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Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 11:25AM This 'inspiration junkie' is INSPIRED by these Wish-Upon Curtains:
So, I made a wish that I could get these curtains, but at $248 a panel, my inner frugalista told me to "keep dreaming"!! Well, dreams do come true, because Anthropologie is having a SALE!! Just $99-$108 per panel...
Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 09:56AM So it was Saturday afternoon and I decided to take LuLu and Little Man to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I just felt like doing something domesticated, and instead of opting for Wegman's this time, I would actually BAKE a cake for my sister-in-law's birthday!
I went to buy a cake pan, but LuLu saw the giant cupcake mold and squeeled, "Mommy- LOOOOOOOK! It's so awesome! Aunt Danielle will love it!!!" Ok, her excitement was enough to sell me on the giant cupcake mold, and I started imagining all I could do the decorate it beautifully. In my mind, I was Martha Stewart - delicately placing little sugar pearls over a robin's egg blue icing. In reality, I don't even know where to find little sugar pearls??
So, we got the giant cupcake mold and headed to the grocery to pick up ingredients to bake the cake. There were no cute decorative toppings (other than spider man made out of sugar), and certainly no robin's egg blue icings.
But, yet I again was faced with options- cake mix or make it from scratch? frosting in a can? in a jar? homemade? chocolate cake with white icing? white cake with pink icing? chocolate with pink? LuLu and Little Man were screaming for the pink cake mix, so I took 2 boxes of the mix and I then headed over to buy flour and dark baker's cocoa to make a dark chocolate cake from scratch.
With ingredients and kids in tow, we went home to bake this giant cupcake. How hard could it be? Make a batter, pour it in the mold, bake, cool, ice...simple, right? I set up the man with coloring books and a Mickey in the background. Figured he'd be busy and Lu and I could focus on the baking.
The giant cupcake mold came with little instruction- just said follow the baking instructions on your cake box. The pink cake box gave times for your standard pans, but no mention of how long to bake a cupcake 25 times the size of a regular one????
30 minutes. Not done. 40 minutes. Not done. 50 minutes. Almost done. 55 minutes...the Little Man is now covered in magic marker, and toy boxes have been dumped all over my living room. Flour on the floor. Egg on the counter. Sink full of batter-covered dishes, mixers, spoons, and still no cake.
I put the toothpick in, it seemed to come out clean. "I'll clean while it cools."
My husband's a chef, and he would have been MORTIFIED at the sight of my kitchen. He's mastered the art of keeping it neat as you go. So, the 3 of us put a full court press on picking up the house. It was back to normal, kids clean and bellies full, time to ice this giant cupcake.
LuLu was beyond excited, and the kids huddled around me as I removed it from the mold.
F-L-O-P
And then, the tears. Not from my children- from ME!!! I couldn't believe the cupcake flopped, and my 4-year old daughter had to talk me off the ledge.
"Mommy, it's ok. You tried really hard. We can just make another one. It will be better next time!"
Huh. She had a point. Tears stopped, we danced around the kitchen singing "If at first you don't succeed, try try again!!" And we ate the crumbly cake, which still tasted delicious.
In the morning, I got up early to tackle the giant cupcake mold again, and it came out just fine. In fact, it tasted even better because I was able to use the dark chocolate!!
Friday, July 9, 2010 at 04:34AM If you've read any of my posts about health, you know I'm not a fan of "dieting" (see I'm a Recovered Yo-Yo Dieter). But, I have to admit, knowing and understanding portions is key to a healthy, balanced lifestyle!! Too much of anything (in food and in life) is never a good thing, right?
I've had many clients "clueless" as to why they weren't seeing or feeling changes physically, but when we examined exactly what they were taking in, time after time, it has come down to portion!! I once had a client consume (unknowingly) 2000 calories in just soup- darn coconut milk. I myself was stunned to find out years ago that my regular breakfast of plain greek yogurt mixed with pure vanilla extract and topped with berries and granola was actually over 600 calories!! After that wake up call, measuring became a must for me.
The thing is, measuring out portions can take time, make a mess, add more dishes to the dishwasher - alright, I get it! But, you know I'm a "No Excuses!" person, so when I heard about the Measure Up Bowls, I was beyond excited to share with my favorite blog readers!
First off, they were created by a woman named Heather Harvey; she's just like us, and she was just trying to be healthy, and realized dieting was NOT the answer. She opted for a true lifestyle change, and measuring her portions helped her lose 80 pounds in 11 months! Second, they are simple to use in your everyday life. Third, they come in 2 convenient sizes. So for those things you eat less of, you can use the smaller bowl so it feels like more- NEVER forget the importance of the psyche!
Part-skim ricotta cheese, for example is tasty but a bit calorie dense, so a 1/2 cup portion mixed with dark baker's cocoa, pure coconut extract, and a pinch of stevia or raw sugar is the perfect snack for just under 200 calories! Without measuring, you can easily pile in a cup to a cup and a half and not even realize it...
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 12:34PM "A blimp! A blimp, mommy!! I can't believe it's flying above our house!! It's SOOOO cool!!!" Millana sang and danced around the yard with EJ jumping and following behind, chiming in with "Whoa! Wow! A blimp!!"
It was genuine excitement for the Verizon advertisement that flew above our house, and it was absolutely priceless.
Just moments before the hubby and I were going over our to-do list for the following week and talking about the work that needs to get done in the house, mostly decorating stuff, but work none the less. The kids dancing around over the blimp blew all that "work" chatter into the water and we got up and danced right along with them.
I often feel blessed to be able to experience the world through the eyes of LuLu and Little Man. Like, their reaction when a flower pops up from the soil they've been watering, seeing a butterfly, dumping water from bucket to bucket, beating an egg - all of these things are a wonder to them, and it makes me wonder when and why we tend not to always see them the same as life happens. I mean, it IS amazing to watch a butterfly and the colors are just gorgeous, and there's even a simplistic beauty of water flowing from each glass, the brightness of the egg yolk and how it stays so perfectly round when it is first cracked.
Life is miraculous and I realize how to many people the simple things in life often "lose their luster", unknowingly, just because it's familiar. Think about it- even in relationships, after the "honeymoon" period, most couples fall into the rut of task-doing, sharing chores, not that these things aren't important, but often the "romance" takes second place to who is dropping off the dry cleaning. And, in work or business, the first day on the job the new gal is gung-ho over it and years later she gets into "greener grass" mode, thinking it would have been nice to go down a different road. Or that home that you rushed to put a bid in on, that car that drove like butter now 30k overdue for an oil change - once the "newness" wears off why is it easy to forget what was once so incredible?
The thing is, our spirit, our essence, our "being" wants us to see everything as amazing, just as we did when we were children. It can be that the experiences we have may change the way we view the world, but if we connect back to who we were born to be, let go of the past without judgment, and truly BE in this moment, eyes open wider, and we see things as if for the first time.
Share with me what is amazing to you in this moment. For me, in this moment, I feel it is incredible that my fingers can touch a keyboard and the letters are appearing on a screen where anyone, anywhere in the world with the internet can read them!
Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 09:22AM Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 07:54AM Summer's here which means many of us taking ROADTRIPS!! Here are 3 simple. practical. totally fun. tips to stay positive and safe while driving!!
Tension In = Tension Out: Be Careful What You are Tuning Into
The Average American spends between 500 and 1000 hours a year behind the wheel!! And, roughly 80% of that time we have the radio on! The thing is if we are tuning in to talk radio or music that is less than soothing, we in turn become “worked up”. This can lead to horn honking, stress, even miscommunications at work and/or with loved ones. Since we are walking magnets, we literally become what we listen to. Turn on something that makes you smile, laugh, or just relax- you’ll quickly see your mood lighten and shoulders loosen!
Practice Presence Behind the Wheel
Driving is a mundane task that easily lends itself to a wandering mind. How many times can you actually remember the drive- the exact make and model of the car in front of you, the fine details of what was on your path? Most of the time drivers are bored, and are thinking about something that just happened, worrying about the future, replaying conversations with friends- the list goes on and on. Studies show, however, that people who are in the “present moment” have lower blood pressure, less stress, and an experience overall greater joy in life! Use your drive time to re-connect with the present moment, fully experience it! You’ll soon notice your senses sharpen, your memory is stronger, and your stress level lower simply by practicing presence!
Rev Your Engine- Rev Your Metabolism!
87% of cell phone owners admit to using their cell phone while driving. But, we all know the dangers that poses! A simple way to make use of your drive time without being distracted is to BREATHE. Study after study shows the correlation between proper breathing and overall health, even revving up our metabolisms! Yet, most of us just don’t breathe properly! I mean, we don't take deep breaths and sometimes we take in only enough oxygen to "just get by"!! So, breathing is obviously a necessity, but check this out, just a few more facts:
- Yawning or sighing is a sign you're not getting enough oxygen!
- When you don't get enough oxygen, it affects your brain!
- Breathing properly has been shown to decrease anxiety disorders and depression!!!
- Breathing helps the metabolism (hence HEALTHY BURNING MACHINE)!!
- Deep breathing helps with digestion and digestive problems...enough said- breathe deep!
- Shallow breathing affects our mood, making us grumpy!!
So, when you start your engine, start breathing. Take deep breaths and enjoy the ride!
car trip, driving, road trip, roadtrip, summer trips in Find Balance, Quick Tips Friday, June 25, 2010 at 10:00AM My husband surprised me with a new bike. It has been over fifteen years since I've actually owned a bike, and I have to admit, although I really wanted to ride (hence him surprising me with it!), I was kind of scared to actually get on the road.
Would I fall off? Would I be able to break? turn? avoid parked cars? Would a car not see me? Would I be able to go down hill? up hill?
I took a few minutes to introduce myself to the bike; road it gingerly up and down my block ON THE SIDEWALK. My neighbor saw me and smiled. I felt like I was 8 years old again, on my bike for the very first time- cautious, slow, using my feet to slow down.
The next morning I woke up ready to really face my fears and ride that bike on the road. Little man just woke up, Michael was drinking his morning coffee, Lulu was still asleep.
"I'll be right back, hon. I'm just going to ride up and down the street for five minutes. I want to get my bearings."
My husband laughed. Just the day before he road up and down along the beach for almost 2 hours. "Ok, babe," he said. "Have fun!"
Onto the street. Hmmm. It wasn't so bad. I picked up speed - kind of exhilarating. I biked around my neighborhood, wind in my hair, sun on my face, "Woo hoo!" I actually shouted OUT LOUD. A lady was walking her dog, and she laughed out loud. I waved - one hand even off the wheel!
A few blocks away from us homes are set on the water. It's just beautiful, very little traffic, serene. I biked up and down, back and forth, smiling the entire time. It was over 40 minutes, and I could have gone longer, but figured my Lulu would be waking up soon and wanted to give her a good morning kiss.
I walked in the door singing.
biking, fear, fun, inspiration, play in Embrace Imperfection, My Life Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:42AM
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:39AM I went to 7-11 just to pick up a gallon of milk. I was in old sweatpants and my hubby’s oversized sweatshirt, hair in a half-knot. As I stepped out of the car, I looked down at my awful attire, and pictured Stacey and Clinton (from "What Not to Wear") attacking me, throwing me into a van, and forcing me to watch secret footage of my fashion faux-pas. Who am I? I don’t recognize this woman- if you ask any of my old friends I wouldn’t even leave the house without a little lip gloss on, let alone as if I was ready to clean my bathroom.
The funny thing was, I didn’t think there was anything really wrong with my outfit until I looked down at the hole in my knee with stubble peaking through- there’s got to be a line drawn somewhere, right?
Here's the deal: I believe we are “inside-out” beings, what we feel on the inside comes through on the outside, and sometimes the way we look on the outside can affect the way we feel on the inside. Maybe I was feeling like a lazy Sunday lounge, a little exhausted from having not slept the night before, and just wanted to get the milk and get home. There are days where I feel energized, excited, and a bright flowery dress serves perfectly to suit my mood. I’m happy to say I am energized more than not, but, then this question came to mind- what about those days when you just aren’t feeling totally alive, can you or should you “fake it”? I’ve read a lot lately about tricking yourself into a different mood just by acting like it.
I mean, the benefits of being happy are clear: more productive, better relationships, less stress, healthier heart, heck the Mayo Clinic even did a study that found optimists live longer than pessimists! So, I am all for seeing the glass half full, smiling at strangers, being kind to yourself and others. Count me in!
But, do we really need to be dressed UP and ON all of the time? What about just being? Just being at peace. ..Just being in the moment…Just being ok with holey sweats sometimes and a cute ensemble other times? My stylish friends are probably cringing- and yelling at this blog saying "there is never a time for holey sweats!". Of course, I agree it's not the best way to dress, but I do I think it's all about balance and inner light. Do we really need to judge ourselves as “positive” or “negative”, can’t we just “be”?
In the moment that I noticed my outfit, I felt myself being affected by the way I looked on the outside and moving towards a funk. I almost didn’t even want to make eye contact! But, then, I realized there’s nothing worse than a sour puss, regardless of what I was wearing or how sloppy I was feeling, so I walked into 7-11, smiled at the cashier, complimented a woman on her broach, and was on my way back home to run around the yard with my kiddies – energized and excited even in my horrible outfit.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 10:28PM Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:07PM What Inspires You?
The word “inspire” means to stimulate an action, to elicit, to bring about, to motivate. But, if you dig a little deeper into the definition, “inspire” really means to “breathe life into” - so, let me rephrase my question, what breathes life into you? What fills you with passion, energy, contentment, peace?
There is no right or wrong answer, it’s just very interesting to hear what inspires each of us- it’s funny because although we are all different, we are all the same. And, I saw that even in the thousands of responses I received to this very question when I sent out a query on HARO.
So I picked some beautiful, authentic responses I received to share with you:
“I am inspired by beauty and kindness, flowers and people in bloom, and kisses from dogs and children."
Michele McKeag Larsen has just put up 8 bright yellow billboards promoting joy through her non-profit, The Joy Team; and hopes to spread joy, optimism and inspiration to millions.
http://TheJoyTeam.org/ | http://ISpyJoy.com/ | http://www.365awesome.com/”
"It inspires me to inspire others. Dispensing hope, especially in the darkest of times, can be an antidote to the fear and emotional overwhelm that grips us when we face difficulty. Although we can't solve people's problems we can give them a lift, cheer them on, and constantly offer a more positive view of life. I am a big fan of inspirational quotes. I call them chocolate for the soul."
Laurie Sue Brockway, Inspiration Editor, Beliefnet.com
“I am inspired and awed by the power of the human spirit to change, choose, create, and heal. Each of us is capable of creating miracles. One person working from her or his own truth can and does indeed make a huge difference."
Kris Cahill is a professional clairvoyant reader and healer, teacher, and writer, based in Los Angeles.
"Im inspired by people who are completely open about how difficult things can be--marriage, kids, business."
Jennifer Zwiebel connects people to their joy and helps them activate limitless possibilities.
"Dancing by myself up in my bedroom with my favorite music cranked as I offer gratitude and appreciation upward and outward is one of my personal, instant inspiration tools."
Annie Burnside is the author of “Soul to Soul Parenting”.
http://www.soultosoulparenting.com
“I'm inspired by waking up and having another day with all of its surprises. As a nurse for the past 29 years, I know tomorrow is not guaranteed.”
Mary Pitman, Chief Creative Officer, Green Light Inspirations
http://www.MySpiritualAffirmations.com
"My children's smiles ang hugs inpires me to be the best mom i can be!".
Monique
Owner and Designer, Lil' Sugarplum
So, what inspires you?
Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 07:44AM
My cousin, Michelle Spano has 2 precious boys who were both born with a rare, severe case of Congenital Glaucoma, which is the leading cause of blindness. Antonio is 2 1/2 years old, and Giuseppe is 8 months old. In addition to having to endure 46 surgeries & EUA's combined, her family's medical bills and related expense are over $4,000 per month.
We are hosting a Zumbathon and Silent Auction to benefit this incredible family. The Zumbathon will be from 1-5pm, and the Silent Auction will be from 2:30-3:30pm. We will be auctioning off gift baskets, gift certificates, and much more. You must be present at the Silent Auction to bid on items.
| Date: |
Sunday, April 25, 2010
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| Time: |
1:00pm - 5:00pm
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| Location: |
Aldene School
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| Street: |
Webster Avenue
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| City: |
Roselle Park, NJ
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To learn more about the Spano Boys, please visit: www.thespanofamily.net.
You can contribute by purchasing a ticket for the benefit ($10.00 each), buying a wristband ($3.00 + shipping), donating a gift for the Silent Auction, or making a donation in any amount, see site for details.
Thank you so much for helping Michelle, Joe, and the boys!!
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~ Helen Keller
benefit, donating, exercise, zumba, zumba fitness in Get Up and Dance Friday, April 23, 2010 at 09:25PM I’ve been hearing a lot from people who are unhappy at work, so this seemed like a good topic to blog about- after all, most of us spend more time working than doing anything else, so we should love what we do! If you’ve lost the passion for your job, and long for “something more”, keep these 4 tips in mind:
*Work to Use Your Talents, Not Just Make Money
If you’re working just for the money, you aren’t giving your all to the job. It’s easy to forget that we all have unique gifts. So, let’s use them! Ask your employer for specific tasks related to your talents. By focusing on our natural abilities, we give back to the world. The Universe will thank you, and send more abundance in return!
*Why Search? You May Be in Your 'Perfect' Job Now!
Sometimes we are so caught up in the day-to-day, that we forget what we’re passionate about or why we chose the career path we did. And, then, we get a case of “Greener Grass Syndrome.” Take a little time to write down why you took the job when you did, and what you love about it. By focusing on the positive aspects of your job, you will attract positive energy. Your energy will be contagious, and not only enhance your performance and productivity, but you’ll also improve your work relationships!
*Flip the Focus to What You Want!
OK, so maybe no matter how you look at it, your job is just not your life purpose. You know you are not happy with it. You know you want more. But what? The irony is, we get exactly what we focus on, so if you’re focusing on what you don’t want or don’t like, you’ll get what you don’t want or like! Flip the focus by figuring out what you want, and you will be sure to receive it!
*See It and You Will Be It
When you see yourself doing something, you are sending a message to the Universe. The more often, the more vivid you can imagine it, the more likely it will become reality. Vision is the one common success factor shared by countless people in all fields, in all age brackets. They saw themselves doing it, and so it came to be. You can manifest anything by the power of your vision and faith. See what you want for your career, and really believe it. Picture it so clearly, and act as if you are already in the position. We have so much more power than we give ourselves credit for, so use that energy to bring your perfect job to you!
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 11:15PM I was talking with a colleague who told me she’d love to move out of state in the next five years, but it’s just a “dream”. Hmmm…I wondered why? So, naturally I asked! I’m of the opinion that anything we really want, we can achieve, with a little vision, a little planning, and a little inspired action! But of course it’s easy to get caught up in the thick of life, and the days just fly by, so we feel like we’ve done nothing but “day to day” tasks.
Many of us have dreams, but don’t know where to begin. Writing a ‘life list’ is one of the most effective ways to move your vision into motion. By translating your thoughts into words, and putting your words onto the page, you are giving your life list power! If you write something down, you are committing yourself to it in a deeper way. You can turn daydreaming into intentions, and intentions into reality!
Here are 4 tips to get you started on your life list:
*Quiet Space, Clear Mind
Find a quiet space. Sit down in a comfortable position, and set the environment up right for positive energy. Create a mood for yourself with lighting, candles, and your favorite cup of tea! Designate “you” time so other responsibilities are taken care of, cell phone is off, and you can focus on your life list!
*Always a Way
Ok, so some people just don’t like to write. Totally understandable! But, there’s always a way, and with the infinite number of resources available, we can each find the best method to 'write' our life lists. If pen and paper isn’t your fancy, use the computer to type it out. If typing isn’t your thing, there are point and click web resources that are totally free! And if computers and writing remind you too much of the office, get a mini tape recorder or mp3 recorder and speak your life list aloud! Once you see or hear the words, you’ll get seriously inspired and breathe life into your dream!
*Be Specific, Positive, and Present
Your life list should be very specific. Include only positive statements that focus on what you want for your life. I know it can be easier to think about what’s not going good, but thinking about the negative will only bring more of the negative! So, turn it around and write down what you want for your life in the present tense. Change all “I will…” statements to “I am…” If you want something for the future, write as if it is the future now. For example, if you see yourself in a new home next year, write it like “It is 2011 and I am living in my new home.” Then describe it in detail!
*Include Fun and Play in Your List
A life list shouldn’t be a rigid list that makes you think hard. You shouldn’t even think about “how” you’ll make it happen! A life list can include fun and playful things, and anything you want in your life even if it seems impossible now. Remember, nothing is impossible! Working for things you want doesn’t even feel like work, especially when you are taking inspired actions!! Have fun and focus on your desires. This is your life, so be the amazing woman you were born to be!
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 08:43AM Ready, Set, Summer!!
The change of seasons and weather usually motivates us to make a change in our lives! When the weather gets warmer, most of us are thinking about working out more than ever. I remember spending countless hours thinking about it, but had a hard time getting motivated to do it. Now, I take a NO EXCUSES attitude with myself and my clients, because I firmly believe we can all create whatever we want for our lives. So, if you want to make exercise a part of your life, be willing to change for the greater good. Ask yourself what’s the alternative? If you have an excuse, let’s figure out a way to work it out!!
Here are 3 tips to turn your workout daydreams into reality:
* Set realistic goals It can be overbearing to think about spending two hours at the gym. And, if you don’t have two hours a day, you can’t workout, right? WRONG!! I am a huge fan 30-minute fitness because there’s always time for ½ hour 3 times a week. And believe me, your body will respond much better with a quality over quantity workout!!
* Take advantage of summer-approaching deals Gyms offer great incentives to join at the beginning of the season! And, if the gym doesn't fit your schedule or budget, get outside early and power walk a few laps before the sun gets too warm. Wear wrist and ankle weights for an extra burn!!
* Change is good But make sure if your lifestyle or schedule changes you take your workout with you!! Change happens all of the time: when we get a new job, move to a new town, have a baby, enroll our kids in a new after-school activity. Our schedule can change so it’s important that you make arrangements to keep moving!! Planning ahead makes it so much easier.
balan, fitness, goals, health, wellness, workout in Find Balance, Quick Tips Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 11:13PM As you know, I’m a firm believer that we should all dream big - see my post about Expanding Your Vision! When our Spirit dreams big, it becomes a state of being- something we are called to do. Yes, there may be obstacles as purpose tests us and throws us curve balls, but it’s so strong and connected to the world outside of ourselves, we can’t help but go through life with grace and a knowing that everything happens for a reason. Even if we don’t quite know our purpose, if we put passion into everything we do, purpose unfolds naturally. To be in Spirit, basically is to look at life through a passionate lens.
On the other side of the coin, there’s the ego-dream. The dream that says it’s all about practicality, image, the material world, we need more, more, more. The ego-dream either fears moving forward or tells us the world is cut-throat, and we need to backstab to get to where “I-I-I” need to be. The ego-dream is judgmental, looks at everyone as competition, and the ego must win. Yes, there are times that ego-dreamers “win big”, gain high status, work very hard and make a lot of money. Is that all there is??? Of course not- because the Spirit inside of us wants us to be the perfect person we were born to be, and allows us to connect, love, flow through life.
The beautiful thing about the Spirit is that it is forgiving. Even if we’ve been driven by Ego unknowingly, it accepts us as we are flaws and all; we are always welcome back in to Spirit, just by being.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 08:36AM I had a realization the other day, and it was HUGE. I was working with a client, and I'm a big fan of looking at the possibilities. But, by nature, I'm an "impossible" possibility thinker. I can't help but dream big, and I believe nothing is impossible (thank you to my parents for drilling this into us!), so when I'm asked about possibilities for myself, or am thinking about possibilities for my clients, they are usually pretty beyond what is just "possible".
However, when I asked my client about the possibilities, she immediately started thinking of limitations, and what would not be possible due to her circumstances. She was trying to "figure out" how her vision would work, and well, "be possible", based on my question. It was a struggle to say the least, exactly the opposite of what it should have been. I realized we had two totally different definitions of "possibilities".
But, my client was correct. My definition of possibilities is very different than what the word actually means. Breaking it down, the very word "possibility" implies that it's practical, realistic, feasible, possible. And "possible" as defined by my good friend Webster is "being within limits". Ugh! Limits? Webster also says it is "something that may or may not occur". Double ugh!
As I realized her struggle and my bad question, I asked us to take a five minute breather. Let us not think in these five minutes, let us listen. I told her to use visualization to unwrap the "limitation" rope that was around her. Break free from the self-limiting beliefs.
While I was listening, I heard the book "Living on the Edge". In discussing polarity, and the world reflected in opposites, "possibility thinking is what has doomed you to mediocre results in your life." Because when we think of "possibilities" we instantly try to create a strategy to make it work, and the strategy limits us- exactly what was happening to my client!
After our 5 minutes, and hearing this, I opened with, "Dream big. What's impossible?" The conversation flowed much better, and the visions were like popcorn. I prefer possibilities of this magnitude- possibilities based on passion in the field of the "impossible", and to quote the words of Walt Disney, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible!"
Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 09:54AM
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
- Marianne Williamson, American author
Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 09:32AM It was Friday night. The hubby asked me if I wanted to have a date night- it's been a few weeks, and it sounded like fun! My parents came over to watch the kids, and off we went for a trip to Borders and a bite to eat!
I am blessed to be married to someone who appreciates the book store as much as I do!! We both LOVE reading, and while he chooses to go to sports and history, and I go to spirituality and wellness, we usually meet in the middle at memoirs.
I have to admit, as I approached the double doors of the store that I usually adore, I felt my hard pounding in my chest. I got nervous. You see, I've been pouring my heart and soul into my own non-fiction book proposal. I have a fantastic literary agent who believes in me and the message I want to share. But, for some reason, over the past few months, I have not been able to just finish the proposal- it was seeming forced.
Instead of continually ramming into stuff, I decided to take a step back from the process, and let it flow naturally as I believe it should. I was over-thinking. I was trying too hard. Ironically, this is exactly the type of thing that I know blocks us from movement forward.
But, in taking a step back, which I thought was a good thing, walking into Borders Books gave me a huge WAKE-UP CALL. The racing heart turned into a full-out teary eyed moment as I stared at the new releases shelf. I pictured the cover of my book on the table, and realized I was not letting anything flow with the proposal- I was frozen. Frozen in fear that it wouldn't live up to my own expectations. Frozen in fear that the publisher may not like it.
I just plain old know better, I know that fear is debilitating, and the only way to move forward is to take action, keep the vision, have faith in God's will, and take the darn leap!
My hubby found me, excited at his 2 new "finds", and wondered why I hadn't yet chosen a single book (usually by now I am debating between 5 at least). Now, Michael knows me inside and out, and took one look at my face; he knew exactly what I was thinking.
He said, "Babe, your book will be here soon enough. I am certain. Just keep writing. Never stop believing in yourself."
This date night turned out to be just the dose of inspiration that I needed! I found the book that I would purchase, Gretchin Rubin's, The Happiness Project. That night I went home, put the kids to sleep, read a few chapters, and then hopped on my computer- for 4 hours of writing!! Proposal almost complete, and I am counting on my favorite blog readers to hold me accountable to finish by Friday, 3/19- NO EXCUSES!
