Books have saved my life and some have been more powerful for me than others. I created a store at Amazon with some of my favorites. If you're looking for a book to empower your life check out my Self-Empowerment Store on Amazon.
I've just posted a new podcast about how little things make a big difference part two. Learn how your posture and body language impact your feelings and results. Make sure you're sending your body the right messages so you get the results you desire.
You can listen on-line here or subscribe to the show by going to iTunes
If you have a story about how you changed your body language and changed your body or even if you just have a question or comment, post it here.
Lately I've been on this "coming out" kick. No, it's not what you think. I'm not claiming a new sexual orientation, I'm talking about unleashing my inner dragon that's been locked in a parakeet cage for far too many years.
The best way to describe it is with pictures.
This lives inside me:
But for many years, this is how I've lived:
At the very least, I'd like to find a happy medium. So that's where massive activity comes in handy. I'm busting out of my small energy and into my large energy. Hula hooping and jumping on the trampoline while lip-synching punk rock wearing a feather boa helps me clear out the old and awaken the new (see video below or on YouTube). Of course, warrior workouts with Jaiya Figueras of Your Next Victory help too.
Unleash your inner dragon. Get Galvanized!
When you think about it, every musical act you know of is using the Master Mind principle whether they realize it or not. They are joining together as a team with a combined vision. You can use the same principle and make some truly rockin' things happen in your life.
Do you have a creative project you want to complete? Do you want to find a purpose for your life?
If so, I invite you to come over to my brand new page called Start a Master Mind Group.com. I'm offering 4 freebies to get you started so you can get a sense of what the Master Mind is all about.
There's nothing cool about holding back.
[caption id="attachment_5615" align="alignleft" width="100" caption="Buy music and movies on iTunes"][/caption]
Katy PerryWatch the video on YouTube
Check out more on their MySpace page.
The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music. Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.
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Support Get Galvanized, Visit our Sponsor page.
This week's song is so much more than just music to listen to. The video is a visual, audio and video masterpiece with powerful imagery and a strategically placed, powerful bass line.
This hypnotic work of art will take you on a mental and emotional journey and will stimulate your consciousness to go places it's never been. Hopefully, it will free you from the shackles you've placed upon yourself and others. I highly recommend watching it uninterrupted on full screen.
[caption id="attachment_5615" align="alignleft" width="100" caption="Buy music and movies on iTunes"][/caption]
Runaway (feat. Pusha T) - Single - Kanye WestWatch the video on YouTube
Check out more on their MySpace page.
The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music. Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.
:
:
Support Get Galvanized, Visit our Sponsor page.
Cynthia Lamb, spiritual counselor delivered a powerful speech at Agape Toastmasters describing some of the benefits she's enjoyed as a result of her 2 years of membership.
Cynthia started her speaking experience with lots of "ahs" and "ums" in a manner she describes as "all filler, no content". After using the manuals provided by Toastmasters she learned to be a competent leader and communicator. Toastmasters gave her the courage to pursue her larger goal which is to share a message of spiritual healing through forgiveness with an International audience.
She recently appeared on a panel of experts lead by Blog Talk Radio host, Michelle Ann Johnson titled "Conscious Kickstart" and did a very powerful presentation which included a guided process for forgiveness. She is kind enough to make this available to the world via this YouTube Video. If you need to heal a broken heart for any reason, you owe it to yourself to check this out.
Cynthia Lamb recently earned the highest award Toastmasters offers: Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and to do it in 2 years is an exceptional feat.
Agape Toastmasters is that kind of place. I joined 2 years ago and I was shaky and hesitant in my first few speeches. I would get so nervous that sometimes I was practically incapacitated for an entire day. But with practice and support, I became stronger and stronger.
I have used the supportive, creative environment to work out some ideas for a character, (my alter ego) Gal Vanized. When I started Toastmasters I had 7 years of experience as a college instructor under my belt. Somehow I had convinced myself or been pressured to believe that I had to "tone it down" and "be professional". Which meant that pink wigs and punk rock gigs were out of the question.
To that I say, Why?
And this semester I've used music videos in my Introduction to Victimology class to highlight some of the songs that describe the abuse of power and control in our society that leads to crime and therefore victims.
I got bold enough one night to put on the pink wig in my Introduction to Domestic Violence class and tell my story of running away from an abuse filled home to find a better life. What Toastmasters did for me is give me the courage to say what I want to say, how I want to say it.
What will Toastmasters do for you? You'll never know unless you check it out for yourself. Toastmasters is an International, non-profit organization. "The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth."
Click here to find a club near you.
I just got back from Master Mind group and I took a look at the photos my camera has saved from the last 9 days. Let's just say my life is a whirlwind of good things. This blog is an excuse for me to post the awesome photos that represent the past 9 days of my life and maybe to tell a little bit about each photo. This is a week I want to remember.
On Friday, October 22 I was asked to speak at a candlelight memorial for Omar Brown, former Long Beach City College student who was shot and killed in an allegedly gang-related fight. Although the event itself, and the need for it is a tragedy, the positive aspect is that the Long Beach City College community took quick action and pulled together an event to show support and to speak out against violence.
The event was hosted by the Associated Student Body and I want to give a "shout out" to Pamela Marshall for doing a great job pulling everything together. Also great to see Anita Gibbins of the Women and Men's Resource Center and Sabrina Sanders, Interim Dean of Student Affairs.
I was honored that I was asked to speak and I was proud to speak about peace and love, two topics I am passionate about. Below is a photo gallery of the event. I gave my students extra credit for attending and asked them to hold up Get Galvanized signs during my speech so I would have the courage to pull it off. To see my speech on YouTube, click here.
Just less than two days later I was able to join with Cynthia Lamb at an event called Conscious Kickstart - The Future of Alternative Health. The event was organized by Blog Talk Radio host, Michelle Ann Johnson and featured a panel of leaders in the alternative healing profession. It really did give my Consciousness a Kickstart.
One of the powerful points in the day was when Cynthia Lamb guided participants in a journey to Forgiveness. She helped remind participants that we are all "spirit in a body" and we are all worthy. Here is a video of the process that you can use to forgive and heal:
Later in the day, Sound Shrine was there with a Didgeridoo. Evan played the instrument right next to me as I was sitting on the floor and I was definitely feelin' the vibes.
After the show, I was able to speak with E. Raymond Brown privately and we posed for a few pictures. The film was very honest, entertaining and thought-provoking. You can probably expect to hear more about this film in the coming months. Last I heard, it was in the top 3rd highest grossing film at the Rave and it has been extended for theatre play one week.
Click here to go to the Rave Theatre page and see if its still playing. The more people who go, the more press and promotion the movie will receive which means more people will see it all across the nation and around the world. The message in his movie is important and timely, because it shines light on the self-destructive power dynamics that run our world.
Overall I left the theatre with this take home message: we need to wake up and realize who's really in power and we need to step into our own power if we want to survive and thrive. We cannot allow ourselves to be passive victims to the politics of corporate greed.
On Wednesday, I was so galvanized by the events of the week that I took two steps of action toward things that are important and valuable to me. I went to Long Beach City College and taped a short interview with Urban Voodoo about community action and being a part of the solution. I was able to submit the video to 562CityLife in response to their call for the "10 most 'Real' people in Long Beach." To see the video interview, click on the picture below.
Immediately after taping the interview, I went to teach my Domestic Violence class and decided to give my students a little surprise that was out of the ordinary. Lately, we've been talking about the importance of esteeming yourself and not holding back because of fear of rejection or criticism. We talked about the standing true to your values and to your Self.
I figured the best way to get the message across was to be real myself, to not hold back, and to lead by example. So, I took 7 minutes out of class time, put on a pink wig (to help me get in touch with my 16-year-old inner punk rocker) and told the story of how I ran away from an abusive household and why I'm proud that I did. If you'd like to see the speech on YouTube, click on the picture below.
Thursday was the day my new computer came via UPS. What this means, is that it will be even easier for me to pump out more YouTube videos and to do the work that feels like my purpose (sharing empowering information) in a faster, more efficient way.
The week ended with another great meeting at Agape Toastmasters. I was the Toastmaster of the day and since it was October 28, I decided to blame it all on Halloween and go for the gusto. I chose the theme "Alter Ego Extreme" and I dressed in Galvanized gear.
I did my best to act like a rockstar the entire meeting and I definitely accomplished my goal of parading my Alter Ego for all to see. I had a great reaction and I made so many people smile and laugh. It was wonderful. I definitely felt Galvanized.
Call me crazy, (it wouldn't be the first time I heard it), but I've got to tell you something. I know the reason why I've got the guts and stamina to do the things I do. It's because I'm surrounded by people who love and support me (including my Master Mind group) and that is by design. I made that choice. I believe anyone can create the life they want but some people need a little bit of support from people outside their normal social and family circle.
If you need some support, you might want to check out Master Minding. I'm having a sale this month as part of my 20 days to create your reality celebration. It ends on my birthday, November 20. I will be offering the entire I Create Reality package along with the entire Start a Master Mind package for the price of one. The information and support you'll receive in this bundle of products will definitely give you the strength and courage to live your own life. Check it out. Because there's nothing cool about holding back.
Last weekend I got together with some former co-workers and friends at a 70's party. We had fun dressing up and being our alter ego's.
In "real life" we all have some pretty intense jobs. Dr. Namjoo and Dr. Kate are therapists who drive to some of the worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles to provide in-home assistance for foster families. I used to work with them but then I got into teaching instead.
I teach in a gang-infested neighborhood in Long Beach and have real-life contact with topics like domestic violence, gang fights, death, birth and imprisonment on a weekly basis. In fact, this coming Friday I will be speaking at an Enough is Enough candlelight vigil for former Long Beach City College Student, Omar Brown, 19, who was murdered on September 25 in an allegedly gang related shooting.
I say all this to get back to my original topic: partying. Just because you get sober doesn't mean you can't party and partying is a necessity if you have a tough job. You need a positive escape. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
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When you think about it, every musical act you know of is using the Master Mind principle whether they realize it or not. They are joining together as a team with a combined vision. You can use the same principle and make some truly rockin' things happen in your life.
Do you have a creative project you want to complete? Do you want to find a purpose for your life?
If so, I invite you to come over to my brand new page called Start a Master Mind Group.com. I'm offering 4 freebies to get you started so you can get a sense of what the Master Mind is all about.
There's nothing cool about holding back.
But for many years, this is how I've lived:
At the very least, I'd like to find a happy medium. So that's where massive activity comes in handy. I'm busting out of my small energy and into my large energy. Hula hooping and jumping on the trampoline while lip-synching punk rock wearing a feather boa helps me clear out the old and awaken the new (see video below or on YouTube). Of course, warrior workouts with Jaiya Figueras of Your Next Victory help too.
Unleash your inner dragon. Get Galvanized!
When you think about it, every musical act you know of is using the Master Mind principle whether they realize it or not. They are joining together as a team with a combined vision. You can use the same principle and make some truly rockin' things happen in your life.
Do you have a creative project you want to complete? Do you want to find a purpose for your life?
If so, I invite you to come over to my brand new page called Start a Master Mind Group.com. I'm offering 4 freebies to get you started so you can get a sense of what the Master Mind is all about.
There's nothing cool about holding back. 
[/caption]
Katy Perry
Watch the video on YouTube
Check out more on their MySpace page.
The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music.
Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.
On Friday, October 22 I was asked to speak at a candlelight memorial for Omar Brown, former Long Beach City College student who was shot and killed in an allegedly gang-related fight. Although the event itself, and the need for it is a tragedy, the positive aspect is that the Long Beach City College community took quick action and pulled together an event to show support and to speak out against violence.
The event was hosted by the Associated Student Body and I want to give a "shout out" to Pamela Marshall for doing a great job pulling everything together. Also great to see Anita Gibbins of the Women and Men's Resource Center and Sabrina Sanders, Interim Dean of Student Affairs.
I was honored that I was asked to speak and I was proud to speak about peace and love, two topics I am passionate about. Below is a photo gallery of the event. I gave my students extra credit for attending and asked them to hold up Get Galvanized signs during my speech so I would have the courage to pull it off. To see my speech on YouTube, click here.
Just less than two days later I was able to join with Cynthia Lamb at an event called Conscious Kickstart - The Future of Alternative Health. The event was organized by Blog Talk Radio host, Michelle Ann Johnson and featured a panel of leaders in the alternative healing profession. It really did give my Consciousness a Kickstart.
One of the powerful points in the day was when Cynthia Lamb guided participants in a journey to Forgiveness. She helped remind participants that we are all "spirit in a body" and we are all worthy. Here is a video of the process that you can use to forgive and heal:
Later in the day, Sound Shrine was there with a Didgeridoo. Evan played the instrument right next to me as I was sitting on the floor and I was definitely feelin' the vibes.
If you need some support, you might want to check out Master Minding. I'm having a sale this month as part of my 20 days to create your reality celebration. It ends on my birthday, November 20. I will be offering the entire I Create Reality package along with the entire Start a Master Mind package for the price of one. The information and support you'll receive in this bundle of products will definitely give you the strength and courage to live your own life. Check it out. Because there's nothing cool about holding back. 
Last weekend I got together with some former co-workers and friends at a 70's party. We had fun dressing up and being our alter ego's.
In "real life" we all have some pretty intense jobs. Dr. Namjoo and Dr. Kate are therapists who drive to some of the worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles to provide in-home assistance for foster families. I used to work with them but then I got into teaching instead.
I teach in a gang-infested neighborhood in Long Beach and have real-life contact with topics like domestic violence, gang fights, death, birth and imprisonment on a weekly basis. In fact, this coming Friday I will be speaking at an Enough is Enough candlelight vigil for former Long Beach City College Student, Omar Brown, 19, who was murdered on September 25 in an allegedly gang related shooting.
I say all this to get back to my original topic: partying. Just because you get sober doesn't mean you can't party and partying is a necessity if you have a tough job. You need a positive escape. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
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