About
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” John Lennon
The About Page
I believe in positive kismet/fate and write two blogs; Mirth and Motivation and Positive Kismet where I share motivational/inspirational lifestyle pieces offering life tips, wellness advice, women/girls issues, creative expressions/music concerts, reviews, interviews, social media ruminations, some humor, goodwill pieces, and insights on people, places, and events that shape our lives. Some of my posts are creative pieces, haiku poems, or photography.
I wear several hats: I’m a Mother of two, an educator/reading specialist, Lifestyle writer/blogger, amateur photographer, wanderlust, fitness/yoga, and social media enthusiast. Did I mention that I’m also a Licensed NYS RE Broker? Ha! Nothing gives me more pleasure than a good laugh with friends and family, great music, encouraging people, great food, fashion and accessories, and an occasional jaunt to somewhere around the world. I enjoy working with environmentally and socially conscious brands to share their message through social media and bring in new customers. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com Reach out and connect with me!
WHO: I shared some specifics above. Additionally, I like to view myself as an internationalist. Growing up on three continents exposed me to people/places that remain culturally rich and varied, and helped me develop a love for traveling/meeting new people and enjoying cuisines from around the globe. My career path has been predominantly in academia, teaching mainly at the university level in Women’s Studies, Comparative Literature, and Writing. Corporate Training called me before the last market crash and led me down the path to blogging. It has been a long and curious journey that no 5 or 10-year plan could have predicted; and I had one. One of many life lessons that have sustained me is my belief that staying open and flexible to the magic of possibilities can lead to exciting and rewarding places we never imagined.
For relaxation, toying with new gadgets, gardening, cooking creative dishes, studying martial arts and yoga suit me just fine; I’m a life long yoga and meditation student. If you’ve read my blog, you’d know that I’m an avid reader (no surprise there) who loves reading across genres; however, I’d admit that I am partial to nonfiction especially autobiographies. I suppose most readers/writers have a bit of the voyeur in them…
WHAT: My interests in learning, teaching, and traveling continue to inform my writing and work. I love exchanging ideas and hearing fresh and positive perspectives on myriad topics that shape our professional and personal lives; I’m drawn to topics on family, business, health, relationships, work, food, life, and more. Hence, my blog is a reflection of my interests and life experiences. (See a few posts listed below).
WHY: My family, friends, faith, and colleagues have been instrumental to my growth therefore I remember, with gratitude, how important it is to encourage others. Mirth and Motivation is a doorway to sharing my appreciation for life, for people, and for those things that add meaning to life. Until we walk in another person’s shoes, we are not in a position to judge them. My blog is about sharing useful information and encouragement, not judgment. I’d love to hear what makes you tick. Connect with me!
Contact & Connect with me by leaving me a comment on a post or by connecting on Email: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com, +Elizabeth Obih-Frank (G+) LinkedIn, Facebook , Twitter , Pinterest, and Instagram. Thank You!
READ: Musings: Ode To An Email Junkie…
Halloween Humor: 10 Things To Do If You Don’t Celebrate It
Evasive Action: Secrets, Lies & Humor
Photo Challenge: CHEEKY?
Positive Motivation Tip: Families rule
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
Welcome to Mirth and Motivation!
Welcome to Mirth and Motivation!
“Insist on yourself. Never imitate.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me. Michael Imperioli
My About Page tells you about me and the who/what/why of this blog. This part shares some insights on my blog posts and documents a few from my archives. I wanted to create an easy way for people to check the authorship and timeline of a post. I will highlight archives that represent the general thrust of this blog.
Some Insights On my Blog Posts: My goal has always been to find positive ways to inspire, inform, encourage and motivate others and myself. My posts cover a wide spectrum of Lifestyle topics and the occasional humor piece. Remember this blog is Mirth and… Each post carries a Positive Motivation Tip and I connect each tip to some aspect of the post’s content. The tips can be found at the bottom of each post.
Occasionally, I might add a Mirthful Tip/Funny quote to a post. When I started writing this blog in 2008, my intention was to add a positive, informational, and inspirational note for the agents/managers/staff at work. Over time, it has taken on an eclectic, lifestyle vibe which is diverse and much appreciated by my readership. Since I don’t want us to forget that I write mirthful/humor posts too, (honestly, great humor is not easy to write), I’ve added a few below. Do check out the trackback humor pieces at the bottom of the page.
In October 2014, I took a leap and started my Motivation Mondays series. It was a leap of faith and, as I wrote on the first one called Motivation Mondays: Dream, I took Rumi’s advice to heart and went after those breeze at dawn secrets. Three hundred and thirteen (313 WoW!) posts later and growing, I am grateful for the support and revelations. Thank you everyone for your visits/comments/shares and love!
As I enter my 10th year as a blogger, I’m grateful for all the changes that have taken place on this blog. It has grown in leaps and bounds, had its share of hiccups, and is now monetized. I am grateful for all the help I’ve received from readers, WordPress Staff, BlogHer/SheKnows, SITSGirls, sponsors/brands, and the many visitors who’ve supported this blog over the years. On some levels, it has been incredibly demanding, however, I’ve come to realize that the best approach is to adopt a beginner’s mind and go with the flow. Life is about movement and adjusting to the ebb and flow of conditions.
Each year, I start anew on Mirth and Motivation by observing all that is going on around me. Doing that has helped me gain tremendous insight, set goals, and formulate plans for this blog. I am grateful for the lessons and blessings gained from my observations. Please Contact at contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com You may also connect with me by leaving a comment on a post and/or by connecting on Google++Elizabeth Obih-Frank, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. Thank You! Be Happy. Be A Blessing to Others. You Are A Blessing To Someone!
READ: Motivation Mondays: Food for Thought
Travel: Jaunt The World
Try The World: World Box Gift Of Gourmet Foods
Motivation Mondays: A Passion For BOOKS
Motivation Mondays: International Women’s Day #TimeisNow
Heart Matters: An Interview w/ Dr Gary H Gibbons of NHLBI
At The Met: The Incomparable Alexander McQueen Show – Savage Beauty…
Motivation Mondays: Earth Day for Environmental & Climate Literacy
Haiku: Climate Control & Change
Twelve Motivational Tips for the New Year…
SITSGirls Featured Blogger: WooHoo! My Special SITS Day!
Motivation Mondays: The United State Of Women #StateofWomen
Reflections: 20 Things I Wish I Knew About Blogging When I Started…
Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations – Exhibit Opens At The Met…
The MET: Rei Kawakubo & Irving Penn Exhibits
Vogue VIP Subscription: A Review
Heart Health: #WomensLives & Go Red For Women
Heart Matters: 7 Heart Healthy Tips
Perspective: The Happy Wanderer in Haiku
Haiku: Measure For Measure
Positive Motivation Tip: Be Happy. Be A Blessing to Others. You Are A Blessing To Someone!
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
By +Elizabeth Obih-Frank – Author
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Google+
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Very Cool!!!
Hello Ani,
Thanks for your visit. Please stop again and share your thoughts… Cheers, Eliz
Thanks again Anni,hope all is well
It is a pleasure to meet you. Your bio and website are
inspiring. Thank you
Thank you Tom for taking the time to stop by and leave a message… Do check in again and share your thoughts on my posts. 😉
What a cool blog! I’m going to be perusing your site!
You are always welcome! Stay a while next time and update us on the lovely days in East Texas.
WOW! Another person who works internationally–not sure what kind of a trainer you are but I work in international development in education and gender. As you well know if means a somewhat chaotic lifestyle. Actually, I’ve taken a long term project in Cairo, Egypt and am very much loving the stability even if my family (including my husband) are all in the US. Living overseas provides such a different perspective on life don’t you think? My kids grew up in Sub-Saharan Africa and it’s always been interesting to see how they navigated life because of that experience. Even when we lived in NOVA where there are lots of kids who’ve had int’l experiences teachers would comment on how socially aware ours were compared to other kids their age. I think it was because we were doing work in the grassroots and not living in the capital cities–there were no American schools or clubs memberships. They saw the reality of life for the folks living in those countries up close. Anyway, don’t want this to be a missive. Glad I stumbled unto your blog from SITS. I’ll be sure to drop by again and follow your thoughts here. dianeswords.wordpress.com
Hi Diane,
I’m glad we connected on SITS and continued our exchange here. Like you, my training experience is long and varied. I’ve taught at the university level, worked as a corporate trainer, a non-profit facilitator/trainer, a motivational coach/speaker and an independent consultant. It has been an exciting, albeit challenging, career path and I look forward to more opportunities to work in the field.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment… How are you doing? The last time I stopped by your blog, I couldn’t leave a comment. Do hope life is treating you with grace and that you are doing well in Egypt. How are things going there? Do stop by and update me when you can. 🙂
Cheers,
Eliz
so very nice of you to stop by and comment. much gratitude. rose is lucky to have you as a friend.
~annie
It’s a pleasure to connect with you too! Rose is such a dear lady.
We are all blessed to be friends. 🙂
Eliz
Eliz, you are the best!
Ditto! 🙂
you wrote:
I am partial to nonfiction especially autobiographies.
frizztext:
So am I.
topics: fathers, suicide, etc.
Yes, real life is so fascinating… most of the time 😉
Eliz
Thank you Elizabeth, for the comments you left on Leslee’s blog after she connected you with my blog. I am looking forward to going deeper into your work and teachings.
Thank you Walter, I look forward to seeing more of your art work. 🙂
Blessings,
Eliz
Excellent info over again! Thumbs up:)
Thanks for stopping by… I enjoyed my visit to your blog.
You have lovely photos and the wedding related stories are great 🙂
Eliz
How awesome it must be to have lived on 3 different continents. You’re able to draw from so many different cultures. I love that!
I’m so jealous that you grew up on three different continents. What an amazing experience! It’s always so fun to learn the reason behind the blog and more about the blogger behind it all.
This is a great breakdown of what you do and why. For a blog as personal as this one, I think that is really great. It’s lovely to see where you are coming from and how you’ve built your perspective. Love it!
It is always nice getting to know the person behind the blog. Your likes and motivation and why you blog.
I love the quote at the top of this post , “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” This is so true when you stop to think about it. If you’re always busy planning and worrying about the future, life will slip by and before you know it, years will have passed. I’ll have to remember this next time things get crazy and I forget to stop and just enjoy.
I love it too…perfect.
Thank you for this info, I am glad to know more. Every week I read you blog and every time I find something new. I really appreciate your work.
Your blog posts are always inspiring to me. So few people exude positivity as well as you do. Or as often. You are very well written, very kind and truly thoughtful. I’m glad to read and react with your blog and see a little more about you here. Keep up the great posts!
awesome.thank you! 🙂
Great to meet the woman behind the blog! You’ve been at this blogging thing for so long – it’s inspiring.
You got so many things, that must be feeling good. Awesome post and wish best luck in everything!
It;s nice to “meet” you! I love your blog. I love the positivity and motivation you put forth! We all know that everyone could use a little motivation every now and then.
Dang that’s amazing. You’ve been blogging for 10 years, I am almost at my one year mark. Crazy how supportive the blog and community is.
Great to get to know you a little better. Like you I too love to infuse humor into my posts, I try not to take anything too seriously. Life is too short!
So wonderful to meet you and get to know you better <3
You’re Blog makes me feel inspired always. Your motivational message so powerful. Thanks for sharing about your self so nice to know about you! keep more posting motivational post
It is nice to read about thoughts behind this beautiful journey you have started. May almighty give you all the strength to keep up this sincere work.
Amen.Thank you! <3
Ten years blogging! Wow, congrats! That’s twice as long as I have been at it – I always enjoy your thought-provoking and inspiring reads!
Wow! this is quite an insight about your blog. The best part about your blog is the positivism. I love the idea about motivational Monday, influences to be recharged and happy throughout the week.
Being exposed to different places especially when you are young is great for developing being opened minded. I agree about the other benefits you mentioned
My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me. Well, indeed it is! I have proven it countless of times. Family is life.
It is always great to know so much more about the person that is behind a blog. It was lovely to get to know about you 🙂
You have a wonderful and so motivating blog. I have read a few of your posts and always felt like I am ready and capable for great things.
Wow! you are such an interesting person and a fantastic woman! Loved reading more about yourself!
Wow! 10 years. That’s crazy! Good for you! How do you stay so motivated! Some days it gets hard and I struggle but I keep on trying. Nice to meet you!
Like you, I keep on trying… 🙂
I enjoyed reading your inspiration posts and keywords of the day! Thanks for your diligence in making us informed 😀
So cool! You’re such an inspiration!
So cool to read your backstory after having read so many of your blogs!
I have loved your work and the beauty of what you share for a long while now Elizabeth. Quite often I feel uplifted and feel I have a broader perspective after reading some of your posts. You always have something great to share that brightens my day and feeds my curiosity to learn more. I am so impressed you have crossed the 10 year mark as a blogger – that in itself is an impressive achievement. That speaks volumes to the quality you publish and to those who rightly appreciate what you have to share. Thank you and keep it up!
Appreciated… 🙂
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! That’s like an eternity in the online world. I love seeing people keep on keeping on and what can develop through commitment.
So fun to get to know a little bit more about you! I love your motivation mondays and especially the quotes and little stories that make you think. Keep up the great work!
I loved learning all those bits about you, your life and your background! thank you for sharing!
Oh I love learning about people! I am in my 10th year as well!
I would love to know what your favorite autobiographies have been and why. It’s not a genre I read a lot of. I am also an avid reader but tend to stick to fantasy, though I try very hard to branch out and read at least one book a month of another genre.
I will pull a list together…
This blog always leaves me feeling inspired. I love that there are different themes for the posts to make you think or feel something!
10 years as a blogger is such a big achievement! And you are doing so many things, how do you have time for all? I also love cooking and gardening, I find them very relaxing. It’s a nice break from the fast pace the life passes us by daily.
Hahaha… I don’t. I do a few at a time 🙂
I believe this is the first time I’ve lookedat your about page and I’ve been following your blog for some time now. Glad to learn more about you!
This is very cool! You have an awesome blog. I can’t wait to read more. Thank you for sharing.
It’s awesome that you have been blogging now for a decade! I hope you continue to blog for another one! 😀
What a great blog you created! Cheers to a 10 years of hard work and dedication!
I truly enjoyed reading your bio. Looking forward to getting to know you. 🙂
It’s great to read from an experienced blogger, and I love seeing your thoughts and intentions behind the blog!
Congratulations on ten years as a blogger! That is an amazing accomplishment. I think it’s so important to not only draw attention to important issues but also to do it with such positivity and grace.
It was nice getting to know the person behind this wonderful blog. I just love how passionate you are in writing your blog. This inspire me so much.
Hi Eliz! It was really great to know more about you. You are truly an inspiration in the world of blogging. It was a great milestone that you’ve come this far.
Your blog are like seriously motivation and I like reading them a lot. Thanks for sharing them.
Such a nice article to read and develop our well being. I love the motto your sharing to your blog that it’s just encouragement and not judge mental.
I love your Motivational Monday posts
As usual you know I love your site and the great thoughts. Keep up with your great work.
10 years of blogging is an amazing achievement. Well done , your conten5 is very inspiring and I get great motivation from it.you have a lovely blog.
I am a fan. Been reading your blog for a couple of months already and I just love it. Your posts are truly inspiring and most of the time are exact words or thoughts that I need to hear.
Whenever I come here, at what so ever mood, I leave motivated. 🙂
Great post 🙂
Cool info, As usual you never disappointed me!
Lovely quotes you’ve added. I always enjoy reading your posts.
I enjoyed reading this! I would love to work with you and collab with our blogs!
Send me an email…
Will do
I love that you incorporate something positive into each of your blog posts. You’re doing a great job brightening peoples’ days!
Nice to meet you. Cute photos.
I really enjoy your blog, especially your motivational mondays, it helps during the hard times, and I am glad that you started it, don’t stop, and continue working just like this 😉
I really love reading your article! I actually reading your posts they have a lot of postive thougnts and very inspriring
Your posts have inspired so many. I find myself a lot of encouragement words when going thru your posts. And congrats of your long blogging journey
This is very indepth information! love your post!
Great to get to know you better! I love your motivational mondays posts, keep em coming 🙂
I honestly love your blog. It is so inspiring and makes me want to continue on in my own blog journey.
Sounds like you are a busy mom like myself. Thanks for sharing your inspirational thoughts.
Nice to meet you! Enjoyed reading all about you!
Wow, I thought you are blogger. But I miss perception. I think you are professional people. I hope you can share your knowledge on your website frequently.
Thanks for sharing your about me page. I’ve seen very few with a place to comment and I’m happy for this opportunity to interact with you after you’ve revealed so much about your three continent journey.
I enjoy reading your blog. I find your posts very inspirational! I always love the photography and quotes that you include with each posts as well.
I do agree that you cannot judge others because you don’t know what it’s like to be in their shoes. Hear hear for 10 years of blogging!
It’s really great to know you more. 🙂 Thank you for sharing. I’m excited for more of your articles.
Impressive achievements you have for 10 years…. May you continue to be a blessing and an inspiration to others…..
I always enjoy the images you post, and the Motivational Monday articles and quotes too. It was nice reading about your journey.
I really love reading your blog and the thoughts they have are so meaningful. Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing about your self! ♥
Nice bio about yourself. Its inspiring
This page containt your bio, thank you for share it
Very nice to meet you! You and your blog definitely sound interesting. I’m looking forward to reading more!
thank you so much for sharing! i enjoy your blog very much!
Greatness is pouring down here on your website. Keep on posting informative articles please.
Love how you introduce yourself in this post 🙂
I really enjoy your posts. I am very much into positive thinking and gratitude and your blogs are perfect at encompassing these.
It’s amazing how you manage to motivate us every week
That’s great Elizabeth. It’s very interesting that you are also a NYS broker. Kudos!!
It was great to get to know you better Elizabeth. I am trying to learn yoga and meditation, too. Hope to learn from you 🙂
Hi Elizabeth. Love this blog, your posts are always so uplifting. No idea you have two but I would definitely check it out.
Yeah, I’m on hiatus from the second blog
Wow! 10 years! COngratulations. I am not sure if I will last that long. But wow. You are an inspiration. I have lived in 2 countries, and on April, we are moving to our 3rd country. whew. So i guess that’s one similarity. But it’s really great to know you.
Likewise …my fellow wanderlust. 🙂
I love that your interests keep you writing. You have great content. Thank you for ur dedication.
happy 10th year … i believe that your goal to inspire, inform, encourage and motivate others are successful….
It’s great to find out more about you… it sounds like you have a very busy and fulfilling life!
Nice concept of the about page so readers can meet you and connect with you better. I love motivation post because it make you feel better.
I love your advise for being a blogger! I never thought about developing a beginners mindset to go with the flow!
I love this blog! It’s so nice to see so much positivity. Thank you for spreading positivity and happiness 🙂
I like reading your content coz its all very information! Good for references 😀
WOW! 10 years as a blogger – that is an awesome milestone to reach – happy first decade! And 313 MM posts? I knew you’d been doing them for awhile, but didn’t realize it was that many – that is so impressive!
Awesome to get to read more about who is behind Motivation Mondays, you have such a great blog!
WOW! You literally do it all. You are the real definition of a super mom!! I love both of your blogs!!
Not all at once..hahaha
I always love the about me sections on blogs. It is great to know the person writing. How amazing that you have been blogging for 10 years! You are definitely quite busy. I always enjoy your posts! I also love to cook as a way to relax!
Wow! 10 years! Quite a milestone. Congratulations 💕 it’s nice to get to know you better! You are a superwoman balancing all of those interests and responsibilities! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hahaha…superwoman? Nyet! 🙂
You have a very interesting biodata! you have done so many interesting things along the way!
You’ve grown and I’m here wanting to be like you. Your posts always come at the right time. The quotes and how you contextualise it are amazing. Thanks for doing this.
Grateful for all the feedback from everyone. Thanks all
Oh, congratulation on your 10th anniversary! I am really impressed when someone can regularly continue their blogging passion 😀
It’s been a long and arduous road. TY! 🙂
This was wonderful! What a neat way to introduce yourself to your readers. Thank you for sharing about yourself and your life’s journey!
I love how you continue inspires us with your writing. My week is not complete without reading your blog.
Staying open and flexible is so important! You never know where life might take you if you just let it.
I never knew so much about you! Ten years is a long time! I used to blog in middle school… I love writing!
You have to live today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Great post
ive said it before and i’ll say it again – i am always excited to read your blog. You inspire me and motivates me. i take note of positive things and quotes you mentioned in your blog.. Congratulations for reaching 10 years.. and thanks for letting us get to know you more with this post.
Thank you for your kind words. Blogging/writing can be a lonely endeavor, but it is worth it.
How incredibly lucky you are to have been able to grow up with that much culture in your life. I love your blog. You always seem to have some tidbit that brightens my day or really just resonates with me. Kudos!
I’m definitely inspired by readers and writers like you
Wow 10 years of blogging! That’s amazing well done!
I’m just finishing my first year now and it’s been an amazing journey already!!
Debs
Congrats too!
Great to get to know the woman behind the Monday Motivation posts a bit better. And blogging for 10 years! That’s an impressive accomplishment. Congratulations!
Thank you Luci!
I Love gardening too-it’s one of my most favourite hobbies! I love how focused I can get and the day just slips away:) I only wish the growing season was longer!!
Same here… I don’t garden as much as I used to but I still enjoy doing the gardening I can do
I am glad I stopped by to read this Your profile is very inspirational and it is so great to know you behind Monday Motivation
So simple sentence YET full of meaning. You can actually interpret it yourself depending on how you see it. Nice.
So great to see that you are so positive and try to inspire people – I have always been a positive person too and hope to be able to teach this to my granddaughter of 3 too 🙂
Thank you. We all have our moments and off days, but I enjoy the positive approach more.
Lovely to see a bit of you and to connect with your inner feelings, adventures and motivation. 🙂
I always love getting to know the person behind the writing. It really helps to a more full view of what is being written.
Having been a reader of your work for some time now, I do appreciate the effort you put in and the material you find to share with your readership. This is the first time I have read more ‘about’ you as a blogger and your varied background. It is always great to find a fellow traveller and one that has also been exposed to living in different cultures. I am pleased to have read and understood a lot more about the person behind the blog.
Thank you Nicole.The sentiments are mutual. I enjoy your writings very much too.
I love reading your posts. I also believe in the power of positive thinking and affirmations too.
Thanks for your weekly posts about motivations. I enjoy reading the different themes and I been inspired by your writings!
It was good to know about you and motivational for a new blogger like me
You are such an inspration. I ahve been following you for years and I just love reading your blog and it gives me so much inspiration and motivation in life.
Great Blog . thanks for sharing such an informative tips.