1

“You have the power over your mind,

First Things, First not outside events. Realize this, and
you will find strength.”
– Marcus Aurelius
The Power Begins With Your “Why”
2004 2005

2005

2000 2007

2004

Where to begin???? tant as the hidden gifts they gave me.

That’s right, I said gift. They were the pow-
I suppose from the beginning... erful catalysts necessary to discovering
me and shifting my own energy and creat-
My personal journey has been a bumpy
ing a life I love that thrives in every way.
ride...including sexual and emotional
abuse, depression, obesity (don’t worry
My experiences helped me design my life
this isn’t another weight loss story...), self-
to include deeper and more meaningful re-
hatred, demoralizing relationships (particu-
lationships, expanded thinking, and defi-
larly with narcissists), years of poor health,
nitely more joy.
and countless surgeries.

Please don’t misinterpret my definition of

Details about who, what, when and where gift. I wouldn’t wish my experiences on
these experiences occurred isn’t as impor- anyone. They sucked and they nearly killed

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 2

 me. But as you continue to read this book, you’ll see why
they were also so very powerful, too. For maximum power to
catapult ahead in life successfully, you must be pulled back
equally as far. This is why a breakdown so often precedes the
breakthrough.

Late into my 30s, I began a concentrated search for a happier

life. I hit a lot of dead ends and made many mistakes (also
I used to think that I known as growth opportunities). My search led me down a
changed, but the truth road that literally brought me to my knees. The thought of me
is, personal not being around to watch my kids grow up shook me to my
development is about core. Without answers, I was forced to have faith in the only
finding your authentic thing I knew best – me.
you, the real you
before all that shit After multiple doctor visits and no real answers, I decided that
happened in your life. the many years of researching and writing about personal de-
velopment, healing and the Law of Attraction were going to be
put to the test and I was going to be the one to test them. I’m
so glad I did because it brought me back to life. Not just any
life, either – an improved quality of life. A life filled with more
joy and passion, less stress and improved health. A spiritual
journey took over it changed everything.

I used to think that I changed, but

the truth is, personal development
is about finding your authentic
you, the real you before all that
shit happened in your life.

All that shit is also the catalyst

that helped me embrace and un-
derstand my empathic and intui-
tive side eventually leading me to
my soul's purpose to help others
thrive at life, too...
Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 3
Does it mean my life is perfect? Yes and ment" I’ve expanded my learning just a lit-
no. I choose to view every "issue" as an tle bit more.
opportunity for growth. You know, life hap-
pens and you get to decide how you want My life's purpose is to help you open the
to live it and how you want to feel about it. doors WIDE and welcome abundance and

I choose to celebrate life and thrive...and if joy and love...and to live life fulfilled in

you like what I have to offer, I presume every way.

you'll keep reading, and learning (and

more important) apply what I’m going to
share with you in this ebook.

I believe there are a lot of you out there,

like me – ACHING FOR MORE – wanting a
life that includes more passion, joy and ful-
fillment on a deeper level. I'm still on my
beautiful life journey and I don't expect it
to ever end.

I've been a personal development writer

for the better part of 10 years, my voice,
articles and graphics have captured the at-
Before we get going on the real reason you
tention of the experts and professionals in
got this book, it’s important that I take a
the industry. As an independent thinker
moment to thank my beautiful little Flynn
and an avid reader... I've connected with a
Clan: Eric, my husband, who doesn’t al-
variety of other healers, teachers, coaches
ways get why I do what I do, but has
and authors. I have researched a plethora
trusted to just let me be me and then ex-
of information about energy, energy heal-
plore the journey along with me. Every
ing, spirituality, Law of Attraction, heart-
high and low has given us opportunities to
centered entrepreneurship, relationships,
grow. I bet you didn’t see this coming did
personal development, parenting, affirma-
you? Thank you for sticking with me my
tions and I find that there is still so much
love.
more to learn (thank goodness!!). It's what
keeps life exciting...and with each "aha mo-

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom

4
My babies, Nina and Kyle. There’s nothing
more that I wish for you both than to live
authentic lives thriving and loving the jour-
ney you’re each on. May you both innately
know that struggle is only part of your indi-
vidual life stories and that you can and will
overcome, move and grow beyond meas-
ure if you trust in you and your own heart,
first. The best way I can teach you is if you
experience and see me doing it myself.
You are my loves, my treasure, my BIG-
GEST reason why I do what I do.

To the reader, if you’re feeling like, “Come

on Maria, get on with it...” I HEAR YOU. I
easily get bored, too, but some readers
want to know who is writing this book and
why.

Now we move on to what YOU’LL get

out of this book and finding the power
behind your “why.”

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom

5
2
Staying In The Comfort "Seeking comfort is dangerous. It leads
to being fat, being broke, and staying

Zone Is Dangerous in relationships with no passion. Com-

fort is a padded cell."
—Sean Stephenson
 If life has taught me one big thing it’s this.... staying in the com-
fort zone is dangerous. It’s what builds walls, deep fears, im-
mobility, stress and disease. It’s why you’re most likely feeling
stuck (in any area of your life).

That being said, sharing the photos of myself in this book took
tremendous courage on my part. Yeah...believe it or not, I
STRONGLY DISLIKE cameras. There are only a few family pic-

I hated myself, and tures of myself with my children when they were young. Find-
ing pictures to share with you was difficult.
any mirror or picture
that reflected back to
I hated myself, and any mirror or picture that reflected back to
me all that I despised. me all that I despised. I thought I was destined to live suffer-
ing, aching, sad, and underserving of love and understanding.

I did my best to “fit in” and “conform” and create the life I was
supposed to have with the hope that “happily ever after”
would eventually make its way.

I built a successful career...

I found a loving husband ...

We have two beautiful children...

I became a stay-at-home mom...

As life progressed, massive depression and panic attacks fol-

lowed.

I still don’t like looking at the pictures I’m choosing to share

only because it reminds me of a very sad time that I kept to
myself. I didn’t want to burden my husband or my friends
about the suffering I was feeling.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 7

I thought for sure, what I felt was too much sions that executed my sense of explora-
for any one person to handle. I was barely tion to new ways of thinking and doing. It
handling it myself. inspired more adventures, deeper spiritual-
ity, multiple “aha” moments, and personal
The more I attempted to “do what was fulfillment!
right and expected” (by who’s measures, I
don’t know...family...society...??) and cre- What?
ate a comfortable life with all the pieces in
Before you go thinking this book is about
place—the worse I felt.
leaving the church to get “unstuck” ... NO!
I became sadder. This is about pushing your way OUT of the
comfort zones you believe are helping you
I became fatter. (whatever they may be) and finding new
perspective, understanding, healing and
And my health suffered, a lot.
YES...creating new experiences you actu-
Much like many others in 2006, I got wind ally WANT.
of the movie, The Secret. I watched and
Comfort Zones Are Dangerous!
was completely engaged and found myself
wanting to learn more. Comfort Zones represent settling for less
than what you desire and deserve whether
I studied some of the teachers from The
you realize it or not.
Secret individually. From there, I began a
journey that put EVERYTHING I had ever Staying in comfort zones represents lazy
done and believed in into serious question. to me because that’s who I was...

Doing something different meant moving Lazy in thinking, feeling and action...
out of the comfort zone I ostensibly cre-
ated for myself. Lazy because I never challenged myself to
think, feel and be more...
Long story short, I left the church and relig-
ion behind (by the way I was raised strict I also didn’t know any different or any bet-
Catholic from a Chilean Spanish speaking ter. Now I do and I’m sharing what I’ve
home. I didn’t know there was another learned with you.
way to believe). This one (of many) deci-

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 8

Comfort zones THWART anything you ever As your skill level increases, so does your
want to experience. potency!

Your comfort zone (created by your mind

space) falsely leads you to think you’ll ex-
perience minimal stress and little risk...but
that doesn’t equate to joy and fulfillment.
Not even close!

In fact, while you might experience less

stress in the short-term—in the long run,
you’ll be outplayed and outgrown by the
world and the people around you. Staying
in your comfort zone will keep you stag-
nant and stuck. If you think joy and fulfill-
ment follow stagnant and stuck, I beg you
to think again.

Several psychological studies now prove

that challenging yourself can produce
some AMAZING results.

This is not the same as stressing yourself

out so much that you become ill and inca-
pacitated. It’s about pushing your comfort
levels safely and just enough that your
mental and physical capabilities reach new
and improved skill levels.

Experiencing new accomplishments lead

you to that “can do” attitude and it opens
the door to new learning and improved lev-
els of living and thriving each time you
choose to push past your comfort zone.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 9

 JOURNAL
Where are some areas in my life where I have settled for less than what I deserve? What do I do simply
because it’s comfortable?

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom

10
7 Massive Finds When You Push Past Your
Comfort Zone

It is without a doubt that once I pushed and WHAT there is to be gained by pushing
past my comfort zones (even just a little bit) yourself (even just a little bit).
that I discovered new ways of thought, feel-
ing, action, and RESULTS that I experi- 1. Comfort Zones Kill Ambition. If you’re
enced a deep hunger for more... a lot more! doing just enough to get by, well then
guess what? You’ll get just enough to get
In fact, my brave meter increased each time by, too. If this sounds awesome to you,
with each little “experiment” I gave myself then please do us all a favor and don’t com-
to do (we’ll get to that in the next chapter). plain when you’re just not satisfied with
your job, your home, your friends, your love
Right now, it’s important to recognize WHY
life, your (fill in any area of life you can
comfort zones are extremely dangerous
think of here).

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 11

 By pushing past your comfort zones (even in small ways)
you’ll produce results. Those results may surprise you and
you’ll want to continue to see similar results in other areas of
your life, too—making you more productive, creative, smarter
and sexy.

By pushing past your comfort zones your life will shift from me-
diocre living and numbness to curiosity about life and new ad-
ventures. Which naturally leads you to the next point...
By pushing past
your comfort zones
2. Discover your “it” factor. Think about the ambitious peo-
(even in small ways)
ple you know or people you admire. Their energy likely
you’ll produce doesn’t bring you down. Quite the opposite, there’s something
results. Those very sexy about them, yes? Call it “mojo” or the “it factor”... I
results may surprise can confidently say it has little to do with how they look and
you and you’ll want everything to do with who they are and what they are actively
to continue to see doing.
similar results in
other areas of your This “it” factor attracts more of what you want to you, too. As
life, too—making you your energy and vibration increases it attracts more of what it
more productive, matches to you. This is Law of Attraction 101.
creative, smarter and
You, too, can bring this out in yourself by pushing past your
sexy.
own comfort zones. I believe it.

3. Creativity will take on a new meaning unique to you.

Creativity isn’t just meant for artists and musicians. Every sin-
gle one of us has a spark of creativity and genius within us
and by pushing past your comfort zone, you’re tapping into
creative thinking, solution thinking and “out of the box” think-
ing.

You’ll tap into creative ways to approach life unique to you.

New ideas will flow through you and your enthusiasm to ex-

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 12

periment, test, refine, rethink and redo in- By pushing past comfort zones, you’ll be-
creases and so creativity is also coming come familiar with what solution and prob-
from you. This is how I found my passion lem solving feels like. Eventually, you’ll in-
and my purpose. By tapping into creativ- nately shift your mind and move yourself in
ity, you tap into the highest part of your- that direction.
self—aligned with the Universe or your
Creator. Creator and creative have the Practice. Practice. Practice.

same root word, “crea” (to CREATE). Coin-

5. Crushing comfort zones now creates
cidence? I don’t think so.
bigger opportunities for yourself in the fu-
ture. That’s right, you’ll get your brave on
“Creativity begins with an affinity for some-
each time you crush a comfort zone. You’ll
thing. It’s like falling in love.” —Howard
shift from needing to plan everything to
Gardner
death or (falsely) wait for the “right time” to
now understanding what healthy risk-taking
4. Purposefully pushing past comfort
feels like, and you’ll enjoy the adventure
zones NOW makes it easier getting
ahead by just going for it. You won’t shy
through unexpected struggle LATER.
away from opportunities that show up. In-
Simply put, the more you practice applying
stead, you’ll dive in and trust in you, your
your creative juices to push past self-
ability, and your creativity to figure it out.
created limiting beliefs now, then (over time)
you’ll naturally focus your energy on solu-
One of my favorite quotes is from Sir Rich-
tion oriented thinking versus succumbing
ard Branson, “If someone offers you an
and drowning in problems. The more you
amazing opportunity and you’re not sure
get comfortable with being uncomfortable
you can do it, say yes - then learn how to
then when uncomfortable shows up unex-
do it later.” Every time I read that quote I
pectedly you’ll manage it so much better.
smile to myself. I’m reminded of the times
I’ve immediately said YES and just went for
Listen.... shit will show up in your life and
it and the amazing adventure that followed.
some of it will suck beyond measure. But,
the bottom line here is, you’ll be able to 6. Confidence aligns with joy. By pushing
manage it much better for yourself. past comfort zones, you’ll naturally begin
to build your self-confidence and by de-

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 13

fault feel better about yourself and experi-
ence increased joy.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is

when you shift from mediocre living to thriv-
ing in life. You’ll walk a little bit taller and
give off that special energy. It’s that mojo
that is so attractive and sexy.

7. Personal fulfillment. The more you

push past comfort zones the happier you
are with you, the more confident you’ll feel
and pretty soon, you’ll be searching for
ways to not only challenge yourself, but
purposely challenge yourself in the areas
of life most meaningful to you.

You’ll become less tolerant of the things

that strip you away from living the life you
want and you’ll harness what you value
most.

You’ll expand beyond measure and experi-

ence personal fulfillment that’s yours and
yours alone.

By relying less and less on other people

and things you thought were making you
happy...you’ll feel a deeper sense of satis-
faction created by you exclusively for you.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 14

3
“The beginning is the most important
Clarity, Desire and part of the work”
– Plato

Getting Un-funked
 The beginning is the beginning and as much as you and me
want to get past it and move on to greener pastures—unless
the beginning is given it’s day to showcase all of it’s ugly
twists and turns...it’ll just keep showing up again and again
wanting us to take notice in other ways.

“What you resist, persists.” —Carl Jung

Before we dive in to the single most helpful personal develop-

Feeling stuck, ment exercise I’ve ever practiced that produced real and posi-
trapped and tive results in my ability to move forward in my life with greater
imprisoned by your joy, you have to go backwards, first.
circumstances are
(more often than not) If you’re feeling stuck, there’s no doubt that you’ve felt this
created and way for some time. Otherwise, why are you reading this?
exacerbated by your
own fears and Feeling stuck, trapped and imprisoned by your circumstances
doubts, thought are (more often than not) created and exacerbated by your
patterns and habits. own fears and doubts, thought patterns and habits.

It’s quite possible that if you’ve grown up in an unhealthy envi-

ronment—that those limited and depressed feelings may have
been imposed on you. Until you’re ready (and I sincerely hope
you’re ready now), you’ve had no way of knowing different or
better.

Nonetheless, one thing’s for sure…

You’re here now…reading this book.

Will you continue to read it with an open mind for something

different?

Are you willing to let one exercise digest with you?

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 16

Better yet…are you willing to actually give Most people are VERY CLEAR about
it a try? what’s wrong, what’s bad, and what the
problems are.
Do you want something different? Some-
thing better? Ask them what’s right, what’s good, and
what they’ve overcome and you’ll likely get
I believe there are other options and possi-
a pause (often a long pause) while they sit
bilities when you’re willing to step outside
and think about it before they answer.
of the arbitrary feelings you’ve attached (or
were taught to attach) to your circum- Is this you? It was me...but once I figured it
stances. out, my life transformed and I even moved
on to build a spiritual and healing practice.
Feelings are feelings—coming from you
I realized (very quickly) that client after cli-
and working through you—creating a
ent after client was in the same place I
world defined by you. This is your belief
once was. They were expertly clear on
system…your mindset.
what was wrong!
Breaking free from the feelings of stuck
and mental self-imprisonment must in- I must have shared this one exercise with
clude changing your mindset and refram- literally hundreds of people, most of whom
ing your thought process and creating a came back with “aha” moments and who
new belief system—eventually giving way had finally been able to move out of their
to you experiencing something new and im- funk, push past some comfort zones and
proved. And yes...even joy and freedom. ultimately realize an improved state of be-
ing.
My biggest discovery in my personal devel-
opment journey is that many (myself in- What a relief!
cluded at the time) are so wrapped up in
You see, being clear only on what’s wrong
what is wrong that what is right (or even a
robs you of real desire because you’re so
little bit better) is hardly ever in their realm
focused on lack, suffering, and problems
of thinking.
that you continuously widen the gap be-
That’s right, ask people what’s wrong and tween you and what you really want.
they’ll answer you almost immediately.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 17

However, when you properly understand
what’s wrong, you can use it to propel you
forward. Remember, what I said about
catapults in the first chapter?

For maximum power to catapult ahead in

life successfully, you must be pulled back
equally as far.

There is value in what’s wrong, you just

have to know how to use its power.

18
Finding Value In What’s Wrong: An Exercise
That Changed My Life FOREVER

We’ve talked about mindset. We’ve talked intuitive, I know, but stick with me here.
about the dangers of comfort zones. Remember the catapult analogy? The
We’ve talked about everything you gain by power in the catapult is stored up in the
safely pushing past your comfort zones. tension...and in this case, what’s wrong.
You have to give what’s wrong the time
You know that continuous complaining
it deserves in a healthy manner to pro-
and negative inner self talk will only give
pel you forward.
you the same issues and the less than fa-
vorable experiences over and over again.
It’s time to close the “what’s wrong” chap-
ter by utilizing what’s wrong in a healthy
Now, we’re going to start at the beginning
way, finding value in it, and then moving
and give space to what’s wrong. Counter-
yourself in a new and positive direction.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 19

 Trust In Your
Story And Surrender
How often are you managing, manipulating, forcing an
agenda, and controlling everything around you? Are you tell-
ing your story (or any story) the way you think people want to
know it fearing they might not like the real you? By doing so
much management, you’ve not given space for your authentic
Any and every action self to shine.
TOWARD what you
Surrendering can give you the ability to reframe your mind al-
want will always take
most immediately. Switch how you see your own story from
you farther and
any past or present experience and circumstances from hap-
closer to your desire
pening to you and consider why it’s happened for you. What
than staying stuck
did it teach you? Better yet, grab a journal and let’s go
ever will.
straight to the exercise that changed my life FOREVER!

Grab A Journal And Make A List

Give yourself the time and space to consider what you don’t
like about your experience. Make a list of everything you
hate about your story and your experience. Make a list from 1
to 101 (or more or less...some of us have a lot of shit we went
through).

Take your time and get it all out—write it all down. Then imme-
diately turn around and think about the extreme opposite of
everything on that list. Now write it down to the right of
“what’s wrong.”

You see, by surrendering to “what is” and giving it space (I call

it, its final resting space), you’ve also created a second list of
the things you really DO want (which is the opposite of the

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 20

things you don’t want anymore). By creating a list of things that you don’t
want or that you don’t like...and then turn-
Think about it, all the things that are mak- ing around and writing the complete oppo-
ing you miserable are simply making you site of that, you’ve immediately navigated
miserable because they are subcon- your energy and attention toward what
sciously hurting you to know that you actu- you want.
ally want the opposite of the things and ex-
periences that caused you pain. (Read You’ve literally shifted your energy and at-
that paragraph again and digest it for a tention toward the direction you want—
few minutes). putting you in the driver’s seat.

Your new list (the opposite of what’s More than that, your desire is recharged
wrong) are the qualities and experiences now and able to work toward what you
you can work toward. You see, your past want verses focusing on problems. You al-
experience(s) taught you exactly why you ready know that telling the same old story
want to work toward them. That in itself is to yourself keeps you sitting stagnant or
hugely valuable to you. drowning in the problems—thinking, feel-
ing and acting from a place of lack and
As a side note, I’ve often found that amaz- stuck.
ing parents arise because of troubled child-
hoods. It was their experience growing up Getting TO what you want means getting
that ultimately motivated them to create creative, taking baby steps, pushing past
the environment they not only like, but boundaries and comfort zones to get
LOVE and continuously nurture and treas- there. Even an inch toward what you
ure. It’s these amazing parents who re- want will always be better than feeling
framed their experience in order to experi- stuck.
ence something valuable and meaningful
with their own children. Zero-in on one thing on that list that you
want to make a priority and make it so. For
But, let’s be realistic, too, problems will al- example, if you wrote that you hate being
ways arise, and you can either focus on the a wimp and you want to be more confi-
problem or use your energy to focus on dent, then think and do the things confi-
their solutions. dent people you admire do. Dress more

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 21

like them and even talk more like them. Awkward Is Included
Ask yourself, “How would a confident per-
(At No Extra Cost)
son respond?”, “What would a confident
person say?” and then do it. Listen, you’re not going to be flawless try-
ing new ways of thinking and doing right
In the first chapter, I talked about my away. You’ll fumble and feel awkward.
health and not knowing if I would be You’ll even talk yourself out of trying new
around to watch my kids grow up. I hated things—perhaps convince yourself that it’s
illness and the direct opposite of that was just not worth it.
good health. I focused on that. I asked
questions like, “Would a healthy person STOP.
eat salad or a second helping of pasta?”
You are worth every investment of time
and then I chose and acted in healthy
and effort. It’s up to you to shape and
ways in every way, every day as often as I
mold you. It’s up to you to create the life
could. When your desire becomes a prior-
and experience you want, desire and DE-
ity you work it into your life every way you
SERVE.
can. Even my passwords included healthy
words in them. I chose to wear more New things and change have a way of mak-
greens because that color represented ing us feel awkward and dumb, at first, but
good health and it was the color for Arch please go back to Chapter 2 of this book
Angel Raphael, the angel known for heal- and remind yourself why staying in your
ing. Thinking of creative ways to take ac- comfort zone is ultimately a very danger-
tion (with intention toward what I wanted ous place to be.
to experience) were actively present in
every way I could think of it. The awkwardness will pass the more you
practice this exercise. Once you get good
You may think that this is over simplifying at it, move on to the next thing on your list
what some may think as “grave” circum- and so on, and so on.
stances. I can tell you it is not. Any and
Stay committed to being consistent with it.
every action TOWARD what you want will
One try is not enough. Hell... 3 tries isn’t
always take you farther and closer to your
enough, either. You’ve got to stay consis-
desire than staying stuck ever will.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 22

tent as much as you possibly can (and ate opportunities more than any excuse
then some). ever will.

One healthy meal doesn’t make for a

healthy body. Same is true for whatever it
is that you want in your life. You’ve got to
work at it.

Get your creative juices flowing about how

you can actively work toward what you
want. Have fun with it! As long as your fo-
cus is away from the problem and toward
the desire...you’re on the right track.

The results that show up for you over time

will be enough to inspire you to keep it up
and keep it going. You’ll want more and
make more happen because the results
will feel so good.

One last thing...if (and only if) the results

aren’t exactly what you expected. Then
chalk it up to gathered information.

DON’T use the unexpected results as an

excuse to quit. Nope... not allowed. :)

DO be aware of what you’re learning about

yourself and how you feel. Just like any ex-
pert in anything...the way to get to expert
level is to analyze it, adjust it, refine it and
keep on going.

Being more aware of your awareness will

always strengthen your foundation and cre-

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 23

 JOURNAL
List of things I DON’T want, DON’T desire, and List of thing I DO want, DO desire, and DO
DON’T deserve...This is what’s wrong: deserve...This is what I want:

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom

24
There’s More... There’s ALWAYS More!

As you begin to flow your energy and atten- you. But...there’s more, there’s always
tion toward what is more desirable then more!
your energetic momentum will build up tak-
ing you where you want to go. But you Here’s another little golden nugget I
have to give it time. learned along the way...

Listen, by the time I figured this out I was The Universe supports you in every way.

late into my 30s. I had built up a momen-

She’s been supporting you all along!
tum of 30+ years of negative thinking, feel-
ing and doing before I decided to change If you expected bad luck...did you get it?
it. I’m now broaching 50 and feeling pretty
darn confident about what I’m sharing with If you expected not to win...did you?

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 25

 Isn’t wild how whatever you worried about is also what you
eventually experienced? That’s no accident. That’s the Uni-
verse supporting your thoughts and feelings and actions.

BOOM!

Proof the Law of Attraction is supporting you. What more do

you need? :)

As you begin to flow So, now you’re simply deconstructing old habits and recon-
your energy and structing your new and improved “energetic vibe.”
attention toward
Be patient and loving and nurturing with yourself. Trust in you
what is more
because YOU know YOU best. Who can help you, better than
desirable then your
you can help yourself?
energetic momentum
will build up taking
4 Ways To Accelerate Your Energetic Mojo
you where you want
to go. 1. Quality Over Quantity. Remember Jim Rohn’s quote, “You
are the average of the five people you spend the most time
with.” I have found this to be true and I’m extremely selective
about who is in my inner circle.

I say, INVEST your time wisely and seek the circles that sup-
port you where you’re going. Personally, professionally and
even online (there are plenty of groups and communities
where you can find support and nourish your energy with the
people on the same journey as you. It’s one of the reasons
why I created OneWiseLife.com and its online tribe over on
Facebook.

Switching things up with your circle of friends or family isn’t

about loving anyone less. I’m not suggesting to excommuni-
cate yourself from anyone...but perhaps consider managing
your time with them a little bit more thoughtfully. It’s about lov-

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 26

ing YOU and living by example. The more want to go? DEFINITELY. If you invest
you show up as your best you, then you money on fancy coffees, wines, or weekly
can more easily help others, too. restaurant outings, manicures and pedi-
cures, why wouldn’t you invest in a course
2. Be Both Student and Teacher. You are or a group that could help you positively
learning new ways and I have found that
change your life?...Yep, that’s a win!
one of the best ways to accelerate my jour-
ney is to also teach or share what I’ve
4. Trust The Universe. Trust The Proc-
learned with others who may be able to
use some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned ess. This has been my motto for nearly 10
along the way. years now. I say it to myself especially
when awkward and uncomfortable rears
The more your mind is focused on learning its ugly face. I commit to my commit-
and teaching, the more you’ll be able to ments, adjust them as I see fit, and trust
discipline your thoughts. And as an added that the pieces will land exactly where they
bonus, you’re also giving back in the most are supposed to. I keep it simple and
positive way by helping others. That’s a never over-explain myself to anyone not
win-win!
really interested in me (my growth is ulti-
3. Accountability Partners Rock. Be it mately my business and I’m the
coach, teacher, friend, or group...if they are Commander-in-Chief).
there to help you show up and be
accountable...that’s a win! People around you will be uncomfortable
with your changes. They’ll tease, poke fun
If they help you find new and improved per- and if they’re really good...they’ll make sure
spective on your struggle...that’s a win! you know you screwed up and remind you
of it time and time again. I think it’s a test
If they help you push past comfort zones from the Universe asking, “How bad do you
safely...that’s a win! really want this?” I’m convinced of it.

If they are there to celebrate your every That being said, Trust the Universe, Trust
win...that’s definitely a win! the Process. If people show up as they
are, believe them. Be grateful they’ve ex-
Is it worth investing in a course or group posed their feelings and personalities to
dedicated to helping you get where you

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 27

you. You can go back to point number 1 in process, too. Be grateful in the way peo-
this chapter, Quality Over Quantity, and ple show up (however they show up) and
make the adjustments as you see fit. that will help you refine and define point
number 1, Quality Over Quantity.
I remember Rev. Michael Beckwith, a
teacher from The Secret and Founder of
the Agape International Spiritual Center
saying in an interview once (I don’t recall
his exact words) but it was something to
the effect of, when we choose to make our
life better, and begin to live by example,
then we are also reminding others of what
they are not doing. “Mediocrity will always
attack excellence” and that is a sign you’re
on the right track.

Keep on trucking...because you are not

only living by example, you are an exam-
ple of possibilities. Living less than what
you are capable of does nothing by way of
helping the world.

You can do great things and that is your

gift, your talent, your reason for being
here. How you do great things is com-
pletely up to you. The ways are infinite. I
do know this, however, living anything
less than what you’re capable of doesn’t
help, doesn’t heal, doesn’t do anything
but keep you running in place.

Trust the Universe. Trust the Process...and

while I’m at it, Trust the Universe’s filtering

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 28

4
“Don’t crack up. Bend your brain. See
both sides. Throw off your mental
What I Want For You... chains.”
– Howard Jones
 Here it is...my ebook! My wish is that it answers the many
questions I get from the beautiful people all over this globe I
receive almost every single day. Many write to me feeling
stuck, alone, confused, and unable to see the light because of
their present life circumstances.

I was there once, too and this book is simply my experience

with one exercise I learned nearly 10 years ago. It is the one
exercise that has helped me in every way.
What I want for you
is to release those It’s my go-to exercise when I struggle to see the light.
energetic mental
chains and start It has shifted me from struggle and confusion to clarity and
living life fulfilled. connection to the things I want.

I am not a coach.

I am not a doctor.

I am not certified in any way to help you.

I can only share with you what I’ve learned. I’ve shared this ex-
ercise with a countless number of people...and those who
have taken it to heart have found healing from it.

You can experience an improved quality of life (even in a small

way if that’s all you have room for right now). On the other
side of comfort zones lies possibilities, adventures, opportuni-
ties, excitement and yes...even nervousness (but the good
kind that get you going).

Safely choose how you’ll push past your comfort zones and
remember that your actions do impact others. How they
choose to handle it is their responsibility, not yours.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 30

Keep this book handy (especially when
you feel like quitting). Go back to the chap-
ters that will help you stay on track and fo-
cused TOWARD what you want.

Nothing is set in stone, and as you work

through pushing past your comfort zones
remember that you can adjust, refine and
re-do as often as you deem necessary.
You are the boss!

What I want for you is to release those en-

ergetic mental chains and start living life ful-
filled. Life is absolutely amazing! But the
truth is, what I want doesn’t really matter.
In the end, it’s about what you really want.

Enjoy, explore...expand,

IMPORTANT: Maria Flynn is not a licensed professional. This book is written with the intention to share based
on her own personal experience. Before doing anything, please seek a professional.

Copyright 2016 Maria Flynn | Funk To Freedom 31