What was the last thing you got excited about? I’m talking about the little stuff, the everyday events that make us smile. I’ll tell you mine: It was when I purchased a new vacuum. Yes, a vacuum. I love that dang machine. And my floors have never looked cleaner! There’s something great about being honest with ourselves about what brings us joy, not centering our choices on what others say will make us happy. Whether it’s breaking out the colored pencils, spending an hour watching cat videos or getting a much-needed car wash, do something today that makes you giddy.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 33 Out of 100
With every passing day, we ladies grow more confident to take charge of our own happiness. According to the Harris Poll’s latest Happiness Index, compiled from data gathered during the summer of 2016, American women are happier than men, registering a Happiness Index number of 33 out of 100, compared with men’s number of 29. And it’s not just a happiness battle of the sexes. Americans whose annual income is between $75,000 and $100,000 are not happier than those who make $50,000. It goes to show you money can’t buy happiness!
WOMAN TO WATCH: Tanya Wheeless, Founder of Happy Grace
Today’s Woman to Watch, Tanya Wheeless, is a self-described travel junkie and Type A, Americano-sipping go-getter who learned the hard way that stress and self-doubt can sabotage our lives. That’s why she decided to combat stress with a little bit of grace. Now she shares her stress-less approach with others through her company, Happy Grace.
Created for busy women and designed to help us fell less stress and more joy, Happy Grace was an idea Tanya devised while trying to escape the trappings of success. She had what many would deem a perfect life: a loving hubby, a bouncing baby, a stunning home and a successful career. But along with those blessings came feelings of overwhelming stress. The more you have, the more you have to worry about, right?
As the president and CEO of the Arizona Bankers Association, Tanya didn’t have much time for recharging, but she knew something had to give. Tanya found herself eyes deep in self-help books and journaling like crazy, and she discovered getting back to the fundamentals helped her breathe easier.
Her journey from worry woman to joyful goddess got her thinking she could help others find some grace in their lives. So, Tanya parlayed her newfound wisdom into a senior vice president position with the Phoenix Suns basketball team, later leaving to provide what she calls “life-design support” to worn-down executives. Nowadays, she offers personal coaching and private support for organizations like Intel and Cigna.
Armed with all that happiness and business savvy, Tanya launched her Happy Grace product line, offering workbooks for soulful living, moisturizing lip balms, books and video classes. The company’s Bliss Balms, tubes of goodness with essential oils and nourishing ingredients, are printed with a positive affirmation on the side, like “Just Breathe,” and “I’ve Got This.” Tanya’s Happy Grace workbooks include ideas for building a stress-free life, from tackling your control-freak tendencies to creating your everyday zen. Combining the organization of a planner, the empowerment of a self-help book and the reflection of a journal, they provide short lessons to give you a burst of motivation and thoughtfulness as you navigate your busy life.
Arizona Woman Magazine called this grace guru one of “20 Women Who Will Change the Way We Work, Live and Play By the Year 2020.” Ladies, I don’t think we need to wait until then to let Tanya’s joy-centric know-how lead the way.
QUITE THE QUOTE
I’ll leave you today with one of Tanya Wheeless’ favorite quotes from author Marianne Williamson:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
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