It’s Time to Travel: Reserve Your Ticket on Flight 2023

January 2, 2023 by Lori Leave a Comment

PREPARE

Welcome aboard. Flight 2023 has a seat for you. Come travel with me as we take off into this new year.

Turn off all self-destructive devices. Put away hurt, despair, defeat, discouragement, and unbelief.

By the way, no baggage is allowed on this flight.

Prepare for your destination to GREATNESS.

BUCKLE UP

Yes, you have greatness in you. If you didn’t know that or have not discovered it yet, then let me guide you on your journey. You will go places you never imagined.

Atlantic Ocean Outer Banks NC — Ocean Waves make me feel fine

Travel means many things. You can literally take a trip by car, plane, or train. Travel locally in your own backyard. Take a trip inside your imagination. Reading books, articles, and watching movies are forms of travel too. Have you ever immersed yourself in a story so deeply that you felt like you were actually there?

Travel is not just for fun and leisure; it is essential for mental wellness. It is transformational.

Psychology Today said, “Studies have found that people who engaged in more leisure activities reported more life satisfaction, fewer negative emotions and tend to be more spiritually connected.”

GET READY FOR TAKE OFF

As an author, speaker, travel writer, and consultant, I am here to help you live the life you were born to live. What are your goals and dreams for 2023? Where do you want to go, and what would you like to accomplish?

kayaking in Outer Banks NC — Kayaking in Outer Banks NC wearing Serengeti shades

One of my favorite trips in 2022 was on a writer’s retreat and press trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Kayaking wearing my Serengeti eyewear is my jam. I am excited about more travel this year. I am a travel writer and enjoy exploring new places and discovering stories.

TRANSFORMATION

Let me help you with your wellness and travel goals using The LORI Factor. It started with the book I wrote that is impacting lives. Beyond my book is how I am helping more people.

Message me or text “2023” (text only) to 1-844-394-4798.

Happy travels to you in all you do.

HURRY! The Countdown Has Begun: Time is Running Out

December 31, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

It’s 10:30 pm EST as I write this. Only 1 1/2 hours until 2022 is over.

Before it ends, who wants to join me on a journey of physical, mental, and financial wellness?

It’s time to help people with The LORI Factor.

Join me, won’t you?

I know I waited too long. Forgive me for keeping you waiting.

It’s GO time. No more delay.

Message me to get started. Before midnight EST is best.

Just do it! You’ll thank me later.

The Flight Back Home Connected To A Suicide Story

November 12, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Flight connecting a suicide story — The Flight that Connected a Suicide Story

Flight Connection

It was time to depart. I boarded the airplane. A delightful woman sat next to me on my flight back home. She shared her bag of blue chips with me. She also shared that her daughter committed suicide. It was then that I knew this was a divine appointment.

I listened to her story. I felt led to share my experience, hoping she would find comfort and a connection with me.

It’s easier to stay silent and not share, especially on the topic of suicide. This conversation prompted me to speak up. I wrote a book called The LORI Factor that is meant to help others. However, I have not shared enough about it.

Suicide Story

It took courage to write that book, especially telling how there was a time I attempted suicide. I am thankful I am alive to change and save lives with my message. This book is not just about my story; it’s about giving you hope and making a difference.

Too many people believe lies about themselves and feel unworthy and hopeless. Some get blinded by the pain and make a permanent decision to a temporary problem. If that’s you or someone you know, you landed on this blog for a reason. You are meant to be here.

We all need support and encouragement. I learned that the woman who chose to sit next to me on that flight created support services for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. We are both on a similar mission.

Especially this time of year, during the holiday season, suicide rates increase. I know my life was spared so I can help people choose life not death.

Message of Hope

Let me show you how to have a Larger vision of yourself beyond your circumstances. That is what the “L” stands for in The LORI Factor book.

There is light past the darkness. Take flight and soar. You are meant for more. Take a deep breath. Hang on. There is hope. Have faith in the now.

Be present. That is the best gift for yourself and everyone else.

I am grateful that I get to guide those on how to choose life and live the life they were born to live.

Feel free to reach out to me. Let me know how I can serve you and add value to your life.

Are you looking for a guest on your podcast or radio show? I would be delighted to be your guest.

Read my book or give it as a gift. You can get it here.

Much love,

Lori

Eat the Dessert First: Start Living Life on Your Terms

August 8, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Bread Pudding Dessert @drdepot photo by Lori Bruton

I agree with this Helen Keller quote, “Life is short and unpredictable. Eat the dessert first.”

In my book, The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, there is a chapter called, Lifestyle: Start Living Life on Your Terms.

Are you living life on your terms?

I know I wasn’t, until I made different decisions. As a result, I stopped letting life happen to me. I stopped allowing other people’s opinions become my reality.

I remember when somebody mentioned something my mother said. I said I hadn’t talked to my mother that day. He said I meant your mother’s voice that’s in your head. Whoa! He was right. I loved my mother, but many words she said were not the truth. A phrase I kept hearing from her was, “You can’t do that,” and “Your sister would be the one to write a book.” Hearing that repeatedly programmed me to believe it.

Note: Be careful who and what you believe, or you will be deceived.

Thankfully, I learned to tune into a higher voice of the One who taught me my voice matters and that I can do anything that I put my mind to, like writing books. Renewing my mind, changing, and upgrading my thoughts and words were the beginning of living life on my terms.

The Serenity Prayer says: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

It does take courage.

These powerful words made a big difference, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 NLT

Focus on the things you can control. You can’t control the past. Be present. Get unstuck. Instead of resisting change, embrace it.

That doesn’t mean accepting everything being dictated around you. Stand up for what’s right. Unmask yourself. Let your voice be heard.

I used to feel invisible and was taught to be quiet and not to interrupt until I got a LARGER vision of myself beyond what people told me and beyond my circumstances. It’s time to speak up and let my voice be heard because you need to hear this message of hope, encouragement, and empowerment.

By the way, it’s not a coincidence that you are reading or hearing this right now. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Paint a picture in your mind of what your best life looks like. Hold that vision, write it down, and make it plain, as it says in the living Word of God in Habakkuk 2.

Keep it before your eyes.

When you can visualize the life you desire, it puts you in the driver’s seat. Visualization is a powerful tool. What do you love? Where are you? What are you doing? Who is with you? See it, hear it, taste it, smell it, and feel it.

Engage all your senses.

Be specific. Picture your dream vacation or dream car, for example. Soon your dreams become reality. Take action. I put myself in the driver’s seat on a boat recently. I have been writing more and getting articles published. I am a travel writer and am stepping into that lifestyle.

Start where you are. Take yourself places in your mind first. Do things in your own backyard that are local.

Explore. Take a road trip.

I live in the “gorges” Finger Lakes region where there are beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and parks. Watkins Glen is a must-see place. From Canandaigua to Ithaca NY, I got to experience accommodations, adventures, relaxation, and amazing food including:

Capt. Bill’s Dinner and Sunset Sightseeing Seneca Lake Cruise

Summit to Stream where I took out an ocean kayak on Seneca Lake

Keuka Watersports at Champlin Beach in a kayak on Keuka Lake

Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps was the first B&B in Canandaigua

Rogues Harbor Inn is a lovely historical B&B near Cayuga Lake

Corner Pub at Rogues Harbor Inn has great food and service at the Inn

Ciao! Was had authentic Italian food with Tuscan flair and delicious dessert

Ithaca Massage Station was a relaxing, pampering experience

NaturLuxe & Stars is where I had my first glamping adventure in style

Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizza Co. has salads, Italian food & more

Nickel Pit’s BBQ has tender, tasty barbeque with warm service

True Love where I swooned over the schooner and talked to the Captain

Come sail away on the True Love Schooner on Seneca Lake Watkins Glen NY — Sail True Love

I made a decision. I found a way no matter what my bank account or circumstances looked like. No matter to those trying to set me up to fail or making assumptions. No more putting my life on the back burner and taking care of everyone except myself.

Commit to your goals and dreams. Create your life by design. Writing, speaking, wealth, wellness, travel, and more are possible. Get on the road, on the plane, or on the boat to wherever you desire to go.

Tiramisu dessert at Ciao! Ithaca NY — Tiramisu at Ciao!

Eat the dessert first.

Can you see the person you are meant to be? Take the Journey to Hope and Transformation (which I talk about in my first book).

Get my book, The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, for more ideas on how to live life on your terms.

Tell me the actions you took. The first action was you read this blog. Thank you and congratulations. What spoke to you the most?

Let’s celebrate each step together. Let me know how I can help. Choose life and live life to the fullest.

A CHOCOLATE CELEBRATION

July 7, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

This is World Chocolate Day.

It is July 7^th. This date is significant for all chocolate lovers like me.

The observance of World Chocolate Day dates back to 2009. This annual celebration of chocolate marks the anniversary of the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. I remember in my early working career, one of the engineers was from England and brought back chocolates from there. You didn’t have to guess which kind because they had a label key inside the box identifying each piece.

Chocolate Day is any day and every day in my book. Since it is globally recognized on July 7^th as I write this, I was inspired to share my experiences with you.

My travels from coast to coast have been sweet and satisfying.

It was truly a gourmet experience visiting Ethel M Chocolates Factory, Flagship Store & Cactus Garden in Henderson, Nevada.

Right now, through August 28, 2022, they have a perfect in-store summer experience called Chocolate & Mimosa Tasting. They also have online experiences and much to offer for those who are not able to visit on-site.

Tasting chocolate not only tantalizes your taste buds but also creates an emotional experience.

The Signature Chocolate Tasting Experience I booked was well worth it. The journey was fascinating. What you learn is how chocolate is sourced, refined, produced, and how to properly taste chocolate and identify flavors.

Where else you can get your chocolate fix.

Afterward, I became an honorary chocolatier and was awarded a certificate. It came with a 15% discount for that day, but I forgot to use the discount.

Closer to home is Oliver’s Candies in Batavia, New York. They are celebrating 90 years in business. This personal favorite is sought after not only by the locals but by people from all over the country. The candy they make is rich and delectable. It has a distinct discernible taste.

Oliver’s not only has a variety of chocolates, sponge candy, and nuts but also has ice cream. There are 18 hard ice cream flavors all year. During the summer season, their whipped cream is made fresh daily on-site.

A tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania, adds more sweetness to this story. They have workshops where you can create the dessert of your dreams. It reminds me of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which is one of my favorite movies starring Gene Wilder. Hershey, PA, is a town full of thrills and attractions too.

I found these Hershey guys in Las Vegas. What a treat to get a chocolate kiss.

Hershey’s Chocolate World photo by Lori Bruton

What is your favorite kind of chocolate?

This girl loves her chocolate, especially dark chocolate. How about you? If you do too, what is your favorite kind and favorite place to get it? Maybe I gave you a few new ideas of where to travel and explore and have a taste of the good life.

Lori Bruton
Author, Speaker,
Freelance & Travel Writer

Refresh & Revitalize Yourself

June 12, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Refreshing Lavender Lemonade photo courtesy of Young Living

It’s summertime here.

That makes me thirsty for a cool drink and time to think. Let’s start with the drink.

Mix these 5 ingredients for a refreshing summer Lemonade with a unique twist that’s ready in minutes.

Put on a sun hat, grab your favorite book, journal, pen, and find a sunny spot.

Settle in and sip on this Honey-Lavender Lemonade.

Ingredients

6 lemons, juiced
1 lime, juiced
½ cup honey
2 drops Lavender Vitality Essential Oil
Ice water, about 10 cups
Lavender sprigs, optional

Instructions

Combine lemon juice, lime juice, honey, and Lavender Vitality in a large glass pitcher.
Add water to taste.
Stir until well mixed.
Garnish with sprigs of lavender.

Here are a couple variations:

3 cups Lemon juice, 3/4 cup Lime juice, 2 cups Agave, 3 drops Lime Essential Oil, 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil, 16 cups water.

OR use pineapple juice instead of honey, for example.

Your surroundings and sipping this refreshing drink will stimulate your senses. Our senses connect us to awareness that communicate with our brain. Look and listen and be present in the moment.

What does it feel like when you plant your bare feet in the grass? You are literally grounded which creates a calming effect.

The same is true for our sense of taste and smell that evoke feelings and memories. Create new experiences and learn new things.

The benefits of essential oils are powerful for deepening focus and promoting relaxation, for example.

This specific brand of essential oils has added quality to my life. They can for you too.

A super simple way to get a quick lemonade without using the recipe is to squirt Lavender Lemon Vitality drops in a glass of water. Voila.

For more fun and more variety, the best place to start is the Premium Starter Bundle. Now you’ll have lavender, lemon, and many other oils to explore.

It’s been worth it for me. I haven’t looked back. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

There is so much more I want to teach you, but I’ll refrain for now. Enjoy your Lavender Lemonade. Let me know which option you chose.

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Hi, I'm Lori.
Author, Speaker, Coach, Ghostwriter