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.
Professional Motivator, Lisa Payne, finds inspiration in everyday events to help others embrace their potential.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 1, 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
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
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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
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
Monday, February 8, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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
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
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