Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins

I have been making muffins with a healthy twist for several years. Every once in awhile I get a good recipe out of my experiences and by good I mean- everyone even the kids will eat them. hahaha
This one packs protein, fiber, and a lot of nutrition which is great for helping with those snack attack moments or if you are a busy mom like me, most of the time these end up being my breakfast while driving.
So have some fun add a little of your favorites or take away some of mine and create something healthy that tastes yummy too.
Recipe

Mix wet ingredients first
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
-2 eggs
-1 teaspoon of vanilla
THEN add
-1 can of organic pumpkin
1/2 cup maple syrup (more if you like it sweet but don't go too crazy)
MIX

Add the dry and keep on mixing
2 cups oat flour ( you can grind up raw oats very fine and that is your flour)
2 scoops of a healthy vanilla protein powder (by healthy I mean not a GNC brand-get something gluten free and if its whey make sure its grass fed and read ingredients)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon flax seed
1 tablespoon of chia seed
1/2 cup dark cocoa chocolate chips

as you mix add 1/2 cup of Milk of choice ( almond-cashew-or regular)

Mix well and scoop into muffin tins ( spray first or use muffin papers)

Top with pumpkin seeds-raw oats-and cinnamon
Bake 25-30 min at 350 degrees.

Dear Uncertainty...

Yeah I just wrote a letter to " Uncertainty", seems odd but strangely enough seeing it made me think about the last few years of my life. According to the dictionary, uncertainty:is the unknown, the doubtful, the one thing that has not been revealed. In the last few years uncertainty has been the one thing in my life that has been constant among other things.  If anyone knows me well enough and close enough they know that things have not been easy. I have at times questioned, wondered and prayed about these uncertain times.
And guilty mostly at allowing it to ruin my day sometimes. I get caught up in the sadness, disappointments, or setbacks. I have had to ask forgiveness, reset, and regroup over and over again.
There are so many things that we will never understand. The past few years I have dealt with all of this personally or have seen this happen within my inner circle: the death of those we loved or didn't have a chance to love, rejection from those we trusted in, accidental deaths, incurable sickness, the bipolar and untreated toxic family member who continues to cause chaos, mental illnesses, the job losses, the financial crisis, depression, loved one's who betray us, loved ones who choose not love you or be part of your life! All of it happens and all of it hurts,confuses, and bewilders even the strongest of souls.
How does anyone even get past it all? How can you go on with this darkness in your spirit sometimes that you feel is beyond being lit again, how can you soar when you feel like you have lost all will or reason?
I have learned that to question is ok... but in times where it seems "bittering" we need God. Not a god, but the one true GOD. We can stand on the corner of bitter or better and choose to walk in bitter but if we do it will destroy you from the inside out. We need a hope to believe in, we need a foundation stronger then who we are, and what we think were made of, and it only comes from obtaining faith. Faith is not a crutch, faith is the reason and hope that we all need when we go through things we don't understand.
We must choose in our minds that today will not be a day we will allow uncertainty to ruin us.
Whatever it is that you are going through today, you have to know that you are certainly not alone, this time is only temporary, and tomorrow is a new day.
But as for today... do not allow what you don't understand keep you from all that God has purposed you for in this lifetime.

Blueberry Bliss Power Bars

I love these bars. I think you will too. They are hearty and packed full of protein! A healthy recipe for the entire family. Great way to start the day off right with a balanced breakfast or snack on the go!

Berry Bliss POWER Bar

First Step: BAR BASE

In a blender mix the following-

4 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

2 bananas

1 1/2 teaspoons of Vanilla

1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder

BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH

Pour into a bowl and add the following:

2 Cups raw Organic Oats

1 Cup slivered almonds

1 teaspoon of flax seed

Stir together until well blended

PREHEAT OVEN: 350 degrees- spray a piece of parchment paper with coconut oil and lay on a cookie sheet or 9x9 baking pan. Pour the mixture on the parchment paper and shape into a square about 9x9 if using a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. 

While the base is cooking away....

SECOND STEP: BAR TOPPING

In a bowl mix the following:

1/2 cup raw oats

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 teaspoon of chia seed

MIX WELL then --add 1 cup fresh blueberries mix gently to combine. 

After the 8 minutes is up from the base baking pull that pan out of the oven and spread the topping on top and press down gently to set and replace back into the oven for another 15-17 minutes. 

Allow to cool and slice into bars. 

Thankful even when you are discouraged

So the holidays are upon us and they should be amazing but for many the celebrations are also coupled with sadness. During the holidays we think of those we may have lost, or miss the ones we love so much but may be far away or even worse too busy.
This holiday like so many others... my husband and I are both feeling a little bit discouraged. Being far away from both our families means we have to figure out what to do each holiday. Traveling for us is not always possible because of our jobs, and of course packing up kids and dogs is no easy task.
We decided to spend this year giving back, looking for a place or community center that could use some help. I think the best possible way to get past your own situations is to go help someone else.
Thankfully that evening we will be able to come back and open our home to friends who have no where to go themselves.
I am so grateful for my mom and dad, two people that no matter where we are always make an effort to try to bring all of us together, unfortunately, everyone goes there own ways sometimes.
I love family. I have the best brothers and sister, I am missing them today.
Somewhere between colleges, jobs, and marriages we all have found our places in the world and we are not as close in miles, or spirits anymore.
I really hope that we can all find some time this year to give to others, those who truly have no home, no family, or a warm meal together with someone they love.
If you are feeling this way this holiday too...look for a way you too can give back. To be thankful for the little things can make a huge difference.
Thankfulness is an attitude of our hearts and I am doing my best with that this holiday. Looking for the beautiful, little things and the amazing people I have right here around me.
My lovely little girls, my hyper little puppies, and my husband. I am thankful I serve a real and living God who provides hope when my heart is heavy. I am thankful for times of quiet and peace. I am so thankful for miracles...that come when you are not even looking.

Follow that BUS!

Today I let go of the rope just a little bit and I know it seems like such a little thing in the whole scheme of someone's life, but I can not help but reflect on mothering just a little bit.  I put my little one on the bus for the for the first time today. This is her first grade year and after driving her to and from last year to school I hesitantly made the choice to allow her to ride the "big" bus.
I placed her little hand in mine and walked her across the road and up on to the big bus where she was beyond excited to take her seat and wave good bye.
A part of my heart just  broke as I looked up to see her in the window and she was so little I could not even see her head in sight. I jumped in my car and followed that sweet baby of mine all the way to school, just praying over her heart, her life, and her choices.

This thing called motherhood, nothing can prepare you for it. It comes suddenly to some and unplanned as it may be or maybe for some years of expectancy to live this role took over you at a young age and never left, it still takes over you like a massive wave. And I do mean that. Motherhood is full of everything and every possible emotion you could feel. Nothing prepares you fully, and not enough of us really talk about how hard it can be.
I joked with my mom today, and asked her why she could not give me a warning of how incredibly tough and mind wracking a mothers brain could be. I will never own my own mind again. I forever love and think about the well being of two amazing little women now that God gave to me.
I hope I can be the best mom to them, I strive to show them how to live, to be strong, to be godly, and make a difference in their generation.

This was my view today for 20 minutes as I followed that bus down winding roads and past many other moms and dads waving good bye to their own. These children...given for a just a time to invest in, to love to pieces, and to show how to love and live on their own.
May each of us find the time to invest in the life of a child, whether it be our own or a child of your heart who God puts into your life. They are the future, we get to hold them for just a little while but their hearts forever.
I was that mom today that followed the bus... I watched her little hand let go of mine and take a seat and I watched her little legs carry her into a school as I sat across the street and prayed her through. May all of our kids have the courage to be strong, to stand up for what they believe, to stand for freedom and things that are true and right,  and be the men and women... God made them to be to make the best impact on everyone around them in their generation.
Happy First Day of School....

INSPIRE- Book Release- Order it on AMAZON

I was so excited to be part of this beautiful journey in authoring a book with 20 other women this past year. This inspirational book is full of joy, heartbreak, victories, and overcoming life's obstacles. It is a sure way to motivate anyone that has felt down and needed to know that HOPE exists. Check it out on AMAZON today- http://www.amazon.com/Inspire-Stories-Accomplishment-Encouragement-Influence/dp/0692234241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404269268&sr=1-1

Grilling up some banana and peanut butter smiles

I am trying to come up with healthy new ways to give the kids some fun meals. This one happened by accident when we did not have much around and this is what we came up with. It's actually quite delicious and the warm banana really was a hit!! I always use organic ingredients but use what you have on hand.

Peanut Butter and Banana Grilled Sandwiches 
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Peanut butter, a banana, honey, (flax seed optional), bread,butter, or coconut oil!

Prepare just like a grilled "cheese" I added flax seed because it is extra Omega 3 and they do not even know it. Spread the peanut butter/flax/and honey on a buttered slice of bread.

 Top with banana slices and cover with last piece of bread. (make sure you are putting coconut oil or butter on your bread..you want the "grilled" texture)
Cover and cook over medium heat- (flip once)

Hope you guys enjoy it!!! - Laura

Restoration- How God used an old barn door to help me tell a story!

Over the weekend I had an opportunity to spend a day with my mom and dad. I love the chance to go back home, something about being home calms and centers me. Maybe its the fresh mountain air, or the memories of a childhood full of laughter and fun, I don't know but whatever it is, I love being there and as I get older I cherish it more and more. Well, I know some of you do not know my dad, but he is a "collector" you could say of things he feels he will use one day. Some may say hoarder..but that is taking it a bit too far. I find his garage and shed to be a place of great options for projects!! I know my mom does too! I mentioned to my dad I needed some old barn wood for a project. ( I knew he would have just what I needed somewhere) That is the best thing about my dad, he has a "supply" and the nails to go with it anytime you ask. I loved that about my dad growing up, he could fix anything, and create stuff with old things. Maybe that is where I come up with these ideas? Although, I know this time he did not see my "vision" for these pieces of barn wood.
We dug out the wood and I told him I wanted to transform these banged up pieces into art for my wall. He looked at me several times and kept asking, "are you sure?"
We worked together at gathering up the wood then he helped me assemble my little masterpiece. You see, I had a plan, the entire time of what I wanted to do with that old discarded board. No one really could see it but me, even during the process, I could tell even my dad who was helping me so willingly was wondering what in the world I could do with this old stuff that had clearly seen better days! But I knew.... I knew that restoration and restoring wood takes time. I knew that the time put into it would require some work,polishing,cutting and sanding! In the end  though I knew if I could take these broken pieces of material and assemble something beautiful it would be worth it. It was even better that I was able to work on this with my dad. It has been years since I could work beside him, when I was a little girl I never wanted to leave his side...always wanted to help! I am sure I slowed him down more times than he would ever admit, but he never pushed me off or scolded me, he always let me tag along.
Anyway, back to my project...so I brought it all home, put it down in my garage and started to brush off the cobwebs, the dust, and old paint pieces. Obviously this wood has been around quite a long time!

After the sanding, cutting, and pounding back together.I started to stain the wood and because of the neglect for years, the stain just sunk deep into its very core, the deepest parts of it's being was thirsty and ready for change. ( I was ready for it too!) Seeing it soak it up reminded me of myself, when I am so ready for the things of God to really fill me. to satisfy my deepest parts. I could relate!
Then I brought out the paintbrush, a detail you can not overlook in the restoring process, the brush will get the tiny cracks and heal where no one else really sees. (But those cracks they are so deep, so so deep, and need to be filled! They need to be filled with only what the master artist could fill it with!)

I worked for hours, my back was pounding and I was ready to get this baby hung up on the wall, but I knew I needed to keep going and the process would be worth it. I thought of quotes, millions of quotes, which should I pick? I spent hours trying to decide what would be best for this precious piece, that by this time I have grown to love and adore. My goodness, the whole family now was really excited and waiting too. My little girls have been wondering what is happening out in that garage, mom has been out there for hours! So I began to paint, and this is what came out!I thought how much time must God put into us, our mistakes, needs, and desires. He knows it all and yet pursues us with a passion and love that only He could give, He see's our true potential. He knows what we are capable of no matter what we come from or what we have done.

Funny thing about the phrase, "It is WELL with my SOUL...." is that the very words were penned during one of the most heartbreaking moments in another mans life , yet he knew where HIS anchor was and that no matter what happened, God would not forsake him.
So true and ironic this old barn door, what we see in the natural and what it looks like, looks alot like us, before God gets hold of us, He takes what is otherwise considered useless, discarded, and restores it to a beautiful creation. The deep and edgy cracks that no one sees or runs away from he fills with His healing power and spirit. He makes all things new, and believes in the possibilities of what could be! He believes in you! He believes in me. I mess up, I need him daily. I am hoping this old barn door which I plan on hanging today will be that reminder to me. God is an anchor for my soul and IT IS WELL!

Mom, you are beautiful!

It was one of those days, I am sure if you are a parent or have had a parent you can relate to what I am about to share. The time on the clock seemed to somehow reach out and slap me in the face as I quickly glanced at it and realized it was not even 8 am. A weekday! Yes a busy work filled, purpose driven day, full of everything it needed and most of what I did not in that moment. I was a mom, a wife, a women's leader, a business owner, and the list goes on. I had a list of orders to fill, clients to call, laundry piling, and a mound of 58  socks that I can not seem to find their mate! I had a puppy barking for breakfast, a husband who could not find his keys, a 5 year old who had a bloody nose, and a 2 year old who pooped her way into a new day! It was lovely. I had no time for my needs. I wanted a shower. I wanted to do my hair, I wanted to brush my teeth, drink some water, and make myself a healthy breakfast, but that was no where in sight; not for at least an hour or two ( if I was lucky).
I felt sick, I felt overwhelmed. I needed strength! I need a life coach for crying out loud! I needed to go down stairs and read some of my own material! What I really wanted though was to get in my car drive to the nearest Starbucks, get my misto and check in to the nearest day spa and stay there until it all just went away. The needs, they were great. The neediness of my little family, my adorable puppy,endless emails, the job,church ministries,unpaid bills, my ghastly hair, and my hungry stomach; it was screaming silently at me. And I wanted it to just, "Stop!"
Have you been there? If you are being honest I know you can relate! I was tired, deeply! In that moment I went to work, I pushed through how I felt. I packed the lunch, kicked the 58  socks into a corner, pulled my out of control hair back, and cleaned up the poop. (literally)
But I was sad, overwhelmed, and exhausted. It was not even 8 am remember! I managed to sit for a few moments to sip the cold coffee I poured 30 minutes ago and my five year old looked at me,as she was getting ready to walk out the door for school. Her free spirit and love of life captured my heart. Here was this beautiful little child, my child! She had no idea of the pressures of life I had been living through, she did not know that mommy had a bunch of bills to pay and there was not enough money,she did not know her sister had welcomed the day with a dirty diaper, she did not even care that there were 58 pairs of socks laying on the floor. All she knew was that I was here with her, (as bad as I felt).
I bent down to kiss her head and she grabbed my face and looked up at me and said, "Mom, I think you are beautiful! "
I could have given her a million kisses in that moment if it were possible. She spoke life into my very being. I can assure you I was not beautiful in that moment. I felt hurried, tired, broken, and obviously un-showered. I will not forget that moment in time. It was just a second, a small phrase spoken by my little brown eyed girl, but she was used to speak an incredible amount of renewed energy into my very being.
You see; moms and dads, we do a ton. A ton of which is never seen by anyone at times. Most times, most people have no idea what is really going on in your life. There are moms out there who are tired, worn down, and lost in the transition. There are dads out there who seem to try to do it all with no end in sight. You are not alone and this is not in vain. ( I am taking this all in!)
You have no idea the difference you make in the lives of those you live with. To them, you are their world, you make it what ever you display.
I know it is stinken hard, I am not going to say I think parenting is easy. I think its the toughest job out there. This is coming from a girl who worked three jobs in my 20's just to survive. I am telling you being a parent, working, and keeping your family strong is a major deal! A huge sacrifice.
I never knew how much was invested. I can tell you one thing, I appreciate my mom and dad more now than ever before. Now that I'm the one up to my elbows in poop, stress, and mornings without a shower. I can tell you one thing, I know it won't last. These day are fleeting and we need to hold on to the moments when we can find solace in the eyes of your children, the beautiful little one's that you will hand off your legacy to. Let it be one worth handing over.

Take a deep breath! It's going faster than you think!

Become all you were meant to be!

Do you feel like you constantly are up against a wall? Discouragement and sadness can come in like a flood and overwhelm. There are so many things that can come against us from day to day that can feel like everything is gone, you will never be happy, your life will never turn around. But it can! Reclaim your life...reclaim what negative things have tried to take from you. God wants you to soar and be all you were created to be.
In this FREE ebook which downloads automatically you can experience renewed perspective and hope.
Download today!!

The Myth of Multi-tasking

Though, the hallmark of the twenty-first century has been multitasking. In reality, it isn't a good policy. When you do several things at once, you don't focus on any one task. Mistakes are made and everything becomes combined and messy. Also, when we multitask, we often aren’t giving another human being our full attention. We half-listen and then carry on with our tasks. This does nothing to foster team building at work or personal relationships at home. It's best to do just one thing at a time and focus on one person at a time.

When you do, you can accomplish more, feel more in control, and be a lot more pleasant to be around. You also can greatly reduce your stress levels. 

The "smart" device age has caused an increasing level of distraction as well. Set clear boundaries so you can have balance, you need to know when to shut it off and put it away. 

No one wants to be labeled a jack of all trades and a master of none! Let us all seek to pursue the best possible life we can give ourselves and families!

Is it follow the leader?

I've heard the phrase from time to time that, "you know when you are a leader when you turn around and people are following you." A true leader in business , ministry, or community leads by example. If you need to constantly remind people that you are the leader, there's a pretty good indicator that your not doing your job. Setting a standard for how things should be done needs to come from the top down. Things just don't fall into their places without clear vision and direction. I'm even more motivated to have clear goals, set forth vision, and standards for how I carry my own life and business. The last few months I have seen poor examples of leadership, makes my heart heavy and my spirit motivated. If you have found yourself in a position where you are not valued, your are being taken advantage of or abused, get out of the unhealthy place you are in. Unhealthy places and people take on many forms. I want to encourage you to stay true to who you are no matter what comes against you. Progress is necessary for people to grow and thrive. The process can be painful but just know that anytime you are doing great things , there are those who will not want to celebrate that with you. Shake off the dust and move on, they are not worth your time and energy.
It starts with you...be the positive changes you want to see!!

Invest in a young girl

Vision drives when we don't feel like it!

I have a vision board...i stare it at probably at least 5 times during the day and when I pass by it I see where I want to be someday. On this vision board I have pictures of all the things I want to pursue or goals and what I think they will look like. I looked for pictures of those ideas and cut them out and pasted them all over a cork board. Why did I do it? Creating vision is so important because it helps you keep focused on the days when you lose your way, or on days when you feel like your up against mountains. Today was one of those days for me, by the time my feet hit the floor I already had ten things in my head I needed to figure out and get moving with quickly! I have two small kids, I am training for a 3 day fitness walk, between my husband and I we both have three business's and I am the lead women's minister in my church, so grass has no time to grow under this ladies feet. It was not even eleven a.m. and I had already brushed boogers off my shirt and changed...twice...from my 21 month old, dried the tears of my five year old who was crying because her sister licked her arm for the 100th time, listened to a conference call, walked three miles, tripped up the stairs on a flood light that my husband left on the stairs, and somehow managed to clean the kitchen floor while shoving down a protein muffin to feed myself and screaming to the kids for the tenth time to please pick up the socks and shoes because the baby is sucking on them...again!! It was a day when I really cant believe I walked out the door with all of my clothes in tact and essentials. I have busy days... I also have goals and dreams for all that I want for my life and my future. I know what God has called me to do with my life, I know there are things that He has planted so deep within me and they are bigger than the mountains I feel sometimes stand in my way! I look at this vision board because it drives me, inspires and motivates me to look past the present moments. Vision is key when you want to pursue goals and dreams and be successful. So get out your glue sticks, crayons, and old magazines and get creative...make your own! It may be the stress relief you need.

Revolutionary thinker

One of the motto's I have blasted across all my life coaching materials, is the phrase: Thriving not just surviving! While I look at that every day , I also have it posted in various places around my home, I am reminded constantly of the mindset. A healthy mindset is not something that really can be optional in choosing how to live a better life. When you are in survival mode, you are just getting through each day. But thriving gives you hope and passion to drive through your circumstances and come out and above it. NO one can control what happens to them, life is so messy, hard, and painful. We can control our thought life though and turn our thoughts on positive things and surround our minds with the good thoughts. Becoming healthier starts on the inside. In almost every aspect health is something that starts inside. Just like diseases: cancer, diabetes...no one just GETS those types of things, they develop over time from the inside and surface later. What you feed yourself physically will help or harm you. It is the same with our emotions, and our spiritual lives. Anything that is living needs to grow or it is dying. Don't be just a survivor. THRIVE where you are, use the abilities and strengths you have been given, make lasting change in your life and those around you. Be a revolutionary thinker and have a mighty mindset!!

3 Days and 60 miles....I CAN DO THAT!

This week my cousin and I decided to create a team and do the 3 day, 60 mile walk to support the Susan G Komen Foundation and thousands of others battling cancer. I personally have lost family members, I currently have family members who have this awful disease and I have had friends who went through this treatment. I am compelled to do this in their memory and to create a massive and physical challenge for myself this year. I know I can do this, I am committed to raising the funds, and training so I can be in the best shape of my life when it is time to walk this 60 mile journey. I am thrilled to be able to team up and create a team with my long time best friend who has really been like a sister to me, my entire life. If you choose to support me, I would be honored. There is a tab to the right with an option for donations. However, your prayers and encouragement are just as important.

Photo credit: the3day.org

Gratitude can change your life

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What I learned yesterday....

So I am beginning to think of a new series of chapters in a new book. I feel as I get older the more you see in people and about life. Health is an aspect that runs so deep. It is more than just physical, health is emotional, mental, and spiritual. I am beginning to learn what to hold close and what to let go of in my own life so that I can be the healthiest person I know how to be for me and my family. So here are a few things that I recently had some light shed on in my own life and I have to tell you, it is freeing to understand. 1- Spend more time with the people that celebrate with you and celebrate you! Too many times we spend time around people who you tolerate or you feel just tolerate you....that may be for a time but let's face it,You can not grow into the person you were meant to be by constantly around people who really cant see past you or celebrate your victories and success. You want to be around those who believe in your potential, your goals and your dreams. 2- Stop investing time and effort into those who really just don't give a flying leap. For whatever reason there are always those people you would like to be closer to, so you invite them over, try to allow them to be part of your life and they will always shut you out,no matter how hard you try. SO STOP! There are other people who would love to spend time with you and develop a more meaningful relationship. 3- Every time you say no to something, you are saying yes to something else. Make sure you are saying YES to the things that really matter!!

Eruption of Entitlement

I have noticed this for several years and I cant even begin to imagine how this is affecting our country, our lives, and relationships. It is becoming most common in my generation (we will say the 30 somethings) and younger. It is this ," I am entitled" mentality. I see it everywhere. Honestly, I even see it driving down the road. You watch sometimes when people get cut off the obnoxious words that fly out of the mouths of even a babe when their "right" to the road has been intruded upon. I see 16 year old's "expecting" they are getting a car. Really?? You are 16!! Sweethearts, that is a hard earned piece of metal you are throwing a tantrum about and the fact that it is not being "given" to you because you are.... oh, "of that age to have a car!" It has reared its ugly head in just about everything. Where did this spoiled rotten mentality actually overcome this generation, not to mention the apathy that is coupled with it? Not only are we seeing an eruption of " I am owed or entitled," but we are seeing an apathetic way of life springing up all around us. I have heard the phrase, "I just dont care," more often then I wish I had heard. Do people actually mean they do not care? Maybe! Quite possibly they do not. However, it is causing major problems. No one is entitled or owed a single thing. In fact, what we deserve we actually should be thankful we do not get. There are things in life you need to work really hard at....and with that being able to truly care that you have obtained it so when you get that hard earned promotion, car, dream home, or even a loving spouse....you reallyyyy cherish it.
Think about what you can "give" back once in awhile instead of what you think you are actually "entitled" to receiving!

Dealing with manipulative people

Manipulative people can surface in many relationships. It is important not to confuse manipulation with "influence" . Someone that is influential creates balance and health and spurs you on to be a better person and reach your goals. Manipulation however is a tactic used to control others through lies, remarks, stories, actions,financial means, etc. It can rear its ugly head in many ways. What do you do and how do you handle this, especially if you have someone close to you has been manipulating people all their life. For some it is a way of life. It is not the correct way of life though. People like this are fearful, and in most cases can be very dramatic with their every day life. Most of the time their ultimate desire is self based and they will not have close personal relationships with others. Ultimately their manipulation backfires. But nonetheless, they can be difficult to deal with and you need to be able to recognize manipulation and stand up to it.
In some cases the manipulative person can and will target who they "can" and can't manipulate. Keep in mind....from an earlier post,.....There is no show without an audience! Same for manipulators....they can not manipulate others, if they are not allowed. If someone feels they can manipulate you, they will keep calling, keep coming back, and continuously showing up in your life for something unhealthy.
Keep a balance in your relationships. Keep manipulators at a distance. It takes two to tango...and it always involves two when their are unhealthy patterns. Have nothing to do with it! So, I know the question is there, what do you do when this person is someone in your family? A spouse, parent, or child. Obviously those relationships you can not walk completely away from. BUT, you need to be very specific, clarify what you will and will not allow and enforce that you have boundaries. This will not be easy, you will have differing opinions, but you need to keep unhealthy people in your life at a distance and make them understand how far they can go.
Maintain your character. Manipulative people lie. Keep this tactic in mind. Remember, manipulative people are driven by fear and insecurity and will do whatever it takes to make themselves feel better. Be true to who you are,  who have you always been, manipulators have a pattern and I guarantee you are not the only one in their lives who sees it.
Set limits with people who try to manipulate you and clarify what it is that the relationship will be. Some people you just can not be close to in all of the ways you want to be because of unhealthy patterns or destructive habits.

 photo:http://www.activatemg.co.nz/middle-management-development/