How to get more of what you want

And a big announcement

I’m delivering an easy, fun read this week, inspired by my little Lulu, and hoping to put a smile on your face. But before I do…

The big announcement!

Did you know, Life Intelligence turned 2 recently? 🎂
What a smart baby this is!!! It’s trained me to write on schedule. Has it trained you to look in your email every Wednesday, too? If so, you’re getting more life-intelligent one Wednesday at a time! All around, a win-win situation. Newbies, see below!

And… you can read Life Intelligence on the Substack app. Check it out.

What’s changing?

Introducing paid subscriptions. $8/month or $80/year. Going up to $10/month and $100/year for all new subscribers after November 1. The early birds get 20% off the worm. So, lock your low subscription rate and you’ll be grandfathered (or grandmothered) in.

BUT!!!

There will be a referral program so you can earn free access! More on that next week. Stay tuned in.

Why change?

The simple answer is that money pays bills and buys stuff I need to live and indulge my dog. It takes a lot of time to put these posts together. I think, re-think, write and re-write. And then, I get emails and comments I read and address. I like those. At least, I know someone’s reading. Send more! LOL.

Up until now, I’ve been making a donation option available with every post. I have a few regulars who make me feel appreciated. I really appreciate you, too, guys and gals! But sooo many (as in almost all) ride the free train.

I think the subscription thing will work more equitably. If you decide to become a paid subscriber, a HUGE thank you ahead of time. I do not hold it against anyone for not paying, for canceling, or for unsubscribing. I’m as annoyed as you are that everything’s a subscription these days. I spend all kinds of cash on subscriptions. But here we are.

Ain’t that America!

It’s not all about the money, because, well, I won’t be making very much. I pay a 15% fee for every transaction.

I love writing, educating, and helping. This platform provides the opportunity to do it. It’s amazing that people are happy to support me so far. Hope, you’ll be one of them, too.

Let’s never speak of this again. It’s uncomfortable as hell. Leave the cash on the nightstand.

Can’t afford $8/mo?

Please email me what you CAN afford, and I will send you a link to subscribe at the price you want to pay! How do you like me now?

When is it changing?

NEXT WEEK’s post will be for paid subscribers only. This week’s post is for everyone! Benefits for PAID subscribers will be activated next Wednesday😊. Not all. I’ll be unrolling more in the next 6 months, a little at a time because I have a full-time job and time is limited.

Next week’s post is about relationships, my favorite subject. You can’t miss it!!!

What do you get if you pay and don’t pay?

Paid subscribers will get the Wednesday posts AND access to:

• The Vault – videos and books that can change your life, updated regularly.

• The ability to comment on posts.

• Full Archive – all past articles, because it’s good to revisit.

• An Audio Recording of my posts, so you can listen to me instead of reading.

• Occasional Challenges designed to push your boundaries and expand your horizons. Should be fun :)

• Occasional bonus articles, travel stories, and even video messages from me and Lulu B. like this article and the video below it.

Free subscribers will get one Wednesday post per month! I’ll try to make it extra awesome for you to hold you up until next month. You can activate a paid subscription at any time.

Anyone can unsubscribe anytime. So, no worries. We’re not married ‘till death do us part.

How to subscribe?

Hit the “subscribe” or “upgrade” button. It will take you to the right place where you can choose Free, Monthly, Annual, or Founding Member (if you feel really generous and super special).

Also, completely unrelated but… remember the Writers’ Coverence.
If you are local, sign up now and save $50. Come and chat with me when you get there.

Onward to the main feature!

Lulu and I have a ritual. First thing every morning, we hit the streets for a wake-up power walk. More accurately, I try to power walk, but she runs around sniffing bushes and corners, reading the peemail with great interest, slowing me down. Easily excited about everything, she probably has the better time. If it weren't for her, I'd be doomscrolling through the news and starting my day with a frown. Instead, I breathe fresh air, look at nature, smell the ocean, and judge neighbors' yards. Also, I plan my day.

We've been together for over five years. This little doggie taught me many things, most of all, how to get more of what I want. That's right. Own a dog. Pay attention. You, too, will live a better life.

So, throw away your vision boards, mantras, and positive affirmations. Stop paying attention to success workshops which only successfully deprive you of your money. Think about what really matters to you. I mean, really, really matters to you.

Here comes life coach Lulu with some priceless wisdom.

1) "Wag more, bark less." It turns out people like it when we're sweet. They pull away when we bark. Sweet and cute gets us attention, pets on the head, treats, and lots of friends. Barking gets us time-out, a scowl from the person we want to love us, and most definitely no treats.

Be like us unless someone tries to take advantage of you and mistreats you. Bark then. Get the attention of a passerby, the law, or if this fails, run far, far away. No one should put up with bad human behavior.

2) We want what people have to give - attention, treats, toys, but mostly LOVE. Humans hold the resources. We're clumsy the first few times a human asks us to do something. We try to figure out exactly what the human wants and how. By rewarding successful behavior, humans show us what we've done right. We quickly learn, especially if treats are involved.

If humans learn how to reinforce each other positively and patiently teach other stuff, then there will be nothing but good news on TV.

Also, not all humans seem to be equally smart. So, breaking things down into simple and achievable steps will get them feeling successful right from the start. Rejoice and reward all small progress!

Thanks to Lulu, I find myself saying things like, "Good job!" to my clients, family, and friends. It's taken her 5+ years of small steps to teach me patience, to deliver treats on schedule, to forgive myself for clumsy mistakes, and to mind my own sticks so I don't stress over things I have no control over. I've been practicing being assertive and clear with my "nos" and, showing my excitement and appreciation whenever I get something I want, solicited or unsolicited, planned or unplanned.

Thanks to Lulu, I wag more and bark less. I talk to a lot of strangers, too. She tried to teach me the merits of sniffing behinds. Supposedly, you get a better read on what someone's up to and can easily eliminate the assholes you don't want in your life. She's not getting the limitations humans have. It would be amazing though to sniff out narcissists and psychopaths also the garden variety of swindlers and bad-faith actors.

Lulu eats her butt in public and doesn't care. I am still working on the last few remnants of self-consciousness and insecurity. Again, human limitations. I'd be happy not to take things personally. As rarely as it happens, it sure ruins my day.

Thank you, little Lulu.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for being a subscriber and supporting my work.

Donate here – any amount you wish!

🙏🤝💗

Do you need help figuring out your situation, relationships, priorities, plans, and purpose???

Contact me. I can help! My services: www.valpetrova.com

Yours truly,

V