T'is the Season to be ...

How do you fill in the blank? What words describe the way you feel about the holidays as they swoop in and take over your every movement for the next 6 weeks? Are you excited about the time that will be spent with family and friends? Do you look forward to the gift-giving and receiving, the decorating, the celebrating? Or are you already consumed with concerns over your budget, your diet, and the demands on your time?

I find it ironic and somewhat disheartening that, during the holidays, so many people experience more stress than enjoyment. Christmas has always been a lovely time of year in my home but, I have also found myself jumping on Treadmill, trying keep up, and make every Christmas better than the one before. When this happens, I pause and ask myself: “Will this [decision] help me create the holiday of my dreams or is it simply a reaction to what I think I “should” be doing?” Having a clear personal vision of what makes a successful Christmas gives me the focus and confidence to make those choices simple. The result: no stress!

Are you clear about your vision of success for this season? Would it be helpful to know HOW to get clear and make it happen? It is possible, you see, to create the Christmas of your dreams, where every decision you make it in alignment with that vision. I have the expertise to teach you, the tools to help you, and the skills to coach you. Give yourself this gift and you will have the merriest of Christmases. Contact me for details.

Yours in possibility,

Lisa

Lest We Forget

In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, school children receive lessons in history that tell the story of servicemen and women who have fought for the freedom that we enjoy today. Most are fortunate to have not been touched personally by the tragedies of war but “remember”, nonetheless, those who have made the greatest sacrifice.

I believe it is critical to pay tribute to those who make a deliberate choice to stand for the protection of our rights and freedoms. They are soldiers, their families, the communities and institutions that support them. They are also you and me. We are all tasked, each day, with taking a stand to preserve our culture and our history and to build a better tomorrow for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children.

As you remember those who have fallen, may you find the inspiration to Embrace Your Potential, in service to your country, community, and family. Be a LIVING lesson for our children. We have an obligation – because we have the freedom – to continue to strive for peace in the world, and it starts with YOU. God bless.

Lisa

The Scariest Thing of All

To many the most frightening thing to do is make a choice. We ask ourselves: What if I’m wrong? What if I fail? What if people think I’m stupid? What if I get hurt?

 

Face that fear.  Feel that fear and then doing it anyway!  You cannot grow unless you are willing to take a risk and move forward.  I told an audience of accountants this weekend, “When you are clear about your vision and it is backed up by a solid commitment, your choices will be made simple. They will be logical.”

Here is an excerpt from "Freeing Godiva: A Woman’s Journey to Self-Empowerment":

"The third key to a successful execution of your vision is choice. Each day, you make hundreds of choices. With a heightened level of consciousness, you become aware that every single choice you make either brings you closer to or further away from your vision. It’s a lot of responsibility, and isn’t it great? Remember back in step two, you accepted responsibility for creating the current reality that you don’t like? You also accepted responsibility for the power you have to create a spectacular new reality where you are embracing your potential. Every moment, you get to choose, so choose wisely. With every choice that is in alignment with your vision you’ll feel it. And it will feel awesome!"

Pre-order your copy of Freeing Godiva to soon be released.

On Hallowe’en, let the Trick or Treaters be the scariest thing in your life.  Consider all the possibilities when you let go of the fear that has been holding you back and choose, instead, to Embrace Your Potential!

Have a spooktacular day!

Lisa

Post 101: Express Your Passion and Purpose

I am excited to be writing a speech that I will deliver on Saturday evening for a new class of graduates.  Pumped by the sense of accomplishment following years of dedication and sacrifice, the audience will be ripe for words of encouragement to embrace their potential.

The timing really can’t be better.  While the uncertainty of the future may be a little scary to some, it is a wonderful opportunity to chart a brand new course, fuelled by passion and directed by purpose.  When you are given the chance to start over – whether it comes at graduation or retirement, when first become parents or send your kids off to college, when you get engaged or divorced – you have a brilliant opportunity to create a whole new world for yourself. 

In the soon-to-be-released book, “Freeing Godiva: A Woman’s Journey to Self-Empowerment”, I write about Living in Possibility and how you must believe in an empowered future in order to create one:

Living in possibility is feeling empowered to create something new every day that is in alignment with your core values and your personal vision of success. Living in possibility is about feeling empowered to contribute your unique talents and gifts and to inspire others to do the same. With deliberate intent, you will attract opportunities that were not previously available to you. This lifestyle is grounded in gratitude, integrity, and faith and it will yield tremendous success, as you define it. This definition of success is an expression of your passion and your purpose; it is what drives you to greatness. By living in possibility, you will build the confidence to Embrace Your Potential every day.

This is my core message regardless of my audience.  As I address this new graduating class, I will speak also with those who are there to support their continued growth and development.  This message is universal and it applies to you, too! Express your passion and purpose! Here’s to Living in Possibility!

I invite you to visit my new-and-improved website to pre-order the book now and learn about other services that I offer. 

Yours in Possibility,

Lisa

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

Anyone out there in a long-distance relationship, counting down the days to the next reunion? How do you cope? How do you manage your thoughts when your heart aches so deeply it wants to break open because you can see or touch the person you love? How do you quiet the words of fear and self-doubt when they creep in unexpectedly? How to you stifle the physical impulses that intrude in your daily routine at the mere mention of that person's name? Maybe you've never given it any thought...

I recently watched, the Warner Bros movie, Going the Distance. This passage sums up its premise:


Box: Now, look, I have done the long distance thing. And it is hard. As hell. And it doesn't matter how good the relationship is, it literally can just rip it apart. Look, it is just very hard to be away from the person you love for months at a time.

Garrett: I know. I know it's not gonna be easy.

Box: That's all I'm sayin'.

Dan: But maybe YOU never found the right girl.

Garrett: That's not a bad point.



Is it true that absence makes the heart grow fonder? Or does it mainly provide more opportunity for the eyes to wander, as one of my more cynical friends suggested when discussing the fate of long distance relationships? It is a topic worthy of debate and I would LOVE to hear your comments.



My final thoughts are summed up quite eloquently by a much older gentleman, Comte DeBussy-Rabutin (13 April 1618 – 9 April 1693):



“Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.”

The Rush of Possibility

Breathless, we flung us on a windy hill, laughed in the sun, and kissed the lovely grass.

-- Rupert Brooke

This kind of rapture is how I feel when I Stop the Treadmill of Life and Live in Possibility. This is how I feel when I surrender all the ‘shoulds’ in my life and just BE. This bliss, this awe, it is mine to cherish.

Do you remember the last time that the breeze, the sun, the green grass gave you such pleasure? If you can’t remember, I suggest it is time NOW. Find yourself some grass. (A backyard, picnic area, or even the side of a parking lot... it’s not that hard.) Step outside in your bare feet. Throw open your arms. Look up to the sky. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply. Exhale. Spin around slowly (this will add to the fun). Ahh... now wasn’t that worth the effort? Can you feel the rush of possibility entering now that you have created the space?

I’d love to hear what simple steps you take to Stop the Treadmill of Life. The other readers of my blog would like to hear, too. Let’s face it; when you experience something as wonderful as this, you want the whole world to know it! Send your comments. We are all grateful.

T'is the Season for Royal Watching

Festivities at the nation's capital were taken up a notch this Canada Day and NOT just because Great Big Sea was playing again. No, the big draw for the 300,000 flag waving patriots was the chance to see the newlyweds, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

They began their North American visit in Ottawa and today, landed in Prince Edward Island where my friend Kevin, played hookey to get this photo of the couple as they enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride around Charlottetown. Such excitement!

So what is it about the royals that makes us stand at attention? What does this young couple represent to the public that they would interrupt their daily routine just for the possibility of see what Kate is wearing or Will flash his smile? Are they more than a passing fancy?

I'd love to hear your comments. They have captured the hearts of people all over the world, but you are in MY world and your thoughts are important to me so, tell me, what does the royal couple mean to you?

God Save the Queen.

P.A.U.S.E for My Birthday

WooHoo! It’s my birthday! What a great day for a name change! It’s the perfect day to change my name and to announce, also, that this will be my last blog entry for a while. This one is a bit lengthy, so go grab a coffee or tea, and settle in. (Thank you, in advance, lovely reader.)

You may have noticed, if you are my friend on facebook, that my personal page has been updated for about two weeks now to reflect my name, Lisa Payne. After much deliberation, I decided to revert to my maiden name and this seemed like an excellent time to do it. You may receive some updates regarding the changing of my personal email addresses but you can continue to reach me at lisa@embracingpotential.com as that will remain the same.

Thank you so much for those who have been faithfully tuning and taking the time to provide feedback to me through facebook and emails. I really appreciate you. It is wonderful to know how my words can touch others. I am grateful to know that I am making connections for success!

Speaking of which, you may not know that the name of my company is Connections for Success Inc. I provide many services as a Professional Motivator: employee relations consulting, personal and professional development workshops, keynote speeches, leadership retreats, and one-on-one motivational programs. Whether I am blogging, speaking, writing, tweeting, linking-in, or updating my facebook status, I always keep my audience in mind. It is my mission to help YOU define and execute your vision of success and I share my personal stories to demonstrate to you that I am walking this walk right along with you.

This year has been, for me, one great big P.A.U.S.E. I have followed the 5 Steps to Embrace Your Potential™ in my own life, just as I have been teaching my audience:

Pause – I have been incorporating a regular daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly review of my life from 10,000 feet, giving myself the space to BE and connect with my higher self for guidance.

Accept What Is – In that space, I have thoroughly examined my currently reality and accepted responsibility for creating it: the good, the bad, and the little bit of ugly that is there. I have also fully accepted that I have the power to change it for the better!

Understand the Lesson – This year was FULL of learning. I recognized unhealthy patterns, limiting beliefs, and acts of self-sabotage that have been holding back my success. I understand that everything happens for a reason and I am full of gratitude for these lessons and the gifts that have been brought into my life from all of my life experiences.

See What is Possible – I have been dreaming the big dream! Once I learned how to effectively deal with self-doubt, I filled my mind with thoughts of possibility. I know how it FEELS to have success as I define it – at home, at work, at play, and at peace!

Execute your Vision of Success – Now it’s time for the WORK. With crystal clarity, a strong commitment to myself, I am making choices that are in alignment with my vision of success. As each choice brings me closer to my vision of success, I gain the confidence needed to keep the momentum going. I have attracted a community (real and imagined; I mean, local and virtual) that supports me in my efforts and my gratitude to them is expressed daily. The time for action is NOW.

Besides changing my name, I have made many changes in my personal life: relationships, finances, health, nutrition, physical fitness, death, career, spirituality. While I was challenged in these areas, I have triumphed and now use that confidence to fuel changes in my business. I am ready to step into my power and start playing a bigger game. I ask for your patience and understanding and thank you for your support while I get things together. I will be taking a break from the regular blog posts, you can continue to connect with me on facebook for daily inspiration and updates on my life.

THE NEWS – I am currently working on a new brand, although some of you have seen it before at workshops and keynotes. I will be bringing the Princess of Possibility to a larger audience. In this new forum, it is my intention to inspire women across the land to Stand Up and Sparkle! This message will empower women of all ages to create a new reality that is grounded in their personal values. The programs that I will be delivering will help them develop the clarity and confidence needed to step into their feminine power and surrounded themselves with love and beauty. I am very excited about this new venture and invite you to stay tuned as the brand develops.

In addition to the standard social networking sites, a new blog and website where you will be able to find me, I have even BIGGER news: I will be featured in a book entitled, Freeing Godiva, that is due to be released in the fall. The proposed title for my chapter is, “Tiaras Rule: How to be a Princess of Possibility.” Exciting!!!!

I’ll sign off for now, encouraging you to Embrace Your Potential™ at home, at work, at play and at peace as I do in my own life with this new chapter!! Happy birthday to me!

Yours in Possibility,

Lisa Payne

Home is Where the Heart Is

I just returned home from a week’s vacation in Florida with my two children. It was an amazing trip, a true testament to deliberate intent. We talked at length about creating a vacation that was fun and relaxing, at the same time. We honoured ourselves by doing what we wanted, when we wanted. There was no rushing and there was no whining. We were blessed with minimal wait times and multiple miracles that made our holiday one that we will always remember.

Each day, when we would start to run out of steam (sometimes, after four hours; other days, it was 12), we found ourselves saying, “Let’s go home now.” “Home” became the hotel room for six days. I thought, at first, that it was strange that we so readily adopted this little space as our home – given its cramped quarters and general state of disarray – but it seemed quite natural and I felt grateful that my family was content to be there and connected with what was truly important.

When it was time to leave, it would be expected that there would be resistance, but that was not the case. We had enjoyed those things that we had planned as well as a few extras. Our vision of a successful holiday was complete and, therefore, we readily accepted our return to Newfoundland and Labrador.

One of the lessons I have learned is that “home” is not a dwelling; home is not where you lay your head. Home is where your heart is. It is that place where you are truly connected with what matters most to you. In this case, you can be home wherever you are. I trust that you will find yourself at home today and find gratitude there.

You Deserve a Break Today

The McDonalds jingle reminds us to take a few moments each day to relax, regenerate, and be peaceful. I call this taking a Pause. It is the first step in my 5 Steps to Embrace Your Potential™. When you pause, you create the space to reflect, to gain a different perspective, to listen to your higher self, and to respond (instead of reacting) from a place of power, with deliberate intent. Pausing on a regular basis is beneficial to all areas of your life.

I am taking a HUGE pause this week as I turn off all technology (just so you know I am not cheating – I have written this blog and my daily “Embrace 40” blog in advance) for 7 days and enjoy a wonderful vacation with my children. Part of the preparation for this trip has been to set an intention of what we believe a successful trip will look like. While we have reviewed website and asked friends for recommendations about what to DO, our conversations have really focused on how we are going to BE on this trip.

It is my intention to enjoy every moment of being with my children, regardless of our circumstances. As some things are out of our control, it is my intention to be mindful of the mood I am creating for my children. This is a special trip for us and one that will last for years in our memories. I believe that THAT is a very god reason to be deliberate about my intentions.

I am grateful to be in a position to take my children on a trip this year. We have (jointly) decided not to take any gadgets with us to distract from the real purpose of our vacation: together time; but we also recognize that we need to have time and space for ourselves so we are prepared with books, journals, puzzles, coloring books, etc., that will entertain us independently, too. I made a point to map out the things that needed my attention before I left so that I wouldn’t feel rushed in the preparation and could stay mindful of this opportunity that we have. Even on the morning of the day before I left, as I prepared meals to freeze (because there won’t be any food left in the fridge when we come back and a home-cooked meal would be great to come back to), I found myself smiling contentedly that I have maintained my state of gratitude throughout the week and have not allowed myself to become overwhelmed with the many tasks that required my attention before we left. I have felt noticeably more confident than in the past when I have embarked on trips with the two children.

I feel now that I could write in significant detail of all the lessons I learned as I prepared for this trip but I must get back to the packing!! When I return, I will surely have more lessons to report. I thank you for reading, trust that you are enjoying a wonderful Easter week, wherever you are. Be safe. Be loving. BE mindful. God Bless.

Tap into your Power

What does it take to build a powerful life? How do you have to BE every day in order that people perceive you as a powerful force of awesomeness (to borrow my friend Deidre’s favourite word)? I believe, that if you are tapping into the authentic power within you, then you will KNOW. You can FEEL it! And it feels good!

When you are BEING powerful, you radiant light and love. You are living in possibility. You are showing up at home, at work, at play, and at peace with all cylinders firing and ready to Embrace Your Potential™. You know what I’m talking about, right? Oh, you don’t. Hmm...

This is why I love what I do. I can help YOU define and execute your personal vision of success so that YOU can be powerful every day for the rest of your life. With your Professional Motivator by your side, you will have the guidance to get crystal clear about what you REALLY want in your life and the support to make it happen. It’s all about CHOICE and the first choice you have to make is to invest in yourself.

If you are ready, JOIN ME on Tuesday, April 19th in St. John’s for a public workshop that will help you tap into your power and Embrace Your Potential™ at WORK. Pre-registration is required. Just click here or call me at 709.747.1492. If you aren’t able to come, please contact me to discuss all the possibilities. I am here for YOU. This is my mission. This is me being powerful!

Find the Beauty

Have you ever marvelled at how much beauty surrounds you every day? From the morning sunrise to the stars at night, the young and the old, the gifts of nature and the wonders made by man, I am truly in awe of it all. It is not lost on me that as I appreciate this beauty, I see more and more. It is really an abundance mentality. And, in alignment with the Law of Attraction, what you think about expands, and that is a beautiful thing!

The lyrics to “Beauty” by Atlantic Canadian band, Shaye – “you will find beauty in the toughest of places” – reminds us that abundance is available to us at all time with mindfulness and deliberate intent. During the hardest times, it is critical to remember that the beauty that surrounds during the good times is still there. Quiet your mind; empty it of all the negative thoughts, and allow the beauty to find you.

Life is a Highway

I’m in the midst of another road trip to my home town for a funeral. This is the second one in six months. Both times, I have chosen to travel with my parents and ride as a passenger in the back seat. At first, I sulked like a teenager with no control over the music, the speed of the car, or the choice of pit stops along the three hour drive. But as I got comfortable in my space (all to myself), I realized what a nice change of perspective this ride is affording me.

The ride was relatively quiet as we were all quite saddened by the passing of someone who was like family to us. Now and then, we would reminisce about the good times – there were so many after being neighbours for 25 years. Mostly, we sat in silence or listen to a few tunes by Bruce Springsteen or Bob Dylan (Dad’s choice, with my approval). Without the responsibility of driving (Mom) or looking out for moose (Dad), I was able to just BE – it’s not something I often get to do as the sole driver of my own car.

I enjoyed seeing the landscape from this new perspective, feeling the winding of the road, and being FREE of control. Yes, I actually said that. I’ve enjoyed giving up control!! Now that is not something you often hear from a backseat driver, especially one who has bore the title of Control Freak in the past. But on this highway of life, there have been many twists and turn, bumps and boulders, all smoothed out as I have learned to LET GO.

I sat there, in silence, and allowed my mind to clear. I was completely relaxed and at peace. Funny, I never would have thought that, at the age of 40, sitting in the back of an AVEO behind my parents, would be a relaxing experience, but I stand corrected as I usually am when I let go and enjoy the ride!

Live, love, laugh and Let Go!

I Have a Dream

I have a dream / A song to sing / To help me cope / With anythingCan you really listen to the first few bars of ABBA’s famous song from 1979 without feeling all warm and fuzzy inside? When someone encourages you to Dream the Big Dream, how does it make you feel? Does it pump you and get you excited about all that is possible to be achieved? Does it make you shudder and cower and the thought that someone might have actually figured out what your biggest dream is AND that you have been too afraid to go for it? If you are reading my blog, chances are that you are a combination of both, but lean more toward the former, liking the inspiration but still caught in your fear.

Fear is what holds us back from dreaming big. It’s interesting because ANYONE can dream a big dream and realize that dream, but very few people choose to even take the first step. Perhaps they understand that whatever you put your energy toward will manifest, sometimes as quick as lightning. “Be careful what you wish for...” as supporters of the Law of Attraction will attest that your dreams (whether good or bad) will become a reality.

If it is true that whatever you think about will come about, then why not choose TODAY to have a grand dream – one where you Embrace Your Potential™ at home, at work, at play, and at peace EVERY DAY. What would that look like for you? I’d love to hear from you and keep this conversation going!

If you need guidance in building a dream that is grounded in your personal values, join me on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in St. John’s for an evening workshop that will walk you through this process and help you Create a Values-Based Life. Visit my website to register.

When You Believe

“There can be miracles when you believe.” These words from Stephen Schwartz, covered by many, inspire me every time I hear them. The song practically puts me in an altered state of consciousness whenever I hear it as I am reminded of the power that rest within me to create my life.

Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Our thoughts propel us as much as they hold us back. The choice is yours, however; it all starts with what you believe.

As I prepare to deliver a public workshop in St. John’s tomorrow, I find myself being the observer of my own beliefs. Here are a few:
• I believe that everything happens for a reason.
• I believe that we are all born to a great purpose.
• I believe that love is the answer to all problems.
• I believe that our greatest fears can be overcome.
• I believe in the potential in all humans.
• I believe that life is a mystery.
• I believe that a smile can turn your day around.
• I believe that we are all creative beings.
• I believe that laughter is the best medicine.
• I believe that we can call make a positive difference in our world.

What do you believe? What makes your heart soar? If you aren’t sure, and you’d like to get clear, contact me about my Personal Motivation Packages or check my website regularly for public workshop offerings.

PS – I believe in YOU!

The Value of Friendship

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending time with four of my best friends. I call them my best friends because, I believe, they bring out the best in me. I’ve had many, many friends over the years and I have come to realize that – while everyone comes into your life for a reason – some friendships are not healthy and not meant to last.

For years, I struggled with the drama of friendship. You can probably think of a person who grates on your nerves, always challenges you, and makes you cringe when you see her number on the phone. Yet, you choose to spend your time, energy and money on this friendship that does not bring out the best in you. Intellectually, it doesn’t make sense. Of course, we are not often governed our heads in such matters but our hearts (at least that’s what we think is making us stay in a relationship that doesn’t serve us).

We attract people that will teach us the lessons we need to learn. Until we learn those lessons, the Universe will conspire to send similar situations to us over and over until it finally sinks in. We need to P.A.U.S.E. when it comes to our relationships just like with every other part of our lives and determine whether they are in alignment with our Vision of Success. We need to move through the fears that keep us in destructive relationships and afraid of being alone. When we VALUE ourselves enough, we will make choices that support our growth and development and we will attract people that love and support for who you are RIGHT NOW in this world.

I have been fortunate to FINALLY learn this lesson. I am truly blessed to share my company with the people I have been waiting for all my life.

If you find yourself questioning what VALUE your relationships are bringing to your life, I encourage you to attend my next workshop in St. John’s, NL. Click here to register. Seats are going fast as EVERYONE really wants to create a life grounded in their personal values, don’t they?

Fearless Love

Melissa Etheridge rocked Mile One Centre in St. John's, NL, on Saturday night and blew us away with the title track from her new album, Fearless Love.

I want to live my life / Pursuing my happiness / I want a fearless love / I won't settle for anything less

Her performance was electric. It was inspirational. I believe, as she states on her website, “Everything is either fear or love.” It got me thinking, and now, writing.

Imagine a world without fear. It really isn’t possible. We need fear for many reasons, but it is true that love cannot exist where fear resides. Imagine, then, the possibility of loving yourself so much that the love overrides the fear any time it raises its head. Imagine countering every limiting belief with an affirmation so powerful that fear is quieted in an instant. Imagine loving yourself and others so passionately that the ugly side of fear – the jealously, contempt, envy, unfaithfulness – cannot exist. All of this is possible. You must first believe in the power within you to create a Fearless Love.

Allow yourself the freedom to love fearlessly... to be fully self-expressed, to step into your power and Embrace Your Potential™ every day. When you love yourself, your world will be transformed. You will be fearless. Imagine!


Is LOVE one of your personal values? How is it showing up in your life? I will be hosting a PUBLIC WORKSHOP in St. John’s, NL on March 22nd that will teach YOU how to create a life grounded in your personal values. Please check my website for details and on-line registration.

You are Healed!

The King’s Speech, awarded the Oscar for Best Picture last night, is a story about HEALING. The protagonist, brilliantly played by Colin Firth, must face his greatest fears as he leads his country into war. As a leader, he is expected to be confident, articulate and strong. Battling a severe speech impediment, he is seriously insecure, desperately inarticulate, and weak in spirit. He confesses to his loving wife at his darkest hour, “I am not a king.”

Have you ever experienced a fear so significant that it manifested itself as a disease in your body? Has it left you questioning your capabilities and your right to achieve your destiny? Do you continue to struggle with it today or have you been blessed with a miracle to overcome it?

I believe that our limiting beliefs can be so powerful that they can hold us back from greatness no matter how hard we try. I have tried for years to overcome chronic back pain to live a full and satisfying life. It can seem overwhelming at times to manage daily life with the ever-present reminder that your body is weak and ‘not good enough’. But I have pressed on – for 28 years.

Yesterday, I gave up. That’s right. I stopped trying. I made a conscious decision to no longer TRY but to just BE. This has been one of my hardest lessons. I do believe that I have figured it out in some areas of my life, but in others, I have been holding on to limiting beliefs that have kept me held hostage in my body. Until yesterday... when I deliberately released the limiting beliefs that have been keeping me stuck. As I did, the miracle occurred. The pain went away. And, it has stayed away for more than 30 hours now.

If you have not experienced the fatigue, frustration and desperation that comes from living with a chronic illness you may not be able to relate. Perhaps you can remember experiencing a slow recovery from a broken limb, a sinus infection that seems to last forever, an allergy that affects you every spring. Remember the relief and sense of EUPHORIA that comes when you are acutely aware that your body has been HEALED and that you no longer feel that familiar, awful sensation. That is how I feel right now!

The King overcame his impediment through hard work, determination, focus, commitment, trust, courage, and love. When the King delivered his speech to England and the world, I can imagine how he felt. To be released from the bondage of our physicality and to rejoice in our spirit and all that we can BE is an incredible awakening. THIS is how we inspire others to embrace their potential. As the King did, I rejoice in this experience and share this lesson with you so that you may live in possibility every day! God Bless.

Healthy Choices on Family Day

Nearly 60% of Canadians observe a statutory holiday on the third Monday of February. [Source: www.wikipedia.com] The holiday is called Family Day in three provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario). This holiday has not yet been established in Newfoundland & Labrador, where I live, but the occasion did provide me with ample food for thought.

Today I began a 28-day program to jump start my physical activity. It is a program that takes a holistic approach to health and wellness. I’ve been working with a fabulous nutrition coach, Tara Antle [http://healthy-balance.ca] for several weeks and I feel I am ready to pair that with a program that connects all the dots in my body – inside and out.

Part of the homework for Day 1 is to record your intentions and declare your commitment to the journey. This is very similar to exercises that I have my clients do (to find out more visit: www.embracingpotential.com) so I was very comfortable with this process – something that I like about the program from the start! As I was writing the reasons why this choice is important for me, I acknowledged the impact that my health has on my family. I’m no good to anyone, unless I am healthy. I want to be able to enjoy my family in an active way. I want to play with the kids, travel, camp, and hike. I want to have the stamina to keep up. I also want to be a role model for my children and demonstrate what a healthy lifestyle is.

Our children learn from us – the good, the bad and the ugly. We can make a difference by making healthy choices today, and always. Commit today. Your family will be glad you did!

Choose Love

Every day, you have the opportunity to choose love over fear. Every day, you have a choice in how you greet the day. On this day, as people celebrate romantic love and we ride the wave of commercialization, remember love’s truest meaning.

Consider, also, that there is only love... the only true emotion... and it surrounds you. Feel its power and share it! There is enough to go around. And as you share, it will grow. You will change the world.

It starts with YOU. When you look in the mirror, smile and say, “I love you.” You’ll be glad you did.

Creating the Space for Abundance

How full is your calendar? Do you cram as much as possible into each day? Do you fall into bed, exhausted, each night and go to bed thinking of all the things that didn’t get completed?

When we are in a state of perpetual motion, in our bodies and minds, there is no space from which to create or attract newness. If there is no room in the garage, how can you attract a second vehicle? If your wallet has no space, how can you attract more money? If you work day does not provide ‘down time’, how can you think of new, innovative solutions for your team?

I encourage you to create space in your life to allow for abundance to enter. Whether you are in search of more money, friends, love, or health, open yourself to what is possible. You will be amazed with the results! Chances are good that the gifts coming your way are even better than what you imagined. So, get out of the way, and let it come to you!

Please let me know how I can help you as you Embrace Your Potential. Visit my website for inspiration and motivation.

It's Time to Cocoon

It’s unusual for me to want to cocoon, even in the winter. Despite the challenging weather that finds me in Newfoundland & Labrador each year, I’m not weather-dependent; I don’t let the cold, snow, or winds keep me from getting out and about. Today, it is close to twenty below with the wind-chill yet it is not the temperature that makes me feel like cocooning.

I really can’t explain why I feel this need to stay put, under a blanket on my couch, sipping peppermint tea and writing in my journal. I suppose the 10% of me that is introverted has been feeling a little neglected this month since January has been full of meetings, introductions, and appointments. Maybe I just need a bit of time to myself. Who knows what will come of it? I think I’ll just P.A.U.S.E.

And the day that you spin
From your little cocoon
Well, you can't be prepared
For the beauty you'll find there

Lyrics from “Beauty” by Shaye

Stop Look and Listen

Remember being told to, “Stop, look and listen, before you cross the street”? Never was that needed more than this morning by my child’s school. In the two minutes that it took me to enter and drive around the drop off lane, I witness three motorists violating rules of the road and thus endangering the lives of others, including my children and theirs. (Now I know exactly why there is usually a police officer stationed at the school each morning.)

There is NOTHING that is worth risking the safety of our children.

If your life has gotten so out of control and your Treadmill of Life running so fast that you cannot take the time to secure your children safely on the school playground, then I suggest you need to take a significant P.A.U.S.E. and examine your life from 10,000 feet. This might just be the wake-up call that you need to define and execute your Vision of Success. I can assure you that losing everything is NOT part of that vision. So, wise up! Drive safely. Embrace Your Potential. It will even affect your ability to arrive to school and then work with time to spare.

To learn everyday strategies to Stop the Treadmill of Life and Start Living in Possibility, join me on Sunday, January 23rd in St. John’s, NL for a full day motivation workshop. Register online today!

The Choice is Yours

In that moment before you put your feet to the floor in the morning, make a choice that TODAY will be the day that you Embrace Your Potential™.

Imagine what a difference it will make when you...

o Look out the window to see what the weather is like
o Sit with your family for breakfast
o Prepare for a meeting
o Drive to work
o Go to the gym
o Help your kids with their homework
o Relax with your spouse

By making the choice to BE different, you will choose to DO different things throughout the day and you will HAVE the best day ever. All because YOU made the choice, before you put your feet to the floor, to Embrace Your Potential™ today!

I thank you for making that choice, because it makes a difference in the world!

Here’s another choice to consider:

On January 23rd in St. John’s, NL, join Professional Motivator Lisa Quinton as she helps YOU Define and Execute you Vision of Success in a full day workshop. Learn the 5 Steps to Embrace Your Potential™ and share a day with people who, like you, are committed to creating a new reality grounded in their personal values.

Register online at http://embracingpotential.com/. Call 709.747.1492 for details.

Thank you!

The Word of the Day is WooHoo!

After raving about what an amazing day I was having, prompting me to shout, “WooHoo!” on many occasions (privately and publicly), my friend suggested I buy a lotto ticket to see how far my luck would take me – and him, since he is looking for half!

I don’t know if I have ever bought a lotto ticket. I know, I must be the only person ALIVE that hasn’t. At least, that’s how I feel on days when I’ve gone to the gas station on days of the big jackpot. Seriously, it’s actually one of the reasons that I now pay at the pump!

I’ve had many conversations about what others would do if they won the lottery. It’s even become material for my keynote speech. The truth is, when I’m visualizing my BIG DREAM, I think about it as if my bank account is overflowing. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll venture out later and buy one. I am inspired by the tag line on the Atlantic Lottery homepage: “I closed my eyes and yelled WooHoo!” A sign from the Universe???

What would you do if you won the lottery? I’d love to hear about your Vision of Success. If you haven’t put much thought behind your big dream, consider joining me for my next public workshop. Register on-line to learn how to Embrace Your Potential™.