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.

The Sun, The Moon and The Stars!!

Do you have a special place or box where you keep special things? 

I have a special box, it is wooden with the sun, stars and crescent moon shapes. This box is very special to me, as inside are written words of dreams that I have achieved and those dreams yet realized. It's fun to open up my box flipping through the various papers and objects that have significant meaning to me.

Does the weather play a role in focus and activity in your life? I know when it is cold, cloudy and gloomy my activity level and desire to achieve tends to move as slow as a turtle. The past two months have been really hard on so many people with snow, wind, rain, ice and negative degree temperatures. Though my weather has been mild compared to others, there have been days that my actions towards goals or dreams has been slow, very slow! 

All of us, even coaches, can get derailed or affected by the energy levels and even the weather, keeping us from moving closer to our goals or dreams!  Time for me now to get moving and get into ACTION!!

Today is a new moon  phase, the New Moon! I love the New Moon as it brings about a sense of new beginnings! A chance to dust off our goals, our dreams and evaluate. A clean canvas!

Early this morning I opened up my box and spent some time reading and reviewing exactly all the things I have gotten accomplished. Then began thinking about my next dream, a really really big dream. 

Interested in bringing a really really big dream alive? Here are my initial steps, perhaps these will help guide you to developing a plan to achieve your dream(s):

What would it be? 

What resources or support would I need to accomplish this dream? 

What action steps would I need to put into motion?

How long would it take me?

How could I develop this Dream serve others?

Write these questions and the answers down in a journal or notebook. Writing allows for the thought to become real and alive. It allows allows for:

Clarity- allowing the dream/goal  to take form

Motivates- excitement begins to build to then take Action that sets all things in motion

Measure- ability to go back and see just how much activity and progress you have made.

This New Moon- DREAM BIG!! It is only the second month of the year with plenty of time to adjust! 

Dream Big, you deserve it! Within you is the Strength, Power, Patience and Passion to Receive!

Here's to igniting a really Big Dream today!

Much love!

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!

"Over the River and Through the Snow "

The traditions of many during the upcoming holidays are in full swing with anticipation of family and friends arriving to be together. My preparations have started with decorating, baking cookies and preparing for family and friends to join in the celebration of the season! Amazing how much energy rises when after working all day there is more energy available to get many traditions in order and baking done.

Tonight was the decorating of the Christmas tree. This is always done with traditional Christmas songs in the background. Yes, I tend to get a little excited and sing at the top of my lungs when Jingle Bells starts playing!
For me, the tree trimming is special and the awakening of the holiday season for me. It's fun to sing, dance around the tree, realize the plug for the lights is not where it should be along with all the special ornaments gathered from travels over the years. There is no age when it comes to the holiday season, it's a magical time of all that is good, loving with beautiful decor. The Season to remind us that all things are possible!

Placing the last glass ornament on the tree, inside a tiny village set back in an era of long ago. Admiring this work of art my thoughts immediately without hesitation went directly to Christmas in a small town of Parker, Pa. A small town where each Christmas morning we would pack up and drive two hours, regardless of the weather, to our grandparents. There we were greeted by family congregated in the kitchen and the aroma of a turkey in the oven.  Running to greet them and then off to the living room where, at that time, seemed like the biggest decorated Christmas Tree ever seen! The evening brought the light glistening off the snow and the wind blowing the snow around the street lights adorned with red bows. The memory warmed my heart, made me smile as I positioned the glass ornament just perfect on the branch and came back into the moment.

Yes, I have been told that our recollections of past are typically selective. Perhaps that is true, but why not recall the most endearing and happy memories? 

The images that even today make us feel safe, comfort and full of life.

My belief is that there is no need to feed into anything other than making each day "The Best Day Ever" and allowing what does not work for me to be released and not stick around. So regardless of what transpires remember nothing is perfect. But it is with what intention and what response that allows for the memory to be crystallized. 

Time for me now to enjoy the memory making of this blessed holiday. New memories that one day may be remembered by a younger generation. Memories of family, laughter, traditions, stories of relatives long gone but never forgotten. Appreciating all that has allowed us to be in this moment.

May the memories open our hearts to be reminded of a child like wonder, when everything seemed magical, carefree with all things possible. Tis the season for miracles, magic and love! 

May the love begin within and expand out to touch and reach all that are in need of receiving. cl

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season!  

My gratitude and appreciation for each of you!

Thank you for your encouragement, words of support and friendship over the years!

Sparkle

Funny how little things as a plug into a socket can bring up symbolism's of life. The other day I went to turn the lights on the bamboo tree in my office. Bending down, like I have so many other times, I flipped the switch.  Expecting the lights to immediately turn on imagine my surprise when the tree stayed dark.

My next move was to go to the light switch on the wall thinking I may have accidentally hit the switch leaving the office. Pressed the switch and still no glowing lights coming from within the branches of the tree. Once again, bent down and turned the switch on no light. Glancing over to the socket I did see, out of the corner of my eye, a plug in the socket. So I proceeded to go back to the switch on the wall, leaving the switch on the plant in the same position and pushed the wall switch. Nothing!

Bending down to assess the situation I noticed that though there was a plug in the wall socket. I also looked over to the multiple extension cord device, no plug. Fully satisfied that I had found the solution, I remembered I had pulled out the connection of the extension cord when leaving for several days last week.

I plugged the cord into the extension and immediately the light shined through the branches illuminating a soft glow into the room.

The light sparkled and illuminated the room creating a soft alluring atmosphere.

Then I got to thinking about how this situation could be a reflection of events in life.

The symbolism of being plugged into a situation, day to day life, business or perhaps an event going on in life around us. Plugged in but not connected, meaning being aware of all around us yet not really plugged into the core of the situation, not actively participating.

Here are some questions that I asked myself, perhaps these may resonate within for further exploration:

1.      Is there an area of my life that is not fully connected?  Where? (list)

2.      What activities in these areas of my life are not connecting? (list the activities under the areas)

3.      Are these areas/activities still relevant?  ( Yes/No)

4.      If yes, what is the next step to connect and be totally plugged in?

5.      If no, then you know what the next step needs to be and the timing.

Time for me now to wish you a fully connected week of illumination and sparkle!

“ Plug in, Connect and feel the warmth of illumination ignite an inner sparkle that transform” cl

image: s243.photobucket.com