Finding Fulfillment by Doing for Others

“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards;
they try to have more things, or more money,
in order to do more of what they want,
so they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse.
You must first be who you really are,
then do what you need to do,
in order to have what you want.”
~ Margaret Young

Reading Margaret Young’s quote made me stop and think.  Most of us have been living our lives backwards; we are working hard to make money so we can find happiness, instead of connecting within ourselves and feeling the satisfaction we are searching for.

Are you working hard every day looking for new way to find clients and at the same time feeling frustrated?  Another way of doing things is to start feeling grateful for your special gifts and sharing them with others.

I know this is a big lump to swallow!

If you were like me, I use to think it was everyone else’s responsibility to make me happy.   It took me years to realize that it was my responsibility to take care of myself and not expect others to do it. 

Now that we got that straight, we are in charge of our own happiness.  What steps can we take?

• Standup and give yourself a standing ovation, “You are fantastic just the way you are.” By acknowledging our own greatness gives us confidence.
• Acknowledge someone today in a way that puts a smile on their face.  Yesterday, I met a friend for dinner and noticed she lost a lot of weight.  I instantly told her how great she looked and saw the excitement in her face.  Complimenting someone else does not only make them feel better, it puts a smile on your face.
• Think about one of your special gifts and share it with someone else.  Example: One of my special gifts is listening while a person speaks.  I let them know they are heard and understood which gives them the gift of being accepted. We spend most of our lives wishing others will hear and understand us. 
• Accepting our life as it is instead of hoping things will be different.  Once we learn that we are on the right track things start to move in another direction and we instantly start to feel fulfilled.
• Helping others gives us a sense of satisfaction.  One of my clients was going through a very difficult time.  During our session together, I asked her what she could do to make someone else happy.  Her first response was I can’t make anyone else happy because I feel so terrible.  She then thought for a while, told me that one of her friend’s basement was flooded from all the rain and was working very hard to clean up the mess.  My client was going to make a dinner for her family and bring it over.  She instantly stopped thinking about herself and felt happy again.  

It always goes to prove that when you focus on helping others it brings joy to your life.  What are you going to do nice for someone today?  Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what action you took and the results it uncovered.

Looking forward to hearing from you.  Have a great day!
 
Helen

Joy is what happens

Hurricane Irene, Hightstown, NJ 2011

“Joy is what happens
to us when we allow ourselves
to recognize how good
things really are.”
~ Marianne Williamson

This past weekend, “Hurricane Irene” paid us a special visit. Moving up the east coast she showed her true colors and caused mass destruction. 

Everyone was posting on Facebook what was happening and how lucky they were.  It brought a smile to my face, realizing what a beautiful community I am part of.  We live life and at the same time acknowledge the special gifts we are receiving.

I lost three trees and was grateful they did not damage my house or shed. My neighbors had a few feet of water in their basements. A few years ago, we had a battery backup installed on the sump pump.  When we lost power for four hours it kicked on and continued taking the water out of the basement.  How lucky is that?

Living through “Irene” made me think of how we take things for granted.  Today let’s focus on how lucky we are and share our special gifts with everyone.  Sometimes it takes hardships to wake us up and change our perspectives.

Right now is our opportunity to start living from a new perspective.  What can you do differently?  Who is up to taking this challenge?

I am going to start… From this moment on I will keep a happiness journal and write three things a night that made me happy during the day.  Then post them on the Love Yourself – It Matters Blog and Facebook page. 

Now it is your turn!

What can you do differently to bring more joy into your life?  Some examples:

• Acknowledge the first person you see. Think of something that will put a smile on their face.  Example:  I was at a coffee shop and the first person I saw was a little girl.  I smiled and told her that I loved her dress.  She did a little dance and told her mother, “This lady likes my dress.”  We were all smiling.  
• Call someone who is experiencing a hardship and brighten their day by acknowledging their greatness.  Example:  During the conversation share with them how much you cherish their friendship. 
• Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea and a grab a good book.  
• Steal my idea and start a happiness journal. Remember to post your experiences on the Love Yourself – It Matters! blog or facebook page
• Work on your hobby.  It definitely will bring you peace and satisfaction.

Please post in the comment section of the Love Yourself – It Matters Blog what you did differently today.  Making one small change can bring a smile to your face and more joy to your life.

Remember as Marianne Williams quote states, “Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Take Care,

Helen

Enriching Your Life by Making Small Positive Changes

Give yourself a special gift

“Every small positive change
we make in ourselves
repays us in confidence
in the future.”
~ Alice Walker

As we go through our day, we have a choice either to make changes in our thinking and behaviors or just ignore them.  Sometimes it is easier to just ignore the changes instead of taking a risk. Choosing this road we somehow chip away at our confidence.

Give yourself a special gift and take a risk no matter how small.  It will certainly enrich your confidence.  My favorite step is to send someone an email congratulating them for their accomplishments.  By sending the email we both feel good.   

I was working with Tracy, a client, and she was moving ahead slowly in building her business.  In-between our sessions Tracy would take small risks and experienced very little joy.  Until one day during a session, while discussing the possibility of stepping out of her comfort zone she realized this was a difficult task for her. 

Tracy lived life very cautiously after having experienced very difficult times in her past.  Not only had she failed at two businesses the challenges from that situation robbed her of faith and self-esteem.  Needless to say, her self-confidence was not very strong.

We talked about that being her past and today being a new beginning.  What could she do differently to test the waters?   We brainstormed many ideas and nothing actually felt comfortable.  Her low self-esteem was growing stronger by the moment. 

She decided to think about different ideas during the week and email me her thoughts.  We then started talking about how she loved to run and was working with a group of teenagers.  Instantly, Tracy started to get excited and realized by working with the teenagers she was stepping out of her comfort zone. 

What we both learned from that situation is not to only focus on the risks you are taking in your business and to include your whole life.   

An easy exercise to acknowledge yourself for the risks you are taking on a daily basis. 

• At the end of the day take a few minutes to think about your day and what made you excited.  Example: Called a client who I have not worked with for awhile and found out she was opening a Wellness Center.  Her dream had finally come true.
• Take out your journal and write about the part you played in the situation and how you felt. Read through your writing and highlight your feelings. There is no right or wrong way of doing this exercise, just write what comes to mind.  By expressing your feelings it brings to light what makes you happy or sad.   
• Close your eyes and quietly think about other times you felt the same way.  Thinking about other times in your life enables you to realize how you bring joy to others and yourself.
• Plan to schedule time to take advantage of these fun opportunities again. 

Enjoy!

Share with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community what you learned by completing this exercise.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Acceptance of Who We Are

Life is like a rollercoaster.

“There are two kinds of people:
Those who don’t do what they want to do,
so they write down in a diary about what they haven’t done,
and those who haven’t time to write about it because they’re out doing it.”

~ Richard Flournoy and Lewis R. Foster

Reading this quote brought a smile to my face.  Some days I am the first person they described and other days the second one.  We are all human beings and our actions are dictated largely by our attitude.

Some days I wake up in the morning feeling motivated and other times I want to pull the covers over my head.  Either way I have to get out of bed and take action. Feeling motivated means going with the flow and implementing action steps that will move my business forward.  When feeling overwhelmed, it takes courage to start thinking and moving in another direction.

What is a person to do?  Acknowledge what is going on and support yourself accordingly.

When feeling discouraged it is time for pampering.  We all need a vacation from our daily routines. The important thing to remember is that it’s important to regroup and learn what is happening in our lives.  Instead of fighting our thoughts, feelings and blaming ourselves just go with the flow.  Acceptance improves our attitude and we learn from our experiences.  Have faith. You will start feeling motivated again. 

Below are ways to pamper yourself:

• Cook yourself a healthy and delicious breakfast.  My favorite pancake recipe:
  • ¼ Cup of Cottage Cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 package of oatmeal
  • 6 oz. container of yogurt
  • 1 cup of blueberries

Combine the cottage cheese, egg and oatmeal together and cook on a medium flame.  When pancake is cooked top it with the yogurt and blueberries.  ENJOY!

• Exercise!  It makes you feel alive and good again.
• Pick out clothes that make you feel good.  
• Work for a few hours.  Continue acknowledging yourself.  Example: After writing an article, acknowledge yourself for how easy it is to write and express your ideas.  
• Sit back in a chair and just relax.  Do absolutely nothing!!
• If inclined, take a bubble bath.
• Journal about your magnificence. I know this may be hard.  Just get started and the ideas will flow.  Example of getting started:  Helen, I want to thank you for taking the time to acknowledge how I am feeling.  This has made a big impact I am starting to regain my self-confidence and my day is beginning to change…  
• Give yourself permission to just be you and do whatever you want. 

Enjoy the time!

Life is like a rollercoaster. By keeping a positive attitude, accepting our thoughts and feelings, and pampering ourselves makes the ride worthwhile. 
 
Good Luck!
 
Helen

What You Believe Creates Miracles

Within you right now is the power

“Within you right now is the power
to do things you never dreamed possible.
This power becomes available to you
just as soon as you can change your beliefs.”
 
~ Maxwell Maltz

What a strong quote!  If you stop and think about the quote it definitely makes sense.  How many times in your life after changing your beliefs do miracles start happening.

For the past six months I have been thinking how hard everything is in my life.  My business has been growing at a slow pace and that nagging thought of being a widow has been getting to me.  I have been living in the victim role for awhile.
 
I attended an iPEC Life Potential Training and my thinking did a 360 degree turn.  I realized I was the creator of my choices.  I could feel sorry for myself or celebrate my life.  At that point, I decided to celebrate my life, my beliefs changed and miracles started happening.
 
Instead of focusing on my business’ growth, I started thinking about how Love Yourself Coaching was providing a service.  Thinking about this new concept, out of the clear blue sky, the phone rang and it was from a client who I worked with a few years ago.  She called to tell me how our coaching sessions changed her life and wanted to start working together again.  This is one example of how Love Yourself Coaching is changing the lives of one person at a time.  This situation strengthened my belief system.
 
Taking the following steps will assist you in changing your beliefs.

• Write down your beliefs about your business.
• Read through them and underline your positive beliefs
• List all your positive thoughts 
• Pick one thought that jumps out at you
• Say the following affirmation each day after your first cup of coffee or tea
  • I choose to believe that (your positive thought) is happening right now.  Example: I choose to belief that my coaching practice is constantly helping small business owners create prosperous businesses while loving themselves.

Now It Is Your Turn

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your affirmation.  By letting others know about your belief makes it a reality.  At the same time the Universe will hear it and support you in making it real.

Need Help from My Friends

If you aspire to the highest place,
it is no disgrace to stop
at the second or even
the third place.
~ CIERO, 106-43 BC
(Roman orator, statesman and essayist)

I can’t believe after all these years we are still receiving the same advice.  In one of Cheryl Richardson’s books she stated, “When planning your exercise program, always plan on a reasonable amount of miles you will walk each day instead of pushing yourself unrealistically.  For example plan on walking 2 miles a day instead of 4 and when you have walked the 4 miles imagine how good you will feel.  On the other hand, if you walked 4 miles it will even feel better.” I paraphrased what Cheryl had stated.
 
I have always taken this advice.  At first it was a challenge to post every day.  As time went on, I realized this was not in my best interest.  Some days I had other commitments and blogging was not an option.  By relaxing and not pushing myself so hard the blog posts improved.  More people sent me comments and my blog started attracting traffic.
 
After a few years, I started cutting back on posting articles and before I knew it days and weeks would go by before I posted an article. I have been in this slump for a long time.  Some thoughts for reversing this slump:

• The first thing in the morning before looking at my emails, at least twice a week, make myself a cup of coffee and write an article for the Love Yourself – It Matters! Blog. 
• I am committing to the Love Yourself – It Matters Community that I will post at least twice a week.  This is very scary!
• Please send me emails after you read my post.  That way I will know people are reading what I write, which makes me feel more committed.
• Striving to be in third place it will give me an opportunity to celebrate. 

Please, please members of this community; I need your support and ideas so that I can move forward. 

Looking forward to hearing from you.
 
Helen

Spreading Love

“Good Things Happen
When You
Go For ItT!”
~ Alan Webb

Today is a new day!  Let’s take out our magic wand, wave it around and create “Good Things” all day.

The first step, ask yourself what would you like to see happen today. Just GoFor It!!

I will start the ball rolling.  What surfaced for me was to make a difference in someone’s life today. On a daily basis, we make a difference in the lives of people we interact with.  Going out and planning to do something special for someone takes it to a new level.

Who and what could I do for someone today that would put a smile on their face?  Many things popped into my mind especially my daughter, Mindi.  She started her own accounting practice last year, has been working very hard and now moving out of her home office into an office building.  Mindi feels stressed all the time with what is happening and trying to make time for her family.  What could I do to acknowledge her as a beautiful and successful woman?  My first thought was to take her out for lunch and that would create more stress.  Sending her flowers is another option and they are going away for a week so that would not work.  Then the thought came to mind, just bring her a beautiful card that says how proud I am of her and give her a big hug. 

Sometimes little things make the biggest difference.  What could you do today for someone in your life that is experiencing difficulties?  Please share your plan and the impact it made in their life.

Let’s go out today and make a difference in someone’s life. Enjoy!

Take Care,

Helen

Be Kind to You Day!

A thing of beauty
is a joy forever.
~ John Keats

Close your eyes and sit silently for a few minutes.  Picture yourself sitting under a big tree smiling, and feeling relaxed.  That is a thing of beauty!

We continuously have a choice to either feel good about ourselves or be our own worst enemy.  Which one do you pick today?  I choose to be kind to myself today!

I am sitting here with a smile on my face thinking about what I am going to do special for myself today.  Below is my dream day.

• Think of happy thoughts all day and every time an unhappy thought pops into my head simply say, “No drama today.”
• Make myself a healthy and delicious breakfast.  My favorite pancake recipe:
  • ¼ Cup of Cottage Cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • ¼ Cup of uncooked Oatmeal
  • 2 tbls. of water
  • 1 Cup of Yogurt
  • 1 Cup of Cut Up Fruit

    Mix the cottage cheese, egg, oatmeal and water together.  Pour the mixture into a frying pan and cook over a low heat.  When pancake is cooked put it on a plate, add the yogurt and fruit.  Enjoy!

• Work for half a day.
• Make myself a healthy salad for lunch.  I always add cooked vegetables to a mixed green salad, protein, rice and salad dressing.  For dessert I have fruit.
• Buy myself a small gift.
• Take a leisurely walk with a good friend along the Princeton Canal.  Make sure we laugh a lot.  
• Meet friends for dinner.
• Take a nice long bubble bath.
• Read a book and go to sleep early.

Doesn’t that sound like a special day? No DRAMA and being kind to myself all day long. 

Please share your dream day with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.  Together let’s create “BE Kind to You Day.”  Looking forward to hearing about your special day. 

Helen

Secret for Accomplishing Goals

Skyrocket Your Business in 30 Days – While Having Coffee with Helen

What three things do you
want to accomplish this year?
Write them down and place them
on your refrigerator
for inspiration all year long.
~ Anonymous

I was flipping thru inspirational quotes to find the right one for today’s message.  When I came across the quote above, it made me think about what three things I wanted to accomplish in 2011.
 
The last 3 ½ months have flown by quickly.  My biggest accomplishment was writing and having a book published.  This was a longtime dream that after many attempts finally became a reality. The name of the book is Skyrocket Your Business in 30 Days – While Having Coffee with Helen.
 
After celebrating the publication of the book, I kept thinking “What is next?” 
 
With time on my hands, I decided to think about the next three things I wanted to accomplish in the remaining 7 ½ months of 2011.  Below is the exercise that helped me discover my next three goals for 2011.  

1. Close your eyes and ground yourself by taking five deep breaths and releasing them.  When taking the breaths let the warm sunshine fill your body.  While releasing the breaths let go of your negative feelings and thoughts. 
2. Picture yourself just relaxing in your favorite spot.  Mine is sitting under a big tree feeling warm and cozy with a blanket wrapped around me.
3. Think about three things you would like to accomplish by the end of 2011.  They are only ideas and nothing is written in stone.  My ideas were:
   •  Celebrate with family and friends the publication of my book by having a big party and inviting everyone I know.
   • Facilitate a seminar, “Skyrocket Your Business in 30 Days – While Having Coffee with Helen” in different coffee shops.
   • Get ready to move to the NJ Shore area.
4. Let all the thoughts and ideas disappear into the Universe. 
5. At the count of 5 open your eyes and sit quietly for a few minutes.
6. When ready write down all your ideas.
7. Chose which three goals you would like to accomplish by the end of 2011.  The three goals I chose are listed in step 3.

Now it is Your Turn:
 
Complete the exercise above to determine what three things you want to accomplish by the end of 2011.  Once you have determined which goals you would like to accomplish, “Write them down and place them on your refrigerator for inspiration all year long.”  Also, feel free to share your three goals for 2011 in the comment section of this blog.  Let the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community know what three things you would like to accomplish.  We are all here to support each other. 
 
Helen

What Makes You Happy?

“If only we’d stop trying to be happy,
we’d have a pretty good time.”
~ Edith Wharton

What is happiness?  We have a certain picture in our minds that illustrates Happiness.  Some people think happiness is when they have 2 new clients, or you receive a present you always wanted, etc.

These moments are short lived.  Take for example once you sign-up the new clients, instantly you start looking for other clients. 

It reminds me of the time when I was attending college.  Always thinking about when I graduated my life would be easier.  Then thinking when I am married and have children, l would really be happy.  The story continues to unfold and I never felt completely happy.

One day many years ago, I was invited to attend a tele-class, “Is Happiness a Pipe Dream?”  I felt compelled to join the call.

What I learned was that Happiness is our own perception.  The presenter spoke about sitting at a traffic light and looking around.  This made her happy.  The next morning I was sitting in a chair, drinking a cup of coffee and my cat, Alice was sitting on my lap purring.  This made me happy.

Now whenever I feel sad or wish for something to happen that will make me happy I instantly think about what is making me happy right now.  It always brings a smile to my face.

If we focus on what is making us happy in the moment, we would always have a pretty good time.

Now It is Your Turn! 

• Close your eyes for a few moments and picture yourself feeling relaxed.
• Ask yourself the question, “What is making me happy right NOW?  Oh come on, something could put a smile on your face.  For me it is aking that first sip of coffee.
• Think about that situation, what are you thinking and how does it make you feel?
• Relax for a while and then open your eyes.

Are you feeling happy and more relaxed?  Remember, Happiness is a choice you can make anytime you want.  

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what just made you happy after reading this article. 

Wishing you an enjoyable and happy day!

Helen

Do you find yourself walking through walls?

“There comes a time in a man’s life
when to get where he has to go
-if there are no doors or windows-
he walks through a wall.”
~ Bernard Malamud

Do you find yourself many times walking through walls?  Look at it this way, we are still moving forward.

This has been my pattern lately.  Nothing seems to be flowing easily.  I seem to be always pushing.  It takes a lot of energy and I am constantly tired.

What is a person to do?  There has to be a better way.

Let’s dissect this dilemma.  What is really going on?  The word that pops into my mind is “CONTROL” and not trusting the process.  Does this sound familiar?

It might sound crazy, but I find that “Control” gives me a sense of comfort. When I just let things happen in a way it is scary because it may not turn out the way I want.  When I am in this space I start to make lists, plan my every move and just control everything around me.  This kind of behavior is very taxing and tiring.

When you find yourself controlling everything relax and implement the following exercise:

• Sit in a chair where it is quiet, where no one is around to bother you.  It is amazing how peace and quiet gives you a sense of security.
• Take 5 deep breaths and just let yourself unwind.
• Ask yourself the following questions:
  • What am I afraid of?  Example: New clients will take advantage of my programs.
  • What is the worst thing that could happen?  Example: I will have to close my business.
  • What benefit could you receive from this happening?  Find something that lights my fire and makes me exciting again.  
  • What is really going on?  Example: My Company is thriving.
  • What can you tell yourself when your insecurities become apparent? “Just for today everything is running smoothly and trust the process.”  
• Take 5 deep breaths and just relax for a few minutes.
• When you are ready at the count of 5 opens your eyes.

What I learned from this exercise: When I find myself trying to control everything it is time to uncover what is going on. 

Now it is your turn!

Take the time to relax and complete the exercise above.  What did you learn?  Please share your thoughts with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Business Opportunities Come Knocking!

“Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like hard work.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison

Thomas Alva Edison put it so elegantly that we overlook many opportunities because we have to be the action force behind every opportunity.

Sometimes it is okay to let the Universe provide instead of constantly running after our dreams.

Let me tell you a little story… Sandy (name changed) was running a non-profit organization, constantly networking and applying for grants.  She believed you had to push yourself to the limit before receiving any compensation for your hard work.  So every day she was working 10 to 12 hour days and did not have any type of personal life.

Sandy’s outlook on life was dismal because she was working all the time and not enjoying the other aspects of her life.  One day she complained to her sister that she had to work all the time and would never have time to relax and enjoy herself again.

Her sister understood exactly what she was saying and suggested she start working with a coach.  Feeling overwhelmed she called me. 

We started working together and explored her beliefs.  Sandy strongly felt that hard work was her mission in life. 

We started looking at other options.  Eventually, Sandy became aware of opportunities that were just presenting themselves.  She had a very creative and dedicated staff and gave them the freedom to succeed. 

Sandy at first was shocked that she did not have to be the driving force behind the non-profit.  Gradually, she gave herself permission to start looking at ways to enjoy her life.  Today she is just a member of the team and enjoys the other aspects of her life.

Giving up control and letting other opportunities present themselves is freeing.

What aspect of your life is holding you back?

Below is an exercise that will enable you to create more freedom in your life.

• Take out your journal and write about the aspect of your life you would like to change.  Example: I have to work 10 to 12 hours a day in order for my business to be successful.
• Reread what you have written.
• Start punching holes through your ideas by continually asking yourself, “What is the truth?” Example:  Idea – my employees might make mistakes and everything will fall apart.  What is the truth? Others are just as creative and sometimes have better ideas than I do.
• Pick one idea you would like to change.  Example:  I have to stay in the office until 7:00pm in case anyone calls.  
• Chose an action step to change your idea.  Example:  Survey for a week how many calls are received after 5:00pm.  Then decided if you have to change the receptionist hours or just let the voicemail take messages.
• Continue taking action steps to change your thinking.

Remember…Once we become aware of what is happening, decide to take a risk and then action steps, everything slowly changes.  Enjoy the journey!

Please partner with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community by sharing your ideas and challenges.    Together we will make a difference in our businesses and lives.

Upgrade Your Self-Concept

“We have a mental block inside us
that stops us from earning more
than we think we are worth.
If we want to earn more in reality,
we have to upgrade our self-concept.”

~ Brian Tracy

After reading Brian Tracy’s quote what were you thinking?  Do the following thoughts sound familiar?

• Is this the reason I am not making money?
• How do I change my thinking?
• I knew all along it was my thinking that was stopping me.

The thoughts can go on and on.

Okay, let’s take a step back and see what is really happening here.  Most of us are always looking for a solution to a problem.  Wouldn’t it be easy to change our thinking and our problems would disappear?

What I am learning is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy.  My thoughts start telling me all crazy ideas.  When this happens I take a deep breath, picture a STOP sign and tell myself “I am worthy of being paid for my services because I am a great coach.”

Brian Tracy’s quote sounds so simple and at the same time upgrading our self-concept can be a very difficult task.  How do you go about it?

Helen’s mind is at work…  Below is a simple plan you can follow:

• Go into a room with a mirror and close the door.
• Take a deep breath and look into the mirror.
• Say the following words out loud:
  • “I am a special person.”
  • “I am providing a service.”
• Repeat these two sentences three times.  The first time with your eyes closed, second time looking at your nose and the last time look into your eyes.  As you continue this exercise it will get easier.
• Repeat this exercise for a week and then only look in your eyes while saying the two sentences out loud.  

After a month of reassuring yourself that you are a special person and providing a service, your attitude will change.

While practicing this exercise please stay in touch with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.  We are in this together and by supporting each other things will change. 

Keep in touch!

Helen

Love is the Answer

Love is the Answer

“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.”

~ Jean Anouilh

Today is Valentine’s Day and everyone is thinking about whom they love and who loves them.  Are you forgetting the most important person, “YOU?”

Many years ago, I received an email stating the benefits of acknowledging yourself on Valentine’s Day.  At first thinking how selfish, it made me think of how we always forget ourselves.  Everyone comes first!

One night last week I was out with a friend and we decided after dinner to walk around the mall.  It was very crowded and most people were carrying shopping bags.  We were saying, how commercial Valentine’s Day had become and people were probably buying gifts for their loved ones.  He then made a comment, “Why don’t they buy something for themselves?”  We then decided to buy something for ourselves and each other.  It was fun.
What are you going to do special for yourself today? 

I am going to write myself a love letter!

Dear Helen,

I want to thank you for your kindness and understanding of all the times your negative thoughts had us spinning.  You always acknowledged the thought and turned it into a positive way of thinking.

Your love of life, warmth, smile and personality always makes people feel comfortable and special.  What a special gift you are giving to your family, friends and business partners. 

Love Yourself Coaching has been a vehicle for you to support coaches in building prosperous businesses while loving themselves.  Working together with your clients you have seen them take giant steps and find happiness within themselves.

I love you and enjoy your special day!

Helen

Now it is your time to take out that piece of paper and write yourself a love letter thanking “YOU” for who you are and the wonderful gifts you give to others.  The letter can be for your eyes only.  Be honest and go for it.  

I want to thank you all for being part of the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.  You certainly have made a difference in my life.

Love,

Helen 

Letting the world know about “You”

Letting the world know about “You” can be very frightening

“Get all the education you can,
but then, by God, do something.
Don’t just stand there;
make it happen.”
~ Lee Iococca

Reading Lee Iococca’s quote reminded me of when I first graduated from iPEC Coaching School and kept signing up for more trainings.  I kept thinking I was not ready to go out there and coach.  What if I did not ask the right questions, gave too much advice?  The list goes on and on. 

One day during a coaching session, my coach said in a very strong voice, “It is enough with the different trainings, just go out there and coach.”  I became very defensive and explained why I needed more trainings.  She did not want to continue the conversation and asked, “What were my next steps for marketing my coaching practice?”  It was the greatest gift anyone ever gave me. 

Once I started coaching clients my confidence grew and eventually I knew in my heart that I was a great coach.  Taking that first step and letting the world know about “You” can be very frightening.

Let’s take a deep breath and take that leap!  We are all in this together.

Some simple small steps you can take to overcome your FEAR. By the way, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. 

• Meditate for a few moments and think about one step you have been putting off over and over again.  Example: Presenting a Workshop.
• Sit there and let all your fears surface.
• Think about the fear that constantly pops up all the time.  Example:  I am afraid no one will sign-up for the workshop.
• Take a deep breath and take in sunshine.
• Let your breath out and let all the fears go.
• When you feel comfortable open your eyes.
• Write in your journal about your constant fear and solutions to the dilemma.  Example:  No one will sign-up for the workshop.  One of the solutions that surfaced was to have the workshop in my home and invite friends and family.

This solution is not a cop-out!  It could be a way of practicing and getting feedback so your next workshop will be easier.   

• Create plans, send invitations and enjoy the process.

Let the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community know about your project and how we can support you.  We are all in this together.