I have been doing a lot of talks at companies these last couple of months that are all relevant to wellness. One slide on my presentation that captivates the audience is on "Knowing your Purpose " and who you are servicing. I am reading the book called Blue Zones that discusses some case studies regarding life lessons from people in the world that have lived the longest. The 4 places in the world that they considered the Blue Zones were: Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, California. They interviewed many people, well over the age of 80 and many of them centenarians. The one question they kept asking these folks were:
What do you eat? What do you do physically for workout? and How the heck are you so witty, strong and vivacious well into the 90's? After collaborating much data they realized one commonality amongst all of these people:
They all ate foods they enjoy in moderation (fava beans and wine were rated high, along with goats milk)
They socialized plenty with neighbors, family and friends three to four days a week
Most of the physical activity they did involved walking to work, farming, cooking and moving their bodies through normal day to day activities.
But the one thing that each person mentioned over and over again was they all knew their purpose and they equated that heavily on the longevity and happiness of their life.
Why is this so important?
Your goal may not be to become a centenarian but it is great to hear secrets from people who have already applied these disciplines.
This month I encourage you to think about your purpose: It doesn't need to be a long drawn out 10 page document - unless you want it to be. Just jot down what you believe is your purpose for your life. Keep in mind it must be meaningful to you.
If you don't know where to start
Tips to find your life purpose ( from page 247 Blue Zones book)
Craft a Personal mission statement:
Why do you wake up in the morning?
How do you make a difference in the world?
Consider what you are passionate about
How you enjoy using your talents and what is truly important to you
One thing I realize about purpose is that it is always the driving force in what we do each day unless we are denying our selves our truth. My purpose is to empower people to follow their heart and what makes them happy. Everything I do in my coaching practice must align with my purpose or else I do not do it. I take on clients, speaking engagements etc that are all aligned with my purpose. It keeps me focused and on track with what matters most to me.
What I know for sure about Purpose
Always gives you inspiration
Sometimes comes in the form of a hobby or job
Gives you natural energy without using will power
Feels good
Never feels like work
Feels like you are connected with your higher self
Feels like you are making a difference in the world
Is your personal choice
Feels like freedom
Opens your heart
Connected to love
Changes over time
Is a feeling more than a destination
Please post you "Personal Mission Statement" in the comment field or email me with it - we would love to hear from you even if you want to remain anonymous. I may post in the next newsletter.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Creating a New Normal
It appears that many of us are going through possible changes: changes at work, feelings about the new economy, changes at home with housing and job loss.
I wanted to create this article to express the importance of making transition changes a little bit easier. We are all having our own personal experiences due to the constant changes in our country. How can we make it easier for ourselves? I want you to create a new normal. Don't get trapped in what it used to be like. It is like living in your shadow or like looking in the rear view mirror of your car - it's safe for driving temporarily. Creating a new normal is healthy because it allows you to live in the present moment of your life. It also allows you to create hope and/or optimism. Accepting the newness of change and not fighting it is the first step.
Why create a new normal?
1) It relieves you of looking over your shoulder of what could have been
2) It relieves you from stressful thoughts
3) You feel better because you are focused on the "now"
So as you go through changes, know that your new normal is just sitting there waiting for you. What do I mean by that? You may have had to downsize your house. You may be a qualified professional but had to take a lower paying job. Are you fighting it or accepting it? Do you have skills you can gain from the new position? All I want to convey is that no matter what the change is, we only have two choices we "embrace it or resist it". Have you ever heard the saying "Kicking and Screaming ? " I know that when I feel myself fighting with reality I picture myself kicking and screaming. Why? Because I am resisting the situation, even though I know it is best for me.
So when you think thoughts that create a visual of kicking and screaming, realize you are fighting with reality. Take a moment and ask yourself:
Is this part of my new normal?
Why am I kicking and screaming?
How long will I allow myself to kick and scream ?
Is it really something I want and is it good for me?
Can I change it? What can I change?
Choose to accept the new change even if it is not what you think you wanted. Sometimes we need to trust that the change that happened is moving our life in a new direction. Ronald Brill, was let go of his job in his 50s, just shy of retirement. He embraced that change as a new opportunity to create the largest home-improvement warehouse store, which is now Home Depot. Ever wonder what happened to Tiger Woods' performance in 2003-2004? He didn't win a single tournament. Not because he wasn't good anymore, but because he withdrew himself to improve his swing. He completely re-engineered his golf swing. He came back with an even better record than in previous years.
The next time you are confronted with a change in your life, take a look at this article and take one thing you believe will help create a new normal for you. When we stop fighting with ourselves, we immediately gain emotional wellness and a healthier life. Trust the change your life is going through, it could be your new normal.
I wanted to create this article to express the importance of making transition changes a little bit easier. We are all having our own personal experiences due to the constant changes in our country. How can we make it easier for ourselves? I want you to create a new normal. Don't get trapped in what it used to be like. It is like living in your shadow or like looking in the rear view mirror of your car - it's safe for driving temporarily. Creating a new normal is healthy because it allows you to live in the present moment of your life. It also allows you to create hope and/or optimism. Accepting the newness of change and not fighting it is the first step.
Why create a new normal?
1) It relieves you of looking over your shoulder of what could have been
2) It relieves you from stressful thoughts
3) You feel better because you are focused on the "now"
So as you go through changes, know that your new normal is just sitting there waiting for you. What do I mean by that? You may have had to downsize your house. You may be a qualified professional but had to take a lower paying job. Are you fighting it or accepting it? Do you have skills you can gain from the new position? All I want to convey is that no matter what the change is, we only have two choices we "embrace it or resist it". Have you ever heard the saying "Kicking and Screaming ? " I know that when I feel myself fighting with reality I picture myself kicking and screaming. Why? Because I am resisting the situation, even though I know it is best for me.
So when you think thoughts that create a visual of kicking and screaming, realize you are fighting with reality. Take a moment and ask yourself:
Is this part of my new normal?
Why am I kicking and screaming?
How long will I allow myself to kick and scream ?
Is it really something I want and is it good for me?
Can I change it? What can I change?
Choose to accept the new change even if it is not what you think you wanted. Sometimes we need to trust that the change that happened is moving our life in a new direction. Ronald Brill, was let go of his job in his 50s, just shy of retirement. He embraced that change as a new opportunity to create the largest home-improvement warehouse store, which is now Home Depot. Ever wonder what happened to Tiger Woods' performance in 2003-2004? He didn't win a single tournament. Not because he wasn't good anymore, but because he withdrew himself to improve his swing. He completely re-engineered his golf swing. He came back with an even better record than in previous years.
The next time you are confronted with a change in your life, take a look at this article and take one thing you believe will help create a new normal for you. When we stop fighting with ourselves, we immediately gain emotional wellness and a healthier life. Trust the change your life is going through, it could be your new normal.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Judgements and labels -oh my!
I was asked to speak at an event this past week to women who are going through chemotherapy. At first when they asked me I was very reluctant to accept the invitation -for one my inner self wanted to run. What would I say to them ? They are going through an intense treatment and I was suppose to come in and create an uplifting talk -I was so afraid to accept the invite but then I realized I had to become uncomfortable and do it. These women want knowledge, these women want inspiration and they want to feel confident about coming out of there treatments as a survivor.
I prepared some things to discuss and really needed to come out of my thinking -like " This won't be fun they are sick", " I won't be able to inspire them" - among other thoughts I realized this was holding me back from being authentic - holding me back from being the coach that I want to be for them. As a coach I am usually adding value to peoples lives because I connect with them from my own personal experience. I began to start my talk out by telling them that I didn't want to do the talk and that I wasn't qualified but that I did have an aunt who had breast cancer and survived. And that was my personal experience and that was enough.
I knew the truth would set me free and they knew I empathized with them as well as not trying to downplay their cancer challenge.
At the end of the program I realized I learned so much from these women -they were brave, thoughtful and human.
I was labeling there illness and not forecasting positive expectations for them from my own thinking and judgements.
I knew at the end of the day I was so grateful to have this experience and meet these wonderful women that battle cancer and chemotherapy. They lose their hair and still have a smile on there face. It taught me a lesson -to continue to do work on my thinking when I feel so much judgement and to treat people as human beings, no matter what each of us is going through. The bottom line is we all want human connection -wether you are surviving breast cancer or survived financial distress - there is no doubt in my mind that beneath all of the judgments and labels , we are all the same at our core. Kind, open hearted and a need to feel connected.
For more info on Chemoflage -go to www.chemoflage.com
It is a wonderful organization for helping women take care of themselves while going through chemotherapy. The meetings take place in a Nordstrom location one a month or quarterly. A wonderful woman name Cookie is the Founder.
I prepared some things to discuss and really needed to come out of my thinking -like " This won't be fun they are sick", " I won't be able to inspire them" - among other thoughts I realized this was holding me back from being authentic - holding me back from being the coach that I want to be for them. As a coach I am usually adding value to peoples lives because I connect with them from my own personal experience. I began to start my talk out by telling them that I didn't want to do the talk and that I wasn't qualified but that I did have an aunt who had breast cancer and survived. And that was my personal experience and that was enough.
I knew the truth would set me free and they knew I empathized with them as well as not trying to downplay their cancer challenge.
At the end of the program I realized I learned so much from these women -they were brave, thoughtful and human.
I was labeling there illness and not forecasting positive expectations for them from my own thinking and judgements.
I knew at the end of the day I was so grateful to have this experience and meet these wonderful women that battle cancer and chemotherapy. They lose their hair and still have a smile on there face. It taught me a lesson -to continue to do work on my thinking when I feel so much judgement and to treat people as human beings, no matter what each of us is going through. The bottom line is we all want human connection -wether you are surviving breast cancer or survived financial distress - there is no doubt in my mind that beneath all of the judgments and labels , we are all the same at our core. Kind, open hearted and a need to feel connected.
For more info on Chemoflage -go to www.chemoflage.com
It is a wonderful organization for helping women take care of themselves while going through chemotherapy. The meetings take place in a Nordstrom location one a month or quarterly. A wonderful woman name Cookie is the Founder.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Giving Back - Branding and Philanthropy
So I am not sure if you have heard of a company called Tom's shoes.
It is run by an entrepreneur that set out to create shoes for children in need and then decided to give back to the community by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for each shoe he sold. He traveled to Argentina in 2006 and then realized that most children there do not have shoes. His idea of creating shoes came from his desire to help the children he saw in Argentina. So when Blake set out a business plan he included –each pair of shoes he sold he would give a pair to a child in need of shoes and personally deliver them twice a year. www.tomshoes.com
This is a great example of my formula that I believe in –
Inspiration + Action = Passion and Results
So when I read this and think about his philanthropy and brilliance- I am at awe with his passion and the fact that he took action in his life and committed to these children. So it is almost like the children came first and the creativity of his shoes are secondary. Why am I sharing this with you?
So if you are a creative business person wanting to pursue a business from an idea you have –think about how you can cultivate the passion from this story and incorporate a business plan that will give you a sense of truly giving back. Blake has set out to build a business by creating shoes but he has also placed passion to truly help community in a way that has touched my life.
I am so passionate about his story because helping children is profound, helping children in need of a simple necessity is gracious. Brave. Generous.
For those who are not entrepreneurs –think about how you can help.
In today’s economy things are getting different – we are becoming conscious in our living and choosing simplicity over extravagance.
Btw-Tom's stands for tomorrow….. How can you apply passion in your business plan or your life and give back to the community? I hope you will find it is a brilliant way to open your heart, give back and grow your business…….
It is run by an entrepreneur that set out to create shoes for children in need and then decided to give back to the community by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for each shoe he sold. He traveled to Argentina in 2006 and then realized that most children there do not have shoes. His idea of creating shoes came from his desire to help the children he saw in Argentina. So when Blake set out a business plan he included –each pair of shoes he sold he would give a pair to a child in need of shoes and personally deliver them twice a year. www.tomshoes.com
This is a great example of my formula that I believe in –
Inspiration + Action = Passion and Results
So when I read this and think about his philanthropy and brilliance- I am at awe with his passion and the fact that he took action in his life and committed to these children. So it is almost like the children came first and the creativity of his shoes are secondary. Why am I sharing this with you?
So if you are a creative business person wanting to pursue a business from an idea you have –think about how you can cultivate the passion from this story and incorporate a business plan that will give you a sense of truly giving back. Blake has set out to build a business by creating shoes but he has also placed passion to truly help community in a way that has touched my life.
I am so passionate about his story because helping children is profound, helping children in need of a simple necessity is gracious. Brave. Generous.
For those who are not entrepreneurs –think about how you can help.
In today’s economy things are getting different – we are becoming conscious in our living and choosing simplicity over extravagance.
Btw-Tom's stands for tomorrow….. How can you apply passion in your business plan or your life and give back to the community? I hope you will find it is a brilliant way to open your heart, give back and grow your business…….
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What do Wellness and Careers have in common?
Do you find yourself daydreaming about a great idea for a business?
Ever wonder what ever happened to the prototype model you built to manufacturer or sell? All of us have passion within us -it is whether or not we act upon that urge or desire.
When you are not following a passion, yearning or desire in your lifetime then at some point it may effect your health. Pam Slim wrote recently in the New York Times “real creative urges, those we are meant to express, don’t go away. If ignored, they bother us, effect our health, fester and eventually turn into the living dead.” Pam slim. Click here for the article.
Like a warning on a pack of cigarettes , a nutrition label that reads saturated fats –it is like a slow death engaging in a career or job with no meaning, no fulfillment and feelings of no purpose. We all have a calling, a creative idea or something that we would like to tap into that has always felt like complete fun. I have been coaching for about a year and a half now and realized that so many clients I speak with want something else or something different. Whether they are content in there jobs or completely dislike there job. Some other clients I have become productive artists, Design consultants, follow a career path that fits there true desire or try new things like music, photography, art, cooking or rock climbing. It is whatever is going to launch there creativity to build on that enthusiasm to act on the dream.
I asked two girlfriends what they would love to do for a living if they could dismiss thoughts of security of money. One said she would own or work in a flower shop, the other expressed an interest in being a personal shopper. I wonder who else I could ask that would give me a different answer than what they are doing today.
What happens to us when we begin to dream something we have always wanted to do? What thoughts start running through our minds? What about the bills? How about the house note? Can’t toss the lifestyle? So if you could stop the thoughts and think about your well being first. How much longer would you live if you were happier, if you could pursue the passion of interest or talent you would love to try? There was survey done regarding the number of people who were happy by just knowing they were pursuing a goal that would lead them to something they truly desired -75 % were much happier.
Well most people spend 80% of there time at work. So you can imagine what happens to us when we become numb to what we really want and it is were we spend the most time. We are no longer living in the era were you wait for retirement in order to pursue a profession that fits you. Our emotional health suffers when we begin jeopardizing our well being for our true calling.
Creating change for your wellness is a key component in living a longer and healthier life. If you have been itching to take a leap into a business that you would love to own, or pursue an interest in a career that will fulfill you
- keep in mind it is never too late.
What career, job or passion could you pursue that would allow you to feel good, create passion and maintain your emotional well being?
How do you know if your job is robbing your wellness:
You are not placing your needs or happiness as a priority to yourself
You participate in unhealthy activities too often -smoking, drinking, excessive shopping, etc
Find yourself daydreaming about what could be
Desperately thinking thoughts of just about any job you could do in order to make money and be happier
How do you create change for your well being? Just by becoming aware of the change you need, making it a priority and taking small steps to make that happen.
Ever wonder what ever happened to the prototype model you built to manufacturer or sell? All of us have passion within us -it is whether or not we act upon that urge or desire.
When you are not following a passion, yearning or desire in your lifetime then at some point it may effect your health. Pam Slim wrote recently in the New York Times “real creative urges, those we are meant to express, don’t go away. If ignored, they bother us, effect our health, fester and eventually turn into the living dead.” Pam slim. Click here for the article.
Like a warning on a pack of cigarettes , a nutrition label that reads saturated fats –it is like a slow death engaging in a career or job with no meaning, no fulfillment and feelings of no purpose. We all have a calling, a creative idea or something that we would like to tap into that has always felt like complete fun. I have been coaching for about a year and a half now and realized that so many clients I speak with want something else or something different. Whether they are content in there jobs or completely dislike there job. Some other clients I have become productive artists, Design consultants, follow a career path that fits there true desire or try new things like music, photography, art, cooking or rock climbing. It is whatever is going to launch there creativity to build on that enthusiasm to act on the dream.
I asked two girlfriends what they would love to do for a living if they could dismiss thoughts of security of money. One said she would own or work in a flower shop, the other expressed an interest in being a personal shopper. I wonder who else I could ask that would give me a different answer than what they are doing today.
What happens to us when we begin to dream something we have always wanted to do? What thoughts start running through our minds? What about the bills? How about the house note? Can’t toss the lifestyle? So if you could stop the thoughts and think about your well being first. How much longer would you live if you were happier, if you could pursue the passion of interest or talent you would love to try? There was survey done regarding the number of people who were happy by just knowing they were pursuing a goal that would lead them to something they truly desired -75 % were much happier.
Well most people spend 80% of there time at work. So you can imagine what happens to us when we become numb to what we really want and it is were we spend the most time. We are no longer living in the era were you wait for retirement in order to pursue a profession that fits you. Our emotional health suffers when we begin jeopardizing our well being for our true calling.
Creating change for your wellness is a key component in living a longer and healthier life. If you have been itching to take a leap into a business that you would love to own, or pursue an interest in a career that will fulfill you
- keep in mind it is never too late.
What career, job or passion could you pursue that would allow you to feel good, create passion and maintain your emotional well being?
How do you know if your job is robbing your wellness:
You are not placing your needs or happiness as a priority to yourself
You participate in unhealthy activities too often -smoking, drinking, excessive shopping, etc
Find yourself daydreaming about what could be
Desperately thinking thoughts of just about any job you could do in order to make money and be happier
How do you create change for your well being? Just by becoming aware of the change you need, making it a priority and taking small steps to make that happen.
Monday, April 20, 2009
What do Passion, Talent and Risk have in common?
So we all watched how powerful it was to see Susan Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent".. We were all amazed at her surprising talent. She got up there and sang her heart out and became an instant star because of a hidden talent that she never used before. So I was thinking about people and there true talents.
Do people really hide their talents? Do we believe there are limited opportunities to use a talent or passion? OR Are the hidden talents buried away or used for hobbies? Either way I believe each of us has a true talent and gift to offer the world. We all may not be great singers but we all have a talent that we have yet exposed to the world for fear of rejection, failure or fear of not feeling like the talent is good enough.
How will we ever know if we do not try?
Imagine if Susan Boyle did not take the risk of attending Britain's Got Talent.
What would have happened? Well first and foremost we would not have been blessed with an awesome singer in our culture. Secondly, she would have never revealed her true calling and passion that made her happy.
What else surprised us from her performance? Maybe she didn't come wrapped up in a pretty box with a nice bow. Did our judgements get in the way of believing she could sing? I think that she knew she could sing but didn't know how well. So if she never took the risk she would have always thought modestly of her talent to sing. She gave the world the opportunity to measure her talent and it came back to her more than she could have imagined.
Do you have a talent that you feel modest about? What is your hidden passion? What gift would you give the world that we could love and enjoy?
How could you take one step towards exposing your talent or passion today?
What risk would you take?
Susan Boyle did -and the rest is history.
Monday, April 13, 2009
How to stay Positive in Uncertain times
As most of you know - I love to discuss change and its effects.
I am very passionate about change and love to help people in uncertain times, with the uncomfortable feelings. I was thinking how I could be helpful to people in this economic time. I have really started to think about our community and how we can all be helpful to one another. The economy gets better when we all begin to make small changes to make ourselves better and our thinking more positive. If we all walked around thinking positive thoughts that create positive feelings then we may all begin to shift energy and perspective. What happens to each of us when we decide to follow suit on someone who is disgruntled about gas prices and job scarcity. It is so easy to want to participate in being disgruntled and find supporting examples in the news or workplace about how things are bad or getting worse. So I challenge you to begin sharing insight with people on how we all can begin to create changes that make each one of us happy. A great place to start is to begin thinking of what goodness may be coming out of the downturn. Simplicity of living, people only buying things they really want rather than the things they think they want -how could that be so bad? Some families are creating a budget becoming more aware of financial spend: others are cooking at home which I believe could build connection, stronger relationships and overall teamwork among family home life. As human beings we must keep in mind that our souls need to be nourished whether there is a recession or not. Creating connection with community, family and friends I believe brings more fulfillment than we realize. Once we begin to share our lives with one another in enjoyment rather than worry about what shoe might fall off next, then we being to be more fulfilled. I like potluck dinners with neighbors I think that is a great way to get started.
I think my point on this article is to remember that we all need human connection to live and survive in good times and in bad –so why not take our inner strength, step outside the box and find ways to be more positive.
How can you connect with someone today ….or discuss something positive about the downturn?
I am very passionate about change and love to help people in uncertain times, with the uncomfortable feelings. I was thinking how I could be helpful to people in this economic time. I have really started to think about our community and how we can all be helpful to one another. The economy gets better when we all begin to make small changes to make ourselves better and our thinking more positive. If we all walked around thinking positive thoughts that create positive feelings then we may all begin to shift energy and perspective. What happens to each of us when we decide to follow suit on someone who is disgruntled about gas prices and job scarcity. It is so easy to want to participate in being disgruntled and find supporting examples in the news or workplace about how things are bad or getting worse. So I challenge you to begin sharing insight with people on how we all can begin to create changes that make each one of us happy. A great place to start is to begin thinking of what goodness may be coming out of the downturn. Simplicity of living, people only buying things they really want rather than the things they think they want -how could that be so bad? Some families are creating a budget becoming more aware of financial spend: others are cooking at home which I believe could build connection, stronger relationships and overall teamwork among family home life. As human beings we must keep in mind that our souls need to be nourished whether there is a recession or not. Creating connection with community, family and friends I believe brings more fulfillment than we realize. Once we begin to share our lives with one another in enjoyment rather than worry about what shoe might fall off next, then we being to be more fulfilled. I like potluck dinners with neighbors I think that is a great way to get started.
I think my point on this article is to remember that we all need human connection to live and survive in good times and in bad –so why not take our inner strength, step outside the box and find ways to be more positive.
How can you connect with someone today ….or discuss something positive about the downturn?
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