That also means you have to take responsibility for the role you play in creating the energy of fear, stress and anger that exists in our society today. You can begin this process by examining the relationships in your life and ask yourself “What kind of energy do I emit every day? And more importantly, “How do I treat people in the world around me? Are you kind, encouraging and show people that you care? Or, are you someone who is negative, complains and adds drama?

Despite all of the technology that we depend on to “connect” us today, we have in actuality become very disconnected from one another. While there are many benefits to our social networking sites, we can easily get caught up in how many friends and followers we have, and be rather self absorbed by what we know, and how we present ourselves.

Here is what you have to remember. As a “human being,” you are also an “organic being,” and that means you are part of nature and the natural order. Nature consists of a series of networks that exist in relationship with one another. Everything in the natural world works together for the greater good in an effort to maintain the cycles of life and sustain our very existence. The same should be true of us as human beings. We were designed to live in relationship with one another, and to create networks that sustain our own wellbeing and that of our planet.

Yet, if you look around at our society, most of our economic theories and business practices are based on the exact opposite of this. We are taught to create networks that value competition and evaluate success by our ability to dominate, regardless of the consequences in the world around us.  After all, we justify that  “It’s nothing personal, its just business…” Right?

Nothing could be more wrong than that expression, because every single thing you think, feel and do is personal. It matters and has a consequence in the world around you! If you ever find yourself doubting this, remember the phenomenon called The Butterfly Effect. If something as gentle as the movement of a butterfly’s wings can affect weather conditions all over the world, can you imagine the effect the energy of your thoughts and emotions is having in the world today? That is worth paying attention to!

In fact, here’s an expression that may better serve you in your efforts to connect with others, build relationships and become the change you wish to see in the world. Someone wisely once said….

“ No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care!”

Michelle and I feel privileged to have connected with so many of you, and we hope you stay in touch with us and the new friends you made on this journey.  It really DOES take a village and we have to do this together. So….whenever you  doubt that taking the time to find pleasure and appreciate the smallest details in  your life can possibly make a difference in the world around you,  remember the words of Margaret Mead who  wisely said…”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing which ever has…” The world needs feminine power and light today… so that means it is up to us… Embrace pleasure, reach for the light, seek joy and let your light shine.  We DARE You!!!

Since it usually takes 21 days to break a habit or build a new one, I anticipated that we would lose a few participants as we got closer to week #3 ( Day 21) and that is exactly what occurred.  Any time you introduce a new behavior or build a new train of thought in your life,  it is going to take some time before you gather the momentum you need to move in the direction you want.

The good news is that whenever you find yourself heading in “the wrong direction,”  then you can always Begin Again.… Learning to value pleasure and taking time for yourself, is like any other new skill, you have to be willing to practice it! Most of us have had a lifetime of practice putting everyone else’s needs before our own, so altering that habit probably won’t happen overnight…  The important thing is to keep practicing!

I had a wonderful visit with my mother last weekend, and she took great pleasure in the brunch I prepared, and of course, I let her wear my crown for the day!   As I sat on the train back to Rhode Island from Delaware, I was thought once again how giving yourself  permission to savor pleasure, is very much connected to how your nurture and “mother” yourself.

That means we have to examine the patterns we learned from our mothers, grandmothers and the women who raised us, that taught us to not take pleasure in life, or to put others first at own expense, so much so that we become depleted and drained.  Being willing to examine those patterns and CHANGE them if necessary, not only frees us up, but transforms the messages we are transmitting to  our younger generations ( and future queens!).  It really is important work to do. You deserve to take the time for yourself and embark on this inner journey of self discovery, so that you can listen to the voice within,  and do what brings your soul joy. Remember, taking pleasure is really about perceiving whatever you are experiencing through the eyes of The Divine…

We have lots of women sharing their pleasures – if you are curious, and want to join us in the challenge, then head on over to our Facebook Fan Page! 

Enjoy the video!

30 Day Pleasure Dare from Michelle Girasole on Vimeo.

Today is DAY 11 of The Pleasure Dare, and if you have been participating every day with us, you are probably starting to notice that pleasure opens you up on many different levels in your life.  You also can see that even the littlest things can bring you pleasure, when you stop to take the time to savor and appreciate whatever you are focused on. Baking cookies took me less than an hour from start to finish (including cleaning up) and  I got to eat cookies for breakfast, thank a friend, make my house smell yummy, and  leave my house with my cup full!!!!  ( I actually wrote a story years ago about baking cookies, which I will have to find and post… its called “When The Chips Are Down, Bake Cookies!”

Let’s us know what’s bringing you pleasure today…  www.facebook.com/pages/The-30-Day-Pleasure-Dare/110312812338024

However, on Saturday night, it didn’t feel quite so idyllic… I was exhausted and a bit teary eyed from all this change, so when I heard a knock on my front door, I went rather reluctantly to open it.  Much to my surprise and complete PLEASURE, there was my new neighbor holding  a HUGE bouquet of Lilacs that smelled heavenly… I put them in a vase by my tub,  lit a few candles, sank into a hot bath with sea salt and lavender essential oil, listened to my favorite Ashana CD…. and my exhaustion and overwhelm just washed away….

So…. let us know what brings YOU pleasure and connect with us further on our facebook page for The 30 Day Pleasure Dare... www.facebook.com/pages/The-30-Day-Pleasure-Dare/110312812338024

I just spent the most pleasurable hour in the garden, I love getting my fingers in the dirt… This is the first real Spring I have had since moving back to the Northeast ( spring in Florida isn’t very dramatic or obvious) and I’m in heaven. Everyday I drive by a new tree that is exploding with color and new life, and beauty is simply everywhere I turn… Being connected to nature is definitely one of my greatest pleasures – Let us know what’s yours!

I am moving this week to a darling cottage that I know will bring me great pleasure,  and today I was feeling very tired from moving and packing, so I settled down in my new living room, had a cup of hot tea and an ENORMOUS Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup…

Now, I have to admit, I’m usually a bit of chocolate snob, if I eat chocolate it has to be organic and good quality to really interest  me….but today,  that tasted like the best piece of chocolate I have ever had, and I savored every bite.. YUM!!!