Businesses Blooming Like Flowers!

“The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days.”
~ Robert Leighton

Business is like a flower, changing all the time, regardless of whether we are disgusted or excited about what is happening. So let’s pretend our businesses are flowers following the sun even on cloudy days.

I have been experiencing a new growth spurt. I don’t enjoy these times because they can be so very painful. For the past month, I have been focusing on the growth of my business and evaluating marketing techniques to determine whether they are producing the results I want. Why is it when we want something it seldom materializes when we want it to happen?

My first thought was to change direction and look for new ways to market my programs. I am lucky to have a great team working with me.  They suggested I take time off to gain perspective.  Following their advice, I took a vacation from my business and focused on relaxing, catching up on movies and reading. Not thinking about Love Yourself Coaching for a while was very peaceful and very scary at the same time.

On Mother’s Day, while spending time with my family, I was telling my understanding son-in-law what was happening. I explained how everything I was doing business-wise had a price tag attached to it and I was losing the real meaning of why I was in business. He told me my ego was getting in the way of what I wanted to accomplish. Hearing this made me stop and think of how my business was helping others and building a community.  I began to feel fulfilled because in some small way I was making a difference in the world. In no way could I put a price tag on these beautiful gifts.

My perspective changed and I was excited again about what Love Yourself Coaching was accomplishing. Getting up this morning I felt alive and ready to embrace my business. What a beautiful gift!

It is your turn to stop and take a look at your business. Make a list of your accomplishments that do not carry a price tag.

Some examples:

• Your happiness
• Self-fulfillment
• Making a difference in a person’s life
• Doing what you love
• Having an opportunity to grow a business

Continue writing down all your special gifts.  I am sure you will begin to have a smile on your face!  Be BRAVE, take a risk and let the world know what you are accomplishing by posting your list in the comment section of this blog. Together we will let the world know about how our businesses are blooming and what we are accomplishing with them!
Take Care,

Helen

Helen J. Burton, Coach, Author and TV Host of “Skyrocket Your Business”

Traveling Down the Road of Happiness

“Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.”
~ Margaret Lee Runbeck

What a great way to create happiness!  Just imagine you are always happy and traveling life’s journey with a smile on your face, looking forward to each day. Bingo you will be happy!

You might be asking yourself,” Has Helen finally lost it? What is she thinking?” Hey guys, just a second! I have not completely lost my mind. I’ve been thinking about ways to enjoy life.

Simple things can make you happy.  Just looking out the window, seeing the sun shining, the trees blowing in the wind and the music playing in the background is making me happy. I refuse to be in a negative place right now, so I am happy and feeling positive.

Happiness is a state of mind. To enter the Happiness Zone start thinking about all your accomplishments and try some of the tips suggested below. Let me know what transpires.

Some quick ways you can begin to achieve happiness:

• Sit in a comfortable chair and, while taking deep breaths, tell yourself, “I feel so comfortable and happy.”  Believe me, you will begin to feel happy
• Give yourself a big HUG and say, “I love you.”
• Look out the window watch the trees dancing in the wind.
• Softly sing yourself a love song.
• Sing your praises in the shower.
• Continue acknowledging all your accomplishments.
• Start noticing the little things that you appreciate, like the beautiful spring blossoms and trees

Wishing you a beautiful and happy day!

Please post a comment below to share the tips and tools you use for bringing happiness into your day with the community. Together, the Love Yourself Community will continue to travel down the road of happiness.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Can you believe November is already here?

What happened to 2011?

Thinking about the year, I automatically started visualizing the highlights of the year as well as the struggles. The big lesson I learned this year was to stop projecting how things will work out and just enjoy the moments leading up to the event.

This is easier said than done.

Let’s put our heads together and come up with a strategy to spend more time in the moment instead of worrying all the time.

Below are some ideas that work for me:

• Be more aware of what I’m thinking and stop the thought in midair by closing my eyes and saying out loud, “What is happening right now?”
• Tell myself, “I don’t have to worry about anything right now.”
• Put music on, and dance around the room.
• Call a friend, and have a good laugh.
• Go for a cup of coffee, and smile at the first person I meet.

Now it’s your turn! What techniques do you use to stay in the moment instead of projecting your fears on the outcome?
 
Below are the ideas I received from some of the Love Yourself – It Matters! Ezine readers. Thank you everyone for sharing your techniques for creating a peaceful and loving life for yourself.  

Katie Keating

A few thoughts in response to your Ezine.

• Have faith- work on your spirituality.
• Read Dale Carnegies book, How to stop worrying, and start living,
• Volunteer and do a good deed for another in need.

Have a superb day!

~ Katie Keating

Doretha “Dee” Burrell

Things that keep me focused:

• I allow myself to shed a tear from time to time when things seem tough, but no more than 5 minutes.
• When stressed, I go out for a walk, meditate or practice yoga.
• I sit at my computer and email people that I think I would never get responses from- great example- A few days ago I  was having one of those days that my spirit and soul needed a little  uplifting, so I decided to email John Paul Mitchell (owner of Paul Mitchell Hair) to inform him that I had the opportunity to speak at one of his schools in NJ. Well, would you believe I received a response yesterday from him!)
• Believe in myself and what I am doing is going to work.. never quit, never give-up. I read a lot about very successful people and how some of them actually were homeless at one point in their lives and now they are millionaires. I’m not homeless yet, but if things don’t pick up… I might be there: Remember you must be able to laugh at yourself sometimes!

~ Dee

Doretha “Dee” Burrell
http://www.deeburrellinstituteforwomen.com/
http://about.me/deeburrell 

Alvah Parker

I wrote a list once about changing your mood.  Certainly if you are feeling fear it is important to move away from the fear and toward something else.  Perhaps one of the suggestions on the list would work.   You’ll find my list here http://www.asparker.com/ppts1003.html   I wrote it in 2003, but it still makes sense to me.  Feel free to use it if it feels right to you.

My Best,

~ Alvah Parker
Parker Associates
781-598-0388 (voice)
781-593-1734 (fax)
617-240-5353 (cell)
LinkedIn
Twitter

“Everyone has his own specific vocation in life..Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated..Thus everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it. We detect rather than invent our mission in life.”  Victor Frankl “Man’s Search for Meaning”

Read Road to Success, an ezine and Parker’s Points, a tip list with articles and tips on career or practice building topics. To subscribe go to Alvah’s website and choose the edition for career changers and/or attorneys.

Hunches Are Miracles in Disguise

“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”
~ Frank Capra

Thank you, Frank Capra, for your quote. I am always having hunches and most of the time just let them evaporate into thin air. From now on when I have a hunch, I will stop and listen.

A hunch is described as a premonition, intuition, instinct or idea. Many of these thoughts are constantly passing through our minds. Instead of letting them float away, we have another option: pay attention to our hunches.

As I am writing this blog post, a thought has popped into my head. What a difference it would make to work with a group of coaches who want to offer their services during this time of year to people who are struggling. 

What comes to mind is helping the unemployed. We could barter our services. That way, we are supporting individuals in their time of need and at the same time giving them an opportunity to give us a gift. When I first started coaching, one of my friends made me roasted vegetables in exchange for my coaching services.

What do you think about this idea? Please let me know by leaving a comment below, or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.

Here are some of the ways we can find unemployed people who might be interested in our services:

• Ask friends, family members or neighbors if they know of anyone who is unemployed. Request they contact the person to see if this person would like to receive support in finding a job. Once you know the person is interested, give this person a call.
• Put an ad in your local newspaper; in some cases, such an ad may be free. We can work together in making the content inviting.
• Go to a networking event that reaches out to the unemployed. Get to know the attendees, and schedule to have coffee with the people you meet.
• Put a flyer on display on the bulletin boards of local thrift shops or food banks. Another idea is to volunteer your time at the thrift shop or food bank so you can strike up conversations with people in need of coaching services.
• Send an email to various houses of worship in your area, volunteering to present a motivational program for groups serving the unemployed. 
• Let me know your ideas for reaching out to people who are struggling during the holiday season.

Together let’s make a difference. I am anxiously waiting to hear from you. Either leave a comment on this blog or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net with your ideas of how we can put this group together and get started.

Let’s make this year different and give to those in NEED!

Helen

Having Joy in Your Life

Having Joy in Your Life

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

How many times have you heard Marianne Williamson’s quote?  I am sure it has been over a thousand times.  The trouble being we instantly forget what we heard or read. 

Why do we constantly ignore the simple fact to recognize how good things really are instead of what we don’t have right now?   The reason being we are human beings and are always striving for something.  Life would be pretty boring if we were not working towards a goal.

I really think we can have it both ways.  Let’s think of ways to make this happen.

Here we go!

• Take five minutes during the day to reflect on how good things really are.  Example: I love to write and the Love Yourself Blog – It Matters! is a vehicle where I can be creative and write.  What is really good for you?
• Spend time during the day to focus on what you want to achieve and the steps you are going to take. Example: You want to connect with two clients just to say hello and see how they are doing?  Plan when you are going to make the phone calls and make them.
• Before dinner evaluate your progress.  
  • You took the planned steps, take a bow.  You are amazing.
  • If things did not work out devise an alternate plan.  It is a good idea to determine what stopped you from taking action and how you can overcome the roadblock next time.  Example:   Forgot to reach out to the two clients.  What stopped me was not scheduling time to call them.  Tomorrow I will call them at 10:00am and 11:00am.

Remember you are only human and as my mother always said, “Rome was not built in a day.”  Be kind to yourself and as time goes by habits will become routine.

Please share with our Community what strategies you use to acknowledge the good things in your life and taking action to achieve your goals. 

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Change Brings Happiness into Our Lives!

Change Your Thinking

“Things don’t change.
You change your way of looking, that’s all.”
~ Carlos Castaneda

When I read Carlos Castaneda’ quote it really struck me.  How we are always looking for our life to change and never take the time to change our thoughts. 

Castaneda suggests change the way you look at things.  EASIER SAID THAN DONE!

Let me tell you a little story… I am working with a client, who we call Fran.  Her business was steadily growing through the years.  One day she woke-up thinking her business was failing.  If things didn’t turn around quickly she was going to be bankrupt in a few months. 

When she called me, Fran was devastated and could not understand what happened.  Last month she did not feel this way, and was implementing new programs.  All of a sudden she was thinking about letting her team members go and maybe looking for a JOB. 

We discussed what was happening and looked at her business growth objectively.  After checking with her Accountant, Fran was surprised to learn that the profits this month were higher than last month.  What changed was her thinking.

Isn’t it amazing how we allow ourselves to cause suffering in our own lives.

Next time things are running smoothly and you want to shake up your life, implement the following steps.  This exercise also helps people who are facing real hardships in their lives.

• STOP take a deep breath and ask yourself the question, “Is what I am thinking right now, really true and nothing will ever change?”  By stepping back and examining the situation we start seeing our challenges from a different perspective and solutions start appearing. 
• Make an agreement with yourself not to think about your challenge for today.  Every time the thought pops into your head tell yourself, I will think about it tomorrow.  Miracles happen all the time so don’t waste your time worrying about something that can change in minutes.  There is an old saying, “Most circumstances we imagine never materialize.”
• Think of a time in your life when you were experiencing difficulties and within a short period of time everything turned around and your life was better than it was before.  This happens all the time and by visualizing what happened will give you strength and hope to continue. 
• Remind yourself constantly, that you are doing the best you can and the Universe is here to guide you.  
• Think happy thoughts at least once every thirty minutes.  By thinking these thoughts you will start changing your philosophy and a smile will appear on your face. 

As Castaneda says, “Things don’t change. You change your way of looking, that’s all.”

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your thoughts about this blog post.  Together we will grow and experience joy in our lives. 

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

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

Tips for Working with Clients Who Always Reschedule

All the strength you need
to achieve anything
is within you.
~ Sara Henerson

Question:  What steps do you take when a client constantly cancels their scheduled coaching sessions and wants to reschedule?
 
Answer:  The important thing to remember, this is not about you!  Following are some of the steps I take in determining whether we are a good match or the client is not ready for coaching or some situation has to be worked out:

• Email the client expressing your concern for their well-being and the importance of scheduling time to chat.
• Call the client on the day and time scheduled.
  • During the session always follow the client’s agenda.  NEVER, NEVER put them on the defensive or feel something is wrong with them.   
• Coach the client in discovering what is holding them back from moving forward.
• Coach the client in making a determination as to whether coaching is a good fit for them.
  • Always act as the coach and remember this is not about you.
• End the conversation in a positive and upbeat manner.

Sometimes I find the client is experiencing some blocks that are stopping them from moving forward.  Other times they are not ready for coaching and it would be in their best interest to see a therapist.  We are all human beings and at any one time we are journeying through different experiences.
  
Having these conversations usually enables the client and myself to discover what works best for both of us.  Taking a risk and communicating with others is always the best solution.
 
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community what plan works best for you when a client is always cancelling and rescheduling their appointments.  Let’s support each other in growing our businesses.

Helen

Building a Business One Step at a Time

“If you can’t feed a hundred people,
then just feed one.”
~ Mother Teresa

As business owners we want to help as many people as we can.  Who would like to coach 100 one-on-one clients each day and support them in living the life of their dreams?  Sorry to say since we only have 24 hours in a day, that is unrealistic. 
 
As Mother Teresa says, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”  Building a coaching business takes one client at a time. 
 
At first it was very hard to enroll clients so I became creative and bartered my services.  My first client cooked me roasted vegetables and I coached her for 30 minutes.  Then another client hired me and I charged her $60 a month.  As time went on my practice started to grow and gradually I increased my rates.  Today, incorporating many other services into my business, I feel very successful.
 
How successful you feel is the key to your well-being.  It doesn’t matter if you have only one client or 20.  The secret is what you are telling yourself. 
 
You’ll automatically feel successful by shifting your thinking and focusing on the accomplishments your clients are achieving.
 
Below are a few steps you can take to remind yourself of your success:

• After each coaching session with a client write yourself a short note acknowledging your coaching skills.
• Before closing down for the night, read each accomplishment out loud.
• Continue this practice for a week.

Feeling you are providing special gifts to your clients will reinforce your love for coaching and you will feel very successful.
 
Please share your success stories with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.

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

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.

Change, Renew and Rejuvenate

Rejuvenate Yourself

 “We must always change,
renew, rejuvenate ourselves;
otherwise we harden.” 

Johann Von Goethe
(German poet and writer) 

Let’s take this quote apart and see how we can easily implement it.

The first step is to always allow things to change.  We sometimes resist change and keep doing the same thing over and over wishing for a different result.  It is like going to a bakery and looking for something to eat that does not have two calories.  We continue doing the same thing until one day we realize nothing is going to change unless we take a different course of action.

Changing your course of action

• Choose one action step you are currently taking that is not creating the results you desire. Example: Sending emails to prospect clients instead of attending networking events. 
• Evaluate the action and see what small step you can take to change the outcome.  Example:  Instead of sending emails to prospect clients, make a phone call and arrange to meet for coffee or lunch. Building relationships is the key for attracting clients.
• Implement this new action for a month and see what results are occurring. 
• Make necessary changes.

The second step is to renew your passion. Sometimes we feel that we are continually climbing a mountain and our passion starts to diminish.  We are only human and need a ray of sunshine to ignite our fire. 

Ignite your fire

• Write a letter to a loved one telling them how your passion is weakening.  You don’t have to share the letter with anyone. 
• Journal about how you are feeling.
• Call a friend or your coach and schedule time to brainstorm ideas.
• Journal often about the different ideas and opportunities that are developing.
• Keep exploring and enjoy the journey.

Rejuvenate Yourself

Do you take time for yourself?  If you don’t, why not?  Not enough time, you forget or feel it is not important.  YOU ARE IMPORTANT!

I love the expression “In order not to feel resentful of others, take time for yourself first.” It has been proven over and over again when we schedule time for ourselves and then give to others, it is a special gift.     

What are you going to do nice for yourself today?  I am going to pick-up my grandson today from school, go to the library and then out for dinner before attending his Science Fair.  

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what changes you are going to make, ignite your fire again and rejuvenate yourself. 

Helen

“Change your thoughts and change your world.”

“Change your thoughts and change your world.”

Norman Vincent Peale

Do you wake up every morning and think today is going to be a good day? That is the true meaning of positive thinking.

Each morning as I open my eyes I hear Alice, my cat, meowing in a piercing sound. She wants to eat!

Getting out of bed quickly so she stops, my thoughts turn to my day. I have programed myself to think about what is happening and 3 things I want to accomplish. This exercise works for me and I feel motivated instantly.

You may ask me, “How can I start changing my thoughts in the morning?” Being honest, it does take time. Below are a few steps you can take to start the process:

· After opening your eyes in the morning give yourself a big hug

· Picture yourself sitting in a warm place feeling peaceful

· Say out loud or to yourself 3 things you are grateful for

· Think about your day and one nice thing you are going to do for yourself

Continue this exercise every morning for a week and see what happens.

Please let me know if you are feeling better in the morning and motivated to start your day. As Norman Vincent Peale says, “Change your thoughts and change your world.”

I am looking forward to hearing from you.