5 Ways to Stop Worrying

stop worrying
rain cloud over head 
worry
life coach

One of the first self help books I read was “Your Erroneous Zones” by Wayne Dyer. It was the first time I realized that worrying is just a fantasy about negative outcomes and a waste of precious time and energy.

I wish I could say I never worried again, but I’m human – just like you. Most of us still spend time on negative fantasies when we get triggered and worry takes center stage. We don’t have to stay there though, once we realize it’s happening. We can shift our mind out of worry and into something better. Here are 5 ways you can do just that.

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The Gifts of Being Thoughtful

thoughtful
woman holding heart
listen to your heart

In a world where there is so much going on and most of us are flying by the seat of our pants, we seldom take time to think through what we say or do.

Yet, slowing down and being more thoughtful are just what you and your world need.

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Decorating from the Heart

decorating from the heart
listen to your heart
simplify needlework

I don’t feel like putting together a nicely decorated home is one of my natural gifts. That may be why I still have some empty walls after moving into my latest house a year ago.

In the meantime, I have searched online, set up Pinterest boards, and created folders of pictures I liked. They may have given me some ideas, but they haven’t really helped. It’s possible they even created more stress, insecurity, and dilemma along the way.

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A Grace Filled Way of Entering the New Year

grace filled new year resolutions goals

You may have noticed I’ve been a little quiet lately. Usually, at this time of year I’m advocating year end processes and goal setting for the year to come. And yes, many of my clients are working diligently on these.

But for me, this year felt different. Instead of working on goals I wanted to slide gently and gracefully into the new year.

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The Power of Gratitude

gratitude grateful heart

For me, a lack of thankfulness shows up as a sense of being disconnected from myself and my higher power. I start to get mired in what is going wrong in my life or the world. Sometimes fantasies of impending doom or victim stories play through my mind. If I let it go too long, it can turn into depression.

I don’t know what to call it, but I think you might know what I am talking about.

What I do know is that when we start to fall into this trapĀ of negativity, the quickest path back to our true selves includes a return to gratitude. Continue reading

3 Uplifting Ways to View the World

view the world perspectives perspective optometrist or pessimist

Throughout our days we view the world through different lenses or perspectives. There are times when those filters lead us to believe the world is against us or full of bad things and other times when we can be full of hope and possibilities.

We get to choose.

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Your Life is a Work of Art

life is a work of art blank canvas paint brushes

Your life is a work of art and you are the artist creating it. It can be big, bold, and full of color or simply shades of gray. You get to decide.

Art can take on many different forms and styles, but ultimately, the goal is to create something beautiful or thought provoking.

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Opening the Door to Possibilities

open door to possibilities
shift always/never thinking always never thinking in absolutes

We all have patterns in our lives. Long lines of experiences and lessons that cause us to believe certain things are true. They can lead us into the dark alley of always/never thinking that closes the door to possibilities.

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Today is a Gift

today is a gift woman at sunrise feeling positive affirmation mantra intention

Years ago when I was having a hard time at my job I looked for ways that would help me stay more positive. And, in integrity. I was upset about things that were happening and could feel myself being pulled in the direction of talking behind someone’s back.

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Accepting the Truth Will Set You Free

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Over the years I have talked to a lot of people who were feeling upset or experiencing emotional pain. While their stories may be different, there seems to be a common thread.

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What I Learned from Jumping Off a Telephone Pole

The picture above is one of my favorite pictures of me. I remember feeling very confident and alive in that moment.

Why? Because I had just jumped off a telephone pole.

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Learning Patience – Again

learning patience feeling peaceful impatient to do list

I would like to believe I’m a patient person. After all, I’ve raised a child, potty trained a dog, and witnessed the growth of my clients with respect for their own process and timing.

But, lately I’ve been feeling frustrated because reality is not matching up with my expectations.

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The Empowering Gift of Writing Lists

writing lists journaling notepad journal build confidence plan for the future

For many of you, the only lists you write are To Do lists that end up being fuel for self judgement when the endless items don’t magically get done. So, I can understand if you weren’t that interested in reading this post about lists.

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How to Stop a Spinning Mind

spinning mind monkey mind stress overwhelm negative thoughts

We have all experienced it. Spinning minds that seem to take control and make us feel a little crazy.

It could be about a decision you are trying to make.

Problem solving or ideas for something new

Replaying how someone hurt you or something that went wrong

Or, fear trying to stop you from moving forward.

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Focusing on What is Right in Your World

feel more positive thoughts
positive thinking heart of daisys

I’m beginning to think that human beings are hard wired to focus on what is wrong. We have high expectations of ourselves, others, and the world in general and these expectations set us up to feel disappointed when they don’t come true.

Our minds are programmed to always look for what is wrong or what is missing and this keeps us grounded in the negative. When we think negative thoughts we feel bad and are not as effective as we could be.

There are a lot of disappointed and unhappy people out there. Are you one of them?

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Making Your Dreams Come True

dreaming dreams come true
dream coaching life coach

Most of us are talented dreamers. I know I am. My dreams range from real world goals to fantasies about traveling the U.S. in a motor home, bringing small broken down houses back to life, and doing things I’m not sure my body is up for anymore. Some are real desires and some are daydreams, but I love them all.

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5 Ways Journaling Can Improve Your Life

journaling writing in a journal write your life story autobiography

I’ve been writing in a journal on and off for years, but my commitment wasn’t as high as it is now.

It all started with the book, “The Artist’s Way” and being inspired by Julia Cameron’s recommendation to write 3 pages every morning. But, it never lasted very long. I would journal in fits and spurts, mostly when something was bothering me and then forget all about it.

I feel more committed now. In addition to writing what is on my mind I am using my journal as a tool to improve my life. I can feel it’s impact almost every day and can’t imagine life without it.

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3 Ways to Connect with Your Inner Wisdom

angel with hands on heart inner wisdom intuition

We all receive guidance from within. Whether you call it the voice of your heart, soul, or intuition, it is always there to support you.

There are times when you may find it difficult to connect with this inner wisdom or hear what it has to say. You can get caught up in your daily life or drama and rely on your inconsistent and fearful mind instead. It’s like letting a naughty toddler run the show.

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How to Quiet Your Mind, Sleep Better, & Feel More Positive

thoughts in your head monkey mind woman thinking busy mind can't sleep

I’ve noticed lately that when I have trouble going to sleep it’s usually because my mind is very active. It’s as if a thought or story has triggered it into a hyper state that keeps me from relaxing enough to fall asleep.

As I became more aware of this pattern, I could actually feel the moment my mind clicked in and grabbed onto something that would take it, and me, down the rabbit hole.

I decided to practice letting go of the thoughts in that moment and not let them become fully engaged. It’s working really well.

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30 Ideas for Random Acts of Holiday Kindness

 

random acts of holiday kindness angel

Even as we are out spending money on gifts for our loved ones, we are surrounded by people for whom the holidays are challenging. They may feel stressed, alone, depressed, or be having financial difficulties.

So, I encourage you to take the spirit of the season to a new level by giving in little random ways that can make all the difference for someone in need. Here are some ideas to get you started: Continue reading