Acknowledgement

One of my coaching classes this week posed an interesting question. The instructor asked us when was the last time we acknowledged ourselves and what we do. The call was filled with what felt like a very long silent pause.

I tossed the question around over and over in my mind. When was the last time I acknowledged myself? Had it really been that long ago? It's so easy to acknowledge others for the things, big and small, they are doing in their lives, why was it so rare on my end?

Acknowledgment is not meant to be ego-filled and braggadocios. It's meant to be honoring regarding what we have done and who we are. It's fuel for the journey. I believe it is hugely beneficial to see all the little places you chose in a way that served you. Keeping a record of those things helps for the downer days when you feel like you are moving in the opposite direction of your dreams.

When I started thinking about what I could acknowledge myself for, I thought about the classes I am taking, the balance I am finding between family, work, school, and growing a new business. I thought about the tiny choices I am making like getting a bit more sleep or reaching for a bottle of water instead of a soda. I thought about the recent times I have honored my needs and let my muse have an evening of creative inspiration with me. All those things are choices that make my life better, bit by bit, and step by step.

I took it a bit further and looked at what it took for me emotionally, physically, intellectually, financially, and spiritually to embark on my new coaching adventure. How much time and energy did I put into learning how to build a website and a blog? How much courage did it take to begin working with clients? How much trust did it take to post my thoughts and feelings out in the public by way of my blog? How many times did I have to take a deep breath and reach beyond my shyness to virtually meet others in my classes and various forums? Taking that first step used to be frightening to me.

If you told me years ago, that I would be doing any of the things above, or any number of the things I've included in my life the past few years, I would have thought you were crazy. Me, jump off a zip line at 50+ pounds overweight? I don't think so. Me, white water raft with strangers? Nope, not I. Try to throw pottery and laugh with delight at how funky and unplanned the pieces came out? Me? Nah...I'd be embarrassed, frustrated, and not really willing to do it again. Well, that was the old me. The new me is diving headfirst in to really living...even when it's scary. Even when I have no clue what I'm doing. Even when there's a good chance I won't get it right the first time...or the second...or the third. I think those things are worth acknowledging, don't you?

When was the last time YOU acknowledged yourself? Don't you think now is a great time to start?! It only takes one little bitty success to fuel the fire for another. So grab a pen and paper or your computer and starting writing all those little things (and big things) that you think are movement forward. No step is too small or too large. Each one counts!

If you can't think of anything...contact me. I'd be happy to spend a few minutes with you finding those hidden treasures of success that are oh so worth acknowledging.

Be gentle with yourself, honor your spirit, and have a fabulous day!!

It Doesn't Matter

It doesn't matter how many mistakes you've made or where you have been. Tell me where you are now. This moment and this place and each breath you take provide a blank canvas and a fresh start.

It doesn't matter how big or small you feel your dreams are. Because they are YOUR dreams...they are important to me and worthy of being honored and realized.

It doesn't matter how messy your life feels. Today is a new day. This moment is a new moment. Anything and everything is possible.

It doesn't matter what labels others have given you. I want to know who YOU are inside and who you want to be.

It doesn't matter if you are unsure where to take your next step. If you are willing to just take a step, we can figure it out together.

It doesn't matter how much money you have or don't have. If you want to move forward with your dreams, we can work it out.

It doesn't matter how many times you've failed before. I'm ready to celebrate your success with you.

Take a chance on living your dream. Today is your day and this is YOUR moment!

I am so excited to announce the Official opening of my coaching practice and website. I invite you to stop by and check it out.  :)   www.bodaciouspossibilities.com 


Hope to hear from you soon!

Creativity

So often we put a destination on creativity. We assume it has to go somewhere, do something, or be understood by others. Truly, our creativity is soul-speak. It just needs to be. The expression of it is the prize.

It doesn't matter if your song is heard, your words are read, or your art is appreciated. Creativity is your soul's longing for expression...your gift from God waiting to be opened... and your divine-human embrace.

Think about how it would feel to create that art, write that book, or sing that song. Don't think about what might happen after that moment. Just think about how it would feel to actually be fully in that moment. Can you picture it in your mind? Feel it. See it. Hear it.

Being in that moment of soul-speak expression isn't the problem, is it? The challenge comes long before we even get to that moment. We mentally stop ourselves by worrying about what may or may not happen later.

If you are a writer (or want to be), writing isn't the problem. Writing is the joy. We make an audience the problem. Will “they” like it? Will “they” buy it?

If you are an artist (or want to be), art isn't the problem. Art is the joy. Again, we make an audience the problem. Will “they” get it? Will “they” want it?

Creativity isn't about going public. It is your intimate connection with the divine inside you.

For today...just create.

Finding Truth

No matter how sure the footing is on the “right” path...there will be pebbles or other obstacles that can cause the journey to temporarily feel a bit less secure.  Walk on anyway. 

I recently returned from a fabulous, much needed, two week vacation.  On the way to our destination I posed several serious questions to God.  I wanted direction and confirmation.  I had been feeling strongly pulled away from the “logical” things and pushed toward the “heart” things.   Willingly, and with great intention, I focused on gently letting go of habits, experiences, and thoughts that no longer served me. Seeking answers, and fully expecting to receive them, I embraced the adventure of finding my truth.

Have you ever visited that place in yourself where you aren’t unhappy, but you find yourself restless and wondering if there is more to life?  Or maybe you know there’s more but just aren’t sure what or where it is.  If so, our passports share a common stamp.

On this vacation, I was completely open to, and listening for, all the guidance I requested.  And it came forward… loud and clear, with repeated confirmations.  (I love it when that happens!) God knows I can be a bit heavy on the “Are you sure?” “Is this really what you mean?” and “I’m not sure I understood that correctly” side of things.  So, I encountered multiples sources for the same messages…over and over.  “Take risks…step out…do more…trust.”  These beautiful signs and messages were given to me almost daily for the duration of our trip.  I was overjoyed at the intense feeling of communion with God and the world at large.

Then...I came home.  All of a sudden, I started doubting…again…what I was supposed to do with my life.  Did I unknowingly bump my head causing temporary amnesia? What about all those fabulous messages I received while out-of-town? I wondered if my dreams and calling were just musings of a misguided mind.  A “safe” and logical course of action would certainly serve me better here in reality, right?  As soon as I began contemplating the common and generally well-accepted path, my shoulders felt heavy, my neck tightened up, and sadness fell across my spirit.  It was as if my whole body gave out one long, tired sigh of resignation.

Have you been to that place where one moment everything seems very clear and you are on fire for your new direction, then…maybe you take a deep breath in, bump your head, or just pause a second too long, and find yourself knee-deep in the doubter’s muck…again? If you said yes, “Welcome to the Club!”

Thank goodness I quickly realized the new doubts weighing on me weren't new at all.  They were the subtle lingerings of those darn old ghosts of times gone by.  How easily I fell back into old habits of automatically giving them the authority to interrupt my journey…again.  Without even thinking about it, I allowed old experiences and old memories to begin dictating my present…again.  Luckily, I recognized what was happening, acknowledged the old ghosts for what they were, and bid them adieu…again. (Do you see a theme emerging here?)

Are your own obstacles trail markers for another direction on your journey or are they just old ghosts from your past trying to direct you back into a familiar rut…again?  If they are old familiar ghosts from days gone by, tell them good-bye, host your own Going Away party for them, then get moving.  Your adventure is waiting!

Angel-Sister-Friends & Dreams

Be careful out there!! When you throw your hands up and say “Yes!” to your dreams...and mean it, you never know what might happen.

When I wrote the last post, I meant all of it. It wasn't until a few days later though, while listening to another talk on the Inspiring Women Telesummit, that I actually paused the recording, threw my hands up and said outloud, “Yes!! I am ready!”

I told God, in that moment, that I was game for whatever project He had in mind. I didn't know where we were going, how we were going to get there, or who was going along for the ride. But what I did know was that it was travel time! I said it. I meant it. And then things started moving quickly.

Over the course of a few days, all sorts of unexpected serendipitous events occurred. They all pointed directly to one of my long standing dreams. You know the one that you stand like a kid outside a candy store with your nose pressed to the window drooling over. THAT dream. The BIG One. Things started moving for IT.

Delicious opportunities, insights, and meetings happened. Right on cue with the good stuff came the Old Ghosts (past memories, labels others gave me, and experiences I'd most often rather forget) fussing and chattering...filling my head with questions, doubts, and fears. “This can't be for me. I'm not ready for this. I can't do this. Who am I to think I could pull this off? I've never successfully done it before. I must be crazy to think I can do it now!” Ghosts can be pretty darn tough and they don't fight fair. They even go so far as to use folks closest to you to whisper their old lines. Don't fall for their tricks.

Fortunately, like in any good movie, the cavalry came thundering around the corner just in the nick of time! Angel-Sister-Friends delivered encouraging messages out of the blue. I received calls, notes, and comments I wasn't expecting. Most folks had no idea what was happening for my dream in that moment. Most didn't know I was dancing with the Old Ghosts either. However, Old Ghosts are no match for dreams being born under the watch of Angel-Sister-Friends.

I told one Angel-Sister-Friend that I was “walking blind but it feels right”. Her comment was “for the sake of the Debbie doubter in the middle of you wanting to get out, you have spent 40 years learning to feel your way in the dark so I'd say your sight is 'right on”. I do believe Lisa Nichols would give her a cookie for holding me accountable for my own greatness even though it wasn't comfortable in the moment. Thank you Angel-Sister-Friend...you know who you are!

It can happen. It IS happening! It's what I've asked for all along. No, it's better than what I've asked for all along...and it is RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. All I have to do is graciously accept the invitation to go on the adventure of my dreams.

It doesn't look like I expected.

It isn't where I planned it to be.

But it's even better!

And it was hiding in plain sight all along.

I had to get ready...really ready. You know the kind of ready in your soul that says ok no matter what I'll jump and fly on faith. That's the kind of ready I had to get to. 

Understand this, I am Her Royal Highness, the Queen of the Cliff-Hugging. I do a great wind up and get ready act. I get in place, wings firmly attached, ready for take off, and run as fast as I can toward the edge. Screeching to a complete halt just moments before running out of ground under my feet. I always tell myself “Whew! That was a close one!”

Do you ever get tired of hugging-the-cliff, pulling-your-punches, and living in the “whew that was a close one” moments? I am so tired of being an ”almost-success” that I decided THIS time I am going for it. This time, fly or fall, I am NOT going to stop until I either soar on the winds of success...or gravity slams my fluffy oh-so- round body down into the dust. (visualize the Roadrunner and Coyote cartoon)

Picture me clinging to the inside of an airplane with a parachute strapped to my back. Angel-Sister-Friends are there pushing me out of the plane as I am screaming “It's not my turn! I can't fly!!” You know what happens next. Yep...they shoved me right outta the plane. Thank goodness they did.

Good News!! Angel-Sister-Friends are on duty even when they don't know they are on duty. Has anyone ever said exactly what you needed to hear even though neither of you knew you needed to hear it? Has anyone ever shown up, responded to a post online, sent you something, or just called when you needed it most? That's an Angel-Sister-Friend at work.

Be mindful. You are an Angel-Sister-Friend to others. You are also on duty...even when you don't know it. Share the encouragement. Be there when you are nudged for no good reason. Send that note, respond to that post. You never know when you are right up in the middle of midwifing a dream's birth for someone else.

I'd love to fill you in on more, but you'll have to wait a bit. Some fantastic things are in the works. I'll let you know about them as soon as they are set. In the meantime, strap on your parachute, get into the plane, take some Angel-Sister-Friends with you, and let your dreams fly. You'll be glad you did!

Dare to Live Your Dream Outloud

Do you ever feel like you live two completely different lives? If you are like me, you have the “real” life...the one with the dishes in the sink, laundry to be done, bills to pay, others to care for, job to maintain, and so on. Then, there is the “dream” life...the one with a place in the mountains where I develop and lead amazing workshops, create fabulous art, write inspiring articles and books, and have the most interesting dinner parties. Are you with me on this?

Who told us we can't have both? Where is the rule that says we can't be living our “Real Dream” life now? What stops us from having it all? If you are like me, old ghosts, whose voices are memories of experiences from the past, often are the culprits. Someone somewhere, told you that your dreams weren't rational, realistic, valid, down-to-earth, or worth pursuing. Maybe they laughed when you shared them. Maybe they can't see or understand your vision. Have you ever let that stop you or redirect your dreams? I have. Many, many times.

If you are like me, you ache to find that tribe of others like you. The ones who understand and appreciate your dreams and desires. You crave the community and companionship of folks pursuing their own dreams. Your soul hungers for the creative energy that comes when support, enthusiasm, encouragement, and accountability are freely given together. Does that sound familiar?

For most of my adult life, I pulled my punches on my dreams. I would go running into them full-speed ahead...then at the last moment, you know, right when things are about to get really good...I'd come to a screeching halt. Why?! What is THAT all about??? I'd done it so many times that it had become as natural as breathing. Smile and nod if you understand what I am saying...if you are living your dream life silently, or in a whisper.

I heard a fabulous comment today. I was listening to the recording of Lisa Nichols' interview on Devaa Haley Mitchell's Inspiring Women Telesummit. Lisa said, “When I am 75 years old and I'm sitting in my rocking chair, do I want to say I did it...I threw everything in, or do I want to say I got tired and gave up?” Wow. I surely don't want to say I gave up...do you?

Lisa had many, many more wonderful things to share. Here are some of the notes I took from her talk.

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*Doesn't matter where you are now, what matters is what you know you can do.

*Ask your self how can I give more, serve more...

*An inspiring woman is selflessness, yet responsible for her own self-care, not a martyr mentally. She carries responsibility for forgiveness, is a place of love, and energy source, and a representation of kindness. She gives herself what she needs to fulfill those responsibilities. She cares for herself to be here for the marathon not just the race. She understands boundaries. She sets an example of self-care. She stands up for what's right, even when it's not popular. She holds her sisters accountable for their greatness even when it may be uncomfortable in the moment. (Did you read that line?! ) She holds her sisters accountable for their greatness even when it may be uncomfortable in the moment. (Wowzers! That's the kind of sister-friend I want and need in my life.)

*When you let your light shine you allow others to see parts of their self they may not have otherwise been able to see. (Do you see a pattern here? Being who we are meant to be is not selfish...it is an act of service to others.)

*Start shining one “watt” at a time. Light doesn't shine at max wattage overnight.

*Give yourself permission to shine a little brighter, love a little deeper, forgive a little quicker, to let the world see a little more of you.

*Give yourself permission to be who you were born to be in the first place.

*Look at your blueprint. It comes from greatness. “Your blueprint is dipped, soaked, and marinated in greatness and fabulousity and gianormity.”

*At times I worry more about your perception of me than my knowing of myself, but now I choose to just be.

*Give birth to your greatness one watt at a time.

*If no one else understands your vision it is because God only gave your vision to you.

*Take all options off the table. Commit to making it happen no matter what.

*Be willing to be inconvenienced by the conviction of your dream.

*”There is nothing that you could want in this world that is about serving a higher power & serving humanity that you are not worthy of.”

*”I choose to believe that I am worth what I am walking toward.”

*My past does not in any form equal my future.

*It is not in spite of my past that I get to be successful. It's because of my past that I am perfectly qualified for a time such as this. I am hand picked for this journey. That's not in a braggadocios way, not in an arrogant way. That's in the most humble way of service possible.”

*What if you gave yourself permission to play big? What if you stopped making excuses?

*How would you drastically change the next 5 years of your life if you knew without a shadow of a doubt that you couldn't fail? “You'd get a great experience or a really great lesson...and you can use both of them.”

*What if you stop apologizing for your greatness? What if you became outrageous for your own breathtaking future?

*”When I'm in the valley, I commit to not take out real estate.” Commit to go through the valley. *Don't mistake a speed bump for a stop sign.

“ You may not run up that mountain. You may not soar up that mountain, but your have the right, Baby, to crawl up that mountain as long as you keep going.”

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Thank you, Lisa!! If you want to hear all of the talk by Lisa (and oodles more) go to www.inspiringwomensummit.com or look them up on Facebook under the same name. Registration is free and oh so worth the time.

So talking about the dream life versus the real life...Do you want to blend them together into one super-fabulous fulfilling life? How do we do it?

I think it comes down to choice and courage. We have choose to give our self permission, as Lisa mentioned, to be the person we were meant to be. Then, we have to bring forward the courage to take one little, tiny, step at a time in the direction of our dreams. We must keep moving forward.

We must reach out to find others like us to hold our hand and our heart. This journey is not just about you or me. It's about all those other lives we touch along the way. It's about making the world a better place by finding our voices and living our dreams outloud.

I'm ready. Will you join me? The world needs our light.

Mistakes

Only when we have cried out from the very core of our souls, do we know the real beauty and joy this world offers.

Only when we have been lost and unable to see the next step, does the path open before us. 

Only when we gather the last morsels of strength to push forward do we find what we are capable of achieving.

Our “mistakes” aren't mistakes at all. They are the tools and experiences we are gifted with for the journey. They are our trail markers to the breathtaking vistas. They are priceless and they are precious. The gifts aren't easily acquired. To possess them means, you have fallen...and you have gotten back up.

Our strength is not discovered when we stand firmly on two feet, but rather, on our hands and knees as we crawl and fight our way out of the pit. Our strength is summoned by our spirit when we have nothing left in us, but we still manage to try...one..more...time. This is the crescendo moment in which we know we will either make it or fall back into the abyss forever.

When we finally reach the edge and are back on terra firma, our spirits roar with a deafening sound.  I SURVIVED! YOU DID NOT KEEP ME DOWN! Through our pain and our suffering we are introduced to our intimate, raw, primal strength.

If we are open and willing, our pain and suffering will provide us with compassion and connection to others. It is through this compassion that we become part of the collective human spirit. Only then do we truly know our sisters, brothers, and ourselves.