Unplugged - Try it, you'll like it!

Happy New Year!

Wow... it doesn't seem possible that we have bid adieu to 2022. It certainly merits a reflection on the events and challenges of a year where we continued to reintroduce ourselves..albeit slowly... to our lives as we knew them. 

Speaking of reflections, there are two family events that come to mind for me.. a wedding and a birthday party.. both particularly interesting and thought provoking because they were.... Unplugged!

The first event was my nephew's wedding...,(it actually was postponed until September 2021),  and it's included in my reflection for 2022,  as both family events bookended each other. 

My nephew and his fiance were married in Killington, Vermont - it was nothing short of idyllic. A beautiful lodge located at the foothills of a green mass of forest reaching to the sky. We all settled in and made ourselves right at home, where we would spend the whole weekend!

We headed right for the great room which was simple and rustic... picnic tables and cozy chairs and couches... and a fireplace flanked by two huge picture windows ..

The chatter, hugs, laughter and food brought us all together on this Friday night for an intro to the much-awaited wedding on Saturday.

As we made our way to the line leading to an array of delicious food, we continued our incessant talking with family and new friends.  We navigated our way towards the door to the porch and eventually on the lush lawn for games and s'mores in front of a robust fire. 

Amid all the bustle and mingling, a huge poster propped up by the fireplace caught my eye. What was this? It was a beautifully written plea to please not use our phones. 

At first it surprised me - never before had such a request met my eyes, nor my imagination. I wondered if this was at all possible!

My nephew and his bride to be are young... and they have a large circle of friends and family who formed tight circles all over the room,  porch and lawn - and never did I see a phone! It was really happening. But would it last through the whole weekend? The wedding?

Without any discussion, it indeed happened. The delight of convivial conversation,  spontaneous hugs and wafts of laughter continued all evening, at the lovely wedding and the lively reception. 

As the evening came to an end and we made our way back to the lodge, one thing was for sure - it certainly looked as if we didn't miss them after all.

The second event was my Mother's 100th birthday in September 2022. And what a glorious celebration it was! Family, friends and neighbors flooded in and headed to a huge huddle in the living room of the Colonial home where she has lived for more than 60 years!

Unlike the wedding, there was no official notice of phone use,  but the birthday was beaming with such a flurry of good wishes and excitement, that the requests for the usual group poses were - we might say - on mute.

This continued seamlessly for the whole day while we were passed scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and invited to a beautifully catered buffet. 

The party moved outdoors to the large backyard where all the great grandchildren were squealing and running deep into the woods...Chocolate cake - her favorite - was served and memorable and meaningful gifts were opened. 

Immediately - and out of the blue! - the grandchildren and great grandchildren broke into a Broadway showtime production of her life! Incorporated was dancing,  singing and a very poignant timeline. We were entertained beyond our expectations. 

The surprise of it all was spellbinding - it even included an impersonation of Elvis - a real show stopper!

As the party came to an end,  we agreed that the entertainment was priceless and so were the expressions on our faces. 

Well, there you have it! This is not to say there weren't professional photographers who came later to get the usual poses -  and this is in no way a disparaging treatise on social media - but the candid moments we shared, uninterrupted, I know will stay on our minds for a very long time.

Wishing all you GoGetters a very Happy New Year!

By Sharing Your Goals Are You Raining on Your Parade?

Ever since I can remember my imagination took me to so many places, and sparked me to listen to my goals and aspirations. As a result, so many of my dreams, which were previously confined to my mind, but not lost, came true. 

Every plan I had was immediately shared with my parents (lucky me) and met with an enthusiastic outburst of "that's a great idea!" 

But if my memory serves me right. not all of these moments were met with a positive response when shared with others. The reactions were frowns and quizzical looks followed by a barrage of questions - Why are you going to do that? Why are you going there? Where will you live? What will you do? - Wherever it is you are going?

This phenomenon is often referred to as "raining on your parade". The phrase has a few cobwebs on it, but gained popularity from the song Don't Rain on my Parade" by Jule Styne performed by Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film "Funny Girl". Rachel Berry also performed the song in a 2009 episode of Glee.

These vibrant lyrics were belted out by these amazing artists and the words say it all!

         "Don't tell me how to live....

          Don't tell me how to fly...

      Don't bring around a cloud

          to rain on my parade!"      

Let's take a closer look at this urge to launch out into the deep and share our hopes and dreams with the outside world. Now everyone is entitled to their opinions,  but we are then often met with various "rain on your parade" feelings - and there is no shortage of them -

          damper, diminish, discourage,

          killjoy, spoil, destroy, disturb, ruin

So we could easily be hit by a downpour! We don't have to hold all our cards close  when it comes to sharing our plans, hopes, dreams, and adventures with others - but just a heads up - the reception may be a surprise so don't forget your umbrella!

In closing, a great read on this subject is a blog by Amy Rees Anderson entitled:
"People only rain on your parade because they are jealous of your sun and tired of their shade."

The Great Resignation - A segue to New Horizons

Getting back to blogging has been equally as slow and sluggish as returning to the internet to search for that side gig I always had.  My thoughts have been what can we glean from this phenomenon called The Great Resignation?

So much has been written about this movement, coined by Professor Anthony Klotz, a professor at Texas A&M University who predicted and noticed this mass exodus in May 2021.

This mass exodus a/k/a The Big Quit, Great Reshuffle, among various other nomenclatures, has been characterized by the large number of people quitting their jobs. 

It's quite a challenge to keep up with the  Great Resignation numbers.

EDsmart.org gave these statistics:

     "A total of 48 million people quit their jobs in 2021. In the last half of 2021 25.6 million people 'quit' their jobs - quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by an employee. As of March 2022, 8.6 million people quit their jobs this year."

This site is an excellent source of data - its what they describe as a "statistical roundup"!

It is obvious this subject has truly become an ongoing front and center story.  My observation is that there is a lot of head shaking, head scratching,  research, statistics, and reasoned theories as to why  and how this is happening - coupled with countless solutions.

In addition, there are some assumptions and contradictions -  to whom this is happening and where? The numbers are reported to be heavily centered in the hospitality industry, and at the same time it has been reported that at least 10 industries have been heavily impacted.  Although these industries have been labeled low wage earners, this does not negate the fact that the common denominator is that there has been a reduction in their profits and their staffing - having an overall effect on the economy.

One theory is that this movement has not been exclusively confined to components of the pandemic - although the pandemic did provide workers time to rethink and reassess their overall work situation and environment.

Evidently, the challenges of the workplace have been unfolding slowly over a long period of time, riddled with low wages, less benefits, dissatisfaction with the workplace.... 

It appears this dissatisfaction has surfaced and a detective-like interest has emerged to get to the bottom of it! Glassdoor - one of the world's largest job and recruiting sites - found the toxic work culture to be the biggest factor that led people to quit, and ten times more important than pay, in predicting turnover.

PEW did a survey and showed the percentage of people and why they quit:

low pay 63% - disrespect 51% - no opportunity for advancement 57%...

But despite what appears to be the reality, there appears to be some solutions that sound promising and doable! Sign on bonus, higher salaries, remote work, flexibility, growth, positive cultures, connections, loyalty development... Wow! It does sound good, provided they are grounded in a solution for the work culture, which will have to fan out the flames of burnout caused by the workplace and its conditions...

Perhaps some of these ideas were already in place, but perhaps not fully implemented.  To that point, it has to be said that before this mass exodus, a great number of loyal workers continued to stay on the job - and didn't quit!

It is now May 2022, and according to Daniel Zhoa, Senior Economist on Glassdoor's Economic Team, "The Great Resignation is in full swing, even if quits are moderating". Indeed a lot to take in, but I conclude that as a result of this phenomenon, there very well may emerge people who seek a higher plane of work as well as a tsunami of entrepreneurs ready to bring innovation and excitement to the world - which will be their new workplace!

In closing, I am reminded of a question often asked at interviews and on applications - 

     "What kind of work environment are you looking for?

Employers going forward may want to listen to employees - or even better, talk to some of the Great Resigners - that would be a Great Idea!

Where Do I Want to Be? A Place Called There

Where is "There"?

This question has come up lately in conversation. Where do I see myself and specifically in what town, state or even country?!

In these uncertain times more questions than answers are being brought up, now that lives have been disrupted and interrupted.

Do we close our eyes, spin the globe and put a red stick pin randomly to see where “There” is?

In my goal coaching I have guided people in their desire to move far and away.. this has been an exciting, daunting and challenging undertaking.. for myself included. The one component missing among the moving van possessions and baggage was the people in your life.. they couldn't be packed in the suitcase or put on the moving van. Sometimes the deep desire to move eclipses the whole arena of long--term relationships and friends.

On this subject I have to mention a now not so well known pamphlet called "A

Place Called There" - with a road map on the cover. John Osteen, who is deceased, wrote this.. and this small, little treatise has impacted me for many years. It basically let's us know that we all have a place called "There", and we have to follow the signs for it. He offers his experience of a life changing move.

But think about it - have you ever been somewhere and don't feel as if you belong "there" any more? This happened to me when my children went off to college out of state.. Not only the empty nest syndrome, but all my neighbors had moved away. There didn't seem to be any reason to stay.

The move to New York not only fulfilled a life-long dream, but it was a chance to be near my family, whom I had been away from while traveling the world.. this was priceless.

But all kinds of circumstances and life changing events can motivate us to pick up stakes and move on.. after all America boasts a move every five years, making us a very mobile lot!

Again, these decisions are big ones.. not just an extended vacation.. although that's a consideration as well... In any case, they will require a deep, soul searching exercise.

Speaking of the extended vacation, the alternative to a permanent move is to spend an extended amount of time somewhere, but it is a little bit different than leaving all behind and starting a new life.

While contemplating this question, it has been immensely beneficial for me to not only experience this, but pass on to others who want to make a big move that unless you already have a network - and even if you actually do - there will be some major adjustments which will have to overpower the WHY you left in the first place. Because now that you are "THERE", HOW you proceed will be the question.

Happy travels!

Is Imagination More Important than Knowledge?

According to Albert Einstein it is!

I ran across this quote the other day and it was so exciting to learn that my knowledge alone could have very well inhibited me - and because of my imagination over the years, my life has been nothing short of exhilarating and it has taken me to places I could only have... you guessed it... imagined!

Taking a closer look at imagination/visualization/and daydreaming... It doesn't cost anything, doesn't hurt us and if anything, it opens up the world beyond the limited borders of our mind.

When I was young and on vacation with my parents in New York, my most vivid memory was announcing to them - at the age of 8 - that New York was in my future! I didn't think beyond the skyscrapers and busy streets. But it wasn't until my children went to college that I took off for the Big Apple and had the time of my life! Imagination can be kept alive for as long as it takes!

In my experience it is astonishing how visualization can produce such vivid images.

When visualizing an apartment in New York, the minute I walked into an opportunity, it was perfect. I have to say it was beyond my "wildest imagination"!

Just think - we are the writer, director and producer of our mental pictures. Why can't that image come into fruition?

Another observation comes to mind. When these images are produced, everywhere you look there will be some sign of the very pictures you are creating in your mind. These signs can lead you to a journey's end.

When my house - which I never really wanted to conciously leave -was up for sale, there were arrows everywhere pointing to beautiful apartments to rent. My subconscious woke up and led me to a solution and destination!

I highly recommend this practice.. If this concept is new or one that hasn't been utilized, the internet is bursting with ideas and how to's for this wonderful area of exploration.

One last thought - Einstein also said "Imagination is everything - it is the preview of life's coming attractions."

The question is are they Academy Award winning for you?

To Set a Goal, or Not...

Goal.

That word has shown up all over... websites, books, podcasts, Facebook, etc! A while back I wrote that whatever hasn't happened yet - that could be a goal.

Pretty simple and straightforward, right?

Well, maybe a mistake was made when I surfed the internet about this pesky goal setting concept. Immediately it was as if the doctor (in this case the Goal Doctor) came out of his office with papers in his hand and a sullen look on his face with some very bad news. He was sorry to inform me that goals could do more harm than good and were flawed to the point that they could actually keep me from success...

Mind you, these phrases are taken out of context, but can be backed up by much research when you google "what do gurus think about goals?”

This was, of course, disheartening news to me being a life-long goal setter, and actually becoming a goal coach. Was I contributing to my own and others' poor health??

No worries! Not here to make a case, but just want to put a plug in for some down home encouragement to let yourself know what you want to do.. with your life that is!

There is so much information in these uncertain times and considering the circumstances, we may be more curious as well as anxious. But no harm in exploring, discovering, uncovering, researching (with some dreaming thrown in) all that is before us.

This could be a case for its all of the details, but no Herculean effort has to be made to make ourselves unrecognizable to the world, but rather present our best self to the world to make it a better place.

If you are interested in a fun, comprehensive way to do just this, get in touch with me today!

Everything Takes Time...

To be patient, or not to be patient.. that is the question.

This trait is a hot topic these days. We have been told that patience develops quality of character building, and allows us to wait for an outcome with a good attitude in the face of adversity and frustration. If that's the case, why isn't everyone practicing it?

In these uncertain times,

it will be interesting to see how the concept of patience will play out.

But what are the benefits of patience, or the incentive to practice it? It has had a bit of a beating in this digital world where actions are expeditiously carried out by the clicking of an app, the touch of a submit button or a request to Siri... it's a pretty hard sell with the need to wait being reduced by these and other instantly gratifying areas of our lives.

But let's dig a little deeper and discover the nuggets which can contribute to our well being and success from this "patience".

We can start with the origin of the word... The Latin word "patientia" means patience, endurance and submission. It is considered a virtue along with self control, humility and tolerance.

Doesn't sound easy or even pleasant. But let's consider it in the context of our goals.

It has been said that it's the most difficult arena in which to exercise patience..

Although some may argue that it's just a difficult in the long line at the grocery store due to a problem, not to mention a very long traffic jam!

But goals present a challenge because we want to succeed and show the world what can do. Many dreams, projects and pursuits have been cast aside because the"patience gremlin" has said it's not working, and especially not working fast enough.

What I have learned from patience is that I have a rational choice to make...

stay in line and adjust my attitude or go to another grocery line; and in the case of the goal, commit to the path I am on or choose another one....

Fighting with the speed of time which is forcing us to wait longer than we deem appropriate, gives us the ability to invite another possibility in... and carry on from there.

No need to abandon our dreams or have an outburst in the store. Exercising patience about what we can actually do or feel in any situation can render us kind, peaceful and calm. Then we are truly free to go forward with our lives and our dreams.

There are many quotations about patience..

I like what Ben Franklin said..

"He that can have patience, can have what he will."

Everything Takes Time.

Is that why we have to be patient?

To be patient, or not to be patient.. that is the question.

This trait is a hot topic these days. We have been told that patience develops quality of character building, and allows us to wait for an outcome with a good attitude in the face of adversity and frustration. If that's the case, why isn't everyone practicing it?

In these uncertain times, it will be interesting to see how the concept of patience will play out.

But what are the benefits of patience, or the incentive to practice it? It has had a bit of a beating in this digital world where actions are expeditiously carried out by the clicking of an app, the touch of a submit button or a request to Siri... it's a pretty hard sell with the need to wait being reduced by these and other instantly gratifying areas of our lives.

But let's dig a little deeper and discover the nuggets which can contribute to our well being and success from this "patience".

We can start with the origin of the word... The Latin word "patientia" means patience, endurance and submission. It is considered a virtue along with self control, humility and tolerance.

Doesn't sound easy or even pleasant. But let's consider it in the context of our goals.

It has been said that it's the most difficult arena in which to exercise patience.. Although some may argue that it's just a difficult in the long line at the grocery store due to a problem, not to mention a very long traffic jam!

But goals present a challenge because we want to succeed and show the world what can do. Many dreams, projects and pursuits have been cast aside because the"patience gremlin" has said it's not working, and especially not working fast enough.

What I have learned from patience is that I have a rational choice to make... stay in line and adjust my attitude or go to another grocery line; and in the case of the goal, commit to the path I am on or choose another one....

Fighting with the speed of time which is forcing us to wait longer than we deem appropriate, gives us the ability to invite another possibility in... and carry on from there.

No need to abandon our dreams or have an outburst in the store. Exercising patience about what we can actually do or feel in any situation can render us kind, peaceful and calm. Then we are truly free to go forward with our lives and our dreams.

There are many quotations about patience..

like what Ben Franklin said..

"He that can have patience, can have what he will."

Jeopardy Question: unnecessarily postponing decisions or actions?

What is PROCRASTINATION.

The Jeopardy Game is one of favorites and I always wanted to create my own question. But it could easily be any one of us and it probably has been at one time or another.

P r o c r a s t I n a t I o n...

That 5 syllable word is as pesky as a mosquito, won't go away and bites! Well, let's calm the word down and take a closer look so these 5 syllables don't bite. Maybe we can actually embrace this word, which has certainly enjoyed an enormous amount of attention. There has been a lot of information to explore concerning this subject, but let's keep it simple and look procrastination is the eye.

First of all, it is a condition that only we, ourselves, have! Think about it - it's not contagious.. to be clear, we can't catch it and can't pass it on. That being said, from here on out let's take full responsibility for this… whatever you want to call it!

Secondly, there are many contributing factors, but when considering the cause, an answer may be offered.. such as:

• Task aversion...I hate what I do and don't want to do it!

• Fear of failure... Surely I won't make a mistake in that case!

• Reward is too far away...I want instant gratification!

• It will take too long..Rome wasn't built in a day!

Perfectionism... what's the use of trying that!

But since we are the perpetrators of procrastination (sorry to break the news), we also have to endure the consequences. For instance, no homework.. poor grades bills not paid.. increased fees.. and the list goes on...

In addition, we may have good intentions directed in some areas we no longer have an interest and/or maybe don't mind paying or accepting the consequences often experienced by "not stepping up to the plate".

In any case, a gentle effort towards the things we love to do and the responsibilities that make our life balanced and peaceful, will reap rewards and energy - that will motivate you to live now and procrastinate later!

The Ultimate Wealth is Health

We live in a very materialistic world…

The song "Material Girl" comes to mind

Not only materialistic, but a nation of wealth; and even in challenging times, expressing confidence of a bright and prosperous future.

But as time goes on, I have noticed many ailments and conditions making their way to people who have up until now enjoyed very good health, including myself.

The observation has been that indeed without health it is very difficult to enjoy life.

It is definitely one thing money can't buy… although taking care of ourselves is a plus.

My point is that I was stressed out and eating all the things I wanted! - a bad combination. And when a few adjustments were made, I felt so much better. The ailments reversed and a feeling of abundance and well being came over me.

There is enormous freedom in going out and exploring - taking on the world if you will.

Go out and see how you can invest in your health and surely you will be wealthy.

Free Time: How Does Your Free Time Account Look?

Free time… a nice concept!

And it is exactly that... free.

But it is ironic that so many don't take advantage of this wonderful gift that costs nothing... or does it?

The lament is usually there is no time, I'll do that later and often I can't afford to take time off!

This surely is not a message for everyone, but one for some... As for me, if there was a prize for free time, I would win. Part of my mission statement was the importance of free time. I have been told it was ineffectual. Is that true?

Let's take a look at free time... It doesn't have to intimidate...appearing as a terrible and consequential exchange. We just may not be used to it.

We see these countries where a leisurely coffee or glass of wine at a cafe can only be seen across the ocean! And we wonder how can they do that!!

But we are here in the USA - where life can be hectic, mobile and unpredictable...

Maybe free time just needs some attention… a little tlc if you will.

Consider going to a cafe for that coffee - mine is a London Fog at Starbucks- or glass of wine, a walk on the beach or in the park, getting that hobby or book off the shelf.

It doesn't have to be a major undertaking but something to definitely undertake!

When we can look forward to spending free time with family, friends or whatever we want to do, the free time account will fill up quickly…

and that is priceless.

Whatever hasn't happened yet... That can be your Goal!

There is a lot of talk these days about goals, life coaches, destination disease, etc.

Our aims, objectives, intentions, purpose, ideas, ambitions, plans and aspirations have been taken to the mat and into the ring - where it actually feels like an Olympian competition!

We compare all the time what we are doing with what the rest of the world has to offer...

Our comparisons have reached new heights.

We analyze our present situations based on our education, intellect, and natural abilities -and sometimes to our chagrin, and the chagrin of others, we fall short. And there is an endless and quite inspiring list is powerful goal achieving quotes to keep us motivated...

To quote a few -

"Begin with the end in mind" — Steven Covey

"If you think you can't you can't" — Henry Ford

"A goal is a dream with a deadline" — Napolean Hill

And the story of the man who asked for help because he didn't have the strength to reach his dreams - he asked everyone but himself.

There are so many processes, agendas, tools and teachers.... But not to simplify, keep in mind that a goal is simply something that hasn't happened yet...a big applause for uncertainty!

The only thing we need to do is decide what we want and how we are going to do it.

Consider what Ghandi said...

"You must be the change you wish in the world."

Tip of the Iceberg... Whats’s below?

"Tip of the Iceberg"...

The phrase usually refers to a small part of a much bigger situation or problem.

While writing these blogs, there were certain phrases I wanted to write about, and tip of the iceberg was one of them. The plan was to throw away the pejorative meaning - and give it a more positive meaning. But when researching, I could not find an uplifting message.

However, knowing never to give up, persistence prevailed.

I found a very interesting site at davidloewen.org entitled,

"tip of the icebergs": Cliched metaphors in education" with a quote "...to employ a well- known metaphor, that all we can see is the tip of the iceberg, and that there is depth beyond depth below it." Michael Gilbert, "The Etruscan Net". (1968)

I was intrigued and read more…

"icebergs could be used as a metaphor for words and concepts, which in fact have much depth beyond depth...and "The iceberg metaphor is quite common in discussions of 'culture' and it's many complexities".

The writing indicated it was a somewhat cliche.. I, however, found it a fascinating discovery!

There were many examples of different kinds of metaphors, but I was particularly drawn to the one entitled "The Iceberg Illusion… Success is an Iceberg."

Of course, the tip is what everyone sees, but what lies below...."persistence, dedication, failure, hard work, discipline, disappointment, and sacrifice."

I ask you:

what is below your iceberg that has made you what you are or what you are to become?

Turn your Rants into Raves!

Ranting and raving…

you've heard the phrase for someone ranting- shouting and talking in a noisy, loud, frenzied manner and raving - shouting and talking in an excited and enthusiastic manner.

But when these two words are coupled, a very unusual thing occurs - the rant, which has a negative connotation, and the rave which has a positive one - both mean the same thing! What a combination!

In the climate we are living in, we can "live" with these two words very easily!

I am suggesting that when you are ranting and raving, use the rant to make a point (the word is actually enjoying a better reputation these days), and the rave to express excitement about something!

Find something to rant and rave about today!

Confidence.. Where is it?

One thing about confidence…

It's not for sale but everyone wants it!

If we look a little closer, there is not a lot of mystery around it after all.

Consider this - if someone asked me to be in a skating show, I would never have the confidence to do that! A serious fall while trying to do a figure eight, came to mind…

However, if there was a tennis challenge, count me all in! The big difference is I have spent many more years on the tennis court and fewer years on the ice...This is a simple example and I like to keep it simple! So much has been written about this subject, we sometimes think it's an elusive quality and hard to grasp.

It's important to note that the root of the word "confidence" is the Latin word "fidere", meaning trust; therefore self-confidence is having trust in yourself.

I like what Stan Smith said "Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it!" (exclamation added) So if we want to share our experience, talent, and knowledge with the world, how about trusting that and giving confidence a chance!

The world is always looking for a new GoGetter!

Communication - What Did You Say?

Communication… It can get complicated!

there is a lot to say about communicating, but we can break it down just for now.

Communication is a transfer of information... words... from one person or persons to another.

The words are passed on from one to the other, and then they take on meaning.

For instance, one person may say to another

"Let's get together!" What does that mean?

It means one person wants to see the other person, but that communication can be taken one step further… Or it remains in limbo.

We don't know when, where, how...The fact is we want to be more effective and that sometimes means more effort, commitment, and determination.. this can also apply to social media!

Some random tools that are handy in navigating in the communication arena - truth, clarity, directness, listening and confirming, and agreeing to disagree.

Above all, avoid confusion and problems.

because they will eventually have to be corrected by... what?... communication!

Looking for the exit from the Comfort Zone?

The comfort zone...

A while back, I asked the question "are you in the comfort zone?"

I also warned not to go there, and above all not to stay there.

But the larger question is how do you get out of the comfort zone? A plan of escape is needed... let's take a closer look.

First of all, let's see what this place looks like... we've heard it referred to many times so it may be a real popular destination...

It seems to be comfortable, easy, safe, no extra energy required, and little opportunity available.

But if it were a garden, it may have a lot of weeds - that is, it may actually be frustrating and annoying.

In the comfort zone, daydreaming is the only dreaming allowed.

The tendency is to overstay. I have done this myself... we often get messages that we have reached our capacity and find no need to make a change.

But my biggest revelation was I didn't know where to go and had no exit plan.

Think about it, when we leave a place we generally have a plan where to go, so a plan to review and explore our options is a good idea. We make extensive plans for temporary exits from our lives when we take a vacation, right? How about transferring those skills to a life-changing endeavor...

It doesn't matter how long we have been in this place…

But why not wake up the subconscious mind and see what's happening there? That way we can get in touch with our creative thoughts and ideas, pairing them up with some action!

Happy travels.. and head towards the exit sign!

Doubt Your Doubts

That good old emotion doubt!

Sometimes we apply it to ourselves - I doubt if I could do that - or we hear it as a quick answer to an observation - I doubt that - often followed by an exclamation "very much"!

When I do hear it or use it, this feeling of judgment looms over me and it's almost as if a Judge in a black robe comes out and declares it! After all, the Judge proclaims "prove beyond a reasonable doubt."

This word, I think, carries a lot of weight for uncertainty, indecision, and belief vs. unbelief. We really don't like to doubt ourselves and/or have someone doubt us, right? But there it's a theory that self-doubt can lead to self-discovery… what could be better? So the emotion we want to banish can actually end up helping us to make decisions and becoming clear…

if we just doubt long enough.

In any case, if we doubt our doubts, we can become active participants in dashing them and pushing them out of the way. Give doubts a fighting chance and see who wins!

You Are Your Own Best Book

I heard this phrase a while ago...

but could not find the author... and I thought if you are, then be sure to make it a best seller!

It also reminded me of the phrase "the great American novel"... which was coined by the author William DeFrost in 1868. In his essay "The Great American Novel" he defined the concept as the" ordinary emotions and manners of American existence". That is all to say many who aspired to write a novel often referred to this phrase when they intended to do so!

What comes to my mind is that if indeed one is to write about their life, could it be or would it be a best-seller full of adventure, travel, accomplishments, the list goes on and on.

Think about it - living your life to its fullest could very well make it worthy of something someone would want to read about.

And more importantly, make it one that you would want to read!

Start writing yours with me!

Not Knowing the Outcome should never Impede Passion

I encourage you to seek your passion and not give up.

This led me to another thought:

Not knowing the outcome should not impede you from following your passion.

**This is just a reminder** We all have our expectations but consider this - we can have our name in lights and/or we can light up or our world and the world we live in! The bottom line is don't let the unknown keep you from living your passion.

My favorite quote that so clearly defines this idea is from Theodore Roosevelt:

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done this better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, but who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows, in the end triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."