5 Ways to Fill Your Cup

April 20, 2023 by Lori Leave a Comment

Self-Care is Essential

What comes to mind when you think about self-care? Spa days and soaking in a deep tub surrounded by bubbles? Those are lovely options, but wait, there’s more. Self-care and self-love are more than just occasional pampering.

Creating regular routines and practices are a sustainable way to a happier, healthier you.

Why is self-care important? Let me count the ways. First of all, it’s been proven that the benefits you can reap are more happiness, confidence, and productivity.

Love Yourself First

Neglecting self-care can lead to feeling anxious and burned out. Have you ever heard the phrase “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” It’s nearly impossible to run a home and a business, take care of a family, or even be a great friend if you are running on empty. Taking care of yourself first gives you the energy and love to be able to best support your kids, your partner, your friends, and your colleagues.

Anything you do to nourish your physical, emotional, and mental health is considered self-care.

5 Self-Care Strategies:

1. Be your own best friend

If you’ve ever found yourself saying or thinking things about yourself that you’d never dare say about another person, it’s time to implement positive self-talk. Replace negative thoughts about yourself with positive ones.

Easier said than done, right? To help you get started, write down a few things you love about yourself and read them every day; several times a day, in fact. Add in words of gratitude. Speak those words out loud and smell or diffuse an essential oil, like Believe, Valor, Transformation, Gratitude, Grounding, or Motivation, for example. Explore your options here.

2. Choose Good Nutrition

Feeling good about yourself and caring for yourself starts from the inside out. Your daily eating habits have a long-term impact on everything from your immune system and gut health to the quality of your sleep.

Keep your nutrition simple by drinking plenty of water, eating the rainbow, and getting in some good fats and lean protein. If you feel like you’re still not getting the nutrients you need, I can guide you and make recommendations! Also, get the extra nutrition support with the right supplements.

3. Give your brain a break

With endless to-do lists and demands on your time and attention, it can put your brain on overload. Take a few minutes to stop, pray, and meditate on God’s Word. Let God fill your heart. Allow His peace, strength, and love flow in and through you. Taking time for this has many benefits, you will be anxious for nothing, which will boost your mood and reduce stress. Even if you find it difficult to calm your racing thoughts at first, just sitting and taking a few deep breaths will do wonders to help you relax physically and mentally.

4. Make movement a priority

Whether it’s a walk around the block, a dance party with the kids, or a powerlifting session at the gym, the health benefits of moving your body, and negatives of sitting all day, are too great to ignore. If you’re out of practice with movement, start small with 10 or 15 minutes a day and pick something you love or something easy to work into your schedule. Walk the kids to school instead of driving, dance while you cook dinner, or do a 15-minute video before winding down for the evening.

5. Embrace the art of slow travel

Vacations are an important part of self-care, but have you ever come back from one and felt like you needed another vacation to recover from it? If you often experience travel fatigue, then slow travelling may be just what you need. An alternative to traditional tourism, slow travelling is all about pacing yourself for a more immersive experience.

For example, instead of cramming your itinerary full of tourist spots, slow down and get a taste of what day-to-day life is like for the locals. Stay in a home with character; eat at small, family-run restaurants; and spend time exploring your surroundings without feeling pressured to document it on social media. When you let mindfulness and self-care guide your itinerary, you’ll come back from your vacation more refreshed and ready to share your best self with your friends, family members, and the world.

As I write this, I will be travelling to Cancun soon. If you want to know how to travel better without breaking the bank, including daily, local perks, check out this wholesale affiliate option.

No matter what you do, take time for you.

Let me know how I can help.

(*Note: This blog was inspired by partner company, Young Living, and my own experience. Also, tech challenges – even if the hyperlinks look crossed out, they do work when you click on them.) Thanks for reading.

Much Love,

Living The LORI Factor kayaking in Outer Banks NC — Lori Kayaking in Outer Banks NC

These Doors are Dangerous – DO NOT OPEN

March 1, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

This URGENT MESSAGE was put on my heart. It can save lives.

It may seem harmless but beware. Many are lured in. It’s disguised. It’s a lie. Know the Truth before you open doors that compromise your future.

How do I know? I was fooled too. In fact, I almost died. Thankfully, I learned the difference before it was too late.

It almost stopped me from building my Young Living business because too many (not all) are partnering with the occult.

Many Christians are even mixing these practices that open dangerous doors.

Don’t take offense. Simply be open to learn the whole Truth.

(Note: Young Living products are top quality. They support my health daily. Not all essential oils are the same. I ONLY use Seed to Seal Young Living. It’s HOW some use them. They are not “god in a bottle.” God made us and He made the plants. The oils are from the plants.)

Terms like healing energy, Reiki, yoga are rooted in a religion not of the True God. New Age is running rampant and can look like Christianity.

What doors have you opened? You cannot mix practices rooted in other religions and expect eternity in Heaven. This is no time to play or to compromise.

Get clarity.

Your choices matter. Ask the Name Above All Names to reveal Himself to you before it’s too late.

Maybe you don’t believe me. That’s okay. What if I’m right?

There is an enemy who came to kill, steal, and destroy. No joke.

This person found the Truth and learned her way was the wrong way. That was a close one. Here is her story…

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-june/nicole-watt-reiki-master-new-age-healing.html

Get the facts. Support your health without opening doors that will affect your eternal future.

I care about you. I can teach you the best way to support your needs spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Just ask me.

6 SOLUTIONS FOR WHEN URGENT MATTERS KNOCK YOU DOWN

February 20, 2021 by Lori Leave a Comment

At any moment, urgent matters may arise. Immediate action is required. It can throw you into emotional turmoil. You may feel like life is spinning out of control. Or…

You can put your own spin on it. Choose to transform urgent matters into living life with urgency. Allow those challenges to awaken a new way and a new you.

Imagine what it looks like beyond what’s happening now. See yourself conquering every challenge. What does it feel like to get to the other side and find a way to achieve your goals and dreams?

Sometimes stress and change can knock you down, but don’t let it knock you out. Like Les Brown says, “When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up.”

Your situation may seem impossible, but God has a comeback for every setback and a new beginning for every ending. –Oola

Do you feel like you’re in too deep? Overwhelm and procrastination can keep you stuck and scattered. I know saying goodbye makes me cry. There is loss but you can turn it into a gain and treasure the moments you shared with people and places. You may feel lost while you watch others succeed. You are happy for them. For you, maybe you see no way out. What’s happening in your life that feels heavy and looks impossible to handle?

Here, with me, you won’t get beaten down. This is a safe place. Has anyone ever said to you: “You’re not special,” Or “It could be worse,” Or “You’re not tough enough,” or “You can’t do that;” Really? I don’t know about you, but those words tend to be critical and discouraging not understanding and encouraging.

Let me encourage you and help you get back up with these 6 solutions:

U = UNDERSTAND. Understand there are unprecedented times and that whatever has happened may be new to you; you’ve never experienced it before. It’s a big adjustment. You don’t have to conform but instead transform. Disregard people who compare or make it seem insignificant. It’s significant to you. As I write this, we are living in unprecedented times. Then when you add your personal circumstances it compounds. Breathe. First, just breathe. Be present in the moment. You don’t have to figure it all out right now. If one day at a time seems too much, break it down to one minute at a time. Everyone has a different pace. Honor your own pace and don’t feel pressured by anyone else. Know that you are greater than your circumstances.
R = REST & REFLECT. Break. Take a break. Did you think I meant breakdown? That’s okay too. Shedding tears is cleansing. It’s healthy. Keeping everything inside can be toxic. Handling urgent matters may mean letting go and taking a break from other things for now, even a job. Ask yourself, “What’s most important right now?” Will you wish you worked more when you look back? Not likely. Take time to take care of you. There may be more going on than just emotions. Maybe you need to take a nap, soak in the tub, and eat good food to refuel and refresh.
G = GIFTS. Believe. Accept the change and believe it will be okay. Get a new perspective and see the gifts this urgent matter brings. You may experience a wave of emotions and face challenges. Ride the wave. It’s okay. God promises to work everything together for good. Be grateful for the gifts.
E = EVALUATE. Assess the situation. Explore new possibilities. What can you do to move forward? Where do you want to be? What do you want to be doing? Who do you want to do it with? Picture it in your mind. You don’t have to let any situation “infect” you and keep you feeling stuck, sad, and hopeless. Allow this new thing to “affect” you and transform you into having a better life. You get to choose. Are you living for other people and not living the life you were born to live? You were made for more.
N = NECESSARY. It’s necessary that you work on yourself and develop yourself despite disappointments and setbacks. It’s necessary to surround yourself with quality people who believe in you and lift you higher. Remember, when things go wrong, don’t go with them as Les Brown would say. Not just when things go wrong, but when major change happens give yourself grace to shift into a new gear, adjust your sails, enjoy the new journey.
T = TRUST. Trust the process. No matter how it looks now, know the best is just ahead. Take a risk. You don’t need to grab the next branch before letting go of the one you’re holding onto now. Don’t let yourself get buried alive. Don’t let your dreams die. Do a new thing that makes your heart sing.

There you go. Implement these 6 steps and live life with urgency. No more procrastination, settling, or giving up on your dream and the life you were born to live. No more putting off the passion that burns inside you. Maybe it’s writing a book, traveling, starting a business, speaking, creating a new invention, or moving to a different area. What is it for you?

I have a better understanding of it’s hard but worth it. You’ll be okay. Get excited and embrace new adventures. We can evaluate together if you like. We are created for a purpose. Let’s explore where you are now and where you want to be so you can get more out of your life.

Text URGENT to this text only number: 844-394-4798.

Peace and Love,

Lori

Creator of The LORI Factor, Author, Speaker &

Certified Oola Life Coach

It’s Time for a New Season

October 1, 2020 by Lori Leave a Comment

Some of us are still in lockdown. Some are on the frontlines. This plague has infected us all in different ways. First, let me send my heartfelt condolences to those of you who have lost loved ones.

The suicide rates and domestic violence rates have skyrocketed during this pandemic. People are in panic and some have lost hope. Fear and stress are making people sick more than COVID-19. Lost wages and work in many cases caused devastation.

It’s now October 2020. A new season is here. Have you found a way to survive or do you feel like you are drowning with no way out? Or, are you thriving? Did this pandemic give you a new perspective on life and new opportunities?

I know gratitude and being thankful, especially in the midst of this storm, helps us ride the wave and rise up. Maybe before, you wished you could spend more time with your kids and your spouse. Your wish came true. Hopefully, you came to appreciate each other more and love grew deeper. If you are alone, did loneliness swallow you up or did you get to know yourself better and be your own best friend?

It has been a time to connect in a different way, that’s for sure. Remember that we were all created for a purpose. What is it that you are truly called to do? Les Brown said, “A job is what we get paid for; a calling is what we are made for.”

Here is what I know, there is no normal or “new normal”. This is a permanent shift into a new world. Believers know we are in the world but not of the world. What’s stirring in your heart that you are passionate about? Feel that; do that.

Move with a sense of urgency. Do what you came to do. Seek the face of God. Some are seeking enlightenment. That won’t get you there. Jesus said, “I Am the Light of the world, the Truth shall make you free.” And, He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

We can be easily deceived. I was. There are so many beliefs that seem the same. Or, even worse for me was when I let go of God and found myself drunk under a truck in a church parking lot. What state of mind was I in when I did that? Yikes! All I know is that Lori is gone. She is dead. I am a new creature. I know I am here today to speak life into you. You have greatness in you. You are a masterpiece, because you are a piece of the Master. Ask Him yourself. I am not here to convince or condemn or judge. I am here to encourage you and share my experience and my journey. Why? Because maybe you can remember a time in your life where you did things you were not proud of and wondered who you were then. Maybe you want to transform your life and know your purpose.

It’s okay. Forgive yourself. Get back up. Awaken the real you and discover what you are here to do. Whatever that is, remember it’s not just for your own fulfillment and happiness, it’s to change lives, make a difference, and leave a legacy.

Do you know how many times I wanted to give up on my dreams and give up on life? Those thoughts and feelings come from the enemy who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. No! Rise up and claim your victory! God’s got your back. He will never leave you or forsake you, if you let him into your heart. Make the choice now. Vote for the One True God. Your life and future depends on it.

We all have a story and a message. It matters. I would love to speak and tell my story to more people on more platforms even virtually for now. Message me or text: 844-394-4798

Get the juicy details of my story in my book: Hole To Whole: Journey To Hope And Transformation

Stay in peace and love. Be grateful and have faith.

Check the Expiration Date

June 24, 2020 by Lori 7 Comments

Les Brown said: Are you holding on to a part of your life that has long expired? Each season in life comes with an expiration date, so life is about releasing and surrendering.

Give yourself permission to let go…of past regrets, failures, or mistakes; unresolved pain and disappointments; or actions that you should have, would have, or could have taken ~ but did not.

Choose to give in and surrender to your dream, your passion, and your calling. Marion White said…”In life when you don’t have enough courage and insight to know that you have outgrown a situation and it’s time to move on…life will move on you.” Let go or be dragged. It is your choice. You have GREATNESS within you!

Life has moved on me and was dragging me, because I didn’t see a way to keep pursuing my passion as the bills and debts pile up and my car got a terminal diagnosis. Not knowing how to dig out of all those holes. It looked hopeless. I felt defeated and discouraged.

As I sit here today, I ask myself if the things I’ve been doing have expired. Thinking I needed to get a temp job and work outside the home only to have stuff keep happening to sabotage it every time. I don’t belong there, but because of a cash flow challenge, I kept going back to what is familiar and listening to people telling me, “get a job”.

Remember that song by Uncle Kracker that says, “Something is wrong here; I don’t belong here.” For me, that would be in a corporate cube. There must be other options, right?

Guess what? My job is to write. God gave me the gift of words. I am a STORYTELLER and SPEAKER. It’s my time to tell my stories and use my voice to impact people, give them hope, and show them how to live their dream. The people who read my books and hear my voice in the written or spoken word will not only know my struggles and the obstacles I overcame, but their lives will transform and as they overcome too.

I am the Queen of Hope. I must not lose hope. The Good Book says, the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. The enemy doesn’t want me to live my destiny, pursue my passion, and impact lives. He doesn’t want any of us to live our purpose on purpose.

I almost fell back and got off track and paused my own dreams. No! God is the Waymaker, Miracle worker, and Promise Keeper.

Do you have a dream you gave up on, because you didn’t see a way to make it happen? No matter where you are now, it’s just where you are, not who you are, as the Oola Guys say.

Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

Let’s promise each other to pursue our dreams, impact lives, and love life. You were created to create by The Creator.

A great place to start is read what I created and let it inspire you. My book is endorsed by The Oola Guys, Dr. David Braun and Dr. Troy Amdahl. (Thanks for believing in me, Oola Seeker & Oola Guru). Click here to get your copy of Hole to Whole: Journey To Hope And Transformation

Journey on. Your Oola Path awaits. (What does that mean?) Leave a comment or message me to find out.

Lori’s Stories — Listen to the Voice that Matters

April 29, 2020 by Lori 8 Comments

Listen to the Voice that Matters

By Lori Bruton

They say, “Be still” but what about all the bills?

Isolated and quarantined; how can you show up and be seen?

Does it matter? Will anyone care or will there just be silence and blank stares?

Too many questions, not enough answers; one minute you think you know what to do,

But then are you to cease and desist… or continue to persist?

Feeling unqualified and out of date can leave you in a compromising state.

You know feelings lie; but when do you feel them and when do you say goodbye?

This world is in a crazy state, which can mess with your mind and perspective.

That’s when it’s time to shut off the noise, breathe, and be reflective.

You thought you found your voice to finally speak up,

Is anyone really listening? Or, should you just shut up?

Where did your gifts go? Are they still in sight and you wonder if you are meant to write?

People say, “You should know the answer.” What if you don’t for real?

Trying to figure it out makes you weary. I know how you feel.

There is no rescue in sight; you do your best to continue to fight.

Now enter Gideon, who didn’t think he was capable. He felt weak and discouraged.

God sent an angel who called him a mighty man of fearless courage.

That is not how Gideon saw himself, God saw his potential and called him what he could become.

Okay, now this poem is done. I need to run.

Why? Because I AM a writer with messages to share,

Even though not everyone will care.

The moral of this Lori Story is delight in your weaknesses and difficulties,

Because where I am weak, He is strong and so are you.

Choose to BELIEVE what God says about YOU.

(Read 2 Corinthians 12:10)