5). Intellectual: People with the Intellectual love language like to connect through the mind. They feel loved when their partner values their intelligence, respects their opinion, and takes part in thoughtful discussion of important issues.

6). Physical: People with the Physical love language feel loved when they receive physical affection hugs, holding hands, and snuggles. They want their partners to show they’re attracted to them and initiate loving touch.

7). Practical: People with the Practical love language feel loved when their partners chip in with everyday duties and responsibilities. They feel cared for when their loved ones do chores and offer help.

Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.

Coach Michelle

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/support

Instead of crumbling under the pressure of one major New Year’s resolution to exercise more or eat healthier, try reflecting on smaller goals that can help you feel better throughout the year. An efficient way to do this, says Denise Williams, owner of Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center, is to mark your goals on your calendar month by month. She says: “You’re more likely to follow through if it’s already on your calendar than if you have to put it in your calendar after you’ve already gotten busy.” If you want to improve your mind, body and spirit in 2023, the ideas that I am going to share with you, will help you do that. This guide is meant to serve as inspiration, for you to choose that works best for you. You may even come up with your own list. 

January: Redefine what success means to you, then visualize it. 

February: Romanticize your daily life, even the small moments.

March: Prioritize getting your rest.

April: Declutter your space.

May: Take your workout outside.

June: Take that solo trip you’ve been dreaming about.

July: Create a new friendship.

August: Pick up an old hobby or pick up a new one.

September: Upgrade your routines.

October: Implement a gratitude practice.

November: Do something nice for someone else.

December: Avoid feeling financially and physically drained.

Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/support

Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to get back into the swing of things, after the holidays? Post-holiday blues are really a thing. Here's how to deal with them.  What Are Post-Holiday Blues? Post-holiday blues share many of the same characteristic symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder: insomnia, low-energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anxiousness. What Causes Post-Holiday Blues? There’s little research on the subject, but a consensus among experts is that the adrenaline comedown is the main reason. Princeton, NJ-based clinical psychologist Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore suggests that the abrupt withdrawal of stress hormones after a major event, be it a wedding, an important deadline, or the holidays, can have a profound impact on our biological and psychological well-being. Why Do We Feel Depressed After the Holidays? Unless you have a three-week vacation in August or some other big diversion during the year, the holidays may be the only time regular life is interrupted. Even if your holidays weren’t so merry and bright, the brain exaggerates the realities of day-to-day life, making the return to the mundane seem disproportionately more anxiety-inducing and depressing than it really is. Our Brain is Tricking Us. According to Dr. Melissa Weinberg, a research consultant and psychologist specializing in well-being and performance psychology, it’s a sign of healthy psychological functioning. “It’s just one of a series of illusions our brain fools us into believing, in the same way we think bad things are more likely to happen to others than they are to us.  We’re Emotionally Exhausted. The considerable weight of navigating difficult situations and relationships and keeping your cool during the holiday events is another possible factor in post-holiday depression. Your Diet Plays A Role. The sugar and alcohol-fueled diets many of us love and/or survived on during the holiday season can also play a role. Alcohol is a widely recognized depressant and research has also linked junk food to depression.  How Long Does Post-Holiday Depression Last? This is going to be different for everyone. But if after a while you still aren't looking forward to upcoming events, or you continue to remember the holidays with sadness rather than fondness, it's time to talk to a mental health professional. Post-Holiday Depression Statistics: • According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 24% of people with a diagnosed mental illness find that the holidays make their condition “a lot” worse and 40% “somewhat” worse.” • The most difficult months for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression, in the United States tend to be January and February, according to the American Psychiatric Association. This can compound negative post-holiday feelings in the 5% of adults in the U.S. who experience SAD. • While it is a myth that suicides increase around the holidays, a study published in 2014 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that New Year's Day was one of the times associated with the highest number of poison ingestions with suicidal intent. How To Get Over Post-Holiday Blues: 1. Take care of yourself.  2. Schedule time for fun. Filling up your planner with activities you enjoy will give you something to look forward to and help keep contrast effect at bay. 3. Be patient and go easy on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling the way you do and take the time you need to find your footing. Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/michelle4466/support