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.
Professional Motivator, Lisa Payne, finds inspiration in everyday events to help others embrace their potential.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, October 15, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, October 11, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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.
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.
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