by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Ever pay attention to how excited little kids get over the smallest things?

You can too!
Yes you can!

Life has many disappointments and the older we get the more we have experienced. Sometimes that causes us to lose excitement over the smaller accomplishments and life events.

While you may have bills bigger than your wages due this month, there is still something you can find to be excited about. Did your dog learn a new trick? Did your child just make a fantastic dunk in the home basketball net? Did you find the favorite pen that you lost last week?

Some of those things may happen every day. But when you can find excitement in ordinary everyday things, it will help set the mood and attitude needed to bring excitement into more and more of your life.

What are you excited about right now - big or teeny tiny?

About the Author:

Lyn is a freelance web journalist and the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys helping freelance writers succeed and supports advocacy through journalism. Lyn has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Facebook: Lyn Lomasi
Twitter: @LynLomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Over five years ago, I was your average web user with a mom blog trying to find something I could do at home with my kids to make money.

I went on a hunt for writing jobs but it mostly uncovered work at home scams - people trying to get me to pay them for work. Little did they know, I am not that gullible. I kept at the search, determined to find the right company.

Writing jobs had to be out there, especially taking into consideration that writing is everywhere. One day I came upon a web site promising to pay writers both upfronts and page views. Having been through so many scams I honestly thought it might be one too. But something told me to join and try it out.

Fast forward a few years and I was one of the most prolific there -- out of hundreds of thousands of users. But I didn't stop there. I was determined to help others achieve the same. Fast forward to now and I am no longer a freelancer but am now staff at that same site.

Determination can take you a long way.

What are you determined to achieve? Keep at it. You never know where it will take you.

About the Author:

Lyn is a freelance web journalist and the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys helping freelance writers succeed and supports advocacy through journalism. Lyn has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Facebook: Lyn Lomasi
Twitter: @LynLomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

With all the success stories out there, it can be so easy to fall into wishing you had someone else's story or someone else's career. But the truth is you need to create your own success story.

Uniqueness Rules
Chances are that a main reason each example you are looking up to has done well is uniqueness. Attempts at duplicating someone else's unique qualities instead makes a copycat. Find your own uniqueness and use that to succeed instead.

But His Method Really Worked
It's fine to take notes and learn tricks of the trade. But there's a fine line between using strategies and copying someone's entire game plan. What works for one person won't always work for another. Even if parts of it do, it works better when it's tailored to the exact person. Take all the advice you can get. Then, use what you can to find your own perfect road to success.

Learn to be Innovative
People are not going to be excited about your ideas if they have heard the same things from other people. Again, using strategic advice can be helpful. However, your success needs to truly be yours if you want it to last. Find new ways to solve old problems. Be innovative and bold if you want to stand out.

More on this topic:

Web Writing Tips: Innovation Rules

Web Writing Tips: Zany or Serious?

How to Keep Readers Interested in Your Articles

About the Author:

Lyn is a freelance web journalist and the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys helping freelance writers succeed and supports advocacy through journalism. Lyn has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Facebook: Lyn Lomasi
Twitter: @LynLomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

I know what you're thinking when I say the word "break" -- that is, if you're like me. In fact, you're not even considering it. You're just laughing. I do the same more than I care to admit. I am an admitted workaholic.

But my little dog is obsessive in the opposite direction. I am learning to take his example somewhat.

While I wont likely ever just lay around all day like Buddy does (I usually work while he's asleep in my lap), I have learned that a good break is necessary to keep my multitasking self going.

It's normal for me to run around non-stop doing who knows how many things at once. I used to think that a break would interrupt my rhythm. But thanks to Buddy I finally learned that slowing down to take a break here and there actually keeps it going. When I come back from a break I am once again full speed ahead.

Have you taken a break yet today?

"But I have a deadline. I can't take a break."

I hear you. I was the same way. Sometimes I still am - OK many times. But often I have found that stressing about the deadline and rushing through to get it done only reduces the quality of the job and causes more stress.

A good break can actually bring back the inspiration needed to get it done. So again I ask you have you taken a break - and I don't mean by reading this post while you work in another tab. A real break.

Get to it.

About the Author:

Lyn is a freelance web journalist and the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys helping freelance writers succeed and supports advocacy through journalism. Lyn has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Facebook: Lyn Lomasi
Twitter: @LynLomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

As much of a workaholic as I am, I do manage to get out and about with the kids. Yesterday, we packed up the gear, leashed up the dog, and headed for Bible Park in Denver.

With easy access via the Highline Canal Trail, you can't beat the commute. Plus, if you take the trails (like we did), it turns one adventure into two. Just be sure to watch out for local wildlife and stay safe.

Bible Park has baseball fields, plenty of open space, several trails to explore, a playground, a basketball court, and more.

Our personal favorite area is the creek because there are areas where we can rest on the rocks or climb across.

Or maybe it's the trees. The kids seem to enjoy climbing them (and scaring me in the process, no matter how skilled they are).

Hey, don't cal me weak for being nervous when they do that. All you other moms do the same thing.
Right?

I think our dog Buddy has the right idea when he relaxes in the grass.

After chasing him and the kids around, I think that might be my favorite spot of the moment.

Have you been to Bible Park in Denver? What's your favorite spot?

<-- Ugh, I am getting worn out just looking at the picture of her running around like that.

We had a long day at the park yesterday.

And I'm crazy enough that we're sure to be doing it again soon.

About the Author:

Lyn is a freelance web journalist and the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys helping freelance writers succeed and supports advocacy through journalism. Lyn has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Facebook: Lyn Lomasi
Twitter: @LynLomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Have you heard of the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge? Guess who's participating again this year?

While I didn't succeed at fully completing the challenge on all the blogs I entered with last year, I'm giving it another go this year. In true me-style, I was even crazy enough to one-up the number of blogs I entered with last year. So I'll be doing the challenge with 7 of my however many blogs (yes I have THAT many that I forget the number right now).

Want to keep up with me? Here are the seven blogs you'll find me blabbering on from A to Z throughout the month of April:

Momtrepreneur Moments
Pets & Animal Advocacy
Poverty & Homelessness Issues and Resources
Article Writer For Hire
Better Plumbing
Write W.A.V.E. Media
Heart & Mind Homeschool

Are you participating in the challenge too? Drop your participating links in the comment section so I can check out your work too.

Happy reading and writing!

About the Author:

Lyn is a freelance web journalist and the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys helping freelance writers succeed and supports advocacy through journalism. Lyn has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Facebook: Lyn Lomasi
Twitter: @LynLomasi

When kids read, they need to be able to visualize the story, think about the lesson, understand what's going on, and make connections to the natural world.

Enter "Thank You, Mean Bird" the first in a series of printable e-books that will allow children to harness their creativity, while teaching important lessons.

"Thank You, Mean Bird" was developed by Lyn Lomasi as a learning aid for her own children and is geared toward kids ages 6-8. In it, kids will draw the pictures for the story, finish the story, and answer discussion questions to reinforce the lesson. The story is about a mean bird who teaches an important lesson.

The goal of this book (and others to follow) is to engage children with enjoyable activities and discussion that contribute to improving reading, writing, and comprehension skills.

Click here to download your copy for only $4.99!

This book can also be found on writewavemedia.com and lifesuccessfully.com.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

When other moms are dishing out the latest gossip, making date night plans, and getting excited over the latest fashions for moms and kids, I can't help but feel out of place. The things I want to discuss seem so different and I am often way out of touch with what everyone else is interested in. I'm not like many other moms. In no particular order, here's five reasons why.

I don't look forward to dropping my kids off at school -- or anywhere. I'm all for quality education. In fact, that's one of the main reasons I used to be a homeschool mom. You'd think after all those years of seeing my kids all day every day, I'd be glad to drop them off at school  every morning. I'm definitely glad they are getting a great education. But I'm never excited to spend the whole day without them. I can't relate to that relief many moms seem to experience when dropping their kids off at school or with the sitter.

I'm so lost with the latest gossip. I'll never knock those who are into it because we all have our own things. But I never know who the heck these famous moms are everyone is talking about. I don't even get into the business of the people I know all that much, let alone people I've never met. So when all the other moms are gossiping about each other and celebs, all I would have to offer is what I've done with my own kids -- and firsthand gossip is just, well..not really gossip. So generally I am sitting there with a blank face nodding and pretending I know what they're saying.

Date night? What's that? In our home, it's more like family night, but with a plural. When the other moms are talking about getting all dolled up and going out for a night on the town with their husbands, I can't relate. But wait, don't feel sorry for me yet. Our family values are just a little bit different and they work for us. We believe in doing things together, but that means all of us - not just me and the hubby. We used to have date nights without the kids but all we did is talk about the kids and wish they were there. So now they are. Problem solved.

"Play dates" are unorganized and don't have a formal name. When other moms are discussing Jimmy's play date with Sarah and Sam, again I cannot relate. We don't call it a play date when the kids visit with their friends and they are not planned and scheduled. It's more like this: "Mom can we go to the park? James says they'll be there." "OK, Honey, let's go" While other moms seem to be checking schedules and planning out specific play dates and activities, my kids and I are on the nature trails, playing games we invented, or going to the next thing planned at the last minute. We have never been to a "Mommy and Me" class, but we sure happen to have lots of mother and child time. I think those things are great for those who are into them, but they just aren't for us. As they say "to each their own."

I don't have  a professional photographer. That's me. Some moms constantly ask me why we never go to a professional photographer. "Photos you take yourself are just not the same as professional ones," they tell me. I know they aren't. That's why I prefer them. When I look back on our old family portraits, I don't want to think of crying kids trying to straighten themselves in a studio. I want to think of all the fun we had together while I set the camera on auto to snap whatever we were doing that day. The picture you see in this post? Professional, right? Wrong. That was taken with our camera on auto while we were walking a nature trail.

I'm not like some other moms in these and other ways -- and I'm perfectly fine with that. I appreciate all moms for who they are. At the end of the day, we all may be different in various ways, but we all have the same goal - to raise happy, healthy kids and that can be done in so many different ways. Are you like other moms? Whether you answer yes or no, you can still be a good mom. At the end of the day, it isn't about where we go, what we're interested, and what we do. It's about the love we all give to our kids. If you do everything in parenting with love, you're a good mom.

More from Lyn:

Say What? That Wasn't the Plan...

Raising kids who love the outdoors 

Positive Parenting: Why Doesn't My Teen Trust Me?

by Lyn Lomasi, Life Successfully Staff

Freelance writing and life in general can be full of surprises. While I advise all writers to always have a plan they can execute, I also recommend being open to change.

You can plan, organize, and prepare for your career all you want. But sometimes, that career (or even another) will take you down another (possibly better suited) path. But that can only happen if you are open to change.

Change happens.

Sometimes life puts you on unexpected journeys - things you didn't plan, but end up being the some of the best things that have ever happened to you.

That's what happened to me. I had all these huge plans for my writing and an idea of the direction I was going in. Even though I was happy with that plan and enjoying what I was doing as a freelance writer, something else pulled me in a related (but different) direction.

Because of my own personal successes, I had become a mentor among my peers. In freelance writing, this can happen quite often, as writers tend to be very supportive in my experience.

It had become a natural thing for me to help other freelance writers at the venue I contributed to the most, Yahoo! Contributor Network. While I was helping people, I didn't always think of that as a potential career. It was just something I enjoyed doing.

But eventually, that's exactly what it turned out to be. For the past couple months, I've been enjoying my new role as Community Advocate at the Yahoo! Contributor Network.

Am I still writing? Of course! I'm a writer. It's what I do. But so is helping people - and now I have a position that allows room for both.

Will I still be running all of my websites? Do you really have to ask? You bet I am. While I won't be taking on the majority of writing assignments requested through my two writing sites, not to worry. Jaipi Sixbear (my talented mother) and several independent writers in my circle of professional friends are available to take on those projects.

While my role has changed, I am still the same me, always eager to help and always writing!

When life throws new things your way, don't be afraid to grab on and take a ride. Don’t run from change. Use it to your advantage. Adapt and grow as writer and as a person. You never know where change will lead you. It took me to a very happy place and I am looking forward to whatever's next. How about you? 

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Tired of all the bickering? Want to get the peace back in your home? Need to shift gears? All parents go through those moments.

Positive parenting can help you refocus your family life. Life isn't perfect, but it can always be happier. Positive parenting strategies can help.

Join me as I help take your family on a journey one week at a time in "Positive Parenting Tips for Every Week of the Year".

For a limited time, you can order this as a downloadable e-book (in PDF form) directly from me, the author, for only $7.

Simply click the button below. Once your payment has been received and verified, your e-book will be emailed to you for your enjoyment.