It was a time of deciding that I was going to be myself and I was going to give up worry and concern about doing things the “right” way. I also decided it was time for some fun in my life. Starting a blog has been a great form of self-expression for me and has also helped me to reconnect with my Life.

To date, I have posted 405 blogs. That’s an average of 3.9 per week for the past 2 years. I have enjoyed every minute of it. Documenting my journey has made it real and it has transformed my life because I have a constant visual reminder of who I am and what is important to me. I cannot see this anywhere else in the world except by looking at my creations.

When I look to the outside world, I get a set of rules, regulations and expectations of who I “should” be based on the fact that I’m a White, 44-year-old, female, college instructor and published author. Many times people look right at me and seem to be listening to what I’m saying yet it is clear, they do not see me, they see a stereotype and they hold on to a set of expectations of who they think I am.

I am not interested in being what I “should” be, I am interested in being me and in finding the people who can respect and honor that. I am interested in connecting with people of like-mind and people who are brave enough to be authentic. I hope you enjoy the contents of the blog and also that it gives you courage and initiative to be who YOU are and to dare to share that with the world. It’s not always easy but it’s fun, exciting and exhilarating. It is Life at it’s best and that is worth celebrating.

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If you need support in overcoming fears that prevent you from being authentic, check out my book From Sabotage to Success or go to startamastermindgroup.com and find out how you can use group support to create the life you want.

In the 80’s I was a teen and a punk rocker. I was basically on my own after the age of 16 so I went to every gig I could, some times going to live shows 2-3 times in one week. Little did I know, this constant barrage of punk and alternative music was shaping my opinions, passions and politics on a deep level. Punk rock actually gave me wings. I admired the dedication and bravery of the musicians I went to see. I realized that I wasn’t the only one who noticed that some things are not right in the world.

I don’t have to tell you, no one wanted to hear what the punkers had to say in the 80’s. Most of the shows I went to had less than 100 people in attendance. When things got too big or too crazy, the cops were always there to break it up and take people off to jail. In some cases the riot squad greeted you as you entered the concert hall, just to let you know who’s in charge. Now, here we are, 25-30 years later seeing the teens of today listening to the music of the 80’s as if its something new and revolutionary.

May I interject here that the punk artists kids are listening to today aren’t just entertainers, some aren’t even technically musicians. Many punkers had no idea how to play their instruments when they first started. Many of them created hand-made fliers and had them photocopied free of charge on someone else’s photocopy machine. Most punks didn’t have contracts or agents. It was sheer grit, determination and persistence that kept the bands that you know about today alive. There are many, many other punk bands, some just as good or better than the ones you know about. The main difference is that some gave up and some didn’t. Punk legends like Mike Ness of Social Distortion exist solely due to determination.

Heres my beef: if the kids of today are listening to the music of 20 years ago, where are they getting the lesson of sheer grit, determination and persistence? Who is going to carry the torch and speak about today’s issues, most of which are the same as the issues of the 80’s, only worse. Why are the youth of today listening to anti-Reagan songs and not anti-Bush songs?

But I digress. I still haven’t explained how lack of music almost killed me. You see, when I was about 18 it was clear that my drug addiction was serious and I needed to do something about it. By the age of 21, I had been in several recovery programs and was beginning a process of wanting to change my life. For me, that meant I had to stay away from the old people and the old places. Gradually I began to slip away from my punk past and tried to be more “socially acceptable.”

The compelling need to “fit in” accelerated drastically when I entered college and eventually University. I found myself completely forgetting all about punk rock and gradually went to fewer and fewer live shows and even stopped listening to most of my records and tapes. I was proud of myself for a while, maybe too proud. I was reaching my goals and moving up in the world. I got a degree, then another degree, then another. In the process, I completely disconnected with my punk past.

I tried to fit in, get the jobs and connections I wanted. I was not connected with punk in anyway. I never had the opportunity to talk to anyone about seeing GBH at the Olympic Auditorium two times in one week or seeing the Ramones every year at the Paladium. I couldn’t listen to punk rock on the job and frankly, I found punk rock to be distracting to me and my goals.

Eventually music even began to annoy me. I was mad at the neighbors when they played it too loud. I saw myself turning into the cranky old drag that I encountered in most adults I met. I began running on auto-pilot. I listened to rap and hip-hop, maybe just because it was there and everyone else was listening. I was becoming noticeably depressed. I was training to be a therapist and sitting in meetings talking about “clients” who have “problems”. All the clients and problems were familiar to me, a part of my past.

I believed that each client I saw had potential to overcome whatever they wanted. I believed they could be whoever they wanted to be. Yet none of the ‘professionals’ agreed. I was shunned, not taken seriously and basically told “you’re just an intern, what do you know?”

On the one hand I was offended by the callous and careless way professionals talked about the people we were supposed to be helping but often I kept my mouth shut. When I did open my mouth, there was always a consequence. I was dismissed from more than one position for having an opinion. I tried to keep my mouth shut. I became more and more depressed. I chastised myself and thought to myself “why cant you just be like everyone else? Why can’t you just fit in and shut up?”

So, there I was, training to be a therapist and for the first time in my life, I found it completely necessary to take anti-depressants. I literally felt like I was going crazy and that was especially disturbing in light of the fact that I was supposed to be helping people!

Ironically, it was when I was “cleansing” my negative past that I found my soul mate and reconnected with music in a new and positive way. My husband, former owner of Zed Records in Long Beach was in the store when I brought in a stack of vinyl to sell. In the process of sorting, scanning and observing my records for their suitable re-sale potential, I sparked up a conversation with the man who would become my husband within about a year. He liked hockey, I liked hockey. He liked punk, I liked punk. We enjoyed each others company. But it would be almost 10 years before I began to realize the significance of our match and the importance of music in drawing us together.

In 1998 I experienced small reminders and nudges of who I was and who I could be but I wrote most of them off as the “idealistic, unrealistic, drug-induced fantasies” of the past. I would hear the nudging call to action in songs by Black Eyed Peas and A Tribe Called Quest but I mostly hid my love of hip-hop because fears like “what will people think, I should grow out of this, I’m just some old person trying to be cool.” Hip Hop and Punk were like guilty indulgences I hid from the ‘professional’ people in my life.

Once I got an iPod, things really began to change. Once I was able to easily carry the soundtrack of my life in my purse, able to listen to the Buzzcocks followed by Snoop Dogg and chased by Social Distortion anytime, anywhere; I began to transform. My dreams re-awakened. Lyrics of power, being yourself and letting go of concern for what others think lifted my soul.

I began to tell people, “I used to be a punk rocker.” I described my spiky blue hair and my shaved head. Some people laughed, some people said “cool”, others were entirely speechless, still others said “no way” as they stood there with their eyes bugged out.

The familiar lyrics and sounds of the underground began to stir something within my soul. I began to remember who I really was. I stopped caring about what everyone thought. I started to think about what I want for my life rather than what society wants for my life. I began to realize the traps I build around myself and how the mainstream society reinforced the validity and ‘rightness’ of those traps. Sometimes I was pissed off. Other times I was shocked. Sometimes I was sad but mostly I was determined. I was determined to revive the 16-year-old punker in me. I was determined to take her out of the closet and say look world, here I am so $*& you!

I would have to say, the purchase of Has Been by William Shatner and seeing Yeah Yeah Yeah’s live on satellite pushed me out of the envelope even more.

I could go on and on but mainly I have a deep, nagging fear and this is why I’m writing this long post. If the youth of today have no role models to show them how to be independent, to start their own businesses, to live free of corporate oppression, what on earth does the future hold in store for us? Will it be a rehash and reinforcement of the same old, same old? Will George Orwell’s 1984 be a reality?

Remember, most of the popular anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications on the market didn’t even exist in the 1980’s and now they are being passed out like candy to many people as a cure-all for the ‘problem of depression’. Rates of depression increase in society and pharmecuetical companies become more powerful. What if the depression is from oppression? If so, all the pills in the world aren’t gonna help.

Listening to music that’s 10, 20 or 30 years old makes about as much sense as reading newspaper articles from 30 years ago and claiming that you are informed and educated. The time is now, with the advent of instant information for all of us to step out of our boxes a bit and look at what’s new while continuing to enjoy whats old. I think we need to listen to the message under the message.

Punk is more than just a bunch of rebellious, belligerent youth with a lack of classical music training. Punk is a movement and a statement about deciding to be who YOU are not what society determines you should be. Right this moment new music is being created by new people. Some of them will be huge one day, others will fade away but if youre sitting at home listening to the same stuff your parents listened to, you’re missing out on the real-time experience of history in the making.

(Me and the Black Eyed Peas in 1998. They played at a record store inside Universal Studio Walk, about 30 people were there to see them….if that. Truthfully, most people were there to see Kobe, a well-known soccer player, BEP just happened to be the “opening act.” If you were paying attention to alternative radio (KCRW.com/Chocolate City) you could have been there. I will tell you this: NOBODY except me asked for their autograph and to take a picture with them. I have the Behind the Front album signed by the entire band.)

I’m so grateful that I had all the experiences I had in life and Im grateful for the opportunity to experience first-hand how plain, ordinary (and sometimes downright untalented) people say “I don’t care” and go for it anyway. And guess what, it ends up that it doesn’t matter if someone is good or not. As long as you are clear about who you are and don’t give up, you will make it. That’s the message under the message. Do you hear it?

If you need help building courage or confidence to follow your passion, get my free Create the Life You Want hypnosis MP3 at icreatehabits.com.

(This article was originally written in 2006)

As a young girl I loved things like watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights. I loved playing outside, listening to my musical jewelry box with the twirling ballerina inside and I loved to create things.

This video was inspired by that and more and offers me the perfect excuse to tell you about The Sheri and Erin Show – Time to Gal Vanize.

This show is designed to help you let go of self-imposed limitations and get reacquainted with joy, authenticity and zest for life. You can click on the player below to go to the show page and/or listen to a recent episode.

One night in roller derby practice, I had to jump over the back seat of a Chevy Corvair on roller skates. The prospect of it terrified me but the end result of taking a risk and having success was life-transforming.

In this 6 minute video taped at Agape Toastmasters, I talk about how jumping over that car seat, even though I was initially convinced I couldn’t, was proof to me that my mind doesn’t always tell the truth and maybe I shouldn’t take it so seriously. When I hear the words “I can’t” in my mind, I ignore it. If you want less fear and more joy, check it out.

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For step-by-step guidance to overcome failure mentality or fear of failure, purchase From Sabotage to Success.

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More and more lately my work is moving in a humorous direction, and I like it! What is life if it isn’t fun? If you believe in the Law of Attraction, you know that Joy is the feeling state that is most attractive. Therefore, it’s important to be in that state as frequently as possible. This video will help you.

As I was researching various humor-related websites, I stumbled upon Sharon Lacey. Ms. Lacey was a middle school teacher for 23 years before she hit the comedy stage. She has some funny stories about kids and parents.

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Support Get Galvanized, Visit our Sponsor page.

Some of us wait for the right moment to take action or to move forward on our goals and that time never comes.

Hopefully this video on YouTube will inspire you to let go of people-pleasing and perfectionism so you can take action on those projects you’ve been procrastinating.

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One of the things that was extremely helpful to me, especially for being less anxious and more creative is Holosynch. It uses sound wave technology to increase the threshold of your mind. They’ll send a free CD if you visit their website.

Sheri Zampelli, M.S., CCH, author of From Sabotage to Success and certified hypnotherapist will teach you how to identify and overcome mental and emotional blocks that stand between you and your desires. She will show you how to use creative visualization and how to mobilize the power of humor and joy to get what you want. Prepare to have fun and leave feeling invincible.

When: Monday, September 28, 6:30-7:30
Open to: Whole Food customers and the general public
Where: Whole Foods Market, Torrance 2655 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance CA 90505. The free presentation takes place in the upstairs Conference Room
Hosted by: District ONE Toastmasters Speakers Bureau www.communityspeakersbureau.org
Reserve your seat now by calling 562-305-3434 or by e-mail sheri@sherizampelli.com

The founder of the site, Stephanie McWilliams recommended that we all post the music that pumps us up so we could share with others. Hmmmm. Something tells me this isn’t what she had in mind. Rather than risk getting banned over there, I’ll post my ‘pump me up’ music videos here. Listeners beware this is unlike any inspirational music you’ve ever heard.

Viva La Revolution by The Adicts

Buy Viva La Revolution by the Adicts on iTunes.

Galvanize the Empire (a Party Ben remix of the song Galvanize by the Chemical Brothers and Empire Strikes Back Music). This video is new to me but very cool. According to the YouTube description it is: “Chemical Brothers, John Williams, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and House of Flying Daggers all mashed up.” Listen to the lyrics. Words of wisdom if you ask me.

Download Galvanize the Empire for free on Party Ben.com

Bloodstains by Agent Orange

Buy Bloodstains by Agent Orange on iTunes

Weird Revolution by the B***hole Surfers

You cannot buy Weird Revolution on iTunes.

F**k You That’s Why by the Smut Peddlers (Not on YouTube) but you can get it on iTunes. I personally enjoy jumping around my living room and lip-synching to this tune. It is a great stress reliever.

After listening to these songs you will either be motivated, stirred up, agitated or all of the above but if it acts as a catalyst for doing something out of the ordinary, that can’t be such a bad thing now, can it? Have you taken a close look at what is “ordinary” these days? It’s about as crazy as it gets.

On the upside, I got to be at the cutting edge with some very cool, creative, unique people. I never tried to fit in to the mainstream and as such, I sort of got to form my own identity (although I was partially influenced by the desire to be “cool” so maybe I wasn’t entirely true to my own individuality). The downside is, I did all those self-destructive things associated with the rebel, including smoking, drinking, drugs and generally disregarding the rules and defying authority whenever possible…sometimes to my own detriment.

Many years ago I quit the drugs, the drinking and the smoking and it’s been a bit of an inner struggle at times. I don’t feel very “cool” anymore and the part of me that doesn’t want to be known as an “old fuddy duddy” yearns for a little rebellion now and then. Yet, the self-destruction is no longer “cool” and even with the heavy substance abuse long gone, I still have the residual damage to my health and a mountain of debt due to my “devil-may-care” attitude.

Lately, I’ve been striving to make some positive changes in my life, to break out of old habits that no longer serve me. One such habit is to eat out less often and bring my lunch. It would be a great habit to have, saving me money and helping me to be more healthy yet it was a habit I was resisting. I always had an excuse not to bring my lunch and I often “forgot” to pack a lunch.

One day I was writing in my journal and I realized. Part of the reason I don’t want to bring my lunch is because I don’t think it’s “cool”. With more journaling, I realized that I associate packing a lunch with being a “nerd“. Totally irrational, I know but isn’t that the nature of a self-defeating belief?

So, right there on the spot, I decided I no longer wanted to keep a habit that wasn’t serving me. I also decided that since I was the one who made up what was cool and not cool, I could change it. Rebelling against “the man” – still cool, self-destruction – not cool. So, I decided to make a list of what “cool” means to me.

In my book, a truly cool person is:
Carefree
Creative
Independent
Strong
Courageous
Intelligent
Calculated
Confident
Connected
Conscious
Leader

Get Vintage Pin-Up Checks

After making the list, I wrote a little bit about what the words mean to me and how they fit in with the person I am now and the person I want to be.

Carefree – I am free to be me, I let go of concern regarding what others think of me

Creative – I can make it up without waiting for permission or worrying about doing it “right”

Independent – I can be independent because I am responsible and in charge of my life, because I have a solid base and a structure to support me

Strong – I am strong enough to set my own agenda and stick to it

Courageous – I have the courage to speak my Truth as I know it rather than bow to what others think I ’should’ do

Intelligent – I spend and save wisely, not ignorantly and impulsively

Calculated – I can be cool because I have a plan. I am not “flying by the seat of my pants”. I am firm and solid in who I am and where I’m going

Confident – I believe in myself and my way. I don’t concern myself with what others are thinking or doing

Connected – I have a crew, a team, a posse and together we can get things done

Conscious – I do what is right by me. I am aware

Leader – I lead by example. I learn from others and delegate those tasks that are “not my style”

In my book, cool people are brave enough to be themselves even in the face of criticism and ridicule. I realized after writing this all out that there is nothing “cool” about following other “cool” people’s rules. The coolest thing I can think of is to make my own rules and to live by them regardless of what other people think. Since making this list, I have shifted my perception and my habits and I am right now in the process of making changes to my diet and my budget with relative ease. It was a shift that needed to happen because as long as I valued “cool” and felt “uncool” I was always likely to be pulled in one direction or the other. With my new definition, I can be cool and be true to my desires for health and wealth at the same time.

If you have some old, outmoded beliefs and attitudes that are no longer working for you, the book From Sabotage to Success may be just what you’re looking for. The first chapter has a belief tree exercise that helps you to identify some of your current beliefs, where they came from and whether or not you want to keep them. The entire book is filled with worksheets to help you define your own life and your own definitions of success. Avaliable on Amazon.com.

For more blogs about overcoming self-sabotage visit icreatehabits.com

If you live near Long Beach, CA, consider attending the six week workshop series beginning June 1.

Six Steps From Sabotage to Success
Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
3740 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 201
Long Beach CA 90807
Monday nights June 1-July 6, 2009
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost – $60 for the entire series + $25 materials fee or $15 per week

Click here to download the color brochure for this workshop series

Space is limited.

Call 562-305-3434 to reserve a spot or pre-register for the entire series on-line today. Cost $60 for six weeks.

Oftentimes we are our own worst enemies and we can make or break the success of our project based on the beliefs that we allow to predominate our minds. Other times, its just a matter of being so overwhelmed that you just don’t know where to get started.

I have met countless talented, wise and educated people who have dreams such as:
*write and publish a book
*write a screenplay
*learn a musical instrument
*produce an album or
*finish a painting

For many people these dreams remain stifled under a heap of excuses, insecurities and self-criticism. However there is hope and now is the best time ever to start or finish that creative project and make the dream come true. It’s usually easier than we think it is. It’s usually true: we are our own worst enemies.

During the month of May I will post a series of blogs titled Six Steps From Sabotage to Success. The first in the series, Awareness is the First Step Toward Change is available now. In June I’ll be hosting a six week workshop series by the same name in Long Beach CA. If you need support in overcoming self-sabotage, I can help. Come check out the blog series at icreatehabits.com.

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For more about how to overcome self-sabotage, purchase the book From Sabotage to Success. Below is information regarding the Six Steps From Sabotage to Success workshop series:

Where:
Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
3740 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 201
Long Beach CA 90807

When:
Monday nights June 1-July 6, 2009
6:30-8:30 p.m.

How much:
Cost – $60 for the entire series + $25 materials fee or $15 per week

Click here to download the color brochure for this workshop series

Space is limited.

Call 562-305-3434 to reserve a spot or pre-register for the entire series on-line today. Cost $60 for six weeks.