Sedona Hutton's Blog, page 4

Last fall, my husband, curly-coated retriever, and I vacationed in Alabama. On the first night at our beautiful resort, I took a walk with my dog, Milkduds. We took in scenic views of the Tennessee River, layers of mountains in the distance, and trees colored in their full autumn glory. We walked for miles before circling back. Hot and tired, I was more than ready to return to our room.
The side of the large property was the closest entrance so we trekked up a hill to get there only to find a sign next to the door that indicated a key card was required for entry. No problem. I whipped out my card and swiped it. 
The light didn’t turn green.
I tried again and became frustrated when my card still didn’t work. Resigned to walk around the property to the front door, I stole a glance at Milkduds, expecting him to be frustrated, too. Instead, he gave me a sweet doggie grin and a happy swish of his tail.
Sometimes, the little things in life suck us down. But only if we let them. I decided then and there to be more like my sweet, happy dog. 
It was just one door. There were plenty of other entrances even if they required another walk. I reminded myself if this was my biggest issue of my day, I had it pretty darn good. With my new and improved perspective, I tried my key card one more time (it didn’t work), and then tugged on the door anyway. To my surprise and delight, the door opened!
There are regularly obstacles in our lives. Like the door, how many of them are self-imposed? And, like the door, how many of our obstacles are so trivial they don’t warrant our energy and attention?
I’ve gotten into the habit of asking myself whether the issue at hand will it matter in an hour, a week, or a month? If the answer is no (and usually it is), why fret? Consider alternate options or power through and move on to the more important things in your life. 
***New Release!***Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)
Recommended Reading : The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.
Photo by BRUNO CERVERA on Unsplash

Let’s be honest—there’s a lot of pressure on Valentine’s Day. We tend to think of romance as big, grand gestures and strive to find the perfect gift or arrange the perfect outing. However, there are plenty of small ways to show how much you care.
In my contemporary romance, The Perfect Lap, AJ and Ella learn that perfection is overrated. In honor of this novel, I’m offering a list of small gestures that deliver big impact. I’ve also included two excerpts along with a link for a free Kindle eBook of The Perfect Lap, valid between 2/10 through 2/14: https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv.
5 Gestures to Show Your Love: ©     Put your phone away for the night and engage in conversation.©     Tell your special someone what you appreciate most about him or her.©     Write a positive message and put it in his or her lunch bag.©     Forgive a perceived wrongdoing. ©     Say, “I believe in you,” and mean it!
*Excerpts from The Perfect Lap
Excerpt 1: “I bet you have a beautiful smile,” he drawled, then lowered his mouth to hers.She should have pulled away—she didn’t know this man from Adam. But everything inside her protested. After gazing into each other’s eyes, she felt like she knew him intimately.His lips were warm and tingly, his kiss pure perfection…and he drew back way too quickly. He blinked those deep blue eyes and gave her a lazy grin. “I knew it.” He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her lower lip. “Beautiful.”That’s when she realized she was smiling.He rose, and she gave him a quick once over, taking in the sexy stubble on his face, the taut muscles of his chest, his lean physique. As good old-fashioned lust rolled through her like a quick-moving thunderstorm, she silently bemoaned her situation. This was a hell of a time to have a newly implemented man-ban.“Keep smiling.” Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he winked at her. “It suits you,” he added in that low, sexy drawl. Then he sauntered off.Her breath caught as she spun around to gape at him. He’d just kissed her and now he was leaving? She contemplated calling him back, then reconsidered. She had other fish to fry.Even so, she couldn’t stop herself from tracking his every move as he swaggered toward the party, his backside looking every bit as fine as the rest of him. Pressing a hand to her chest, she let out a slow exhale. Even though she was one-hundred percent committed to her man-ban, she could admit—at least to herself—that the sexy, charming stranger had intrigued her. Excerpt 2: “You’re too hard on yourself, darlin’,” he said. “You’re the most focused, persistent woman I’ve ever met.” He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. His eyes were a deep, soulful blue and as he intimately held her gaze, it reminded her of their first meeting and their instant, almost spiritual connection. “You’re kind, compassionate, caring.” His voice was so low that it was more like a whisper fluttering against her cheek. “The kids need that.”She’d barely processed his sweet words when he leaned in.He was going to kiss her! Holding her breath, she told herself to step back. It wasn’t appropriate—they were working together, he wasn’t her type, she was on a man-ban. The reasons to stop him were endless.But as he continued to move toward her, she couldn’t. He grazed his lips overs hers in a tortoise-like motion as if testing the waters. His lips were warm and moist and her body pulsed and sparked as they generated heat hotter than hell and half of Georgia.He drew back and held her gaze, presumably giving her one last chance to move away.But she couldn’t. His consoling words had comforted her, his embraced had warmed her, and his kiss had left her wanting so much more.As she acquiesced, the world around them transformed into a magical wonderland. The moon’s light softened and the stars appeared so close that she could reach out and touch them. Light glittered across the dark water like pixie dust and her belly fluttered as if it had been brushed by fairy wings. *I wish you romance and sizzle on Valentine’s Day, whether you find it curled up on the couch reading your favorite romance or on a cozy date with your special someone. 
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction  blended with new age spirituality.  The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv***FREE eBook 2/10 THROUGH 2/14***
Restart in Bristol—He’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? New release, available on February 14.
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)

As the year draws to an end, people begin pondering New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most resolutions aren’t successful. According to Business Insider, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February.
Given the dismal success rate of resolutions, below are three alternative practices designed to transform your life in 2020.
Transformational New Year’s Practices  #1 - Define Your Purpose
Forget about losing those last few pounds or taking that long trip. Instead, dig deeper to uncover your true purpose in life. To do this, ask yourself: ·       What are my deepest desires? ·       Why am I here? ·       How can I serve?
You can ask yourself these questions anytime, however, I find an added lift when I do this just before meditation.
Once you understand your true purpose, prioritize your goals in alignment with your purpose. Jack Canfield describes this in his best-selling book, The Success Principles: “Decide upon your major definitive purpose in life and align all your activities around it.”
Imagine if we did just that! What if we knew our purpose and aligned every goal with that single purpose? This simple, yet profound wisdom offers the key to achieving our deepest desires.
#2 – Let Go!
Now that you know your purpose, what are you doing that sidetracks you and/or takes time away from your purpose? What behaviors, habits, or beliefs do you have that no longer serve you? Examples might include fears, doubts, negativity, judgment, or attachment. This practice is designed to help you let go of anything that no longer serves you in order to focus your mind, body, and spirit on your true purpose.
This simple three-step process will help you start 2020 with a clean slate!
Let Go Process steps :
1.     Identify those emotions, beliefs, or habits you wish to release. 2.     Write them on a rock (one per stone.) 3.     On New Year’s Day, go to a location of your choice, and release your rocks.
Tips : o   A mountain, field, stream, lake, or the ocean are great locations for releasing your rocks. o   An alternative is to write your releases on slips of paper and burn them.

#3 – Create A Vision Board
A vision board is a collection of words and images that represent your deepest desires. It taps into the power of visualization and is a great tool to help you manifest your desires. You can create a vision board using these 5 easy steps.
1.     Make a list of your deepest desires.2.     Select pictures, words, and/or affirmations that represent your desires. 3.     Make a collage of your pictures, words, and affirmations. This can be on a display board, white board, or compiled into a digital image. 4.     Display your vision board in a prominent location. If you created a digital version, use it as the screensaver on your phone, tablet, or laptop. 5.     Look at your board on a regular basis throughout the day. Feel and fully experience the images and words you’ve put on your board, and believe that these desires will manifest in your life!

Wishing you peace, love, joy, and purpose in the New Year!
The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction. The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate: https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)
Recommended Reading : The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/2QlG9vp
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

GRATITUDE: NOUN
“The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” —
Lexico–Oxford Dictionary

No matter where we are on our life’s path, we always have something to be grateful for. Luke Bryan states this well in his smash country hit, “Most People Are Good”: “…every breath’s a gift, the first one to the last.”

Even on a bad day, there are so many things to be grateful for—our breath, shelter, food, family, friends, pets, our planet, and even for life itself. The list is endless if we take time to contemplate.

When we feel gratitude for the blessings in our lives, we cultivate a deep sense of positivity. According to Psychology Today, feeling grateful boosts happiness and delivers physical and psychological health benefits. Our gratitude also benefits others. When we’re feeling grateful, we’re kinder, more generous, and more giving toward our family, friends, and really, everyone around us.

So how does one cultivate a practice of gratitude? There isn’t just one way, but many paths to gratitude.

In my contemporary romance, Nora’s Promise, Nora uses an easy technique—she runs through a mental list of gratitudes in her mind. Below is a brief excerpt:

Nora needed to pull herself together and focus on the now. Using a technique Steph had taught her, she silently listed her gratitudes. Ben, Davey, Steph, Cruz. Cosmo, Concordia, Chance. Ella and Hud. The mountains and open land around them. Her mood lifted and she felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Her list had barely scratched the surface. With so much to be thankful for, how could she be in a bad mood?

6 Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude

1. Like Nora, make a mental list of the things you’re grateful for (this works no matter where you are—in a car, on an airplane, in line at the grocery store…the possibilities are endless!)
2. Write your gratitudes in a journal every morning.
3. Give gratitude at the beginning of your meditation or yoga practice.
4. Take a mindful walk and give thanks for the experiences along your journey.
5. Take turns sharing gratitudes with a group of family members or friends.
6. Perform a random act of kindness (this can be as simple as a smile or a hug, a cup of coffee, or a gift to someone in need.) When you show compassion to others, it’s hard not to feel a corresponding sense of gratitude.

There are so many ways to practice gratitude. This short list is offered to get you started and to inspire you to establish whatever technique works for you.

Gratitude is a powerful process that fosters optimism by shifting energy from negative to positive. Given the significant benefits, why not make gratitude a part of your daily routine?

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality.

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Bronze Contemporary Romance winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX

***FREE PROMO AUDIOBOOK CODES ARE AVAILABLE FOR NORA’S PROMISE, while supplies last. To request a free audiobook code, please send an email to: [email protected].***

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv

Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction. The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc

To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)

Recommended Reading:
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

GRATITUDE: NOUN“The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” — Lexico–Oxford Dictionary
No matter where we are on our life’s path, we always have something to be grateful for. Luke Bryan states this well in his smash country hit, “Most People Are Good”: “…every breath’s a gift, the first one to the last.”
Even on a bad day, there are so many things to be grateful for—our breath, shelter, food, family, friends, pets, our planet, and even for life itself. The list is endless if we take time to contemplate.
When we feel gratitude for the blessings in our lives, we cultivate a deep sense of positivity. According to Psychology Today, feeling grateful boosts happiness and delivers physical and psychological health benefits. Our gratitude also benefits others. When we’re feeling grateful, we’re kinder, more generous, and more giving toward our family, friends, and really, everyone around us.
So how does one cultivate a practice of gratitude? There isn’t just one way, but many paths to gratitude.
In my contemporary romance, Nora’s Promise, Nora uses an easy technique—she runs through a mental list of gratitudes in her mind. Below is a brief excerpt:         Nora needed to pull herself together and focus on the now. Using a technique Steph had taught her, she silently listed her gratitudes. Ben, Davey, Steph, Cruz. Cosmo, Concordia, Chance. Ella and Hud. The mountains and open land around them. Her mood lifted and she felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Her list had barely scratched the surface. With so much to be thankful for, how could she be in a bad mood?
6 Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude
Like Nora, make a mental list of the things you’re grateful for (this works no matter where you are—in a car, on an airplane, in line at the grocery store…the possibilities are endless!)Write your gratitudes in a journal every morning.Give gratitude at the beginning of your meditation or yoga practice.Take a mindful walk and give thanks for the experiences along your journey. Take turns sharing gratitudes with a group of family members or friends. Perform a random act of kindness (this can be as simple as a smile or a hug, a cup of coffee, or a gift to someone in need.) When you show compassion to others, it’s hard not to feel a corresponding sense of gratitude.
Gratitude is a powerful process that fosters optimism by shifting energy from negative to positive. Given the significant benefits, why not make gratitude a part of your daily routine?
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality. 

Nora's Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—Reader's Favorite 2019 Bronze winner in Contemporary Romance and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line?
https://amzn.to/2OktquX ***FREE PROMO AUDIOBOOK CODES ARE AVAILABLE FOR NORA’S PROMISE, while supplies last. To request a free Audible audiobook code, please send an email to: [email protected].***
The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader's Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?
https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv
Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction. The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)


Recommended Reading : The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.
Photo by Debby Hudsonon Unsplash

Aiming for perfection makes perfect sense for doctors performing surgery, engineers designing an airplane, and anyone working in life and death situations. For most of us, our day-to-day work doesn’t include those implications.

We strive for success in our respective pursuits but seeking perfection isn’t the best approach. Psychology Today calls perfectionism “a trait that makes life an endless report card on accomplishments or looks” and “a fast and enduring track to unhappiness.”

Perfectionists fear making a mistake might cause others to think poorly of them, get them fired, or any other plethora of negative outcomes. This obsession with perfection creates an unachievable standard and a toxic focus on failures.

Experts have found that perfectionists are made not born. It starts at an early age, and unfortunately, demand is on the rise. Parents are increasingly insisting on perfectionism from their children and seeking status from their kid’s performance.

In The Perfect Lap. Ella’s parents expect Ella to be perfect. Ella puts undue pressure on herself in an ongoing attempt to meet their expectations. That is, until she learns another way. Below is an excerpt from The Perfect Lap where AJ shares his views on perfectionism with Ella and the kids they are fostering:

“My granddad taught me there’s no such thing as a perfect lap. He always said that I should give every race my best attempt, and the rest of it would find a way.” AJ shifted his gaze between the kids and Ella, who looked every bit as enthralled as the kids. That pleased him because his granddad’s wisdom was for her as much as it was for the kids. In some ways, it was even more important for Ella.

“So, you won even though you didn’t have a perfect season?” Madison asked.

“Darlin’,” he drawled, making Madison blush, “last season was so far from perfect you can’t even imagine. I lost my ride in April—”

“Huh?” Zach scratched his head.

AJ chuckled. “I got fired from my race team.”

The kids were obviously shocked by his admission. Zach’s eyes popped, Madison sucked in a sharp breath, and Kayla’s mouth dropped open. Ella also looked surprised. Knowing Ella, she had thoroughly researched him and knew his history. Her surprise was likely associated with his admission of imperfection. But he wanted the kids and Ella to learn what he had learned—you don’t need to be perfect to be successful, you need to be persistent.

“Yep, I got fired. I sat out for two races before Davey asked me to join Team Johnson.” He smiled at the attentiveness he had from Madison, Kayla, Zach, and Ella. “Throughout the season, I led a lot of laps and I sucked in a lot of laps, too.”

The girls giggled.

“I did what my granddad taught me—I tried my best each and every lap. Sometimes I won. Sometimes I didn’t, but I still accumulated a lot of points. Other times, despite my best efforts, I didn’t do well at all.” He slid his gaze between the kids and Ella. “When that happened, I told myself it was okay, that I’d do better the next time.” He leaned in toward Zach.
“You know what? I always did.”

Let’s take a pointer from AJ and not buy into the pressure from society, our family, friends, and even ourselves. As Leo Tolstoy wrote in Anna Karenina, “If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.”

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality.

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Bronze Contemporary Romance winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv

Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction. The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc

To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/ (No spam—ever!)

Recommended Reading:
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

Happy Fall! We’ve moved into the season where Mother Earth focuses on letting go and preparing for change. Fall provides a welcome break from the heat of summer and an indication that change is coming. As little goblins and ghouls come out for Halloween and leaves in hues of yellow, orange, and red flutter to the ground, we’re reminded that our lives also follow nature’s cycles.
Just as leaves release from their branches, we also have the opportunity to let go. Fall is the perfect time to consider any behaviors, emotions or undertakings that no longer serve us. When we eliminate that which holds us back, we open space for something new.
Like the earth prepares for winter, we too can prepare for change. Change is a constant in our lives. Things are always changing…sometimes this change is big, sometimes it’s small. Regardless of the magnitude, change can be scary or exciting. It’s all about perspective and choice. We can choose fear or we can choose to embrace uncertainty and change.
Fear keeps us stuck in the same place while embracing uncertainty allows us to learn, grow, and evolve through change. 
5 Easy Ways to Embrace Uncertainty & Change :
1.     Acknowledge habits, behaviors, and/or actions that aren’t working. By identifying, accepting, and releasing that which no longer serves us, we can create space for something new and nourishing.2.     Learn and Grow. In The Ten Commitments Dr. David Simon states, “This planet is a school for evolution of the soul.” Take advantage of the learning, growth, and evolution opportunities that come with change. 3.     Positivity.Most changes have at least some positive aspect—the proverbial silver lining—so fully embrace and celebrate the positives.4.     Expect Success! Although humans are wired to instinctively fight or flee change, when we reflect on prior changes, more often than not the outcomes have been positive. Expect the same with forthcoming changes.5.     Surround Yourself with Change Agents. Spending time with individuals who are positive and open to new experiences can help us successfully navigate through change.
Let’s take a hint from nature—Release behaviors and actions that no longer serve us and create space for positive change in our lives!
“The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” —Kakuzō Okakura, The Book of Tea
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality.  Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance— Reader's Favorite 2019 Bronze Contemporary Romance winner & 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv
Cloud Whispers—2019 IPPY Bronze winner for Visionary Fiction The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate….https://amzn.to/2IZ6DRc
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Recommended Reading : The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

Most people respond more positively to a positive message. This is especially true—and especially important—for children who are continually learning and absorbing information like a sponge. The good news is that we can re-word almost anything into a positive statement.
Why is positive messaging so important? Lisa Hayes explains it perfectly: “Be careful how you are talking to yourself because you are listening.”
This idea aligns with the Law of Attraction, a universal law embraced by spiritualists and physicists alike. I could write an entire book on the LOA, but as it relates to positivity: If our thoughts, words, and actions are positive, we attract more positive things into our lives. If our energy is negative, we attract more negativity into our lives.
“Loving or hating the life you are living is solely all in your repeated self-talk.”― Edmond Mbiaka
The concept of positive self-talk is touched on in my contemporary romance, The Perfect Lap. Ella and AJ unexpectedly join forces to co-foster three children and quickly learn they’re out of their league. They attend a New Age Parenting class, and one of the topics covered is redirecting self-talk from negative to positive.
Below is an excerpt from The Perfect Lap which explains this concept:“Next, we’re going to talk about redirecting self-talk from negative to positive,” Adrian said. He glanced around the room. “Let’s use a few examples. Anyone want to offer up some negative talk you’ve heard from your kids?”“I’m stupid,” a man in the front row said. “Ah, yes.” Adrian gave a wry smile. “A classic.” He walked to the flip board and wrote, Root Cause. “I’m going to give examples of redirecting, but make sure you understand the reason why your child is feeling the way he or she is feeling. If the redirect is a generic platitude, it won’t work. If your child got a D on his test, you could say something like, ‘You’re smart. I struggled with Algebra, too. I always had to study extra hard to get good grades in my math classes.’ ” Adrian walked around the room. “If you don’t know why your child is feeling mad, sad, or whatever, ask her what’s going on. That will allow you to validate her feelings, empathize, and then customize your redirect.” Adrian gave a few more examples before wrapping up. “That’s it. Easy-peasy, right?”
Below are two additional examples of redirecting self-talk from negative to positive:
Instead of, “I messed this up. I’m an idiot!”…How about: “It’s okay. It gave you the opportunity to learn and you’ll do better next time.”
Instead of, “I don’t have any friends,”…Reframe to show examples: “Lisa helped you with your homework yesterday…You helped Scott on the playground at recess. You joined the reading club and met a lot of new kids.”
Let’s help our children—and each other—get rid of negative self-talk. It’s time to rise up, embrace positivity, and be all we were meant to be!
This blog was written by author Sedona Hutton, blending contemporary romance and women’s fiction with new age spirituality.  The Perfect Lap—Cloud Whispers—The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate… To purchase this mind-expanding, award-winning novel, please click here: https://goo.gl/N9aC38
To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Recommended Reading : The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel: https://amzn.to/2KF9Iqi
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

**Special note: Nora’s Promise is available for FREE on Kindle, now through 9/5!**

In my contemporary romance, Nora’s Promise, Steph tells Nora “Kindness is a Choice.”

Like Steph, I believe kindness is a choice that we make in each moment. Sometimes it’s easy to be kind; other times, not so much! When people around you aren’t kind and/or when you ingest a steady stream of negativity, it can be a real challenge.

If you focus on the news, the world is all doom and gloom. We’re a country divided and a people full of anger and hatred. But if you look beyond the television to your friends, neighbors, and community, you’ll find a growing trend of kindness and compassion.

Choosing kindness requires presence, intention, and a connection with your true self, but it’s worth the effort. Your act of kindness, however big or small, has wide-reaching impacts. It can make the difference in another person’s day, week….or even in their life. “Constant kindness can accomplish so much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”—Albert Schweitzer.

Today, I invite you to join me in choosing kindness—Offer a smile, a hug, a kind word, forgiveness, an unexpected visit, a small gift—the list of opportunities is endless. Your single act of compassion can make all the difference!

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to cause many ripples.”—Mother Teresa.

This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality.

Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv

Cloud Whispers, A Women’s Fiction Novel of Family and Forgiveness—The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate…A mind-expanding, award-winning novel: https://goo.gl/N9aC38

To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/

Recommended Reading:

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desireby Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

**Special note: Nora’s Promise is available for FREE on Kindle, now through 9/5/19!** In my contemporary romance, Nora’s Promise, Steph tells Nora “Kindness is a Choice.”
Like Steph, I believe kindness is a choice that we make in each moment. Sometimes it’s easy to be kind; other times, not so much! When people around you aren’t kind and/or when you ingest a steady stream of negativity, it can be a real challenge.
If you focus on the news, the world is all doom and gloom. We’re a country divided and a people full of anger and hatred. But if you look beyond the television to your friends, neighbors, and community, you’ll find a growing trend of kindness and compassion.
Choosing kindness requires presence, intention, and a connection with your true self, but it’s worth the effort. Your act of kindness, however big or small, has wide-reaching impacts. It can make the difference in another person’s day, week....or even in their life. “Constant kindness can accomplish so much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”—Albert Schweitzer.
Today, I invite you to join me in choosing kindness—Offer a smile, a hug, a kind word, forgiveness, an unexpected visit, a small gift—the list of opportunities is endless. Your single act of compassion can make all the difference!
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to cause many ripples.”—Mother Teresa.
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality. The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance—His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv
Cloud Whispers, A Women’s Fiction Novel of Family and Forgiveness—The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate…A mind-expanding, award-winning novel: https://goo.gl/N9aC38
To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Recommended Reading : The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc
The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon: https://amzn.to/2UEH0J2
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.