Introspection

I Fired Myself and I Set Myself Free

Rarely does a day go by that I haven't had someone ask me about my transformation from classroom teacher and competitive horsewoman into an angel communicator and spiritual life coach. Believe me it was not an overnight one, to say the least.  My shift and change in mindset has been a process. And in an act of full disclosure, I’ll admit it’s a process that I have enjoyed and not enjoyed at the same time.

Creative dreams awaken when your inner critic is asleep

You know that restless feeling of tossing and turning at night? Then feeling anxious because you’re not getting a full nights sleep? The mind racing back and forth in all its glory, regardless of how my times you try to count backwards or count sheep to slow it down.

Believe me, you’re not alone. What if… it was really your inner self, your wise self, your creative self trying to get your attention?

Note to Self: Remember to slow down

Most people today are busier than ever. Demands on time, energy, money and emotional support are at an all-time high. Many days go by are that a complete blur. Weeks feel like a few days and months are gone in a blink of an eye. That’s why it’s so common to hear people say they can’t believe they are another older already. Or, what happened to winter or what happened to spring?

Does this sound like your story?

Are you tired of avoiding conflict in order to keep the peace?

Are you tired of avoiding conflict in order to keep the peace? Like many people who are frustrated by feeling other people overly rely on them, you are probably secretly exhausted and tired of the job. In fact, if truth be known, you would love to take a break from all their drama, excuses, negativity and complaining.

There is a fine line between helping and enabling

You know that friend or family member that seems to always be in some type of crisis? And just when you think your most recent “pep-talk” or “marathon phone conversation” actually worked you find out that, despite your best efforts, their life is once again falling apart.

They’ve crashed. Hard.

You may even begin to question what’s going on? Why doesn’t this work? I thought we really got somewhere. The truth is most of us are walking a blurred line of support and enabling. You may feel they are similar, one in the same. Yet, I assure you there is a huge difference.

Let's take a look at this interesting inquiry a bit further, shall we?

The most important question you will ever ask yourself

Do you know the most important question you will ever ask yourself?

Masters, sages, scientists, philosophers, spiritual teachers and many other wise and wonderful people have challenged themselves to think about this very question.

And have you noticed that people today feel frustrated and discouraged more than ever? Often times their good intentions, dreams, hopes and desires run into brick walls or completely fall flat.

They might have even tried several times to restart or recalibrate an incredible idea, only to have it never lift off the ground. Is it any wonder that many of us feel that the Universe or Life is conspiring against us?

Why can’t my ideas gain the momentum I so easily see in my mind’s eye? we ask ourselves.

The truth is, when we envision ourselves living the life of our dreams it seems so easy, but the harsh reality of the physical realm can be a tough pill to swallow.

I invite you to delve into this all too common dilemma with me as we turn our attention to one of the greatest inventors, thinkers and visionary’s of our time - Albert Einstein.

Plus… the all important question.

Are you tired of looking for happiness in all the wrong places?

Do you struggle to be happy? I mean really, truly happy in an authentic way.

Take a moment to sit with this inquiry and allow your Wise Self to answer honestly.

The truth is most people want to be happier, live more joyfully and feel on Purpose. Don’t believe me? Just look at the popularity of the “buy-it-now” and “on-demand” features that are everywhere. Or, the amount of vacations, technology, homes and automobiles purchased in the hopes that it will help achieve the happiness level people feel they deserve.

What I find fascinating about the “search for happiness” is that just underneath that inquiry is the deeper, more introspective driving factor. The search for meaning. The search for purpose. The hunger for sacred connection and feeling of “my life matters.”

Becoming a visionary gives you wings to fly

People today feel frustrated and discouraged more than ever. Often times their good intentions, dreams, hopes and desires run into brick walls or completely fall flat. They might have even tried several times to restart or recalibrate an incredible idea, only to have it never lift off the ground. Is it any wonder that many of us feel that the Universe or Life is conspiring against us?

Why can’t our ideas gain the momentum we so easily see in our mind’s eye? When we envision ourselves living the life of our dreams it seems so easy, but the harsh reality of the physical realm can be a tough pill to swallow.

To delve into this all too common dilemma I will turn to one of the greatest inventors, thinkers and visionary’s of modern era for inspiration - Albert Einstein.

Are you ready to let go of your past?

Have you ever wondered: What if. . . it’s my future self that is walking me towards it, not my past self pushing me? Most of us I imagine have been strongly influenced by the thinking of past events being what catapults us and motivates us forward. And to a point, I believe this is true.

However, I am also of the opinion that as we move through life there comes a time where we arrive at the realization that our past is literally complete. Not in a macabre, dark sense. What I mean is the knowledge, reasoning and intellectual pursuits that once gave us so much satisfaction are no longer enough for us. We have outgrown them.

Can you unplug for one whole day?

How do you feel when you hear the word unplug? Does the thought of a one day media fast send you into a cold sweat? How about two days? A week? Just to be clear, when I refer to media I'm talking about the whole enchilada--phone, internet, social media, TV, movies, newspapers, books and articles. Are you starting to get the shakes like someone going through major withdrawals? Eye twitches. Cold sweats. Dry mouth. Muscles tensing up.

Or, are you on the flip side?

Where just the thought of going one day or several days without an invisible leash feels like you drew the prized Get Out of Jail Free card?

When you hide parts of yourself, you lose yourself

We all have a side of us that is typically quite a bit different than the face, mask or persona we commonly project out to others. You know the filtered persona I'm talking about. This is the mask we work really hard to keep on so people only know the aspect of ourselves we want them to see. Flawless. Perfect. Organized. And quite honestly - exhausting!

Different names have been attributed to the various aspects of ourselves: think alter ego. The alter ego embraces the wilder, edgier, sassier side that always gets you what you want. And has a whole lot of fun doing it.

Does your definition of success have love in it?

We’ve all grown up with a definition of “success.” Often we’ve been told to chase it. Strive for it. Double-down and go after it! We’ve also been told what types of achievements and material objects indicate a truly “successful” life. And, if we’re not living and owning these things then we clearly need to up our game.

Funny thing is, I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who agrees that love and joy are KEY ingredients. I know. I know. This is definitely not what we grew up with and can seem too far-fetched and tinged with rainbow, rose-colored glasses thinking.

Now, before you click away because it seems too unrealistic, I invite you to follow a different storyline with me.

Are you in? I thought so.

The care and feeding of worthiness and self-esteem

What I find interesting about artistic, innovative and creative ideas and talents is that so many people have a very challenging time respecting and acknowledging them.  It's as if we have been downloaded to repeat the negative, shameful habit of feeling embarrassed about these amazing gifts that truly come easily to us.  Maybe I'm alone on this, but I don't think so.  Stay with me as I expand on this thought for a moment.

Rethinking Simple Acts of Kindness

Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying, "the simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." I don't know about you, but this made me pause and read it a second time. Personally, I like to keep things simple.  Like the motto of the Golden Rule states,  "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you."  

The Insiders Guide to Working with The Magician

Imagine… that for 24 hours, you were gifted a whole new view on life. Instead of seeing shortcomings, road blocks or missed opportunities, you saw only experiences of good fortune, good judgement and lucky breaks.

Seem too far fetched? Like there’s no way this could ever happen to you?

Well, what if I told you that you just found Aladdin’s lamp and there’s no limit on wishes? Or, that a magical serum was yours for the taking? All you have to do is drink it and for one whole day luck is on your side

Everything will literally go your way. People are willing to help you out. You only see what’s going right in your life. You have a Yes to Life attitude that is intoxicating.

Sound to good to be true?

Meet the Seven of Fire: Assertiveness and Extreme Self-Care

Are you frustrated by feeling other people are overly reliant on you? Are you secretly exhausted and tired of the job? You may even dream about taking a break from all the drama, excuses and complaining.

Yet… you were raised, praised and conditioned to be a people pleaser. You know the old mantra, it’s better to give than to receive.

Truth be told, you don’t mind some of the time. Just not all of the time. Why? Because it’s emotionally exhausting. Unsustainable.

Feeling Guilty About Shining Your Light?

Most people today struggle to see their own talents. When they look in the mirror all they see is someone who is too late to the game, too old to start over, too young to be taken seriously, too average to be unique, or too creative to fit into a world of normalcy.

Whatever the excuses are they are actually false truths. These false truth act as blinders to our own gifts. And these blinders prevent us from seeing our strengths. We are convinced that we’re born with too many shortcomings and weaknesses.

These false truths are simply that - false thoughts that have been mistaken as unchangeable facts.

Pondering the Less is More Paradox

Like many of you, I was familiar with this saying for many, many years. Do less, accomplish more. I thought I got it. I mean, I really thought I had it down. But, did I really? To be honest, I liked the sounds of it and I loved the idea around it. However, I wasn’t able to apply it fully to my own life.

Positive Thinking Not Working? Try this sure-fire solution

Against our best efforts our minds can get carried away with worry, fears, anxiety, and worse-case scenarios. We hear about the powerful ways of calming the mind that have worked for others. Positive affirmations and thinking only positive thoughts top the list. However, when we feel afraid inside and utter the words it seems to feel shallow and soul-less. Truth be told, we feel anything but happy, calm and content.

Are we imposters? Aren’t we supposed to fake it until we make it?

A Remedy for Unrealized Dreams and Disappointments

One of the most common excuses or complaints I hear around the concept of following dreams is not having what it takes.  Whatever "it" is?  The truth is, we all have dreams and visions of creating something tangible from our imaginations.  And thinking about sharing this with others and enjoying the fruits of our labors can be intoxicating.  Exciting. Yummy!

If we really allow ourselves to dream big, we can easily envision ourselves living a full and thriving life. Laughing. Exploring. Spending time with friends and loved ones. Working passionately in our chosen vocation.  And having the overall sense of living life on our own terms.

But…eventually we come back to our so called "senses" and sufficiently scare ourselves right back into staying small.  The excitement was palpable. The smiles and laughter felt real. Our life was so different. But. But, the doubts begin to settle in.