Welcome to the magical world of transformation…

This is one of the best self-discovery books I’ve read and it’s all about “creating the work you love.” She poses this powerful question:

If you’re this successful doing work you don’t love, what could you do with work you do love?

If this question stirs something within you, then I invite you to stop reading this blog post, take out your journal, and write about it.

The really cool thing about this book is that Tama shares so openly about her journey. She tells the truth about the ups and downs of leaving the “comfort” of a socially-praised career in order to follow her heart. I found it inspiring and so helpful even though it wasn’t filled with worksheets for the reader to use. But, it is filled with poetic and wise words. I’ve known for quite some time that when an author has hit a deep understanding of a topic that she can write in a concise and simple way. This is one of those books with an added poetic bonus.

As a life coach, I pick up self-discovery books all the time. In fact, I have a library of ones that I haven’t had a chance to read yet. Lots of times I begin, get distracted, and haven’t returned to them yet. Well, this particular book I bought because Tama was a guest speaker at my spiritual community The Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose and after listening to her message my 16 year old daughter asked me to buy it. That right there says leaps and bounds about the power of this book.

Learn more about Tama Kieves on her website at AwakeningArtistry.com

Tags: Book Reviews, books, cancer, change, courage, fear, inspiration, job, Life Coaching, life purpose, transformation

…sleep!

Seriously.  Have you ever noticed how when you are tired it’s so easy to be grumpy.  In fact, when you’re tired enough even the thought of happiness can be irritating.  The truth is…happy people are well-rested people.

It really is this simple.  If you want more happiness in your life, then take a look at your sleeping patterns and decide if they are working for you or not.

A few years ago I took a look at my sleeping habits and decided to make a commitment to sleep from 10pm to 6am every night – weekend and weeknight alike.  I realized that my body didn’t know the difference between a weeknight and a weekday and found that when I sleep the same hours I feel better and have more energy.

A few years down the road and I am one of the most positive and upbeat persons I know.  Yes, I have my moments – don’t we all? – and yet, I am known for my heart smile, good moods, and general all-around happiness.  I admit that there are more factors to my joy-filled life, but it really truly begins with a good night’s rest…or a good day’s rest depending on when your body sleeps the best.

Happy sleeping!

Tags: advice, change, emotional health, health, humanity, sleep, success

There’s only 3 days left to register for the inaugural Simply Fearless 8 Week Program.  It would mean so much to me if you are able to take the program with us.  Here’s all the details and once registration is closed we will run a poll to determine the dates & times that work best for you:

Do you feel like you should be happier but don’t know how to get started?

Are you ever overwhelmed by fear, worry, or sadness?

Would you like more confidence, clarity, and courage?

If so, then we’ve got the group coaching program for you!  You are invited to join us for:

The Simply Fearless
8 Week Coaching Program

What is it?
The Simply Fearless 8 week program is all about helping you design, create, and live Your Simply Fearless Life!  It includes:

1. 8 weekly sessions ( 1 1/2 hours in person or over the phone)
2. A workbook
3. Daily Practice Assignments to integrate new skills
4. An on-line forum to connect with other participants
5. A 30 minute private coaching session with Coach Cassandra Rae

The weekly topics are:

1. Uniquely Equal ~ different roles, equal value
   Compassionate Honesty ~ truth with heart
2. Part 1 Awareness ~ honor your inner knowing
3. Part 2 Acceptance ~ let go of what’s hurting, embrace what’s helping
4. Loving Boundaries ~ saying no with ease
5. Freedom Structures ~ external guidance for internal freedom
6. Responsible Risk ~ smart and inspired action
7. Connected Independence ~ stand on your own together
8. Celebrate! ~ an ending and a new beginning

The intention is for you to walk away with practical skills and tools that you can use and rely on for the rest of your life.  Life will always challenge you – especially when you are going after your dreams – and we come together so that you gain the know-how to process any challenge.  Imagine believing that you can handle anything and everything that comes up for you, no matter how big or small.  And imagine having a community of like-hearted people who are always there to support you through it.

Tags: change, courage, fear, Life Coaching, success, transformation

It’s so easy to put yourself down, isn’t it?  You shouldn’t have said that. Or how could you have done that? Or what about, what were you thinking?

Any of this sound familiar?

Well, as a life coach it is my job to help people make their desired changes and achieve their goals.  And guess what? If you are beating up on yourself, then you are keeping yourself stuck.

Seriously.

If you want to move forward in your life, then begin by accepting yourself exactly how you are right now.  As soon as you let go of the need to change, you begin to change.

Sounds crazy right?! That’s why so many people stay the same!

Play with this idea for awhile and let me know how it works out for you.

Tags: change, negative self talk, self esteem, transformation

“Supportive Transformation”

Long lasting change happens in small, consistent steps taken over time.  Think of one aspect of your life you’d like to change.  What is one simple step you can take each day for the next week?

p.s. It really is this simple!

Tags: advice, change, humanity, Life Coaching

Deeply Personal Transformation
Photo artwork by me

I have been blogging since 2004. I’ve always loved blogging. In fact, I’ve even taught 2 teleclasses on the subject and was part of a team who brought blogging to the coaching academy I went to. Quite by chance (or is it divine order?) I’ve been giving presentations on blogging and how to use it as a business development tool. I’ve even begun coaching people on blogging and the writing process. Put all of this together and people in have started calling me The Blogging Queen and I’m ready to own it! So what would a blogging queen have in place? What would she do? And who would she be?

A blogging queen would:

1. Post at least once a day
2. Participate in meme’s like Thursday 13
3. Have one blog where she focuses her energy
4. Have multiple blogs representing different parts of her personality
5. Regularly attracts new subscribers
6. Shows the number of subscribers & owns that number – is grateful for the subscribers she does have and openly asks people to sign up
7. Shares her process – personal & professional alike
8. Gets REAL!
9. Optimizes her blog for readership & followship
10. Have a clearly defined set of standards for her participation (i.e. reply to every comment or not)

Not only am I ready to embrace the fact that blogging is a major part of who I am, but I’m also ready to accept that the focus of my life coaching practice is changing. I’ve been insisting for years that I am here to serve parents, teens, and families (and maybe I am). At the same time, things have taken an amazing and unexpected turn. Along with speaking about blogging, I’ve also launched the Simple Ways Solopreneur Group which has sky rocketed with such ease and momentum.

As you can see, I am in the midst of a powerful transformation and I’ve got some amazing stuff in the works. But, before I move forward I’d love to receive your helpful comments. What do you think of the 10 things a blogging queen would do, be, and have? Do you have anything to add? And what do you think/feel/believe about blogging?

Tags: blogging, change, personal transformation