Fear. It comes in pretty handy when we encounter a rattlesnake. Which I did – while camping in New Mexico this spring. Holy freaking crap. Fear can save our lives. But sometimes fear doesn’t protect or serve us. Sometimes it holds us back. And keeps us from realizing our dreams. A few weeks ago an amazing opportunity was presented to me. An opportunity to work with a brilliant mentor who could help me improve and grow my business. I almost let it pass me by. Why? Fear. Fear of failure Fear of putting myself out there Fear of success Fear of this person thinking that I’m not good enough I felt the fear… …and said yes anyway. Everyone experiences fear. Fear is just a feeling. It can’t hurt you. Unless you … [Read more...] about The Implications of Avoiding Fear
Two Powerful Questions to Help You Rock Your Life
I’m turning 40 this year and it has me thinking - I want to rock the second half of my life. But how? Where to start? The psychologist Russ Harris suggests a simple exercise. Imagine that you’re eighty years old – and then complete the following sentences. I wish I’d spent more time on… I wish I’d spent less time on… There is a latin phrase, memento mori. It means, remember that you will die. We tend to ignore - and even fear death in American society. But the more we remain aware of life’s impermanence, the more we will hold it dear – and not squander it away. Steve Jobs once said,"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way that I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already … [Read more...] about Two Powerful Questions to Help You Rock Your Life
Loving My Way Out of Debt
My husband Brett contributes more to our household expenses than I do. Like way more. He never complains or insinuates that I ought to make more money. Ever. Despite this fact, I elected to feel bad anyway. “I should contribute more.” “I don’t make enough money.” “I’m not enough.” That last one - ouch! My negative thoughts around this circumstance were not only making me miserable, they were contributing to my ever growing debt. Circumstance (fact) – I earn money for my work Thought – I don’t make enough money Feeling(s)– less than, shame, guilt Action – buy stuff to distract from the negative feelings, consider getting a “regular paycheck” job (even thought I LOVE my business), focus attention on what I don’t have Result – … [Read more...] about Loving My Way Out of Debt
Doubt and the Art of Getting Unstuck
Heck, even a "life" coach can get a little lost at times. A few months back, I found myself wondering… Am I on the right path? Questioning our path isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can lead to validation, inspiration or a new, more appropriate path. On the flip side, questioning our path can also lead to a state of debilitating doubt. And I was stuck – unequivocally stuck – until I remembered the wise words of one of my mentors. Our circumstances don’t cause suffering. WE create suffering with our thinking. It was time to get to the bottom of my doubt. When we feel a little lost, our first inclination is usually to blame the path we’re on. Maybe I need to move to Argentina. Or become a chef. Or sell it all and travel the country … [Read more...] about Doubt and the Art of Getting Unstuck