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Spring Forward

Spring unofficially arrived this weekend with daylight savings time.

Over the past several weeks, I noticed hints of Spring.  Birds singing in the morning.  Days staying light until after 5pm.  Sprouting bulbs.

Spring’s Difference

Spring is different than other seasons.  It’s exciting.  It’s rejuvenating.  It’s refreshing. It’s like waking up from a good dream with sunshine in your eyes.

Spring is about new beginnings.  The rest of the year is for maturing, but Spring invites you to be creative.

A Spring Forward

Better than a New Year’s Resolution, a Spring Forward has momentum.  The energy is right.  Nature conspires with you achieve your desires.  Take advantage of it.

The dreams you set in motion in January were merely seeds.  Following Mother Nature’s guidance, it’s time to tend your internal garden; to water it, give it sunlight and gleefully rejoice at the bright green shoots appearing on the surface.

Remember the seedlings of your dreams are fragile in this season.  Carefully nurture them.  Don’t expose them to the harsh criticism of your routine internal dialogue.  Instead surround them with the love and energy the require to grow.

Dance and Celebrate

Spring is the time to dance and celebrate, to be curious and daring, and to be youthful.

Don’t hold back.  Tap into the natural energy around you.  Take risks.  Then take action on your dreams.

All of this simply from changing the clocks.  Isn’t that wonderful!

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Join us this for a Trust Your Brilliance Workshop to nourish your internal garden.

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Being your own boss is tough.  You’re harder on yourself than any boss you’d ever work for.  Don’t you agree?

To add to your plate, you need to take care of your family and you.  24 hours isn’t enough to get it all right.

I find myself saying, “I should have…” or “I should do…”  Do you have the same dialogue?

What Does Should Mean?

I looked up the definition of should online.

“Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone’s actions: “he should have been careful”.

When you criticize your actions, you’re judging.  You’ve slapped a label on yourself, compared yourself to a standard and for most of you told yourselves how badly you’re doing.  Not a pretty picture.

What If You Changed Your Perspective?

What if you believed you were perfect just the way you are?  What if you loved rather than criticized yourself?

Love is the most powerful force on this planet.  When you open your heart to love, negativity evaporates.  Love is like the small light at the end of the tunnel drawing you toward it.

Business and Love

Some say business and love don’t mix.

I believe the definition of a successful business is when the functions of business are combined with love, respect, authenticity, and open communication.

Life and Love

In the same way, I believe a fully realized life is when you love yourself.

How do you know if you love yourself?  Your default isn’t to criticize.  You accept yourself exactly where you are.  You don’t feel the need to change yourself to fit an accepted pattern.

When you start to live consciously in love every day, miracles happen.  You are grateful for all that’s in your life.  You feel alive in the moment.

Sounds like a pretty good way to live and run a business doesn’t it.

No More Should

If you find yourself using the words should, have to, want, change them to I am, I choose to, I desire.  These baby steps will move from criticizing and judging to loving and accepting.

Are you ready to give up should?

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…become aware that you already posses all the inner wisdom, strength, and creativity needed to make your dreams come true. – Sarah Ban Breathnach

A Packet Of Seeds

I was a t the local garden center the other day and they had tons of seeds and bulbs.  I got all excited and bought some herb seeds.  Spring is on it’s way.

When I got home, I dug out my planters from last year, filled them with potting soil, sprinkled the seeds over top and watered them.

Then I walked away.

Seeds Are So Smart

I didn’t go back and push and prod the seeds to grow faster.  I didn’t dig them up and put them in “better” soil.  Nope.  Just let them do their thing.  They’ve got it all figured out.

It’s the same with us.  You have all you need to achieve your dreams within you.

Don’t Wait for Change…Create Change

Cliche, I know, but true.  That’s what Sarah is reminding us of today.  Instead of waiting for some external force to create change, why not choose to change in the direction of your dreams.

Many people come to me when they are in transition caused by an outside source.  They are scared and confused.  The work we do together allows them to tap into the wealth of knowledge they have within.  They tap into those seed dreams and start to water them.  With time a patience they sprout new leaves and branches they never knew they had before.

It’s scary to admit to yourself that you have the power to make whatever you desire come to pass.  As Sarah talks about today, you can become complacent and let external forces create the change in your life or you can take back the reins and drive your life.

I’ve come to choose the later.  How about you?

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Want to work together to start planting the seeds of your dreams and goals, email me for a free consultation.

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You is kind.  You is smart.  You is important. ~ Kathryn Stockett, The Help

I watched The Help with my sister a couple years ago.  I loved the opening scene where Aibileen repeats these simple affirmations to the little girl she cares for.

How awesome would it be to have someone whispering, “You is kind.  You is smart.  You is important” in your ear.  This started me thinking about affirmations.

In the scene, you get the feeling that Aibileen is reminding the child of these traits so she wouldn’t forget them in the shadow of her uncaring mother.

The Child’s Experience  

Now let’s think like the little girl.  What do you think she heard? Since kids that young can only think in the present, she would hear, “I am kind.  I am smart.  I am important.”  That’s a much different perspective.

When you learn to use affirmations, you are taught to think about what you want in the future.

The Tricky Part Of Affirmations

I’ve been using affirmations for years.  Sometimes they work and other times they didn’t.  When they didn’t I figured I wasn’t trying hard enough.  The Help reminded me of another reason.

Affirmations based on future results can cause the opposite result because unconsciously you don’t believe them.  The affirmation focuses your attention on the gap between where you are and where you want to be.  The more you repeat it, the bigger the gap.

Aibileen’s Lesson

Aibileen taught me, yes you can have affirmations based on the future, but you need to look at the present to make them real.  For example if your affirmation is,  ”I am successful,”  you need to focus on where you are successful right now.

Bringing your affirmation to the present moment, you build its power.  You attach it to real life examples.  Now your rational brain can accept it as truth.  The more you do this, the more true the affirmation becomes now and for the future.

Affirmation Activity

If you’re struggling sitting there thinking of examples, pull out a piece of paper.  Write your affirmation at the top.  Then write down all the examples of how you’ve already demonstrated the affirmation.  If you’re affirmation is you are successful, write down all the ways you are successful.

Now when you repeat your affirmation, your left brain accepts it and allows it easier passage to the right brain where it will live and grow.

You is kind.  You is smart. You is important.

Take Aibileen’s lesson to heart.  Learn to bring your affirmations into the future so you can feel them.  And always remember, You is kind. You is smart.  You is important.

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We all have angels guiding us…What will bring their help? Asking.  Giving Thanks. ~ Sophy Burnham

Angels Among Us

I love the thought of angels walking among us.  It comforts me to think the person you passed, helped, spoke to could be an angel.  Perhaps it’s the kid in me, especially this time of year.

Whether you believe in angels or not, the key to moving forward is to ask questions.

Sage Advice – Ask More Questions

A mentor and valued friend of mine gave me advice years ago.  I was struggling trying to get important messages out.  I felt like I was always telling people stuff, but they weren’t listening.

She suggested I ask more questions, real not rhetorical questions.  Become curious in the other person’s point of view.  Learn where they are coming from.  Focus your message in the form of questions.  Let them tell you the answer.  In doing so not only will your message sink in, you’ll discover much more in the process.

It’s something I still do today, although I admit, I do have to remind myself from time to time.

Learn From A Toddler

Listen to a toddler.  They have this one nailed down.  They naturally ask questions, especially, “Why?”  How come?  They’re curious.  They want to  connect the dots.

Do you ask questions?  Enough questions?

I know it can be hard.  You are supposed to know the answers.  But over the holidays, become curious and ask more questions.  See what happens.

Ask A Question A Day

Here’s an activity to get you started.

As you get ready for the day, contemplate one question you’d like the answer to.  Then throughout the day make it a mission to find the answer.  Try not to Google the answer, but engage people in conversation.  Use Google as your last resort.

Vary your questions from business to personal.  Have fun with it.  It will get the creative juices flowing.

Ask questions.  Stay curious.

I am curious about everything.

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Most of us go through life a little afraid, a little nervous, a little excited. We are like children playing hide and seek, wanting to be found, yet hoping we won’t be, biting our nails with anticipation. We worry when opportunity approaches a little too closely, and hide deeper in the shadows when fear overcomes us. This is no way to go through life. ~ Deepak Chopra

Playing Hide and Seek

Remember playing hide and seek?  There were butterflies in your stomach as the person got closer to your hiding spot.  I always seemed to giggle uncontrollably the closer the person got.

No one ever picks a hiding spot too difficult for the seeker to find them.  Why?  There’s something about the anticipation of being found that makes the game fun.  Those that hide too well are never found.

Still Playing After All These Years

As an adult, are you still playing hide and seek?

Do you have an anxious feeling when you think about your dreams?  Does the conversation go something like, “I would love to be a writer (excitement, nervous, butterflies).  But I never have any time to write (hiding deeper in the shadows).”

That’s playing hide and seek.  You have passions that make you giddy.  Yet you don’t follow them. You hide.

Hiding From Yourself

The difference with adult hide and seek is that you’re not hiding from someone.  You’re hiding from yourself.  That ping of awareness that you want to be a writer or whatever is like when a child “accidentally” sticks their foot out from under the bed where they’re hiding.  It’s a clue saying I’m here.  Find me.

Remember being found in hide and seek?  There were lots of laughs, smiles and excitement to find the next person.

When you experience a clue of your inner hide and seek, tap it on the shoulder, call it out from hiding and explore the next adventure together.

Go Ahead.  Be Found.

You’ll feel a similar explosion of excitement as you did when you were found in hide and seek.  I’ll even bet you find yourself giggling a bit!

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Playing Hot Cold

Remember the game Hot/Cold.  The closer you got to something the other person would yell, “You’re getting hot.”  The farther away they would yell, “You’re so cold your frozen!”

I watched a couple kids playing this the other day while I was waiting for an appointment.  It was fun to see their squeals of delight as the person got closer to the object.

I believe your soul plays the same game with you.  Since it comes from a world of peace, abundance and love, it wants you to experience this every day.  You, however, have an ego of your own who’s motivation is unrest, lack and fear.

Soul Messages

The more you listen to your ego the farther you get from your soul’s purpose.  That’s when the game kicks into gear.  Your soul starts whispering you’re getting colder.  The more you live in fear and lack the louder the messages from your soul.

Since the soul doesn’t speak in words, it’s message is felt.  Ever have that feeling of just wanting a hug.  That’s your soul speaking.  Do you yearn for more abundance in your life?  You guessed it, your soul is telling you your getting colder.

When you have these tugs at your heart, pay attention.  They  aren’t there to make you feel bad.  They are there to help guide you.

Just like the kids, your soul can’t wait until you’re, “so hot your burning up.”  How will it tell you?  You’re heart will feel so full you can’t help but share with others.

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Kids Are Great!

I’m a judge for a kid’s essay contest about their favorite summer memory.  I learned something reading through the essays.  Kids are fearless in sharing their talents.

What happens to all that passion when you grow up?

Have you put them aside for something safe?  I hear you, “But Jen I have to pay my bills, support my family, send the kids to college.  What other choice do I have?”

I contemplated this over vacation a lot.  Which is better?  Following your passions and using your talents or playing it safe?

Most of us want to say follow your passions, but yet when you look at your life, are you really following your passions or have you buried them for when you retire?

Stepping Out of the Norm to Follow Your Passion

Following your passion and using your talents is scary first because you’re stepping away from the norm.  Others don’t always like that.  Your family might pressure you to “get a real job,” or “that’s a nice hobby dear, but will it pay the bills?”

Then there’s your own self doubt which is rooted in old family beliefs, your perception of society and/or other experiences.

Besides that, you’ve probably buried your talents for so long, you don’t believe they exist any more.  A friend told me she loved to paint in high school, but hasn’t painted since.  When I asked her why, her response was, “I could never be a Picasso and besides I probably wasn’t that good anyway.”

Did you hear that?  Yep, that was the sound of another shovel of dirt burying her talent deeper.

If you want to be happy, you need to excavate your talents.  Maybe you won’t start your own business right away, or sell your first painting for a million dollars, but it’s time to brush off the layers of dust and rediscover what you love.

Let’s Rediscover Your Passions Together

I want to be your cheerleader this Fall.  I want to help you find your passion, explore the past, uncover those talents and bring them into the daylight.

Every week I’ll be writing an article about this journey.  I encourage you to join me.  This can be a place to share experiences, voice fears and find the support you need to become a kid again.

Let’s start here.  What are some things you loved to do as a kid?  Jump in and share in the comments below.

Part of the Life Simplified Garden

Love who you are, what you are and what you do.  Laugh at yourself and at life.  Louise Hay

My Garden

Last weekend I planted my annual herb garden.  This year I’m also trying my hand at tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, spinach, salad greens and summer squash.

Planting each seed and seedling, reminded me of how I’d once again stopped doing my inner work.

The meditative work of planting my garden, reminded me of life’s simple law.  Plant seeds.  Care for them.  Tend to the weeds.  In the end you’ll be rewarded with the seed’s unique gift.

The same is true for our personal and professional inner work.

What Mental Seeds Are You Planting?

If you plant a tomato seed, you don’t expect a zucchini.  Yet every day you the mental seed of I’m not worthy and expect love.  Spend 24 hours monitoring your thoughts.  They are subtle, so listen carefully.

What do you say to yourself if you are running late?  What do you say to yourself if a bill comes and there is no money in the bank?  What do you say to yourself when those summer clothes are tighter than last year or you have to put on your bathing suit for the first time?

Are those seeds you want to grow in your inner garden? I thought so.

I Love And Approve Of Myself

One of the most powerful, yet simple affirmations I use I learned from Louise Hay, “I love and approve of myself.”  When I decide to plant this seed rather than other negative seeds, I find life, personally and professionally, takes on a whole different hue.

Imagine walking into a situation saying, “I’m fat.  No one wants to talk to me because I’m so boring.”  Got it.  Now imagine the same situation and instead you’re saying, “I love and approve of myself.”  Can you feel the difference?When I do this work with clients, I see them sit up straighter, smile and relax.

Tend To Your Garden Daily

If you’re a gardener or just have a few herbs from the grocery store on the windowsill, try planting this mental seed while you’re tending your garden.

As you water your garden, repeat, “I love and approve of myself.”  As you weed your garden, repeat, “I love and approve of myself.”   As you smile with pride over your first tomato, repeat, “I love and approve of myself.”  

You can certainly repeat the affirmation other times as well.  The garden just gives you some time to meditate the feeling of the affirmation.

By connecting this practice with your garden, you’ll find you’re not just reaping tomatoes this summer.

You will see the little miracles occur in your life.  The things you are ready to eliminate will go of their own accord.  The things and events you want will pop up in your life seemingly out of the blue.  you will get bonuses you never imagined! ~ Louise Hay

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Often – even when you believe you are thinking about something that you desire – you are actually things about the exact opposite of what you desire.  In other words, “I want to be well; I don’t want to be sick.”  ”I want to have financial security; I don’t want to experience a shortage of money.”  ”I want the perfect relationship to come to me; I don’t want to be alone.”  ~ Abraham via Esther Hicks, Ask And It Is Given

What You Think About Comes About

You’ve heard that before.   You’ve tried to focus on what you want in your life; a new car, a soul mate, a thriving business, but things aren’t working out like you planned.

Could you be thinking about what you don’t want rather than what you do want?

Ask And It Is Given

You know what you want, but you are feeling the lack of it.  This feeling of lack focuses you on the opposite of what you desire.  For example, positive thought: “I want a new computer.”  Feeling of lack: “I can’t afford a new computer.”  Without knowing it every time you say, “I want a new computer” you are actually saying, “I don’t want one because they are too expensive.”

A New Lesson

I’ve read Ask And It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks a hundred times.  Never before did I pull out this lesson until just recently.

After my initial ah-ha moment,  I looked back on my life.  When I set goals and was positive about an outcome, I got exactly what I desired, and pretty quickly I might add.  More often than not, however, when I asked for something I unconsciously focused on the lack behind it.  In those situations I was given exactly what I asked for…more lack.

Discovering the Lack

Through this activity, I realized I’d built a habit of focusing on lack.  The key to breaking a lack focused habit is to check in with your emotions.

Here’s an example.  I’ve wanted an iPhone forever.  However, when I thought about having an iPhone, my focus was on not having one.  Even when my phone was due for an upgrade and an iPhone was an option, I didn’t get one because I came up with a dozen excuses.  I now see those excuses were coming from my thoughts of not having an iPhone rather than having one.

I felt horrible during this process.  This was my first clue I was focusing on lack.

Let Your Emotions Be Your Guide

I’m still learning to tap into my emotions as I set new goals, create new visions, and develop new plans.  When I don’t feel good, I check in to see how I’m feeling. These feelings always point to my thoughts of lack.

Listen to your emotions.  If you don’t feel good, do a check in, like I’m learning to do.  When you think about your goal, vision or plan you should feel excited and passionate…like you are standing on the brink of something very exciting.

That’s when you know you’re on the right path.