Author: susanwbailey

My name is Susan Bailey and I find the life of Louisa May Alcott endlessly fascinating. I come from New England (specifically Massachusetts) and my family has been here in one form or another since the 1630′s. I live fairly close to Concord, MA where Orchard House, the homestead of the Alcotts, is located, and visit often. Every few years or so I go on a reading ‘binge’ about Louisa and this time around was so good, I just had to start a blog about my passion. The binge, by the way, still goes on! I’ve been happily married for over 30 years and my husband is a deacon in the Melkite Church (Eastern Catholic – I am Roman Catholic). We are proud parents of a grown son and daughter. I’ve worked happily for the last 17 years at Rutledge Properties in Wellesley, MA, supporting the agents in the office. And in my ‘other life,’ I’ve performed, written and recorded music exploring my Catholic faith. I have a website (www.susanbailey.net) where you can hear samples and find out more about this. I sing at various masses at my home parish of St. Luke the Evangelist in Westboro, MA. Other interests include history (especially photographic), nature (especially bird watching), and I have the same ‘inordinate love of cats’ that Louisa had. :-)

Your Comprehensive Guide to Personal Improvement: Health, Wellness, and Beyond

Published on December 5, 2023December 7, 2023 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

Personal improvement is not just a catchphrase; it’s a lifelong journey that impacts every facet of our existence. This guide aims to provide actionable insights across various dimensions – health, social well-being, mental wellness, and more – to help you live your best life.

Elevate Your Physical Health Through Exercise

Exercise is your first line of defense against physical and mental ailments. Not only does it keep you in good shape, but it also elevates your mood and reduces stress levels. From cardiovascular exercises like jogging and swimming to resistance training like weightlifting, choices are abundant. The key to successful physical improvement lies in consistency. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to reap the rewards.

Fuel Your Body with Healthy Eating Habits

What you consume greatly affects your energy and mental sharpness. Embrace a diet centered on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and use meal planning as a tool to maintain this balance. By planning your meals weekly and adhering to your grocery list, even small dietary adjustments can lead to profound benefits for your overall health and mood.

Invite Friends Over for a Get-Together

Our social environment significantly influences our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, our actions. To nurture a positive mindset and strengthen emotional resilience, consider planning small get-togethers or online catch-up sessions with friends and family who uplift you and make you feel good about yourself.

Go Back on the Job Market

It can feel a little intimidating to go back on the job market – especially if it’s been a while – but there are plenty of resources to help. While much emphasis is rightly placed on the importance of a resume, don’t forget that the cover letter can be just as vital! After all, that’s usually the first thing prospective employers see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. If you’d like some tips, consider this option to give yourself an edge over the competition.

Seeking Sobriety: Consider the Benefits of Rehab

If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, know that there’s a way out. Rehabilitation centers provide specialized programs and treatments to help individuals regain control over their lives. Professionally administered treatment is often the most effective method for recovery. External help, structure, and support can make sobriety more manageable.

Unlocking Potential: The World of Entrepreneurship

Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for personal growth. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you in new ways. You’ll not only learn about business but also about your own strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. While entrepreneurship is not for everyone, it’s worth exploring if you have a passion you want to turn into a livelihood. Make sure to do thorough market research and develop a solid business plan.

Meditation: Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

Meditation has long been valued for providing a respite from our hectic lives, offering moments of peace and clarity. Simple practices like breath focus or thought observation can significantly reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. As little as 10 minutes of meditation a day can yield lasting benefits for both your mind and emotional well-being.

Yoga: Balancing Body and Mind

Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity. It complements other forms of exercise by providing both strength training and relaxation. Practicing yoga offers an accessible route to a balanced body and mind.

Hydration for Health: The Power of Drinking Water

You’ve heard it a thousand times: drink more water. Yet, many of us fail to heed this advice. Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for physical performance, cognitive function, and even emotional well-being. Aim for at least eight cups of water a day, more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.
Life is an ever-evolving journey – and personal improvement is its lifelong companion. From physical activities like exercise and yoga to mental strategies like meditation, the avenues are endless. Likewise, tackling social well-being and even considering entrepreneurship add more layers to your personal development. By taking proactive steps in these various aspects, you can significantly enhance your quality of life. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Make that step count.

You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Susan Bailey is an author, musician, and speaker who’d love to hear from you!

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

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Don’t Just Survive, Thrive: A Guide to Achieving Fulfillment as an Introvert

Published on August 21, 2023August 22, 2023 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In a world that celebrates extroverted traits, navigating life as an introvert can be challenging. However, it’s essential to remember that being an introvert is not a weakness but a different approach to life. Understanding your introverted tendencies and how they affect you can help establish a self-care plan that suits your needs. This article shared by Be As One will provide tips and strategies for creating a comprehensive self-care plan for introverts.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Introverts often thrive on consistency and predictability. A routine can provide comfort and control over your environment, reducing stress and anxiety. This routine could include waking up at the same time every day, sticking to a regular meal schedule, or setting aside specific times for work and relaxation. Remember, your routine should serve you rather than the other way around. Be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure it supports your well-being.

Allocate Ample Time for Solitude to Rejuvenate

As an introvert, solitude is not just preferred—it’s essential. Introverts recharge their energy by spending time alone, so incorporate ample alone time into your daily routine. Whether reading a book, walking in nature, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts, these moments of solitude can help rejuvenate your mind and body.

Ensure You Set Aside Moments for Social Interactions

While introverts treasure their alone time, it doesn’t mean they should isolate themselves completely. Humans are social creatures and meaningful connections with others are crucial for our mental health. Try to find a balance between your need for solitude and social interactions. You might prefer one-on-one conversations or small gatherings rather than large parties. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity, regarding relationships.

Engage in Energizing Activities

Find activities that energize and inspire you. These could be hobbies, exercise, creative pursuits, or anything else that brings you joy and boosts your energy levels. Engaging in such activities helps you relax and allows you to spend time in a way that aligns with your introverted nature.

Craft an Impressive and Professional Resume

Stepping onto a fresh career path can be equally exciting and overwhelming. One of your first steps in this journey should be crafting an impressive and professional resume that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and potential. A well-constructed resume can open doors to opportunities and be a powerful tool in your job search. If you need help figuring out where to start, seeking guidance on how to write a resume can be incredibly beneficial. From choosing the right format and writing

Allow Yourself the Right to Decline

As an introvert, you might feel pressured to say “yes” to every invitation or request, often leading to overcommitment and burnout. It’s important to realize that it’s okay to say no.’ Prioritize your mental health and well-being above societal expectations or obligations. Permitting yourself to decline can be liberating and contribute significantly to your self-care.

Make Restorative Sleep a Priority

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining our physical and mental health. As an introvert, you may find your mind buzzing with thoughts at the end of the day, making it difficult to fall asleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a peaceful sleep environment, and prioritize getting enough restful sleep.

Self-care for introverts involves understanding and honoring their unique needs and preferences. By establishing a consistent routine, prioritizing solitude, balancing social interactions, engaging in energizing activities, crafting a professional resume, allowing yourself to say ‘no,’ and prioritizing sleep, you can create a self-care plan that truly serves you. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. What matters most is finding what works best for you.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

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Tips to Help You Move Forward Amidst Life’s Curveballs

Published on April 24, 2023April 21, 2023 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

When life throws a curveball, it can be difficult to find the way forward. But with the right tools and techniques, you can develop resilience and start moving towards your dreams. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or just need some help unwinding, these tips from Be as One will help you take charge of your situation and make positive changes in your life.

Set Realistic Objectives

Setting achievable goals helps break down large tasks into manageable chunks while also providing regular benchmarks for success along the way, which promotes confidence and momentum during times of great change. Start by breaking down larger projects into smaller, more achievable goals, then prioritize those goals according to importance or urgency. This will allow for progress without feeling overwhelmed by the end goal ahead.

Think About a Career Change

Now might be the perfect time to consider a career change if it’s something that has been on your mind lately. There are resources available both online and offline to guide those exploring different industries, including mentorships from professionals who have gone through similar transitions successfully before or informational interviews with people working within potential fields of interest.

Pursue Your Passion

Now more than ever, there are plenty of opportunities for turning passion into lucrative careers. If you’re seeking a job or career change, be sure to submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio if you are in the artistic or writing field. If you’re trying to share your portfolio as a PDF but you’re having trouble with the file size (which is common when you start incorporating pictures), utilize a PDF compressor to make sharing your work easier and less stressful. Best of all, the tool is free to use!

Start a Business

Starting your own business can be a rewarding experience. Consider forming it as an LLC, so you can enjoy the benefits of limited liability, tax advantages, less paperwork, and increased flexibility. You can avoid hefty lawyer fees by filing yourself or by using a formation service. Before moving ahead, however, make sure to check the rules in your state, as forming an LLC will differ from one formed elsewhere.

Explore Relaxation Methods

Taking time to relax is essential when navigating major life changes. Find activities that soothe your mind and spirit, such as yoga, meditation, or even just a leisurely walk outdoors. Learning relaxation techniques will reduce stress levels so that you can make decisions with clarity and focus.

Be Optimistic

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when faced with significant changes in life, but don’t let yourself get discouraged. Staying optimistic is key to having the energy and enthusiasm necessary for taking on new challenges. Making small goals each day will keep you motivated, as well as give you peace of mind, knowing that progress is being made.

Move for a Fresh Start

Loving somewhere new can open up doors of opportunity that may have been previously unavailable to you. A fresh start in a space of your own can be a great way to downsize to minimize maintenance and living costs. If you’re considering renting, look into online listings and filter your home search for cost, home type, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Plus, some sites have virtual tours, so you don’t have to visit every property in person.

Life throws curveballs at us throughout our lives, but having the right tools and techniques readily available at our disposal makes navigating these situations much easier. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can help to reduce stress levels. Setting achievable goals, transforming passions into a career, utilizing resources to stay organized, and launching a new business allows for certain benefits, as well. All of these create an effective plan for navigating drastic changes, making them invaluable assets worth considering.

Be as One is the work of Susan Bailey, a professional speaker, author, and musician. If you’d like to work together, feel free to email susanwbailey@gmail.com.

Image via Pexels

Read this previous post by Julie Morris

Find out more / Purchase your copies

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Purchase on Amazon Purchase on Barnes & Noble

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

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For all you cat lovers! Here is the perfect holiday gift for you and those you love.

Published on November 22, 2022 by susanwbailey2 Comments

Those of you who follow this blog know how much I love cats. These are my three beauties:

rameses, tish and cora — L to R Rameses, Tish and Cora

Rameses is my ginger boy, he is 12. Tish is 2, and her daughter, Cora, is 1.

As a cat lover, I am pleased to present books by a dear friend, Jill Pickford, known as the Sing to the Moon series. These stories will tug at your heartstrings — they are fantastical, funny, and poignant tales of rescue and feral cats and kittens that will make you laugh and cry.

Sing to the Moon: Tales from the Kitten Cam, and Sing to the Moon, Volume 2: The Rest of the Stories will make wonderful gifts for your cat-loving family and friends, and don’t forget to gift yourself! Your purchase will support Jill’s favorite cat shelter, Purrfect Pals, in Washington State. Per her wishes, all proceeds will be donated.

Sadly, Jill Pickford passed away last year. Still, she has left behind a legacy that you can enjoy, and that will help many abandoned cats and kittens. Your purchase will continue that legacy. Thank you for your support!

Just released!
Sing to the Moon, Volume Two: The Rest of the Stories

Purchase your copy here.

Have you longed for more of Jill Pickford’s marvelous Kitten Cam and TinyKitten tales? Have you imagined a treasure trove of undiscovered stories waiting to be published? Ask, and you shall receive! Presenting Sing to the Moon, Volume Two: The Rest of the Stories. Filled with heart-warming, funny, and poignant tales and poems of your favorite Critter Room and TinyKittens characters, you will also meet Jill’s cat, “Sybil,” and her brother Tony’s dear “Ollie,” who turned in his feral card. All proceeds benefit Purrfect Pals Cat Shelter in Washington State, the sponsor of The Critter Room.

Paperback: $9.99 Kindle $6.99

Sing to the Moon: Tales of the Kitten Cam

Purchase your copy here.

00 FINAL COVER Sing to the Moon cover with drawing-512

Can a kitten change the world? The answer lies in these charming stories of love and friendship, bravery and derring-do from the fantasy world of real-life kittens and cats from the Internet’s famous live kitten cam, The Critter Room. Meet gentleman spies and incompetent knights, artists and astronomers, poets and philosophers, storytellers and songsmiths. Heck, there’s even a human or two! Join in their adventures and follow their dreams in this engaging book of tales written and illustrated by kitten cam addict Jill Pickford. They will tug at your heartstrings and bring a smile to your face. All proceeds benefit Purrfect Pals Cat Shelter, in Washington State, the sponsor of The Critter Room. Tune in live to see the stories continue in The Critter Room on Facebook and YouTube where you will hear Foster Dad John say, “Enjoy the kittens. Have a nice day.”

Paperback: $9.99 Kindle $6.99

Refer your friends to this website so they can purchase their copies.
Makes a great gift!

http://www.singtothemoonbook.com

Come and join us on Facebook: Sing to the Moon Group

Find out more / Purchase your copies

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Purchase on Amazon Purchase on Barnes & Noble

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

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The Journey of Personal Growth

Published on November 7, 2022 by susanwbailey1 Comment

I am pleased to present this guest post by Julie Morris, a life and career coach. She blogs regularly at juliemorris.org.

Before you begin your own quest for personal growth and development, you must define what that is for yourself. What is “self-improvement”? This depends on where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Make no mistake: personal growth is just that—personal. Nobody else, not even Tony Robbins or Dr. Phil, can define that for you.

Once you have defined self-improvement goals for yourself, there are several strategies available that can guide you to becoming who you want to be.

Meditation and Prayer

Practicing meditation is an excellent first step toward personal growth. Contrary to popular conception, meditation does not require the lotus position, mantras, incense, candles or other such accouterments. The only purpose of meditation is to empty your mind of distracting thoughts that may be holding you back. An easy and effective way to meditate is to sit in a comfortable chair with the room darkened and focus on some kind of white noise, like a hiss or a fan. There are many white noise generators available as apps and on YouTube.

The practice of prayer, whether alone or in community, can also be a useful means of personal growth. Whether you are praying for guidance or in appreciation for what you have accomplished, prayer can help you focus on those things of greatest importance.

Self-Care

Here is a radical, yet valid idea: it’s okay to be selfish. In fact, you should. Not in the obnoxious and demanding sense, but rather in prioritizing your own needs before the desires and demands of others. The reason is that if you are not satisfied and happy with yourself, you will be of little help to those around you. Take time to eat right, exercise, nourish your mind, and get rest when you need it. A healthy psyche and a healthy body go hand-in-hand—and the people around you will appreciate it and benefit.

Push the Boundaries

How long have you been doing the same things in the same manner? How is it working out for you? If the answer is “Very well,” then, by all means, continue. If not, it’s time to try something new. That may be a new career, which may involve returning to school for a new degree. Or, it may be something that builds on skills and knowledge you already have.

Either way, it will be time for you to dust off and update your resume. While this may seem daunting, the task will be made easier by using a free template online. Most of these are available at no charge and come in a vast variety of professional designs. Customizing these by adding your own content and elements is easily done.

Launching a Business

A common personal goal is to start a business, but it can be an intimidating task. Part of growing means seeking assistance when necessary to achieve one’s goals. If you’re wondering how to get an LLC, a formation service can guide you through the process so you can more effectively accomplish your goals of business ownership. And it will save you both time and money in the process.

Need Guidance?

Depending on your own personal development goals, it may be helpful to hire a coach or mentor. The advantage here is objectivity; sometimes, it is difficult to see the barriers we inadvertently place in front of ourselves. Furthermore, a life coach or mentor has valuable experience and knowledge that can help you on your journey.

Eye on the Prize

One way in which people sabotage themselves is by focusing on the bad news of the day, especially headlines. As grim as the global and national news may seem these days, it’s important to understand that very little of it can affect you personally. There are also uplifting and positive stories out there, even if the corporate media chooses to spin it into something else. By focusing on the beauty in the world, you can easily change your mindset into a more positive one over time—and this will manifest into positive change in virtually all areas of your life.

Whether you’re beginning a meditation practice, starting a business, or prioritizing your self-care, the tips above will help you become who you want to be.

Find out more / Purchase your copies

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Purchase on Amazon Purchase on Barnes & Noble

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

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He’s Alive! A song to celebrate Easter

Published on April 17, 2022 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Happy Easter to all of you! Nothing is impossible for God.

“River of Grace:” a book of hope during this difficult pandemic

Published on September 4, 2021September 4, 2021 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

River of Grace: Creative Passages Through Difficult Times was my first book, written in 2015. In the book I reflect upon suffering in my life which included the deaths of my parents and the loss of my singing voice. By trusting in God even when I had no idea where He was leading me, I experienced transformation as a result of the creative power of grief.

River of Grace provides powerful personal stories of loss and grief along with creative ways to cope through trust and faith. It’s a book of hope during this difficult pandemic.

To give you a better idea of the nature of River of Grace, I invite you to watch/listen to a 40 minute presentation on the book which also includes some songs that amplify the meaning.

Where to order River of Grace

My publisher, Ave Maria Press, is holding a Labor Day Weekend sale — go to their website for 10% off the purchase price.

Visit www.avemariapress.com/products/river-of-grace.

Susan’s Advent Music featured on the Great Catholic Music App

Published on November 26, 2019November 26, 2019 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Here is a promotional video with all the details:

This is a wonderful app featuring all the music we hear in church. Music is a great way to bring the heart to prayer. I hope you enjoy the Great Catholic Music app, available for free from the IOS App Store and Google Play Apps.

If you would like your own copy of my Advent/Christmas album, Wait with Me: Advent of the Promised Son, visit my music page on this site.

Have you ever wanted to go camping with your dog?

Published on March 7, 2019November 22, 2019 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

For all you dog lovers, here is a guide on how to camp with your dog. Many great tips!
My thanks to Jim McKay from GoAllOutdoors.com

Giving to each other, and to the earth: Environmentally friendly gift-giving ideas this Christmas

Published on December 7, 2018 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

This was a story that took on a life of its own — thinking up ways that we can consume less while giving more. When I was assigned this story from the Catholic Free Press, I had no idea how much my own thinking would be changed. Each of us can do our small part and together, make this a very special Christmas while at the same time, honoring what the season of Advent is all about.