My hope for you in 2016 is that you create a lifelong practice of self-kindness and acceptance. Instead of being your toughest critic, learn to accept your weaknesses, honor your strengths, and have greater compassion for your own “humanness.” Warmly, Melanie Ott Inspirational Thoughts “Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line.” ~ Lucille Ball “You yourself,… [Read More]
Zen Habits
Let Go of These 5 Things to Cultivate Joy
When you’re working hard to cultivate joy in your life, several unhealthy behaviors and attitudes can stand in your way and keep you from experiencing true, deeply-rooted joy. Let go of these five obstacles to cultivate joy in your life. Let Go of the Past. Constantly looking back – whether it’s dwelling on regret or… [Read More]
Cultivate Joy
As the year draws to a close, I encourage my friends, family, and clients to cultivate joy. By purposely choosing to be joyful, you will reclaim peace, wonder, and gratitude in all aspects of your life. Warmly, Melanie Ott Inspirational Thoughts “Joy is not in things … it is in us.” ~ Richard Wagner “Joy… [Read More]
Happy Thanksgiving from Leap Forward Coaching!
Happy Thanksgiving! The holidays are the perfect time to be extra kind to friends, family, and everyone you meet. As you go about your daily business or gather with loved ones, employ these kindness practices each and every day. Spread daily acts of kindness. During the holiday season and throughout the year, conduct small acts… [Read More]
Building Balance, Strength and Agility
Mention balance and you may instantly form a mental picture of a tightrope walker, a gymnast on a balance beam, or a dancer on tiptoe. Every day, you walk a metaphorical balance beam – teetering between family life and work commitments, praying you won’t fall. A scoop of ice cream and a cup of broccoli… [Read More]
Practicing Positivity: Accept Negativity and Move Forward
In Chinese philosophy, the idea of yin and yang describes how apparently opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent. What does that have to do with positivity? Well, just as many tangible dualities – light and dark, fire and water, male and female – physically manifest this idea, so no discussion of… [Read More]
Practicing Positivity: Create a Positive Environment
In my most recent email newsletter, I talked about the power a positive mind has to create a positive life. And while it’s true, it’s really a circle – because our external circumstances. Now, there are some circumstances that are difficult to change, or out of our control. But there are many small things we… [Read More]
Positive Minds, Positive Lives
Our mindset has a powerful impact on our thoughts, our behaviors and our actions. Let’s talk about how a positive mind creates a positive life – and the positive habits that lead to success. Warmly, Melanie Ott Words of Inspiration “If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” ~ William James “When… [Read More]
10 Mantras To Build Self-Confidence
Mantras are a powerful tool in many areas of life – and in few places are they more valuable than when it comes to self-confidence! Here are a few mantras to repeat to yourself when you’re facing a challenge or just having a rough day. 1. I know who I am, and I am enough…. [Read More]
Finding Joy & Beauty in the Small Things
Sometimes the key to finding joy and success is focusing, not on the big picture, but on the little moments that make up our daily life. As you begin this new year, seek and find beauty and joy in small things … because some of the best things life aren’t “things” – they’re the precious… [Read More]