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”

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

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

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

Having Faith While On the Unemployed Journey

“Faith is much better than belief.
Belief is when someone else
does the thinking.”

~ R. Buckmender

YEAH!!! We are in control and do not have to depend solely on anyone else while journeying along this unemployed path.

My interpretation of R. Buckmender’s quote is that we have the ability to make our own choices instead of waiting for someone else to tell us what to do.

This does not mean we should not seek support, learn from other’s experiences or be open to possibilities. What it does mean we should do our own thinking, research, and take action steps.

In the long run the task of finding another job is in our own hands.

Let me tell you a little story.

Jane’s last job was an office manager for a large non-profit organization. She worked there for over 15 years and always felt this was her last job before retiring.

Surprise, surprise things did not go as planned. The non-profit was losing funding for awhile and one day a decision was made to reorganize. Unfortunately, Jane’s division was effected and she was one of the 20 people laid-off.

At first she was in denial and could not believe what was happening. Then reality set in, she was off and running to find a new job.

Jane contacted many people, they told her they would look around and see what was happening. She truly believed that someone would find another job for her. Jane waited patiently for someone to call her back with a job interview. As time past nothing happened.

Instead of doing her research, taking action steps Jane was hoping others would do the work for her. Unfortunately, in most cases finding a job does not work out this way. You have to be proactive even though you have the belief someone will help you find a job.

One of the key ingredients for finding a job is have faith you will be employed again and at the same time keep working diligently even though you have a possibility. As we have all learned things fall through and why put your eggs in one basket.

Remember…we all will be working again it is only a matter of time.

Are you playing our game?

Monday is Smile Day

• Walk out your front door and go to the nearest coffee shop.
• Walking into the coffee shop put a smile on your face. You don’t have to mean it just use those smile muscles. It is a scientific fact when you use your smile muscles your body has no clue whether you are smiling.
• Make eye contact with the first person you see with that smile on your face.
• Continue playing this game.

Eventually your smile will become natural, people will start talking to each other and YOU will feel better.

A smile costs you nothing and lightens up the world.

Looking forward to hearing about your experiences regarding belief vs. faith while on your unemployed journey.

Enjoy your day and smile often. Love to hear what attitude shifts are happening while playing our little game.

Helen

Dancing for the Unemployed

“If you can walk
You can dance.
If you can talk
You can sing.”

~ Zimbabwean Proverb

Okay, is everyone ready to have a little fun?

Here we go:

• Blast music from your iPOD or radio, etc. 
• Put that smile on your face.
• Dance around your house.

No excuses, just let yourself go and have a good time!

Is your energy pumping and do you feel alive?

Now it is time to take some water and relax.

Every once and awhile we need to just have fun. Everyday is filled with looking for a job or just sitting around and worrying. You deserve time off to forget for a short time and have some fun.

In January of 2008, my husband had a massive heart attack and passed away. At first I was in denial and waiting for him to come home from a business trip. As time went on realization set in and I felt guilty when having a good time.

One day writing on my blog, I realized I was hurting myself by feeling guilty about having a good time. What would be accomplished?

With this realization I put on some music and started to dance around the house. Instantly, I felt better and started to view life in a different way.

Even though your circumstances are different it is up to you to change your thinking. We are human beings and have a special gift to instantly change our behaviors.

Let’s start by taking small steps

Remember…Monday was Smile Day. What experiences did you have while smiling and having contact with different people you met?

Tuesday is Dance Day. Your job is to spend time dancing today and having fun.

Let’s make a promise to each other we will take time each day to lighten our world by practicing smiling on Monday and dancing on Tuesday.

I am look forward to hearing about your new attitude that emerged while you were dancing around your house.

Helen

Looking on the Brighter Side While Unemployed

“Look on the Bright Side

For every limit that has ever best you,
Consider your possibilities.”
Erick T. Moore

Do you ever stop, think past your situation of being unemployed and acknowledge the brighter side of your life?

I know what you are thinking, “There is no bright side in my life only hardship.”

Let’s take time and explore what is really going on in your life by completing the exercise in Erick Moore’s quote.

Sample Exercise:
Negative that consumers my happiness:
After working 20 years for the local school system as an office manager I was laid-off.
Two positives that sustain me:
1.Being fugal with money and saving for a rainy day I am financially comfortable.
2.My family and friends are very supportive. They are always reaching out to me to make sure I am not alone.

Should have done:
When the rumors started surfacing I should’ve started looking for another job instead of burying my head in the sand.
Something I am glad I had done:
Acted like a lady and was very gracious when my boss with tears in her eyes told me my position was being eliminated due to budget constraints. Now she is my biggest allied in helping me find another job.

Loss that altered my world:
Before I had some place to go everyday and interact with other people. Now all I do is stay home and look for a job.
Something I have gained:
An opportunity to find a new job that is exciting and self-fulfilling.

Limiting beliefs:
I will never find another job.
Your possibilities:
The world is my oyster and I have an opportunity to apply for all types of positions.

Remember as Erick Moore says:
“You can’t always change the way things are,
But you can change the way you wish to see them.
Never stop looking
For the brighter side and beyond.”

Now It is Your Turn!
Take out a piece of paper and write your answers to the questions in the above exercise. What have you discovered? Just for Today, keep reading over and over again the enjoyable experiences happening in your life?

Please share your thoughts with the Love Yourself – It Matters community. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Being Unemployed is Only a Small Segment of Time in Our Lives

“…knowing that, in the grand scheme of things,
we live in a world where rainy days
eventually give way to sunnier skies.”
R.L. Keith

What struck me reading R.L. Keith’s quote this period of time being unemployed is only a small segment of our lives. I know it seems things will never change. Believe me things will get better.

I would like to tell you a story about Caroline.

Caroline Hopkins (name changed) worked for a small Medical Device Company located in Chicago, Ill. She was the Executive Assistant to Jack Lyons (name changed), President of the company. Caroline worked for the company seventeen years.

There were rumors flying around the company that Jack Lyons was retiring and selling the company. Every time Caroline approached Mr. Lyons about the rumors, she was told not to worry he planned on working another twenty years.

Having total faith in Mr. Lyons she told everyone the rumors were not true and went on her merry way. Even when other firms were asking if she would be interested in another job her answer was, “I will never leave Jack Lyons.”

One Monday morning Mr. Lyons called Caroline into his office, sheepishly told her the company was being sold and he was retiring. Not believing what she heard Caroline stumbled out of his office and went home. She was in total shock.

The months passed quickly and before Caroline could get her bearings she was out of a job. What was she going to do?

At first she could not function and spent most of her days in the house. One day reading the newspaper she saw that an Unemployed Support Group was forming at her local library.

Caroline went to the library and signed-up for the first meeting that night. To her amazement there were 40 other people attending the meeting. It was the first time in months she did not feel alone.

Caroline listened intently and was surprised to feel her positive energy returning. What she heard and repeated to herself constantly, “This is a small segment of my life and things are changing constantly.” This statement helped Caroline regain her belief she would find a job.

With this new faith in finding a job, Caroline joined the Circle of Inspiration for the Unemployed and started taking small action steps daily to find a new job and within six months she was working again. She changed fields and today manages a Nursery School.

Caroline keeps saying, “What helped me the most was finding support, learning from other people and realizing this time was only a small segment of my life.”

Now It Is Your Time
• List the small action steps you can take to find support. Working with even one other person helps you to keep motivated and not feel alone while on this journey.
• List messages you can constantly repeat to reassure yourself you are okay. Reassuring ourselves gives us the courage and strength to keep moving ahead. Examples:
o This is only a small segment of my life and things are changing constantly.
o I am taking the right steps for finding that perfect job.
o I am safe, loved and very successful.

Please share your stories with the Circle of Inspiration Community. Together supporting each other you will find strength, different action steps you can take and the knowledge this is only a small segment of your life.

Helen

Unemployed Action Plan

Ten Steps to Help You
Enjoy Your Day

1. Look at your day as 24 hours, consisting of different experiences. Some experiences you enjoy and others move you forward in a different direction.

2. Do your best. We are only human and mostly everything we do is with good intentions. When you find yourself acting in a way that is destructive to yourself or others start changing your behavior. You are only hurting yourself.

3. Acknowledge others. Celebrating accomplishments of others, gives you hope which changes your thinking and actions. You are more empowered to look for possibilities.

4. Trust what is happening. A disappointment now opens the door to other successes down the road. Learn what you can do different next time.

5. Be compassionate to yourself and others. This is a trying time and taking the time to acknowledge yourself and others gives everyone a sense of security.

6. Don’t worry about something after it is done. Learn from the experience and take steps in a different direction next time.

7. Acknowledge your negative thoughts. Remember these are only words going through you mind and not real. You have control over your thoughts and can stop them at a moments notice by thanking them and thinking about something which makes you happy.

8. Accept everyone as they are. Most people don’t have a hidden agenda and want to hurt anyone. They are only acting in a way they think will help you. Sometimes we have to let the person know in a loving and kind way they have hurt us.

9. Have the attitude that no one owes you anything. We are the only one who can fulfill our basic needs. Sometimes give yourself a big hug.

10. Love yourself and put that smile on your face. You are a beautiful person.

Enjoy your day!!

Now It is Your Turn!

Pick one of the ideas listed above and practice it all day. Be aware of the different feelings you have and what opportunities are happening.

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what steps you take to ensure you have a beautiful day.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen