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

Creativity and Balance

“Creativeness often consists of merely turning up what is already there.”  
~ Bernice Fitz-Gibbon

Reading Fitz-Gibbon’s quote takes away my fear of being creative. When you stop and think about it, our creations are really just a thought away. 

Whenever I sit down to write a blog, the old nagging thought pops-up, “What am I going to write about?” The first thing I do is look for a quote that wakes up my writing juices and the words start to flow.

Today, I am focused on the word, “Action.” What does it actually mean? The Thesaurus suggests, achievement and accomplishment, with inaction as its antonym.

To me the word “Action” means doing something – not just waiting for things to happen. I consider myself a very action oriented person. In the past, everything had to be done perfectly and right away. Living my life this way caused overwhelm, fear and burnout.

I often forget about the value of “inaction,” which is really taking action by delaying the process until you are prepared to move ahead.  I have a friend who always says, “For today it is okay not to make a decision and see what happens.” It is amazing how, by not taking action, solutions start to materialize and creativity kicks in. 

Through the years, since receiving my coaching certification, I have learned about the word “Balance.” Now I live my life in a completely different way – most of the time. Being human and having ingrained habits I sometimes revert back to my old behavior. It’s a miracle because now, within days, I realize what is happening and start taking steps to bring balance back into my life.

What is balance? It represents moderation in all areas of our life. On a typical day, it would be working for 5 to 6 hours, spending time with friends and family;  and taking time for you, which is the hardest part. Remember, it counts even if you spend 10 minutes doing something nice for yourself.

I would love to hear from you. What thoughts pop into your mind when you read the words, “action”, “inaction” and “balance”? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. By sharing our thoughts and ideas with each other we can continue building a supportive community.

If you need support in anyway please send me an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net and we can schedule time to chat.

Take Care,

Helen

Creating a Thriving Business

“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” 
~ Mark Twain

If we could live our lives backward, imagine how much easier it would be to run a business!  We would all have answers at our finger tips. There would be fewer struggles; and the money would come pouring in.

Unfortunately, life and business have twists and turns and we need to learn from these experiences. For most of us, when we started our businesses everything felt new and exciting; but as time passed, the excitement began to dwindle and frustration set in.

While there is no simple answer, this is a great time to take a personal inventory of your true desires and the path you want to follow.  I’ve approached these crossroads many times and, after taking inventory, found myself moving in new directions. 

For example, I have chosen to change my niche and work with different target markets. When I first started coaching my clientele consisted of women in transition; then people who were retiring. After a few years, my target market changed again, and I worked with individuals who wanted to get off the diet merry-go-round.

Then it changed again, and this time my niche found me. I became a coaches’ coach, and for the last 5 years coaches have been my primary clientele.  My business has flourished and I have never been so creative.  

Now It’s Your Turn!

This simple exercise is designed to help you discover your true business strengths and passion.

• Write your answers to the following questions:
  • What do you love about your business?
  • Describe your ideal client (professionals, teens, young mothers, etc.)
  • List your strengths and skills. 
  • How are you being creative?
  • What support will you need to promote your business?
  • Outline the changes you want or have to implement.
• Read over your answers and highlight details that jump out at you.  Include your ideal client, strengths and skills, along with the support you will need to grow your business, etc.  These items will help you paint a picture of your new direction.
• Close your eyes and picture your business thriving. 
• List the key ingredients for this success.
• Plan your first steps in creating, shifting, or expanding a successful and prosperous business.
• Discuss your findings and plan with the support of a coach, friend or mastermind group.

When your exercise is complete, please share your new business ideas with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community in the comment section below.  Feel free to contact me at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net if you are experiencing difficulty in completing the exercise.

Working together, we will build thriving businesses!

Helen

Doing for Our Grandchildren Is a Gift of Love

Everyone goes through difficult days—even children! Things that might seem unimportant to us can impact a child in different ways. I am sounding very deep right now.

Recently, my 11-year-old grandson seems to be facing some struggles. While on the surface none of these struggles are earth-shattering to me, everything seems to be a big deal to him. Yesterday he went to school with a hole in his pants. He called his mother and asked her to bring him another pair of pants. But she was busy all day with clients and meetings. Then my cell phone rang. My grandson was on the line, asking me to bring him a pair of pants. I had commitments with clients all morning and, on top of everything else, had a very bad cold and wasn’t in the mood to drive 20 minutes both ways.

However, being a grandmother, I couldn’t say “No.” After finishing with my next client, I went to the school so we could go to Target together to buy another pair of pants. When I walked into the school building, I was greeted by both my grandson and the Principal. She asked me why I was taking him out of the school. I explained he had a hole in his pants and we were going to the store for another pair. She looked at me as if I was crazy and told him to go back to class and for me to go home. So that’s what we did: he went back to class and I went home.

Thinking about what had just happened, I felt good that my grandson feels comfortable calling me and knows I love him. The best gift we can give anyone is support and showing the person, “I love you.”

On the way home, I started thinking about the many different times I felt such love from my grandfather and how special it made we feel. How lucky I am to give to my grandchildren the love that makes them feel special.

Later that day, my grandson called and thanked me for coming to the school. We both laughed about how the Principal sent him back to class and me home.

Now It’s Your Turn

Think about the times you were with your grandchildren when both of you felt a deep love for each other. These are special moments. Not only do you feel close to each other, but it builds self-confidence and a closeness that can never be taken away.

Enjoy the time you spend together, and keep building those memories.

Helen

Special Moments

Life is like a box of chocolates

“Life is like a box of chocolates.”
~ Forrest Gump

I love this quote. Life at times can be a piece of chocolate in the midst of an entire box of assorted chocolates. Some pieces are familiar favorites while some pieces are rather exotic or unknown. Some pieces turn out to be unexpected pleasures, even though at first glance they seem mysterious or something to be avoided.

My husband past away almost four years ago and yesterday would have been his birthday.  I received a call from my daughter in the morning asking if I wanted to go out for dinner and celebrate her dad’s birthday. My first reaction was no—I just wanted to spend the day hiding and forget about his birthday. All of a sudden, my positive side kicked in, and I agreed to meet her at his favorite restaurant.

I spent the day thinking about the times we celebrated our birthdays together. Sometimes we had the family over and celebrated together, while other times we went away for a few days or had dinner alone. We never forgot about each other’s birthday.

As I’m writing this article I’m thinking how life can be like a box of chocolates. A piece of chocolate is sweet and delicious. My memories during the day were sweet and brought a smile to my face. Meeting my daughter at night was very healing as we discussed our life as a family and what special moments we all shared together. The day turned out to be very special and healing.

Now It’s Your Turn!

When you read the Forrest Gump quote, what special memories come to mind? You can consider these moments as your happy place. Whenever you are feeling a little sad, it’s time to think of those special moments. I’m sure they will bring a smile to your face.

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.

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

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

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.

Losing Sight of Your Mission

“If your ship
doesn’t come in,
swim out to it.”
Anonymous

Speaking to my coach this morning, I was telling her that I am tired of fighting every day.  When the words came out of my mouth, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Have I lost sight of my mission, “Supporting coaches so they can feel confident and build prosperous businesses.”?  What was happening?

We discussed my dilemma and the underlining cause was that I had lost sight of my mission.  Once I started talking about my mission, the fire within me started burning and I felt alive again.   Ideas started popping into my head.

As the quote states, if things are not happening you have to look for opportunities!

Now It Is Your Turn to try the exercise below:

• Take a few moments and think about your day and what feelings materialize.  Are you feeling weary or excited?
• Write what you are thinking about.  Just let the thoughts flow and don’t judge them.
• Read what you wrote and notice what jumps out at you.  Are you acknowledging yourself, losing sight of your passion, etc…
• What small shift would reignite your fire?

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what small changes you are going to make.  Together we will support each other in reigniting the fire within us.