The 8th & 9th "C's": Curiosity & Creativity are Soul Mates

There’s such beauty and wonder in observing the natural curiosity of babies and toddlers!  I feel lifted up and very aware of a greater power.  We were all born with the gifts of joy, laughter, curiosity and, yes, creativity (imagination). 

If we’re really lucky, the “outer-world” won’t beat it out of us entirely by the time we reach adulthood.

Add a bit of scepticism, but nurture the natural curiosity of childhood.  Be that child.  If you can do that, you’ll have a better chance of nurturing curiosity and passion in your kids.

From Curiosity flows Creativity.  The possibilities are limitless.  As young parents, we didn’t have much money for toys.  It’s amazing what little ones can do with a box, pots & pans, sheets and towels!  As young entrepreneurs without money, we created a unique and successful business from curiosity, ideas, ideals, imagination and passion. 

It’s possible to add great value to the experiences of others and in the world from the gifts we’re given at birth.

Christmas is a marvelous time for celebrating and nurturing the gifts from our Creator.  If the Christmas season is one of sadness for you, reach out to someone else who could use a lift. 

Merry Christmas - Sharon

The 7th "C": Consequences

Consideration for others brings me to the 7^th “C”, consequences.  Along with the self-centered, me-focused trend come the “blamers”.  It’s not my fault, they say!

Taking responsibility for your words, behaviour and actions takes a high form of maturity and character building.  It’s never too soon to teach your children the consequences of their actions in a positive, kind manner.  The “blame game” is cowardly and serves no one.

What will your kids learn from your behaviors?

The 6th "C": Consideration

This seemingly simple word contains a powerhouse of implications.

I recall, when my son was in his early teens, trying to teach him about good manners and consideration for others and how important it was for his daily interactions with people.  His response: Mom, everyone will think I’m a dork!

A dork?  Yes, it’s really a word – I looked it up.  It means social misfit, among other things.  I felt a stab of fear go through me.  He was at that age where fitting in with his peers was crucial.  I was definitely outnumbered. 

Giving up on this important issue wasn’t an option so I decided that I could still insist on these values at home.  We could set the example as well as requesting that he honour them at home and at work.  He worked part time at our store which became a great place to walk the talk. 

Good manners and consideration for others is about respect.  And, it seemed that our son was correct and the world was changing.  In this increasingly fast-paced world, people are becoming more self-absorbed, self-centred and thoughtless towards others. 

Consideration of others first requires that we become conscious, awake and present.  In other words, it means shifting your focus.  This is where the real power exists. 

When you are experiencing struggle, anxiety, and adversity, shift your focus away from yourself.  Show kindness and consideration and really listen to someone else.  This is a powerful tool for healing yourself and making an impact on others.  Consideration and respect can go a long way to calming the anger, chaos and frenzy of today’s world.

If we had more dorks in the world maybe there would be fewer bullies.

The 4th "C": Comfort Zones (or not)

Comfort Zones can feel....well, comfortable.  But, take a closer look. 

What is the emotional landscape in your zone?  What does your body tell you each day?  What is the dialogue of that verbal tape that runs endlessly in your head?

There is a deeper place in you that knows that where you are is not really where you want to be.  So, what holds you there?

Fear is the culprit that keeps you bound in chains – stuck, confused and often overwhelmed.  Your inner saboteur happily feeds off fear and wants you right where you are. 

What would you be doing if there was no fear?  Who would you be?

What if you could lean into your knowledge and instincts and step openly and calmly into unknown territory?

It’s human nature to resist change. Change is the hardest thing any of us can do.  To break free means to carve new neural pathways in the brain.  Most of our fears and habits are imprinted in early childhood as we seek meaning in our surroundings with a brain that is not fully developed to interpret the world.  Our reactions and emotions are triggered by current events that remind us of early emotional imprinting. 

What if each of us made small changes, steps, into creating a better world?

The good news is that science has proven that you are never too old to flip the switch and create new interpretations, break old habits and experience the freedom of new perspectives, unfettered by the past.

The process of change requires that you first become aware of where you are now in body, mind and heart.  Recognize and accept what you discover. Reorganize your thoughts and examine what you really want.  Create an action plan and then practise, practise and practise.  This is a process that is more difficult alone.  Find yourself a non-judgmental success partner.

Blast the walls that entrap your creativity and fulfillment in the dead zone.  Step out and differentiate yourself with all your uniqueness and gifts.

Do You Know Your Core Values?

I have absolutely no sense of direction and, the only person I know who is worse is my lifetime friend, Trudy.  Her husband swears we spent too much time in Lake Erie.  When I was working in Saint John a number of years ago, my son was afraid he’d never see me again!

Although I can easily become physically lost, I am grounded in my core values – my Inner Compass.  When I stray off that path, the alarm sounds and I know exactly where I need to return. 

When was the last time you consciously examined your values? 

Most of us are so entrenched in busy-ness, we simply don’t go there.  We often fail to hear the alarm. 

The alarm is incongruence.

The symptoms are anxiety, stress, sadness, irritability, sleep issues, physical illness such as headaches, gastro-intestinal disturbances or eating disorders, to name a few. 

When your core values become integrated with your beliefs and your actions, habits and behaviors, there’s a sense of freedom.  With freedom comes responsibility and trust.  Trust in yourself.

Do you really know the core values of your family members, your co-workers, your significant other?  Do your values line up with theirs?

Your Inner Compass is your Truth.  Core Values are an essential piece of the process of life coaching.

Spring Coaching Special for Students (of all ages)

Are your beliefs and patterns keeping you STUCK?

A One-on-One Coaching Experience: Self-Generation

“Self-generation is the capacity to be present and a learner in all of life in order to make choices from the inner state of greatest possible awareness and resourcefulness.”  Doug Silsbee, Master Coach & Author

Experience the Four Stages of Self-generation:

Ø  Self Observation

Ø  Realization

Ø  Reorganization

Ø  Stabilization

This is an experience of living in Presence.

Free consultation and 8 coaching sessions for $695 (tax incl.)

Call or email Sharon:  444-8004  

 sharon@uturnwarrior.com

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”   Albert Schweitzer

Consciousness

I recently acquired Nordic walking poles and I’m working at mastering the technique.  So far, I’ve tripped over the poles three times, just barely avoiding a hard fall. 

What happened?  I wasn’t paying attention.  This reminded me of how much of our lives are spent in this state of unconsciousness. 

How many catastrophes and stumbles could be avoided if only we were awake and aware? 

Much of what we do, as we navigate our days, is done by rote and habit.  Our minds are elsewhere while we operate on autopilot.

With the rapid-fire, ever-expanding technology of communication and information that is overwhelming our lives, what should be connecting us is increasingly breaking us down.  Never before have we, as a society, been more disconnected, fragmented and alienated.

Relationships are breaking down.  There is fear and anger everywhere.  We’ve lost sight of boundaries and become disconnected from our inner compass, our own wisdom.

In this context, I’m not addressing consciousness from a quantum physics or philosophical perspective.

In a nutshell, consciousness is about showing up. Consciousness is being present, both to your own self and to others.  Consciousness takes place in the NOW.

Consciousness is also not about sequestering in meditation and silence for long periods.  Rather, it’s about engaging with your experiences with the world and people around you.  Be curious. Be aware. Be skeptical. Notice your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations.  Connect.

Unconsciousness can be a convenient place to hide.  There is much more to fear in the dark, than there is in the light.

The Real You is consciousness and awareness.  It’s the doorway to your Inner Warrior and your deepest wisdom and freedom.  Are you ready to open the door?

Will Your Children Thrive in the "Mean" World?

More and more we are seeing, hearing and feeling the hatred, fear and jealousy that permeates our global world. It spreads like a deadly virus indiscriminately among us contaminating our minds, bodies and souls.

As parents and grandparents we fear for the future of our youth. The negativity is consuming creativity, hope, and happiness.

Now is the time to focus on ensuring that our children learn to connect with their own inner strength and are equipped to thrive and prosper and make a difference in the world.


What are the tools they’ll require to become leaders of their own lives and bring value to the lives of others?

Here are my 12 “C’s” for becoming a warrior of peace and heart:


1. Consciousness: Lift your head (from your computer, smart phone, etc.) and become aware. Be present. Show up.

2. Core Values: Become fully conscious and connected to your true values. Embedded there is your truth and your inner compass.

3. Communication: Become a great communicator. Technology is simply a tool and no substitute for the sensory connection we all hunger for. Connect with your words, your eyes and your heart.

4. Comfort Zones: Blast the walls that entrap you in the dead zone. Step out and differentiate yourself with all your uniqueness and gifts.

5. Challenge: Push the boundaries of your fears and break through the “status quo” to be a force for change. Stretch yourself.

6. Consideration: Good manners have fallen victim to the unhealthy speed of lives today. Consideration and respect can go a long way to calming the anger, chaos and frenzy.

7. Consequences: Learn to take full responsibility for your words, behaviour and actions. The “blame game” is cowardly and serves no one.

8. Curiosity: Add a healthy dose of scepticism, but nurture the natural curiosity of childhood. Be that child: open up to all the wonder, wisdom and possibilities.

9. Creativity: From curiosity flows creativity. The possibilities are limitless. Create with expressions of joy, beauty and, innovative ideas. Add value to the world.

My last three are, for me, the most important character traits we can instil in our children:

10. Commitment: This goes beyond thoughts, ideas, strategic plans and verbal declarations. Commitment is about action, transformation and measurable results. Without this nothing will happen or change.

11. Compassion: The Dalai Lama speaks of compassion as the greatest of traits. We were born to be gentle and loving. True compassion embodies responsibility and action and is universal in scope. It’s the antidote to hatred. He says, “The true expression of non-violence is compassion”.

12. Courage: The warrior is not without fear. He acknowledges his fears and his limitations. He stands strong and confident in his core values. He is armed to face his foes, yet have compassion for them. He is prepared to move through fear to create a better, more peaceful world.

Finally, sprinkle your life with Chuckles. And, don’t take yourself too seriously!

Are the young people in your life ready to take on the mean world?

Your Warrior Coach,
Sharon

Choices: Bad and Good

We all make bad choices from time to time, often with far reaching consequences. Decisions made from a place of overwhelm, fear or exhaustion rarely bring the results we seek.

That’s when our little voice, the Critic, the Judge gets to grab the hammer and clobber us with it.

As you roll out another year, there is an opportunity for shutting the door on the past and send the Critic to the closet.

The gift you can give yourself is the gift of Presence (ironically it sounds like Presents). When you are being totally present in the moment, it is impossible to feel overwhelmed or fearful.

Most people fear just “being”. You might actually see yourself and not like what you see. In truth, it is only in the silence that you can connect to what is good, wise and beautiful within.

By now your New Year's resolutions may be on shakey ground. Take the time to simply “be”. What do you need to do to be fully aligned with your values? What are the decisions that will take you to the next level? What is really important to you? How do you want to show up in the coming year?

2012, according to some, marks the beginning of a Shift. It is the shift to Awareness. It will be an awakening from the slumber of unconsciousness.

Are you ready?