IGNITING GREATNESS



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Set Your Intentions for 2012

“Setting intention, at least according to Buddhist teachings, is quite different than goal making. It is not oriented toward a future outcome. Instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are “being” in the present moment. Your attention is on the ever-present “now” in the constantly changing flow of life. You set your intentions based on understanding what matters most to you and make a commitment to align your worldly actions with your inner values.”Phillip Moffitt, for Yoga Journal

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Step Outside For You

The past few days we have been fortunate in having some very mild weather days - were you able to take some moments to get outside & connect with nature? If not, no worries, yet do it today. Even just a few minutes outside can help relieve tension, improve mood, and allow your body & mind to slow down - during the holiday's be sure to take a few moments for you everyday. YOU deserve it.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Keep the Holidays in Perspective

Monday morning will come, starting the week of Thanksgiving and for many, the madness. Do your best to remember what it is all for - Giving Thanks and appreciating your place in the world. Then as Black Friday descends (even earlier this year) do not lose perspective on the next holiday of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holiday you choose to celebrate. Enjoy & embrace the days ahead - if you can not, it may be time to re-valuate some areas within your life.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Quote

When training for a new race, the distance doesn't matter - it's the intention behind the effort - so no matter how far you go, it's a step further than not trying.

Letting Go of Anger

We all have and experience anger in our lives, but it's our reaction to that anger that sets the direction of our ability to be happy.  It's when we hold onto something that has made us angry that we stop "living".  We stop having the ability to see and accept new opportunities in our lives.  We think holding onto our anger, telling our story over and over will actually make us feel better, but all it does is keep us stuck in that negative energy place.  We re-live the pain, we continue to let it linger in our bodies, we prevent good things from entering our worlds. 
So the next time something makes you angry, you have a fight with a loved one, get cut off on the road and you feel that rage, allow yourself to feel it, express your emotions, process what has happened, take some time, and then let it go.  Holding onto it will serve no one, especially you.  And be very aware of the disease of "being right" - this one piece would free many people from themselves.  As Dr. Phil states "would you rather be right or be happy".

Only you can decide........

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Don't Ride the Roller Coaster

When we can truly grasp the concept that we cannot control the actions or thoughts of anyone else, you will free yourself and create an opportunity for greater happiness.  By letting that go you will avoid the roller-coaster of getting caught in other people's emotions and actions.

You are responsible for and control only you - get that and be happy.....

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

When in Doubt, Walk It Out

I have found that when you have an issue you're struggling with, having trouble making a decision, or are feeling blocked - walking it out seems to bring me a clearer mind and perspective.  Instead of sitting and stewing over whatever it is you're dealing with, take a walk.  We have all heard about the endorphins that are released through exercise and it's true.  Taking, even a light 15-20 minute walk, can produce a positive physiological feeling that can help you power through.  As well, the quiet time of focusing on something else (like walking and what's around you) may bring the answer you've been so struggling to find because you're no longer pressing the issue.

Being outdoors is aesthetically pleasing, refreshing, and coupled with the physical activity, very energizing.  And if the answer doesn't come in that time, at least you will have done something positive for yourself.  Ultimately, that will help you in everything you do. 

In this fast paced world we live in, it is even more important to slow down and take time for yourself.  So the next time you just feel you need "something", go take a walk - look up at the sky - watch the birds - listen to the crunch of leaves under your feet - breathe deep - and just walk. 

Stay Strong

"Authentic wisdom is the ability to shift out of those thoughts that weaken you and keep yourself in a higher state of consciousness. When you use your mind to empower you, you're appealing to that which uplifts and raises your spirits." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

Friday, September 9, 2011

Take Action

Taking action, even when it's for difficult things, still feels so empowering and positive. Try it and free yourself - release the negative pull.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Oh Irene.......

This past week was a trying week for many in Connecticut as we faced days and nights without electricity.  I did not have power for 5 days, but was fortunate enough to have running water, so for me it was like luxurious camping.  My parents, on the other hand, did not get their power back until 4pm today (almost 8 complete days).

It was an interesting test as to how we adjust when there is a big change to our daily lives or habits.  From the conversations I had and from my own personal experience, it wasn't a welcomed circumstance, but in the big picture perspective more like a major inconvenience.  Yet some peoples reactions were for more traumatic.  Some people who lost homes understood they at least had their lives and families.  So perspective was definitely an individual reaction.

We never know what someone else is experiencing or how they process situations, but one thing is for sure everyone's experience of the past week was vastly different.  No right or wrong, just different.  How you responded this week or how you put things in perspective can give you insight as to; how you are in general.  how you handle stress, what's important you, what can you handle when things are tough, what could you live with or without, how prepared were you.

Take a moment to look back over the past week - what are some of the answers to these questions?  What did you learn about yourself?  What did you like, what alarmed you, what were you able to handle that you wouldn't have known about otherwise, what was something you just had to have (I heard many talk about their morning coffee), how did change affect you, how did the unknowing (of when the power would be on) affect you?  How would you describe yourself today compared to the person that went to bed last Saturday night?

We  can all say goodbye to Irene, but she may have taught us some things we would have never had the opportunity to learn about ourselves otherwise.  We may have met neighbors or talked with people that normally we might just pass by.  We also all probably learned we take many things for granted (water, electricity, phone), aren't as prepared as we thought we were (like the emergency kits we "should" have), and that slowing down once in awhile and turning off the electronic world is survivable.

So goodbye Irene, you will not soon be forgotten, for many reasons. Yet in some small way, I'm glad you came.  Although next time, no visit is necessary, just call.
















Thursday, August 18, 2011

Recommendations for Exploring Awareness

If you are in a place in your life where you are interested in increasing your level of  awareness or exploring a new way of being/thinking, I highly recommend items from Louise Hay and Dr. Wayne Dyer.  As you will see below, it only takes a few lines to really make you stop and think.  Simple, but deep. Enjoy and create your world.
‎"I have within me all of the ingredients for success. Just like the acorn has the complete oak tree within its tiny form, so do I have success within me. I take tiny steps from where I am right now, and I dream big. " - Louise L. Hay

Saturday, August 13, 2011

I've Been Away

It's been way too long since my last post, but I am happy to say I'm back.

One of the areas I specialize in is Life Transitions and a major life transition is why I was on a small sabbatical.  I'm happy to say it wasn't anything tragic, but involved a change of residence, two new jobs, and a final move into a new home.

All of this transition has pretty much been the peak of about five years worth of change.  Now if you had asked anyone who knew me five years ago about how I felt/dealt with change they definitely would have said, it's not in her vocabulary.  Yet the funny thing about change, whether it's by choice or thrown your way, is you have very few options.  You either face it and take the necessary steps to adjust and adapt or you go into denial, act like it's not real and before you know it, find your life slipping away.  I am happy to report that even though it was a struggle, I plowed through it.  Then every-time I exhaled and said okay, now I can get on with the rest of my life I was dealt another blow.  So I realized the universe or some higher power was telling me, you still have some things to learn and changes to make, yet you've proven you're capable of handling it, so keep moving forward.  Which I have and now, even though I don't always like it, I embrace change that comes my way because I know there is some lesson here for me to learn and I will be right where I'm suppose to be when I get to the other side.

Very few people like change, even change that makes life better or happier, because change means different - good or bad, but change is inevitable in life.  Actually one of the only consistent things in life is change, but so many people resist it, try to avoid it, do everything they can to try to control their environments just to fend off change - yet it shows up anyway.  So now what?  Change shows up, you're faced with a transition.  Do you stand up, stare it in the face (or maybe give it a side-ways glance), and start to make the necessary adjustments or do you run away screaming, hoping it's all a bad dream?

Honestly, most people probably do the later first because who immediately embraces it and says bring it on, but once that initial shock is over, what do you do? If it were as easy as a,b,c, then change wouldn't be so bad.  Each person will address their issues differently, take different steps and actions, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind to help you down that road.

  • Be kind to yourself.  We are usually our own biggest critic, but this is a time to push that critic to the side, tell em' to take a hike (maybe they'll leave for good).  You have to take care of you first during this time. Do something(s) that make you feel good.  A bath, a hike, yes eat that hot fudge sundae, just stop, plop, and read a book, watch your favorite movie.  Something that you enjoy, brings comfort,and will recharge you and give you some strength to face what's ahead.  Repeat as needed.
  • Avoid or stop the blame game - when facing a change, especially a difficult one, our tendency is to deflect the difficult feelings and want to blame someone, make it someone's fault, then we'll feel better.  All that will do is keep you stuck in the muck.  Blaming anyone, another person or yourself, will only keep the feelings raw and exposed, delaying the healing and adjustment time.  Yes, you most likely will have angry and unpleasant feelings about the situation, but ruminating won't "change" what has happened.
  • Journal, find a solitary place you can yell as loud and as long as you want, cry, exercise - or anything that gets it out.  You do not want to keep the many feelings locked inside - they will eat you alive.  Now during this time, say, write, do whatever you want - just get it outside of YOU - release it.  As always with any of these - avoid things that could cause you or anyone else harm or injury - so be smart and careful.
  • Meditate, do Yoga, or Pilates - many people discover these wonderful activities out of a need to help with coping or making a life adjustment.  The reason being they teach you about being in the moment, being mindful of what is present, connecting your mind and body, helping you with inner strength by slowing down the world around you.  These activities won't fix your situation, but they do help you cope and accept things by learning you only have this moment you're in right now.  The past is gone, the future hasn't come - what are you going to do in this moment is all that matters.
  • Turn back the clock - connect back to some of your interests from your youth or teen-age/college years.  Many times things we use to do and enjoy were left behind as our grown up life got in the way.  By re-connecting to one of these activities you may find it's good therapy or even re-kindle a passion you long forgot about, but now takes you in a new direction.  Maybe you were very good at art, you loved the freedom of being on a bike, blowing bubbles were a fascination, or baking cookies. 
Doing all of these things, none of these things, or something else that comes to mind won't replace the challenges you're facing, but they just may be the remedy that gives you the ability to respond to your changes in an empowering way.  Allow yourself to ride the wave, instead of trying to hold it back  - the ride may be bumpy, but far less dangerous than water crashing down all around you thrashing you along the bottom of the ocean floor.

So open up your arms, look to sky, and tell the universe to bring it on - I can handle it and I will be okay.  Then before you know it, you'll actually take on every day looking for change, knowing that's how we truly live and how we deeply grow.  Transition and change are temporary - remember the only permanent thing in life is impermanence.  Go discover, connect, and succeed.


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

What Have You Heard Today

What have you heard today that;
made you stop and think 
made you smile 
made you mad
you never knew before
What have you heard today that;
made you want to get up and change the world
was an idea to add to your bucket list
made you want to dance or sing out loud
What have you heard today?
a bird trying to welcome in spring
a baby's laughter that just made you giggle
a song from your childhood
What have you heard today????

So much swirls around our busy lives, in this crazy world, that we miss so much.  Yet when you stop to take a moment you can discover so many things.  So stop and listen - you never know what you will hear, what you will experience.  Take a breath, take a moment, take a listen - Now you will know what you have heard today. 

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Losing 26 Games in a Row - Does Not Make You A Loser

Whether you follow sports or not you may have heard of the losing streak of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, 26 games in a row, before finally winning last night.  Much was said regarding the reason the team was struggling, mainly though, due to the loss of Lebron James to the Miami Heat.  Yet this group of men were just deemed losers, not caring, quitters.  But unless they collectively expressed this about themselves or just called in sick and didn't play the games, no one should ever speak so harshly about another.

I know first hand what it is like to get caught in a losing streak.  Never once did my players quit or not care.  If anything, they cared even more and tried even harder.  But what it did do was greatly effect their self-esteem and personal beliefs in their own abilities.  They then found themselves not only facing the opponent in the other dugout, but the greater foe of themselves.  They were also fighting off what was being written about them in the paper, said in the classroom, and the questioning of why they "sucked" (outsiders words, not ours).  So extra time was then spent tackling confidence and mental strength.  Together we stayed the course and I KNOW it made them stronger and better people because they endured when no one thought they could.  It built character, gave them greater appreciation for the little things, and insight into themselves.

So the next time you're quick to throw out an opinion on someone else, stop.  You never know what they are going through or what effort they are putting forth.  Winning is easy, Losing is hard. Winning is crowded, Losing is lonely.  Winning is the popular kid, Losing is the class geek.  But at the end of the day give me the person who has come through the struggle and still standing tall, they know how to endure.  They'll have your back when the going gets tough.  They'll know how to handle adversity, overcome the lows.
The losers will be the real winners because they never quit.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Weathering the Storm

The winter of 2010-2011, here in Connecticut, has seen record breaking snow fall and temperatures.  Like clock work, a major storm hit weekly since the blizzard the day after Christmas.  There is at least 50 inches of accumulated snow outside my window.  Roads are narrow, driving is risky, roofs are caving in and we wait to see the results of the predicated ice storm hitting overnight.  Yet even with all this nasty weather, gray skies, and melancholy days spring is about 45 days away.

Spring, the season of new beginnings, fresh growth, and renewed possibilities.  The snow may not be all gone, heck it may not be gone until May, but eventually it will melt.  Cold days will give way to cool breezes, flowers will pop through, and soon it will be too hot.

So what does this tell us?  It tells us and what we can learn is that no matter what situation or circumstance we are presently in, no matter how bad things may seem right now - it will change.  Nothing is permanent, not even all this snow.  By facing the moment you're in and realizing whatever you are feeling is only temporary, you'll make better choices, suffer less, and be more open to self-reflection.  This awareness may lead you down a different road next time around.   Good or bad, happy or sad, hot or cold, it's only temporary.

The snow will melt, the temperatures will rise, the days will get brighter.  So weather the storm, that too will pass.  Weather, feelings, bad days, happy days, all come and go.  Stay open and ready for whatever today presents and tomorrow brings.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Discovering you've grown

It's a very amazing experience when you actually feel, are completely aware of, and living the changes you have made in your life. Change of any kind is very difficult and something we usually avoid, many times actively avoid, but when you purposely choose to change, the results can be empowering and freeing.
Change that comes upon you can be more difficult since we quite often feel it's something happening TOO us versus when we actively choose to change and we are taking control. Yet in either case the consistent variable IS change.
So how do you re-frame your thinking when change is coming to you instead of you seeking it? You must be willing and aware that even if  you're feeling like the victim you always have a choice. In this case, your choice is how you treat yourself and allow your own mind to process the situation. As bad as this change may be, YOU choose the level of suffering, the level of resistance, the level of victim. Being able to choose how you will adjust to this change is within your power.
The sooner you take care of you and become proactive the faster you will see yourself through the change. As painful as it may be, being in and getting through the pain, it will happen faster when you face it head on and as soon as possible. Otherwise, it's like a nagging pain that lingers and follows you into every part of your life. Walking into and through the fire will create more opportunity for growth. Continuing to dance around the pain will only keep a cloud over you, never allowing the sun the shine through.
I speak to this as someone who was a great dancer allowing the fear of change to rule my life, but I discovered that by finally embracing it and facing it head on, even though it was deeply painful - it actually passed more quickly. So you DO have a choice, whether it's a physical or mental approach - either way you choose your actions and responses to every situation.
So go out and look for change, embrace it, seek it because if you're not growing you're dying.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Who do you want to be?

"Each moment describes who you are, and gives you the opportunity to decide if that's who you want to be" (IPEC Foundation Principle)
This one principle can changing  your life.
So much time gets spent and wasted on thinking about everything we didn't do, can't do, who we wish we were, wanting to change, but never knowing where to start.  All that gets to be so overwhelming, we stay stuck.
This principle above can be the answer to finally let you be all we want to be, without worrying about the past, the future, or all the other obstacles we place in our way. Who we are in any given moment is our choice and from that choice we decide our happiness, direction, and how we will live the next moment.
I know this sounds so simplistic, but it is possible because you are in control of your own attitude and effort. If you look in the mirror and do not like what you see, you can decide to change. The change actually must begin from within and how you see yourself. From this vision you will present yourself to the world as you want to be seen. How you see yourself is reflected back into the world - so in any given moment if you don't like what you see - it's ok because it doesn't define who you are or have to be. We are always evolving and changing and you decide you, each and every future moment.