May 18

Please join me in telling the President to end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and not to fire Lt. Dan Choi.

Lt. Dan Choi, from Orange County, California, is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Iraq War veteran. Last March he went on Rachel Maddow’s show and spoke three truthful words: “I am gay.”

As a result Lt. Choi received a letter from the Army on April 23 discharging him for violating the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. He told Rachel Maddow the letter was “a slap in the face” to himself and the soldiers he as commanded and served with over the past decade.

Lt. Choi is fighting to stay in the military and ensure that no other soldier is ever again discharged as a result of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile are joining his effort to secure equality in our armed forces.

President Obama did not create this policy. But he now has the opportunity to keep his promise and allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the military. It’s the right thing to do — for justice and for national security.

84,042 people (as of Monday, May 18) have signed the following petition to President Obama from the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile.

Please add your name now:

Dear President Barack Obama,

The time has come to end discrimination in our armed forces. We, the undersigned, ask you to stop the discharge of Lt. Dan Choi and any other soldier as a result of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. We ask that you uphold your pledge and push Congress to quickly put a bill on your desk to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Sincerely,

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME

May 03

Beating Yourself Over the Head is NOT the Route to Happiness!

That probably sounds obvious, even ridiculous, but you’d be
surprised at how often we focus on what isn’t working, what we
don’t want, what we are sorry about, what we did wrong,
what someone else did wrong,what we have enough of…
you get the picture.

And then we wonder why we aren’t happier, why we are so lonely,
why life isn’t turning out better, how come we aren’t more successful.

Go figure!

All of that fretting and obsessing about what didn’t work in the
past or what you fear in the future keeps you from having
happiness NOW, which is the only time you really have, anyway.

And, contrary to the Newsweek article I read this morning about
the value of corporal punishment in a South Carolina school,
people are not inspired by being hit, literally, or figuratively.

Really, we’re not.

In The Experience workshop there is a lot of information and
actual experience of what it means to be in the moment and live
powerfully. You can literally transform your life in just 3
days; tens of thousands of people have done just that in the
last 30 years.

Before you even get to the workshop, here’s a
suggestion you can put to use right away:

Instead of focusing on what we might call the “negative” stuff
(yes, I know it’s just a perception), pay attention every
single day to what you are grateful for.

Choose a time every day to think of and literally write down at
least 5 things you are grateful for. Big things, little things,
funny things, things about you, things about others, spiritual
things, physical things, anything at all that matters to you.

Just take a moment to focus and write them down. Yes, writing
them down matters, don’t just run through them in your mind.

First thing in the morning or right before sleep are good
choices, but any time will do.

Just do it!

Now your mind may want to throw in the stuff that didn’t work during the day,
your perceived failures, the folks who slighted you, bla, bla, bla.

You can count on your mind to do that. Don’t worry about it.

Just let those thoughts flow by and return your attention to the task at hand,
which is remembering and noting gratitude.

When you start looking with disciplined attention for the good
in your life, you find it. And what you put your attention on
expands.

Keep focusing on what you appreciate, and you’ll have more of
it. Sounds simple. It is. And it works.

This easy process allows you to naturally begin elevating your
consciousness to the state of Abundance, which is nearly at the
top!

This is just a little tidbit from The Experience; it barely breaks
the surface of what you will achieve for yourself in the
workshop itself.

REMINDER
I’ve gotten some phone calls about the special offer, which
isn’t available until Wednesday, May 6, at 12 noon Eastern time.
Be sure to put it on your calendar now, so you can get one of these
“special benefit” spaces. Here is a recap of the details:

You can add value to your experience of The Experience or The Intensive,
and receive 3 one-on-one Success Coaching sessions ($250 value)
at no extra cost!

Here’s how the numbers work:
The early enrollment price for The Experience is $375, so this
means you get $625 in value for only $375.

The early enrollment price for The Intensive is $775, so this
means you get $1,025 in value for only $775.

Reviewers in either course get an even better deal!

Taking advantage of this offer means that after you participate
in the workshop itself, you will have my undivided attention in
the weeks afterward to ask questions, get my support as you apply
the material to your life, strategize coming out, bounce ideas around,
implement your new game plan, anything at all you want to talk about.

Also, if you have friends and family you’d like to see in The
Experience, now is the time to invite them. Be sure to speak
with them in the next few days, so they can take advantage of
this extra added value on Wednesday, May 6, at noon EDT.

The Experience takes place in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.
People travel from all over the U.S. and beyond to participate
in this life-changing workshop.

Flights are cheap now, and I’ve negotiated reasonable lodging.
There is no plan to deliver The Experience anywhere else right
now, so if you want to take advantage of this terrific opportunity
to expand your life, Come On Over!

Enjoy your weekend.

Love,

Honey Ward

P.S. Details on Success Coaching, The Experience, The Intensive,
and the 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee are all available
online at www.ExperienceYourPower.com.

Feb 25

If you’ve been waiting for a great deal on The Experience workshop, THIS IS IT!

From now through Sunday at midnight, you can still take advantage of the early enrollment discount on this incredible workshop. This means you pay only $375 for 3 full days of personal support to transform your life and start living your dreams.

If you’re familiar with the cost of personal growth programs, you know The Experience is an incredible bargain. Just this week, I have been invited to 2 different programs lasting about the same length of time– one is priced at $2,000 and the other is $1,200. Are they worth it? Probably.

I can say without hesitation, however, that the value you receive in The Experience is worth well more than the $475 full price, or the current discount of $375. And I back that up with a money-back guarantee (details on the website).

Just yesterday I received a message from a fellow named Al, who lives in Gallup.
Al said “I attended one of your Experience Workshop in Sante Fe. I have to tell you the workshop has been very useful in my everyday life! Thank you so much!”

You may have something particular you want out of a workshop, something that’s missing right now–

Maybe you want to feel better about yourself, take next steps in the coming out process, be more successful in business, create more loving relationships, release pain from the past, deepen your spiritual connection, or participate with more joy and vigor in life.

Maybe you want to develop a sense of mastery about your own consciousness, so you have tools live more powerfully every day.

Maybe you’re ready to create something incredible.

Maybe, like Al, you want something useful and meaningful in your everyday life.

Whatever you are looking for, you can achieve it at The Experience.

There are still well-priced flights into Albuquerque and we’ve arranged budget-friendly lodging in the heart of fabulous Santa Fe.

Sign up now, before you forget, and the discount expires. After Sunday it will cost you $100 more, so click here to pay just $375.

Feb 02

“Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -
hard work and honesty, courage and fair play,
tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old.
These things are true.

They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is demanded then is a return to these truths.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -
a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.”

From President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address

“One Nation Under a Groove– Barack Obama Inauguration 2009″

…proclaimed one sign held proudly on the DC Metro about 6am on Inauguration Day, as we joined the eager throngs headed to the Capitol.

It’s a new day for all of us, and not a moment too soon, if you ask me. We were so grateful to be there in person, as President Obama (I love saying that) took his sacred oath of office. We were fortunate to get tickets, bringing us closer than many. If you saw it from home, you had a better view, but that didn’t matter a whit to me- I wouldn’t have traded being warm (it was cold, really cold) for the grandeur of that moment for anything.

I was so proud to “stand up” for Obama. You know how it feels when the sacredness of a wedding or other ceremony really touches you? When you really “get it”? You’re not just a witness, you become part of the moment– more akin to a midwife, helping to bring something new into being? That’s what it felt like to be a part of this powerful tradition.

The joy and pride in the crowd, including many whom I suspect had never sensed much reason to feel proud about our country, was just, well, I can’t even really describe it. I know we were all in tears, and I still choke up when I think about it.

The moment Obama completed the oath was electric– it had really happened, we had a new president, and from what I read and hear, that feeling of transformation was felt around the globe.

Thus begins a new era of responsibility and opportunity. President Obama spoke it clearly from the Capitol steps, and in the days since.

In many ways these aren’t such easy times; with the economic challenges, Proposition 8 fallout, and other yikesy news every day, it is easy to get overwhelmed or scared and slip into a more contracted state of consciousness.

If I may state the obvious, this will not help!

Last summer I said I wasn’t going to just keep scheduling workshops like clockwork. And I haven’t.

The challenges of this time, coupled with many requests, have helped to create a new opportunity –

I have scheduled an Experience workshop for March 20-23. A strong handful of people has already registered, so we are well on our way.

Today I am more convinced than ever of the power of these workshops to expand and elevate our lives, so that we have the tools and spirit to live more powerfully, make a difference, and experience our power!

Now is the time. Change is happening. We each have a role to play in creating the world in which we want to live.

For the next 3 days only, you can take advantage of an extra-early-bird special!

Here’s the deal… for only $325 (instead of $475) you will receive 3 full days of The Experience– which will give you the tools and experiences to transform your life. You’ll get invaluable personal attention and support, all materials, and dramatic new ways to view yourself and your world, as you create a game plan for living into a brighter, more successful future.

I want to be really up front about something – there are a lot of things you can do and places you can go where you will discover more about yourself and how to have more of what you want in life. Heck, you can read a book and gain value. I know I have.

But there is nothing like The Experience. This workshop is all of that, plus more, a lot more – it is designed for you to literally step into a bigger way of living, to be more expansive on the outside, and more connected to your source (as you define it) on the inside.

Read the testimonials on the website, and you’ll understand there is something very special about this work.

For over 30 years The Experience has inspired LGBT and allied people to become activists in their own lives, their communities, and the world. To make life a game worth playing, and winning. And to make the world work for everyone.

If that’s how you want to start experiencing your life, be sure to register NOW. This special price expires at midnight on Wednesday, February 4.

You can do that right here SIGN ME UP

Love,

Honey Ward

PS If you’d like to peruse our inauguration trip photos, CLICK HERE

PPS Please share this message NOW with people you know and love, people who are ready to leave the limitations of the past behind, live big, and make a difference. Satisfaction is guaranteed!

Nov 24

In this season of Thanks Giving, it’s easy to get caught up in the food and fuss and the beginning of the banana peel that is the holiday season. This year, you can commit to doing it differently, consciously, and truly allow it to be a season of comfort and joy.

Start with Thanksgiving itself. Create the day, don’t just let it roll up on you. If you want to be with people, invite folks over, accept an invitation, or plan a gathering out with friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy, being together is the best part, anyway. Another alternative is to be of service for the holiday, and offer support and kinship as you help serve dinner to the less fortunate in your community.

If you are going to spend Thanksgiving with family, bring your most conscious and powerful self to the party. If you don’t stay on top of it, these potentially joyful gatherings can devolve into the same arguments and tensions that have existed forever. Who needs it? Bring something wonderful to share (besides yourself, of course), look for the love and abundance all around you, and reveal the gratitude in your heart.

If you want to wow them with a new recipe, one of my favorites is included below.

Then if your mom or son or uncle Charlie does that thing they always do that drives you nuts, just take a deep breath, and remember you don’t have to get hooked. You can make a new choice, and take a new action. Maybe it’s stepping out for a walk, or going into the kitchen to help, or moving into the next room to visit with someone else. Or just notice that they are who they are, and your getting upset has never, ever, made things better.

Just remember, “You are radiant energy, dancing playfully through life, effortlessly, effectively, and lovingly, and all you have to give and receive is love”.

Vision 2009– only 8 spaces left!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vision AltarAre you going to begin 2009 feeling open hearted and rested, with a clear plan for the new year, and a sense of balance and wholeness?

Or are you going to do it the regular old way?

Vision 2009 is a very special retreat, in a natural gem of a resort outside Santa Fe. There’s even a full service spa to enjoy in free time.

Together we engage deeply, release the year just ending, tap into that unlimited reservoir of love and energy– individually and collectively, craft clear intentions for the future, and glide gracefully into the new year.

We meet in a warm round room with a roaring fire on one side and nearly floor to ceiling windows on the other, from which we see ducks on the spring fed pond and sometimes even a beautiful snowfall.

And unlike those new years resolutions that are generally history within 30 days, the visions folks create in this retreat come true– last year Van English drew a picture of a home and surrounding mountainous landscape. At the time, he had no idea he was moving. His partner David was subsequently promoted and transferred to El Paso, and they now live in a hillside home that looks remarkably like that drawing.

Two years ago my sister, Phoebe, said she wanted to do more travelling. She ended up being part of a theater festival in Scotland, visiting friends in England, spending 2 weeks in Mazatlan, plus assorted other adventures. Last year she said she wanted to create a new home for herself– the escrow on her house closes December 19!

So if you were thinking you couldn’t afford to come, you might want to think again.

Imagine, if you could actually achieve the visions you set for the new year, you could hardly afford NOT to come!

Vision 2009 is truly a retreat we create together; it is not a workshop, and the opportunities for deep insight and conversation naturally flow in this remarkable space.

I am especially excited about Vision this year– We are in a powerfully transformational phase in this country, and and throughout the planet.

Whether you see it as an exciting opportunity to embrace, or a challenge from which you ought to shrink, it is your consciousness that makes all the difference. At Vision 2009, you will have the opportunity to expand yours, so you can embrace the new year with the vigor and passion it deserves.

There are no prerequisites and everyone is invited, however the space in that beautiful round room is limited and we can only fit 8 more people.

Discover how you can snag one of those 8 spots for yourself (and maybe another for a friend or sweetie to join you) by clicking right here.

Or visit http://www.experienceyourpower.com/programs/programs/vision-2008.html

P.S. I have extended the early-enrollment discount to make things easier in this interesting economy. My costs have gone up, so the discount won’t last forever. In fact, the prices on the website will definitely go up on December 1, so if you want to be with us, and save some money, sign up today.

Want a recipe that never fails, or fails to please?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even people who think they don’t like cranberries love these.
So many folks ask for the recipe (happened again last night when we served our early-Thanksgiving dinner) I thought you might like it, too.

The recipe may have actually been Thomas Jefferson’s. It came from Food and Wine magazine ages ago and was shared with me by Dan Osborne, who used to run The Experience organization. So it is an homage to all kinds of history, plus plain old good eating, which is the very most important part!

Thomas Jefferson’s Cranberry Relish

Makes 10 servings (only if they are light eaters!)

1 cup bourbon
ΒΌ cup minced shallots
Grated zest of 1 orange
1 package (12 ounces) fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. In a small non-corrodible saucepan, combine the bourbon, shallots, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the bourbon is reduced to a syrupy glaze on the bottom of the pan, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the cranberries and sugar, stirring well, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer, uncovered, until most of the cranberries have burst open, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the pepper.
5. Transfer to a bowl, let cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate.

This dish can be prepared several days in advance.

If you multiply the recipe, be cautious about bourbon and pepper quantity– we made 4x the recipe for last night and used 3x bourbon and pepper. It was fabulous!
OK, that’s it for now. I’ve got to go finish packing– we are headed off to our annual Mazatlan vacation (mostly spent floating in the pool and drinking fruity concoctions) first thing in the morning. That’s why we enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner early.

Make it a terrific Thanksgiving and let it be just the start of a beautiful and meaningful holiday season!

Love,

Honey

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Vision 2009 right now. If you want to expand your life in the new year, in any way you desire, snagging one of these 8 spots today can be just the ticket. Create and realize your new year’s vision right here!
visit http://www.experienceyourpower.com/programs/programs/vision-2008.html

Nov 09

Imagine living in a country where Gross National Happiness is considered alongside the Gross National Product!

That country would be tiny Bhutan, high in the Himalayas, which crowned its new king this week.

Unlike most of the rest of the world, for over 20 years Bhutan has worked to balance financial gain and progress with cultural and personal satisfaction. When considering a policy decision, the government always considers whether or not it will promote happiness among their people. If not, they look for another solution.

Imagine using that yardstick to measure your own decisions– not just will it make me more money or help me get ahead, but will it bring me greater happiness?

I suspect that choosing through that lens would create a greater sense of personal peace and accomplishment, and if we extend it to the communities of which we are a part– at home, work, our community, state, country, just imagine how rich life could be!