The Thrill of Control

When was the last time you have been spontaneous?  

The act of doing something without regard, just an inner inclination without any thought or premeditation. If you need to think about it, the answer is way too long!

My close friends and family have come to know that I totally trust my inner inclination or should I say intuition or "gut feeling". So when out on a morning walk last weekend, my inclination was to get up in a tree to see what I could see. Why? For no good reason, which was reason enough for me.

I so enjoy "Changing" things up, adding adventure to an otherwise routine walk or other activity.

The tree was so majestic and strong that I just wanted to be a part of it, to climb up there and feel the strength and see the beauty what the "leg up" would provide.

Results of "changing" things up?  Felt Awesome, Strong, In Control and Alive! 

This Self-Imposed Change to my routine turned out to be pretty cool in so many ways! That's what is so great about self-imposed change, it is our idea! Once again, our idea, our control, right?  We certainly love our control or the illusion we are in control.

Our daily routines can become very boring and automatic over time. The daily routine tends to be bland, drains the energy, a sense of boredom and at times lack of motivation to do anything else.

Trust me, I'm guilty of it at times as well. So what "Self-Imposed" Change can be done?

1.Take a few moments and think about your day or weekly routine and activities.

2. Write down the one routine you have done the longest the same way over and over again

3. Under the routine put the expected outcome from this routine activity

4.. Under that routine list the action items that are involved within the routine

New Page:

1. Write down the same routine

2. Under the routine write the expected outcome. ( Is there a different outcome desired?)

3. Count the number of current action items listed 

4. On this new page under the expected outcome place the numbers. ( if 7, list 1.2.3.4 etc)

5. Now identify new actions that get you to the same expected outcome

6. Review and Take Action!!

Sometimes the self imposed change can be as simple as changing a driving route, selecting a different lunch location (never know what you may see) or perhaps doing phone calls instead of emails. The lesson in changing things up is to create a new sense of excitement and engagement. It could be a slight change but within that slight change a huge reward may be received.

Here's to incorporating tiny "self-imposed" changes on a regular basis... Get ready, you'll be hooked!

To learn more about self-imposed changes, see Chapter 5 page 39 in Double Stixs™: The Nourishment and Gift of Change.

Bright, Flowing, Tall and Strong

The excitement and anticipation of a brand new month has got me giddy and feeling as light as air and as playful as a child! It's like a switch turned on and oh la la there is a change of energy, intention and love of life!

The saying "In a blink of an eye" is so true, the most amazing situations, things or opportunities happened quickly and believe it or not we were not in control.

This is also the completion of the first half of 2015 and the beginning of the month of July.

A sense of accomplishment, completion feeling like I am standing on the top of the tallest mountain looking down and around of all that has been the past six months.

What monumental event or situation has occurred to make me feel like this? Actually not one, only the knowing that each moment of each day there is always the possibility of something amazing! Enjoying each moment, being in the moment, and a grand appreciation of now!

The same feeling that I had when in Sedona, Arizona with my dear friend hiking. The picture above is the river flowing effortlessly with the view of Cathedral Rock in the background.

For me, July is special as it is the month that I began my life, so of course I would be excited right?
There is also a sense that July will be a month of powerful energy and sparks of  new beginnings with fresh starts! Full Moon is July 2nd  and July 31st is the second Full Moon (Blue Moon). Perhaps another reason for my excitement and anticipation of what has yet to appear.

A perfect month to highlight all the good stuff in our lives, be open to any transitions that may be occurring in your life while illuminating areas that need expanded, renewed or released. A great time to decide exactly what should move forward in our next six months!

Such a great time for each of us to just assess all things so that the next six months are the 

"Best Six Months Ever"!! 

Some things to think about during this amazing upcoming month of July!

• What does forward look like to you? 
• What do you want to bring into the forward part of your life?
•  What is working for you and what no longer serves you?
• What one thing can I adjust or eliminate to bring balance into my life?
• What one thing can I do for "me" to show love and appreciation for who I am?
• What are all the things in life, right now, to be grateful for?

It is always good to assess if all things you desired at the beginning of the year are still relevant now. Do you need to focus and create new intentions?o

Feeling a little apprehensive or perhaps fearful of embracing a transition or assessing what is working in life and contemplating things changing?

Change is going to happen, whether it is self imposed or external change. Why not be the master of your change?

Wishing everyone the best month of July ever! May you be the "Master of Change" in your life!

Double Stixs™: The Nourishment and Gift of Change

My greatest appreciation for all of you whom have followed me over the years and have allowed me to be a small part of your amazing life! Happy July Celebration!









It is with great appreciation for all of life's lessons, experiences and people in my life......

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Celebration Runs!

The ringing in the New Year is celebrated by millions of people all over the world!

So how do you ring in the New Year?  Do you have a specific tradition, such as watching the ball drop from New York City or perhaps attending a gala full of beautifully dressed people and plenty of champagne.

Back in August I decided to attempt to achieve one of the items on my bucket list- A Half Marathon!
For some this is something that is an easy feat, for me running has never been in my wheel house. The idea of running always evoked a sense of frustration and at times fear. Why? For decades, I compared myself to other runners who were sleek, fast and motivated by beating their last time. The thought of standing among, what I perceived to be, physically trained athletes just scared the living crap out of me! The 5 K's and 10K previously run were fine as that distance seemed manageable.

What changed? I changed, I changed my perceptions, did some research and last year, with nervous anticipation, added a Half Marathon to my bucket list. Let the training begin and it did in September!

I found and registered for a New Year's Eve Half Marathon and a New Year's Day 5K. My thought process was end the year overcoming fear and accomplishing something I had in my vision. Then begin 2015 invigorated and encouraged to run after any and all of my dreams this year!

As in any plan, life tends to get in the way, my road to accomplishment was no exception. There were many obstacles, transitions and a few times training stopped due to physical injuries over the four month period.
Could I have stopped and chalked it up to "I tried" it just didn't work or  "wasn't meant to be"?  You betcha! Boy am I glad that I shifted my mindset and made the change!

I completed the Half Marathon in 24 degrees at start time and 34 degrees at the finish line. The 5K on New Year's day started at 33 degrees and ten minutes into the race, rained poured down, the temperatures dropped and the path began to turn to ice in spots. Seriously it took me days to feel totally warm.

Emotion on both days at the finish line was overwhelming! A sense of accomplishment that no one can take away from me! I own it and I am so grateful to my body for allowing me to realize a dream.

So what changes are you thinking about  making or trying in your life?
What is stopping you from putting action into motion to accomplish?

Remember, even the smallest of changes or adjustments can make a difference.
It doesn't have to be perfect or pretty!
I know my actions/motions were not sleek or perfect form but I got it done!
Running to or embracing Change sets into motion energy and activity that begins to open opportunities, experiences and brings about accomplishments.

Confidence within each of us allows for us to experience all that life has to offer each and everyone of us!

Time for me now to remind you that each of you are amazing, worthy and have the ability to achieve all that you want to for and in your life!   Time to start now!

Chapter 6 in Double Stixs™  : The Nourishment and Gift of Change includes an exercise to support your desire to energize the confidence just is and has always been within you!

Packages of Love

Beautiful colors, shimmering lights, festive activities with the sounds and smells of the holiday season!
There is the hustle and bustle of creating our space to reflect our traditions and our inner most memories and feelings of the season. Add in creation of our own traditions blended and intertwined with our past memories and experiences.

While each of us creates our own holiday space it is impossible not to think of our memories as children. Oh the laughter, fun and memories of holidays gone by along with the recent memories each of us has created as adults or perhaps with our own families.

The marketing aspect of the holidays seems to lengthen the time of year which shines a light on this season.
A light that for some is painful and not appreciated as their spirit is still and quiet. There can be many reasons for the lack of enthusiasm for celebrating the Holiday Season. Life's changes are typically a common theme.

When there is a life change, newlyweds to parents, college bound children, loss of a parent or loved one as a few examples. Our new chapter may not be comfortable may even be a little frightening or cause us sadness. The separation or sense of loss is great and may find ourselves trying to recapture or recreate to lessen the sadness or pain. Everything seems to be as tight as a ball of yarn, feeling safe with the encompassing perceived shield. But is it really? Is there really a need to be wound so tight?

Though life changes are a  natural evolution it still is hard and we need to be reminded to be gentle with ourselves. Allow the emotions to rise and take action where it makes sense and is appropriate.

My mom loved Christmas, she had so many of those bright sparkling sweaters, decorated everything around her along with singing every holiday song written. She wrapped each gift with love from the time all of her children were toddlers all the way through adulthood. Each year mom would watch "It's a Wonderful Life". My mom lived her life each day as being wonderful, but during the season she was more glowing than any other time of the year. For many years I was blessed to have family in my home celebrating and creating new adult memories of family and Christmas. When my mom was killed in 2003 the magic seemed to dim. For a few years the holidays were just "going through the motions", enjoying family but there was an inner sadness.
I felt, or thought, that I needed to create just the same experience my mom and dad had created for me, for all of us. Oh what an inner struggle and disappointment when things just didn't work out the same!

Tired of disappointment and wanting to celebrate rather than recreate, I ignited my inner self and took control of this change. "Our Self is the foundation and core to all the surrounding elements that are integral to our lives- including the holidays".

Celebrating life and yes, the holidays, the focus is on the people around me, where I am and those I love. Celebrating and Creating new traditions, new experiences, cooking different foods. Oh most definitely celebrating the memories and all those who helped create such memories that are strong and withstand time.
Is everything perfect or as I planned? Absolutely not, but it is perfect in how it is allowed to unfold! Just the perfect memory with sometimes a lot of laughter, rolling eyes and a whole lot of fun!

Time to me now to remind you to love yourself, release all fears, loosen up the twine that is tightly wrapped.
and begin to live in the "day", appreciating what is within and around you and to begin to create loving and precious memories each living day!

"An Action executed Today, Creates Memories for a Life-time"  Cindy lake

During the remainder of the preparation for the upcoming holiday, may each day expand the joy of appreciating self, those around us and sharing the expression of love and gentle spirit.


excerpts taken from Double Stixs ™ : The Nourishment and Gift of Change  pages 25-31
available by clicking the resource tab or also at:
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www.barnesandnoble.com

Double Stixs™ ~ You hold the Key~ Now Open the Lock

So what is Double Stixs™ ? A snapshot answer to this question can be found in the 1/11/12 blog posting titled Double Sticks.  Double Stixs™the symbolisms, the connections have been associated with me since my conception so many years ago. The most recent evolution is the spelling of Stixs. This change has been brewing over time and finally decided to “flow with the sense of change”.

 For me Double Stixs™ is a way to strive to live life fearlessly, fully, compassionately, lovingly and productively. The Symbolism of Double Stixs™is a pair of Chopsticks, as when perfecting the use of chop sticks, what happens? Yes, we are able to eat and eating provides nourishment, and nourishment is necessary for life and growth! 

Growth is necessary for expansion of self and for our mission, vision and values for our life and business to grow!

 So Double Stixs™ in a nutshell has been a system with multiple components for living my life in:

v  Balance ~ Harmony~ Strength ~ Love for self and others

You may be thinking, how or where do we find the nourishment to even consider exploring all the multiple benefits to live life in Balance, Harmony, with Strength and Love? 

Yes, as in most situations, the where is staring us in the mirror, it begins with us! The how is beginning to believe again just how amazing, spectacular and lovely that person staring back in the mirror is! 

Recently a comment was made for the need to return to a positive center. Did you know that it is possible to do that as quickly as a flip of a switch? How? Good Question!

 Time for Me Now to suggest some general items for “Food for thought” for return to a positive center: 

♥ Take Action by making a decision to move into balance, harmony, strength and love for self and when you do:

♥ Begin and Strive to stay in the present - The Now. Remember that whatever has happened in the past is just that in the past- let it stay there (yes there may be items, issues or pain associated with the past that will need to be addressed, but do not allow this to keep you at this moment from saying- “No More negativity, no more why me, woe is me or no more self imposed picture of a victim”)

♥ Quiet the Mind Chatter- (Ego) Yes, it is important what you say to yourself when the self-talk kicks in. Absolutely do not buy into self doubt! Replace I Can’t with I AM Able or I CAN! Silence the “What if” conversations, when it comes up respond with the question Seriously? Immediately followed by: I AM ________ or if more detail is needed here is an example:

"I know that the choice to love and care about others starts with the choice to love and care about me. So every day I make sure I like myself, love myself, respect myself, and treat myself great!"

(To learn more about self-talk check out Dr. Shad Helmstetter’s book “What do you say when you talk to yourself)

♥ Release and Forgive Self- identify whatever is keeping you from thinking, doing and knowing with every breath that you are strong; you are worth loving and deserve to be happy in balance and harmony! If there are some things that you believe that specific to you need forgiveness or are being hard on yourself for, forgive you!

Taking Action is the key ingredient to all things, so whatever you want to change and if that change is to begin seeing self in a more positive, productive loving way, then decide to do it now and from this very second be aware of your commitment to opening up the lock that has sealed in so much for too long….

It's Time! Yep, Time for you now! So pick up that key, allow yourself to open your heart... open your heart to receive all that is good ~ beginning with Love for self! ♥ You are so deserving!  ♥ You are ENOUGH just for who you are!

" Love is the most incendiary element ever known, once it sparks the heart, the flame is inextinquishable"
H.S. Rissam

Double Stixs™ Book Series coming Soon!