Baby, You're a Firework!

What a splendid day; the last of 2010! Count your blessings and celebrate your success.For those of you who are not sure what to celebrate or what to dream of as a new year comes round, perhaps you need a little motivation. This song, by Katy Perry, is a wonderful reminder of the spark that is in all of us. Let 2011 be the year you let your shine through! Baby, you’re a firework!



For details on Personal Motivation Packages and the workshop, Embrace Your Potential™ coming to St. John’s, contact Lisa Quinton, Professional Motivator through her website.

On a personal note, I’d like to extend thanks to all who check in with my blog and my business, Connections for Success. I look forward to helping you define and execute your vision of success in 2011. To my family and friends, a most sincere debt of gratitude for the support you have shown me. One of the keys to a successful execution is a strong community and I will always be appreciative of those people who believe in my potential and encourage me to shine.

Yours in possibility,

Lisa

Boxing Day - A Sigh of Relief

When you think about how you spend your time leading up to the BIG DAY and then the day itself, much of it seems like a blur. You make your list; you fight the traffic; you shop and shop and shop; you wrap; and then you hope and pray that what you bought will be received and NOT returned or tossed aside. You drag your tired butt to the obligatory family events, go to church, eat turkey. And, just like that, the kids have passed out from too much electronic stimulation and candy canes, and Christmas is OVER!

Is that how it is at your place? How do you feel today now that all the fuss is over?

Most people don’t work on Boxing Day (save the wonderful souls in retail). We can sleep in and do whatever we want without the strict demands of the previous few weeks. With Boxing Day comes a big sigh of relief from those who have to muster up the courage to ‘survive’ another holiday with the family. If you are one of these people, I congratulate you for making it through another year.

My view of Christmas is much like any other festive time... I make it last for as long as I can!!! I am a celebrator by nature and revel in the spirit of giving that makes Christmas such a special time of year. I still love the change in energy that comes with Boxing Day. It is a quiet day that makes me reflect on past Christmases and how, each year, my experience changes because of choices I have made. I am aware, however, that many people get completely mesmerized with the hustle and bustle of this time of year and need a little reminder [from The Grinch]:“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

The day after Christmas has always seemed to capture more of the true meaning of the season than another other. Boxing Day is one to relax, spend quiet time alone, or surround yourself with friends – basically, it is a day that is all about doing what you want to do – in alignment with your vision of success. Today is the breath of fresh air you’ve been awaiting ever since the Christmas frenzy began. Enjoy it! And remember, every day can be like Boxing Day if you choose to create it.

For help creating your vision of success, contact Lisa Quinton, Professional Motivator.

The Spirit of Giving

My grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Jeans, passed away last Sunday at the age of 89. The eulogy, delivered by my father, described how her generosity would be remembered and, in fact, has been passed on in her large family. She was a ‘giver’ all of her life and what she has given me and my 37 first cousins to pass along to our children, are the memories of a strong woman who loved life and always shared what she had with others. I described her to my daughter as ‘the original Ms. Independent’. She led a very active and social life up into her early eighties when a stroke took that independence, and her ability to speak, away.

Although we are fast approaching Christmas, the subject has barely crossed the lips of the relatives I have been visiting this week. Despite homes being decorated and cards arriving in the mail, not one person has asked me if I’ve got all my shopping done; no one has asked the children what Santa is bringing. It seems our minds are focused on ‘more important’ things. Ironically, we were actually experiencing the true spirit of Christmas as we shared good times together, reminiscing and making plans to stay in touch.

Last week, I had a similar experience when I was in Montreal to attend the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. I was caught in the whirlwind of activities, sessions, presentations, and networking from the time I arrived up until the plane left the tarmac, bound for home. As I overheard strangers on the plane chatting about the holidays, I realized that it hadn’t even come up at the convention. This was remarkable because I had been in the presence of some of the most generous professionals I had ever met. The spirit of giving was ever-present, just as it was this week as we laid my grandmother to rest.

Has the true meaning of Christmas surrounded you at home, at work, at play, and at peace? You may not recognize it if you are looking in the wrong places. The spirit of giving isn’t something that you can find at a store, wrap up and put under a tree. It’s found when you open your heart and give of yourself. Let your light shine through: a kind word, a helping hand or a batch of freshly baked tea buns goes a long way toward creating a legacy of giving – one that can be celebrated all year round. Thank you, Nan Jeans, for the inspiration.

The Search for Authenticity

As I read, I am often inspired by words that provoke reflection on my personal journey in search of my authentic self. Today was no different as I came across the following quote from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach: “The search for authenticity is like living on a fault line; you never know when the earth is going to move beneath your feet.”

Here in Newfoundland & Labrador, an earthquake of sorts was felt amongst all people when Premier Danny Williams announced his retirement after more than a decade in public life. People are shocked and bewildered. Along with well wishes for his future endeavours, there are murmurs of fear... What will become of us now?

These same limiting beliefs haunt all of us who embark on life changing journeys into the unknown. It is imperative that we keep our minds focussed on our vision of success so we may continue to be motivated to move forward and make choice that are in alignment with that vision, even when we are shaken by unexpected events. We must stand firm, proud and determined to succeed. That is the way Danny Williams led the government and people of Newfoundland & Labrador. It is a legacy to be respected and honoured.

Let those words resonate with your soul as you move forward and create a new reality that reflects your personal vision of success. Be proud. Be determined. The search for authenticity can be a bumpy road with unexpected twists and turns, and even major chasms that test your resolve and provide an excuse for you to give up hope. It can also be an opportunity for you to rise to the challenge and be an inspiration to everyone around you. As Marianne Williamson so eloquently reminds us, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Thank you, Premier Williams, for inspiring the people of our province to follow your lead and step into authenticity. God bless.

Got Ecstasy?

As I write this title, I realize there could be many connotations of this word, ecstasy. Well, now that I have your attention, read on, considering these wonderful words from Emily Dickinson as inspiration to Embrace Your Potential: "The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience."

In her fantastic book, Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach describes the ecstatic experience as “what excites us or moves us to tears, what makes the blood rush to our head, our hearts skip a beat, our knees shaky, and our souls sigh”. When I read this today, I was inspired to share my thoughts and check in with my readers just to see how they are doing on their journey of Living in Possibility.

My life is a busy one filled with different lines of business, volunteer work, family commitments, a wide circle of friends who keep my social life hopping, and serious commitment to myself for me-time. I am a high energy person who is always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences to cultivate and enhance the level of passion and purpose in my life.

On my journey, I have found myself challenged to find others whose lives include, as a major purpose, the search for ecstasy. With this in mind, I decided to take this dilemma to the streets (aka ‘cyberspace’) and ask:

When you think about your life, do you see much expression of ecstasy?

Are you inspired by a purpose that brings you feelings of ecstasy on a regular basis?

Do the mere thoughts of your existence and the possibilities that lie ahead leave you shaking in your boots and wanting to scream and shout?

If you have answered, Yes, please call me! If you have answered, No, call me, too. As a Professional Motivator, I help individuals and organizations define and execute their vision of success. I can help you create ecstasy at home, at work, at play, and at peace. All you have to do is ask. Check in with my through my website: http://embracingpotential.com.

Sing Out Loud!

My beautiful 9-year-old daughter Sydney asked me tonight I was ever in Choir. I was putting her to bed with the four songs I’ve been singing to her over the past 6 years: Hush Little Baby; You are my Sunshine; I Love you, You Love Me; and Twinkle, Twinkle. It’s not much of a repertoire but it has held us in good stead and created a special moment for us each night. It the midst of change, tradition is nice, too.

I asked her why she wanted to know. She said, “Because you are a really good singer, Mom.” Now, those of you who know me really well are probably doing what I was doing: mouth, first agape, turned into a big smile and then I replied, “Well, honey. That is really nice of you to say. In fact, I was in choir once, and I was asked not to sing too loudly because I was off-key.” I went on to explain how difficult it was to hear that message as a child particularly because I loved to sing. I told her that I held on to that judgment of me for the remainder of my days.

My daughter hears me sing all of the time: when I’m getting ready in the morning, as I drive her to school, when I’m making dinner, and when I tuck her in. I have always been a singer – but one with no training and, as I have come to believe, no tune. I realized that when I sing, I sing because I love to sing and that’s it. And that’s what she sees. I’m not doing it for the praise. I gave up on that years ago. I told her the story of elementary music teacher who would call attendance by singing, “Lisa Payne” and I had to repeatedly, with great pains, respond in sing-song, “Here I am!” over and over until she finally moved on someone else who, clearly, sang it much better than I. Recalling this tonight and sharing this story with Sydney was the premise of a great conversation about giving over our power. I reminded her (it was not the first such chat) that, in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

For all the Sydneys out there who are just starting out in life and for all the adults out there yearning to Embrace Your Potential, let’s Sing Out Loud!!!

Tonight I am most grateful for Sydney and her brother, Joel, who have always thought I was the best singer (and mother) in the world. They are my inspiration and my greatest teachers.

Get Out There!

“What a wonderful day for a walk,” I declared on my facebook status. It is true. There’s hardly a breath of wind and the sun is beaming down, warming the air to a nice 10 degree Celsius. The trees around the city are starting to change colors and there is a spring in everyone’s step that a beautiful Friday in autumn can guarantee.

I thought this morning about how important it is to “get out there” – both literally and figuratively. Physical exercise in the great outdoors does wonders for the body, mind and spirit. I outta know. After being held hostage by my body for the last several months, I find a pleasure in even the most leisurely stroll in the park because of how it makes me feel. It is amazing how much you miss your ‘freedom’ once it is taken away. Now that my knee has healed fully (ironically, my MRI is scheduled for next week!) and I have recovered from a lung infection, I am enjoying nature’s beauty at every turn. Even on days when the weather is not so inviting, I have enjoyed listening to the sound of the rain as the wind shakes the house and reminds me to be grateful for a warm house.

In order to Embrace your Potential, you really do need to Get out There. It is the message behind the 5 Keys to a Successful Execution of your personal vision of success. It is only in action that you can facilitate change in your life. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone today. BE different than you were yesterday. DO something that stretches your knowledge, skills and abilities. What you will HAVE, will be in alignment with your vision.

You newfound clarity will cause your confidence to soar and reinforce your commitment. It will make those choices easier next time around. Surround yourself with a community who will support you and celebrate your victories. Soon, you’ll be changing old habits without a second thought. It is amazing how quickly your world can change when you decide to Get out There. Let’s aim to make those changes for the better!

If you have fears about Getting out There, drop me a line through my website: htt://embracingpotential.com. I’d love to motivate you through the 5 Steps to Embrace Your Potential.

Patience is Indeed a Virtue

When was the last time you had to exercise patience? I mean real, honest-to-goodness patience. Has your mind ever been so preoccupied with the wanting and the waiting that you are unable to focus on the present moment, the task at hand?

I stand guilty as charged. I have always struggled with patience because I am most always in action! I have been a doer all of my life and it is a very hard habit to break. I make things happen – for me and for others around me. The development of this virtue called patience has been a steep learning curve for me but it is one that I have undertaken in my quest to define and execute my personal vision of success. The frustrating thing is that just when I seem to have gotten the knack, the Universe comes out, guns a-blazing, with a wicked big test for me! And today, I failed.

That is my confession. Trying to justify my desire to have what I want right now, I ask: Is it possible that impatience can be seen in a good light? I mean, I’m not ranting and raving, pacing the floors, or being destructive. I just want things to happen now. Is there anybody out there who can relate to me????


Over the past few years, I have really been working at developing FAITH which I believe to be highly related to patience. I truly believe that the Universe has a great plan in mind for me and that everything is as it should be. There are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason. It’s just that sometimes, like today, I forget… my ego rises and I forget that I don’t have all the answers and that I don’t know what it best. My over-eager and intense personality gets all excited with plans and options and lists and diagrams and, … sigh! Alright Ego, time to go meditate!


I like this quote by Corazon Aquino because it allows for some (of my natural) spunk in the midst of allowing forces outside our control to shape our future: “Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”

My friends, as you move forward on your journey to Embrace Your Potential, I trust that you will learn the virtue of patience. As you define your personal vision of success, the Universe will conspire to bring you everything you desire. Trust that it will unfold naturally and beautifully. Benjamin Franklin said, “He that can have Patience, can have what he will.” Living in Possibility is all about believing in your ability to attract what you desire. Let the intensity for doing drift away and replace it with an intense way of being – that is, live fully in the present moment and everything else will take care of itself.

Giving Thanks for Lessons Learned

On this Thanksgiving Day, a few things happened that triggered me, tempting me to respond with old patterns that are not in alignment with my vision of success. Perhaps you had one of those moments, too. On a day that is supposed to be all about giving thanks, it seems ironic to be tested by the people and situations that we would rather just GO AWAY. Let’s try to be thankful for the lessons that we have learned thus far because we have all the tools we need to Embrace our Potential.

When you find yourself triggered by a situation or by something ‘you-know-who’ had said to you, I encourage you to PAUSE. This 5 step process can yield incredible transformation in your daily life. The 5 Step to Embrace Your Potential as reviewed in many of blog posts and newsletter is a sure fire way to become more aware of your patterns and to start breaking them down in a way that will leave you empowered to create success as you define it. It will affect how you feel about yourself because it changes the way to perceive the words and the person behind them. As Wayne Dyer says, “Change the way you look at and the things you look at change.” Truer words were never spoken.

The next time you are about to react or repeat destructive patterns, remember to PAUSE:

P – Get Present. Take a breath. Remove yourself physically from the situation or at least count to 10 in your head. Call a trusted friend

A – Accept what is. What are the facts of this situation? Let go of the meaning you are giving it. Ask yourself, “How would an outsider perceive it?”

U – Understand the lesson. Why does this pattern recur for you? What are you meant to learn? Maybe it’s time to change how you are BEING.

S – See what is possible. Visualize what you would like the outcome to be. How do you define success? Get clear on what you really want.

E – Execute your vision of success. Change the way you are BEING. It will influence what you DO. You will HAVE different results and they will be in alignment with your vision. Embrace your Potential!!

Need help changing your patterns? Contact me at http://embracingpotential.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sign UP for Life!

Following a leisurely summer, September brings about old patterns and routines. We get used to seeing the same people, working in the same environment, and doing the same activities. Whether you are active or not, you may be experiencing some resistance as you settle back in to familiar habits, because many do not really serve you. If you are feeling tired, sluggish, unmotivated, know that you are not alone. Help is at hand… however, you must SIGN UP!

This month’s newsletter will delve into the notion of Creating Heaven on Earth and will give you some direction if you are feeling overwhelmed or just plain stuck. So yes, sign up for the newsletter at my website http://embracingpotential.com but also, sign up for LIFE! It is meant to be lived and now is the perfect time to get going!

This month I have experienced significant change personally and professionally. There have been challenges to my relationships, work and health. A greater level of consciousness has helped me tremendously as I ‘snap out’ of difficult situations and choose to embrace my potential. It’s your time now!

If you need help working through this process, visit my website http://embracingpotential.com and get in touch. Look for upcoming events and get connected to my newsletter where you find monthly motivational tips.

The Winds of Change

Ahh… there’s nothing like a full line of laundry blowing in a brisk breeze. This week, Hurricane Igor certainly blew his almighty gale through Newfoundland & Labrador and lucky for me, the only impact I had to endure personally is the washing of extra bedsheets because of our overnight guests who had no power at their own homes for several days.

With the kids back to school (following an unexpected 3-day break due to power outages), I had some quiet time to tidy, shop for groceries and do the piles of laundry. As I gazed peacefully at the blankets whipping away on the clothesline, the sight of a moving truck reminded me that today was a significant anniversary in my life.

Six years ago, today, the winds of change blew me to this house. It is a place where I have lived in possibility. I have many wonderful memories here. What a wonderful thing to be able to say! But that’s what this home purchase was about – creating a new life that is full of laughter and love. While the decision was initially difficult, I have faced others since that make me realize how strong I am and how I have the power to create the life that I want. It may have been my biggest leap at the time, I have more to come… and in the very near future!

I have expressed my gratitude on many levels this week. Today I am grateful for the wind – the past, the present and the future – it is Mother Nature’s motivator.

Where are the winds of change blowing you? Do you have the courage to take the leap of faith to Embrace Your Potential? Keep in touch through my website http://www.embracingpotential.com or on facebook and twitter if you need a Professional Motivator. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, too. The next installment is coming out next week!

Life Favours the Brave

I sent my kids off to school this morning – their first days in junior high and elementary school – reminding them to BE brave! As they are my biggest inspiration, they got me thinking how ESSENTIAL bravery is to our personal growth.

Being brave is critical to Embracing Potential. Part of the process is to uncover your biggest fears, pay tribute to them because they brought you to today, and move through them. Tap into your inner power and Live in Possibility.

You are no different than my children. You were there once, too. As scary as starting a new grade can be, when you summon your courage, the nervous energy turns into excitement because you KNOW you have the power to create your reality. Such is the way of life, and love.

Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, wrote, “A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.” I believe I have born witness to both ends of this spectrum. I have seen how truly the brave demonstrate love and how the cowardly fail. LOVE is a game that is not for the faint of heart. It is, indeed, a contact sport. It requires practice, skill, commitment and courage. … that is obvious by the wreckage a weakly played game can leave in its wake. I am blessed to see love wherever I go these days. I am bearing witness to love WITHIN me and now I see it withOUT. This is lesson I pass on to my children, and to you.

BE love and you will find love. BE brave and you will be rewarded.

Lesson Learned.

A New (Academic) Year of Possibility

Happy New Year! That’s how the start of the traditional academic year has always felt to me… a fresh start; the beginning of a whole new year of possibility! Now that my work is no longer tied to this calendar, I live in this fervor vicariously through my children. I am sooo excited for what lies ahead for them as they venture off to unchartered territory – junior high and elementary grades.

While neither is changing schools, they are both advancing to grades 7 and 4 which alter their “classification” in academia. Interestingly, it is probably the last thing on their minds. They are excited (well, one more than the other) and little bit nervous (again, one more than the other) about the upcoming year. As a Professional Motivator, it is really easy for me to slip into the role of coach and talk them through their fears. Since I am first and foremost their mother, this is exactly what I did tonight as we enjoyed our last dinner before the big day.

I talked to the kids just like I would a client who is making New Year’s Resolutions. We reviewed the progress they had made since this time last year and we congratulated each other (yes, me, too!) on how far we had come. We brainstormed on what would make this year THE BEST YEAR EVER for each of them – a desk by the window, A’s on the report card, a speaking part in the class play, chess club (my kids are SOOO different). Then we wrote statements about how they would have to BE in order to DO what is necessary to HAVE what they wanted. Hey! This is starting to sound like my workshop activity! We have plans to create vision boards on the weekend when we have more time – I just thought of doing this when we were seated at the dinner table tonight and I took a PAUSE (amazing what brilliance can be found in silence). Tonight when I tuck them in, I’m going to sneak in a little creative visualization so they can really get a clear picture of what they want this year to be like.

Throughout the year, we’ll regroup and review the vision board, have another look at the resolutions that we made, and continually focus on how we are being so that we can have the best year possible. I am excited for them; I am excited for us as a family. I wish you and yours the same level of joy that I am experiencing in this moment. Live in Possibility, my friends! Lesson Learned.


If you need any help embracing your potential during the school year or otherwise, please contact me through my website http://embracingpotential.com

The Universe is Conspiring on Your Behalf

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

We have all heard the expression that bad things happen in threes. As an eternal optimist, I tend not to think about the Universe as ominous but as omnipotent. I believe there is a greater plan “out there” than what I have conceived in my own mortal mind. It has taken me nearly 40 years to rediscover that sense of awe about the workings of the Universe that I had when I was a child. I have become a witness to the development of my faith; my ability to remain “the observer” is being honed every day and I have been rewarded with a greater level of consciousness that brings me joy each day.

Whenever something crosses my path three times within a short period of time, I act. Seems a bit like superstition, doesn’t it? The difference is that I am Living in Possibility – not fear. In the past, I have received multiple messages about books and movies; I have promptly reviewed them, always with great delight. That’s a pretty simple way to acknowledge the Universe’s nudge to do something specific. What I am noticing of late, is that these messages are showing up about people and places. I am acutely aware when successive references about the same person, business, or destination – seemingly unrelated – cross my path. While I may not know the reason, I acknowledge their presence and move through it, allowing the good to find me. Now, after taking action on a couple of places and people, I wait patiently to see what gift the Universe will present next.

To learn more about messages from the Universe, join me [in the audience, this time!] in St. John’s for an AMAZING event. Mike Dooley, author and featured contributor to The Secret, will be speaking at the Arts & Culture Centre in St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador on Sept 14, 2010. To book tickets, go to www.intuneinspirations.com.

I encourage YOU to keep your eyes, ears and heart open. Live in Possibility!

Lesson Learned.

Life is in Session!

I watched a new chick flick last night called “The Switch” where Jennifer Aniston states “Life is in session!” and she’s not prepared to sit on the sidelines any more. This statement was remarkably in alignment with the topic of my fifth newsletter issued yesterday entitled “Just Do It!” For those of you who haven’t yet subscribed to my monthly eNews, follow the link on my website: http://embracinpotential.com.

When it comes to moving forward, it is your fear that you must conquer. Having many experiences with this myself, I know too well how fear can keep you playing small. Another film tackling this theme, released last month, is Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts. While the movie doesn’t have near the depth of the amazing memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Julia’s three I’s (Italy, India, and Indonesia) provide her with a process to move forward. If you know anything Elizabeth’s journey, it is pretty clear she is now embracing her potential!

I had 3 I’s myself this summer: inactivity, isolation and introspection (more detail in newsletter). They were followed by inspiration and innovation. I could probably come up with other I’s as my creativity has returned and I feel like I’m a writing machine; my point is this: When you find yourself lacking what is necessary to move forward, remember that Life is in Session – it waits for no one. YOU have the power to change your reality but it takes resolve and resilience. The good thing is… it’s all inside you just waiting to be called forth.

Whatever your biggest fear, move through it now. Find people to support you in the process, use all your stores of courage and confidence, and execute your vision of success. I love Robin Sharma’s quote so much I put in on my facebook status this week: "Your next level of excellence is hidden behind your next level of resistence." Overcome the fear and amazing opportunities will open up for you!

A big shout out to all my friends who have moved through their fears and are getting married, getting engaged, and getting it on!! As my happily engaged friend Lynn said: “Life is short ... Live it up, Laugh it up, and most importantly LOVE it up!!

Lesson Learned.

Managing Crises with PAUSE

I have realized that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she reacts when a household appliance breaks down. Think back… I am sure you can remember an incident… the washing machine, the hot water tank, the dishwasher, the barbecue…

You may respond, “ But it’s NORMAL to fly off the handle, to curse, to blame your spouse, to throw things, to hit the wall, to stew for three days, to worry about the money, to be wary of appliances in general, to call the company to complain, to... .” You get the picture. You KNOW the picture. Perhaps you are speaking for yourself OR - as I have found myself doing many times in the past - speaking for someone else.

Perhaps it is “normal”. My question is this: Do you want to be normal if it drives up your blood pressure and/or drives your spouse out the door? Do you want to be normal if it creates so much tension in the house that you can cut it with a knife? Do you want to be normal if your partner has to walk on eggshells around you because he or she never knows how you will respond (or, rather, he or she KNOWS how you will respond and would prefer to avoid it!)? Who wants to be normal when normal does more damage than good? In the end, the appliance is still broken and, now your relationship may be, too.

I suggest you PAUSE. “Normal” has never led to greatness. Choose greatness! Embrace Your Potential!

To learn more about managing crises - household or otherwise - contact Lisa to find out about her fall offerings. http://www.embracingpotential.com

The Hardest Part of Love is Letting Go

Do you remember this song from the 80s? I do. But it’s not the kind of love I’m talking about… no, I’m writing a book about THAT kind of love… wait for it! Today, however, is about the love of a mother for her child, that double-edge sword of unconditional love. Why on earth would I call it that? Well, if your son was turning 12 like mine is today, I think you would know that answer.

I had never experienced anything like it before or since that moment, 6:08PM on August 4, 1998 when my son, Joel Anthony was born. There can never be words to describe the rush of love that comes from the heavens and envelops your soul and stays with you forever. That is a blessing for which I am grateful every day of my life. The difficult part of this is that children grow up… they become independent and no longer need you like they did when they were babies. Their independence changes everything. I am beginning to experience this and it is scary and a little sad.

If I get beyond the emotion (after I have my obligatory Joel’s-birthday-meltdown cry) I see that it’s really similar to other changes that I’ve survived – really, it’s about the changing role of parenting. It’s really about Letting Go. My duties and responsibilities are changing and, if I hold too tightly, things will probably get rough; if I try to go with the flow and adjust my responses in a more organic way, things may continue to be a smooth as they have been for the past 12 years.

I have no crystal ball and I really don’t know what I will be called upon to face as Mom to Joel Anthony but I do know one thing: I will forever be conscious of the gift I have been given and cherish every moment I have him in my life and because I love him, I will learn to let go (within reason, of course, because I am still his mother).

What Does It All Mean?

When bad things happen to good people we wonder, “What does it all mean?” We search for answers. We drive ourselves crazy looking for the lessons to be learned. Funny, we don’t normally do the same when GOOD things happen. We just accept that this is the way things should be. We have a sense of entitlement and naturally EXPECT that good things will happen to us. Most times, we don’t even acknowledge the good. We don’t pay tribute to the gifts in our lives.

Why is it that we can trust that all is as it should be when everything is running smoothly but when the arse falls of out ‘er, we panic? (That’s a Newfoundland expression but I’m guessing my intelligent readers will get the proper gist.) Ah… this is where the learning is needed and some would concur that this is why bad things continue to happen… because we are NOT learning the lesson!

We must trust that all things that happen to us and around us are happening for a reason. There is a greater plan that we may not yet understand – perhaps we never will. We must remember to look upon the universe and its great sense of humour with awe and just get out of the way. Sometimes we have to leave well enough alone and not look so hard for the meaning. It will show up when we are ready.

A Healthy Start

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Honeselty, I never really understood the science behind that statement, but I have always been a healthy breakfast person and can’t function beyond 10:00am without food. My take on it is that you are setting a solid nutritional foundation for the day – treating your body like a temple by giving it what it needs to perform.

Today starts the beginning of another work week. It is a Magnificent Monday and, following a healthy breakfast, I give myself what I need to embrace my potential. Keeping my Vision of Success in mind, I begin this Mondays planning my week: at home, at work, at play and at peace.

• I plan my meals for the week so I’ll make healthy food choices (most of the time – it is summer, after all) when I’m alone and with the children;

• I schedule lunch and coffee with friends I haven’t seen in a while;


• I commit to daily exercise whether it be a hike with a friends, a solo trek in the park, a bike ride with the kids or some serious dancing;

• I ensure there is ample time allotted to accomplish my work objectives – those things that must be completed this week in order to keep my project moving on track and within budget;


• I book meetings with new acquaintances who are certain to become important people in my business network;

• I confirm a special outing with my children where we will help a friend celebrate his book launch: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131125776923224&ref=mf

• I carve out ‘play time’ on the weekend to celebrate several milestones with a great friend and colleague but aim, as part of my Vision, to incorporate play (i.e., for me: music, fun, laughter) in as many activities as I can throughout the week.


• I know that a part of each day will be spent in solitude to continuous to nurture my soul… walks in the woods, time at the beach, reading, meditating, writing.
Ahhh… glad I took that PAUSE. Lesson Learned

Out with the Old

It seems like I’ve been de-cluttering for several months now. Perhaps as I move into my forties – a new phase in my life – this ‘clearing out’ is a necessary part of transformation: Out with the old to make room for the new. I think so.

When I am surrounded by clutter it can actually FEEL heavy… I suppose all the stuff absorbs energy and I can feel it sucking the life-force from me. Have you ever felt like this? Clutter is one of my triggers that I am getting overwhelmed. When I am too busy with projects and activities, my environment reflects it and I know that it is time to slow down!

In order to get through the process – which always seems SO impossible in the beginning – I will use my 5 Steps for a Successful Execution of my Personal Vision of Success, with a focus on HOME, to stay on track.

Step 1 – CLARITY. I will visualize a clutter-free environment: everything in its place. Only things of value (practical or sentimental) have a place in my home. I will see it clearly.

Step 2 – COMMITMENT. I will make a firm declaration that I am executing my vision of success (as I see it). I will tell my children about the plan so that they can buy into the whole process and hold me accountable, too (and contribute to the vision since it is their environment also).

Step 3 – CHOICE. I will make choices in alignment with my vision. This means thinking twice before accumulating more stuff, and being more conscious over daily activities which create clutter. Organizing different workspaces in the house – kitchen, office, family room, laundry, etc. – so they are more efficient will help a lot.

Step 4 – CONFIDENCE. As I see the results of making the choices above, my confidence will grow. My commitment will be reaffirmed and it will make the tough decisions easier. New habits will be formed and the cycle continues! What a beautiful thing 

Step 5 – COMMUNITY. When I know that I’m going to need a little more help (really, a kick in the arse) to get through, I will enlist the help of a trusted friend – one who is not emotionally attached to anything I own. I will marvel at how effortlessly he/she throws my things in the dumpster. Wow! I will know when it’s time to reach out… actually I’m just getting to that point now! And once that help comes, there will be no more excuses!! Out with the Old!! Lesson Learned.

If you are having trouble clearing out the old to make room for the new, ask yourself what limiting beliefs are stopping you. Acknowledge those. Be grateful for the learning. See what is possible without those beliefs that keep you playing small. Go on… clear it out and Embrace Your Potential!

http://www.embracingpotential.com

Time Out!

I just gave myself a week-long Time Out in Mexico. The break was needed to calm the chatter in my mind and the busy-ness in which I had found myself. Even though life is quite fantastic, it has been bustling along at a ferverish pace for quite some time now and I was really starting to feel the need for a great big PAUSE.

In my work as a professional motivator, I teach my clients the 5 step process to embracing their potential: P.A.U.S.E. The first step, and the root of it all is to pause, or take a Time Out. I advise my clients clearly that ‘all you have to remember is to PAUSE, because that’s where all the answers lie’. No matter what your issue is, no matter what pain you are trying to ease, personal or professional, you will find your answers when you step off the Treadmill of Life and pause.

If you are a parent, you may have a very different idea of what a Time Out means; if you are a sports fan, likewise. Ultimately, both scenarios are teaching the same lesson and it is an elemental one. When you take a moment to remove yourself from the current circumstance (a temper tantrum, a series of bad plays, etc.) and breathe (always remember to breathe), you are much better equipped to continue and with success. Cooler heads prevail: confidence rises; fear is quashed; creativity soars; solutions are found where once there existed only chaos and uncertainty. And then there is peace.

This week I went without cell phone or internet. I emptied my mind for prolonged periods of time. At one point I said to my friend, “Guess what I’m thinking about?... Nothing.” And I laughed!!! I caught myself thinking about nothing every now and then as I stared out at the ocean from my hammock. It always made me smile. My time out brought me to places I have never been before. I will not wait another 40 years before I go back. In fact, if I just lay back and rest, I can be there again in my mind…

I can PAUSE at a moment’s notice and so can you. There is no need to go to Mexico but there IS a need to embrace your potential and take a Time Out! Lesson Learned.

If you need assistance in giving yourself a Time Out, contact me at lisa@embracingpotential.com.

Sign up for my monthly e-news at http://www.embracingpotential.com.

Do You Believe in Magic?

Have you ever felt like the sense of wonder that you held fast as a child has been lost to you forever? Are you too busy on the treadmill of life to stop and smell the roses? Does your job, finances, or family responsibilities take up all the space in your brain, leaving no room to experience the magic that is beyond what you can (currently) see?

I invite you to remember, not so long ago…

• The wind blowing through your hair as you pedaled as fast as your little legs could go and the thrill of zooming downhill faster than lightning.

• Feeling light as air as you swung higher and higher after multiple under-ducks on the swings.

• Trying to blow a bubble bigger than your head before your Double Bubble popped all over your face, hair and glasses.

• Staying up too late and getting up too early during a sleepover where there was too much sugar, not enough cake, and just the right amount of silliness.

• Blowing bubbles to see how far they could be carried in the wind before your friends stomped on them.


When you are desperate to reconnect with the magic that can be found as easily as it is lost, I highly recommend consulting with the experts. I have two of my own, aged 9 and 11. Spending quality time playing with children can magically take your mind of bills, reports, laundry and back pain. They say that laughter is the best medicine and I believe that the magic shared in a moment of childish fun can create lasting peace and happiness in your world and in the world at large.

If you don’t have your own children, please take mine!!! Just kidding, but I’m willing to bet your friends or relatives wouldn’t mind you sharing in their magic for a while. There are many volunteer programs where you can get a bit of this magic on an ongoing basis and make a difference in the life of someone else. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program with which I have been associated for many years. Friday past, my 12-year-old mentee and I hosted a variety show in his grade six class. I feel so grateful to have shared the past three years with them, one lunch time a week, and I told them so. I got goosebumps and was practically moved to tears as I watched these kids strut their stuff. They were free to be themselves in a safe and supportive environment. What magic, indeed!

So, how will you recapture the magic of childhood today? I feel the Tilt-o-Whirl beckoning me from the fair that’s in town; then, there’s the new Shrek 3D movie… ah, so many choices. YES, I believe in magic and I trust you do, too. Lesson Learned.

Little Girl's Growing Up

It has been such a busy few weeks that I haven’t been finding much time to write. Today, I honor my biggest distraction and my biggest inspiration: my daughter, Sydney, who turns 9 year old today.

Sydney is my precious second born child, my Gemini through and through. She has boundless energy that starts as soon as she pops out of bed in the morning. She is full of life and loves life. Her nature is such that she doesn’t settle on one thing for long; and while she flits from one activity to another, she never complains of being bored nor does she require constant attention to maintain her good mood. While there is no doubt of her extroversion, Sydney finds pleasure in quiet times, too. (Okay, it does usually involve her talking with her dolls or stuffed animals, but she does manage is what I am saying!)

From her blond curls to her toes, Sydney is my sunshine. She is dramatic, to be sure, and there is never a dull moment around her. She loves people and is very caring and compassionate. In many ways, she is like her mom… but she is unique with her special gifts. Every day, Sydney brings a smile to my face and faces of everyone that sees her.

Sydney, my sunshine. I truly love her… I also like her a lot. It is for these reasons that she gives me the inspiration to be who I am in the world. I recognize the immense influence I have on my daughter. I want the best for her so I choose to live by example, demonstrating what is possible when you embrace your potential. Lesson Learned.

Receiving Inspiration

As a Professional Motivator, I encourage my clients to find a Quiet Space for themselves where they can be fully open to receiving the inspiration needed to embrace their potential. I know of what I speak. I have two places which have become that for me. Those spots are so nurturing for my soul that I often visit them both in one day, time permitting.

There is a pond around which I have been walking for exercise for years but it has only been in the last couple that I have recognized it as a sacred space where I can tap into my creative power and reconnect with my higher self. On each trip, I walk around twice. Usually, I need the first to clear my head of whatever chatter is going on. This is especially useful if I have been working a bit too hard or if I have become overwhelmed with a problem or situation. I allow myself the first 25 minutes to get it all out. I know that I need to create space within in me in order to receive what I need.

There is a particular spot near the end of the loop where I will raise my face up to the sky and ask for clarity. I always smile at this point because I know that the answers will come.

The inner turmoil and anxiety, the pain and the bewilderment, are all part of my process. I have to feel those feelings in order to get through them. Once I do, I am then ready to release them to a power that is much greater than my own. Letting go of the need to be right or to have all the answers puts me in a position where I am open to receive. As I round the bend where I will start my second loop of the pond, the sense of peace puts such a spring in my step that I can shave five minutes of my pace.

Yesterday the clarity came quicker. This is always dependent on what I am ‘carrying’ when I start the walk. I wasn’t really struggling with much yesterday and I had just met with a potential client so my energy, which has been lagging for a couple of days, was on the rebound. My mind was already in creative mode when I started. I practically ran around the two laps yesterday and came away with a marketing plan for my next workshop, a speech for an upcoming event, and a decision on what to eat for dinner! I know that these results came from how I was BEING when I started. I am mindful of the importance of taking the time to nurture my soul and tap into the power I have to unleash my brilliance.

As my mother said, “That pond has been good to you.” It has indeed and I am grateful. Lesson Learned.

In Busy Times, Make Your Choices Count

I’ve had a very event-full May so far, personally and professionally, and the rest of the spring is shaping up nicely, too, I am pleased to say. On the heels of two major speaking engagements with the RCMP and Dept of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, I have three more slated for the next couple of weeks. Also, on May 19th I celebrated my big 4-0 with friends and family. Time sure does fly when you’re Embracing Your Potential!!

At times like these, I am faced with the reality that there ARE only so many hours in the day and, therefore I must make careful choices as to how I spend my time. Deliberate intent is one of the pillars of my professional work and I can assure you all that I was tested to my limit this month which so many obligations pulling me this way and that. Keeping my vision of success in mind was paramount to getting through the past several weeks without pulling out my hair, biting my nails, or forgetting to feed my children.

I know that I was being fueled by pure adrenaline as I worked until midnight for about three weeks straight and then celebrated with the same enthusiasm for another full week. Last night, as I helped a friend usher in her 40th birthday in style, and then I hit the wall! Yes, I am speaking figuratively and there was no alcohol involved (this time)! My energy had been waning since Friday morning. I was feeling healthy and happy but just did not have much pep. Considering I have been barely touching the ground for the past month, it is easy to see how I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience. I tried not to judge it and just do whatever I felt like doing. It turns out that it wasn’t much! At my friend’s party, I sat quietly in the corner and smiled and listened… she knew something was up!! And it clearly wasn’t my energy. I enjoyed myself and the company of her friends but, in the end, I knew it was time to go when the 80s music started blaring and I had no interest in dancing. Clearly, I needed a rest!!!

And that is what I have done. My long weekend has been spent relaxing, reading, writing and planning. These are low energy activities to me, but to some, they still constitute work. Well, what can I say? The self-employed don’t get “holidays” and you’ve got to hit while the iron is hot they. I’ve decided to go with the flow and right now, the flow says to be by myself and CREATE.

On the heels of the incredible success of my four-part workshop, I have decided to offer another public workshop in St. John’s; this time, it will be a full-day event on June 19th. In a sudden burst this afternoon, flyers, emails, and invitations were sent out and the website updated. Now I wait. I embrace this ‘down time’ for what it is. I choose to ask, believe and receive (The Secret). Lesson Learned.

Message to Robin Sharma

Dear Robin,

I am a Professional Motivator based in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador. I have been following your career for 6 years when I first read The Monk who Sold his Ferrari. The mantra: 'I am more than I appear to be; all the world's strength and power rests inside me' carried me through some difficult times and I want to thank you for that. I have since read your other books and continue to be inspired by your energy and desire to make leaders of us all!

I am delivering a keynote address to the Dept of Tourism, Culture & Recreation for the Province of NL next week and, in alignment with the client's mission for the day, I suggested that they provide copies of your latest book, The Leader Who Had No Title to all in attendance. I am pleased to say they agreed and I will be referencing a few key points to reinforce your message which runs parallel to my own.

Tonight I mentioned you in one of my blogs: lisaqat40.blogspot.com which is also posted on Twitter: lisaqmotivator. You can check out my work at www.embracingpotential.com.

Having just recently moved waaaay outside my comfort zone, leaving a long-time stable career to launch my business, I am finding that my comfort zone is expanding and it includes the excitement of living in possibility every day. Thank you for playing a special role in my growth and development.

Yours in possibility,

Lisa Quinton
President
Connections for Success Inc.
aka Princess of Possibility

Show some Compassion

When life throws you lemons, what do you do? [Considering my anaphylactic allergy to all things citrus, I RUN LIKE HELL.] The ‘correct’ answer is: you make lemonade! Isn’t that sweet? The fact is, sometime life presents you with stuff that seems like it will crush you and turn you into a pulp. You have a choice in how you respond.

So when someone you care about is facing a serious healthy issue – completely out of your control – KNOW that there is a way to contribute to that person’s well being. You can BE caring and compassionate. Offer up whatever you can to help. Offer a shoulder, an ear. Offer two arms for a hug. Offer your love and support. Offer your strength.

That’s what I did today. I recognize that I have a gift to offer to others in their time of need. It doesn’t have to consume or deplete me. I don’t have to put my life on hold to be there to lend a hand. I just have to be me. Sending healing energy your way!

Lesson Learned.

If the Tiara Fits...

The Princess of Possibility will be appearing at a speaking engagement in her hometown on the day following her 40th birthday. Yes, it will be a magnificent homecoming. She will be dressed in a pink gown, sporting a newly buffed tiara and white satin sash to match her white satin shoes. She will deliver a riveting keynote speech to a captivated audience and then bid them adieu as she enjoys the remainder of the evening in celebration of the beginning of her 5th decade on earth.

The Princess has been getting some very positive encouragement indeed. A new friend of mine recently gave me a gift - a little plaque that I have placed on my desk. The colors are the same as on my website and it says, “If the tiara fits, wear it.” She happened across this little item at a store one day, just after seeing me deliver a keynote as the Princess of Possibility. She was so sweet to buy this for me ‘just because’. I am so grateful to have attracted such a generous soul into my inner circle.

It is a really exciting time in my life, I must say. It is true that my ‘alter ego’ is providing me with the opportunity to deliver my motivational message with a bit of theatrics. It’s fun; it’s funny – but, have no fear, the message is the same. You see, I firmly believe that we all have a princess or prince within who is just waiting for the opportunity to come forth. I didn’t always have the courage to wear the tiara – it didn’t always fit. I’m pleased to say that it fits well now and I am proud to wear it as I Embrace my Potential.

To book the Princess of Possibility for your next event, contact me at http://embracingpotential.com.

Make a Declaration - I Dare You!

In the midst of launching a new career and managing all the related excitement, I have also been transforming my personal life. I have been working through some self-directed course material intended to help me embrace MY potential in an area that has suffered neglect for quite some time.

Yes, some times the motivator needs a motivator, it is true! This course work has allowed me to examine my past – as far back as I can remember – up to the time I started the course. The recent past can seem the most painful to process yet it is often rooted in unresolved issues from childhood. We experience recurring patterns today because of lessons we haven’t yet learned that can go back years. I am doing this work to heal my soul and to allow something new and wonderful to grow within me. It is all part of embracing my potential.

This week I began teaching a four-part workshop and asking the participants to embark on a series of self-discovery exercises. My integrity to this process is demonstrated in my willingness to work through my own issues as, deep down, we are all the same. For four weeks now, I have diligently put pen to paper every day and the results have been incredible. To say that every day has been a rose garden would be to simplify the process. In order to grow, we must accept responsibility for choices that have not served us; we must forgive ourselves and those around us; we must love ourselves above all else. This is not easy but it is well worth the short term discomfort. When you make a commitment to embrace your potential, you learn that the Universe is just waiting to give you what you want. It is your birthright to be happy. And so, I continue the journey…

Earlier this week I was asked to set an intention and give myself a deadline. I had to write it out, share it with someone and then Let Go and Hold On! Now, if you think that is all there is to it, you obviously haven’t done this before. Life is never as easy as that. You had better be clear because, when you DARE to set an intention, the Universe rises up, and tests you to see if you are certain that THIS is what you want! Your ego will respond to this new idea of success that you have conjured and taunt you: “Do you have want it takes to move forward? Isn’t it more comfortable back here? Why do you think you deserve this?” Oh yes, the ego is a great manipulator. It has the power to keep us small. But, as Marianne Williamson reminds us, “Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.”

You know what? I do have the courage to move forward! I’ll face my fear of the unknown and walk forward with confidence. I deserve this because I am worthy of success as I define it. I will play small no more! THAT’S what I declare back to you Ms Ego. Look out!

Success, here I come! Oh… I have already arrived. Lesson Learned.

Now that's Progress!

Last night I hosted a public information session entitled, “Who Needs a Professional Motivator Anyway?” It was a great opportunity to tell people who I am, what I do, how I do it and why. It was a great experience for me as a presenter; as an individual, it was AMAZING.

You see, there were people in the audience who knew me from various times in my life. There were also people who were meeting me for the first time. As I shared some of my story about “How I got from THERE to HERE”, it really struck me that I have made significant progress in my own personal and professional development. At the end of the evening and into today, I have received feedback on the session. One person said, “You have come a long way in a short period of time.” This is from someone who has only known me for a couple of years. I thought, “If you only knew me 10 years ago, what would you say?”

I am proud of the progress I have made. It takes a lot of courage to move forward on this journey, especially when you are charting a new course and surrendering control. (For me, that was HUGE!) I have had to trust myself, even when the evidence wasn’t readily available that I was on track. Having a clear vision of success has helped me stay grounded. When I start to get lost in limiting beliefs and question the path I have chosen, I PAUSE.

Pause – I stop to think about where I was just a few months ago and, on a grander scale, what my life looked like 3, 6, and 9 years ago. Then I get clear about the progress I have made.

Accept – I take responsibility for the progress that I have made because it is entirely a result of the choices that I have made. I am proud of most of them.

Understand – I forgive myself for the choices that didn’t serve me and I am grateful for having made them because everything happens for a reason and I am open to the lesson that each ‘mistake’ has taught me. I have grown – another sign of progress.

See – When I acknowledge the progress I have made thus far, I am inspired by what is possible. I look around at others whose progress has inspired me and think, “If he/she can be/do/have it, why not me, too?”

Embrace – When I take time to silence the ego when it rises, get present and walk myself through the process of accepting what is, understanding the lesson, seeing what is possible, THEN I am free to embrace my potential. I choose to live in possibility and that is a wonderful thing.

Now that’s progress! Lesson Learned.

If you’d like to learn more about taking a PAUSE or defining and executing your vision of success, visit my website and register for the upcoming public workshop in St. John’s, NL starting April 20, 2010. http://embracingpotential.com/info.php

Be Ballsy

“You’ve got balls.” Twice in one month I’ve been told this by men who, after carrying around my business cards for month, finally took some time to check out my website and blog. To paraphrase, they went on to say, “I could never put myself out there like that.” These successful men were afraid of what people would think of them if they actually expressed what was really on their minds.

So, yeah, I guess I’ve got balls. It takes a big pair to walk away from a cushy gig – good salary and benefits, working from home, company car, boss in another province – and venture into the wild world of entrepreneurship. It takes courage to express your opinions out loud and in color. It’s the kind of courage that I didn’t have for a very long time. And there are days now, where it takes a lot of effort to call upon that part of me when I am subjected to the judgments – spoken or implied – by ego and everyone else’s.

My lesson learned is that whether God gave you balls or not, you only have one life – a finite amount of time on this planet – make your choices about what YOU want. Speak you truth. Choose to Embrace Your Potential.

If you need a little help and are in the St. John’s area, check out my upcoming workshop at http://www.embracingpotential.com/register.php.

Just to back me up, here’s what another ballsy lady had to say on the matter:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa

The Proof is in the Pudding

I’ve been spending a fair bit of time lately in careful consideration of the relationships in my life. I have come to believe with certainty that, as the saying goes, “the proof IS in the pudding”. What I mean is that actions speak louder than words. To put it another way… talk is cheap.

You’ve heard it said that we must walk the talk. I hear that a lot in my new business endeavour. People are very quick to condemn others who give advice but are not willing to take it themselves. But really, we all have a responsibility to do and mean what we say, regardless of our occupation or other life status. This is integrity. And, instead of condemning those who don't, we should take a quick look in the mirror and assess our own contribution to the lives of those around us.

The Golden Rule is one we are all taught as children and one which comes to mind as I write this morning. If you do unto to others as you would have them do unto you, you will be operating from and open heart and with awareness of the implications of your thoughts, words and deeds. Choose wisely, I suggest. Be deliberate.

This week, I have been the fortunate recipient of a number of referrals by friends who are recommending my services to others – speaking, workshops, coaching, consulting… and personal companionship! Yes, it appears as though I have an abundance of people in my life who want me to be successful at home, at work, at play and at peace. I am truly blessed.

What about you? Is there someone in your life to whom you wish ‘all the happiness in the world’? If so, what exactly are you doing to help them create it? If you think that there is nothing you can do, think again. You can be a champion for that person; you can be their biggest fan in thought, word and deed. Think about what you would like someone to do to help you… and do it for someone else. Imagine the impact!

Helping others create and execute their vision of success is my mission as a Professional Motivator. I will commit, in my daily life, to demonstrate this in all that I do. If you aren’t sure what you can do, ask! I’d love to hear of your progress.

Let the Sun Shine In

There’s nothing like a dose of sunshine to put a spring in your step and smile on your face. A beautiful day can inspire the agoraphobe to venture out for a walk and the procrastinator to get things done. A hint of natural Vitamin D gives us a glow that is more than skin deep. We see everything as having promise. We see the possibility where there were once only grey skies.

This inner glow transforms our state of being. How we are BEING in the world will drive us to DO particular things. What results – what we HAVE is the end of result.

Today the un shines. Feel that gift and use it to fuel your sense of purpose. Harness that positive energy and light as it carries you through your day. Be mindful. Be present. Act with deliberate intent. Make everything count; because it does.

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” ~Marianne Williamson

Interested in learning more? My new public workshop for people in the St. John’s area will begin on Tuesday, April 20th. Register now at http://embracingpotential.com/info.

The Need to Get Away

Have you ever felt a burning desire to take a vacation from your life? It can be easy to convince yourself that you NEED the break when everything seems to be going wrong. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been toying with the idea of taking a trip south to ‘get away from it all’. There was no shortage of support from others who are tired of the weather, the stress of work and relationships, and life in general. Everyone can understand the desire for a break from routine and the draw of warm beaches when all around is snow.

I didn’t go on vacation last year. I remember remarking last spring that I didn’t feel the common spring-time urge to go south for some fun in the sun. I was feeling quite satisfied with the balance in my life; I didn’t feel the need to ‘escape’ – the feeling that starting creeping up on me a few weeks ago. The last couple of weeks have been fairly tumultuous for me due to a number of personal challenges. It seemed like a reasonable solution to hop on a plane and drink and dance my cares away on a tropical island for a week. But then I really started to question whether my problems would be solved when I returned or if I’d just be sunburned, hungover, and $1500 in debt.

I asked myself if it was possible, that the way I was BEING was actually creating the need for space, as opposed to the circumstances I was facing. Perhaps I should just PAUSE; I should pause, accept what is, understand the lesson, see what is possible and embrace my potential.
If you have ever felt like you need to escape from the realities of your life, gain insight through questions like these:

· What is the biggest stressor in your life? Will it be gone when you return from your trip or will you be taking it with you??

· Will the cost of the trip weigh on your mind or do you consider it an investment in your well-being?

· Will you feel the cost was justified in the end because of the impact it will have on your life when you return?

· Is there something else you can do to gain the same result without the expense?

· What is the real issue here?

Working through these questions can really help to clarify what needs your attention. Once you deal with the issues, and you feel like taking a vacation, DO IT. You’ll be in a much better frame of mind to ENJOY it!

As for me, I’m back to embracing my potential… I’m never too far from it but I know when I’m triggered, the answers always come when I PAUSE.

For more on this, visit my website at http://embracingpotential.com and sign up for my first newsletter being released March 15, 2010.

Reach Out and Touch Someone

Do you remember the AT&T slogan, “Reach Out and Touch Someone”? I thought of it today after reading an email from a dear friend. There are many times when someone crosses our minds and we think, “I should give him a call” but then that thought gets buried under all the ‘more important’ things to do. What if that call was the most important thing you would have done that day?

The next time you find yourself fondly thinking about an old friend, your wife, or your boss, why not pick up the phone or send along an email? Let them know you care. Tell them how much you appreciate what they do and who they are. Reach Out! I’ll bet YOU are just the person they needed to hear from with the exact words they needed to hear.

It happened to me today. I want to thank my friend Karen for reaching out today. It made all the difference in the world. Lesson Learned

A Walk in the Park

When the weather is good in Newfoundland, it is important to seize the moment and make the most of it. You see, it can change without warning. As can life. The past three days, I have ‘dropped everything’ to get out in the great outdoors for a walk in the part, twice by myself and once with the children.

I’ll admit that, each time, I had an agenda. I figured that I’d get some fresh air, clear my mind, and get back to work after a certain period of time. Ah… that fresh air can be addictive!! Once I arrived in the park and opened myself up to the miracles of nature, the stillness of the wood, the beauty in every creature, I surrendered completely, and ENJOYED!! Time passed and I was feeling so good that I didn’t want to leave. I acknowledged this and smiled knowingly. The Universe was teaching me yet another lesson in surrender.

The day that my kids joined me, I had to talk them through the process of Letting Go as well… funny, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My son had a specific amount of time planned for the walk and a particular route. My daughter was focused on the cold and how long it was taking to climb the hills. I reminded them to appreciate the moment and the wonder of it all. This lesson I had re-learned just one day before!

Besides the exercise, the Vitamin D, the clean air pushing through my lungs, I gain valuable insight on my walks. When you surrender and rest in the present moment, you achieve a sense of peace – a knowing that everything is as it should be. You get in touch with your higher self who assures you that, when you are In Flow (with nature and the Universe), all situations will resolve themselves naturally and with little effort. You will see that life IS a ‘walk in the park’.

The next time that you are buried in paperwork or housework… the next time you are thinking, if only I could get outside and enjoy that beautiful weather… take a walk in the park. If you think you can only spare 5 minutes, make that choice. Be open to the miracles that are waiting for you to experience. Your mind, body and soul will thank you for it. Lesson Learned.

Love is in the Air

This is a week to celebrate love. It started with Valentine’s Day on Sunday. Family Day, a new holiday in Canada, was Monday. Today is Pancake Day and the children and I are off to see Nanny and Poppy for another celebration of family togetherness. Do I need these calendar entries to remind me to demonstrate my love or to spend quality time with my kids or parents? I can say ‘no’ because being present with my family is part of my vision of success that I have been executing for a number of years now.

Imagine a world where every day was Valentine’s Day… full of love and chocolate!! Imagine a world where every day was Family Day. How would your world be different? (I’m truthfully not really interested in a world where every day in Pancake Day, but if it works for you, go for it!)

The truth is that YOU have control over your world. You have control over the choices you make: how you spend your time and with whom. You have the power to create and execute your vision of success. It takes foresight, discipline, and motivation to live in possibility.

On Sunday and Monday this week, I created space in my day to express my love and share one-on-one time with those most important to me. We had fun; we laughed and we cried. We talked; we listened. We made connections that help to shape the future of our relationships. We set a foundation upon which to build a secure future.

I believe the greatest gift we can bestow on our loved ones is the gift of our authentic selves, true and present. I chose to spend those days giving my loved ones the gift of my time and attention. I chose to Embrace my Potential.

Did I really need a special occasion to do this? No. I plan to do this every day. Lesson Learned.

Need help to define and execute your vision of success? Visit http://embracingpotential.com

Gratitude List

I had a very uncomfortable conversation today. It made me so sad that I was in danger of losing myself in the grief. On a conscious level, I knew it was important to feel the sorrow, but also knew I wanted to move through it. With the help of a trusted friend, I was able to release the emotion and spend the rest of my day in a healthier, happier place.

On days like these – and we all have them – it is particularly ‘easy’ to remember the darkness over the light. In fact, out of our 60,000 daily thoughts, we tend to cling to the 80% that are negative. Honestly, I have always been one of those ‘annoyingly positive’ people who sees the silver lining in every situation and the potential in all people so I’m not sure if I really do cling to the negative as a rule but I certainly have not always been so aware of my thoughts and the effect they have on my day.

One of the nightly rituals I created with my children when I was first divorced was to ask, when I tucked them in to bed, “What was your favorite part of today?” I’d listen then as they recounted one or ten stories about something good that happened. It is a nice way to connect, especially after a busy day and MORE especially, if the evening hadn’t been picture-perfect. Years later, the ritual continues and it has become part of my daily self-care.

When I go to bed at night, I have a habit of reviewing the day and clinging to the positive. I think of all the things for which I am grateful. On days like today, it seems challenging at first, but here goes:

1. Someone said “I love you” to me
2. I enjoyed a perfect chai tea latte
3. I received a compliment about my work
4. I had 93 fans join my brand new facebook fan page in 24 hours
5. I was hugged tightly - twice
6. I received a cheque in the mail
7. I looked down on the beautiful city of St. John’s from Signal Hill as the fog rolled in
8. I exercised, and felt really good about that choice
9. I shared a laugh with a stranger
10. I had my first-ever blog comment!!
11. My driveway was clear of snow
12. My cat, Cornflake, was particularly cuddly
13. I shared a special moment with my mom

What is on your gratitude list? I encourage you to end your day by reviewing all the things that happened for which you are grateful. It will make a difference in your life and in the lives of everyone you touch. By living in a state of gratitude, you will shift your level of consciousness from that of ‘lack’ to that of abundance… you’ll be amazed at what will show up!

My list above is just a drop in the bucket… and I know I could go on and on. I am grateful for health, family, friends, work, and this very day because of the Lesson Learned.

For more on me, check out my website: http://embracingpotential.com

Get Smart

Smart leaders surround themselves with smarter people. If you want to be a leader in your own life, know who and when to ask for help. To operate efficiently and harmoniously, it is important to recognize where your talents exist and where they do not. I’ve had something on my to-do list for 8 months… I have dreaded the actually DOING because I figure it will take me an enormous amount of time to complete. I have agonized over the fact that it isn’t done, and over the fact that it will take me at least twice as long as anyone else to do it because of my lack of skill. I dare not add up the number of hours spent THINKING about it because I’d say I could have gone on vacation for the opportunity cost.

And that’s the thing. Time is money. With limited time that is not a renewable resource, I want to spend it Living in Possibility. I am making conscious choices about how I spend those precious moments at home, at work, at play and at peace. Looking around my home (also my office), it became quite clear where to start: housework! If you’ve been keeping up my posts, you’ll know that I am not opposed to child labour and I will shamelessly enlist my children to empty the dishwasher, take out the trash, clean the kitty litter, set the table, and fold laundry. You see, the children have come to understand very well that the more time Mommy spends on housework, the less time she has for play. My time with them is limited and very precious; I’d rather spend it making memories, not doing chores. Of course, since the house won’t clean itself, we work together as a team to get it all done quickly and THEN, we play!

Today I enlisted the help of Live More Virtual Assistants http://www.livemoreva.com , Spark Marketing http://www.sparkmarketing.com and my mother. I will ask for their help and expertise when I need it. They will be integral to the success of my business because they allow me to focus on my vision and keep doing what I do best. I am getting smart and it will show… in my bottom line. Lesson Learned.

Check out my website designed by Spark Marketing. http://www.embracingpotential.com

Kicking the Habit

Is there something that you do repeatedly as an automatic response to a specific situation? Do have habits that you’ve been trying to break? Do they cause you regret or shame? Have you lost out on opportunities because the habits you have are hindering your progress on the path of success? I have asked myself these questions as they related to unconscious choices that I have made in many areas of my life over the years. As I choose now to live with deliberate intent, I am more aware of these patterns as my ego tests me to embrace my potential.

Habits are formed in the ego state – they are an unconscious repetition of patterns which do not serve your higher purpose. The ego taunts you, and you hear yourself saying: “It takes too much effort. Why bother? This is comfortable, familiar.” But it is really comfortable when your choices cause you dis-comfort either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually? You may smoke, overeat, bite your nails, overspend. You may look to dull the pain of loneliness with addictions to gambling, sex or work. Or your habit may come in the form of a relationship… one that makes you unhappy most of the time, but is still reliable in a sense. Whatever your habit, however it appears in your life, it is one you regret when you look in the mirror.

Take a moment – PAUSE. Ask yourself why you regret these choices? Know that it is because they are not allowing you to embrace your potential and execute your personal vision of success. Listen to your body… Do you feel tired? Do you feel anxious? Tense? These are all signs that your life is not in alignment with your true purpose.

In order to open yourself up to what is possible, you must first let go of old patterns… this may mean a job, relationship, or lifestyle. Breaking the habit is a difficult thing which takes determination and courage. Get clear about what you really want… craft your personal vision of success, and then start making new choices that will move you forward on that journey.

We have the freedom and power to live with deliberate intent. In every moment, we make a choice how we will respond. We make a choice whether or not to respond in a way which serves us. If you are struggling with a habit that is eating away at your self-esteem, self-confidence, or self-expression, make a conscious choice to TAKE BACK CONTROL. Step out of the victim role where you have been hanging your hat, and step into your authentic being. If you need help with this, following the PAUSE formula I have outlined in other blogs. Visit my website at http://embracingpotential.com.

Make a conscious effort to live deliberately. You’ll be amazed at what shows up! Lesson Learned.

Make a Wish

Remember when you were a kid and you’d read stories about a genie released from a lamp who would grant you three wishes? How hard was it to come up with three wishes? Not too hard, if I recall… and as you got older, AND SMARTER, you realized one of your wishes could be for more wishes!! Or you could wish for a pile of money and then you wouldn’t need the genie anymore!

In my last post I expressed my thoughts on whether money can buy happiness. It got me thinking more about how I would live differently if my income multiplied dramatically overnight. Taking it one step further: how would my life be different if I had unlimited time, energy and money. What would be on my wish list then?


Well, last week I made 10 wishes following instructions from one of my favorite websites: http://www.janspiller.com/index.php. I shared it with some other people and was surprised to hear that they had a hard time coming up with 10 wishes. Imagine! I wondered, “Where has that childhood enthusiasm gone?” I remembered then, from my workshops, that most people cannot easily articulate what their lives would look like if they had unlimited time, energy and money. They really need assistance. (If you need assistance, now would be a good time to check out http://embracingpotential.com/.) While this is great for my business potential (smiles), it does leave me with that question of why making a wish was so much easier when we were kids.

As we age, our minds become full of judgments and perceptions that ultimately create limiting beliefs. [I’m not smart enough. I’m not good enough. Nobody ever listens to me. I’m nothing special. I don’t deserve it. …] We all have our own; the bottom line is that they keep us small and sitting on the sidelines of life, unable to even WISH for success. Do you recall experiencing this negative self-talk? I certainly have. And then I get inspiration from this piece from Marianne Williamson (http://www.marianne.com/) that I have actually memorized:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is
that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness
that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You
are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is
nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure
around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born
to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some
of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we
unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are
liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Friends, we MUST dream big if we want to play in the big leagues. We must summon the courage to wish for success if we are to attract it. We must step up to the plate and take a swing if we hope to ever hit a home run. [Enter ego’s limiting belief] But what if we strike out? What if? At the very least, we will inspire others to try. As a parent, the greatest gift I can give my children is this example.

What if I make a mistake? What if I get hurt? What if I fail? I say, “So What??” It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. It is in the journey that life’s reward is found and there will be no reward if you don’t take the first step. MAKE A WISH and enjoy the ride. You are worth it. Lesson Learned.

Show Me the Money!

Have you ever really considered what money means to you? The fact is, money provides you with food and clothes, puts a roof over your head, and it may even buy you a few pretty baubles on special occasions. When asked to ‘dig deep’, what many people answer is: Money gives you FREEDOM - the freedom from worrying about the necessities of life and, perhaps, to attract the ‘wants’ as well. In short, the freedom that comes with financial abundance is in peace of mind.
Is it possible that this peace of mind can come regardless of the number of zeroes on your paycheque? Do we need to continuously work overtime or take on extra assignments to increase our income in order to achieve the happiness we seek? Do we have to win the lottery to make our dreams come true?

Recently I was introduced a professional 30-something woman and asked what she did at the federal government job. She said, “Count the days until retirement.” My interest peaked and I responded, “What do you do on a good day?” The response: “Wait to win the lottery.” She wasn’t getting rid of me that easy! I asked, “What would you do with the money?” The response, this time, was more surprising: “I would do more good.” When I ask her to name two more things she would do if she won the lottery, she answered: “I’d be single and I’d travel.”
Imagine this woman’s shock when I told her that I had already fulfilled all three of her wishes WITHOUT winning the lottery.

When she recovered (I jest), we talked about how these things are quite possible and how fashioning the life of your dreams is completing within your reach but, putting first things first, you MUST change the belief that money is the answer to your prayers.

All joking aside, this exchange made me realize that it is common to believe that happiness is tied to the almighty dollar. By the time we reach adulthood, we are conditioned to believe one or all of the following: Money doesn’t grows on trees. Money is the root of all evil. Money can’t buy happiness but it sure makes the hard times more comfortable. You may look down on people who are poor and look up to people who are rich. Either way, your perception of money affects how you view the world and what you attract in your life. Any time that we blame our situation on lack of financial abundance, it is that lack that we continue to attract. You may not even realize how often you think this way but with increased awareness, you can alter your negative perceptions of money, change your focus from lack to abundance and achieve the success you desire, financially or otherwise.

The truth is that happiness, and success – however you define it – can be experienced when you have financial abundance, but the reverse it not true. Having financial abundance does not preclude happiness. Lesson Learned.

If you need help defining and executing your personal vision of success, visit http://embracingpotential.com/

Pleasure versus Happiness

Today I thought about pleasure. In fact, I’ve been giving it a fair bit of thought over the past week. I have been crystallizing my personal vision of success and have identified a number of things that bring me pleasure that I feel compelled to include. What I have learned about defining a vision of success, however, is that ‘the devil is in the details’. The more you try to fit in the ‘how’ of your vision, the less likely you are to achieve it.

The book I am currently reading, “The Art of Happiness” devotes a section to the question of whether pleasure and happiness are the same thing. The disparity is explained as pleasure being a short-term experience whilst happiness is a state of being. Your personal vision of success is all about the state of being you wish to achieve. When you begin from that higher level of consciousness, the goals that you set along your journey will always be in alignment with what you truly value.

As I mentioned, to achieve a sustainable state of happiness, I would likely be experiencing significant and frequent doses of pleasure. This leads me to believe that to have happiness, one must experience pleasure. But I do not believe the reverse is true. On occasion, I have even asked myself if the ‘pleasure’ is really a mask for the lack of happiness in one or more areas of my life.

We all know people who fill their lives with fun-filled adventure. To some, they appear to be living life large and are, perhaps, envied. To others, their sense of reckless abandon is perceived as entertainment without depth of meaning. Personally, I don’t believe such judgments serve anyone and the only truth will come from understanding one’s own motivation whether you are the thrill-seeker, admirer, or critic.

To be sure, we’ve all experienced the fleeting but intoxicating rush of adrenaline that comes with pleasure. It makes you feel invincible. It makes you feel powerful and strong. The tell-tale sign is how you feel once the rush is gone… are you able to sustain that feeling of happiness or is it lost until the next thrill comes around? As with most things, it is our gut that holds the answer. Trust it. Listen to it. Understand it and take the challenge to create a life full of happiness… there, you will find all the pleasure your heart desires. Lesson Learned.

Opening Doors

As one door closes, another opens to a world of possibility. As we close one chapter in our lives, we begin anew with the exhilaration of hope and maybe just a little twinge of fear. It is exciting to venture into foreign territory without a clear road map – to go for a while where the wind blows you. This requires faith that all things happen for a reason and that there is a greater plan at work than we can see today. It also challenges us to make choices that may be different than the past, take risks and experience the journey on a whole new level.

One of my favorite passages of all time is from Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” I have felt, lately, that my choices are becoming more unconventional and it really has made all the difference – to my level of self-esteem, commitment, and ultimately, to my happiness. I have given myself permission to take big leaps and trust that I know what is best for me and my family at home, at work, at play, and at peace. I have begun to live deliberately and choices are becoming easier. When I am tested to take the easy road out of habit, I make sure I PAUSE (Pause, Accept, Understand, See, Embrace) before I say yes or no. By doing this, I allow for new opportunities to enter my life and can experience the journey more fully.

We have all made difficult decisions to turn the page and allow newness to enter in our lives. Whether it is a new career, a new relationship, a new home, all of these changes are great in that they test our courage and our faith. It does take courage to throw away that road map and follow your instincts. If you really listen to your higher self, you will make choices that are in alignment with your personal vision of success. You’ll find so much enjoyment and satisfaction in the journey that you’ll soon forget those fears that once kept you sitting on the side lines or kept you in the same game, making the same plays and getting the same results.

Today, I finished reading Neale Donald Walsch’s “When Everything Changes Change Everything”. He says, “Life meets its purpose through the process called Change.” It is what allows us to learn and grow. So close the door to the parts of your life that don’t serve you and open up to a Life of Possibility. ‘Sign Up’! Lesson Learned.

If you want to know more about Living in Possibility, visit my website: http://www.embracingpotential.com

Take a Flying Leap

A new year. A new decade. Time for a fresh start. Some might call it a Flying Leap. For me, it’s taken the form of a huge career change, leaving the security of a job that I have held for almost 13 years to embrace my potential and strike out on my own. Like any dramatic life change, this decision was not made quickly but over time and really doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who is familiar with my journey. Just because a decision smolders over time, however, it isn’t easy to walk out that door, leave a part of your identity behind, and boldly strike out into the unknown. But that’s what I’m choosing to do.

This isn’t the first time I have done something like this. But I am no different than anyone. We’ve all made choices in our lives where we have left behind a part of our being and taken a leap of faith that our next adventure will yield even better results. Such changes are essential for our continued growth and development. It is exciting but, at the same time, it can give your butterflies butterflies.

I have been waiting for the right moment to take this big leap of faith, just as I have before. I have been mentally preparing myself for life beyond what I know for certain and that has been helpful as I have put my affairs in order. What all this preparation doesn’t take into account are the feelings that you experience when saying goodbye to your past. Whether you are changing your job, relationship status, or home town, there is an inevitable grieving process that needs to be experienced by us of all in order to move on without regret or doubt.

We all grieve in our own way and will let go of the past in our own time, when we are ready. By acknowledging that you are, in fact, saying goodbye to a big part of your life, you honour your past as it is what brought you to this moment.

As one door closes, another one opens. Take a breath and walk through this process: PAUSE. Accept what is and what has been. Understand the lessons and why your journey has lead you to this point. See what is possible in your new life. Embrace Your Potential.

The world is waiting for you to show your true colors! Be brave. Be bold. Take that leap. It is my Lesson Learned.

Visit my website: http://www.embracingpotential.com

Life on Cruise Control - No More!

Welcome to 2010 - a new year and a new decade. Today, I resolve to become laser- focused on my personal vision of success and encourage you to do the same. It is my intention to inspire others to embrace their potential and in order to do so, I must live authentically, in alignment with my life’s purpose. I am making connections for success with people who have found the courage to stop living life on Cruise Control. This new decade can also mark the beginning of a new life – one that is designed by you, grounded in your personal values, and fashioned with deliberate intent – this new beginning is possible if you shift gears and take back control.

This is not a feat for the faint-hearted. It requires determination, commitment and passion. It can be hard work at times. Alternately, it is easy to drive through live on Cruise Control, keeping the same pace, staying in your designated lane. It is comfortable to know the route ahead of you is predictable and familiar. There’s no risk to maintain the status quo and accept the ‘same old, same old’ as being good enough. For many people, this sense of security gives them peace; others experience it as boredom. Sometimes, people experience a discontent but they are not quite sure what it is. They are seeking fulfillment and often cover it up with addictions to work, alcohols, gambling, or sex. In doing so, they become even less aware of their true potential and the life of possibility that awaits them.

The ‘danger’ of Cruise Control is that you are never fully aware of what is passing you by. You give over control of your journey. You don’t really ‘feel’ the road. I, myself, drove this way for many years. On a cross-province trip about five years ago, I realized that my mind was so bent on the destination (the time I would arrive, the route I would take, the cost of gas) that I failed to enjoy the beauty of the trip. Ours is a beautiful province and I had never taken the time to simply appreciate it. With this wisdom came the knowing that I was living my life this way, too. Goal-oriented to a fault, I was focused on the outcome at all times, on achievement and reward. I was successful in the eyes of many but what I lacked was happiness. I covered up that lack for a while, pretending to be someone that I was not, deflecting focus from myself to others whose needs I put ahead of my own. When I was clearly exhausted and my spirit significantly beaten down, I got real with myself and stopped living life on Cruise Control.

I knew that in order for me to experience true fulfillment, I had to make some deliberate choices that would bring my life in alignment with my personal values. I have been on this journey for several years now and the results have been remarkable. No more life on Cruise Control for me. Sometimes, I veer off course, arrive later than expected, and even break down. But, more often, my journey takes me to places that are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful to have chosen to experience life in possibility, enjoy the ride, and embrace my potential. This life comes with risks. Take a risk! Take a leap of faith for 2010! I have. Lesson Learned.

Visit my website http://www.embracingpotential.com