Spread a Little Sunshine

Have you ever thought about the ripple effect a smile can have in the world? I have. From a young age, I was very in tune with the feelings of others around me. I had a curiosity about why some people seemed happier than others. It broke my heart to see people in pain. I am still quite sensitive these days and am known to wear my heart on my sleeve. There is nothing that brings me joy more than to see another person embrace their potential. It has always been that way for me.

I always felt deep down that my purpose was to “spread a little sunshine”. I look around me each day and wonder how I can make a difference in the life of the people that cross my path. I see what is possible when we all contribute to the greater good of creating a loving and caring environment wherever we are. I believe that it is a choice we all make every day – whether conscious or not. When we venture out into the world, we decide how we will experience each day. With our thoughts, we attract circumstances that create experience. How we react to those experiences is determined again by our thoughts. What we do and say is all related to what we are feeling at the time, but can also be clouded by judgments and biases that we have held for a long time.

We have all had mornings that didn’t start out so well. When everything seems to go wrong and we can’t shake the foul mood we are in. Throughout the day, we continually hear bad news and encounter rude people. We just want the day to be over! We get red lights and burn our supper. The kids are acting up and the in-laws are driving you crazy. Have you ever stopped to think about how YOU are being on these days, and how you are contributing to the reality you are experiencing? Have you considered the ripple effect that your frown can have in the world? I have. It’s pretty ugly so I won’t get into it. I’m sure you can remember such a day. I can. Ugh.

The fact is we have the power to change our thoughts. This means we have the power to change the experience we are having just by changing the meaning we are giving it. By changing the way we are being, we can create a positive ripple effect in the world. A significant impact can be made with one simple gesture: a smile. The amazing thing is that it doesn’t take any money, time or energy. It is one of the first things we ever learn how to do. Despite the ease in doing so, it is surprising how many people forget the power behind the smile. Imagine how your day can be turned around and you can spread a little sunshine:

Smile at your neighbor as you back out the driveway. Smile at the children as they cross the street in front of your car. Smile at the cashier at Starbucks. Smile at the driver who lets you out of the parking lot and then smile at the next one you let out. Smile at all the people you walk by on the hiking trail. Smile at your kids when you pick them up. Smile at your spouse when you come home from work. Smile to yourself when you go to bed and, then again, smile when you wake up.

Be conscious of this effort and the result it has in your life. Your heightened awareness may help you to realize how much (or how little) sunshine you have been spreading all along. The good news is: there is never, ever too much so keeping spreading it. [Living in Newfoundland & Labrador, I can tell you, we can ALWAYS use a little more sunshine!] And, while we can’t always depend on the weather, we can always depend on ourselves… so step up to the plate, embrace your potential, and spread a little sunshine… you never know how your day will turn out! Smiling is contagious you know. Lesson Learned.

A Change of Scenery Does a World of Good

If I look back over the years, I am sure there is a pattern or two to be found. One of them has to do with how often I rearrange the furniture in my house. This evening, I found myself looking for comfort in change. While that may seem odd to some, I have always found that a change of scenery does my soul good.

As I move sofas and chairs, tables and electronics, I envision not only the finished space but also the mood it will set and the peace and balance it will bring to my life. It is amazing how the state of our homes is reflective of the state of our being. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in this Sensational September. Today, what I experienced at work looked a lot more chaotic than sensational. At the end of the day, I went for a walk in the woods to clear my mind and gain some needed perspective and exercise.

Fresh air does the body good – and the mind, and the soul. I gained the clarity I needed to come back home ready to take on all that is on my plate with renewed enthusiasm and confidence. Yes, I PAUSEd: took the pause I desperately needed from the cell phone, computer, and children; accepted what was in my control and the role I was playing to create the current reality; understood the lesson – the pattern of behavior that has plagued me at this time of year; saw what was now possible with a fresh perspective and generated alternative solutions; and then, returned home to embrace my potential.

When I walked through the door to my home, the Universe tested me again… “Are you sure you have what it takes? Your house is a mess! Your office is a mess!” Blah Blah Blah. I WAS sure. After I served dinner, I enlisted the help of my children and we rearranged furniture to create the space that I need to embrace my potential. I feel so much better now!

In the past, my initial step in taking on any new project was to “get organized”. For me that meant cleaning up my work space, creating new files, sharpening pencils, buying a new notebook, etc. The physical cues for change have always provided comfort when journeying into the unknown and they still do. Just like rearranging the furniture. Where my growth has come, is that now, I acknowledge the connection between my state of being and my productivity and ensure that my first step is to PAUSE. I must nurture my soul, be true to myself, be the person I want to be, and THEN move. Lesson Learned.

Sensational September

Ahh... September. My favorite month of the year! To me, the clean slate that comes with the onset of a new school year has always gotten me just a little EXCITED! Even after I finally finished with my formal schooling, the energy of the back-to-school hustle and bustle always gave me the sense that a fresh start was the order of business. Even if it just meant rearranging the furniture or buying new shoes!

Who would like to order up a New Beginning? I thought of this early today as I rose and felt, for the first time in a while, that I will get back on track with the things most important to me. The past two weeks have been FULL of living… I have enjoyed them immensely. My days have been filled with much activity, lots of laughter, and some tears, too. I have been asked why my blog stopped... some were actually worried about me – thank you, by the way. August has been the busiest month of the year for me with my job for the past 12 years. Add to that, the drama of my son’s birthday (see Aug 4th post), a missed business trip (Aug 10th), my former anniversary (Aug 13th) and a whole lot of personal stress related to my boyfriend’s brain tumour (http://kpomroy.blogspot.com) and it doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for writing. Well, that’s not really true. In fact, I have been writing – just not on the computer.

I had gotten into a routine where I would either write each morning or in the afternoon at the beach. It was a process I was enjoying very much and had committed myself to the discipline. It was energizing and I really felt like it was an excellent way to express myself. Over the past few weeks, however, I allowed other demands in my life to take over that space I had created for writing. I still enjoyed quiet time each day, but it was often late in the evening when I was too tired to sit any longer at the computer. I took to carrying my notebook with me so when I did have fleeting moments (or hours, when delayed in the Halifax airport), I could write about my current inspiration. It has really been interesting to observe how the break from the blog has affected my state of being and how I felt about myself.

With the coming of my favorite month, I have gained the clarity I needed to start afresh this month and to continue with the discipline of writing. I have also committed to myself to resume the commitment to my health that had taken a back seat for the last part of August as well. I am focused on new goals in my work and business. And I am savoring the last week before my children return to school. For me, freedom is found in the discipline of my day as I live in possibility at home, at work, at play and at peace. When I am not centered, when I am not balanced, I feel it in every part of my mind, body and soul. The truth is that it affects my self-esteem because I don’t feel particularly smart, pretty or connected when I am not living my best life. It is also extremely important for me to “walk the walk” and present myself authentically every day. This is why I speak the truth and will ‘confess’ when I’ve made choices that don’t serve my higher purpose.

I am glad to have made a return to the blog and thank you all for your support. I will continue to write about those things that inspire me each day… the ordinary life of a single, working mom who lives to embrace her potential. This is who I am… I am grateful for all the blessings in my life and the opportunity to share my Lessons Learned.

www.embracingpotential.com

Celebrating Milestones

Today marks the occasion of two important dates in my life: 15 years ago, I was married; 5 years ago, I filed for divorce. Each of the past five years on this date, I think about how time has changed me and yet, how I am the same. I choose to write today about how we can celebrate these milestones in our lives by seeing the blessings that they brought, and knowing that the future lies before us to create whatever our heart desires.

I choose to let the past be in the past. I am grateful for all the experiences that I have brought me to the present moment. As I sit here at the computer, the words flow easily today because I know I am creating a powerful new chapter in the book of my life. One of my favorite songs is “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. When I first heard the lyrics four years ago, they were resounding: “Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lFXy5bIiSA

One thing that I have gained with the passage of time, is clarity about who I am, the protagonist, and I accept and love her for all that she is and all they she may be. I am also looking at the other characters who will play a role in the beginning of this new chapter. Without knowing how long they will stay, I am grateful for their presence and the richness they add to my story. I am very conscious of who I will allow to take up space in my life. Many of my relationships are changing as they have fulfilled their original purpose. What I LOVE is that the depth of the relationships is enabling them to be recreated so that we can continue into the future to build something that takes us to a higher place.

Knowing that your presence has helped elevate the spirit of another to a more conscious level is something worth celebrating! I give credit to those in my life who have done this for me. I am truly blessed. I live each writing a new page and I am so happy to have you to share it.

I thought when I started to write this, that I would spend more time talking about who I was “back then” and how I have changed, but I realize that in letting go of the past, I can spend my energy on TODAY and creating a wonderful place to be in this moment. Enough said. Lesson Learned.

Making Connections

When asked to describe what I do in 30 seconds or less, I say, “I take people off the treadmill of life, help them accept what is, see what is possible, and create a life of success as defined by them.” As a Professional Motivator, that’s what I do whether it is through individual coaching, workshop facilitation, conference keynotes or in corporate consulting. Making connections with people is what I do every day. It is what fuels me and always has been. That’s why I named my company, Connections for Success Inc.

Every conversation I have is about making a meaningful connection with another person. It may be a simple exchange of “hello” with a neighbor or a three-hour long excavation with someone I love; just like in my professional affairs, the notion of success comes from touching the heart and soul of another person, regardless of method of delivery.

The irony of this week’s events is not lost on me. I may have missed my flight, but the connections that I made already this week (with faith that more are to come) have been so profound, that I may as well be grateful to Air Canada. Of course, I am always grateful to the Universe for putting the most wonderful opportunities in front of me. I have to acknowledge my own part here, too. I am so much more conscious than I have ever been, and now fully participate in making meaningful connections even when I am alone.

It is easy to imagine how to make time with your family and friends (at home and at play) more meaningful. You pay attention – be present – to what is happening, turn the cell phone off, engage in activities you enjoy, have fun. Although it may seem more difficult, it is really quite conceivable that you can also improve your connections at work by taking a vested interest in your organization’s success. When we think about “connection” it is normal to assume we are talking about connections OUTSIDE of ourselves, with other people. How do we make connections WITHIN? That’s what we do when we are at peace.

These four elements of ourselves – at home, at work, at play and at peace – and what we choose to create in those spaces don’t always reflect what we value. To live in possibility, it is important that all areas of our lives are in alignment with our higher purpose. In order to do this, we must first GO INSIDE and make the most important connection of all, to understand what it is we want to create – how we define success. This is an ongoing process; one that rejuvenates the soul. It can unleash latent talents and get you in touch with deep desires that may have been repressed for a long time. Making a connection with yourself is necessary to heal old wounds and dispel limiting beliefs that have stopped you in the past from creating the life of your dreams. Making the INSIDE connection is necessary to develop self-love; the kind of love needed to take risks and invest in your future happiness because you are worth it. Knowing that, and feeling that within, will fuel you to create success beyond your wildest dreams.

As a Professional Motivator, I help others define and execute their vision of success. It is part of MY vision of success. I am embracing my potential in this moment. Thank you for allowing me to share this Lesson Learned.

Check out my new website: http://embracingpotential.com

The Wonder of the Universe

Have you ever scratched your head in wonder how particular situations befall you? On a number of occasions in the past six months, I have been completely baffled in response to my circumstances and have even said out loud, “This makes no sense. How could this have happened?” A bit of drama in the wee hours of a Magnificent Monday got me thinking about the wonder of the Universe.

Yesterday I was unable to board my flight to Halifax because I had not arrived more than 30 minutes ahead of departure. This “made no sense” because I had plenty of time to make it. I felt great waking up at 4:30AM and didn’t feel rushed or concerned about the time. As I drove to the airport I felt completely on purpose and divinely connected to my Higher Power. But when I arrived too late to board my flight, I found myself saying, “How could this have happened?” I was supposed to be in Fredericton for meetings all day and night; Moncton the next two days, then back to Fredericton. I had a full agenda and my initial thought was that my whole week of business was out the door. As I felt the fear rise, I consciously gave myself permission to release the emotion I was feeling at what I saw as a lack of empowerment and compassion of the Air Canada staff. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the available options, regained my composure, and drove myself home, determined that by the time I got there – 15 minutes later – I would have let go of the emotion, the judgment and the blame, and would be ready to PAUSE.

Whenever I am faced with challenges, I think about the process of PAUSE that I teach in my workshops and walk myself through it to ensure it can be effective in general situations. I now have a great example to share, thanks to Air Canada!

P
Pause, breathe, stop the treadmill of life or the whirring of your brain
A
Accept what is, what is in your control, and our role in the current reality
U
Understand the lessons to be learned from this situation/problem
S
See what is possible that wasn’t possible before, seek alternative solutions
E
Embrace your potential

I went through the process. It looked something like this:

P
I took a deep breath and detached myself from the circumstance. I released the judgment and blame and focused my thoughts inward, determined to find a better way, in expression of my Higher Power.

A
I accepted the fact that I had missed my flight and took responsibility for not being on time. I also accepted that this was happening for a reason, although the reasons that I should either not be going to New Brunswick, or the reasons for staying in St. John’s were not yet clear.

U
I vowed to never be late again, not get ‘sidetracked’ with emails that show up in the morning of travel or spend too much time on my hair. My lesson was to accept what is and create something new.

S
I worked all morning to make contact with my clients and staff, rearrange my plans and accomplish my original objectives. I was creative as I generated effective solutions and gave myself the space in this new reality for abundance to flow.

E
Satisfied with the results and pleased to have a restful week at home, I spent time with an old friend who needed me and a new friend who wanted to get to know me better. I shared authentic conversation and felt truly inspired to be right here right now. I was embracing my potential, living in possibility and feeling truly blessed and in awe of the Universe.

With great wonder and reflection, I really feel like it WAS all part of a grander plan, as if I had any doubt! You see, before I left for the airport, I opened a page from Doreen Virtue’s book, Daily Guidance from your Angels entitled, Trust that your Prayers are Being Answered. What an amazing thing to think as you head off to another province and plan to “network like nobody’s business” (my facebook status from the day before). But then I missed my flight???

The Universe does have a way of making us scratch our heads in wonder. The answers aren’t always plain but I do believe they exist. I created a wonderful day on that long, Magnificent Monday and in then, in the wee hours of this Terrific Tuesday, I was given a true gift. The gift of a second chance. My lesson learned here is that when you are fully self-expressed and living your life on purpose, you open yourself up to miracles every day. I am grateful for all of life’s lessons and for having the chance to build something new that serves me very well as I embrace my potential.

PAUSE the Treadmill of Life

Does it ever happen to you that your world seems to be spinning out of control and you can barely breathe? Perhaps it is because you have too much on your plate, or because you are in a job or relationship that hasn’t been working for a while. It may be that your daily routine is hectic and allows no time for rejuvenation or recuperation.

“Busy.” It seems an all familiar response to the question, “How are you?” I find that to get a real sense of how someone is, you must evaluate the body language that comes with that response. We are all busy to some degree, but I think what matters more is how you feel about what you are busy doing. If your days are full but clearly reflect your values, you will feel quite differently than if you are spinning like a top just to survive each day that is filled with people and activities that do not serve you. The reality for most is somewhere in the middle.

I have made a conscious effort to create a world that reflects my purpose and my vision of success. At times, however, my choices result in overwhelm and my mind plays like a fast-forwarding video despite my efforts to remain in balance. Just last week, my head was spinning because of the number of commitments on my plate. By the time Thought-full Thursday rolled around, I knew I had had enough. I needed to PAUSE and regroup. I allowed myself some space from family, friends, work and other obligations to clear my head and slow down. (Sometimes, taking a PAUSE is just that, and it only takes 5 minutes to get clear and gain some perspective, but last week was particularly taxing on a number of levels for me, so I took three hours.)

Stopping the treadmill of life is therapeutic for the body, mind and spirit. In that space, you grant yourself permission to breathe and get present. All of a sudden, things do not appear as urgent. You can see possibilities, alternate solutions to crises. The weight of the world that you are carrying can disappear in minutes if you slow down enough to see what that burden is doing to you and those around you. Taking time to evaluate your circumstance and accept responsibility for your part in its creation is a great Lesson Learned. “Accepting what is” is the next phase in this process of Embracing Your Potential. Stay tuned.

Check out my new website: http://www.embracingpotential.com