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

What a fun and fast read! Ever since I read the Twilight series I’ve been devouring all sorts of vampire books. I had no idea there were so many! This one was definitely catchy. Yeah, there were some parts that were kinda hokey, but the writing was sharp. I could see all the action clearly in my mind and I didn’t get the numerous characters confused.

Surprisingly enough there is some great advice in this book for parents of teens. Sometimes it’s easier to see into the life of a teen who isn’t your child. There’s less of an edge to it. I really liked this part when the main character talked about wanting her mom to simply wrap her arms around her and tell her it’s okay. As parents, we have a tendency to make it a lot harder than it is. The truth is a simple hug and a few words of encouragement go a long way.

One of my other favorite parts is when the leader of the vampyre high school told the fledglings who were going through the change to live their life to the absolute fullest as if today was their last (partly because they really could die at any time – sometimes their body rejected the change) because if they did die, then they would leave behind a great legacy and if they didn’t die, then they had already created a solid foundation for potentially centuries of greatness. How cool is that? What great advice!

Tags: advice, Book Reviews, books, Family, life purpose, Parenting, teen

I met Debbie Ford in San Francisco earlier this year as she was preparing for her movie debut.  She has a phenomenal message and I highly recommend this book:

This book shines a bright light of awareness into the dark corners of your heart, mind and soul.  Yes, it asks you to look where you probably don’t want to look.  In fact, you’ve probably spent most of your life running from these parts of yourself.  And that’s exactly why Debbie Ford asks you to go there:

Because you cannot live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life while you deny and hide any part of yourself.

I know, it sucks.  But, it’s true.  And this book will guide you through the grueling process step-by-step.  I recommend that you read this book with a partner.  Let me know if you’re up for it, because I wouldn’t mind reading it again.  Wait.  I haven’t actually finished it all the way through.  Yeah, I guess I need the support of a partner.  Like I said, let me know if you’re up for this and we can read it together.

Tags: Book Reviews, books, courage, Debbie Ford, fear, humanity, inspiration, life purpose, support

Today’s Simply Fearless Spotlight Tip is:

Allow yourself to shine in whatever you are doing, from washing the dishes to fulfilling your life’s purpose!

I hope it inspires you and please leave your own tip as a comment to share with us.

Tags: inspiration, life purpose, self esteem

“My Daily Practice”
Photo artwork by Me!

I did it!  I successfully meditated this morning without falling asleep.  Yay!  Here’s what I did:

Instead of meditating right out of bed, I waited until after I had…actually my morning routine is kinda cool so I’m just going to share it with you:

• 5:30am out of bed
• Take Gracie out for a potty, make coffee & my lunch, feed Gracie
• Do my morning practice while drinking my coffee (morning practice = journal, write 5 acknowledgments, 1 truth affirmation, a gratitude paragraph, jot down any business development ideas, and create an intention for the day – this usually takes about 30 minutes.  It used to take longer, but I’ve been doing it for years now and it usually flows through me in a short half an hour)
• Take Gracie for a walk
• Do my morning stretches
• Go for 30 minute run
• Shower & get ready for the day
• Begin my work day

So my new commitment going forward is to meditate for 20 minutes after I shower & get ready and before I begin the rest of my day.  I plan on doing this both during the week and on weekends.  I’ll let ya know how it goes (or doesn’t go).

Also, I switched up my meditation style.  Instead of repeating a Sanskrit word in my mind or counting my breath, I simply notice my breathing.  I say in my mind, “Breathe in.  Breathe out.” in alignment with my acutal breathing.  And once I feel the connection between my awareness and my body, I begin to explore the inner landscape.  I open up to receiving thoughts and ideas from God* and I allow myself to wander.  But, it’s not an aimless wander.  It’s an intentional connection with my spirit as I connect with God.  It’s really neat!  And here are some of the messages I received today:

I work with people who feel disconnected, stuck and confused, but who are ready to discover their unique answers, create fulfilling relationships, and connect with their own sense of confidence and clarity.

How cool is that?!  I’ve been trying to articulate what I do for years!  Here’s another one:

I work with teens and adults with all sorts of different problems and goals, but they all want the same thing: a clear sense of self, purpose, and meaning.

Whoa!  Really?  Awesome.

I am answering God’s calling for my life and in turn providing a valuable resource for others.

Oh…it’s win-win!

The calling is a divine calling that when answered unlocks an abundance of inspiration, opportunities, and synchronicity.

Yes, I am ready for this!  Bring it on.

I fully surrender to my divine purpose.  I trust in the power of the universe to lead me where I need to go and I take bold steps towards God.

Woohoo!  I’m rocking it out today in my meditative space!  I also drew a picture that ended up looking like God’s flashlight.  He shines a light for me to follow and when I do I also lead others toward finding their own way.  I’m so glad I switched up my practice because now I’m looking forward to meditating.  Before I was like, “Oh.  It’s time to meditate now.  Great.”  But, now that I’m staying awake and doing it my way I’m loving it!

What about you?  Do you meditate?  Or do you want to meditate?  Do tell.

*a note about God: please understand that when I use the term God I am not referring to any particular religion.  In fact, I am referring to the God in all religions.

Tags: daily practice, life purpose, meditation, morning routine

“Photography is Part of my Purpose”
Photo artwork by Me!

I’m taking a teleseminar series right now called Know Your Purpose led by Tim Kelley and I’ll be posting my experience as I grow…

We had our first class this past week and our homework was to read the Purpose Hunting eBook and complete the 2 journaling exercises.  Since I’m working from home today I decided to take the eBook and a pen out to the pool – the weather here is gorgeous right now and I am enjoying the last warm weather of the season before Autumn settles in.

Anyhow, I’m all comfy cozy in the plastic lounge chair, by the pool, in the sun with my pen in hand and just when I’m about to answer the first question my mind goes completely blank.  These questions scare the consciousness outta me!  So instead I have a little talk with myself and it goes something like this:

“I’m sitting here to answer the purpose hunting questions and I’m afraid of them.  It’s intimidating to imagine that I’m about to discover the purpose of my entire earthly existence.  In fact, it feels like an immense responsibility to know the answers.”

“Yes, but imagine not knowing.  Do you you want to die without ever knowing?”

“Well, no.  But…”

“No buts.  Just allow the answers to emerge.  Trust in the process.  You’re ready for this.”

I felt a little slapped around, but I dove into it anyhow.  I filled up 2 pages of stuff in response to questions like “When are the times in your life when you’ve felt most fulfilled?”  I didn’t feel completely open to the process, but I did allow the thoughts to emerge.  And then I was inspired to try something different.  I took a new sheet of paper and I began writing out a timeline of all the professions I wanted to be from as early as I could remember to the present day and I filled it in with the jobs I had actually had too.  Under each job/profession I wrote down what it is I did and liked about it.

What’s interesting is that everything seems to have the following 3 characteristics:

1. Leading
2. Innovating
3. Connecting people

I do step into leadership roles quite naturally.  I love creating new processes and ways of being/doing.  And of course, connecting with others and helping them connect has always been central to who I am.

Okay.  Homework done.  And I can’t wait for our group coaching session this Friday at 2pm.  Stay tuned because this process is so cool and it’s fun sharing it with you :~)

Tags: connecting, life purpose, purpose hunting, Tim Kelley

This morning during my meditation God and I had this conversation:

~ God, what is my greatest challenge in building a coaching practice?
{note: this question was inspired by Cheri Huber in my daily read of Making a Change for Good A Guide to Compassionate Self-Discipline}

~ Not believing in yourself.

~ But, why? Why don’t I believe in myself? When I do what I do, I do it well. And when I see others do what I do, I feel I can do it better. Why don’t I have a solid sense of confidence? Oh my! I just revealed that I believe there’s a “once and for all” cure to insecurity!

~ It does not work that way.

~ I know! So why am I hitting my head against the wall?

~ Because it feels good to at least a part of you.

~ But, why? Oh my goodness, because I can control it! I can control ramming my head against the wall. But, I can’t control whether or not someone hires me. This owning your own business thing is like a perpetual, never-ending job interview!

~ It’s always about giving up control for you. The more you let go, the more success you will enjoy. Let go of perfectionism and be yourself. You are talented and here to serve a big purpose. The world needs you. Families need you.

~ Okay, God. I open myself up to receive your strength. I am willing to let go of trying to control the process. I am willing to put myself out there because I know you will never reject and abandon me no matter what happens. I trust you will not lead me to failure. In fact, in my head I already know that your intention is to lead all of us to success, deep fulfillment, and loving relationships. It is time for me to practice all of this in my heart. Thank you for infusing me with compassion, understanding, and inspiration this morning. I love you!

Tags: career, Cheri Huber, confidence, God, life calling, life purpose, meditation, prayer