Maura Sweeney: Living Happy Inside Out | Personal Growth | Influence | The Power of Happiness

Remember the old "Got Milk?" ad campaign reminding people to fortify themselves with something good - and healthy - to drink? Today's episode focuses, instead, on what helps fortify to the mind and soul - and it's Character! This one might be lengthy, but it won't disappoint. Discover several stories, both old and new, that remind us of the winning benefits to be derived when we learn to develop - or "get character" - into our own lives.   

Generosity is a beautiful quality, especially when it comes straight from the heart.  Some reflections on the subject, with fond memories of my late Aunt Helen and Uncle Joe who personified generosity of heart in so many impactful  - and fun - ways.  

A look at how life can be more influential, redeeming - and fruitful - than we know! 

Encouraging and transcendent news for anyone who's been suffering in time. It's a long one, but hold on. You can't help but leave this episode with renewed hope - even beyond anything you've imagined.   

Most of us feel "infuenced" by others.  In today's podcast, I reverse the paradigm and demonstrate how powerful you truly are - especially when you realize you are a person of influence! A reading (with additional commentary) from one of my books. 

Can a single song, known and sung by all, create an uplifting atmosphere over a half century ago? Find out how you can choose to have a song in your heart to remind your mind - everything IS beautiful. 

We're all guilty of judging.  My story of the grueling initial experience visiting my future Polish mother-in-law at her home - along with her equally Polish sisters - for the first time. I wasn't quite welcome.  You'll laugh, you'll feel some pain, but hopefully you'll also emerge from this tale with some positive take-aways in the process.     

Life is always providing us new ways to grow - especially when we feel challenged!  

Is there life outside your comfort zone? You bet! Getting there is a journey, but the trips - and falls - along the way are worth the life rewards found on the other side. 

Elvis said it best: "Truth is like the sun. You can cover it up, but it ain't goin' away."  A look at how lies become us . . . and how we can emerge from darkness and into the light. 

Life stories on dealing with competition - both personally and among others - with a longterm eye on Winning in Life.   

Tune in for this part 1 introduction to Competition - a notion we've all encountered - but with a twist.  Introduction to thinking about competition in a different way. 

Not everyone, or everything, is as we suppose. Part 2 of a 2 part series. 

When we realize not everything - and especially everyone - is as we suppose.   Part 1 of a 2 part series.

One desperate prayer can land you where God wants you to go . . . . 

Sometimes, human strength, ability and grit are not sufficient for the unexpected storms we encounter in life.  My story about preparation for a Category 5 Hurricane that approached our townhouse, which was located just across the street from Tampa Bay. 

A friend once prompted me to ask an unusual question of God. This is that story. 

A strange dream uncovers an ancestral sin - and a prayer of atonement brings unexpected blessings a few days later. 

An sudden, unexpected moment as an adult brought back a suppressed memory - and forgiveness.  NOTE: My husband and I were NOT alumni of the Class of 1776, as I reference in this podcast, but of Class of 1976! LOL   

Prayers - and wonders - inside a full lockdown juvenile facility (now closed) in Florida. 

My experiences in Havana, Cuba in 1998 and . . . perhaps 3 years afterward! 

A last minute, impossible situation . . . .somehow turns possible. 

An answer to a prayer when I didn't know I'd need one. 

Before I could upload another of my own stories about prayer, I happened upon Steve. Here's his timely and on-point tale.   

Did you know that the Authentic You . . . was originally a Master-piece? Listen in to discover more about your origin, then look forward to a "re-newed" you in what's to come. 

What do four Hebrew letters, a modern day dream and the lyrics to one of MIchael Jackson's songs have in common? Find out in this episode of The ABC's of NOW as we navigate through the process of change and look forward to a brighter day ahead. #Peace #Consciousness #Spirituality #Dreams #Shift

Have you ever that you were in need something immediately . . .  as in right NOW? In this latest episode of the ABC's of NOW, we examine the letter J and the ideas of Just in Time. Get ready for excitement, suspended animation and more to foster your imagination and uplift your soul for good things ahead.  #consciousness #shift #happiness #peace #soul

If you've been following this exciting series to help navigate yourself through the epic changes our world is going through, you won't want to miss this 12th episode. Explore the letter O and discover how the expression OMG is about to become part of our collective future! #Change #Consciousness #Peace

Ready for the epic shift taking place in our world today? Keep up with every letter and its corresponding word in this special series entitled the ABC's of NOW! In this episode, consider P and the word Positivity -- you're going to need it!  #Positivity #Peace #Change #Consciousness

As our cosmos undergoes a major shift, we'll all be introduced to the element of surprise, the subject of this latest episode in the ABC's of NOW. Surprises can suspend our attention, focus and our reality. They can also lead us back to a better place. Discover some of what to expect in the process and be sure to share this episode share with friends! #change #shift #consciousness #peace #selfhelp

What happens when tall trees -- institutions, individuals and even ideas -- fall from their high places? It's time to say, "Timberrrr!" Join me in Episode 7 of this ABC's of NOW series to help you navigate through seismic and epic changes with inner peace as you travel.  #change #controversy #peace #consciousness #spirituality

If you thought lightly of the word virtues, prepare for a surprise! In this 5th episode of the ABC's of NOW, we take up letter V and the word Virtues. Discover how incredibly - and even supernaturally - powerful a role the word Virtues can play in your life! As sweeping and unexpected winds of change toss you around, you'll want to listen to this episode again and again! #change #vision #soul #metaphysical #courage  

In episode 4 of this special 26 episode series, we examine the letter W and the word Wonderful. In a world rumbling with epic change, what will the world look like ahead -- after the dust settles? Step into the word wonderful and imagine what you might have previously believed impossible! #change #faith #vision #future #soul

What if you were to open a few doors, learn of hidden things and suddenly realize the world you're living in is something far different than what you believed it to be? Join me in this timely exploration of human nature, common spheres of control, the art of personal inquiry and learning how to awaken to your own light. #Human Nature #Personal Growth #Disclosures #Awakening

If you are upset, angry, confused or afraid about the latest news report, you must tune in to this powerful podcast. Be inspired. Be a World Changer -- and change your world into something good, something better! #Truth #CoronaVirus #Pandemic #Peace #Power

It seems impossible, but personal traumas can transform into potential life treasures. Time, endurance and perhaps a bit of faith may be required, but we discover our most challenging experiences contain the seeds of blessings -- for ourselves as well as others. Listen in as I share the extraordinary redemptive story of Cresta Durojaiye, a lovely woman from Nigeria I recently met while attending a conference in London.

We all want to be happy, but do we take the steps to get there? Listen in as I share a list of my top happiness hacks. #happiness #selfhelp #wellbeing #mentalhealth #peace #howto

Inspired by our typical oversight of others until they're gone, this podcast inspires you to say, do and appreciate people while you can -- as in right now! #happiness #soul #grief #uplift #positivechange

Designed originally as a New Year's 2020 episode, this topic is always relevant. Using the benefit of 2020 hindsight, we're taking a look at the psychological, emotional and familiar frame of mind you've been living in. If that proverbial house is no longer serving you, today might just be the time to frame a new - and happier - one for yourself.  #Happiness #Peace #SelfGrowth #SelfDevelopment #Mastery #Life

If you're seeking a deeper level of peace, rest and good cheer, listen in. Discover how letting things go can be one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself this holiday season.   #Christmas #Hanukkah #Peace #forgiveness #soul

Are you leading yourself or allowing others to lead you? In this latest podcast, I share some ways we can unwittingly be led by others. Gain awareness, insight and more to discover how and when you can step up and lead yourself.  #insight, #peace, #leadership, #awareness, #influence

We've all experienced challenges relating to others. Sometimes, it may be because we're out of sync and operating on different frequencies! Listen in to a few stories of mine as I share personal insights about operating on different frequencies from those around me. Expect increased awareness for choosing your personal engagements while adding to your sense of inner peace and happiness. #conflict #relationships #synergy #peace  

Our media often promotes money, power and immediate gratification as popular value systems. But what happens when we choose the wrong pursuits and lose our sense of peace? In this podcast, I share a personal story about unwinding the process and returning to peace. My hope is to inspire you to do something of the same. #Peace #Stories #Integrity

Everyone suffers from the paralysis and near crippling effects of fear. In this podcast, I cover some of the origins of fear, plus some of the ways we can use fear as a catalyst for our happiness, peace and freedom.  #fear #peace #happiness

Has someone ever inquired about your life story? Have you ever asked someone else about theirs? In this podcast, I explore the innate power and some positive outcomes that arise when we decide to do just that! #happiness #peace #understanding #encouragement #wellbeing

Racism impedes our ability to live happily and at peace from the inside out. This podcast invites you to consider the way in which you judge others, and the manner in which you'd like others to judge you. Look forward to several personal stories, each of which should challenge you and get you thinking about whether we should judge by color - or character!   #Character #Integrity #Racism #Peace

Asking whether you're a label and facade rather than a person of substance and character continues on a theme of judging by externals. Expect two personal stories, one regarding a person I needed to fire and the other concerning a person I needed to evict. In both cases, you'll find plenty to challenge your thinking and help you ascertain whether form or substance is what truly matters! #racism #judgment #integrity #harmony #society    

Racism is a major impediment to living happy from the inside out. Over the past few years, the notion of racism has become a daily part of our media language and, therefore, our social consciousness. In this new series, I introduce part 1 on the topic to ask: Are you a racist? Listen in and learn about yourself, your neighbors and the society in which you'd like to live. #Society #Culture #CriticalThinking #Peace #Empowerment #Happiness

Inspired by John Lennon's 1988 hit song "Imagine" which speaks to the heart of a better society, this podcast is both timely and potent. While being part of a big world, we often lose sight of the roles we play in perpetuating wrongs and/or catalyzing something better. If you've lost your sense of imagination in a world gone awry, rediscover the many possibilities and opportunities to use your personal power today!   #John Lennon #Imagination #Power #Culture #Happiness #Society #Inspiration    

Are you adept at giving other people compliments, or merely engaging in flattery? When it comes to living happy from the inside out, check in to this latest podcast. Discern the difference between these two seemingly close "cousins." Then, discover the reason why one is more powerful than the other - for you as well as those around you!   #LifeLessons #Peace #Happiness #Harmony #Integrity #EmotionalIntelligence