Category: Life

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Life Professional Development

A Woman

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A Woman – Who Is She?

An extraordinary person with a story to tell,

On a journey and a mission only she can fulfill.

She’s empowered, enlightened, enterprising.

A woman will not be denied.

She deserves her success.

And accepts her accomplishments with pride.

She’s entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, energetic.

A woman is all about sharing.

She connects. She collaborates.

She gives back.

A woman is exceptional, setting the pace.

She encourages.

She embraces.

And shares from her heart place.

A woman is confident and proud.

Endearing, re-known.

To be a Woman is to acknowledge yourself.

To know deep within your power, your worth.

A Woman sets the standard of excellence

In all that she is.

She’s an extraordinary person with a story to tell,

On a journey and a mission only she can fulfill.

She’s a “Universal Woman”

Uniquely her.

A gift, a treasure, a person who endures.

A woman

Who is she?

She is ever evolving

YOU and me!

Categories
Life Professional Development

Self Confidence

Do you have any idea how important, unique and special you are?  Do you realize there exists only one YOU? What would keep you for acknowledging your greatness?

Every time you share yourself and your ideas you bring value to others.  Ideas come in many forms. They can be as simple as a suggestion, create clarity out of confusion or give insight that is transformational.  Your ideas are a reflection of who you are, how you think, what you feel and what you’ve learned from your own experiences. When you can arrive at a place that YOU matter, that your ideas matter and that sharing is a way to build confidence, you become so much bigger than who you think you are!

Willingness to share on any level is powerful.  There is no way of assessing the impact you have on someone else by offering them your point of view.  Each of us is unique. You are unique. Your experiences are unique. Your perspectives are unique. No one has traveled your road, been faced with your specific challenges or possesses your knowledge.  You are the only person qualified to be you.

There are times, however, that you could doubt yourself.  You make a suggestion that someone else discounts. You share an idea you want to implement and the response is negative.  Suddenly, you feel self-conscious and unsure. It’s unrealistic to think that every time any of us have something to say our contribute will meet with unquestioned approval.  Because we each differ, it’s predictable that our points of view will also differ. The key is to recognize you don’t have to have others’ agreement for your ideas to matter or for your value to be questioned.  You ARE valuable. Resolve that no matter what, you possess the confidence to know you are just fine. No one and no circumstance can ever devalue you.

Just as it’s normal to be sensitive to another’s negativity, someone else’s response has nothing to do with you.  As long as there are people, there will always be differing points of view. All ideas matter. Whether someone agrees with you or not is irrelevant.  What someone thinks about you is none of your business! We can’t possibly know the thinking, circumstances and feelings of anyone but ourselves. All you can ever do is share with integrity, accept with compassion and go about your life in a way that best suits you.  Never let your reaction to others or their reaction to you diminish who you are.

You are the gift.  You and your ideas have value.  Some will be well received and others will lay dormant.  You and your ideas have value not only because they reflect who you are, but because they represent the gift you bring to others.  Choose your words with care. Eliminate drama in your life. Associate with positive, energized and supportive individuals. Share from an open heart.  Be eager to listen and to learn. Welcome feedback. Remember, you matter. You make a difference. You have no way of knowing when or where. Just know.

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Life

Create Fulfillment in YOUR Life

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It’s that time of year!  Are you ready?  Spring has finally showered us with the reminder of her beauty.  Opening windows allows fresh air to fill us.  Taking walks in the early morning or after dinner give us time to appreciate our surroundings, acknowledge our life and connect with our source.   There are flowers and birds and children at play.   Want to know the best part of the season?  We get to consider our own ‘blossoming’ – a chance to shed the old (Winter) and give birth to the new (Spring).

This is the perfect time to consider how much your life matters and how others can benefit from who you are.  “Those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy:  true fulfillment”.  (Anthony Robbins).  When I think about all the ‘things’ that are in  my life, it’s clear that materialism is no substitute for connecting one’s self with a worthy cause, participating with people who share the same vision and values or doing something for someone without any expectations in return.  The feeling of fullness is yours to enjoy because your heart place is alive with energy and purpose.  Your soul feels nourished, your days are happy and you know you are making a difference.

Fulfillment can take on many forms.  It can be experienced through volunteerism, connection with your spiritual self, working toward a far-reaching goal, being someone’s support or mentor or any activity that elevates your sense of self.  It’s worth both time and energy to search for and find that vehicle or outlet which reflects your uniqueness and values your participation.  And what a perfect time to uncover what this is for you than during Spring!

Denis Waitley says, “Personal satisfaction is the most important ingredient of success.”  Feeling satisfied and knowing that who you are and what you do contributes to the well-being of people and community is powerful.  Fulfillment is not the job you perform or the task you accomplish.  It is how you feel about yourself because of the difference ‘being you’ makes.

So I ask you to consider this.  Where are you in your life’s experiences as it relates to feeling fulfilled?  Are you connected to something bigger than you?  Are you involved in activities you find rewarding?  Are you stretching your mind to explore new possibilities?  And most importantly, are you willing to consider other options that could take you to a place you’ve not yet been?

This is the time to expand your self-awareness.  This is the time to fill your soul to overflowing because you know your life has purpose.  Find the answer or answers that are right for you.  The journey is yours.  No one else can offer what your life is all about.  Make time for you.  Use your precious life to give yourself one of the greatest rewards – fulfillment.  Enjoy springtime.  As you witness its beauty, consider the beauty that is you as well.  Shine your light and let others know you are here to serve.  My Friend, being of service will provide you with everything you need to live a life of overflowing fulfillment.

What brings you joy and fulfillment?

Categories
Life

Someday IS Today

 Someday, I’ll write the book that I’ve been thinking about. Someday, I’ll lose the weight I’ve gained. Someday, I’ll take that computer class everyone recommends. Someday, I’ll finally make arrangements for that long overdue vacation. Ever stop to consider that the some days of our lives never go away? They haunt us, remind us of what we intended to do and show up every now and then.

Are we just too busy or distracted to consider what we want to do? Are we just pulled in too many directions that we don’t take time to consider what we need to do? Call it procrastination. Call it laziness. Call it whatever you want to call it. Reality check: Someday is NOT going AWAY! Someday is NOW.

Every minute, every thought and action collectively create tomorrow.  There isn’t a break in time from one moment to the next. Life is a continuous cycle. While our lives revolve around a clock and calendar, time doesn’t stop and start. There isn’t an ‘ending’ to today and a ‘beginning’ tomorrow. There are consequences in not taking time seriously. Haven’t we all experienced regret?

What does it take to insure that your ‘tomorrow’ is what you want it to be? Live with the end in mind. Know who you are. Know what you want. Be willing to do the work today to get the results you deserve. Life is a gift. It’s not an accident.We didn’t create it; we got it for free. The question is this: How much do you really value the gift of life? What can you do now and in the days ahead to insure your life plays out with overflowing gratitude. Be blessed. Bless others. You are worthy of amazing tomorrows. It really is in your hands. Be all you can be. Someday Is Today.

 

Categories
Life Professional Development

If Only

Does this sound familiar?  If only I had moved instead of staying stuck.  If only I had listened to the advice I’d been given instead of dismissing suggestions.  If only I had spent more time with my family. If only I had been less impulsive regarding an unsuitable relationship and given my decision more thought.  If only I had listened to the voice inside.

If only is our way of looking back with regret over things we did or didn’t do and wishing we had handled a situation differently resulting in a different outcome.  Living one’s life by continually revisiting if only is a waste of time, energy and thinking.  Instead of focusing on if only in our lives, it might serve us better to give our attention to that small, powerful voice inside that whispers answers to those of us willing to listen.

When I think of impulsive decisions I’ve made – eliminating careful thought in the name of spontaneity – there are many choices that drew me in the wrong direction.  Past partnerships that were disastrous, business decisions and investments that cost me both emotionally and financially and those times when I put career as a priority over family just to name a few.  Whatever the voice inside was trying to say, I was too busy to pay attention! Might that be true of you, too?

Paying attention by acknowledging our intuition is a great practice to develop.  With living life at record speed as most of us do today and wanting answers yesterday instead of exhibiting patience, it’s no wonder that we don’t take the time necessary to listen to that voice that has our best interests at heart.  We no longer walk. We run. And, for me, there’s been a price to pay for not slowing down to make better choices.

Only when we find the quietness in our own minds can we begin to hear our inner teacher, so that we may receive some intuition. Only when we are ready to recognize and value the wisdom that we carry at the core of our being will we turn our attention inwards and ‘listen in’. Sit down, be quiet and listen in at some point today and you might be surprised at what you hear. Then do it again tomorrow. All you need to do is remember that you are the listener and not the noise.  What I am actually saying is that we need to be willing to let our intuition guide us and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.

Maybe now is the time to consider the possibilities?  Re-directing your actions inwardly and listening to what your heart shares can certainly move you toward eliminating if only in your life. You get to make choices that serve you best without worry or apprehension. You get to trust outcomes. You free yourself from uncertainty because you feel empowered by the core of your source and wisdom!  How free do you want to feel?

 

Categories
Life

Life Is A Journey

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Life is a journey.  Each of our lives is a reflection of the experiences we have, the people we meet, the thoughts we consider and the feelings we embrace.

Life is meant to be shared.  No one chooses to travel life alone.  Joy is in the shared journey. It’s those opportunities we say “Yes” to the people we meet or invite along the way and the “ah ha” moments that awaken us to a new way of looking at something familiar.  Our journeys continue day to day, as one experience follows another. The journey embraces people who impact us, circumstances and changes we can’t control, the choices and decisions we make and the effect of those actions over time.  The road is comprised of trial and error, risks and opportunities, pleasure and disappointment.

The word “our” lies within the word “journey”.  How we conduct ourselves and the value we place on our relationships both determine the quality of our life.  Consider embracing unconditional love everywhere you go, toward everyone you meet and in all you do. Set an example of what IS possible when we truly live our lives appreciating one another.  Set a high standard of behavior that will not be compromised. Live with integrity. Together, we can grow the global heart. When one contact leads to another and we become beacon of positive light and love to those we touch, we truly will know that ‘our’ journey is making a difference. Know you have within you the capacity to brighten the world you touch.

I welcome your thoughts, comments and fresh insights.

Categories
Branding Life Networking Professional Development

Be Memorable!

One of my favorite sayings is, “Why show up unless you want to be remembered?” I follow this with, “Leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.”   In other words, be remembered for the right reasons.

There are actually two aspects to being memorable – how you dress and how you behave and in many ways they are  equally important.  Show up beautifully and professionally dressed with a bad attitude and you’ll be remembered but not for the right reason.  Have a great attitude and show up unkempt and it will be difficult for anyone to get past your appearance.  So, what is the answer to being remembered in favorable light?

I happened to catch a Dolly Parton interview not long ago and she shared rather openly the truth of how she always looks ‘impeccable’.  Dolly goes to bed with makeup (extreme, don’t you agree?) and with a wig by her nightstand.  Should an emergency force a quick exit, she wants to show up exactly the way she wants you to see her!  Well, I’m not suggesting any of us follow her lead, however, I am suggesting that how you show up in the world is exactly how you want others to see you.

For 29+ years I’ve had a signature style – I always wear cowboy boots.  Admittedly, it’s a bit different and always is a bit decisive, however, every day – yes even in warm weather – I wear cowboy boots.  Exceptions:  beach or at L.A. Fitness!  If Barbara Bush always wears her 3 strands of pearls, Larry King wears suspenders and Elton John his unusual glasses, I guess there’s a reason!  They have each created a singular style and it’s noticeable and expected.  How does this apply to you?  It is not too late to consider ‘creating’ a specific style.  Begin collecting scarves, unusual pins, unique color themes – anything that starts to create a change in your appearance.  Remember what I said earlier?  Why show if you don’t want to be remembered? Your appearance is the very first thing that creates a response.  Adding vibrant colors to your wardrobe, a consistent accessory or anything that sets you apart is a great way to attract others.  Appearance opens the door to conversation and connection.  Poor appearance is surely a door closer.

The same is true of your behavior.  Are you kind, generous, neat, punctual and a woman of her word?  Or are you moody, cheap, sloppy and perpetually late?  How you show up is how your life plays out.  How many times have you made excuses for a messy car to a passenger, apologized again for tardiness or split a dining check down the middle to the penny?  How many times have you made commitments and had to change the plans?  How reliable are you?

When it comes to being memorable, appearance AND behavior are the two factors that will either engage or turn off others.  It really doesn’t matter if you think you’ve ‘got it together’.  What matters is do others respond to you the way you want them to?  One could stay, “I expect others to accept me as I am” and I agree with you.  That being said, however, how you choose to represent yourself has a lot to do with self-respect.  When you feel positive, look positive and greet the world with a confident ‘YOU’ your confidence strengthens, your outcomes improve and you leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.

Might this be worth a shift in your thinking and choices?  Only you can decide that for yourself.   As always, I welcome your feedback/comments.

Categories
Life

The Heart of a Woman

The heart of a woman is as big as life. She initiates conversations with strangers in the bathroom.

She recommends the perfect place to find the perfect dress to a woman she meets at the beauty salon. She clips coupons to send to her daughter-in-law. She smiles when she would rather scream; cries when she is happy and often says “yes” when she means “no”.

A woman keeps the refrigerator full just in case someone stops by unexpectedly.

A woman fights for what she believes in by supporting community endeavors with both time and money. She listens to friends, helps with homework and gives unconditional loves.

Women cry over their children’s accomplishments, during a romantic movie, while reading sentimental cards at a card shop or when opening a special present. Women openly express happiness when hearing about the birth of a baby, an engagement or a marriage. Women share their emotions from their heart.

Women remain strong even when they think they have no strength left. They comfort loved ones in mourning, visit friends and family who are ill, and offer hugs and kisses to soothe broken hearts. Simply put, women connect!

They write letters, make phone calls, send e-mails and stay in touch. Women care!

Women are present wherever and whenever they are needed. They intuitively know where to offer their love and support.

Women do more than give birth. Where a woman is there exists joy and hope. She brings compassion and companionship. She gives moral support. She acknowledges. She reassures. Women are mothers, daughters, wives, lovers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers.

They give, they guide, and stay grounded. They are amazing not only for what they accomplish, but for the values they impart. Women earn our respect every day not only because of what they do, but because of who they are.

Let me know about some amazing women in your life…

Categories
Life

Is Having A Servant Mindset a TOP Priority?

Are you tired of individuals making commitments – any commitment – and then not doing what they say they’re going to do? Are you frustrated over the lack of response/appreciation/customer service so prevalent in today’s marketplace? Are people more interested in building their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn followers and connections then building or strengthening the relationships they already have? It’s troubling to recognize that it’s obvious we have lost human touch, compassion and genuine caring in personal and professional relationships.

Everyone is moving so quickly. Everyone is stretched to accomplish what they can in a day. We move from task to task, from one communication to another often with little time to really appreciate, acknowledge and feel blessed by simply living.

When I think of service and the word ‘serve’ I think of what can be done under any situation that lets someone know that they are important, they have value and are respected. Are we each doing our part to treat people with kindness? Are we sensitive to the needs and situations of the people with whom we interact? Are we so entrenched in our own lives that we fail to support and show compassion to those less fortunate?

The news continually reminds us of violence, hatred and disasters – circumstances of which we have no control. We read and watch and are often drawn in to heart breaking stories and accounts that fill the television screen and provide headlines in the newspaper. And we think how fortunate we are to not be impacted directly.

What we can also be thinking is: “What can I do in my small corner of the world to offset what the media portrays?” The great news is – we ALL can do our part to enhance and improve the heart breaking picture to be a more loving one. Do what you say you’re going to do. Express appreciation to those who help you along the way. Respond to situations with respect and get clarity when something is not to your liking. Create instead of react. Think of words that will be acceptable to someone else – not hurtful and destructive.

Thank the banker who takes care of your deposit. Thank the clerk at the cleaners who arrives very early to take in or tenders your laundry. Appreciate the mechanic who fixes your car and, yes, even the customer service operator who manages to resolve an issue.

I recently endured a two hour delay out of LAX airport which resulted in my arrival home later than I had wanted or anticipated. Ever observe angry customers at a gate? What good comes from poor behavior and lack of self- control when the airline staff has nothing to do with weather delays? I watched the women at the counter. They did everything they could to endure some of the poor behaviors they faced. What are people thinking? Why is decent, human kindness missing when situations are not to our liking?

I know we can do a better job. I know we want to be more loving, more accepting, more tolerant and compassion. All it takes is having a servant mindset. Be of service. Be someone on whom others can rely. We are in the journey of life together. Be a force for good in the world. We certainly need it and need you to shift what we see to what can be.

Welcome to 2018. Commit to having the best year ever by maintaining a Servant Mindset!

Categories
Entrepreneurs Life Professional Development

10 Ways to Empower Your Soul

90312767 - 2018, silhouette of a woman standing in the sun, blue sky

In 1999, a friend gave me a gift – the following booklet on empowering one’s soul. I recently came across it and thought you, too, would appreciate this simple wisdom.. Sometimes, even the basic lessons of life can have the most profound effect. Consider beginning today to enhance and enrich your life and the lives of those you touch. May 2018 reap limitless rewards and well-being.

Ten Ways to Empower Your Soul

One: Simplify! Simplify! Overcome by clutter? Overweight? Mind and senses on overload? Uncomplicate your life by remembering this simple adage: “Less is more.” Drop the unnecessary and nonessential. Avoid gossip, useless clutter, overindulgence. Cultivate cheerfulness, neatness and a positive attitude. Dress simply, eat simply and practice simplicity in thought, speech and action. Simplify, simplify as you seek a higher purpose in life.

TWO: Choose a Direction. Racing from one commitment to another, overscheduling, trying out one self-improvement method after another, can leave you tired, confused and unsure of what to do next. It’s time to decide what’s important. Slow down! Let your mind become clear as you refocus your intentions. Make conscious choices. Always choose the best possible option. Be unwavering as you choose a direction for your spiritual and worldly life and let life’s distractions pass you by.

THREE: Transcend the Ordinary. If your life lacks spontaneity and surprise, your zest for life has probably fizzled. Unleash the power of your imagination! Walk down a different street. Transform frustration by cultivating patience and kindness. Smile at a stranger. Experience the world with a beginner’s mind. Remember that life is a gift and enjoy each moment.

FOUR: See the Light. Do you feel like you’re existing rather than living? On the brink of boredom? Expand your inner and outer vision to look for beauty and delight in yourself and the world. Choose to be cheerful. Practice being positive. Share your energy by reaching out to help others. Respect and love yourself, your companions and your world. Let your inner self shine and radiate light.

FIVE: Meditate. Mind full of scattered thoughts? Feeling disconnected from your self? Meditation is the answer. Give yourself a few minutes each day to sit quietly. Calm the body and mind. Take notice as you become less affected by the turmoil of life. Through meditation you can return again and again to the center of your being. Meditation gives you the best of life. Love your practice. Doesn’t your spiritual life deserve a few minutes every day?

SIX: Be Fearless. When you’re full of anxiety and fear, be bold! Watch your emotions and breathe deeply as you release tension, anxiety and fear and let them float away. Without condemning yourself or others, correct your misstates and move on. Life in the present moment rather than in past of future thoughts. Avoid procrastination – do what needs to be done at the moment it needs to be done. Become fearless and happy.

SEVEN: Wake Up! If you’re walking blindly through life and have tunnel vision, it’s time to wake up! Our habits deplete or enhance vital, creative energy. Start now to cultivate good habits. Practice breath awareness daily. Take a brisk walk to invigorate body and mind. Set aside time for relaxation. Stretch. Laugh with your loved ones. Learn to see every moment as a chance for new and refreshing opportunities.

EIGHT: Eat for Life. We live in an overfed and under-exercised society. A simple, balanced diet keeps us healthy. Choose whole foods. Prepare them with love. Eat slowly. Chew food thoroughly. Take time to taste the food you’re eating. Whenever possible, eat your main meal at noon and a light meal for dinner. Don’t eat between 7 pm and 7 am. Give thanks for your food and your life.

NINE: Keep Good Company. Just as good food makes you healthy, good company makes you cheerful and uplifts your spirit. The greatest blessing on the spiritual path is the company o fellow aspirants. Cultivate the friendship of those you aspire to emulate. Keep good company to become good company.

TEN: Be Flexible. Backaches, headaches and indigestion can be signs of being stressed out and uptight. Don’t sweat little things. Compromise when possible. Exercise your body – consider yoga, dance, hiking, bike riding, swimming. Exercise your mind – read, reflect, expand. Watch your life change.

I’d love to know which of the 10 ways spoke to you. How will you empower your soul in 2018?