Have you heard about the 300 wants challenge? Time to get your list started, so you can stop just surviving in life and start Thriving. 

Any life coach, guru, business coach or personal coach will tell you that you need to write down what you want in life, your goals, asperations, because writing them down helps make it real. 10% is the average of items on your list that will come true, you must believe you can achieve these things at some point in your life time. Therefore, writing 300 wants down on a piece of paper (not a digital list) will result in you getting at least 30 of your wants to come true!

Let’s get started, write at least 300 things down that you want. At about 75, you might get stuck so begin to ask yourself a few questions to help keep you motivated. How many cars do you want? What kind of car? What color? Where do you want your next house to be? Do you want a summer home? What about your finances? Your relationships? Your love life? What do you want to learn, do, achieve?  Where do you want to go?

At first I didn’t think I could do this because all my life I’ve taken care of everyone else’s wants, never really knowing what I wanted. I never had a chance before to express or even think about what I wanted. It took a lot of thinking to even begin, but once I got going and really took a look a myself, I discovered a great deal that I wanted. 

When you document your wants on an actual piece of paper, not only does this create a paper trail, but it spells out your thoughts in a way that you can then reflect on them in the future. Some of the most successful individuals always carry a notebook around with them so they can write anything and everything that may come to mind. I’m here to encourage you to push past the mental barrier that you have placed on your mind and think beyond those limitations that we hold ourselves. We can achieve more than we think is possible and I know you can do this. 

Anything that encourages you closer towards your ultimate goals should be a priority and should be approached with a desire to achieve them swiftly and efficiently. Knowing what you really want is something that not everyone even understands about themselves, once you do you can start working towards those future goals and thrive in life. Be sure to review this list often and add to it after the 300 when new wants come up. 

There is so much value in seeing your dreams, goals, and wants spelled out in front of you to review when you need a boost. The task of writing these down is the first step towards giving life to those things that you want; furthermore, this act will hold you accountable to working towards achieving them. Comment below, and let me know how building out your list goes.

300, get ready, get set and go! 

MAKE THE DECISION TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE TODAY

What does Thriving really mean?

In the Merriam Dictionary it says;

1: to grow vigorously: FLOURISH

2: to gain in wealth or possessions: PROSPER

3: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

When you’re facing challenging times, how do you overcome and get back to thriving in your life? While it may feel like nothing good can come of your life circumstances these days, the truth is that difficult times can provide a great possibility to learn and grow. Even the toughest situations can transform everything and take your life to the next level.

Albert Einstein said, “

“Crisis is the greatest blessing for people and nations, because crisis brings on progress… It’s in crisis that inventive discoveries and great strategies rise. He who overcomes a crisis overcomes himself, without being Overcome.”

As human beings, we are meant to be the creators of our lives not just survive, but to thrive. We’re not made to merely survive – we’re made to thrive.

So many people today are unfortunately just surviving life and all of it’s trials, instead of thriving and moving forward, onward and upward. They have a “just get by” type of mentality and feel like they are just making it day to day. More than likely, they have forgotten who they truly are and have settled for second best without even knowing it.

Four tips to create a life where you are Thriving, not just surviving.

1: Be sure to take care of your health. It won’t matter that you’re thriving if you don’t have good health to enjoy it. Even adding a short walk each day will make a difference, but if you can get out of the house and go camping or hiking, get some fresh air and do this often, the difference in your health, your mental health, your general well being is wonderful.

2: One of the most important things to maintain is a good selection of emergency supplies. Those that don’t have anything set aside or have a bug-out bag packed and ready are the ones that lose everything in an emergency situation. Make sure you have a supply of all essentials, not sure what to pack? Click here to get your Free Emergency Preparedness Template.

3: Self-care is extremely valuable when thriving. There are many ways you can take care, but know doing things for you can make you healthier mentally as well as physically. Depression seems to be everywhere these days, so providing yourself some natural healing is even more important that ever before. Relax, get a massage, meditate, read, have some quality alone time, etc. Do whatever it is that brings you peace, joy and brings balance to your soul and chakra.

4. Money. There I said that dirty word. Thriving requires you to have multiple streams of income, without it you’ll be stuck in survival mode most of your life. Create a business, sell things online, rent your spare rooms, write a book. You have a skill, probably multiple skills, find ways to make money with those skills. Be creative, you never know what someone out the is willing to buy.

Thriving is also recognized as a “multifaceted” concept. The studies that the authors have reviewed range from child development to military studies. Across these, “thriving” has been alternatively defined as vitality, learning, task focus, “mental toughness,” or a combination of all of these concepts. Receiving support from one’s family, colleagues, and employers is also important, and being given a high degree of autonomy and being trusted as competent are key elements.

Nearly 500 Americans across the country were recently surveyed and were asked if they prefer to buy products that are labeled “Made in USA.” Would they be willing to pay more for these items? Nearly 70% of the respondents indicated that they prefer American-made products. Slightly more than 83% responded that they would pay up to 20% more for products made domestically. The likely influences in this perception include rhetoric against goods made in China, loss of manufacturing jobs in the Untied States, and past experience with poorly made and inferior foreign products.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Americans would favor American-made goods. Why wouldn’t they? American manufacturing means American jobs and better economy. That should make consumers feel good about their choice, even in some small way feel like they’re contributing to their own futures and their children and grand children’s futures. Aside from that, American-made goods have long benefited from a reputation of being well made and long lasting.

1. Provides Jobs for Future Generations

Our future generations matter. Jobs for our children and grandchildren are important so that they can build a life for themselves and provide for their families.

Manufacturing in the USA means guaranteed jobs for thousands of people. This happens because the more money that is invested in buying American-Made products, the increased money will then be put back into manufacturing American-Made goods. As this happens, the more the manufacturing sector will grow. By growing the manufacturing sector, more jobs are created in turn, will push more money back into the economy. This is a cycle that we can get behind to continue supporting Americans.

2. Promotes American Independence

We as Americans have pride in our nation and in our independence. Relying on another country’s exports is counter-intuitive to our sense of being and to our national pride. Our country, which was once a powerhouse on the global market, is now placing vital importance on our trade agreements with other nations, hoping to receive their goods at a low rate. We need to end our reliance on the exports of other countries and take back our independence by buying products made at home and by buying American-made products and finally taking our power back.

3. Better for the Environment

Current technologies allow manufacturing processes in the US to lean toward cleaner, renewable, and Eco-friendly practices. If we invest in American-made products, we can be sure that we are doing our part to contribute to a cleaner environment for our generation and future generations.

4. Our Government Cannot Control Foreign Labor Standards

When products are made in the USA, federal and local governments can control working conditions and ensure that minimum wages are paid and proper laws are upheld in accordance with United States Labor Laws. Importing goods from abroad means that we do not have that level of control and transparency. Sweatshops and child-labor are rampant in third-world countries where many products are manufactured. Buying foreign products supports these violations against workers abroad. Ensure you are helping your fellow Americans by looking for “Made in the USA”.

5. Boosts American Investment Opportunities

American manufacturing means investment and finance for the American economy. The more that is pushed into national manufacturing, the more the nation’s economy will reap the benefits. With growth in manufacturing comes an increase in investment opportunities for Americans.

6. Guaranteed Quality of Goods

The term “Made in the USA” speaks of quality, excellent craftsmanship and a superior product. Continuing to use foreign imports gives no guarantee of quality. While shipments and products can be monitored, there is no true guarantee of the imported goods quality and longevity.

7. Guaranteed Safer and Fair Working Conditions

OSHA oversees safe working conditions in the manufacturing industry. There are controls and regulations in place to minimize accidents, while granting rights to employees. Foreign countries may not have the same level of health and safety and imports contribute to unsafe conditions for thousands of workers.

8. Helps to Reduce the Deficit

USA has a trade deficit that needs to be addressed and eliminated. Investing in American-Made products will boost the American economy which, in turn, will reduce the deficit.

9. Avoid Foreign Political Debates

Importing goods into the country can produce a whole host of barriers and obstacles, particularly with nations whose diplomatic relationships may be tense. Manufacturing inthe USA means these potential obstacles can simply be removed.

10. Outsourced Manufacturing Plants Rarely Return to the US

One less considered factor is that once a product has been outsourced to a foreign country, in most cases it will never again be manufactured in the US. That avenue of potential business has vanished. This must be avoided at all costs to strengthen our economic standing domestically, while eliminating our reliance on foreign goods.

So, are American-made products worth their price? Absolutely. The price reflects the fair market value of a product made to standards that are fair to workers and the communities where factories operate. It will always cost more to compel a factory to make products safely and humanely, so they won’t poison our lakes, rivers and air. So that children can play instead of being forced to work. So adults can earn living wages with dignity and basic health and safety standards. The price is an investment in ourselves, our family and our neighborhoods. And worth every penny.

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It was the first hot day of the summer and my daughter wanted me to go out to her RV and make sure the cats weren’t too hot. All three dogs were in the backyard. Two get along great with the cats, but one doesn’t, so when we are at work we keep the cats safe in the new RV and leave the windows open with the air conditioning on low.

The cats were perfect, taking naps on the bed and greeted me with purring and snuggles. I hung out with them for a bit, but then needed to go inside to get supper started. As I was walking back I noticed that our smallest dog, Lazlo, was enjoying a roll in the grass. Our largest dog, Robin, walked up to him and attacked. She grabbed his fluffy scruff and immediately started thrashing him about. I dove in and grabbed her collar, tried to pull her up and out of the area, so she would let go, but her shear weight thrusted me violently off my feet, tumbling head first right into their snarling teeth.

I screamed for my daughter to come help, as I realized I wasn’t strong enough to pull these two apart on my own. The third dog, a medium size dog named Jack, decided to join in. Now I have three dogs growling, snapping and tearing each other up and me right in the middle of them all. Blood and saliva was spewing out everywhere, I screamed for my daughter again. I felt like I was being tossed around like a rag doll as the dogs were fighting. I had a grip on the two largest dogs collars, trying to pull them back and up with the scruff of their neck, creating a choking sensation, which is the best way to separate fighting dogs. I just wasn’t strong enough for the both of them, but then my daughter arrived at the scene and with her help we were able to get the attack subdued and separated the dogs.

We went inside to check on the little guy, he was dripping with slobber and there was a few blood streaks on him, but for the most part he looked okay. However, I felt shattered. I was shaking so hard that I couldn’t hardly stand up, I started crying. I kept having flashes of poor little Lazlo being shredded up and killed by Robin. It felt so real that I went into shock. I just sat there on the floor shaking and crying.

This was such a horrible thing to be in the middle of. Seeing three of my fur babies tearing each other up my heart was aching. I get a stomach every time I think about it. I never want to go through that again.

In the dark of the night… Just kidding. It was morning. My three young children and I were driving home from my mothers house who lives in Utah and we lived in California at the time. I was overwhelmed with the drive and the bickering of my daughters. Did I have snacks just in case they get hungry? Yes. Did I have our favorite music CD’s? Yes. Did I provide them all with a full reusable water bottle? Yes. All the same questions I asked myself before we started the long trek back home. 

We had been traveling all day, but as we got past Las Vegas and the temperatures heated up fast and my full size van started shutting down on me. We could drive about an hour, then we would have to stop and let the engine cool down. This made the trip twice as long, super hot with temperatures in Baker that had reached 117° that day. I’m so glad we had portable fans to help keep us cool, but it was still so very miserable.  Anyone that has traveled through Baker, CA in July can totally understand what I’m talking about.

The day was almost over and I was ready to be home and sleep for a week. However, there was still a few hours left of driving left and my butt muscles were killing me. I was flexing my muscles hoping to make sure my butt didn’t fall asleep and wishing my daughter’s music CD would break because we’ve been listening to it over and over and over.  We were on the road now for hours and hours and I was anxious to get the kids home and to bed, so I shower and sleep. 

We were only a few blocks away, I started to see the end of this long arduous trip then suddenly I felt the van jolt, and heard the pop. Sounded like gun fire. My tire flattened. Great another thing to stress me out. My children were all asleep and I didn’t want to wake them, so I pulled out my Fix-A-Flat and sprayed it in. That only worked for about a block, my van is so big and heavy that it went flat again pretty fast. I didn’t care anymore, we had been on the road for a day and ½ and when I glanced at my travel watch,  it was 11:55 pm. I couldn’t stand it any longer, so drove slowly home, hoping that driving on the rim wouldn’t cause too much damage and since we were only a block away I decided to take the chance. 

When we arrived I jumped out and took a look. The tire was shredded, it looked like a wild animal tore it to pieces. Suddenly I had a funny thought and decided to play a practical joke on my daughters. However, they were all asleep, so I decided to do it in the morning. 

The next morning I asked the kids if they remembered what happened last night. They looked at me confused and asked what. 

“We were attacked by a werewolf last night”, I exclaimed, “You didn’t hear the growling?”.

Their little eyes bugged out and fear swept across their faces. They all started asking questions about what happened. 

With a lot of vigor, throwing my hands up into the air, I excitedly expressed, “The werewolf chased us down the road, he grabbed our back tire and ripped it up, but I was able to speed up and we were able to escape, but we almost died!” 

Then I ran them out front, frantic to show them the tire. They were shocked to see that it was shredded just like I said and they looked at me with total belief in their eyes, that werewolves really exist.
Then suddenly I jumped and screamed, acted as if the werewolf had returned and they all started screaming as well. In a panic we instinctively ran back into the house giggling and screaming as we went. We laughed for hours afterwards and I was the mom hero of the day. Of course, now that we are all adults, they find it funny and plan a similar joke on their own kids.

20.0 oz Folding Reusable Silicone Water Bottle

Reusable silicone water bottle is pretty self explanatory but I thought let’s talk about it anyways. Other than this water bottle taking the place of plastic it also has great features. This product is heat resistant up to 392° F. It’s non-toxic, safe and durable. By using a clasp or carabiner of some kind you could take this bottle everywhere. This includes school, work, exercising of various kinds and travel. This bottle is collapsible and it comes with a single silicone strap to make it smaller for easy transportation. You and your family will love it.

Elephant Necklace Infinity “Always My Mother Forever My Friend”

This beautiful Mother’s Day Gift is 925 sterling silver. It is great for those that are hypoallergenic. The chain is an 18+2 inches Rolo chain. Made to be comfortable for all mothers. 

Elephant’s always have a big heart for their children; their love is greater than their memory. And like elephants your mother deserves to know how much you care and love her. 

LED USB Electric Rechargeable Lighter

This electric rechargeable lighter is safer than a flame. You may plug the lighter in the car, computer and other devices. It is great to use when you don’t want to be close to the fire or candle. However, this device is not waterproof and will be ruined if you drop it into or allow water to touch it. If you protect it, it will last for a long time. 

Cold-Proof Warm Waterproof Gloves

These gloves are amazing for those you enjoy the outdoors, both in the summer and in the winter activities. The gloves allow you to use your phone when taking photos or videos and they have grips to help stabilize you during your activities. 

Outdoor Survival Watch With Compass

This watch was created for the outdoors. Not only does it tell time but it also has a compass on the side of the watch. If you forget your string or rope to tie down a tent or to secure camping gear this is the string that you may use. It will come in handy when you are lost, or in need to survive.

The extreme increase in the use of plastic water bottles over the last 50 years has created an permanent ecological problem in the form of massive amounts of plastic waste collecting in our rivers, streams and oceans. Unfortunately, all this additional plastic is now leaking toxins into the water we consume.

For both health and environmental reasons, many concerned consumers have looked for ways to reduce their plastic waste. Switching to reusable water bottles is a great way to do your part to help limit the plastic pollution crisis, especially if you are in the habit of carrying beverages with you. The temptation to use a plastic bottle, or to purchase a drink in a plastic container can be hard – they are seductively convenient! Once you know just how much making the switch matters, it might become easier. Let’s take a greater look at the impact of plastic water bottles.

From recycling to using paper bags instead of plastic, people have started to take on the responsibility of reducing their contribution to the plastic problem and benefiting the environment. Many have added another great way of reducing their plastic use – ditching the single-use plastic bottle for good and replacing it with a sustainable water bottle.

All of those empty plastic water bottles and other plastics tossed every day are creating some crazy environmental and landfill statistics:

• Plastic waste, including bottles, kills an estimated 1.1 million marine animals per year.
• 38 billion water bottles end up in US landfills per year.
• Plastics require about 700 years to dissolve, meaning they accumulate rapidly in the environment and have negative impacts for centuries.

 If you’re into hot beverages, stop buying a those styrofoam cups of coffee or tea. Get yourself a reusable beverage container. Styrofoam cups are convenient because they are cheap and light weight, but styrofoam cups can have a negative human impact on the environment as well.

Americans have been reported to throw away 25 billion styrofoam cups every year. Styrofoam cups are non-biodegradable. Instead of breaking down completely overtime, styrofoam cups break into small pieces and stay in the environment for hundreds of years. This deadly substance is challenging to clean up. Styrofoam easily passes through waste collection systems and compile on land and in water because it is easily spread by the wind. Pieces of styrofoam show up in our parks, forests, beaches, oceans and rivers. The amount of single use plastic and styrofoam containers littered on our planet’s land and water is staggering.

Its time that individual people and business owners start working toward diminishing the environmental impact of plastic and styrofoam cups on their own. Together maybe we can make a difference. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.