goals

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Receiving the Good We Deserve (and freaking out in the process)

July 16, 2010 in Bring it on!, Change, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness, fear | No comments

There are so many things I want to do with my life and I don’t know how to get started!  How am I supposed to do what I love when I don’t even know what I love?  There are too many choices and only one me!

Every day I work with men and women who are in the middle of life transition and transformation.  It’s an exciting time!  These individuals have acknowledged that that they are worth the time for self-discovery and self-evaluation.  They are willing to be open, aware and vulnerable to stepping out on faith into the unknown as they create in consciousness their dynamic and delicious lives.  Yet, there’s a catch.  You see, with all of this enthusiasm and energy surrounding the development of their Life Design, these men and women come to the realization that they have unique gifts, skills and talents waiting to be utilized.  Where at one time they believed they had missed out on the day passion and life purpose were passed around, they’ve come to the knowing that there are limitless possibilities and opportunities and indeed they have a divine dream and path.  It’s at this point where they look at me with “deer in the headlight” expressions.  The very ideas they were hoping to discover not only showed up, but did so in mass.  What now?  Where to start? I’m freaking out!

Feeling overwhelmed at all of the choices, especially when we focus too heavily on the “how”, will often result in stress, blocks and obstacles.  The first idea that comes to mind when faced with hurdles is something we learned as young people ~ that is to overcome it (or ignore and brush it under the rug).  When we are of the mindset that there is something to “overcome”, often times that very thought takes over and we are in a continued spiral of lack.  I believe when we are faced with blocks, obstacles and fears we must honor them.  This doesn’t mean validation!  Instead we are taking the time to see why they showed up.  What is the old tape or memory keeping us anchored?  Come up with a list of your wins, successes and accomplishments, which squash these barriers.  Start your morning with a daily intention on who you are willing to be.  Write it down and affirm it throughout the day.

It’s important to take the time to know and understand who we are when we are in the middle of a significant transition and transformation.  Regardless of what put us on this path, personal or professional areas, it will become clear that it’s impossible for us to live compartmentalized.  We are whole and one.  Positive changes in your personal life bring success to your professional life and vice versa.  What is actually occurring is the alignment of your thoughts, words and actions.  You are shifting your consciousness and holding yourself accountable to living your absolute truth.  The key is to find out what that means for you.  When we know and live our “I am”, we walk in confidence.  If we are able to give ourselves an honest assessment as to our strengths and challenges, we are able to better create a lifestyle that works best for us.  If you’re not a morning person, don’t move toward a job that requires you to be in at 7:00 am.  If you want to be an entrepreneur, take a look at your self-discipline skills.  If you’re not great at self-motivating, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be a successful business owner.  Instead it might mean finding a collaborative partner that brings that in as a strength.

Create element lists for the right and perfect career, business, and lifestyle.  What do you want included?  How are those in your list aligned with your natural essence?  Where do you see common themes?  The more you break this process down, the more you are giving yourself an opportunity to breathe it in.  Trust me, I know what it’s like to want what you want and want it now!  But there is such a thing as divine timing and order.  Let this time in your life unfold organically.  Don’t rush or force a divine dream or idea.  It doesn’t mean you aren’t serious; in fact, it reflects just the opposite.  You are taking the time to come up with an action plan that is perfect for where you are presently.  We must take into consideration our family life and responsibilities.  Refute the argument about “time” and there not being enough of it left for you to find your life purpose.  What’s the alternative?  Sitting in the waiting room and daydreaming about the life you want?  It’s the same amount of time, yet the “doing” actually moves you closer to the manifestation of your goals.

You are worth the time!  Create those times throughout the day where you give yourself five minutes of deep breathing and re-centeredness.  Remember to acknowledge all you are accomplishing, no matter the size, instead of focusing on what isn’t getting done.  You are the beauty of your dreams!

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Wait a minute, you mean I can make a living doing….

July 6, 2010 in Bring it on!, Career, Change, Goal Setting, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness, Spirit, fear | No comments

People make cartoons for a living.  They ACTUALLY get paid to make cartoons! And I knew, right then and there, that’s what I wanted to do. ~ John Lasseter, Pixar

John Lasseter is one of the creative minds behind Pixar and over the weekend, while channel surfing, I came across the documentary, The Pixar Story.  As a fan of animated films, and all of the movies that have come out of Pixar to date, I was glued to the TV.  I tried to imagine what John’s parents, family and friends must have thought when he announced in high school that he planned on making a living creating cartoons.  The myths of creativity and what you can do to make a successful living were still very much anchored to words like “starving artist” and “suffering for their art”.  Yet what I loved about John’s story was once the realization went from his heart to his head, there was no stopping him.  He knew that he was supposed to make cartoons, knew there were ways to push the envelope past the traditional 2-D movies, and knew he needed to be a part of an industry that brought joy to the hearts of many.  Right at the start, John immersed himself in everything Disney.  He even went so far as to get a summer job at Disneyland where he started as a sweeper but was quickly promoted to a ride operator for their Jungle Cruise.  John’s faith in the unknown path that lay ahead brought him to Cal Tech where he won back to back awards for animation and upon graduation his dream job at Disney.

All of this might sound like a piece of cake career evolution for John.  Yet what many people don’t know is that the very place he held on a pedestal for so many years growing up, Disney, fired him.  They didn’t feel comfortable in the direction he wanted to take the industry.  He was talking about new technologies, 3-D animation, and the important use of computers.  After the executives at Disney gave him the green light to work on a project that would showcase what could be achieved, he created The Brave Little Toaster.  For eight plus months he worked on this movie and after he presented it, he was shut down.  He was told how this idea of computer generated films and a new look and feel to animated films would go nowhere.  They believed what John was showing them would remove the need for animators.  Throughout Disney there was a lot of fear.  Lack and limiting thoughts over losing jobs to technology and there not being enough interest to make money enveloped the company.  They weren’t able to embrace an idea that didn’t have proof, tangible evidence, of success.

We’ve all been in similar situations.  We know from the core of our being that we are meant to do something extraordinary with our lives.  A unique gift we were born with surfaces and we are willing to move mountains to achieve our divine dreams.   However, when the path of achievement doesn’t happen quickly and we aren’t able to see, feel, taste or touch confirmation of what we believed would bring us success, we many times walk away.  We get wrapped up in feelings of failure and rejection.  All of a sudden every naysayer we know, and even several we don’t, show up to validate just how ridiculous our dream was to begin with and at least now we know.  We don’t take into consideration Divine Timing and Order.  The Universe isn’t on our time schedule, as much as we love to think otherwise.  There are directions we need to take, people we need to meet, and situations we need to experience all which guide us on the path to our life purpose.

John’s dream of making a full-length, animated feature film didn’t happen overnight.  After Disney fired him, he was led to a job at Lucas Films where he continued to hone his craft and work with scientists and artists on perfecting technology.  With the support of George Lucas, a small group took Pixar and began to look for an investor for their studio and found Steve Jobs.  (Least we forget that Steve Jobs had been fired from the very company he founded, Apple.)  And while many might believe anything Steve Jobs touches is an instant success, he lost $5 million dollars during the first five years of Pixar.  But no one would stop trying and believing.  John and Steve, along with a group of people with like-minded passion and values came together to create this success story.  Toy Story, Bugs Life, Toy Story 2, Monster’s Inc, Finding Nemo, Cars, etc.. became possible because they held onto faith, trusted the unknown, and aligned their thoughts, words, actions and emotions.

Through the chaos, life brought surprises filled with joy and love.  If you’re asking why them and not you, right there is the first challenge.  Where are your thoughts regarding what you want to create?  What are you doing to contribute to the evolution of your dream?  Are you so wrapped up in there not being enough time that you don’t even begin to try?  What other limiting thoughts are you holding onto?  If your dream enlivens you, and you’ll know it because you won’t be able to think about anything but this divine idea, then you must keep on keeping on.  If your dream is aligned with your core values and creates good in this world, then you must keep stepping out on faith.  If you need help to make this dream a reality, then you are dreaming huge, kid kind of huge, and you will find that the right and perfect people do show up to help make it happen.  If your dream requires you to grow into your true self, then you must stay on your path.

We all deserve to wake up in the mornings and say, “What a minute… I’m actually getting paid to do this for a living!”  Let the delicious and dynamic lives begin!

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Keep on Keeping on in 2010

July 1, 2010 in Bring it on!, Change, Goal Setting, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness | No comments

At the beginning of this year, I challenged people to walk their talk in 2010 and to stop writing “wish list” resolutions.  It was time to focus and center on the heart and spirit behind what you really want to manifest in your life.  With so many challenges in 2009 surrounding unemployment, economy and personal fulfillment, I wanted people to see 2010 as the year to embrace the change they wanted to see in their lives and feel more empowered and courageous than ever before to achieve their divine goals and dreams.  Do you remember feeling that all you experienced in 2009 had prepared you for 2010?  It was time to ignite, create and develop ideas for our lives, careers and/or businesses.  And guess what?  It still is.  Although we have reached the middle of 2010, and you might have feel discouraged, frustrated or that too much time has passed since you set your goals for the year without taking action, I’m going to ask you to keep on keeping on.  Aligning our thoughts, words, actions and emotions toward positivity and the knowing that we are meant to have the right and perfect (insert dynamic and delicious dream here) doesn’t happen over night.  There are times that my affirmations are said through clenched teeth and with a tone that is anything but upbeat.  Yet, I keep on keeping on.  What I know to be true is that I was put here to make a difference; we all were.

When you think about the typical New Year’s Resolutions that are toasted at midnight they usually involve going to the gym, eating healthier and finding a mate.  What normally follows are goals that are anything but realistic and put far too much pressure on us.  I’m going to go to the gym seven days a week and work out with a personal trainer three times a week.  I’m never going to eat fast food again and will lose 30 pounds in two months.  I’m going to join four online dating services and will have at least one date a week. Sound familiar?  Instead of the resolution(s) being more task oriented, I challenge people to go within and take a look at what their heart is telling them.  The actual objective could be a healthier lifestyle or a more balanced life.  More often than not, our heart has much grander plans that would guide us on a path toward our life purpose ~ i.e. switching careers, starting a new business or buying a home.  The thought of what it would take to move in that direction, combined with a fear of the unknown, can cause us to focus on smaller or more generic ideas.

As we move into the second half of 2010, I challenge you to honor and celebrate all you’ve accomplished.  Nothing is too small for a “Ta Da” moment.  The realization of steps you’ve mastered, completed and achieved will empower you to keep on keeping on.  It’s remembering that steps 1-3 in your divine action plan need to be fulfilled before 4-6.  It’s acknowledging that you are doing the very best you can, even on the most challenging of days.  Next, ask yourself what you’ve been knowing, perceiving and comprehending?  Are those thoughts and words keeping you anchored to old tapes that do not serve your greater good or do they motivate you to move toward your goals?  Take a look at your objectives for the year and the short and long-term goals, as well as the immediate action steps you outlined.  Where they S.M.A.R.T?  Specific.  Measurable.  Achievable.  Realistic.  Timely.  I’m going to write a book in 2010 is an amazing goal, but how can we support it using the S.M.A.R.T guide?   I’m going to write five pages a day, three times a week for the next six months beginning on July 1, 2010.  I’m going to live a healthier lifestyle is a wonderful goal.  Support and maintain momentum by implementing S.M.A.R.T steps. Beginning July 1, 2010, I will go to the gym three times a week for one hour each and drink eight glasses of water a day.  As you knock these out with energy and enthusiasm, a rhythm and flow of prosperity will envelope and you’ll be setting new and creative goals effortlessly.

Remember the very gift that is you and how you are worth the time.  With all of the willingness and excitement to reach our goals and dreams, the very things we deserve, we can often forget to take care of ourselves.  Start your day with meditation/prayer and gratitude for all you have and all that is coming.  Set a daily intention and affirm it throughout the day.  Find five moments five times a day for silence and deep breathing.  Practice understanding and compassion for yourself and others (even the teachers).  End your day the same way it began ~ with gratitude.

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When I grow up I want to be…

June 28, 2010 in Change, Life, Life Purpose, Spirit, Starting Over, fear | No comments

How big are you dreaming?  If your divine dreams and goals don’t require the help from others, you’ve not dreamed big enough.  If what you want to manifest doesn’t push you outside of your comfort zone because you know you don’t have all of the answers on how it will unfold, you’re power of imagination and visualization hasn’t been tapped.  If your life purpose doesn’t necessitate growth and learning, it’s time to ask why.  When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, he or she doesn’t list just one idea.  They will blurt out with energy and joy a list of dreams so large in scope you have to tether them to the nearest tree or they will float away on a cloud of limitless possibilities.  My favorite list came from a little boy, age 7, whom I met on the subway.  He was going to be a fireman and a policeman because they both get to help people and have really cool sirens, shortstop, like Derek Jeter, for the New York Yankees, an astronaut and a super hero.  He completed his list with a pose similar to Spider Man.  What do you think happens when I ask adults what they want to be when they grow up?  After laughter and a raised eyebrow, the common retort is it’s too late for me. Is it really?

Our inner child never leaves us.  There are some who have never been separated from its influence; while others have long since forgotten the larger than life experiences they planned while sailing in a tire swing or laying on the grass staring up at the stars.  What would you do today if money and time weren’t a concern?  Don’t over think the question and do you best to shut out your ego while it attempts to throw out all of the reasons why this exercise is silly.  And if the answer feels like an impossibility to you, like President of the United States, take the time to dig deeper into what it is about the dream or goal that you connect with most.  More than likely, it’s because of the unique gifts, skills and talents you innately possess.  As you continue to explore and discover you might find another career, project, goal or hobby that is aligned perfectly with the original one you came up with and you know is attainable.  Someone who always wanted to act on Broadway, and has never taken a class or performed in his or her life, might find that working for a theater company or a foundation that supports the arts a way to connect with this dream or they could decide to take an acting class or audition for community theater.

No one or no thing can keep us from our dreams.  We are the only ones with that kind of power, and we’ve become experts at getting in our own way.  We focus on the “how” of things, the “perfection” of an idea, or fear based notions like failure and rejection.  Instead of the how, center on the affirmation “why not me.”  Why not you to take dance, writing, acting, photography, or art lessons?  Why not you to switch careers, move to New York City, or own a home?  Dreaming big does come with its challenges like wanting what you want and wanting it now.  It’s frustration when it’s not happening fast enough that often blocks our path and we walk away before we’ve begun the journey.  Instead of zeroing in on step 10, take a look at step 1.  And just like the outlines we created in high school and college, the line from step 1 to step 2 can be incorporated with even smaller tasks like 1.a, 1.b. 1.c.  With each accomplishment and win, you are empowered to move forward.

What’s the one thing you can do today to get started?  Where can you go to find and connect with others who have similar interests and passions?  These very people could direct and guide you toward tremendous opportunities.  Utilize your social networks, check out continuing education guides at local colleges and universities, look at programs offered by community centers and read the local papers for events.  Summer is an excellent time to embrace your inner child and say yes to opportunities.

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Choices

June 25, 2010 in Bring it on!, Change, Life, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness, Spirit | 2 comments

During a lovely chat over tea, a friend and I were talking about the amazing world of synchronicities, connections and possibilities.  We both approach life with positivity and a belief that we receive all of the divine dreams we have the courage to order.  It’s about specificity and knowing what we want vs. the general wishy washy request of anything will do.  Most recently, during an interview, I was asked how I respond to someone who tells me life doesn’t work as effortlessly as you claim.  Wow, that’s some affirmation. There have been a few times where my assertions have brought about doubt and negative responses from others; however, it’s not something I take personally.  What others think of me is known of my business, and quite frankly, I don’t have the time to exert energy toward external influences that don’t serve my greater good. The only path I place focus on is my own, and its direction is unique from anyone else’s.  I’ve had moments where my own affirmations were based on pessimistic and fear-based ideas, which locked out growth opportunities.

One of life’s greatest gifts is the ability to make choices.  Two separate couples, out on a date, can be sitting in the same busy, restaurant on a Friday night.  One couple can spend the evening sighing, rolling their eyes and complaining to one another about the slow service, while the other couple is focused on each other and grateful for not being rushed through dinner.  We can choose to see 2010 filled with economic strife, layoffs, and a healthcare war, or we can choose to see 2010 filled with change, stepping outside of our comfort zone, liberation from a strangling career, and the importance of getting involved.  My friends and colleagues have transitioned to new careers, purchased homes, started families, started relationships, found the perfect apartment to rent without paying broker fees, discovered free classes being offered on cooking and decorating, published books, created ministries and began to volunteer in various ways to give back to their local communities.  When I ask them, how did all of this good come to you during a time when many are struggling, the collective response is faith and trust in their hearts, as well as knowing it’s about how they choose to react to challenges.

During a recent radio interview, I was asked about the importance of working hard to get what we want.  My references to good effortlessly entering our lives has been construed from time to time that I believe we put in our order for what we want, sit on the sofa and wait for it to happen.  The image couldn’t be further from the truth.  I’ve worked hard my whole life; however, the experiences have been significantly different based on my outlook.  My working 10-hour days in a job where I complain about the hours, the people, the work, and not achieving the level of my potential isn’t the same as a 10-hour day where I’m building a career which feeds my spirit, accentuates my natural gifts and talents, and leads me to connections with amazing men and women from all industries and the establishment of a global network.  While the time in both situations is the same 10-hours, the day where I’m doing what I love feels a lot shorter.  The other factor is how much control I am trying to place on what I do and how I do it.  Do I ignore the still, small voice speaking and guiding me in a direction which will make the journey filled with excitement and energy, or do I believe I can figure things out better and become physically and emotionally drained in the process?  I’ve approached life both ways, and I’m a much bigger fan of the former.

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How do you know your dream is the right one?

May 28, 2010 in Goal Setting, Life, Life Purpose | No comments

Shortly before I turned 30, I decided to leave the technology-consulting firm I was working for and start my own company with two business partners.  Our idea was to create a better company with stronger values that served our clients best interests.  This was my first entrepreneurial experience and I didn’t know what to expect.  I had no idea if we would be successful, and I didn’t focus on the possibility of what could go wrong or how many new businesses fail.  I thought if this didn’t work out in a year, I would just go out and find another job.  Twelve years ago, I wasn’t conscious of the fact that I was stepping out on faith and trusting the unknown.  I didn’t appreciate the risk I was taking because back then I was single, no children or mortgage.  All I knew was that I was willing to eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, not take taxi’s, and curb my shoe and handbag shopping in order to reduce my spending and stretch out the small dispersements we would be taking for ourselves.  I knew the idea of this business and the environment I hoped to create sparked my spirit and that I could trust.

After owning the business for a little more than a decade, I decided it was time for me to leave.  Now this time, I’m almost 40 years old and the rules have changed.  I have a mortgage and a standard of living I had come to enjoy.  I was in love with an amazing man, and we were making plans to move in together and purchase our first home together.  A second mortgage would be added to my list of responsibilities.  Yet I couldn’t escape from the knowing that during my time on this planet I was meant to do something greater and live “on purpose”.  My thought process as I developed a business plan and marketing strategy for a new company where I would be the sole owner felt more focused and I was conscious of the risk.  I was leaving a very successful business in an industry that continually thrives and evolves, plus we had captured a niche market within it.  My new plan involved researching small business loans, structure of multiple, revenue streams, and asking myself while shoe and handbag shopping “While you might want this right now, do you need it?”.  Many people told me I was crazy to start Life Design because of the economy, but I couldn’t ignore the energy I felt when I worked on developing my coaching and creative strategy.  I always felt like a kid on Christmas Eve.  It took me forever to fall asleep at night because my heart swirled with ideas, and I was wide-awake at 5:00 am ready to start my day.  Oh my there was exhaustion, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

This past week I attended BookExpo where I had an opportunity to meet with agents, publicists, publishers, distributors, consultants and reviewers.  Although I was there as a published author, something that kept me grinning from ear to ear, I felt like I was going to throw up.  It was intense ~ my feelings, not those that I met.  I went alone because for me this about living my dream.  I am now a published author and I ain’t stopping at one book. Now I knew if I had asked my husband to go with me, he would have easily started conversations.  Jim is the kind of man that can talk to anyone and he believes in me.  Not a bad person to have on your team, let alone the added bonus of being married to this delicious man.  But I had to do this for myself.  It was about knowing this was a part of my divine plan and life purpose.  There were many times I walked past the organization or person I was there to speak to several times before I sucked it up and struck up a conversation.  My heart was in my throat, my stomach was in knots, and I couldn’t stop smiling.  I spoke about my book projects and event/retreat ideas.  I took them on a journey as I described my beliefs and philosophies.  I expressed my willingness and passion to be a collaborator and co-creator in my writing dream.  Courage and empowerment are the two words to most accurately describe what kept me going while my knees shook.  I allowed myself to be vulnerable and I knew I was on the right course.

So often I am asked for the secret to knowing which dream is the right dream to pursue.  Many of us, myself included, in the past have embraced the dreams of others as our own.  I believe in some part of our being we knew this wasn’t our path, but it seemed safer and we weren’t alone.  Of course there are the other times when we see what someone else has in their life and how happy they appear to be.  We want what they’re having, but in the end it’s not really meant for us.  Is there one right answer to the knowing which dream is truly ours?  We’re all as unique as the answer to the question.  We each have our unique way of understanding.  For me, it’s when I’m scared, well outside of my comfort zone, and still saying yes.  It’s about waking up before the sun is out and wanting to laugh and cry with joy over what I am manifesting.  I live what I love and anything short of that is unacceptable.  Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re looking to test the validity of your dream(s):

√ Does your dream enliven you?

√ Is your dream aligned with your core values? (And if you don’t know your core values it’s time for some self-discovery.)

√ Do you need help to make this dream come true? (Have you dreamed big enough?)

√ Will this dream require you to grow and live your absolute truth without apology?

√ Will this dream make a difference and benefit others?

We all deserve to live the beauty of our dreams.  How will you embrace this truth?

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(Insert here…)

May 21, 2010 in Bring it on!, Life | 1 comment

This morning I was going through email and putting my best foot forward to archive and delete about 1,000 messages.  (Seriously, my email has gotten out of control!)  I came across an email from my sister, which included an attachment of my 11-year old nephew’s essay he had written for homework. It was titled, “Trying to get to New York”.  When I received it the first time, last November, I remember reading it at least 20 times and it was fun to revisit the imaginative and descriptive world.  There’s a cover page, but the more I look at it, I believe it should be called an intention page.  Dead in the center of the page is a picture of a NYC street, not the skyline that many an unimaginative person might have selected because it’s easier to locate these popular pictures of Manhattan as seen from the Hoboken and Weehawken side.  The area looks very similar to the part of town where my husband and I reside.  He’s bringing you into the heart of it all, the core, we’re not spectators; we’re participants.  He’s also declared what it will become: a Novel by Ross Mattia-Cooper.  Ross used words like spastic, force, and repulsive (description of a peanut butter sandwich) and illustrated in vivid detail the emotions and locations for the longest day in his life. His words were filled with enthusiasm and exuberance ~ as is he.  The more I pondered over Ross’ masterpiece, the more I thought about the words we use when describing events, observations, experiences and dreams in our lives ~ whether written or spoken.  Do we express ourselves in a way that ignites an unstoppable energy felt by anyone in close proximity?

Yesterday I had the pleasure to work with a client on a presentation he would be giving next week during a conference.  Although not a particularly shy person, my client doesn’t have a lot of public speaking or presenting experience.  This was a favor for a friend, but I believe this “so-called friend”, as my client jokingly referred to him, has provided a tremendous opportunity for growth.  While we worked together it was clear that there was a part of himself wanting to emerge.  I was pushing him outside of his comfort zone, but something was missing.  I stood up and shouted with laughter, “We need an audience!”  Without asking, I grabbed his arm and we left my office to walk across the street to the ING Café. There was a small group of people enjoying their coffee and tea and they were more than willing to participate.  What fun!  Throughout the next 30-minutes, we all noticed and agreed that it was when his words, body movement and spirit were aligned with intention (which was empowerment) that we felt the most engaged.  It was also when my client was the most centered, clear, energized and at the same time relaxed.

When we receive divine ideas from our hearts or an opportunity how do we move forward?  Initially I know there can be moments when the swirling imagery of limitless possibilities results in panic and an overwhelming sense of impossibilities arise.  When my response to a grand plan my heart has in store is the question “Are you crazy?”, I know what shows up on the other side is going to be tremendous.  Right now I’m in the process of editing a book that falls under the genre of non-fiction.  Non-Fiction!  I’m a fiction writer and have always connected with children’s literature – mostly years 9 – 11 and young adult.  When I received the image of my non-fiction book jacket one day while working, my immediate retort was “You’ve got the wrong person. Try Apartment 5B.” Yet the vision and inspiration wouldn’t leave.  I knew this was my book to write, and if I held onto the consciousness that “I don’t do non-fiction” or “how will I possibly fit this one more thing into my schedule”, there’s not a doubt in my mind the Universe would redirect the gift to someone else.  She doesn’t waste time.

My days are filled with creativity because I stated my intention years ago that’s what I wanted and needed.  It’s not always expressed by my writing, but when I develop and strategize with clients, cook dinner (family stop laughing), organize my office, design the interior of my home, or plan a project.  I state my demands for a life surrounded by expression with courage, joy and love.  My mission is to use my divine gifts and talents to make a difference, and I awake every day grateful for the next opportunity.  My name is Michele Mattia and I am a(n) (insert powerful, descriptive and energized adjective with fabulous and ridiculous noun.)

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That which we hold in passion…

April 14, 2010 in Bring it on!, Life, Shifting Consciousness | No comments

I’ve had the honor of working with many people this year who are in the process of making life changes. Some were stay at home parents ready to emerge back into the workforce, some were going through divorce, some were balancing their current job while becoming entrepreneurs and some had been liberated from their jobs and were starting their own business. Each and every one of them were empowered to follow their hearts and courageous enough to take risks and allow themselves to trust the unknown. More times than not, they were excited, energized and centered on their goal and the divine idea that would manifest. Yet, there were also times when they felt blocked. Doubt and fear set in, and they would question their sanity for thinking their dream was possible, beat themselves up, and begin convincing arguments centered on blame and resentment. When they would share with me their concerns and uncertainties, they were often surprised that I wasn’t worried and didn’t believe what they were going through was unreasonable or wrong. These spirited individuals weren’t just changing one aspect in their lives by moving forward toward a new goal and developing a divine idea. As much as many people believe they can compartmentalize, every action, thought and emotion is connected and will have a significant effect in all areas in our life.

I found a quote recently from Edith Hamilton, “Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active.” It is our stepping out on Faith (an action) that begins the journey and places us in the direction we want to go. While blocks and fears do show up, they arrive for a reason. We need to honor what they are here to teach us. The sooner we acknowledge the very things that obstruct our path, the sooner we are able to move forward. A good question to ask yourself when blocks and fears show up and they seem impossible to move past is: What am I gaining by staying stuck? Oh yes, there are benefits and if there weren’t, overcoming the very idea(s) that keep us bound wouldn’t be a challenge. If we choose to believe we cannot begin or establish a successful business because we have no formal education nor experience, then we don’t have to worry about the self-perception of failure. Our goals and ideas can stay pristine in our hearts during daydreaming. The next question to ask yourself is: What do I lose by changing? And yes, there is loss. As we move toward our goals and dreams doing the very things we love and are passionate about, the rest of our lives fall into place. We experience shifts in our consciousness and we grow in mind and spirit. During this grand journey, we might find that friends, relationships and comfortable situations get left behind. There’s a mourning period. We aren’t walking away from people, places and things out of anger, which is one of the reasons it’s hard. Finally, ask yourself: What is it costing me by not moving forward? We are meant to live dynamic lives and to live what we love. Your putting the breaks on manifesting a dream doesn’t help anyone ~ not you and not the people currently in your life.

Our feelings come unannounced and without instructions on what to do with what we are experiencing ~ that is if you pay attention to your mind alone. Go to your heart and listen to what it’s telling you. If you’re not sure who is talking (your mind or your spirit), a good gauge is who’s the loudest. The heart is never loud because she doesn’t need to be, and the ego can often feel and sound like a five-year old temper tantrum because it’s scared. Give yourself a moment to be still and silent and hear the words, the guidance. Ask yourself the question: What have I come here to be? Write out your answer and place it in key locations around your home and carry it with you as a reminder. When the naysayers show up, read YOUR mission, and when an obstacle comes up that you believe is impossible to overcome, read YOUR mission. Your journey isn’t all cake and no baking, but it most certainly is delicious.

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We are more than ordinary

April 13, 2010 in Bring it on!, Life Purpose, Small Business, Starting Over | 1 comment

Courage. Excitement. Passion. These are just a few of the words that come to mind as I relive the first day of New York Entrepreneur Week. Although others have rarely, if ever, used the words shy and unassuming to define me, I do know on occasion I’ve exhibited traits similar to that of an introvert. Especially, when there’s been an opportunity to share my story or accomplishments for fear it looked like I was bragging or believed I was exceptional and more than ordinary. But having the confidence to express ourselves and honor the unique gifts and talents we possess is extraordinary. We are living in a world where authenticity, honesty and sincerity are not foreign concepts, but rather ideals for establishing relationships ranging from personal to professional. There’s courageousness to standing up and being proud of our endeavors, and the chance to participate in a venue where ideas and experiences are shared with others is inspiring to witness.

The people I met yesterday during the conference and at the evening event, Wok+Wine, are movers and shakers. Regardless of if they were guest speakers or attendees, their stories were magnificent and full of energy. They believed in themselves, their companies, products and the message they wanted to get out to the public. These talented and giving people weren’t kicking back in the “waiting room” for inspiration. They refuse to sit and think how nice it would be if one day their dreams, goals and ideas came true, but rather allowed themselves to be open to possibilities and receptive to the good that is coming their way. They are empowered to step out on faith and risk the unknown and when they spoke about their ideas or journey they did so with excitement, passion and ridiculous exuberance. Many of the speakers also shared the importance of giving back and providing value without being asked and without an agenda on what they will receive. They understood the Universal Law ~ we get back triple the good we put out into this world.

Peter Shankman, yesterday’s keynote, spoke about the exciting world we live in and how now is the perfect time for entrepreneurship, collaboration and cooperation. His words energized the auditorium and I thought for a moment he was going to levitate on stage. I heard stories were people refused to wait for the economy to change to provide more jobs in their areas of expertise, and instead developed their own company as a solopreneur or collaborated and began an organization with one or two partners. Creativity was expressed and they wore the love of what they are accomplishing. When asked if it was hard being an entrepreneur and to start something from scratch, all answered “yes” but with huge smiles. There’s a difference between working hard and doing what you love while the day flies by and working hard, spinning your wheels, resenting your career and it seems like forever until you can go home.

Here’s what I know to be true ~ everything we need we already have. We have what it takes to nurture the seed of an idea and watch it grow into a prosperous and abundant career, life and love. When I was in college, I had to withdraw from a computer-programming course or I would have failed. Yet I was able to create a successful technology-consulting firm in Manhattan specializing on the Macintosh platform that I owned for close to 12 years. I didn’t major or minor in business, yet I now own a second successful company with multiple streams of revenue. This isn’t to say that if you’re drawn to business school you shouldn’t go because you don’t need it. But at some point, we need to shut out the naysayers, especially when it’s our own ego, and trust the gifts we be given. We are exceptional. We are more than ordinary. We are beautiful and unique spirits and it’s time for all of us to shine.

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Are you willing?

April 12, 2010 in Change, Life, Shifting Consciousness | 3 comments

A couple of years ago, I attended a workshop and although I do not remember what the workshop was called, I do remember the first exercise. We each received a business card sized piece of paper with about 20 words, and at the top of the paper it read, “I am willing to be”. Before the workshop even started, we were charged with selecting five of the words reflecting who we were willing to be during out time together. These were words like present, giving, thankful, open, receptive, and grateful. One by one we were asked to stand up, say our names and state our five intentions. It was one thing to look at these group of words, several which by definition would ask many to step outside of their respective comfort zones, and courageously select five, but quite another to stand up in front of large group of people and claim your willingness. What an empowering exercise! The energy within the room not only shifted to a much higher level within minutes, but a connection amongst everyone was formed.

If my participation in a willingness exercise for a two-hour workshop was able to open my consciousness toward what is possible and increased what I received and learned, I knew that performing this exercise on a daily basis would generate a positive shift in what was coming into my life. I determine my “willingness to be” before the start of the workday, business meetings, visiting family, etc. One of the amazing concepts behind the power of will is the conscious choice we have to make a difference. We can choose to be a part of a solution, a part of change or we can choose to sit back and complain. How we are willing to think and act is similar to coming to a fork in the road. Are we willing to stay on the same path which we know is not working for us, but it is familiar and comforting; or are we willing to go forward with a change in thinking and a focus on good for everyone and everything even when we aren’t sure where this new road is leading?

Often I use this exercise in my own workshops or even with one-on-one clients. It takes courage to shut out old ways and ideas. When we are willing to change our thinking from negativity to positivity, we transform our lives and stagnation becomes manifestation. For example, ask yourself “Am I willing to forgive?” You many answer “yes”; however, if you’re still holding ill will toward others and hoping for retribution, then you’re blocking the flow of good coming into your life. Are you willing to be open and receptive to receiving good things in your life? Again, you can answer “yes”; however if you believe it’s selfish to ask for your dreams to become my reality, then those divine ideas you’ve been given will only wait around so long before the Universe passes them onto someone else.

This week I’m attending New York Entrepreneur Week in NYC, which is a non-profit movement, formed around the single belief: entrepreneurs change the world. The founders of NYEW were willing to make a difference by establishing an organization and conference that supports the knowing that entrepreneurs are activists and promoters of change. Yet without the willingness to be a proponent for change, this week would not be possible. As with most conferences there are evening events that allow for additional networking and relationship building. Are you willing to be the first person to say hello? Are you willing to stand up and state who you are and what you have been put on this planet to do?

Every day we receive numerous opportunities and if we are willing to be open and aware to their arrival then we continue to be active participants in the unfolding of our dreams, goals and ideas. Choose who you are willing to be today during your commute, at a conference or meeting, toward your family and friends, as well as yourself. Write the words down, state them with energy and enthusiasm, and carry them with you. Find five-minute windows throughout the day where you can center yourself and remain empowered by your conscious willingness. Oh and be ready for what is coming because it will be huge!

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