Unplugging To Plug In, So Worth It

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to unplug from our super connected world? Well, I just got back from 9 days of being unplugged and I have to tell you that it was pretty incredible. I love wifi as much as the next person, but I have to say that getting some true down time was even more restful that I could have imagined.
 
I really try to make an effort to get down time throughout my “regular” schedule and some days are definitely easier than others. However, it has been 11 years since I have been completely disconnected for more than a day here or there. Prior to 2004, it was during the 90’s when wifi wasn’t a part of our world as of yet. So, it was definitely an adjustment as you can imagine.
 
Here’s what I found out while being unplugged:

• The Days Last Longer
• It Takes A Day or Two For the Wifi Anxiety to Leave the Building
• When You Power Down You Power Up
• Disconnecting Creates More Connectivity
• You Feel More Like Yourself

The Days Last Longer:
This one, I really didn’t anticipate to be honest. But, it makes sense when you think about it. If time is relative and you aren’t constantly being shown a time stamp when you check an email, post something, or answer text messages, it makes sense that you can expand time by being in the moment. Think about a time when you were camping or you didn’t have very great service; you may have noticed that you got more bang for your buck that day. When you have more than one day of this experience you really begin to notice how much we are impacted by clocks. I found that I could actually get more done when I wasn’t constantly trying to beat the clock and I felt more balanced too.
 
It Takes A Day or Two For the Wifi Anxiety to Leave the Building:
I didn’t really think that this one would be an issue for me because I make a concerted effort to get disconnected throughout the day, but nope I was wrong. This one wasn’t fun for me, it felt very ingratiating and annoying to be honest. However, after that initial unwinding happened I felt completely relaxed and my whole body felt gentle and calm. I was surprised that it took a day or two for all of the energies to move along but once they did it was well worth it.
 
When You Power Down You Power Up
I noticed that I had a lot more energy while being disconnected. 
I also noticed, especially in the beginning that I was constantly waiting for someone or something to interrupt me. Constantly feeling like you have to be prepared takes a lot of energy, so letting that go felt incredible.
 
Disconnecting Creates More Connectivity
While disconnected I noticed that I felt more connected to myself, the people and places around me and to the messages that I was receiving. Because there was no way to be electronically interrupted it was so easy to remain present and in the moment.

You Feel More Like Yourself
This one felt like a total win win because I had already received so many other benefits. But, yes, I absolutely felt more like myself and I felt light, free, and completely at ease. I also noticed that I was laughing a lot while being unplugged. (Honestly, I laugh a lot even when I am in 4G wifi zones so I was surprised by this a little bit.) The thing that really stood out to me about this one was that I literally felt like any residue that had built up from being connected had cleared away and what was left was 100% me. I felt like a little kid again.
 
All in all, this disconnect and time travel back to the 90’s was a really positive experience. Now that I am back in the grid, I am trying to make some physical shifts so that I can make disconnect time a more regular part of my life. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ability to be connected, but I really love the ability to disconnect too. I think it’s really about finding and creating balance around connectivity. I remember when the internet came into our homes and classrooms and I remember what it was like before being plugged in. I think that it’s really easy to stay plugged in and to forget about how we lived in the 90’s (and before). I think taking a little break from being plugged in is great and I plan on doing it more often.
 
You don’t have to go to a remote location to unplug. You can simply disconnect your Wifi and leave your phone and computer out of sight and out of mind. Power down with a friend or a family member, or call a “black out” weekend at your house. Even taking half a day away can work wonders. Give it a try and see how you feel. 
 
Do you know someone who could use a little down time and would be inspired by this idea of powering down to power up? Forward this message over to them so they can get some extra support. We could all use a little support and a little more down time now and then, don’t you think?

Rest Is A Sacred Practice; Are You Getting Enough Om At Home?

So here we are in the middle of July and knee deep into the half way mark of this year. I don’t know about you but I definitely feel a deep call for some much needed R&R. Like you and what seems like everyone, I have a very busy schedule filled with lots of things to do, including finding creative ways to get into that sweet spot called balance. Some days are much easier than others and some days I just feel called to stop, drop, and breathe. You know that feeling where you just need to refocus and quiet all the background noise so you can get to that quiet place within? Yep, that’s the one.
 
So, with this call for rest, refocus, and the half way mark of the year upon us, I thought it would be a great time to dive a little deeper into the thing we call rest. For some people, I notice that they don’t know how to let down and genuinely rest anymore. There is this quality of low grade anxiety that seems to run right underneath the surface of the skin. This feeling of restlessness creates an urge to check updates, emails, posts, and to do something, anything, just keep moving. That constant push to be doing something actually trains us right out of our natural state which is rest, restore, and renew. I know, it might be hard to wrap your mind around the fact that the R words are in fact our natural state. Yet, if this is true then why do we constantly find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and in lots of ways exhausted? Well, it comes right back around to this constant state of doing.
 
In a time where people can pretty much connect with us at any time and all the time, the fine art of healthy boundaries and down time have taken a back seat to instant communication. For the first time we can harness the power of the internet to bring us amazing connectivity at any time with the touch of a key. Awesome, magical, and down right handy! However, there is a need to create a space where down time, getting unplugged, and true rest is as equally important as the other areas of our lives. So, how do you move from understanding that this concept is important and understanding how you are being impacted from too much connectivity to…making some changes?
 
Well, like anything, there is not just one way to do this. In fact, the best ways are going to be the things that really resonate for you and your personal style. So for instance if you know that you are a morning person (You will know this instantly by your initial reaction to this statement. For example are you smiling or recoiling at the thought of getting up early in the morning?) you can harness this personal sweet spot by chunking that time as down time and personal time. If you are definitely Not a morning person then this would not be the right time for you to claim back some personal down time. Perhaps the afternoon or evening are a better fit for you.
 
Here are a few ways that you can unwind by unplugging:

• Call Back You Time:
  Create a window of time (15-30 minutes) where you sit with your own thoughts without interacting with any devices, people, or any work.
  Just be with yourself in a quiet space. 
• Get Outside and Visit Mother Nature:
  Go for a walk, ride your bike, swim, read a physical book for fun, etc.
• Gentle Exercise
  Do some kind of exercise that feels restorative to you.
  Choose something gentle that allows you to unwind from your day while simultaneously helping you get back to that quiet space within you.
  Gentle or Restorative Yoga, Thai Chi, Gentle Pilates, or Swimming are some ideas to get you started.
  (Avoid intense or loud classes which can increase tense energies within your body.) 
• Meditation:
  Spend some time meditating. You can do this to get your day off to the right start, or to help you unwind from your day, or you can use it as a reboot for yourself in the middle of your day.
  Your choice, the possibilities are endless. 
• Creativity:
  Do something creative to move your energy while making something at the same time. Choose a creative outlet that doesn't involve screen time. 

Research shows that when we make time for “down time” and we “unplug” we not only decompress from tension, stress, and fight, flight, or freeze hormones; we also reset ourselves which allows us to feel better, think more clearly, and feel more connected to our true selves. We also move into the sweet spot where all the R words hang out, Rest, Restore, and Renew. We move into our natural state.
 
When we treat Rest as a Sacred Practice we up-level every area of our lives. When we invest in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual Rest on a daily basis, we not only reconnect to the totality of who we are but everyone and everything in our life connects with it too. When we are in our natural state, we not only feel better and have more energy but we also experience more, get more done, experience deeper life satisfaction, and open up to our higher self more easily.
 
I invite you to join me in committing to making Rest a Sacred Practice today and every day. Start with where you feel most comfortable. Maybe you are thinking a 3 day shift is a great place to start, okay awesome! Maybe you are feeling a 7 or 10 day shift is a great place to start. Or maybe you want to dive into a 21 day shift so you can create a new healthy habit. Just start where you are standing to find what is right for you and then enjoy the re-balancing and restoration that you receive in the process. You can connect with a friend and do it together so you have someone else supporting you throughout your re-dedication to your own health and happiness.
 
Do you know someone who could benefit from making Rest a Sacred Practice in their own life? 
Please forward  this message on to them so they can enjoy some restoration and simple shifts that allow them to come back into balance too. 

Fun, The Secret Ingredient Into Big Life Changes, Who Knew?

Hi, happy July!
For me, this month always makes me think of vacation and fun in the sun. July feels like the embodiment of summer to me and for whatever reason it always has. I think about warm sun, water, sand, and iced cold tea. July makes me want to be whisked away on vacation to play all day long.
 
As I was thinking about the fact that July is upon us and ways that I can really make the most out of this month of fun; it made me start thinking about fun in a whole different way. It made me start thinking about it in a bigger way. One of the things that I have learned is that fun really is the secret to success, and to positive life changes. This lesson has been something that I have learned over and over again. I wanted to share this little recipe with you so you can try it out for yourself.
 
So often it is easy to get caught up in the thinking that fun should be used as a reward system. I think this reward system method starts at a really young age for most of us. As children, we work hard in school and then are rewarded with recess, or some down time, or time for art, etc. This method is played out in the home as well so it becomes a norm.
 
I have watched how this kind of reward system gets carried into adulthood for so many people. I know that I have experienced it in my own life many, many times over. While this method does encourage balance and follow through which are great; I have also seen how this can lead to a lack of fun as people transition into adulthood.
 
Here are just a few examples of the ways I have seen adults implement fun as a reward system in their lives:

• Once I get all of the items checked off of my list today, then I can do something for me.
• Once I earn my degree then I can start to enjoy my life.
• Once I get that big promotion then I can spend more time with my friends and family.
• Once I retire then I can start to live and do the things that are important to me.

Do any of these things sound familiar to you? Focusing on long term goals is wonderful and leads to fulfilling life experiences. However, the challenge shows up when we shelve the fun in our lives because we don’t make time for it on a regular basis. It is when our to-do lists no longer include our fun or restoration time, or we decline plans with loved ones regularly where things can begin to go by the wayside. This is when the logical override begins to show up and it can sound a little like this:

• Well, since I didn’t get everything done, I don’t get to do something for me.
• If I work harder, then I will have more time tomorrow.
• Spending time investing in my passions and hobbies is something I can do anytime; I don’t need to do it today, even though I would really like to.

When these kinds of situations seems to repeat over and over again we can start to feel burned out, uninspired, and like some of the magic has gone out of our lives. It can feel like every day is the same and that life is constantly on hold for some elusive time. The truth is that life is happening right now, today, right this very second.
 
So, the magical ingredient to shifting this experience actually comes down to fun. This can seem like a counter-intuitive experience however it is actually the secret to shifting everything. Here is what I have found in my own life and in working with others. As you increase fun in your life, you actually up-level every component of your life. Now, that makes sense when we think about it but the slippery slope is how we implement it. While most of us think that we should schedule fun after everything is done (insert whatever it is that you are working on) then we can experience fun. However, that is the exact opposite! That is the equivalent of placing the cart before the horse.
 
So, it is in carving out time for fun on a regular basis no matter how much you think you don’t have time for it where the magic happens.
 
When you do this; the doors open. Do you know why? Because everything comes down to energy. I know, that may sound a little bit out there, but it is really true.
 
When you increase your fun factor

• You feel better
• You feel more like your true self
• Your excitement level increases
• You become more inspired
• You have more energy
• and You increase your life satisfaction

All of these things lead to real life results and positive changes. I have watched my own business change by increasing fun in my life. I joke that when I go on vacation people come out of the woodwork and want to get into my schedule asap, sometimes people I haven’t worked with in over a year. Why? Because when we increase our fun factor we shift everything and people can feel that.
 
I have watched people connect with mentors, new partners, increase clientele, shift their health and happiness, and feel like they have gotten their lives back by making fun a priority. To me those are pretty huge reasons to make fun a priority. You don’t have to go on long far away vacations to experience this, although if you can, awesome! Carving out time daily even 20-30 minutes actually allows the shift to happen. (Even 15 minutes a day will do wonders!)
 
Here is the important part….are you ready? 

You actually have to do it. 

It is one thing to put the reminder into your phone, into your scheduler, or into your day planner; but it is a whole other thing to actually invest in it. Increasing your fun factor doesn’t include doing chores while talking on the phone. (Yes, many clients have told me that this was their idea of fun because they didn’t remember how to have fun.) I’m talking about a segment of time that is something that makes you feel like you are in the fun zone. That can be anything that really makes your heart sing.

• Blast some favorite music and dance like no one is watching the way you did when you were 13
• Go for a walk
• Read a book for fun
• Watch a favorite funny movie
• Ride your bike
• Go for a swim
• Grab a cup of tea with a friend and talk to each other in person
• Work on a project that you have been meaning to get to
• Take a class
• Play tourist in your own town
• And anything else that sounds like fun to you

You may want to make a pact with a friend or a partner to create a recipe of fun for 21 days this month. Research shows that when we do something for 21 days we create new habits. This is a pretty healthy habit to cultivate don’t you think? Honestly, not only does increasing fun create personal benefits but it also creates professional benefits too. I encourage you to create a recipe for fun and positive life changes this month. Enjoy this process and watch how things begin to shift for you. If you find that you get a little stuck here and there, let the people within your world know that you could use some support to help you get back into your personal fun zone. You could definitely help to inspire the people in your inner circle while enjoying yourself and making some positive changes at the same time.
 
Do you know someone who could use some more fun in their life? Do you know someone who feels like they could use some support to shift from where they are into a place that feels more aligned with who they are? Please forward this message over to them so they can join in on this fun recipe for success.

Boundaries, How Do You Know When It's Time To Renegotiate Them?

Lately boundaries have been a theme that has been front and center for me and for other people I have been talking to. It seems like I have had a lot of opportunities to look at this as of late and I wanted to check in with you about it too. Boundaries are one of those things that never fully get finished or checked off the list; they are in constant flux and transition. I have found that as we grow and shift, so too do our boundaries with ourselves and with others.
 
It’s not the most fun topic to deal with as it usually means taking some time to really decide what is and isn’t working any longer. However it is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. This deep reflection forces us to look at the places and spaces where we have people or situations that are over (sometimes way over) the line; and gives us insight into what we will no longer allow in our lives. While this deep reflection time can sometimes be uncomfortable or even down right painful; it does create a huge shift when we’re able to make a clear decision about what is truly right for us. That moment when you know what is right for you and you can feel it in your bones; that moment is huge. It can feel like a giant weight has been lifted from you and like you are out from under excess tension, stress, and overwhelm.
 
I find this step to be one of the most powerful in the process of renegotiating boundaries. Some believe it is in the actual setting of a new boundary where the shift happens. However, I believe it is in the personal discovery and reconnection to our personal power where the magic truly happens. Most times when a boundary needs to be renegotiated it is because someone has been taking advantage of us or putting us into a challenging situation for a significant amount of time. Somewhere along the way, we make excuses for that person or we do the logical override on their behalf.

• “Well… they have been having a really hard time lately so I will go ahead and do ______ for them again.”
• “It’s okay, they didn’t mean it and how would I feel if someone didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt.”
• “They are going to change the way that they deal with this situation it’s just not the right timing.”

These are only a few examples of the things we tell ourselves when we are knee deep in a situation that clearly needs some new boundaries. When this happens we simultaneously lose ourselves in this process and can even begin to feel disconnected from who we really are. However, when we are able to reconnect to what is truly right for us and understand that we are really done with the previous scenario we reconnect to the truth of who we are. That my friend is powerful! I believe it is in this reconnection that we gain enough clarity and strength to say enough is enough. It is then that we can draw a line in the sand and renegotiate the situation in a way that is balanced and healthy.
 
There is no one way or right way to renegotiate a boundary, there is only the way that is right for you in your particular situation. Once that boundary has been created the situation usually shifts immediately. Some people or situations will no longer be a part of your life while others will find their way into a more balanced place. While letting go of some people or situations may feel hard; at the end of the day your own sense of self and self respect is worth the letting go.
 
What I have found while receiving the opportunity to look at this within my own life is that holding a boundary that feels in integrity with myself is the most important thing even if it feels challenging. At the end of the day if you are saying no to behavior and dynamics that aren’t right for you; then you have moved into a space of integrity for yourself. That is all that matters.
 
If you feel like you need support to help you get clarity in a situation please ask for help. If something feels off to you and you find yourself in repeating patterns that make you feel like you should put someone else’s needs before your own then it may be time to do some renegotiating. Taking the time to shift things back into balance is definitely a worthwhile investment of your time. Trust me, you are worth it!

Full Circle Moments, Saying Goodbye To A Dream

I have recently been dealing with the delicate balance that comes with saying goodbye to a dream. You know that moment when your dream has come full circle and it is time to let go and move on? Yep, that’s what I have been working through over the last several weeks. I think we get lots of these moments throughout our lives; I know I have had quite a few. Even with the excitement that comes from new beginnings; there is definitely something to be said for the in between space; the place where you have to say goodbye to a part of your life that is going away. It’s in the dealing with this in between space that is so important. It’s in this space where the healing, growth, gratitude, and closure make their presence known. It’s important to sit in this space when working through any big life change as a way to really close one door and open another. Since I have been sitting in this space I thought I would share a bit about my experience with you in case you too are moving through change at the moment.
 
Okay, so as a child I always wanted to live in an apartment above a shop or a restaurant in a downtown area. I wanted to live in a really old building that had lots of stories woven into its walls. I dreamed of brass hardware, glass door knobs, a jack and jill with plated glass. I wanted my little apartment to have huge old moldings, doors with panels in them, a claw foot tub, pedestal sink and a view of the tree lined street below.  I am not really sure why I wanted this from the time I was so little, but I could always see this apartment clear as day in my mind and heart. I never lived in that apartment sad to say. However, on April 9th 2009 I signed a lease for an office in the downtown community where I live and it had every single item on my wish list from my childhood. Including the claw foot tub. I remember when I went to see it, I was in a complete state of shock because I couldn’t believe that after all these years I had finally walked into my little dream home. I signed immediately because I knew that was where I was meant to be. Every day I went to work which felt like a home away from home; I felt so happy to do work that I loved in a place that felt magical to me. My office was literally a dream come true for me.
 
But, as the only constant in life is change, so too was it time to say goodbye to my childhood dream “apartment.” Today I started work in my new office which is also in a really old building downtown with great moldings and a fabulous view of a tree lined street below. As “grown ups” we know that endings are merely beginnings however it doesn’t make the natural pangs that come with letting go any easier. For me, I feel it is important to sit in that space just for a bit (or longer if need be) to really honor and feel all the life, the moments, the joy of the beginning and the sadness of letting go to honor the whole chapter of the experience.
 
It’s funny how spaces and places become completely interwoven into the fabric of our lives.  After the last item had been loaded onto the truck I sat in my little childhood dream apartment and let the last 6 years wash over me. I thought about all the people that had walked through my doors, the dreams that came true for me in that very space, the happiness that was experienced there as well as the tears that were shed by many and how grateful I was to have had my childhood wish granted in a way I never could have imagined.
 
If you are going through change, even little changes know that the emotions you are feeling are paving the way from one door to another. Give yourself permission to move through all the facets of your change at the rate that is right for you and in the ways that rise up to greet you. In times like this, I am reminded of how important it is to stay in the moment as much as possible each day because we are always moving toward change. Finding ways to feel grateful for the simple things in our day to day lives can help to ground us into our lives more deeply and can support us in experiencing our lives more fully. Reaching out for support during a time of letting go is so important while remembering to be really good to yourself too. No matter what your personal change looks like, when you let go make time to honor the space within you that feels the loss so you can more gently transition into the new with excitement and joy.
 
I am wishing you new beginnings filled with joy and here’s to new dreams coming true!

P.S. Do you know someone who is going through change or who you think could benefit from this message? Please forward this over to them so they know that they are not alone in this thing we call letting go. Thank you! 

April, A Breath Of Fresh Air

Hi, happy April!

I don’t know about you but I can definitely feel a big difference in the way this month feels (even though we are at day one) in compared to the way the other months have felt so far this year. Here in my little corner of the world we are officially knee deep into springtime. All of the trees are filled with flowers and leaves and it seems like everywhere I look there are pops of color and flowers showing up that weren’t there the day before. I feel like all of the plants all over town are waiting for the city to sleep so they can bloom and then surprise everyone when we get up to greet another day.

To be honest, the energy that is happening right now really reminds me of this “blooming” experience that I have been noticing the last week or so. There is something happening and you might even be able to feel it. If you are really quiet you might even be able to hear it. You may just know that something is shifting. However it is showing up for you is great and it is showcasing this shift that is happening right now. Just like those flowers that are opening up almost magically so too is this new energy that is unfolding right now.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we just wrapped up the final Pluto Uranus Square in a set that began in 2012. Well, if you think back over the time from 2012 to now you may feel like there have been some big starts and stops that have shown up for you throughout that time. (I know I have found them in my life.) This energy right now feels like it is practically buzzing and it feels like things are literally preparing to break open and bloom. Think about all of those things that you have been chipping away at that just haven’t been able to come to complete fruition…guess what? It is time to really pull that stuff off the shelf and dig into them because this is a really big time for positive change.

What I keep being shown in addition to this being a time which is ripe for new beginnings and things coming to fruition is the importance of balance. I know, I know, the “B” word. The big thing that keeps coming through for me as being really important is all about the Body (another B word).  With all of this big forward motion happening it is going to be really important to make your body’s needs a number one priority.

Here are some things that I have seen that will be imperative for finding balance during this time:

• Make Sleep a Priority
• Drink a lot of water (more than usual)
• Gentle Movements Daily
• Walking, Yoga, Pilates, Swimming, Riding a Bike
• Eat Light foods and Drinking Juices
• Quiet Time (even 5-7 minutes daily)
• Getting away from Electronics for small windows of time each day (20 minute blocks)

You may have noticed that you have been receiving these messages from your angels and guides too. It seems like everywhere I look I am seeing people on cleanses and detoxes; and I have found myself thinking, “Awesome, they are following their guidance!” I am also currently on a detox cleanse and it really feels like a perfect time to wash away the old and help my body to have more strength, balance, and clarity.

If you are wondering how to create more balance in your life this month; you can look over the list that I received and see what resonates for you. Then you can take a couple of deep breaths and ask your higher self, “What is it that I am being guided to do or change right now so my body can more easily move into a place of balance?” Then pay attention to any thoughts, feelings, images you see, or words that you hear so you can better understand your own body’s needs at this time.

However this buzzing energy and positive change is unfolding for you; know that it is all unfolding for your highest good. This energy seems to be brining changes really quickly; so if you are finding that to be true for you too; know that you are not alone. Are you all of a sudden moving? Letting go of lots of stuff? Starting a new business? Finishing your book? Quitting a job that is no longer a fit? Or any number of big changes? Then know that you are right smack dab in the middle of a very exciting new chapter of your life. (yay!) Enjoy your changes and make time for the balance in your life and for your body so you can keep riding this wave of happy change.

If you would like me to work with you one on one to look at the specifics that are showing up for you right now, I would love to get you into my schedule. We will look at all of your personal shifts, messages, and ways to move forward so you can get the most out of this magical new energy that is happening this month.

I am wishing you a fantastic beginning to this new month!

P.S. Do you know someone who you think could get some support from this blog post? Please forward it on to them so they can get some additional support as well. Thank you!

A New Season And A New Beginning

Hi, happy first day of March! So, here we are greeting the third month of 2015 already. How have things been going for you so far? For some the beginning of the new year has been a bit of a mixed bag. (for me too) There have been a lot of starts and stops as we have been moving through the first couple of months. However, even with that experience; there have also been some great opportunities to really refine what is important to us as we begin to understand our theme for the new year.
 
This year I have worked with a lot of people who have felt a bit frustrated about their forward motion. I have heard things like:

• “It shouldn’t be this challenging to get through my list.” 
• “I have never had so many things showing up as distractions for me.”
• “When is the energy going to shift?”

If you can relate to any of these sentiments; know that this has been a common experience for most of us across the board.
 
One of the things that I have continued to remind people about is the fact that we are still in the winter season (in the northern hemisphere) and that the energy of waiting and resting is connected to winter. I find that there is a bit of a readjustment after the new year each year for people as they adjust to their own natural rhythm and begin to move forward according to their own time frame. However, this year has seemed to bring a bit more of the one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake experience for people. So, if you feel like this resonates for you; first and foremost take a breath. Then, know that you aren’t alone and that this month is bringing some big changes.
 
We are preparing to move into spring on March 20th which is only a hop, skip, and a jump away. As we move closer to this new season, you may find that your energy, ideas, inspiration, and action begin to increase along with the longer days. Spring is the time where we begin to literally see new signs of life all around us. All of the hard work that you have done begins to show up which creates momentum and more forward motion.
 
If you have been feeling a bit ho hum about how quickly things have been moving for you this year, take heart. The truth is that the beginning of this calendar year has been supporting you in reviewing and streamlining the things that are really important to you. That is a very valuable gift which will support you in moving forward this season. Winter is also a time for rest and renewal which provides you with enough energy, excitement, and ability to execute changes when the time is right.
 
The energy is shifting in big ways this month but it is really important to remember that we are still walking between two seasons. We have one foot in winter and one is spring. So, while we enjoy moving through this shift it is imperative for you to be conscientious about your own needs and energy levels. If you feel like you need to rest and take it easy, do that. If you feel inspired and ready to dig into new projects, fantastic, go for it! This is a time when we can learn a lot from the world around us. We see blossoms opening up on trees and the sun shining one day and then snow on the ground and grey skies the next. Move with the natural rhythm of your own inner wisdom and the needs of your body.
 
I promise you that you will still be able to get to the things that are calling to your heart this year. In truth, spring is the actual beginning of our new year. Prior to the Gregorian calendar spring marked the new year. It makes sense doesn’t it? The plants and animals rest during winter and wake up to begin a new year during the spring. Even though we honor January 1st as our new year, there is still a very powerful inner clock that supports us. We can really feel the influence of this inner clock when we tune into the seasons. Use your internal clock this month to support you in moving forward while also honoring your own inner guidance to rest when needed.
 
This month I am sending you support as you continue to balance your call to rest and your call to action. Each of these callings is equally important and will support your dreams, goals, and passion projects in equal measure. 

Here is a method to help you begin to increase your momentum this month:

• Focus on what it is that you know you want to do
• Don't water down your desires and dreams, be honest about what it is that you really want.
• Release the things that are no longer needed within your world
• This can include people and ways of living such as habits and old behaviors.
• Old stuff that is clogging up spaces within your home or property weigh you down and slow you down. Commit to getting your space cleared.
• Create some support systems in your life so you can actualize what it is that you know you are meant to do this year.
• Schedule that healing or support session, contact someone in your field for mentoring, hire an expert, ask for help from a trusted friend.
• Don't wait or place this step on the back burner; this is the step that helps to spring board you and your dreams forward. You are worth the investment, I promise! 

Love Is In The Air

Hello and Happy February! I hope you are having a great day as we move into the second month of this new year. This is my favorite month of the year and it always has been. In addition to it being my birthday month, I also love that it happens to be the only month with 28 days and every 4 years it gets to have 29 days. {Again the only month that has this little special day added to its normal routine.} When I was in grammar school, February always had two 3 day weekends plus Valentine’s Day which was always celebrated with goodies and fun. So all in all February was always a month that seemed ripe with fun, celebration, and a focus on things and people that we loved.

Now that I’m all grown up I still absolutely love February. As a self-employed person, I no longer receive the 3 day weekends I did as a child; however there is still something special about this time of year that really speaks to me. February marks the beginning of the quickening, a time when the plants begin to wake up and signs of life begin to reappear. As we move deeper into the month, more and more of this quickening begins to happen reminding us that spring is close. Mother Nature begins to display a physical new cycle and a new beginning right in front of our eyes. However, even with this quickening, it is still winter and the signs of winter are still noticeable and a part of our day to day lives. I think this is one of the magical parts of this month. There is a balance that is evident around us that reminds us to take time to rest and renew while also taking time to prepare for the new energy and new beginning of spring.

I find this is a wonderful time to do some checking in with ourselves so that we can see where we may need to create more balance within our own lives. February being a month that focuses on love allows this work to be in perfect alignment with the energy that is floating through the air right now.

Here are some things to think about right now:

• How do I feel about the way my first month of the year unfolded?
• In what ways can I review my plan for myself and make shifts or changes?
• Have I continued with a new healthy habit or change that I started at the beginning of the year? If not, why?
• How much time am I devoting to Self-Care each week?
• What kind of Self-Care is a fit for me?
• What support systems have I consciously put into place which will allow me to move forward with my dreams and goals?
• Do I need to call someone and schedule a time to create a support system for myself?
• How do I feel about my day to day life?
• How am I honoring my feelings in my relationship with myself and others?
• What things make me feel joyful? How often am I incorporating them into my “regular” schedule?
• How do I incorporate fun into my days?

The truth is that Love begins at home. Love begins right where you are right now. So take a moment to stop and tune into where you are as you are reading this. Take a moment to acknowledge yourself and to give yourself some much deserved love. When we remember to love ourselves first, the other stuff in our lives begins to fall into line. This may sound like a platitude; but I promise you it is true. When we take stock of where things are within our lives and when things seem to be a bit off; it always comes back to love. I have found that it can be really easy to put our own needs on the back burner until it isn’t. What does that mean? Well, it means that while it may seem like it works for a bit, eventually it doesn’t. When that happens we have the opportunity to look at the things, people, and situations which have taken our lives out of balance and we get to renegotiate them by honoring ourselves and loving ourselves first. When you love yourself first; it is much easier to say yes to the things that are in alignment with what is right for you; and no to the things that aren’t. When you love yourself first it is easier to have more love to give to your family, friends, partner, career, and passion projects. When you love yourself first you have more energy, inspiration, and zest for life. When you love yourself first, the stuff that doesn’t fit you anymore just drops away.

Throughout this month of February; I invite you to find ways each day to love yourself first. This can be something seemingly small like enjoying a hot cup of tea in your favorite chair, going for a walk, saying no to demands on your time, or anything else that calls to you. However, like all seemingly small change, it always adds up to big change over time. During this month that focuses on love, why not create a healthy new habit of practicing self-love every day for 28 days. I promise you that you are worth it and that you will experience positive shifts that happen from the inside out. Self-love also allows you to more easily create a rework on anything that didn’t unfold that way you had imagined throughout January; and to create a balanced approach to moving forward. Focus on how you can honor the resting and renewal of winter while also investing in the new beginnings that are showing up during this time of the quickening. You are absolutely worth the investment! Make February a month all about you and enjoy yourself while you revel in the month of you!

Diving Into The New Year And Creating Positive Change

Hello! I hope this finds you having a great day as we meet the middle of January. Wow, this has been a big beginning to the new year hasn’t it? There are so many things happening and it can feel a bit overwhelming. Several people have told me that they feel like so much more time has passed than only a couple of weeks since beginning the new year. I have to say that I agree with them. Are you feeling the same way? Does it seem like the new year was a while ago?  If so, you are not alone.

If you have found your new year spring in your step to be a bit slower than you had hoped, take heart. In fact, why don’t you take a moment to breathe while you are reading. Take a nice deep breath in through your nose, good, and now exhale through your mouth, perfect. {Repeat a few times if necessary}

Okay, so one of the big messages that I have been telling people for the last couple of weeks is this: Even if you feel like things haven’t begun in the way you wanted them to this month, you can always start again, right now. Plus, you can give yourself permission to release any feelings of guilt, heaviness, or frustration because those things don’t help at all and you don’t need them. All you have to do is refocus on the goals and intentions you have set for yourself and then begin to take small {or bigger than small} steps toward those intentions and dreams.

For example: If you wanted to begin a cleanse, a yoga practice, meditation practice, coaching program, journaling exercise, or anything else that really calls to you and it hasn’t moved forward the way you had hoped; breathe and begin again. Yes. You can absolutely begin again. A period of refocus and restructuring doesn’t mean that your dreams or intentions are any less valuable to you. It is in the beginning again that you foster the tenacity to support your dreams and goals so they can thrive and grow.

Here are some things to consider when restructuring or refocusing your goals:

• How has my plan for my goals or intentions worked out for me so far?
• What is working in my plan? What needs to be adjusted?
• Who or what kind of support do I need to bring in to help me achieve or experience my goals for the new year?
• Do I need to contact someone to help me? If so, who?
• Do I already know someone or a support system that would be a great fit for me?
• How can I take an action step today to move forward with my dreams and goals?
• What has been preventing me from taking action steps?
• What can I do to move through any issues or procrastination and begin nurturing the healthy and happy life that I desire for myself?

Answering these questions will give you a great amount of insight and clarity about how to begin moving forward right now. If you need help to get going; I really encourage you to reach out for help. Sometimes asking a trusted friend to sit with you while you make a phone call or schedule an appointment with a professional makes the step that much easier.

Making changes can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable in the beginning; but just like beginning anything at all, once you take that first step, the rest just gets easier and easier. When you feel called to make a change or begin something new in your life; that calling is coming from your higher self. Taking action on those changes will allow you to feel a huge release of pressure. It feels similar to letting air out of a balloon. Any places inside of your body where you tend to store pressure or tension will be released as you take steps toward your goals and dreams. Each step you take will release more and more pressure while simultaneously moving you forward toward your goals. I promise you this create a win win situation for you. And, you are worth it!

Welcoming 2015 With Excitement And Balance

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2015!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a great entrance into this new year. Can you believe we are beginning the 15th year of this new century? I love the new year; it feels bright, crisp, and filled with new potential and opportunities. Don’t you think so? I even notice a little spring in my step as I cross the threshold into the first day of the new year. Things seem to look bright and colorful. {Even though it is cold in my little corner of the world.}

This is definitely the time of year where we can get really clear about what it is that we would love to experience in the new year whether we have personal goals, professional goals, or both on our intention lists. This is also the time of year where we can truly tap into that feeling of new beginnings mixed with opportunities. With the perfect blend of the new year energies, this is a fantastic time to really carve out some time to get clear about your bigger picture for 2015.

• What does your big picture look like?
• Who is included in your big picture?
• Any big changes on deck for 2015?

In addition to the big picture, fine tuning the actionable steps, resources, and support systems that will help you to move consistently and successfully along your path is also equally important.

• What kinds of support services are you using this year?
• Who are the people in your support circle?
• What tools or techniques are you implementing this year to create some shifts or changes in your life?
• How will you implement balance in your life this year?

In addition to looking ahead it is also helpful to take a look at all of the accomplishments and experiences which have brought you to this moment and which have prepared you to step into the next chapter of your story.

• What big moments helped to prepare you for your new year?
• What did you release that no longer matched your vision for your life?
• What accomplishments have brought you to this moment of your life, right now?
• {Give yourself a major high five for all you have done to get where you are right now!}

2015 marks a big year for me as I look back because it is officially my 15 year anniversary providing support services, counseling, and teaching coursework to a very wide range of clients. Traditional counseling, university academic advising, locked down state supervised clients, at risk children, families and women, university psychology students as a CSU faculty member, amazing private practice clients from all walks of life living all over this beautiful planet; and of lots of other diverse clients in between during the past 15 years. Sometimes the last 15 years feels like it just happened and other times it feels further away for me. Either way, the years that I have spent providing support services, counseling, advising, and teaching have allowed me to work with so many people in a way that truly touches my heart. I am so grateful that I have been able to do what I love in a way that feels fulfilling to me throughout the first 15 years of this new century.

One of the things that I know for sure and that I have seen countless times for clients no matter what circumstance or cross section of life they may be experiencing is the deep need to honor their own calling.  I have found time and time again that this seemingly simple yet simultaneously powerful shift from knowing that you are being called to make a change and honoring that change brings deep healing on many levels. Connecting to your own inner truth, even if it looks differently from what others may want for you {or differently from how you are living now} and taking action toward that calling brings life changing healing and expansion. The big key in the lock about all of this always comes down to taking the action steps.

I have worked with people in really challenging situations who know it is their time to make changes and they choose to see their situation and look for solutions and choose to start where they are standing with the resources that they have to implement change. And, I have worked with people who have resources available to them, time to make change, and opportunities available to them and have chosen to look for what wasn’t working and how many things weren’t going their way.  Every time, yes, every time, the clients who focus on making change while focusing on solutions are the ones who experience big breakthroughs, expansion, and healing. At the end of the day it comes down to getting honest about what you want and then taking action toward that change even if you have to tip toe on some days and power walk on others.

I know that it is absolutely possible for you to create a beautiful year for yourself in 2015. My wish for you is that you will create the support system that matches your dreams and needs so you can build in the structure to support you as you leap, run, jog, or walk into the new chapter of your life. Time is a finite thing for us as humans and our time here is very precious. I would love to support you in moving toward the life that you dream about and the life that you are being called to live. It is never too late to make a positive change and You are always a worthy investment.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your circle of support this year; I am truly honored to know and to work with you!