VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

Dear readers, our journey together has taken us through a fascinating exploration of optimism and the art of positive framing. We've uncovered the power of a positive mindset and its transformative effects on our lives. Today, we venture into a new realm of understanding—one that challenges our preconceived notions about work and life balance. Welcome to "Harnessing Vitality: Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth."   Redefining Work-Life Balance   In our previous discussions, we've often heard about the concept of work-life balance, an ideal state where our professional and personal lives are thought to coexist harmoniously. However, this ideal can be elusive and often leads to frustration and disappointment. As we journey through this topic, we'll come to realize that achieving an exact balance between work and life is an unrealistic expectation (Elsbach & Cable, 2012).   The Myth of Equilibrium   The traditional notion of work-life balance assumes that our energy ...

Greetings, dear readers! Our journey together has explored various facets of life, from balancing responsibilities and embracing growth to nurturing connections and fostering well-being. Today, I'm excited to explore an empowering concept that can potentially transform our lives: the idea that optimism can be learned. This empowering concept invites us to shift our perspectives and approach life's challenges with a positive mindset (Seligman, 2006). Join me on this journey as we transition seamlessly from our previous discussions and embark on a new exploration into the art of optimism and the transformative practice of positive framing. We will discover how cultivating this skill can lead to a brighter, more fulfilling life.  The Foundations of Optimism   Optimism, often seen as a natural disposition, is not solely an inherent trait but a skill that can be nurtured and developed over time (Dweck, 2006). It's rooted in our ability to perceive and interpret the world around ...

Dear readers, the wisdom gained from adjusting to back-to-school season extends far beyond academic pursuits. The principles of open communication, balanced routines, meaningful connections, and personal growth have the power to transform our relationships and enrich our lives.  While my experiences are uniquely mine, the principles of open communication, balanced routines, meaningful connections, and personal growth have a profound impact on our ability to build and nurture relationships. As we navigate life's diverse seasons, we can harness these insights to foster deeper connections with others, creating an environment of understanding, trust, and shared growth. Prioritizing Open and Honest Dialogues:  Effective communication is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship. By prioritizing open and honest dialogues, we not only express our thoughts and feelings but also actively listen to others. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or even casual encount...

Hello again, dear readers! It's lovely to reconnect after a brief pause in my blogging journey. Life's twists and turns often surprise us, and in my case, a malfunctioning AC prevented me from utilizing my home office for writing. But, as seasons change, so do our circumstances, and I'm excited to continue our discussions on self-care, personal growth, and the art of balancing life's demands. With school resuming for my kids and the midpoint of my current course session, let's delve into how we navigate challenges and embrace growth during these dynamic times. Adjusting to Back-to-School Season: Nurturing a Supportive Environment for Our Kids As we transition into a new school year, palpable energy fills the air – a mix of anticipation, excitement, and maybe a hint of nerves. Back-to-school season is a time of adjusting rhythms and routines for parents and children. In my role as a mom, I find myself reflecting on the importance of creating a supportive and nurturin...

  Welcome back, dear readers! As we continue our journey together, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates on my ongoing pursuit of personal and academic growth. The new term has just begun, and I am diving into two intriguing college courses: Social Psychology and the 7 Dimensions of Wellness. Additionally, I'm humbled to be an APA ambassador at Bay Path University, have earned a spot on the dean's list, and am honored to serve as a peer mentor this semester. As I embark on these 6-week-long courses, my passion for learning is reignited. Social Psychology offers an intriguing exploration of human behavior and the influence of social interactions on our lives. Understanding the complexities of human interactions not only enriches my academic journey but also provides valuable insights into interpersonal dynamics in our daily lives. From understanding the impact of conformity to the power of persuasion, social psychology equips me with knowledge that extends beyond the c...

     Welcome back, dear readers! It's a pleasure to continue our journey together as we explore the importance of self-care and finding balance amid life's demands. In our previous blog post, we delved into my personal experiences and the pursuit of balance in various roles and explored the intersection of motherhood, advocacy, studies, and creative pursuits in my life. What I have found and know through my psychological studies is that self-care can have transformative power and is universally important in maintaining a good work/personal life balance. Now, let's dive deeper into actionable steps and practical suggestions to incorporate self-care practices into your lives. The Power of Self-Care:        As I strive to fulfill my roles as a mother, advocate, student, and creative, it's essential to recognize the significance of self-care. Life can often become a whirlwind of responsibilities, commitments, and obligations. Taking time for ourselves allo...

  Welcome back, dear readers! I reconnect with you after a transformative period in my life with great excitement and a sense of renewed purpose. As we dive into this new chapter, I want to share the multifaceted journey I've embarked upon, where motherhood, advocacy, academic pursuits, and creative endeavors converge. When I first started this blog 18 years ago, I was a new mother with a passion for writing. Over time, my journey took an unexpected turn as I delved into public service as a victim advocate, dedicating myself to supporting and empowering those who had experienced trauma. During this period, my writing and creative pursuits took a backseat, but my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others only grew stronger. As my children have grown and reached significant milestones, I find myself at a pivotal moment. Driven by a desire to further my knowledge and expand my capacity to help others, I decided to return to school. Currently pursuing my master's deg...

As you know I've been trying to get a few projects off the ground for a few months if not years now. Many things have happened between idea, concept and even personal life. My plans for my YouTube channel and even this blog haven't panned out and recently I underwent a surgery that had me laid up in bed for a little over a week and two weeks off work. Add in the holidays on top of all that and here we are in the New Year. Things just happen but we can't let that stop us. We have to stop and reflect on what got in our way, what we can do to change, where we have been, want to go and where and who we want to be. So many things can go through your head when you reflect and planning can only take you so far. But let's stop there for now as that is a topic for another time. What lead me to this path I am on currently, is our topic today - REFLECTION. Something I do often and I have done a lot lately to remind me why I have chosen the path I am on. My current demands in...

VS Grenier is back with Jared Quan as her guest to discuss Leadership September 20, 2019 at 9 AM Pacific - 10 AM Mountain - 11 AM Central - 12 PM Eastern Listen to the Podcast at https://www.blogtalkradio.com/michiganavenuemedia/2019/09/20/vs-grenier-is-back-with-jared-quan-as-her-guest-to-discuss-leadership   What is a good leader? A great leader posses a clear vision, is courageous, has integrity, honesty, humility, and clear focus. A great leader doesn't have to be an Alpha personality - just someone who wants to help people reach their goals, are not afraid of lifting other up or working with those who may be better at something over them and take pride in the accomplishments of those they help along the way. About today's guest: Jared Quan is published in genres from Spy-Thriller to Horror/Supernatural. To Fantasy-Comedy. He served the community in crucial roles with League of Utah Writers, Storymakers, Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan, EMAA, Big...

Come join VS Grenier and Marsha Casper Cook at 9 am Pacific - 10 am Mountain - 11 am Central - 12 pm Eastern LIVE on July 24th! The topic is Creating Your Author Platform. Why is this important, and what is a platform anyway? It is your visibility as an author, your life support. The wider your reach, the more readers you connect with, the more books you can sell. What you do with your platform speaks about you as an author (in an authentic way) as you try to reach your target audience. It's all about connecting with people -- on a real level. It's not about shouting, "Buy my books" all over the place. VS Grenier plans to dig in deep on you can build your platform from the ground up or from where you are right now. Questions will be answered from callers as well throughout the show. Call in during the live broadcast at 714-242-5259. Learn more about the host at http://vsgrenier.com For more information about our shows visit http://michiganavenuemed...