Life's a Teeter Totter - the Conundrum of Life/Work Balance

I clearly remember as a child riding the teeter totter with my best friend.  Because she was smaller, I spent most of my time hitting the ground and pushing hard with my legs to get “up there”.  What I recall most vividly was the emotion attached to the experience.  I felt embarrassed, self-conscious, inferior and even jealous.

As children we imprint our experiences emotionally as we perceive them at that time.  We create a story.  Our stories influence our future experiences and perceptions about life.  We can become victims of these lies and the thoughts about how life should be.

Truth is, life’s a Teeter Totter and you can expend a lot of energy just trying to keep the balance.  Trying is hard work. 

There are many great resources for time management and what to “do” to create life/work balance.  But, you know how quickly “to do” lists can evaporate!

 It’s more about being than doing. 
 
First of all, I don’t like the slash in Life/Work.  When balance occurs on the inside there’s not that division.

Fundamental to quality of life and balance, there are 2 levels:

·         The underlying quality of life

·         The day-to-day experience of life.

I asked a former client what balance meant to him.  He replied, “Balance is when you no longer have to compensate in any one part of your life to make up for the dissatisfaction in another part.”
Don’t waste another day struggling.  Take action now to begin the journey.

An exercise to get you started:

Ø  Grab a piece of paper and write down your Values – as many as you can think of.
Ø  Where in your life are those values being violated, by you or others?
Ø  How does that feel?
Ø  Now, using 2 columns, write what you can say No to and what you can say Yes to, keeping in mind being true to your values.  Now, commit.

Enjoy your summer days,

Sharon

 

Life Perspectives

When I was doing my certification training with the Coaches Training Institute, we were a “pod” of 9 people from various parts of the world.  It was a very intense 6 months.  We were warned that at some point we would experience the DIP – that sinking feeling that it was all too much and perhaps we weren’t good enough.  Also, life tends to happen whether or not you have the time or energy to deal with it.  We became a support group for each other.  Part of the learning was to be coached ourselves and taken to the deepest levels of resistance.

We had the privilege of being coached by extremely knowledgeable and brilliant supervisors from other countries.  One of my supervisors was a coach in London, England.  I asked her what her specialty was and she replied that she coaches “survivors of torture”.  I felt a stab in my heart.  I asked how she coped in that arena.  She then said that she only did it 2 days a week and that it did indeed bring up memories.  I knew then that she, too, was a survivor.
It was in that moment that I experienced a huge shift.  I could feel it in my body, heart and mind. 
 
Perspectives......

Although we may never personally know such grief and pain, it doesn’t mean that our suffering and adversity is not very real and that it deeply affects how we show up in the world.  But it pointed out to me three important things:

Ø  We can all, with help and support, survive almost anything because the human spirit has that capacity.

Ø  We can never really know what another person has suffered or is now suffering and therefore we don’t have the right to judge.

Ø  We are not meant to travel this life journey alone – we all need someone to who can show us the greatness within.

My perspectives changed that day and I could hear, feel and absorb this woman’s incredible strength and courage.  Essentially, we’re all survivors.

What would it mean in your life to tap into your innate strengths, core values and courage to live the life that is truly your own?  Don’t wait for when you think you have “time”.  A coach can help you put the past to rest, unload your stress and move forward.  You owe it to yourself to take the first step.

Pema Chodron: This Lousy World

 

Phantom Flight AC8956 from TO:

 

  Thursday, May 2^nd, I was scheduled to arrive in Fredericton from Toronto at 5:14 pm.  Due to system problems, the flight was delayed and therefore didn’t arrive until 7 pm.  This caused a major kafuffle at the Fredericton International Airport.

Myfriend, who arrived at 5 pm to meet my flight, was told by 3 airport personnel that there was no flight expected from TO.  And, as you may know, you can’t phone them and get information.

When we arrived, the staff was so surprised!  There wasn’t a taxi in sight.  Even the concierge was totally caught off guard.  There’s no flight from Toronto scheduled, he said.  He called the taxis and by 7:30, several arrived.

Now, folks, this is a daily flight from Toronto.

And, to knock this totally out of the realm of reason, I heard the boarding call to those passengers who were checked in and waiting for this very same non-existent, unscheduled plane to make the flight back to Toronto.

Hello, is anybody home?

 

 

What the heck is Life Coaching?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines Coaching as: “Partnering with clients, customers, colleagues or employees, in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

World-renowned coach and author, Michael Neill (Genius Catalyst) gives a concise, but impactful, definition: “Life Coaching is the art and science of awakening human potential.”

In the coaching process, we deem the client to be naturally Creative, Resourceful and Whole. In other words, he/she does not need “fixing”. Rather, the client has within them all that they need to achieve fulfillment, clarity and success in their lives.

The relationship between coach and client is an equal and powerful alliance based on trust and safety that allows the client to experience a journey of self-discovery. In this process, he/she can tap into their strengths and talents, de-clutter the mind, release stress, deepen the learning and move forward.

Recent studies in neuroscience support the fact that we can retrain our brain, at any age, and learn to change how we perceive fear and shift to a place of more clarity and peace. We can burn new neuro-pathways in the brain by changing our thoughts and beliefs about how we experience the world around us.

Choosing a trained and certified life coach insures that the coach has completed intense and specific education and has had the benefit of working with experienced master mentor coaches.

Life Coaching is an incredibly positive and life-affirming experience, rather than one that is about fixing what’s wrong. Coaching increases confidence and clarity and helps to identify and remove obstacles to success. Coaching also enhances communication with others and improves relationships in both our personal and business lives.

Personal Coaches help clients soar!

Take the first step today! 

Michael Neill: The Myth of Happiness

Commitment and Courage

Just to remind you, the 12 C’s to help your children to survive in this “mean” world are:  Consciousness; Core Values; Communication; Comfort Zones; Challenge; Consideration; Consequences; Curiosity; Creativity; Compassion; Courage and Commitment.

Commitment goes beyond thoughts, ideas, strategic plans and verbal declarations.  Commitment is about action, goal-setting and measurable results.  It also, perhaps more importantly, embodies our commitments and promises to others.  A child learns at a very early age whether or not the adults in his/her life follow through on their promises. Learning to trust the people closest to him/her is essential to strong emotional development. Each broken promise leaves a tiny scar on the heart.  As parents, it’s vital that we provide a safe place for our children where they can depend on us for follow-through and support.  In the “mean” world nothing is for certain.  It’s our obligation to be “responsible” in order that they learn to be the same.  Without actions nothing will happen or change.

Courage is so big I hardly know what to say.  What I do know is that there isn’t enough of it in the world.  Courage is Heart. I’m not referring here to the great acts of the noble and famous.  I’m referring to the everyday acts of honouring your values, accepting responsibility for your actions and errors and simply having the courage to be who you really are even when it seems contradictory to what others expect. 

The peaceful Warrior is not without fear.  He/she acknowledges the fears and limitations.  He stands strong and confident in his core values. The true warrior embodies Integrity (the integration of values and principles).  She is armed to face the foes, yet have compassion for them.  He’s prepared to move through fear to create a better, kinder, more peaceful world.

  “Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.”    Robert Louis Stevenson

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

And, hey, don’t forget to sprinkle it all with lots of Chuckles!

Compassion: The Greatest Gift and #10 of the 12 "C's"

Just imagine what the world would be like if all mankind were kind, compassionate and accepting.  For the Dalai Lama, compassion is the greatest of all character traits.  We were born to be gentle and loving.

True compassion embodies responsibility and action.

I’ve faced adversity and great challenges many times in my life and felt drained and empty.  When I would ask the universe (God) for help, the answer was always the same: go out and be there for someone else.  Sometimes I would have to dig really deep inside myself to find the energy.  What I noticed was that, in doing so, I was lifted up, raised above my own struggles.

So what exactly is compassion? 

Compassion is, first of all, empathy – the ability to step into another’s shoes.  Empathy connects us to all of mankind in the understanding that we are all one. One person’s suffering is hurting us all.  By embracing empathy we accept our responsibility to take action for the good of all. Compassion honours and respects others and their individuality.

It can seem sometimes that the world is a cold and scary place.  It can appear that no one really cares about others.  There’s widespread fear, anger, jealousy, suspicion and negativity.  Feelings of low self-esteem and alienation are epidemic. We hunger for opportunities to feel connected. 

“True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.  Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively.”  Dalai Lama

Where does compassion come from?

We are born to be both the givers and receivers of compassion.  It must be nurtured from birth.  And, as we grow up, we must see and feel it in action, starting at home within the family.  Without that experience, a child cannot know the joy, fulfillment and safety of this deep connection.  What happens in the formative years is crucial.  A child can feel and exhibit empathy before the age of two. 

A WORD OF CAUTION:

Being compassionate does not mean “fixing”, controlling or even giving advice.  That is your self-serving EGO at work.  What all of us long for is to be heard and to be understood, and included.  There is no shortage of “advice” out there.   The action that’s most important is that of being present to others. When you are truly present, your Ego, your judgments and your attachments to outcome are absent.  In the short video, the Dalai Lama describes unbiased compassion.   

  “The true expression of non-violence is compassion.”

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?

What is the Feldenkrais Method?

The Feldenkrais Method is a unique approach to human movement and learning. Often our movement is limited due to unconscious habits of muscular holding.


Feldenkrais lessons help people to recognize and interrupt these habits, and eliminate limitations and restrictions. As a result students learn better body mechanics and discover natural flexibility and comfort. As students let go of unnecessary effort they start to move more in accordance with the design of the skeleton and experience reductions of strain and tension throughout the whole body. This new way of coordinating oneself results in increased strength, grace and well-being.

This learning is directly applied to improve all of life’s daily activities, as well as athletic and artistic skills. There are two complimentary formats of the Feldenkrais Method (Awareness Through Movement), and private lessons (Functional Integration).

Carolyn Townsend is a Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and well-known Physiotherapist in Fredericton. She practices physiotherapy and the Feldenkrais Method at CBI Health Centre, Kings Place Mall and offers Feldenkrais Classes and Workshops at Lokamotion Complementary Health Studio, 151 Main Street, Unit 2, Fredericton, NB.

For more information, to book an appointment, or register for a workshop, contact ctown@nbnet.nb.ca or phone 459-8697. To contact her at CBI Health Centre call 458-0204.

The Importance of New Beginnings

You reach a certain stage in life when it seems there are more endings than beginnings. In his epic book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill says that most people have given up their dreams by mid-forties. There are many ways to die.

I got thinking about this as I sat parked in front of the building that once housed our flooring businees. It's slated for demolition. It looks broken, used up, nothing like it once was.

I thought I might get a sense of soul if I went there just once more. I was mistaken. Gone is the laughter, the blood, sweat and tears. It used to vibrate with our passion and dreams.

I now get to view it all through rose-coloured glasses. I can let go of the struggles and remember the success. Brian and I would often look at one another and say, "We have the best customers!". It was a zoo in there. One former employee said, "It was a fun place to work".

The ambiance was such that our customers would come and linger: perhaps on the showroom couch, sipping fresh coffee, meeting their friends and sharing their news. Come, sit awhile. Times have changed.

It's important to begin again. With each passing, we must create a new adventure. There is no failure in life other than doing nothing.

It's all too easy to charge through life, breathless, numb and missing the meaning, the beauty and the possibilities for rebirth.

Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to truly express who they are and create a great experience for both staff and customers. Don't miss that! And, if you are in a job or career you hate, one that violates your deepest values, move on.

Begin again - because you can.

Feeling stuck? Call me.

Warmest regards,
Sharon

Stories are not Truth

We are a story-telling species. Stories make sense of our world, shape our identities, beliefs and tell us where we belong. Our past, present and future are embodied in our stories. From cave walls to Facebook walls we seek our place and fulfill our innate need to tell our stories and to hear those of others. By sharing our tales, we find validation and common ground. There are countless ways of expression through music, art, dance, writing and speaking.


The whole world is fuelled and shaped by stories. In order to understand a culture you must listen to the stories. Stories can inspire, motivate, teach, persuade and entertain.

Stories can also separate, isolate, segregate, manipulate and devastate.

Every experience has a story attached to it.

The story we choose to attach to our experience is influenced by the information we have at the time and the cognitive level we’re at. Before language, a child is imprinted emotionally. Future experiences will trigger past emotions and colour our stories. We are also influenced by culture, religion, schooling, assumptions and the opinions of others.

We can become entrapped by the stories of our life.

Become aware that You are not the story: You are more than the story.

Recognize that others are not the stories you make up about them.

What about your story can you reframe?

Leadership in this changing world requires that we re-write the stories of how things should be. And, the world today requires that we all be leaders. We need to take charge of our lives and that means first that we take command of our thoughts, our judgements and our script. Innovation and creativity don’t arise from a mind and soul trapped in stories that no longer serve.

What are the thoughts that chain your mind?
What if you were the “hero” in your own story?
What is your Bigger Story (your life purpose)?
What actions do you need to take?

Warmest regards,
Sharon

A Heartfelt Testimonial

I made a call to Sharon at a moment when I felt my life was spiraling down around me. I was a bundle of emotions with anxiety, sickness, despair and frustration. I remember being close to tears when I made the initial call saying I need to be fixed. Sharon, very matter of fact said, you are not broken and I will help you find the path to clear vision and a place of calm. Immediately after making that initial call I was feeling better, the weight I had carried with me for the past year was lightened because of our conversation and her reassurance that she would work with me to help me understand myself and my feelings.


That first call in my time of total despair put me on the path to finding the authentic me. Sharon asked me a very simple question that I had never really thought about in the past. What are your values?? A simple question yes, but for me it took some thought. Listing my true values on paper helped me understand my own feelings and how I relate to others. Another pivotal point for me in our weekly sessions was learning to respond and not react to situations. I learned why situations triggered my emotions and learned how to Respond instead of React. What an uplifting and motivating experience!!

These sessions helped me understand myself in a way that has given me self confidence and clear direction. It has helped validate who I am. My personalized coaching with Sharon moved my business forward in a professional manner at a very fast pace. This shift was taking place before my very eyes with each weekly session. Imagine my excitement seeing such immediate results!! I am in a leadership position so it was extremely important for me to understand Me before I could lead others. I am now having fun and enjoying the challenges life brings each day whether it is in my personal life or professional life. It has restored my desire to be the best I can be each and every day. I Now Believe in Me. I have lost the backpack of guilt, frustration and limitations, I feel lighthearted, happy and empowered to spread my wings and be open to opportunities, enjoy new experiences and new dreams.

Thank you Sharon for helping me find my way. It has been a positive eye opening experience for me and has made ALL the Difference in My World. The best part of this experience is knowing Sharon, you are only a phone call away if I stray from my path you are there to light the way!! For that I am very grateful.

These personal coaching sessions with Sharon are very powerful and helpful for anyone no matter where you are in the path of life!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!! There is only One You!

Reignite your Passion for Life and Follow Your Dreams you will Love Yourself for it!

Sincerely,
Jane
Halifax, NS

Intentional Goals Part 3: Creating the Powerful Plan

The feeling of your INTENTION is the power that drives your goals. It’s not just your thoughts, words or actions.

The focus of your ATTENTION is when your thoughts and energy are aligned with your Intention.

I can’t stress enough that to achieve Clarity for the above, you must clear the clutter in your head!

NOW you are ready to create your Powerful Plan.

1. Your Intention and your Goals must be written down. This is the first and most important step.

2. Written goals should begin with “To...” Example: "My intention is to be a catalyst for my clients to achieve more clarity, joy, fulfillment and success in their personal and professional lives. My current goal is to create a program that will assist my clients to clear the clutter that obscures their full potential and purpose.”

3. All goals must have a completion date.

4. It is the smaller goals that are most important because they are the Action Steps that will get you there.

5. Get clear and specific about the obstacles: write them down.

6. Be prepared and flexible about changing the goals or steps when necessary.

7. Stay with it! Check in with your lists weekly.

A slightly new twist on SMART GOALS:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Accountable (for living into the Big “A” agenda)
• Resonant (fully honouring your core values, desires and true self)
• Thrilling (compelling, exciting, powerful, big)

Be Bold; Be Real; Be a Warrior!