Does your heart break when you think about the devastation occurring in the Gulf of Mexico?
Mine does too. I’ve reached a point where I don’t want to keep up-to-date on what’s happening because it’s just so sad.
There is a way we can help. Lynne McTaggart leads what she calls “The Intention Experiment” in which she requests that her network around the world all hold a single intention at the same time each week. This week’s intention is about the Gulf:
My intention is for the Deepwater Horizon’s oil leak to be immediately and successfully contained, and full eco-balance restored to the surrounding sea and marine life.
If we all hold this intention and know that the healing of the entire eco-system has already started in ways we can’t even imagine, we can make a huge difference for those affected by this tragedy, and our planet.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Obituary of BlackPants
It is with style and panache that I announce the passing of BlackPants. A faithful companion for many years, BlackPants was my comfort and security, an unfailing supporter of a sadly limited opinion of myself.
BlackPants was much more than an article of clothing. It was a state of mind. It was a belief that, because I was carrying around some extra pounds on my body, I should use lacklustre clothing to camouflage them. After all, black has always been described as “slimming.” The BlackPants philosophy led me to invest heavily in garments that were various shades of, well, black! Jackets, sweaters, tops, shoes, socks – but mostly pants! I recently counted my collection and found that I had thirteen pairs of black pants – winter pants, summer pants, old mess-around-the-garden pants and new dress-up ones.
BlackPants had been steadily losing its power over the past year. The decline began when I replaced the boxy black purse with a stylish lime green bag and took the audacious step of buying a pair of white pants. The final death-knell for BlackPants was the purchase of turquoise shoes and the creation of a complete outfit free of solid neutral colours.
BlackPants is survived by many friends, including UglySweaters, OldSweats and MuMuDresses, all states of mind that plague women who dress to keep themselves unnoticed and their style unexpressed. Sadly, BlackPants will likely reincarnate in the life of a woman who doesn’t feel she’s good enough.
While I will always wear black pants because I like them and think they’re classy, I will no longer be guided by the philosophy of BlackPants. I love fashion and will wear clothes that reflect that. But the difference will be more than the way I dress – it will be the way I feel. BlackPants dressing reinforces a belief that I have nothing to offer; stylish dressing makes me want to step out and express myself.
What does your style say about you? What message are you conveying? Might it be time to look at the way you present yourself? The transformation may not happen overnight like it does on those makeover TV shows, but whenever you make a change that brings you closer to reflecting your true self, it’s a change worth making.
BlackPants was much more than an article of clothing. It was a state of mind. It was a belief that, because I was carrying around some extra pounds on my body, I should use lacklustre clothing to camouflage them. After all, black has always been described as “slimming.” The BlackPants philosophy led me to invest heavily in garments that were various shades of, well, black! Jackets, sweaters, tops, shoes, socks – but mostly pants! I recently counted my collection and found that I had thirteen pairs of black pants – winter pants, summer pants, old mess-around-the-garden pants and new dress-up ones.
BlackPants had been steadily losing its power over the past year. The decline began when I replaced the boxy black purse with a stylish lime green bag and took the audacious step of buying a pair of white pants. The final death-knell for BlackPants was the purchase of turquoise shoes and the creation of a complete outfit free of solid neutral colours.
BlackPants is survived by many friends, including UglySweaters, OldSweats and MuMuDresses, all states of mind that plague women who dress to keep themselves unnoticed and their style unexpressed. Sadly, BlackPants will likely reincarnate in the life of a woman who doesn’t feel she’s good enough.
While I will always wear black pants because I like them and think they’re classy, I will no longer be guided by the philosophy of BlackPants. I love fashion and will wear clothes that reflect that. But the difference will be more than the way I dress – it will be the way I feel. BlackPants dressing reinforces a belief that I have nothing to offer; stylish dressing makes me want to step out and express myself.
What does your style say about you? What message are you conveying? Might it be time to look at the way you present yourself? The transformation may not happen overnight like it does on those makeover TV shows, but whenever you make a change that brings you closer to reflecting your true self, it’s a change worth making.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Prune Your Life!
When I pruned the shrubs in my backyard, some sprouted quickly, evidence that the plant was growing fuller and stronger. One group of cedars, however, appeared to be just a dry skeleton of branches that was all but dead. Although it took several months for sprouts to appear, the plants did recover but very slowly.
The plants that recovered flourished after pruning had received more attention over the years while the cedar hedge had been so neglected that it died inside. The overgrowth had restricted the plant’s access to the elements essential to life (light, water, air) and it had deteriorated.
The plight of the plant can happen in our lives as well. When our days are filled with too many things, we feel stuck and stagnant. Like the neglected plant, we struggle to get enough of the things that keep us feeling balanced and healthy. Once we lop off some of the extras, we feel lighter and freer.
Activities and expectations that are not serving us keep us heavy and unbalanced. In order to get clear about what we want, we need to take some time to get quiet and ask ourselves what is true for us in our hearts. Two tools that I have found to be effective are:
The Rule of Ten. Ask yourself how you will feel in ten minutes, ten months and ten years. Your resignation from baseball coach may feel selfish in ten minutes, maybe even in ten months, but imagine how you’ll feel in ten years if you redirect the time and energy you invested in baseball into something you really love. It could be the start of a very satisfying home-based business or a hobby that gives you hours of pleasure.
The Right Questions. Best-selling author Debbie Ford suggests we ask ourselves powerful questions when faced with a difficult decision. Some of the questions are:
- Will this choice propel me toward an inspiring future or will it keep me stuck in the past?
- Am I standing in my power or trying to please another?
- Will this choice add to my life force or will it rob me of my energy?
- Does this choice empower me or does it disempower me?
- Is this an act of self-love or is it an act of self-sabotage?
When we ask ourselves powerful questions like these, we get in touch with our truest self and move forward with action that reflects the best of who we are. Each time we get in touch with the wisdom that is deep inside of ourselves, we move one step closer to a life we truly love.
The plants that recovered flourished after pruning had received more attention over the years while the cedar hedge had been so neglected that it died inside. The overgrowth had restricted the plant’s access to the elements essential to life (light, water, air) and it had deteriorated.
The plight of the plant can happen in our lives as well. When our days are filled with too many things, we feel stuck and stagnant. Like the neglected plant, we struggle to get enough of the things that keep us feeling balanced and healthy. Once we lop off some of the extras, we feel lighter and freer.
Activities and expectations that are not serving us keep us heavy and unbalanced. In order to get clear about what we want, we need to take some time to get quiet and ask ourselves what is true for us in our hearts. Two tools that I have found to be effective are:
The Rule of Ten. Ask yourself how you will feel in ten minutes, ten months and ten years. Your resignation from baseball coach may feel selfish in ten minutes, maybe even in ten months, but imagine how you’ll feel in ten years if you redirect the time and energy you invested in baseball into something you really love. It could be the start of a very satisfying home-based business or a hobby that gives you hours of pleasure.
The Right Questions. Best-selling author Debbie Ford suggests we ask ourselves powerful questions when faced with a difficult decision. Some of the questions are:
- Will this choice propel me toward an inspiring future or will it keep me stuck in the past?
- Am I standing in my power or trying to please another?
- Will this choice add to my life force or will it rob me of my energy?
- Does this choice empower me or does it disempower me?
- Is this an act of self-love or is it an act of self-sabotage?
When we ask ourselves powerful questions like these, we get in touch with our truest self and move forward with action that reflects the best of who we are. Each time we get in touch with the wisdom that is deep inside of ourselves, we move one step closer to a life we truly love.
Friday, April 30, 2010
It's So Easy To Make A Big Difference
In 1976 Professor Muhammad Yunus met some entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh. When he learned that only a few dollars could make the difference between constant struggling and supporting themselves and their families with ease, Professor Yunus founded the Grameen Bank, a micro-financing organization that made small loans to the impoverished without requiring collateral.
I heard about this initiative when Professor Yunus and the Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, and I loved the idea. Giving people in developing nations the means to create better lives for themselves seemed to me to have so many positives. From the sustainable income and tangible assets these entrepreneurs create to the self-esteem and peer respect they enjoy, micro-financing is such a constructive way to make a lasting difference for distant members of our world community.
Needless to say, I was very excited when I learned about Kiva.org. It’s a web-based organization through which individuals can support entrepreneurs in the developing world. The website features profiles of entrepreneurs, describing their business and the purpose for which the loan is requested. Lenders can make loans for as little as $25US through Paypal and track their loans and the entrepreneurs they are supporting. The profiles are both inspiring and humbling – it’s amazing to see how a small amount of my money can have a life-changing impact on someone else’s life. I currently support three projects and plan to add more in the future.
Kiva.org is a beautiful demonstration of the power of giving people a “hand up” rather than a handout. It recognizes the ability and drive of entrepreneurs in developing countries and acknowledges that they have what they need to be successful, except for a small infusion of cash. Kiva also shrinks the world by allowing people who live in the world of internet access and on-line banking to touch the lives of individuals who live simpler but no less important lives.
Take a look at the Kiva.org website. You’ll be inspired by the initiative of the entrepreneurs and the commitment of the lenders to make a difference. It’s another example of how really connected we are on this planet, despite the distances and the vastly different financial situations.
I heard about this initiative when Professor Yunus and the Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, and I loved the idea. Giving people in developing nations the means to create better lives for themselves seemed to me to have so many positives. From the sustainable income and tangible assets these entrepreneurs create to the self-esteem and peer respect they enjoy, micro-financing is such a constructive way to make a lasting difference for distant members of our world community.
Needless to say, I was very excited when I learned about Kiva.org. It’s a web-based organization through which individuals can support entrepreneurs in the developing world. The website features profiles of entrepreneurs, describing their business and the purpose for which the loan is requested. Lenders can make loans for as little as $25US through Paypal and track their loans and the entrepreneurs they are supporting. The profiles are both inspiring and humbling – it’s amazing to see how a small amount of my money can have a life-changing impact on someone else’s life. I currently support three projects and plan to add more in the future.
Kiva.org is a beautiful demonstration of the power of giving people a “hand up” rather than a handout. It recognizes the ability and drive of entrepreneurs in developing countries and acknowledges that they have what they need to be successful, except for a small infusion of cash. Kiva also shrinks the world by allowing people who live in the world of internet access and on-line banking to touch the lives of individuals who live simpler but no less important lives.
Take a look at the Kiva.org website. You’ll be inspired by the initiative of the entrepreneurs and the commitment of the lenders to make a difference. It’s another example of how really connected we are on this planet, despite the distances and the vastly different financial situations.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy Earth Day!
This is the day on which we acknowledge the amazing gift we have in this beautiful planet and take time to think about our role as stewards of the environment and the earth. We’ll hear much today about the impact we have on the planet and the things we can do to contribute to a greener, healthier, less toxic world in the future. It’s a day about raising awareness and taking action. Earth Day Canada has identified the Top Ten things we can do to make a difference for the environment http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/top10.php. Most of them are relatively easy changes we can make that add up to a huge difference for the planet. You’ll probably look at the list and see that you already do several. I believe that the challenge of today is to find a way to do more, to add one more action to the list of things you do for the environment. Is there something on the list you could incorporate into your life?
On January 1, 2007, I stopped using drive-thrus. I decided that I wasn’t willing to continue releasing emissions from my car as it sat waiting to get my caffeine fix. Of course it’s inconvenient sometimes but it’s a tangible thing I can do that makes a small difference. I believe that as more people refuse to leave their car idling for more that ten seconds, a significant impact will be made on the planet.
This Earth Day, I am going to switch gas companies from the old traditional kind to a company that supplies carbon-free power from emissions-free sources such as wind power and low-impact water power. http://www.bullfrogpower.com/ I’m also going to schedule an energy audit to get suggestions from a professional on how we might make our home more energy efficient.
On January 1, 2007, I stopped using drive-thrus. I decided that I wasn’t willing to continue releasing emissions from my car as it sat waiting to get my caffeine fix. Of course it’s inconvenient sometimes but it’s a tangible thing I can do that makes a small difference. I believe that as more people refuse to leave their car idling for more that ten seconds, a significant impact will be made on the planet.
This Earth Day, I am going to switch gas companies from the old traditional kind to a company that supplies carbon-free power from emissions-free sources such as wind power and low-impact water power. http://www.bullfrogpower.com/ I’m also going to schedule an energy audit to get suggestions from a professional on how we might make our home more energy efficient.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Go On A Retreat!
In her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert describes a silent retreat on a tiny island near Bali. She created a space of solitude and introspection in which she could journal, cry, forgive, release and love herself into feeling more whole and balanced in the midst of a difficult divorce.
Like Elizabeth, I took a retreat that allowed me to look deeply at my life, acknowledge some truths and recommit to what is important to me. I returned from my retreat feeling lighter and more centred, deeply grateful for my blessings in my life and committed to focusing on the things that are most important to me. Here are tips for creating a silent retreat for yourself:
You’ve got to get away. No matter how you try to get around it, home is home and it’s full of things that will distract you from the complete attention you need. A cottage in off-season, a retreat centre, an island off Bali…whatever it is, find a place where you can completely focus on yourself and not your to-do list.
Make it silent. Limit your interaction with the outside world, including television, radio, internet, your e-mail inbox. Even limit phone calls to loved ones. The purpose is to focus on yourself and you can’t do that if you’re checking in with the world all the time. They’ll get by just fine without you.
Surrender. If you’re expecting wonderful things to happen, create room for them to occur. Whatever name you use -- God, Spirit, the Universe, the Higher Power – give It room to work by being willing to experience shifts and blessings.
Be active rather than passive. Reading books may give you insight but reading, which is passively taking in ideas, has to be balanced with the more active work of writing, thinking deeply and doing activities you may have chosen for yourself.
Write. If you use a journal, you know that journalling has the power to take less-than-positive thoughts and turn them around to show a more empowering perspective. You can also use a journal to empty your mind of the incessant chatter so that you can think without distraction. If you haven’t used a journal before try it. If you have, count on it being an important resource during your retreat.
Forgive. This huge step reaps deep rewards. I had a powerful experience under the late-night sky. In my mind, I had a conversation with each person I wanted to forgive. Then I chose a bright star on which to bury my grievances. I imagined the love that exists in the relationship reflecting back to me from the star and I felt peace and completion. Don’t forget to include yourself on the list of people to forgive.
Use rituals to support your experience. Just as using the stars supported my forgiveness, choose rituals that will work for you. Burning can be a powerful ritual of release – write out anything you want to release (situations, limiting beliefs) and then burn them. Native Indians have many rituals you may wish to consider including in your retreat.
Like Elizabeth, I took a retreat that allowed me to look deeply at my life, acknowledge some truths and recommit to what is important to me. I returned from my retreat feeling lighter and more centred, deeply grateful for my blessings in my life and committed to focusing on the things that are most important to me. Here are tips for creating a silent retreat for yourself:
You’ve got to get away. No matter how you try to get around it, home is home and it’s full of things that will distract you from the complete attention you need. A cottage in off-season, a retreat centre, an island off Bali…whatever it is, find a place where you can completely focus on yourself and not your to-do list.
Make it silent. Limit your interaction with the outside world, including television, radio, internet, your e-mail inbox. Even limit phone calls to loved ones. The purpose is to focus on yourself and you can’t do that if you’re checking in with the world all the time. They’ll get by just fine without you.
Surrender. If you’re expecting wonderful things to happen, create room for them to occur. Whatever name you use -- God, Spirit, the Universe, the Higher Power – give It room to work by being willing to experience shifts and blessings.
Be active rather than passive. Reading books may give you insight but reading, which is passively taking in ideas, has to be balanced with the more active work of writing, thinking deeply and doing activities you may have chosen for yourself.
Write. If you use a journal, you know that journalling has the power to take less-than-positive thoughts and turn them around to show a more empowering perspective. You can also use a journal to empty your mind of the incessant chatter so that you can think without distraction. If you haven’t used a journal before try it. If you have, count on it being an important resource during your retreat.
Forgive. This huge step reaps deep rewards. I had a powerful experience under the late-night sky. In my mind, I had a conversation with each person I wanted to forgive. Then I chose a bright star on which to bury my grievances. I imagined the love that exists in the relationship reflecting back to me from the star and I felt peace and completion. Don’t forget to include yourself on the list of people to forgive.
Use rituals to support your experience. Just as using the stars supported my forgiveness, choose rituals that will work for you. Burning can be a powerful ritual of release – write out anything you want to release (situations, limiting beliefs) and then burn them. Native Indians have many rituals you may wish to consider including in your retreat.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Do You have a Bucket List?
Did you see “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman? It’s about two hospital roommates with little time to live who take off on an odyssey to cross items off the list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” They travel to Egypt, Europe and Japan to see the sights they’ve always longed to see. While the landmarks are awe-inspiring, the men realize that what they really long for is deeper connections with the people who are most important to them – family.
Whatever you call it – bucket list, life’s goals or personal intentions – making a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime is a valuable practice in getting clear about what’s most important to you. While the list may be generously sprinkled with “dream items” such as trips, adventures and possessions, if you take your time, you’ll find that your list will also reveal some of the qualities of you want to cultivate. For example, my list, which I started in 2000, includes being a really good cook and owning a convertible sports car. These define the way I want to live my life rather than how I want to spend my vacation.
Here are some tips for creating a meaningful “Bucket List:”
Indulge all of the things you want to do. Surely you’ve thought of some great vacations you’d like to take. Tuscany? An African safari? The Grand Canyon? Maybe you want to become a millionaire, run a marathon or start your own business? These are do-goals – based on you doing things to achieve the intention. Many of the things on your list will fall into this category. It’s a great place to start.
Next look at have-goals. What are the objects you’d like to own? The sports car, the beach house, the fabulous jewellery, a great stamp collection are things and have-goals are about getting them. What an awesome future you’re creating for yourself!
Then consider be-goals. How do you want to show up in the world? Do you want to be remembered for your integrity? Is it important to be the kind of parent who shows up at all the soccer games? Do you want to be incredibly fit all through your life? Who do you want to be? For me, it’s important that I am a part of the lives of my nephews and nieces – I want to be an influence and a blessing in their live.
Once you’ve created a “first draft,” leave your list for a few days and then review it to see if you have anything else to add. Really get into the process and imagine what it take to be satisfied that you had lived a good life? This is just you dreaming on paper so really get into it! If you give it some time, you may be surprised what emerges.
Choose an item or two on your list to be the first ones you will cross off. Could you get started on the stamp collection, begin a business plan for your business, plan your next vacation to one of the places on your list?
Review the list every once in a while to see how you’re doing and add new things that have become important to you. If you do an end-of-the year review and goal setting, that would be an excellent time.
Consider working with a coach. Creating the life of your dreams is not as easy as it sounds. There can be fear associated with some of the things on your list and it may be difficult to find time for some of the others. A coach can help you stay focused on the projects you’ve identified as important to you.
Don’t wait until you’re faced with the prospect of the impending end of your life to start to cross things off The Bucket List.
Whatever you call it – bucket list, life’s goals or personal intentions – making a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime is a valuable practice in getting clear about what’s most important to you. While the list may be generously sprinkled with “dream items” such as trips, adventures and possessions, if you take your time, you’ll find that your list will also reveal some of the qualities of you want to cultivate. For example, my list, which I started in 2000, includes being a really good cook and owning a convertible sports car. These define the way I want to live my life rather than how I want to spend my vacation.
Here are some tips for creating a meaningful “Bucket List:”
Indulge all of the things you want to do. Surely you’ve thought of some great vacations you’d like to take. Tuscany? An African safari? The Grand Canyon? Maybe you want to become a millionaire, run a marathon or start your own business? These are do-goals – based on you doing things to achieve the intention. Many of the things on your list will fall into this category. It’s a great place to start.
Next look at have-goals. What are the objects you’d like to own? The sports car, the beach house, the fabulous jewellery, a great stamp collection are things and have-goals are about getting them. What an awesome future you’re creating for yourself!
Then consider be-goals. How do you want to show up in the world? Do you want to be remembered for your integrity? Is it important to be the kind of parent who shows up at all the soccer games? Do you want to be incredibly fit all through your life? Who do you want to be? For me, it’s important that I am a part of the lives of my nephews and nieces – I want to be an influence and a blessing in their live.
Once you’ve created a “first draft,” leave your list for a few days and then review it to see if you have anything else to add. Really get into the process and imagine what it take to be satisfied that you had lived a good life? This is just you dreaming on paper so really get into it! If you give it some time, you may be surprised what emerges.
Choose an item or two on your list to be the first ones you will cross off. Could you get started on the stamp collection, begin a business plan for your business, plan your next vacation to one of the places on your list?
Review the list every once in a while to see how you’re doing and add new things that have become important to you. If you do an end-of-the year review and goal setting, that would be an excellent time.
Consider working with a coach. Creating the life of your dreams is not as easy as it sounds. There can be fear associated with some of the things on your list and it may be difficult to find time for some of the others. A coach can help you stay focused on the projects you’ve identified as important to you.
Don’t wait until you’re faced with the prospect of the impending end of your life to start to cross things off The Bucket List.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Living from Your Values
In my last blog post, I wrote about how living from our values makes our lives more authentic, joyful and meaningful. But what would that look like? Is it really possible? Or practical?
Well, let’s use my values to see what this might look like. My values are:
Adventure Authenticity Creativity Freedom Integrity Respect Spirituality Transformation
How could I create a life that is a true expression of these values? Here are some options:
• Commit to experiencing a new place/restaurant/sport every month
• Participate in extreme sports such as rock climbing
• Write a blog in which I express my authenticity (hey, I already do that!)
• Take classes that express my creativity
• Create “free” days for myself, when I do whatever I feel like
• Volunteer with organizations I believe in
• Go on spiritual retreats
And taking it a step further:
• Volunteer with an organization like Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Calcutta
• Lead tours to spiritual locations or see places through spiritual eyes
• Become a minister to lead people through spiritual transformation
• Go on a trip in which I combine work and the freedom of the open road
• Coordinate a huge creative project like the creation of an AIDS quilt
• Be a coach who works with people to find their authentic voice
There are so many more examples! And they all entice and delight me because they are reflections of my values.
So, what are your values? How could you incorporate them into your life in ways that are beautiful and rewarding expressions of the best of you?
Well, let’s use my values to see what this might look like. My values are:
Adventure Authenticity Creativity Freedom Integrity Respect Spirituality Transformation
How could I create a life that is a true expression of these values? Here are some options:
• Commit to experiencing a new place/restaurant/sport every month
• Participate in extreme sports such as rock climbing
• Write a blog in which I express my authenticity (hey, I already do that!)
• Take classes that express my creativity
• Create “free” days for myself, when I do whatever I feel like
• Volunteer with organizations I believe in
• Go on spiritual retreats
And taking it a step further:
• Volunteer with an organization like Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Calcutta
• Lead tours to spiritual locations or see places through spiritual eyes
• Become a minister to lead people through spiritual transformation
• Go on a trip in which I combine work and the freedom of the open road
• Coordinate a huge creative project like the creation of an AIDS quilt
• Be a coach who works with people to find their authentic voice
There are so many more examples! And they all entice and delight me because they are reflections of my values.
So, what are your values? How could you incorporate them into your life in ways that are beautiful and rewarding expressions of the best of you?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What Do You Value?
Who are you and what is most important to you? We each have a core set of values that define who we are and what we’re like when we show up at our best. When we are clear about our values, we can honour them in our lives and express them in ways that give us joy and satisfaction.
I have a list of the eight values that meant the most to me. Since I became more conscious about including them in my decisions and in my daily life, I’ve felt more peaceful and alive. It’s a work in progress to become continually more aligned with my values and the effort is always worth it.
Are you interested in defining your values and living your life from them? Here are the steps you can take:
1. Find a list of values. This is easy to do with an internet search. I’ve seen short lists and ones that have up to 247 values, lists of business values, family values, etc. Find a list that works for you. Keep in mind that in your heart, you already know your values – the list is just to tweak your memory.
2. Go through the list using your gut reactions or spiritual guidance to identify a short list of values.
3. Narrow down the list, if necessary, by deciding if you feel comfortable combining closely-related values, for example Integrity and Truth. Also, drop any that just don’t seem as important as the others.
4. Define what each means to you. Your definition may well not appear in a dictionary – it’s totally about your perspective.
5. Next, consider why the value is important to you.
6. Finally, think about how you will express each value and identify some action steps you can take. For example, I can express my value of adventure by experiencing new activities, places and things and actions may be to try a new ethnic restaurant or go sailing.When we live our lives by expressing our most important values, we feel centred, joyful and on-purpose. Isn’t that worth taking some time to define?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Olympic Fever Comes to Canada
I’m more than a little bit sad these days because the Olympics are over.
For two weeks, I watched TV every night, inspired by the athletic heart of young people around the world. And like never before, I was inspired by the unique and infinitely lovable Canadian spirit.
In hosting the Olympics in Vancouver, Canadians stepped into the spotlight in a way we seldom have before and we let our big, wonderful enthusiasm and love for our country shine with pride and confidence and our own sense of style. Every night, they partied in the streets of Vancouver and Whistler, and Canadians across the country partied on with them.
We delighted in the gold medals but more importantly, we delighted in the special people who represented our country and came away with the top prize. Alexandre Bilodeau, the first to win a gold medal on Canadian soil (or is that snow?), was the most humble and down-to-earth guy. Joannie Richette showed unbelievable heart, skating just days after her mother passed away in Vancouver awaiting the start of the competition. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moyer demonstrated ice-dance perfection with their long program.
Oh, and there was the hockey. Both Canadian teams, men and women, won gold in the sport that is called “Canada’s game.” They were both extremely exciting games, and sources of unending pride.
I’ve always been proud to be a Canadian. And I was thrilled that Canadians from coast to coast seized the Olympics as an opportunity to revel in our greatness and express our uniqueness.
For two weeks, I watched TV every night, inspired by the athletic heart of young people around the world. And like never before, I was inspired by the unique and infinitely lovable Canadian spirit.
In hosting the Olympics in Vancouver, Canadians stepped into the spotlight in a way we seldom have before and we let our big, wonderful enthusiasm and love for our country shine with pride and confidence and our own sense of style. Every night, they partied in the streets of Vancouver and Whistler, and Canadians across the country partied on with them.
We delighted in the gold medals but more importantly, we delighted in the special people who represented our country and came away with the top prize. Alexandre Bilodeau, the first to win a gold medal on Canadian soil (or is that snow?), was the most humble and down-to-earth guy. Joannie Richette showed unbelievable heart, skating just days after her mother passed away in Vancouver awaiting the start of the competition. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moyer demonstrated ice-dance perfection with their long program.
Oh, and there was the hockey. Both Canadian teams, men and women, won gold in the sport that is called “Canada’s game.” They were both extremely exciting games, and sources of unending pride.
I’ve always been proud to be a Canadian. And I was thrilled that Canadians from coast to coast seized the Olympics as an opportunity to revel in our greatness and express our uniqueness.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Blogging because I want to
“So, why exactly are you writing this blog?”
That was the question my husband asked after reading my birthday tribute to him.
And it’s a legitimate question. This isn’t linked to any website or any other page. I haven’t published the link anywhere, except my resume, which I’m not circulating these days.
So, for the time being, this blog is kind of a private little project I’m creating just for myself.
So, why do it? I blog because I have plans. I have plans to create a coaching practice that will most definitely have a blog on its website. This is a foundational piece that will be ready to drop in when that happens.
I blog because I want to get into the routine of posting regularly.
And most importantly, I blog because I like to write. It’s a form of self-expression that has always appealed to me, and I’ve been told I’m good at it.
I may not have people reading this thing right now, and I may never have a huge following, but I get to do something that I enjoy and that builds a foundation for what I’m planning to create in the future.
How good a reason is that??
That was the question my husband asked after reading my birthday tribute to him.
And it’s a legitimate question. This isn’t linked to any website or any other page. I haven’t published the link anywhere, except my resume, which I’m not circulating these days.
So, for the time being, this blog is kind of a private little project I’m creating just for myself.
So, why do it? I blog because I have plans. I have plans to create a coaching practice that will most definitely have a blog on its website. This is a foundational piece that will be ready to drop in when that happens.
I blog because I want to get into the routine of posting regularly.
And most importantly, I blog because I like to write. It’s a form of self-expression that has always appealed to me, and I’ve been told I’m good at it.
I may not have people reading this thing right now, and I may never have a huge following, but I get to do something that I enjoy and that builds a foundation for what I’m planning to create in the future.
How good a reason is that??
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Happy Groundhog's Day
February 2 is always an important day for me. Not because it’s Groundhog’s Day, but because it’s my Sweetie’s birthday.
My husband, Don Giberson, pictured at left in a photo taken just last night to promote his business, Dreamcrafters. Don is a combination of nerdy, cute and smart, in a Dr. Oz kind of way. He is a deep thinker, at the forefront in Law of Attraction education that builds upon the ‘get-more-stuff” teaching of The Secret and uses it to discover and live the destiny of the soul. His work is about leading classes, coaching and writing in ways that help people realize their soul-connection with the infinite and live from that place.
In addition to the important, consciousness-raising work he does, Don is my partner in life. He is so loving and supportive of me, even when I’m being a drama queen or a class-A bitch. Amazingly, he always seems to see the best in me. Don takes care of me in little ways like carrying my suitcase, filling my water glass and taking out the garbage, but he also challenges me to be strong and to follow my own wisdom.
I am very blessed to have my own little groundhog living with me 365 days a year Happy birthday, Sweetie!
My husband, Don Giberson, pictured at left in a photo taken just last night to promote his business, Dreamcrafters. Don is a combination of nerdy, cute and smart, in a Dr. Oz kind of way. He is a deep thinker, at the forefront in Law of Attraction education that builds upon the ‘get-more-stuff” teaching of The Secret and uses it to discover and live the destiny of the soul. His work is about leading classes, coaching and writing in ways that help people realize their soul-connection with the infinite and live from that place.
In addition to the important, consciousness-raising work he does, Don is my partner in life. He is so loving and supportive of me, even when I’m being a drama queen or a class-A bitch. Amazingly, he always seems to see the best in me. Don takes care of me in little ways like carrying my suitcase, filling my water glass and taking out the garbage, but he also challenges me to be strong and to follow my own wisdom.
I am very blessed to have my own little groundhog living with me 365 days a year Happy birthday, Sweetie!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Travel Dreams
I just came across my favourite recent picture of myself and I want to share it. It’s me in Florence, Italy with the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in the background and my arm resting on the wall that banks the side of the Arno River.Compositionally, it’s not great and it sure isn’t that flattering, but the reason I love it is that I was in a city I adore and I had just had the thought, “I should buy an apartment here!” Buying an apartment in Italy is not practical for so many reasons and I have since discounted that as an idea, in favour of renting a place when I go to Florence. But what I love about the picture is that I had this idea that expanded what is possible for me, from being a tourist who wistfully leaves after way too few days to being someone who brings work gear and rents a place for a few months as she works on a large project. I imagine mornings spent working on the laptop, and afternoons of exploring, enjoying and lattes in quaint piazzas.
This is more than realistic. My former coach, Cynthia Morris, spent a year travelling around Europe writing, coaching and being outrageously creative and chronicled it all in her blog Journey JuJu. She was inspired by Timothy Ferris, who wrote the best-seller The Four-Hour Workweek. In this mobile information age, location isn’t a restriction to travelling and living a life that delights and inspires. Just check out Cynthia and Timothy and then get started on creating your own travel dream.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Power of Joy
I recently read an impressive book called If I Am So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight? Tools to Get It Done! by weight-loss coach Brooke Castillo. In it she presented a process that isn’t about food or exercise but about the beliefs and habits that keep us stuck in self-destructive patterns.
Brooke’s discussion about joy really spoke to me. While it’s natural and healthy to derive some pleasure from eating, getting too much joy from food, will make it extremely difficult to give up. However, if I have joy in my life from a lot of sources, the need to eat for the joy of it will drop. Brooke challenged her readers to estimate how much of their total joy came from food and eating, and then to build into their lives additional things that would give them joy, so that food would contribute a smaller proportion.
I can’t help thinking that this has applications beyond food. Activities such as mindless television and computer games can work like food to give us low-level joy when we haven’t build enough really satisfying pleasure into our lives. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have so many things in our lives that we truly love that we don’t care about the Doritos or who’s dancing with the stars?
So, what about you? Is there enough pleasure in your life? What would really give you joy? What would you love to be doing? When are you going to start building it in?
For myself, I hosted a games night last Friday, I’ve started a sewing project to revel in my creativity, I’ve planned more visits with my nieces and nephews and more fun time with my husband, and I’ve recognized that, for now, joy also looks like a good book and a latte at Starbucks and I’m giving myself permission to indulge in that joy, too.
Brooke’s discussion about joy really spoke to me. While it’s natural and healthy to derive some pleasure from eating, getting too much joy from food, will make it extremely difficult to give up. However, if I have joy in my life from a lot of sources, the need to eat for the joy of it will drop. Brooke challenged her readers to estimate how much of their total joy came from food and eating, and then to build into their lives additional things that would give them joy, so that food would contribute a smaller proportion.
I can’t help thinking that this has applications beyond food. Activities such as mindless television and computer games can work like food to give us low-level joy when we haven’t build enough really satisfying pleasure into our lives. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have so many things in our lives that we truly love that we don’t care about the Doritos or who’s dancing with the stars?
So, what about you? Is there enough pleasure in your life? What would really give you joy? What would you love to be doing? When are you going to start building it in?
For myself, I hosted a games night last Friday, I’ve started a sewing project to revel in my creativity, I’ve planned more visits with my nieces and nephews and more fun time with my husband, and I’ve recognized that, for now, joy also looks like a good book and a latte at Starbucks and I’m giving myself permission to indulge in that joy, too.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
And Then, The Crash
I started 2010 with lists of what I was going to do, who I was going to be, habits I was going to embrace. I wasn’t naïve enough to think that when I did/was all of these things, my life would be perfect, but I sure did think I’d created some good plans. But my wounded little girl and/or my soul and/or my heart wasn’t impressed. It rebelled. Hugely.
Everything I did that first full week of 2010 didn’t work out. Start on the new actions I wanted to take. Nope. Focus on the habits. Nope. OK, then just meditate and pray all day! Nope. It was as if my soul was saying, “Just give yourself a break. Wait.”
During that week, I read an article by life coach Cheryl Richardson (www.cherylrichardson.com) in which she counselled doing just that – wait for the energy to move you. She said that rather than struggling with a huge pile of papers that needed to be filed, she waited until she felt like doing it and the project got done easily and in much less time than it would have if she had slogged through it.
Admittedly, we can’t just wait on everything in our lives but I’ve been giving the concept a try and it has been working for me. I had been dreading reorganizing my clothes closet but the energy moved me last weekend and I was able to complete the project in a way that was fun and productive.
As far as those great lists for 2010, I’m focusing on them now and having success. I think it’s because I honoured my resistance, allowed it to be OK and waited until the energy was there.
Everything I did that first full week of 2010 didn’t work out. Start on the new actions I wanted to take. Nope. Focus on the habits. Nope. OK, then just meditate and pray all day! Nope. It was as if my soul was saying, “Just give yourself a break. Wait.”
During that week, I read an article by life coach Cheryl Richardson (www.cherylrichardson.com) in which she counselled doing just that – wait for the energy to move you. She said that rather than struggling with a huge pile of papers that needed to be filed, she waited until she felt like doing it and the project got done easily and in much less time than it would have if she had slogged through it.
Admittedly, we can’t just wait on everything in our lives but I’ve been giving the concept a try and it has been working for me. I had been dreading reorganizing my clothes closet but the energy moved me last weekend and I was able to complete the project in a way that was fun and productive.
As far as those great lists for 2010, I’m focusing on them now and having success. I think it’s because I honoured my resistance, allowed it to be OK and waited until the energy was there.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
My Planning Getaway
Every year, my husband Don and I take some time to review where we are with our lives and set intentions for the coming year. We usually go away for a night or two. It’s an opportunity for us to connect and to share deeply about what is most important to us.
This year, we left on New Year’s Day, which was a Friday, and spent two nights in a hotel offering great weekend rates. We identified our most important intentions and then created 25-, 10-, 5-, 1-year and 90-day action steps that would take us in the direction of our intentions. We identified qualities we wanted to develop in the coming year. We asked ourselves questions that shifted our thinking. For example, I asked Don what had made our summer projects in the garden so successful. We saw that we had a long-term vision, which we chunked into weekends. Each Saturday had a list of steps and we were able to see the results of our work at the end of the day. We can now use the approach we used in the garden to create other projects in the future.
The value of our annual getaway is that we focus on what we want to create and we support each other in making it happen. It’s a real benefit to do the planning somewhere away from home because it creates a full break from the ordinary, and from the errands and projects that inevitably grab our attention when we are at home.
I appreciate being focused and clear about what is important to me as I begin the new year. And I appreciate beginning the new year with a clear vision that my husband and I can share.
This year, we left on New Year’s Day, which was a Friday, and spent two nights in a hotel offering great weekend rates. We identified our most important intentions and then created 25-, 10-, 5-, 1-year and 90-day action steps that would take us in the direction of our intentions. We identified qualities we wanted to develop in the coming year. We asked ourselves questions that shifted our thinking. For example, I asked Don what had made our summer projects in the garden so successful. We saw that we had a long-term vision, which we chunked into weekends. Each Saturday had a list of steps and we were able to see the results of our work at the end of the day. We can now use the approach we used in the garden to create other projects in the future.
The value of our annual getaway is that we focus on what we want to create and we support each other in making it happen. It’s a real benefit to do the planning somewhere away from home because it creates a full break from the ordinary, and from the errands and projects that inevitably grab our attention when we are at home.
I appreciate being focused and clear about what is important to me as I begin the new year. And I appreciate beginning the new year with a clear vision that my husband and I can share.
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