Shared Inspiration: Dana Williams

Inspiration; the moment when we are lifted up into the realm of belief and possibility.  

Dana Williams is a goddess of wisdom, messenger of the divine, a soul sister, healer and a woman with one hell of a great sense of humor.

I have had the divine pleasure of working with Dana both professionally and personally.

It has been an absolute joy to be a guest in Dana’s business development as she continues to expand her game changing, healing practice through  www.eftshifts.com. An entrepreneur at heart, her courage and dedication to the evolution of her business, her client’s results and her own growth is deeply inspirational!

Dana is truly “The Artist of Change”. Her work spans two decades of in-depth training in Energy Healing, Transpersonal Clinical Hypnotherapy,  and Advanced Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).

Most importantly, Dana gets it! The discord of our inner worlds, the fear, pain and false beliefs and she has the training, unconditional insight and tools that will help you  transform your inner world!

My personal work with Dana continues to have a profound impact on the success I have in my life and in my business. I have also witnessed consistent positive results time and again with people that work with her. I believe her greatest gift is her uncanny ability to see who you really are and to teach you how to become your own greatest healer.

Re-Define Limbo and Regain Your Focus

The sun is out and I feel it’s warmth…
and I feel restless!

Last week I found it particularly hard to get focused. True entrepreneurial blood runs through my veins and when I am not 100% clear on my next steps, I feel like I start moving in whatever direction the wind happens to be blowing.

I start and stop mid-way through projects, get distracted online and make umpteen trips to the fridge looking for that something to satisfy my craving. But what I am really craving is an answer. And the left over chocolate eggs in the fridge just won’t give it to me.

Regardless of how much visioning and goal setting we do, we can’t always be 100% clear on our next steps. And best laid out plans change! (they are supposed to)

This is the joy of limbo. Limbo is usually totally uncomfortable and it’s a necessity!

Limbo makes us feel like we are out of control of what is happening in our world. That we don’t really know what we are doing and are lost on what is the “right” decision.  When what we are most often actually doing when in “limbo” is  “information gathering”. 

We are  consciously and unconsciously evaluating and re-evaluating our lives and businesses, the challenges and opportunities and the impact that our next decisions will make on all levels. We may be waiting for specific information or decisions from others which is beyond our control, but how we feel about what is happening is totally within our domain. 

What I observe time and again is that we don’t give ourselves permission and honor this essential part of the decision making process. Instead we panic, allow fear to rise up and judge ourselves. Which only re-affirms the sense that we have no clue what we are doing. There is a rush to get clear and get on with it (and yes, in some cases there are pressing time frames, most of which we construct).

“Information gathering”  is an empowered place. It is the decision to take responsibility and embrace this natural cycle instead of feeling like you are flailing in the wind.  Because you do know what your next true steps are, you just need the time and judgement free space to find the answers!

So the next time you feel yourself in the unknown…

• Empower yourself by deciding that you are “information gathering”
• Give your decision a time frame for when you are going to revisit the question. Don’t let it run repetitive loops in your mind.
• Designate “worry time” because if you give your worries a place to rest, they will cease their relentless nature.
• Focus on the now: the day to day nurturing of your garden, your business and soul.

Know that your answer will come loud and clear and with speed, ease and grace.

*When I started this message a week ago, I had declared that April was my “Information Gathering Month”  and that within three weeks, I would know “the answer” to my pressing BIG question.

Well, within three days after simply writing this article and giving myself the same permission, not only the answer but the path and the people to assist me in my next steps came flooding into my world.  (You will all see it come to fruition over the next couple of months!! )

Embrace not knowing, trust and change the energy of limbo!

Cool Tool: Dropbox

Dropbox is an awesome, user friendly virtual storage service that allows

you to access your files from almost anywhere. It was designed for those who are tired of emailing files or carrying them around on a flash drive. You can use this secure service to share your documents, photos, videos and files with your team, your spouse or your accountant- anyone. You can also use it as a secure backup.

There are free and paid for services with varying options.

It’s a cinch to set up and after installation and connection to the server, the interface is just like any folder on your computer. You simply drag and drop to move files around. Any files or folders that are uploaded to Dropbox will immediately be synchronized within your account.

Dropbox keeps track of changes made to the contents of your storage and any changes are instantly updated to all computers linked to the account. An example of a number of cool things that Dropbox does so check it out!

Shared Inspiration: Katherine Denham

Inspiration is essential to be lifted up into the realm of belief and possibility through stories of people’s  journeys.

I can literally feel my heart warm as I write about Katherine Denham. I hold a tremendous depth of respect, admiration and appreciation for Katherine personally, professionally, and through Kalijo Pilates Dance and Health. 

Katherine is the mother of three, a dancer, passionate business owner, entrepreneur, healer and one of the most authentic, courageous, inspiring women I know!

Katherine and I started working together in 2008 and since then I have watched in awe of the evolution of “The Back Door Pilates Studio” from a one room, one instructor practice evolve into a cutting edge studio, with a team of warm, highly trained instructors.

Katherine and her team at Kalijo change lives! As they did mine!
Two years ago, after I finally had enough of my debilitating back pain and my numerous attempts at other methods I finally took Katherine’s advice to come into the studio. One time a week on the reformer equipment and in only eight weeks I was not only pain free but started to feel “in” my body in a way that I hadn’t ever felt before! Grounded, strong, and empowered in my core!

Kalijo is a place to rest, laugh, sweat, and empower your body and soul! I can honestly say that it is one of my true secrets to creating the positive experience that I want in my body, my life, with my family and in my business !

Spring Cleaning and Happy Tossing!

It’s that time of year! The sprouts of green pushing through the dirt along my pathway are a sign that renewal is upon us.
Without fail, I start to feel this incredible desire to open the windows, clean out the drawers, and basically throw just about everything out!

“Spring Cleaning” dates back hundreds of years. Yet, the desire to clear away the clutter, stagnant energy, outdated beliefs and unfinished business runs much deeper than your cleaning bucket.

If you want to thrive – bring new ventures to fruition, clients in your door, money in your pocket, energy into your life then clearing your path is necessity!

Bottom line – we have too much stuff! Too many things in our house, too many hats at work, too many responsibilities, too much in our tummies, too many wounds and too many shoes (yes, I said it – the “s” word)…

Why? Regardless of how you look at it, the primary underlying reason that we hold onto anything is fear… of letting go, of accepting what is, disappointing loved ones, success… you know which one it is!

In celebration of spring and clearing your path, I’ve shared some tips in the next blog post “Clearing Your Path”  on how to let go of that stuff that is weighing you down! Here’s some motivation for you…

* You will spend over two years of your life looking for something.
* 80% of what you keep you never use.
* Getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40% of the housework in the average home.
* 25% of people with 2 car garages don’t park their cars in it.
* Home storage products have become a 5 billion dollar industry.

“The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials” – Lin Yutang

Happy tossing!

Leah

Clearing your path…

The purging and organizing process can be overwhelming, really overwhelming at times!

You start in one room, only to find things that belong in another room but when you go to put the items away – there is no space to do so – then what?

You find a wine opener. You know you have another one, two, maybe three …but you don’t know where they are so now what? Do you toss the one in your hand or hold onto it because you know you are going to start drinking any moment due to the stress of whole situation… (tuck it in your pocket

Whether you are organizing your filing cabinet or kitchen,  when we start organizing,  one question leads to another and then another and another… the relentless decision making process is enough to throw you into paralysis pretty quickly.

There are steps you can take to make this process much easier and more effective…

First, here are 5 tips to set you up to sort external stuff:

1. Choose one area at a time to focus on and bring it to completion! It is really important to continue to go back to your original area of focus. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating more chaos by starting but not completing different areas. Even if it’s a drawer at a time. Make your goal to complete one area at a time!
2. Realistically schedule your time. It’s going to take longer than you think! Block out chunks of time to focus on organizing.
3. Get necessary supplies – boxes, binders, label maker, file folders to help you get rid of stuff but don’t go overboard. Wait until you have cleared that 80% of what you don’t use to buy “organizing products” because there is a good chance you won’t have anything to put in them once you are finished
4. Create a sorting station in an area that you do not regularly use like the corner of a room, spare room or garage. Set up the following:

• Action items – any item that requires action, returned items, repair etc.
• Keep but needs new home – this is your “holding” box for items that don’t have a new home yet but need a place to stay while you clear the space.
• Trash, recycle, donate boxes and bags – you’ll be surprised at how quickly they fill up!
• “To revisit or maybe” box – it is very important not to get stuck – to keep the clearing flow going.  Create a place to put items that you are unable to make a decision on now. You will be surprised  at how easy that decision comes, when you go back to it.
• 5. Give yourself an out– if you need a break, take one! Observe what your threshold is. Some people are able to organize for hours, others it’s for 20 minutes at a time. Honor what your rhythm is and plan accordingly. Also remember that “what” you are organizing will have an impact on this. One file folder of sensitive papers may take just as long as an entire bathroom.
• Next, here is your five step system for organizing your stuff: 

  

  • Collect all similar items in one place. You need to be able to assess what you actually have. Example: collect all footwear
  • Sort the similar items.  Don’t make decisions, just collect it all. Example: sort footwear into boots and shoes
  • Purge the items that you no longer need. “If you don’t love it or use it – lose it!”  Example: stilettos from the 90’s
  • Categorize what is left. / Example: by season
  • Position where the items are going to go / Example:  winter boots in a tub, spring and summer shoes in the closet by color

  Finally, here are 3 key questions to ask yourself:

  1. Does it serve me and is it genuinely useful?
  2. Do I love it?
  3. Does it support who I am today and life me up into who I want to be tomorrow? (or does it keep me stuck in yesterday)

  “Healing is not forcing the sun to shine, but letting go of that which blocks the light.”

  ~ Stephen and Ondrea Levine

Remembering Your Goals… with a Planning Rhythm

Yes, the sun is shining here on the Sunshine Coast!

I have definitely felt the dampness this winter and welcome the warmth!
I had to remind myself of my 2012 goals a couple of weeks ago, which is prompting me to ask you…
I know it’s only March but does anyone remember what their the big bold 2012 goals are?

Here are three common scenarios: (which one reflects yours?)

You start out the year with great energy, solid intentions, brilliant ideas and big goals!

Maybe they are neatly written down, illustrated through an inspirational collage or scribbled on the back of a napkin from a night of creative brilliance with a bottle Pinot.

Or not…

Maybe you chose to ensure you wouldn’t fail by avoiding the whole process altogether.

Or you are somewhere in the middle with half baked ideas that will surely come to fruition if you relentlessly swirl them in your mind for at least six months.

Regardless of how you started your year, I’m guessing that you may already getting sucked into the daily grind.

Why? Because that’s the way life is – unless you’ve got the following three things in place.

1. You’ve made the decision to consistently and consciously choose your bigger goals, your evolution (be it personal or business) over the demands of every day life. You’ve decided to do it differently. 

2. You’re using a method, to embody that clear vision and position your goals at forefront of your mind each and every day so you don’t lose sight of what is important!

3. You’re working with a planning and prioritizing system for cutting out what doesn’t belong, identifying what does and taking the simple, specific actions to create what you want in your life.

This is what I call your “Planning Rhythm”.

I know it sounds easy to do – and I know it’s not!

The first thing to do is get started.
 
1. Decide on what you want.
2. Now post it where you can see it. Set a date in your calendar (one time per month) that you commit to revisiting your goal.
3. Break it down and identify your next best action to take and do it.  

Then watch what happens – simple steps, habits formed and results achieved. 

The above is the simplest form of what I call your “planning rhythm”. It is the fundamental process that will set you up to make 2012 a different year. I personally use it and so do my clients. Try it out!

Shared Inspiration

Inspiration is essential. To be lifted up into the realm of belief and possibility through stories of people’s  journeys.
Charlene SanJenko’s is one such story!
It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Charlene and watch her dynamic vision come to fruition through her clarity,tremendous hard work and deep pursuit of alignment in her work and life.  She is a true evolutionary entrepreneur and inspiration!

Cool Tool: Your Second Monitor

It’s inexpensive and doesn’t involve a huge learning curve. All you have to do is clear some space on your desk and dramatically improve your productivity. Here’s to singing the praises of using a second monitor!

I started using a second monitor last fall by default. There was an extra one in the house and I thought I’d try it out. I will never go back to using just one. My second monitor enables me to research, schedule, communicate and edit so much more effectively! I am not constantly opening and closing what I am simultaneously working on!

Borrow a monitor from your colleague or hubby when they are out of the office or hook your laptop up to the one in your house. Try it out and let me know what you think! It’s the rare occasion where I will say that having two is better than one of something!

Organization is a platform for creation!

We often view organization as a rigid tool to keep things in control. However, the truth is that organization is not meant for control, it’s a platform for you to create  and enhance your everyday experiences…   

I love mornings and  generally have things pretty organized before I go to bed.  However, one Thursday night a couple of weeks ago,  I let one thing slide that totally changed my morning experience. I thought about the winter clothes tucked a tub in the closet and simply decided that I would pull it out in the morning…

Friday morning, I went on the hunt for the tub. Only to realize the tub had been moved to the back of the closet behind the shelving unit. I could feel the clock ticking…  I quickly climbed in, pulled out the tub and promptly hit my head on the shelf.

Opened it up, pulled everything out, only to discover there were no boots to be found… anywhere! I looked in the other closet, the garage and everywhere I could think of!

By the time I returned to the contents of the tub spread across the living room floor, the one kid without boots was sliding across the back deck in his soaking wet runners and we were late for school and for work.

Immediately that overwhelming feeling started to swell up inside. I know you know the one!  The feeling that life is happening to you, it’s a series of struggling from one “to do” to the next, “one place” to another… The boot fairy must have nabbed those ones because I never did find them.

But more important than the missing boots, I missed enjoying the moment  because I simply didn’t take the time to get a bit more organized. A small but complete illustration of why organization plays a key role in supporting us to create the experience that we want!

Conscious of what I was allowing to happen, I did shift back into enjoying my morning, accepted that we were late,  threw on some dry socks and a few snowballs.

When you move through your day today, try becoming aware of the ways in which you could set things up a little differently so that it is easier for you to enjoy your moments more fully? Write them down and choose one change…

Some possibilities… schedule more time in the morning to get ready,  organize your closet or desk, say “no” to a commitment that just doesn’t fit in your schedule.

Now is a great time to start thinking about how you can get organized for the holidays so that you can experience them! Not have them happen to you!