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“Never touch a dragon” & other words of wisdom from a 3 year old.

July 2, 2010 in Bring it on!, Life, Shifting Consciousness, fear | No comments

“Watch what I can do,” Logan swung his chubby arms back and forth several times before clapping his hands and resting them on his hips.  He wore a sky blue t-shirt that read, “Watch out. I bite!” and his three-year old face had the clear markings of a little boy who didn’t know from the words I can’t.  It’s too hard. He studied the multi-colored art structure outside the 59th Street entrance to Central Park and with a loud grunt pulled with all his might onto the circular bench, held onto the arc for support, lifted his right leg to touch the side, and jumped down. “See!  That was good!” Logan giggled, ran around in a circle and started the process all over again.  “This one is gonna be good too.”  I looked over to Logan’s parents who shared, “He’s been doing this non-stop for the last 15 minutes and each time he gets better at pulling himself up and completing his acrobatic moves.”  After congratulating Logan on his excellent climbing capabilities.  He pulled me in to share some words of advice,  “Never, never, never, never, EVER, touch a dragon.”

Now while I’m not sure of his concern over touching a dragon should I come across one during my walks in Manhattan, it did seem like sound advice.  But what stuck in my head for the rest of last night were his words “Watch what I can do!”, “That was good!” and “This one is gonna be good too.”  When was the last time you said those words to yourself, let alone shared them with another person?  Chances are you were about Logan’s age or at least prior to turning 18.  It didn’t matter that I was a stranger watching his performance, Logan was excited about what he had learned to do ~ so much so that he wanted to get better and better.  The scratches and scrapes on Logan’s arms, nose and forehead were pretty good indicators that he was determined to succeed in most, if not all, things he tried.  By the end of our time together, he added sound effects, theatrical motion and flair to his dismounts.  And the best part, he laughed.

It was clear that Logan knew without question that he was incredible and limiting thoughts were not a part of his consciousness.  It’s only as we get older and are subjected to external influences and other individuals’ “realities” that we begin to adopt their truth as our own.  Fear (False. Evidence. Appearing. Real) based thoughts prevent us from stepping out on faith, trusting the unknown, and only allowing ourselves one time for success.  We doubt when there isn’t tangible proof of growth toward our goals immediately, instead of understanding that work is happening in the background.  Have you ever gone to the gym determined to get in shape?  You work out at least three times a week and weigh yourself every day or look at the mirror to see what has changed.  Just when you think it’s not working or you’re not doing it right, your jeans are baggy or you find you are able to run up and down flights of stairs without losing your breath.

Although yourself to have unlimited “Do Overs”, and have FUN while creating the dynamic & delicious life you deserve.  Watch what you can do!  Yes, it was good!  The next is gonna be good too!  You are a grateful, dynamic, energized, joy filled, prosperous & loved (insert wonderful noun here).

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Social Media ~ The “New” Butterfly Effect

June 30, 2010 in Bring it on!, Building Relationships, Life, Shifting Consciousness, Social Media, Spirit | 4 comments

Often when I am asked to speak at conferences or events, my talk topic envelopes the idea of universal bonds ~ the engagement of others in conversations, the development of relationships and the global connection we all have which results in making significant differences in the lives of individuals all around the world.  Similar to the butterfly effect, where a butterfly flaps its wings and the movement significantly affects wind strength and weather systems throughout the world, my thoughts and actions will touch the spirits of many, some I don’t even know (yet).  Those individuals’ thoughts and actions will touch the spirits of many, some they don’t even know (yet) and so on and so on.  One of the reasons this reality is a possibility has to do with the continued evolvement of Social Media, which is the perfect vehicle for our authentic voices to be heard.

When I post a blog, retweet a news article, or upload a YouTube video of a Senate vote on my social network profiles, my thoughts and these actions have the potential to be read and viewed by hundreds of thousands and will touch the hearts of many (people, companies, government agencies I don’t even know – YET) and then those individuals will be inspired to act and have their voices heard and could either forward on my posts, tweets and uploads or create their own which will have the potential to be read and viewed by hundreds of thousands and will touch the hearts of many (people, companies, government agencies they don’t even know – YET) and then they will be inspired and so on and so on.  Many of us are motivated to take action ~ speak in public, change careers, volunteer, or become involved in the betterment of our community.

The utilization of technology to connect with others is unsettling to some who believe we lose the human connection.  Some cultures don’t understand why anyone would want to share the divine ideas of the heart, as they covet privacy.  Certainly it is easy to hide behind anonymity, which some do as they have far more courage to interact and share ideas from behind a keyboard and monitor.  Yet, so many more individuals employ the power behind social media (like tweeting and blogging) as a way to become a part of the conversation and engage with a global community, which manifests into emails, phone calls, networking, meetings, and friendships.  The very human connections we believe are crumbling are in fact expanding and geographic boundaries are non-existent.

When I think about a global community, I’m reminded of a day that’s ingrained in my heart.  It was a week after 9/11, and I was still without a home because my apartment, being a block away from the now Ground Zero, had been evacuated.  After wandering around the streets of Manhattan, I ended up in a coffee shop where the late Peter Jennings was on TV talking to a group of children ranging in age from 4 – 17 years old ~ a 1/3 of them were not from this country and were here because of their parents jobs.  These kids were from a wide range of nationalities, religions and color. And these wise beyond their years children were sharing how they felt about what happened and about living in the diverse culture of Manhattan.  Can you imagine the impact Social Media would have brought 8 years ago and how their voices would have been heard?

Take a moment to think about how you learned about the tragedy in Haiti and found out ways to give back or the fabulous Twitterkids from Tanzania.  Social media has allowed a world to come together to support the needs of others. We have a tremendous opportunity to affect change and learn from one another. How have our lives been changed for the better knowing that we are making a difference in lives of people we might never actually meet, as we become inspired by their stories?

Social Media is a resource and not a replacement for becoming and initiating conversation.  With more and more of us having the courage to open our hearts and minds toward a new way of thinking and connecting with the world, as well as believing in the value of our voices and our ability to make a difference, we will realize the importance and benefit of this grand gift.  This isn’t about us sitting behind desks typing away, but about engagement and taking action.

When we have the courage to open our hearts toward new thoughts, ways to give back, and the promotion of good for all, grand shifts in consciousness and change in the world emerge.

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What am I setting into motion?

June 29, 2010 in Bring it on!, Change, Life, Shifting Consciousness | No comments

At least one Sunday a month, I have an opportunity to facilitate an early morning discussion at the Fellowship Café located at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  These conversations cover a wide range of topics, and while I’m not involved in the selection, it has come to fruition that the very subjects I talk about are the ones I need to remind myself of the most.  Isn’t the Universe funny?  A few months ago, I was charged with speaking and engaging others in a dialogue about the Law of Cause & Effect.  Ugh, yuck, why me? When I think about the idea of Cause & Effect, the next words that come to mind are Reap & Sow, which leads me to what goes around comes around, and gets capped off with the ever popular Karma.  None of these words, ideas and concepts leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy, as I’ve always associated the aforementioned with negativity and punishment.  Yet, I know myself well enough to realize that when I fight and struggle strongly against an idea, experience or person, the very thing I wish to avoid I need to tackle head on.

I spent several days researching this absolute and unbending law ~ for every cause there is an effect and for every effect there is a cause.  Some even call it the law that never lies.  Sometimes these effects are immediate (like drinking a cup of hot coffee and ending up with a burnt tongue) and some take longer to manifest.  Often we aren’t conscious of what we did indeed set into motion months and years prior when something shows up in our lives.  Additionally, although every thought, feeling, word and action is indeed a cause, which sets into motion an eventual effect, the cause doesn’t have to be huge.  For example, in the past I’ve set the intention of feeling overworked and overwhelmed. My thoughts centered on not getting enough sleep and having the time to process the events and opportunities showing up in my life.  Within a week, I was knocked down with the flu and for the next seven days, didn’t leave my bed.  Instead of focusing on what I wasn’t getting done while battling the bug, I allowed my body to heal.  With nothing to do but rest, I had opportunity to catch up on reading and journaling my thoughts.

What’s interesting is much of what I know and believe about the world we live shouldn’t make this law an issue, yet what I realized, for me, is a lot of my ideas about cause and effect come from old truths I learned growing up.  If I made a bad decision, it would come back “to haunt me” and the idea of “instant karma” and the looking over your shoulder mentality because we believe somehow someway we’ll pay for a bad choice.   However, the more I read on the subject, the more I remembered that we don’t live a linear life.  We aren’t directed on a straight and unbending path.  We have the power of free will to make a left or a right ~ to choose a life filled with positivity versus negativity.  If I’m not happy in my career, for example, I do not have to stay for the next 25 years to receive the watch and retire.  If there’s an area of my world that doesn’t bring me enthusiastic joy, I don’t have to sit in it, shrug my shoulders and say “oh well, it is what it is.”  When we center our thoughts, feelings, words and actions on good for everyone and everything, guess what effects we cause?  Limitless and ridiculous possibilities!  The manifestations of abundant prosperity come back to us in trip measure to the good we give out, and they often touch and show up in the lives of others.

Where are you thoughts when you wake up on the “dreaded” Monday morning? What feelings start your day?  How are the words you choose to use during conversation contributing to your day, as well as others you interact with directly or indirectly?  How can divine ideas you’ve received from your heart and/or an area in your life you want to explore benefit from positive actions set into motion?  With the power of free will comes the ability to choose our intentions.  When we start our day, we can ask ourselves who are we willing to be and allow those words to seep into our core.  The knowing we are living our absolute truth and affirming conscious acts of generosity and responsibility contribute not only to the quality of our lives, but the betterment of the world.  Today I am willing to be compassionate, appreciative, focused, enthusiastic and generous.  How about you?

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Noisemakers Welcomed

June 24, 2010 in Bring it on!, Life | 2 comments

Noisemakers of any form are strictly prohibited. This warning was printed on my Godson’s graduation program from Cedar Grove High School last night.  All of us in attendance understood the literal meaning of the word “noisemaker” in this instance, although it was ignored by fire trucks and ambulances blaring their horns, sirens and flashing their lights in celebration, along with family and friends blasting stadium horns.  While I watched the seniors cross the football field grinning, high fiving one another, and hiding under their gowns what appeared to be beach balls, my hope for each and every one of them was to become future noisemakers.  Who amongst them would be an activist against social injustices or for the empowerment of women, who amongst them would teach and educate, who amongst them would refuse to live the status quo and embark on journeys where they collaborated and contributed to a global community and who amongst them would do something they loved and never work a day in their life?

Do you remember what it was like graduating from high school and feeling the pressure of figuring out what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?  What about when it was time to pick your major in college?  I had a few friends who knew what they wanted to be since age 10; however, there were many more of us who were trying to figure out how at age 19 we would know what we wanted to do for the rest of our lives.  Forever is a long time!  Instead of my major representing and honoring my unique gifts and talents, it focused more on my interests.  I was an International Relations major which incorporated the areas of political science, history, economics and foreign languages.  I’ve always been a voracious reader and fascinated by history, so, without any vision for where this major would lead me, I took it.  Those who’ve met me over the last several years assume that my concentration of study in college surrounded writing and communication.  Ha!  Why would I pick areas that highlighted my natural essence?  Why indeed!

What kind of noise are you making?  Is it filled with joy, passion and meaning? Are you reaching out a hand to connect with others?  We are living in exciting times where each of us have become one another’s next door neighbors with the evolvement of technology.  The relationships and friendships we are able to start and maintain with the help of vehicles like social media allow many of us to work on projects together regardless of geographic location.  We are able to unite our messages and manifest a strong vision.  Use your voice to become active in your workplace, home and community.  Noisemakers are welcomed!

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Go. Do. Be.

June 22, 2010 in Life, Life Purpose | No comments

What do I GET to do today?  Isn’t that a much more positive way to approach the myriad of tasks and projects we have waiting for us?  It’s not just the positivity behind the question that I like; it’s the knowing I “GET to” vs. never having the opportunity.  It’s the energy behind the words that fuels my desire to create, develop and achieve, as well as the momentum to perform what I could easily see as menial or frustrating items on a never ending to do list.  The very thoughts in mind of my not having enough time to work on a project and event, or resentment over chores that need to be completed, only serves to block my mind and spirit.  Within seconds I am focused on the clock and why, when on any other day it moves slow, time has decided to triple its speed.  The ideas we hold onto are powerful, and I prefer to shift my consciousness toward Go, Do and Be.

It’s effortless to do what I do as a business and creative strategist because I’m blessed with courageous and inspirational clients and a support system of loved ones.  This week I had the privilege to work with someone who is not just a breast cancer survivor, but in the midst of healing physically, emotionally, as well as being in the middle of a bitter divorce. This young woman could be sitting in sadness, anger and hostility, but instead she wants to figure out what she can do to give back.  Michele, I survived for a reason.  Clearly there is more for me to do. She is ready to GO for it, DO what she can to help other breast cancer survivors and their families and BE a resource and advocate.  The challenge we are facing, as we heart storm and strategize her goals and ideas, revolves around her the divorce.  She’s been advised by her lawyer not to move forward in certain areas until there’s been a divorce settlement, which is why I’m not shouting her name from the rooftops nor writing it here.  And her beautiful spirit is not phased by what others are telling her she can’t do.  Michele, we’ll figure out away around it.  I want and deserve to contribute.  Help me find ways to volunteer. With all that this young woman has gone through in the last year, she refuses to play victim to her current circumstances.  Whenever our weekly meeting is over, I feel like I could move mountains.

We can’t control every situation in our lives, but we do have the power to choose how we perceive and respond to it.  Do we sit in fear with thoughts of lack and limitation or do we consciously decide to look at things from a different perspective?  We can live in the knowing that all we need to overcome any seeming challenge or difficulty we already have.  GO and choose to show up, DO take charge of your thoughts and life, and BE the very gifts you already are.

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Embracing Your Light

June 21, 2010 in Life, Life Purpose, Love, Shifting Consciousness, Spirit | No comments

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

I woke up this morning with the above quote in my heart.  It’s one of my favorites ~ along with the woman who spoke the words with such knowing and authority.  Think about how many conversations and/or arguments you’ve had with others where you’ve started the sentence with “You made me …”, “You forced me to …”, or “It’s your fault I feel…” and the remainder of the words directed toward a negative thought or action.  We’ve all received PhD’s in taking things personally and more than likely very early on in our lives.  We shoulder the responsibility for the happiness of our friends and loved ones, as well as the occasional stranger who happens to scowl at you on the subway.  Based on my own experiences, I know when I embrace the unhelpful and pessimistic opinions of others (whether these thoughts and ideas are directed toward me or not), it’s because I’ve become disconnected from my spirit.  I have forgotten my light and how powerfully it runs through me and radiates outward touching many people and situations.’

A week ago today, I came back from a two-week trip to Florida where I visited my family and threw a surprise retirement party for my parents.  This was not even close to a vacation because prior to the wheels touching the runway at Tampa International Airport our itinerary was set with very little wiggle room.  To make things a touch more interesting, I was sick for the first two days.  Everything hurt and all I wanted to do was to sleep.  I had planned an actual break from work for myself where I wouldn’t blog, publish Michele’s Daily Dash, or connect to my various social networks.  I rationalized that although this trip was not a traditional vacation, I could at least give myself a reprieve from part of my daily work life.  For the most part, I stuck to my decision.  I didn’t read emails, personal or professional, and I didn’t share any affirmations, daily challenges or questions of the day.  Most people might have enjoyed this break, but I didn’t feel like my mind, body or spirit was being refreshed and rejuvenated.  In fact, it was just the opposite.  With each day, I felt more and more disconnected.

I was thrilled to have my nephew with me and loved seeing everyone, yet I felt my ego challenging me each and every day.  Old tapes were replayed spouting false truths and realities that I had grown up with and owned for many years.  I found my former role in the family dynamic tapping me on the shoulder and whispering in my ear, “Come on.  Just get involved in this one issue because you know you can fix it. You know you want to say something.  Go!”  Ugh!  And by the way, no one forced me to feel like this or to doubt and question the dynamic and delicious life I am so grateful to have created for myself.  No one or no thing has the power to take away my good and they most certainly don’t have the power to dim my light.  And while I know this to be true, why did it appear that these ego-based thoughts were gaining so much control?

When we landed back in NYC last Monday, I had a busy week ahead of me.  I was looking forward to getting back to writing and working with my clients.  I had missed Michele’s Daily Dash and the interaction with my social networks.  When I woke up Tuesday morning I couldn’t get out of bed and for the next two days pretty much did not.  The most accurate visual I can give is that of John Coffey’s character in the movie The Green Mile.  I kept calling it the flu, but it wasn’t.  For two weeks my ego had battled against my spirit.  Part of who I am is what I do.  My light is very much about reaching out to as many people as I can to inspire, support and co-create with them ridiculous lives filled with positivity and living the beauty of their dreams.  To cut that off is to cut off an arm.  To stop connecting with others drains my energy. Let’s just say that Tuesday and Wednesday were spent releasing a whole lot of toxins!

When we keep ourselves away from what brings us joy, stay anchored in thoughts that prevent us from stepping out on faith, and embrace the ideas and opinions from outside influences instead of trusting our heart and shining our light, no one wins.  We were blessed with unique gifts so they would be shared ~ not hidden. Trust me, you do know when you are not living your absolute truth.  Everything feels hard.  It’s an effort to get up in the morning.  You constantly feel like you’re going against the grain.  Walking your talk and living YOUR life’s purpose isn’t easy either.  There’s no magic pill that if taken once a day keeps you on your divine path.  Just as no one can make you feel inferior about yourself, no one can make you live what you love.  You have to want it.  You have to stand up, shout and know, “Yes, my time is now!  Yes, I deserve this!  Yes, I chose me!”

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Celebrate Your Uniqueness

June 2, 2010 in Life, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness | 3 comments

Yesterday I celebrated the official one-year anniversary of Life Design.  Although the idea came to me during a silent retreat three-years ago, I know it was part of my divine plan many years in the making.  I was determined to create a life that celebrated my uniqueness ~ this included creating a business focused on the importance of living our life’s dash (the precious time between arrival and departure from this world) vs. sitting and waiting for “it” to happen to us.  I was an active participant in the development of a business where I would not just be tapping into on occasion my gifts and talents, but fully utilizing the “who” I am.  Recently, I told someone that I created Life Design so I could write, publish and speak to groups of all sizes.  Do you know how many life coaches, business consultants, published authors and inspirational speakers are out there?  What makes you unique? Excellent questions, even when they come from naysayers and “teachers”.  Do you celebrate your uniqueness?  Are you even aware of its existence?

I am a talker.  I can go on and on and on.  (Just ask those elementary, middle and high school teachers that gave me “Non-Satisfactory” grades in conduct.) But better yet, I’m an expressive talker, a descriptive talker.  I’m a storyteller.  I’m vocal, some might say “loud”, and laugh hard ~ there is no girly giggle here.  I want you there with me, reliving the moment.  My audience, whether reading my words or hearing them live, will see, hear, feel and touch my experiences.  They will witness my vulnerability and humor.  There’s an instant connection to my message because I walk and live my talk.  That is what makes me unique.  There was a time I apologized and made excuses for both my energy and voice.  Yet guess who wakes up ready to pinch herself every morning because of the ridiculous life she is living?  I embraced my uniqueness and now I celebrate it every day.

How do you discover your uniqueness?  It’s time to get to know you and have a one-on-one conversation.  What comes naturally to you and what brings joy to your heart?  So often we dismiss these qualities as nothing more than “eh”, why is that so important instead of knowing them to be gifts.  Are you empathetic?  Chances are good that regardless of your career or industry choice, you stand out amongst the rest because of your compassion, consideration, and kindness.  Has anyone ever challenged the position you hold because you don’t fall into the stereotype?  When I met my husband at a fundraising event, he had me laughing from the moment he started speaking.  He radiated creative energy and I learned about his love of the guitar and singing.  Jim then shared how he was a CFO and it was my turn to laugh.  There’s no way you’re in finance! He’s gentle, kind, understanding, patient, and has the ability to turn numbers into poetry.  Jim makes finance fun!  This is why he is one of the youngest CFO’s and so many people reach out to him for consulting.  He is unique.

Last year my nephew visited us from Florida during his Spring Break.  In all of his ten-year oldness, he embraced his uniqueness.  I had a hat, similar to what Jason Mraz wears, that Ross wore everywhere.  Initially he would put it on only when he was in our apartment.  If I wore this out in Florida, my friends would make fun of me. Is it because Florida isn’t known for fashion or because people (of all ages) make fun of those who are different due to their own insecurities?  After convincing Ross that more than likely if he wore the hat out in public in NYC he would receive compliments, he gave it a go.  Sure enough, strangers were coming up to him and complimenting his look.  Guys he thought looked cool thought he looked cool!  Of course, I became the brilliant aunt who told him that would be the case.  Before he left to return home, he said, “I think I’m supposed to live in NYC.  I’m allowed to be me.”

As important as it is to honor our uniqueness, we have to celebrate it in others as well.  Since you know what it is like to live your authentic truth, you understand how courageous and empowering it is for others to do the same.  We don’t want a dull, predictable world or existence.  We each have a life purpose and know one can live yours better than you.  You are the best you, you can be and by celebrating that knowing and embracing this knowing in others, we all get to shine.

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I celebrated!

June 1, 2010 in Life, Life Purpose, Love, Shifting Consciousness, Spirit | 1 comment

While volunteering this past Sunday, a friend’s daughter, Olivia, came over to talk.  She radiated energy.

“Hi!” She waved while swaying from side to side.

“Good morning,” I sat in a chair in order to have a better eye-to-eye experience. “How are you?”

“I’m 8!” She beamed and showed the space where two adult teeth would soon grow.

(Think about the last time you were asked that question.  How did you answer it? Was it positive and creative or did you have a list of complaints and ailments?)

“Is this a recent eightness?” I asked.

“Yes.”  And while still grinning she continued, “My birthday was yesterday.”

“Happy Birthday,” I gave her a squish and asked, “What did you do.”

And in all of her eightness she replied, “Well… I celebrated!”  And into the air her hands flew.

I celebrated! I wish you could have heard the tone in her voice.  It was a mix between “Duh!” and “Woo Hoo!”  Olivia could have responded with a list of her activities during her birthday, but instead, she owned the overall experience by acknowledging it was all about a celebration.  Her celebration.    One of the many wonderful things about children is their innate connection to spirit ~ to their hearts.  They don’t have to worry about making a conscious shift toward trusting what their heart is telling them.  Children do not censor their emotions or actions.  They experience love and joy for the sake of what they are ~ it’s unconditional.  They are able to celebrate both the tiniest and largest of achievements with the same amount of exuberance.  Children even get excited when they shout “Do Over!”

Olivia served as a great reminder that life is a celebration.  Yet many of us only allow ourselves to praise, rejoice or party when it is something like a birthday or anniversary.  It seems appropriate to accept congratulations and joy from others and have ourselves be the center of attention on one or two days out of the year.  What about the remaining days?  Certainly each and every one of us have experienced moments or achieved goals (regardless of size) that are worthy of celebration.  We should be hugging and patting ourselves on the back.  Rarely do we consider acknowledging what comes naturally to us.  Often we take advantage of the very gifts and talents we’ve been blessed with because they are as effortless as breathing.  Why not honor your “you-ness”?

√ Do you celebrate your uniqueness?

√ Do you celebrate what you want to feel and witness more of?

√ Do you celebrate the gift that is you?

√ Do you celebrate your creativity?

√ Do you celebrate your ability to make a difference?

√ Do you celebrate stepping out on faith?

√ Do you celebrate your willingness to be willing?

√ Do you celebrate your courage to move outside of your comfort zone?

And while asking yourself those very questions, do you celebrate them for others?  Knowing that there is more than enough for all of us releases fear based thinking ~ the hording of ideas, people and material things.  We celebrate for others the very good they deserve and in return continue to allow ourselves to receive opportunities and say yes.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Oprah Winfrey.  “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”  My interpretation is that by celebrating who and what we are, we are in a constant state of self-exploration and discovery.  We are giving ourselves an opportunity to focus on our hearts and to listen to the still small voice that is directing and guiding us toward our divine path and life purpose.  Answering the above questions just might lead you toward a new career, business, city, home or love.  What and who do you celebrate today?

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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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Expect the Best. Give the Best. Receive the Best.

May 27, 2010 in Change, Life Purpose, Shifting Consciousness | No comments

During this last week, I’ve been re-reading “Open Your Mind to Receive”, by one of my favorite authors, Catherine Ponder.  Her words strengthen my resolve that we are indeed powerful people by our actions, thoughts and word choices.  When clients come to me struggling with an idea, goal or dream they’ve been trying to reach because an obstacle or block has shown up, the first thing I ask is are your actions, thoughts and words aligned with what you want.  At first, most are taken aback and give me the “dog-tilt” look of confusion, but then their wheels start turning, I can feel them connecting the dots down a path of their own muddled thoughts.   Re-connecting with this book was perfect timing for me this week because I’m also attending BookExpo America in NYC.  A four-day event filled with content, sessions, exhibitors and people from all areas in the book industry.  It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the information shared, as well as feeling it’s an upward battle with the “interesting” points of view shared from experts that not only contradict one another but also aren’t aligned with my belief structure.  During the second day of BEA I found a quiet area to regroup and my ego and heart began to have a debate.

I know my next book will be published before the end of the year.

Don’t get greedy.  You already have one coming out in October.

Writing is my passion and I feel most alive when I’m creating.

But, no one will want to publish this book. Is your writing really all that unique?

There are so many possibilities for publishing. I just made connections with 5 people.

They were just being nice. It’s near impossible to find an agent.

Blah..blah..blah.. Not only were those thoughts unfocused, but also my actions moving forward will be scattered if I don’t align them with the manifestation of my dream.  Whenever our thoughts and words are centered on fear and hording instead of staying in the consciousness of their being more then enough and deserving the best, we block our minds to receive.  We might start the morning with the intention of joy and love toward others and ourselves, but one subway ride later we start complaining about the overcrowded 6 train and how everyone is rude.  Where does the rest of our day go from there?

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that we all have days and moments which challenge us, and we question the “need” for certain teachers and opportunities to show up in our lives.  But give it perspective.  When we experience we live.  It means you are doing and being.  You’re not sitting in the waiting room of life wishing and hoping that something or someone falls into your lap.  It means you’ve stepped out on faith and realize that it’s impossible to control or have all of the answers.  In fact, it’s when we let go and trust our heart that the journey toward our divine dreams is the most effortless ~ it’s not to say that you’re not working hard and challenges don’t arise, but you are choosing to experience it and see it filled with love and possibility.

When I speak or work with people, I’m always fascinated by what resonates in their hearts.  Lately, I’ve been challenging others to consider being what they want most.  If you want love, then you need to be love.  If you want clarity in your life, then you need to live peace and give yourself silence to listen.  More and more I am noticing a significant change in consciousness toward this idea, and I experience a rush of energy when people share with exuberance their belief in expecting good, giving back and changing how they look, see and feel the world around them.  It really is that simple.  We have the power of free will, love, wisdom, understanding and imagination which is more than enough to manifest the very good we deserve in our lives.  And we should begin every morning with the knowledge and zealous understanding that we do deserve the best and we are the very best in where we are at the moment.

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