From our friends at The First 30 Days

According to the venerable C.S. Lewis, there are four kinds of love—Affection, Friendship, Eros and Agape. We all understand the ins and outs of most of these loves well. Affection is what we feel for family, mostly. Friendship is perhaps the best kind of love...next to Eros, of course, which we all hope for! And Agape is Big Love—the kind reserved for you and a higher power, an unending and boundless love that takes time and practice to learn.
--From The First 30 Days

It's Been a Month

I haven't been posting in a while. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year! So much has happened this year. Many teachers, many lessons! In Coaching, there are many questions. So, mine to you is, "Where are you going now from here?" As we bring in a New Year of new beginnings, "What are you intending to do. And how?" I have been studying the sacred, the inner meaning of things. What are the choices you are making saying about what you really believe? Just some thoughts! The best to you. Paula

Welcome Barbara!

Thank you for becoming a follower and supporting my blog. I hadn't thought lately about zrizus, or taking action with, according to the dictionary, "cheerful alacrity." I needed the reminder.

Marie Jahoda

In 1958 she developed the theory of Ideal Mental Health. Through her work Jahoda identified five categories which she said were vital to feelings of well-being (1982, 87). These were:

Time structure
Social contact
Collective effort or purpose
Social identity or status
Regular activity

This was subsequent to a study of unemployed people and deals with the realm of work. Not included are ideas relative to the importance of love, community or spirituality. But it is very interesting to note that work was found to contribute to "Ideal Mental Health," Jahoda's paradigm, based not on "success," productivity, accomplishment or compensation, but rather on having a time structure, a regular activity to do, social contact, i.e. being with others, social identity or status, that is belonging, and being "someone," and a collective effort or purpose -- work as a vehicle to give meaning. Today we may take these ideas for granted, but in 1958, this may have been a new way of looking at the value, and personal meaning, of work

Chana Weisberg for Chabad on Scary Shadows

http://www.chabad.org/blogs/blog_cdo/aid/697471/jewish/Scary-Shadows.htm

This is a very powerful, thought-provoking piece on the place of perspective as we grapple with the shadows of our lives. Through the eyes of her young daughter, Chana sees a metaphor for growth opportunities in the darkness. The short video is beautifully shot and edited and rang true for me. I hope you enjoy it and that your days are filled with light. And if you are in the shadows of darkness, may you trust Hashem to see you through.

Gratitude

Find something to be grateful for. When I drive to work, I drive along the beach and in the mountains and I am awestruck each day anew by the beauty! Wow! And I am grateful! Find the things you are grateful for and make them your mantra. The beauty you see is the beauty you carry inside yourself every day! Have a beautiful, loving and grateful day! And, Cherrie, a special hi to you today!

Taking Action by Rabbi Pliskin -- Bears Repeating!

Daily Lift #394
Mastering the Habit of Taking ActionPeople who are lazy and habitually procrastinate lose out in all areas of their life. They ignore their health. They don't take care of their financial obligations on time. They don't study when they should study. They waste a lot of time. They tend to be late to things. The antidote is to become a person who consistently takes action with joyful zrizus. You gain tremendously in all areas of your life when you make and reach goals, when you do what you say you will do, when you take care of things on time, and when others are counting on you. You gain spiritually and materially.
[From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book: "Taking Action" - pages 30-1] (Artscroll.com)

Nelson Lauver, The American Storyteller

Motivational Speaker Nelson Lauver The American Storyteller
Nelson Lauver is a guy who beat the odds and changed his life. One would never guess that until age 29, Nelson struggled with serious literacy issues, ...www.theamericanstoryteller.com/
From Nelson Lauver --
It’s Never too Late to Succeed: Take Control of Your Success Finally diagnosed with severe dyslexia at 29, Nelson Lauver had been hiding his serious literacy issues his entire life. Then he did something no one expected. He set out on a course of self improvement, stopped making excuses, swallowed his pride and entered a vocational rehabilitation program to learn to read and write. In the years that followed, intense struggle, burning desire and a never give up attitude enabled his to achieve his goals and change his life. this inspiring program is ideal for those facing a challenging transition, or are struggling to create their own success story.
A fascinating program that will inspire you and your team: Recognize your self-limiting beliefs and take back control of your own life and success; Reach inside and find more strength and power than you ever imagined you possessed; Realize that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams and create your own success story.

Today -- Being of Service

How can I be of service today? How can I help others? How can I create a sacred space in which to create my day? By using my Intention to put me there. So, it is my intention to have a great day, to be of service and to Praise G-d for all the gifts he has given me! Have a great day!

A Beautiful Day

Today is a beautiful day. Sunny and bright and full of promise. I watch the news as little as possible. It's not that I'm not a realist, it's that I choose to create my reality with input that is uplifting, useful and forward moving.

And, while I'm on the subject, a big thank you to Cherrie McKenzie for her loving support, encouragement and mentoring! A great week, full of happiness and blessings to you, Cherrie!
(See Cherrie's Blog, CoActive Dreams).

Chana Weisberg on Chabad.org Life's Falls

I just found something on Chabad.org that I'd like to recommend to you.You can view it by visiting:www.chabad.org/blogs/blog.asp?s=1&showFeedback=true&aid=721091&jewish=Lifes-Fall-outs.htm&lang=en&1=1.
This is a beautiful reminder of the preciousness and sanctity of life. Enjoy! Paula

Be Calm

DAILY LIFT
TODAY IN JEWISH HISTORY
GROWING EACH DAY

#414 Query Calm People Would you like to become an expert on how to be calm in all sorts of challenging situations? Do not just rely on your own ingenuity. Keep asking people who appear to be calm, "Would you mind if I ask you how you are able to be so calm?" Most people will happily share their thoughts on the subject with you.

(From Rabbi Pliskin's book, Serenity, p.72)

Perspectives on the New Year

I survived Rosh Hashana, or in reframe parlance, I had a unique Rosh Hashana experience this year. The first night and following day provided two excellent "drashes," or sermons by the Rabbi at the first shul (Temple). He is an Orthodox-raised and trained Rabbi serving a Conservative congregation. His speaking was so deep and beautiful -- and most of all, memorable. He spoke of why certain words were used in the Torah (Old Testament) to mean "remember." The word "remember" occurs many times, and, the Hebrew uses different words for different meanings. But the one the Rabbi stressed was when God uses the word remember which means he is going to keep a promise to the Jewish people. So, remember can mean commitment, promise, result, outcome. The second day we went to another shul. This one featured a choir, a pianist, a guitarist and a lot of rousing singing and participation. I got to experience the coming of the New Year from two very different perspectives. But, for me, it was about what I am going to commit to for the coming year. Who am I going to be this year? Better, more giving, more loving, more committed. I will remember.

From Taking Action by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

#407 Allow Yourself to Experience Happiness Now ListYou have a right to experience happiness right now, in the present. This is a very important concept to keep in mind. You don't need to wait until you accomplish your goals before you are happy. Many people think, "Only after I accomplish my goals will I be able to be happy." These individuals mistakenly think that they need to wait in order to be happy. They feel that they can't be happy right now. They tell themselves that they first need to achieve what they would like to achieve before they can be happy. But happiness is a birthright. You were born. You are now alive. You are breathing now. Right now you have a right to be happy. You can choose to be happy now.
[From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book: "Taking Action" - page 79] (Artscroll.com)

A Day Brightener -- Blessing of the Animals

Good morning. Thought you would enjoy this! A day brightener!

Personal message:
Blessing of the animals
May God bless your dog
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/10047788/abc/20081006/av_abc_wnt/_goodmorningyahoo_abc081005_wn_church

What Now?

Life is a question. And your task is to find the answers that make it work for you. More later, and have a great weekend. Coach Paula

From Pearlin Siow, Author, Boss of Me!

From Pearlin Siow, Author, Boss of Me!
I have a strange problem-solving ritual…Whenever I come across a challenge and can’t think of a solution, I’ll take out a piece of paper and write this:
1. Challenge - list out the issue as clearly as you can.
2. Action 1 - leave blank
3. Action 2 - leave blank
4. Action 3 - leave blank
5. Timeline - usually a week

Then I will tuck the paper away and trust my mind to give me some ideas by the dateline stipulated. Letting my unconscious mind (before sleeping) run with the problem usually gives me pretty good ideas and somehow, even though the paper is hidden, my mind remains totally alert to it - drawing people, circumstances and events to provide solutions.
You’ll be surprised at what you can come up with.

Happy New Year 5769

Monday night begins the Jewish New Year, a very holy and serious holiday during which one takes an accounting of his life and deeds and makes amends to anyone he hurt or fought with. Under Jewish Law, it is required that one apologize and ask forgiveness three times -- if the other won't forgive -- you are absolved of the requirement and it is considered over. Rosh Hashana involves praying a lot, and eating a lot of sweet food so you will have a sweet year. It is a time for one to reconcile with God, with one's fellow man, and so importantly, with oneself. If you are mad at yourself for a mistake made, if you harbor feelings of self-hatred, remorse, or sadness, Rosh Hashana, and the 10 days leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, give you the opporunity to get it right. This is the time for self-reflection, personal and spiritual growth. For those seeking a spiritual connection to God or a Higher Power, Rosh Hashana provides a context in time, a shelter, if you will, in which to accomplish this somewhat daunting task. It is so hard to get it right all of the time. One significant aspect of Repentence, or Teshuvah, during this holiday, is that you foreswear the repetition of the offense. So, you cursed in traffic. You say, "Sorry," to God and promise not to do it again. And if you do, you will repent again next year....There are many levels of meaning, much deeper than this simplistic explanation. Rosh Hashana is the Jewish celebration of creation. And we, as God's people, must create anew every day. And with each and every decision we make, we are re-creating the world. So, I would like to publicly like to say that I am sorry for any offenses I committed, knowingly (I did curse in traffic the other day), or unknowingly -- My apologies to God and the Cosmos. I believe that this will be a great year, a year of great opportunities, great challenges, and great joy. And a Blessing, that this year bring you Sweetness and Light and all things Good! Shana Tova!

The New Year

DAILY LIFT
TODAY IN JEWISH HISTORY
GROWING EACH DAY

#408 Positive Thoughts Increase Energy Positive thoughts add to your vitality and energy. Worry and other negative thoughts take away your energy. Be aware of what thoughts you would be wise to increase and what thoughts you should decrease or even eliminate.
[From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book: "Taking Action" - page 84] (Artscroll.com)

Job Affirmations by Sinara Stull O'Donnell

Job Affirmations:

I thank God for my perfect job.

The perfect job is coming my way now.

All paths open for me now.

The Christ Within is leading me to perfect employment.

The career that I was meant to have, I have now.

I visualize myself in the right situation for me.

My positive attitude is drawing opportunities to me now.

I thank God for all my blessings and gifts.

I look to the future for radiant blessings.

I am filled with Light. I am whole. I am in the right place at the right time.

All joy that is meant to be is mine now.

I am eager to give to world and the world is eager to give to me.

My joyous attitude attracts joy, prosperity and success. I thank you, God.

Thank you Cherrie McKenzie of Coactive Dreams

I use a lot of Guided Imagery in my Life Coaching work. I have not met many other coaches who do, so I was more than happy to see that Therapist Cherrie McKenzie of Coactive Dreams had become a follower on my blog. Here is one of Cherrie's references to Imagery and Health. Thank you Cherrie! Have a great week!

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2008-mchi/4403.html

Do You Want to Be Happy?

Then go find someone you can help, someone to whom you can give something of value -- your time, your talents, a smile, a piece of gum -- Be useful in the best way -- be compassionate. It's not a secret, and it works. And don't forget to smile. Your own happiness quotient will rise as you are able to give to others. Have a great week! Paula

From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's New Book -- "Taking Action"

#402 The Benefit of Building Up Your Zrizus State

When you are in an energized and enthusiastic emotional state, you feel like doing much more than when you are a low energy, down state. Some emotional states are conducive to taking action, and other states aren't. Your emotional states are the sum total of your breathing rate, brain waves, blood pressure, energy level, heartbeat, hormones, immune system, muscle tension, physiology, and tone of voice. Because every state you experience is stored in your magnificent brain, I advocate naming your best and most resourceful states. When you do this, you will find it easier to access those positive states. The next time you find yourself in a "zrizus state," say to yourself, "This is my zrizus state." Be aware of your thoughts, mental images, and feelings when you are in this zrizus state.
[From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book: "Taking Action" - page 51] (Artscroll.com)
See more Daily Lifts on "alacrity"See Rabbi Pliskin's new book "Taking Action"

Believe and Achieve Miracles

Leon -- 2007 Winner of Britain's X Factor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMO4-HzMqRg

Zen Habits

Good news from zenhabits.com


zen habits
How to Never Forget Anything Again
Posted: 17 Sep 2008 06:08 PM CDT
I just wrote a guest post for Tim Ferriss of The Four Hour Work Week fame that shows my current setup for never forgetting a thing:
How to Never Forget Anything Again
The post shows the four key habits for maintaining a comprehensive system for all your information and tasks, as well as my current setup:
Evernote for notes
Gmail and Gcal for email and calendar
Anxiety for tasks
Jott for notes on the go
If you like the post, I’d really appreciate it if you helped spread the word by sharing it on Delicious, StumbleUpon or Digg!
By the way, if you haven’t read Tim’s best-selling book yet (and I’m sure you have), you should definitely check it out: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. It’s an inspiring book packed with great ideas about simplifying your life, focusing on the important stuff, creating an automated business, and getting the most out of life. Really a must-read.

From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

Some good questions to ponder. Have a great day!
#399 Plan Your DayAt the beginning of each day, ask yourself:

[1] What are my goals for today?
[2] What are the five most important things that I need to do today and what is their order of priority?
[3] What new Torah (Bible) knowledge do I plan to gain today?
[4] What acts of kindness can I do today?
[5] What one trait would I like to excel in today?
[6] What positive change am I resolved to make or maintain today?
[7] If today were my last day, what would I make certain to do?
[8] How can I gain by looking at today as the first day of the rest of my life?
[9] What would you like written on my tombstone? What do I plan to do today in that area?
[10] What is important for me to remember today?

Sinara

One year ago today, my best friend died. Sinara was her name. To say that she was special, is more than a gross understatement. Sinara was an actress, comedienne, motivational speaker, writer and friend to hundreds of people. She wrote a book called "Be the Star of Your Own Life," and she was certainly the star of hers! Wherever she went, there was laughter and fellowship and kindness and joy. She made everyone around her better for having known her. Sin, you would have loved this election, and you wouldn't have believed it!

I just took down the book you gave me, "The Power to Write," and opened, by God's plan, to this quote,

"Tell us the details, Pay tribute to all the everyday & extraordinary things..."
-- Natalie Goldberg

You are remembered and loved. Paula

The Inner Travel Journal

Halina Gold has some good book recommendations to revive your spirit. Check out her blog:

http://www.halinagold.net/blog/

Have a Hallmark Day

Do you want to feel good? Find a way to help someone out. Open a door for someone, pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line, give to your favorite charity. At Compassionate Communications, they have partnered with Hallmark to send cards to people hospitalized with life-threatening illnesses. You can even enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope to hear back from the recipient. Be a mensch (a good guy) today! Here's the link:

http://www.compassionatecommunications.com/about

(Sinara -- I know you are looking down -- one year today -- I'm waiting for my sign)! Love, Paula

Maverick ADD

I would highly recommend the book Odd One Out by Jennifer Koretsky for a new look at ADD. You'll find more information about Jennifer's work at: http://www.odd-one-out.net/

Learning

I have been in school since I was three years old which means that I have a lot of years of learning behind me. But, in my mind, I feel that my greatest learning is yet to come. I am what is called a "life-long learner," or someone who keeps studying and learning new things.

I am constantly working on refining my Life Coaching skills, though I find that the process is more art than technique. I use my knowledge of the client, the practice of the theory and modalities of Life Coaching, as set forth by the International Coach Federation, and then something entirely different happens. As I synthesize the information I am hearing, something else takes over and my coaching comes from a place of understanding that defies logic.

This is true in all arts and sciences. First you learn the theory and technique, until you master them. Then, the art takes over the process. Coaching takes on a life of its own. It's not that I don't reframe, or actively listen, or pose powerful questions. It's that the way in which it comes together is, in Jungian terminology, from the "collective unconscious." If I am lucky, or in tune, I am led to "points" which are the real communication behind the words. This is the place where belief, experience and willingness to change all intersect, and where break-throughs occur. Of course, the client has to be ready for the other side of the fence in order to go over the wall. But that is the beauty of coaching -- people, often in short periods of time, go over that wall into the next level.

One thing at a time

Most people look at goals like mountains they have to climb -- today! Since a whole mountain in one day would be a little daunting, to say the least, they stay in their chairs in front of the TV and let the years pass. But every mountain is a series of steps to be climbed -- one at a time. If you can only do one thing today -- do it! Throw out one piece of paper. Make one telephone call. File one piece of paper. But the trick -- or the solution -- is in doing one thing. Because enough individual actions lead to completion of the task, reaching the goal -- getting to the peak of the mountain. Here's to the climb!

A New York Perspective

I'm blogging from one of my favorite cities, although I haven't really been here (except at the airport) in many, many years. My ideas of New York were culled from early Woody Allen movies (BC -- before the catastrophe) and other romantic comedies. New York is always so beautiful, so clean, so..., well, New York. (This, of course, is not counting Al Pacino or Robert DeNiro bloodbaths in the Big Apple).

So, my husband and I were walking around yesterday afternoon (what else do you do here?), when I spotted mounds of garbage bags on the sidewalks. "Why are those here?" I naively asked my better half. "They pick up garbage every day here," he replied. Now, I don't remember seeing bags and bags of trash gracing the sidewalk in "You've Got Mail, " or any other movie with Meg Ryan looking perky in it. Then, it was like, "Oh, of course, what did I think they did with all their garbage from their multitudinous skyscrapers?" I didn't think about it. I didn't think about a lot of things -- like what it would feel like to ride 12 blocks in a cab that was about 1/4" from the next closest vehicle. Or that I would get to speak French every day because this is the summer and Manhattan is filled with tourists and Paris is deserted....I didn't realize how happy I would be to see a few dogs, and how "normal" everyone looked. People in shorts and t-shirts and flip-flops, just like where I live. And then I realized, this is Real New York -- where people live, work, go to Starbuck's, get their mail, and even are interred eventually. (We did walk by the first NY cemetery). And, people were friendly! Of course, most of the people with whom I spoke were tourists, foreigners, actually, but still....In other words, I got a good lesson in "Perspectives in Reality" as I enjoyed all the sights and sounds NY has to offer. I believe in real NY -- and that's a great perspective! Ciao! Paula

Life Coaching 101, Again

There seems to be a sector of Life Coaching, not mine, that is proponent of a "get-rich-quick" mentality. Although I have read about it, seen it, been around it for over thirty years, it is not my metier. I recently received a "free gift" from another life coach. It was a pdf file about something --- but the first sentence was, "Why aren't you rich yet?" I thought this was pretty presumptuous. How does this coach know how much money I have or don't have? And why was she presuming that no one on her mailing list was "rich?" Is she rich? (She didn't say, and she didn't define rich). This is where I part ways with this type of thinking, philosophically. Are you safe, warm enough, food in the frig? A job to go to? Paying your bills? Have a family? Friends? Good Health? A pet? Someone to love? If the answer to any of the above is yes, then in my book, you are rich. In my spiritual tradition (paraphrased) "Successful is the man who is happy with his lot in life." This is not to say that you shouldn't make an effort to further your education, job skills, investing or other means of generating income. But you don't have to be "rich" to be happy, successful or fulfilled. As a Life Coach, I hear many things that people want to do to change their lives. But so far, no one has said they want to be rich. If you truly want to be financially well-off, that is a whole different Oprah. Don't let anyone shame you when it comes to money. Your money is between you, God and the IRS. And let it stand at that for now. My best to you all.

By Design

How would it be to "do" life through the perspective of living "By Design?" Living by design is simply designing and creating a life -- consciously, one decision at a time. Designing a life is similar to designing a logo, designing a new living room, designing a swimming pool. Designing involves conceiving, conceptualizing, sketching out, creating a plan, trying out different swatches of color, until the right combination of factors coalesces into a finished product, into a realized dream. Designing, like life, is often a process of trial and error. But designing involves conscious decision, thinking and acting. Designing your life can be creating something that you want, using the resources and resourcefulness that you have. One kind word, one brave deed, one thoughtful action can change a world. Design your world.

It's Over

I actually had a great time! The food was great, the friendship the best, the event better than expected. I wore a long coat and a blanket and I was fine! (Other people were out there in shorts). There were a few unexpected surprises. An audience member had brought his/her cat in a carrier, apparently, so the cat meowed during the event. (I thought it was cute -- can't speak for the other attendees). It was a very nice evening -- one I'm glad I attended. One thing really stood out to me -- the friendliness of the people. That made the night.

What Did You Expect?

A friend emailed us and asked if we wanted to go to a social event. It was a cultural event, involved dinner, and a patronage feature. Thinking it sounded great, I was all for it. We paid for the tickets and went on with our lives. When the day of the event arrived, I realized that ; 1) It was outdoors and I was expected to wear a dress; 2) It would be freezing cold; and, 3) The event would last about 6 hours. (And, the reviews were lukewarm to boot). But we were commited. We had paid, made plans with friends and were expected to show up. Also, I hadn't factored in the drive -- an hour each way. Now, I could always bring a coat and a blanket, and leave before the end, but I got to thinking about what had gone through my mind at the time I made the decision. It sounded like fun, I figured it was summer and would be "kind of" warm out, and that it was for a good cause. But, I realized, that this event, like many things, sound great in the abstract. There were other factors to consider here as well -- maybe it was just my attitude. Maybe it would be fun, that I would like it more than the reviewer had. Maybe there would be interesting people there, or business contacts. Maybe there were lessons to be had. What (besides the cold) made me change my attitude from excitement to dread? I'll let you know when it's over.

LIfe Coaching -- Reality Check

How do you decide on a Life Coach? You've seen a million websites, read all about coaching, even taken advantage of some free trial sessions. But how can you know for sure? You can't. You have to trust your gut, after speaking to a prospective coach, that he or she is the one for you. It is a very subjective decision. Unlike other fields, like medicine or law or teaching, life coaching, a relatively new field, is not yet regulated by the government. But are there things to look for? Definitely! No real life coach promises anything. How can he/she when it is the client who determines the agenda, makes the commitments and takes the action? But, you might want to find out if your coach-to-be walks the walk. Is your coach on time, at an appropriate weight, paying his or her bills, living his or her dreams? Is it fair to ask these questions? Can't someone help you when they cannot help themselves? (After all, how many food critics are chefs)? These are questions you will have to consider for yourself. When I was choosing my Life Coach, I started out with two. Both were very nice, and helpful. But the one I chose was one I felt was more compatible with my lifestyle and closer geographically, in case I ever wanted to meet her. I stay in touch with the other one -- she is very sweet-- but my life coach has taken me places I never dreamed I could go in the coaching process. And I hope that I do the same for my clients, as well

Traveling Lite

I am actually going out of town without my computer. It can be done. My husabnd assures me that I can make it 28 hours without going online. After all, we've done it before, haven't we? The good thing is that, for the first time, I am going on a trip where I didn't buy any new clothes, and I am traveling very light. It is a relief -- going simple. The best thing I'm taking is a nylon Baggallini tote bag that will serve as a shopping bag (first call to duty), pool bag, cosmetics bag and/or purse. It has shoulder straps and a zippered pouch in front big enough for cell phone, keys and lipstick. And, in the event, it's not needed (not likely), it folds up neatly into a small bag that fits into a suitcase. Have a great weekend and remember, keep it simple! Coach Paula

If You Build It, They Will Come

If I didn't believe it before, I do now. I Googled myself, and my Blog and my LinkedIn membership came up. I have been working on this, and it has been happening. When you are selling a service, like Believe and Achieve Coaching, you are selling yourself. You are selling everything about yourself that you have to give. Life Coaching is about helping others make their dreams come true. And in practicing this profession, one is modeling the very same phenomena. In order to coach, you have to be able to produce results in your own life. This is one place where you have to walk the talk. Please visit my Bridal Coaching blog, perfectbridalcoaching.blogspot.com to see what is happening on the bridal front! Have a great day! Coach Paula

Paul Potts Inspires and Wins! Vincero!

This is a video of Paul Potts, winner of last year's Britain's Got Talent. Paul beat the odds and proved the truism that "Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." --Desiderata

Believe and Achieve It -- Your Way

Today I spent most of my time on the computer getting things done. It is truly amazing that most of my personal and business affairs are now handled online. I don't have to drive, park, buy gas, or any of it. I just sit here and type or click. But it took time to get to this stage in the game. (And I don't want to give the impression that I don't go out of the house). One thing I needed to manage in my life was my time. And I was able to do that by handling so many "errands" online. It has made all the other parts of living -- going out, exercising, working -- so much more enjoyable. I believed that it was possible -- and you can, too. Find what will make you comfortable. And give yourself a break today. You deserve it!

Believe and Achieve -- And Take Action

Many years ago, I went to a talk by a metaphysical speaker. He was a dynamic, charismatic man, and I was expecting to hear about snake oil, or other miracles around at the time....But instead, I heard something I have never forgotten...

The gentleman was talking about what you need to do if you want to get to the other side of the street. To paraphrase him loosely, he said, "You can't affirm your way to the other side, you can't meditate your way to the other side, you can't visualize your way to the other side -- you have to walk across the street." (Now, don't tell me someone could carry you across, the wind could blow you across in some midwestern states, or that a bald eagle could swoop down, grab you in its beak and fly you to the other side). You know what I am saying -- Walk across the street to get to the other side -- take action! Action leads to action leads to results!

Life Coaching is all about taking action. More later -- I've got things to do!

Life Coaching 101

"I forgot my briefcase at the airport," the client says. But this time he wasn't in a panic. He had placed an extra (yes, extra) cell phone in his briefcase. He had made copies of all his important documents and had sent them home to himself by FedX. And he had his name, address and phone number all over the inside of the briefcase. "Why?" you ask. Because this gentleman has Adult ADD and he forgets things all the time. But now, through Life Coaching, he has some strategies to deal with personal organizing other than beating himself up. When he gets his wake-up call at a hotel, he has the operator remind him to make sure he has his phone, his pager, his keys and anything else pertinent to the trip. He turns his cell phone off at the gate, so he can concentrate on the boarding process. With all the noise and tumult, he really has to pay attention. Before boarding, he gets rid of any extraneous hand-held items such as his coffee and newspaper, and he secures his main cell phone in a pocket where he can feel it. He has learned to board in peace. The reason he forgot his briefcase: He was helping a new mother who was balancing an infant, a toddler and all their handheld luggage!

Note: This is a Life Coaching Case Study I wrote: It does not reflect any information from any client of mine.

Pollyanna Rules!

Yes, It's hot. It's summer. It's supposed to be hot. Now that we have all agreed, let's move on and celebrate the heat! It's warm at night -- we can go for a walk. We can go to the beach every day and we don't need to wear boots and mittens....

My point: It's all about your perspective -- or mine, should I say. Since I am the only experiencer in my universe, I choose to see the good. I choose to be like Pollyanna!

Why? Because by choosing a positive outlook, I am choosing happiness. I am choosing a boosted immune system, boosted energy, boosted enthusiasm, boosted joy! If you don't believe it, try it. Give it 30 days.

Try the 30-Day Boost! Buy a small notebook. For 30 days, keep a Journal of all the great things that are happening in your life. A check in the mail? Write it in your Journal. A baby smiles at you? Write it in your Journal.

At the end of 30 days, look back and smile. You are having a good life!

I find lately that syncronicity is borne out of a joyful enthusiasm. It's like a wildfire of poppies spreading across a hill in beautiful, living color. Since I have been Life Coaching, I find that the inspiring readings, YouTube videos, stories and events that have been the cornerstone of my own motivational experiences are expanding. It is as if there is a Universal Consciousness wanting to embrace the joy within, the joy of reaching goals, the joy of teaching and inspiring others. It is a tremendous form of energy this consciousness. I invite you to look at what inspires your bliss and to follow it!

Underway

Believe and Achieve Coaching offers a number of services:

* Life Coaching
* Mentoring
* Consulting
* Teaching
* Training
* Public Speaking

All services are based upon the premise that what you believe determines your ability to achieve what you want. This doesn't mean that if you believe you will win the lottery the money is yours. It is not that simplistic!

Believe and Achieve means holding a resourceful, open, confident mindset, and using your God-given talents to work towards your goals. You still need intelligence, perseverance and hard work to achieve your goals. This system offers a paradigm of belief in the possibility of success in any endeavor as a starting point.

Recently, I met someone whose husband is an astronaut who has walked in space. True story. How many astronauts are there? Not many relative to the numbers of people in other professions! How many have walked in space? Very few. She told me that her husband saw the Moon Landing when he was nine years old and decided then and there that he wanted to be an astronaut. So, every decision he made subsequent to that, from the age of nine, supported that goal. He researched the education he would have to have. As a teenager, he learned to fly a plane. He studied engineering. He joined the military. Each action he took brought him one step closer to his goal. There was no magic there. There was the belief in the possibility that being an astronaut was an achievable goal and the willingness to pursue the preparation, planning and hard work it took to make the dream a realilty.

If you want to get to the moon, you have to reach for the stars, so to speak. Intention, focus, determination and hard work fuel the abililty to stick to it. Enthusiasm borne of passion is the fuel which keeps you going in the face of frustration and doubt. Hold onto your dreams and keep working towards them. You too will fly!

How I Did It In 25 Words or Less

I just started doing it. I wanted to be a Life Coach. I watched Paul Potts on YouTube about four times a day for three weeks (really longer), I enrolled in school, and then it happened. I started coaching External Clients on a pro-bono basis, as part of my training, and it snowballed from there. I'm probably at more than 25 words, but, in reality, the kind of reality I wanted to experience, I had to create the dream. And that is what I teach, support and coach. There is no magic formula. If you want to cross the street, you can wish all you want, affirm all you want and meditate all you want -- but in order to get to the other side -- you have to cross the street. This means one thing: You must take action. And keep your attention focused on what you want to achieve. Believing is the backdrop or the platform -- but without intention, focus and action, belief doesn't amount to much. When you start to believe it's possible, then follow that with intention, focus and action, results follow. And energy and synchronicity seem to magically appear. But it's not magic -- it's the way you have created it to happen. Intention is a very powerful form of thought...More about that later. If you have a great story of how your intention led to your dream, please share it here!