Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Being Kind Won't Cost You a Thing

Many people tend to think that kindness comes from receiving equal parts of good on both sides, only to be let down when they find out the kindness they've given was one-sided. This usually provokes them to say to themselves, "Well, I'm going to act like the person and rescind their kindness." Unfortunately, many people feel this way, leaving people disheartened, discouraged, and lonely.

I remember a time when I had to go to the post office to mail off a package to a loved one. I'd never sent off a package that size before; I was a bit confused about where to place the label. When I brought it back to the window, not only did the postal lady speak to me in an unhealthy tone, she wouldn't listen to any of the questions I was asking beforehand that might have helped me from making the error in the first place.

As she spoke, I listened. When given the opportunity to talk, I spoke to her in a soft voice, explaining my dilemma. Not only was she embarrassed by the level of tone and courtesy in my voice; she confronted her own error without me having to point it out or raise my voice. Once I was done with my transaction and was leaving the window, a kind older woman stopped me and said, "You did good; it wasn't nice how she was talking to you."

The lesson here is you don't have to make it a point to win an argument. One would say there are no winners in an argument; someone always walks away feeling bad. You might as well leave that feeling with the person who chose to argue.

Try it; the next time you find yourself in a bit of a pickle, think soft, calming thoughts. You'll be surprised what will come out of this act.

Hugs,

Elizabeth

For more posts like this, visit [www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)
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14 hours ago | [YT] | 1

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## You Have the Right Mind to Learn: Reclaiming Your Thoughts in a World of Manipulation

Have you ever walked into a department store and noticed the music playing unusually loud? It's not by accident. Studies show that many retailers use music strategically to subconsciously influence you to buy more. This is one reason why the holiday season is such a massive money-maker—festive music triggers emotional responses that lead to spending. The music industry knows this too, which is why there are countless holiday songs designed to tap into our emotions and memories.

Every day, millions of people are told what to think and how to think, especially when it benefits someone else. It wasn't until I started practicing mindfulness that I began to notice this pattern in human behavior. Everyone is trying to get what they want; unfortunately some form of manipulation is often involved.

I remember as a kid, whenever I didn't want to eat something, I was told, "If you want to grow up and be big and strong, you have to eat this." Or one of my favorites: "Oh my, can you do XYZ for me please? Because you do it the best!" Sound familiar?

Here's my point: **You don't have to fall for it any longer!**

You have the ability to stand firm and say, "No, thank you," despite what others would have you think or do. You are always the main character of your story. Being okay with being the "villain" in someone else's story will not only free you from the anxiety of pretending to be something you're not, but you also owe it to yourself to stand tall while living a purposeful life that *you* created for yourself—one you can be proud of.

The next time you find someone else behind the glass screen of your life, take a step back and make sure it's **you** behind that screen. Reclaim your thoughts. Reclaim your power. Reclaim your story.

You got this!

Hugs,

Elizabeth

For more posts like this, visit [www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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1 day ago | [YT] | 2

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Moving Forward by Moving Backwards: Finding the Lesson in Life's Interruptions

Have you ever been lost in the perfect reading moment? You're cozied up with your favorite book, soft jazz playing in the background, the lighting just right, maybe even a delicious piece of chocolate nearby. Then suddenly—the doorbell rings, your dog barks, or a loud noise startles you. You jump, and when you look down, the pages are shuffled. Not only are you pulled out of your peaceful zone, but you can't remember what page you were on.

This has happened to me countless times. The decision to go back through the chapters is not only frustrating but also disappointing—especially when you were just about to discover something new in the story.

Life has a way of doing exactly this. It brings us 10 steps forward, only to require us to move 20 spaces back. One thing I've learned about this concept is that whenever life alters your steps, there's most likely a lesson that needs your attention.

The next time life asks you to do the moonwalk, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself the grace to work on moving forward while meeting life's challenges head-on. Remember: all roads lead to Rome.

You got this!

Hugs,

Elizabeth

For more posts like this, visit [www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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2 days ago | [YT] | 3

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Today's Project: Making 2026 Your Most Prosperous Year Yet

Now that the holiday season is almost over, here are some of the things we can do to ensure that 2026 is a prosperous year! It's easy to fall into complacency as the holidays can leave us stuffed with fine treats and good wine, leaving you feeling tired and a bit overwhelmed—especially if you haven't planned a game plan of action.

I myself like to start preparing for the new year once October arrives (does Halloween ring a bell?). I discuss this further on the podcast at [Elizabeth Magical Garden](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/), where I break down the significance of planning ahead.

But what if you haven't planned yet and don't know where to start? Well, I have just the thing to help you on your way towards an amazing experience this year!

### 1. Wake Up Early

It's not glamorous, but it works! Studies show that people who wake up early are able to achieve their goals on a higher level. Not to mention, you get to start your day with fewer interruptions. While everyone is sleeping, you're starting your day—you're winning already.

### 2. Journal Daily

There is something to be said about brain dumping. The more you get things out of your head, the more headspace you have for things that are most important—things like starting a business, writing a book, or generating wealth that can potentially change the lives of you and your loved ones.

### 3. Move Your Body Every Day

Last but not least, move your body every day. It is my understanding that none of the things I mentioned will work if your physical activities are non-existent. Moving your body allows you to move the blood flow throughout your muscles and helps regulate the nervous system, helping you to relax and think clearly.

**2026 is your year to shine—make it a bright one.**

Hugs,

Elizabeth

*For more posts like this one, visit [www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)*

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3 days ago | [YT] | 2

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Are You a Good Listener?

Many people assume they're listening when in reality, they're only listening to themselves. Have you ever held a conversation with someone and felt like they were waiting for their turn to speak, while the whole time their eyes glaze over you? Don't feel bad if that person was you; I myself had to come to grips with that fact, especially when I believed that being quiet when others were speaking made me a good listener—when that was only a half-truth. **Listening attentively is the key to great communication.**

When I was in high school, I was blessed to have some of the best teachers, but one stuck out the most. Every day she would be in her office after class with her door open. Plants 🪴 would cascade across her windowsill. There was always one student in the room having lunch. At first, I found it to be odd, only to find myself doing the same later on in the year. Soon the room was filled with students coming in and out at all times.

One of the things I noticed was she didn't talk much—*she listened to us talk*. She was present while we poured our little hearts out to her, whether it be about heartbreak or being poorly graded on an assignment. She would listen. Once we were done talking, she would warmly say, "It's time to go to the next class."

What we received from her was more than a lunch period—we felt seen, we all felt heard.

**The next time someone enters your space, try to practice active listening.** Who knows what can come of it, but there's one thing for certain: that person will leave your presence feeling seen and heard.

Hugs 💕

For more posts like this, visit [www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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4 days ago | [YT] | 2

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Finding Light in the Darkness: A Story of Resourcefulness and Grace 🍀

There's a beautiful truth about the human spirit—when faced with scarcity, we become masters of creativity.

I once heard a story about a 13-year-old boy who would wake before dawn to gather pieces of charcoal that fell from passing wagons. His family couldn't afford to heat their home, so this young soul took it upon himself to provide warmth for those he loved. What courage. What determination.

This is how our minds work under pressure—we adapt, we innovate, we survive.

We're all artists, really, painting our way through life with whatever brushes we're given.

I remember my own moment of making something from nearly nothing. Moving into my first apartment with my four-year-old son, everything I owned packed and ready. Then the rain started. And the elevator was broken. Five flights of stairs stood between us and our new beginning.

But here's where the magic happened—I asked for help. And my new neighbors, people who didn't know me at all, rolled up their sleeves and carried every single item up those stairs. They didn't just help us move in; they made sure we felt welcomed, cared for, and comfortable.

**This is the lesson:** When life gives you lemons, look closely—there's always a way to make lemonade. Sometimes it comes from our own resourcefulness. Sometimes it comes from the kindness of strangers who become friends.

The next time you find yourself in a pinch, use it as an opportunity to get creative. Trust that life will lend you a helping hand, whether it's your own ingenuity or someone else's generosity.

*We are all capable of so much more than we realize. And we are never as alone as we might feel.*

Hugs and blessings,

Elizabeth ✨

---

For more inspiration and stories of faith, visit [www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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5 days ago | [YT] | 2

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Save by the 🔔: The Gift That Costs Nothing

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and NYC is one of the places where many people from around the world come to visit and participate in the holiday cheer. Unfortunately, with prices going sky high, many people will not be able to visit this year—leaving loved ones behind and saddened due to non-participation in holiday traditions.

### My Favorite Childhood Memory 🚗✨

One of the things I loved most as a child was taking a ride in my dad's old Cadillac. He would take us on short rides throughout neighborhoods to see Christmas lights—oh, what a wonder! Especially when those neighborhoods were, well, let's just say more affluent, to say the least.

Spending time with my dad was the gift. I loved seeing his face as he cheerfully cruised past the neighborhood—it makes me wonder if he himself was dreaming of what it felt like to live in one of those houses. Afterwards, we would head back home, but not before getting White Castle as he would shout to us in the back seat as we cheered.

### Create Memories That Last Forever 💜

**Make memories this holiday season that don't cost you a thing.** Your loved ones will thank you for it, so one day they too can look back and have fond memories of their own.

Hugs 🤗

For more posts like this one, head on over to [www.Elizabethmagicalgarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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6 days ago | [YT] | 3

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## Who Cares What They Say 💭

Right now, people all over the world are anticipating the arrival of family and friends—whether it be a colleague or a long-lost friend. Many are worrying about whether or not to bring up certain conversations that may trigger an emotion for one person or the next. This is a form of emotional distress that unfortunately many people are dealing with today. **The holidays have become a landmine for people's emotionally unkept thoughts.**

One would say the holiday is the best place to lay down those memories. Studies show that many people stop coming home for the holidays due to unwanted conversations—sad but true. This concept has isolated many people from family and friends. I know because I too was one of them, until I did this one thing that I will share with you.

### The Simple Shift That Changed Everything ✨

One of the things I noticed was whenever it was time to meet or see someone I haven't spoken to in a while, I would start to formulate conversations that I believed were judgmental from that person in our last conversation. Now whether the conversation was judgmental or not, it was still **"up to me"** on whether I decided to participate in that judgmental conversation.

**See, it's never about them—it's always about you.** Once I made this simple shift in my thought process, it was a game changer.

### You Are the Main Character 🌟

Think about it: **you are always the main character in your story**—who cares what they think? It's all about you. Once we realize people's opinions are their own thoughts, we free ourselves from being captive in someone else's opinion of us.

This way of thinking will not only free you from other people's opinions, but you'll also be able to enjoy those around you. Why? Because nine times out of ten, those thoughts you had about other people's opinions were all in your head.

### Keep Shining 💜

Keep shining and focus on what truly matters most, and my friend, that is **you**. Hugs 🤗

For more posts like this, visit [www.Elizabethmagicalgarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Elizabeth Magical Garden

## What's the Big Hype About Love? 💜

As we speak, millions of people are running around making sure to get the right gift for people they really could care less about; putting up Christmas trees, involving themselves in activities they would normally say no to, setting up meal plans they know they will not keep up with. The question here is: **why live a life you hate and don't want any parts of?**

The answer to this is one word—it's called **"Love."**

This one word has had men travel across the world just to rest their eyes upon that one person for just a couple of minutes; at least that's what has been recounted in storybooks. So what is it that arises in a person that makes love so powerful?

### The Science Behind Love 🧠

Studies have suggested that the brain releases endorphins when we engage in acts attached to loving something or someone. One would say it's the act that produces love itself—while others would say otherwise due to the fact that a mother would lay down her life for her newborn child.

Is it the act, or is it the pain of not doing that act that would cause someone to sacrifice themselves for love? Either way, **love is and will always be the most powerful thing.**

### Love: The Ultimate Driving Force ✨

After all, it was love that caused God to create the world; love was the main ingredient. It's no wonder it's the driving force behind it all.

**The next time you find yourself embarking on a new adventure, think about what's the motivation behind it—you'll be surprised what you'll find.**

For more posts like this, check out [www.Elizabethmagicalgarden.com](www.elizabethmagicalgarden.com/)

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1 week ago | [YT] | 3

Elizabeth Magical Garden

##Let Live and Move Out: The Secret to Freedom 🌺

**Millions of women today are holding on to a little secret—and the funny thing is, most of them don't even know it.**

It's called **freedom**: freedom to move, freedom to think, freedom to set themselves free from old belief systems. The thing is, most are unaware of this secretive thinking. Think about the last time life started to get stressful—what were some of the thoughts you had? I'm sure you wouldn't dare disclose them, not even to your pets, in case they looked at you strangely.

One of the things I've come to understand over the decades of working with women is that **women generally love to change their minds**—no shocker there. I believe a woman's mind is like a garden full of beautiful meadows of flowers with bunches of weeds within patches. Like anything else, if not attended to, they too will wilt and die. This is why I believe women suffer with depression and anxiety at a higher percentage rate than men.

Have you ever heard the old phrase: **"A woman is like a flower 🌺—she has to be poured into and needs sunlight"?**

Simply put, in order for a woman to feel cherished, she needs love and attention. **The next time you feel stuck, ask yourself: When was the last time you poured into your own garden?** You'll be surprised what you come up with. **Self-care is never selfish.** Hugs! 💜

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