One Balanced Life

I tend to go on and on about power of writing it down. Whether it is feelings, thoughts, dreams, action steps, etc. - our writing it down gets it out! We can release what we need to release, gain clarity, and bring attention to what we want and need to live fuller more satisfying lives. I won't get to woo-woo here - but believe this to be one of the most simple effecttive practices you can incorporate into your life. It is a powerful tool in supporting your journey to create the life you desire.

I learned about the practice of Birthday Lists on one of my favorite blogs, your write one thing down for every year of your life that you would like to have happen in your life. So for instance, I turned 38 in June and my list this year has 38 items. I've been doing this for several years and laugh come July when at the things I completed that I thought were "out there." Last year I wrote I wanted a new camera and within days made it happen. This year I wrote I wanted to compete (or complete) in a triathlon - and I've signed up. I also wanted a halter top and that is done too. Some things will take a little longer - like creating more consistency in my life - but I have a year!

Consider creating a list for yourself - there is something inspiring that each year as I grow older I get to do more, be more, learn more. Have fun with it.

PS I should have also put on my list - take swim lessons!

I just returned from a three week adventure with my family in the Pacific Northwest. One of the greatest lesson I walk away with when I travel with little ones is about the power of letting go and embracing an attitude of adventure. A relaxing of my expectations and my needs for a schedule served me amazingly well on this trip. If you want to explore how to do this a little more I encourage you to attend one of my (and the amazing Julie Kesti's) summer retreats. We will focus on creating an attitude of playful fearlessness, embracing adventure, and challenging you to rethink you "busyies" (totally made up word I have no idea how to spell). And as usual there will be wonderful massage and yummy food.  Contact me to sign up.

June 27 10-4
August 22 10-4

PS The pic is of one of boys, at Pikes Market, who insisted on carrying the bundle the weighed as much as he did! And

As I watched the boats navigate the Straight of Juan De Fuca, climbed in the graveyard of huge trees on the shores of La Push, hiked in the Hoh Rain Forest, and as I now enjoy the beauty of the Oregon Coast, I wear the same old sweater. It is the item I could not live without in this amazing, chilly, rainy, breathtaking part of the country. It is the warm, comfy, snug in the right places – loose in the others, covers your butt sorta sweater (It even works well as a pj top). It reminds me of the some of the habits I wear so well. They fit perfect  and are my “go to” responses and actions when faced with stress, discomfort, fatigue, and boredom. Things like negative thinking, blaming, and well to be honest a gaggle of other ineffective ways of dealing with the crap life throws at me. But with the new scenery, I am playing with creating new ways of being, doing, and thinking. It is simple really - just trying on a new habit and wearing it until in fits as comfortably as the old one. And I trust the new way of being will eventually become my “go to” place. And now I am off to hike in my old sweater which I am feeling positive smells like the ocean and cedar!

What are some new habits you could try on?

(It was my intention to write up a nice little post about my three week odyssey to the Pacific Northwest but didn't get to it so in case you are wondering where I am mostly disconnected from electronics...except when I need a mocha.)

One of the downfalls of working at night is that I often come home a little to keyed up to go to bed. And so tonight instead of slipping into bed wide-awake I took a moment to sit outside, relax, and reflect. In the moment of stillness I immediately thought of my "favorite part" of today - a practice we do with the boys at mealtimes that is sometimes touching but usually ends up in "I am grateful for my sandwhich."

It was easy tonight to generate a gratitude list. I feel blessed...

• To bear witness to the power of women coming together to create change in their lives.
• To see the transformation in the people I work with and delight in their accomplishments.
• To smell the fresh lilacs in every room of the house.
• To feel the wind and the whisper of promise it brings.
• To listen to the laughter of my boys.
• To ride the current of my life and try not to fight it.
• To be...

Sometimes we all need a little kick in the pants to take action in our lives. A little accountability goes a long way in creating lasting change. While having coffee with a friend, we were discussing our desire to start the day earlier and lamenting the obstacles. It occurred to me we could support each other by holding each other accountable. So starting this morning we texted each other at 5:30. And no I didn't go back to sleep. It was one one of the most delicious starts of the day I've had in a few months...

• A run
• Some meditation
• A moment watching the drops of water fall from the trees
• A cup of coffee

Another wonderful lesson for me about the power of support and accountability. If you are in need of a little extra boost contact me about coaching or my wonderful morning mind and body boot-camp happening this weekend Saturday from 9-11:30.

"Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself." Hermann Hesse

If you done work with me before you've heard me talk about the whole right/brain left brain issue. We spent most of our time living out of our left brain/analytic side and ignore our right/creative side. When we do this we often feel stuck, unable to make decisions, or create action steps we can actually follow through on.

When we begin to exercise our right brain our questions are answered more quickly and we see the path we need to take illuminated. But we need to train ourselves to do this - to access our intuitive creative side. This weekend my friend, Dianna, put it so simply..."We need to ask the question we have about our life in our right brain, switch to our right brain to answer it, and switch back to our life to execute."

So if you want to learn a different way of thinking here are some resources:
1. Attend one of my Creative Visioning Retreats (a few openings left in the Saturday one but you have to let me know by tonight).
2. Check out Dianna Amorde's book.
3. Sign-up for this free call with another colleague of mine Celeste Hamman, you will not be disappointed!

It is amazing how easy it is to fall into old patterns. I spent the weekend slowing down at a retreat. It was wonderful...nurturing food and company, time for reflection and clarification on the direction I want to move in. When the weekend came to an end and I was entering the airport my traveling companion said "whoa you need to slow down, you are moving so much faster." I laughed as I knew it to be true. I felt the press of my life and the movement around me and fell right back in. So this week I'm waking slowly, even if involves a tangle of little limbs and demands for breakfast.

I encourage you to slow down this week and if you want a little inspiration to do so contact me about my renewal retreat this weekend (we have a few spots open still), where you will have the opportunity to hit the pause button, reflect, eat some yummy food, and get a massage!

Weekly I reflect on on my intention and priorities for the week. A practice that can be so beneficial if I resist the tendency to let the process be directed by my "shoulds" or by my to do list. At times I get comfortable operating from the left side of brain - focusing on tasks and outcomes. In keeping with my theme for the month of "do it different" I decided to mix things up. Instead of sitting down and writing my intentions and priorities, I've started the weekly process with a bit of collaging. I then reflect on what the collage says to me about where I am at and what I need. And in engaging the creative side of brain, I am finding my intentions and priorities shifting to reflect what I really need on a deeper level. If you want to learn about this process I encourage you to join me at one of my spring renewal retreats, where you'll get to experience it first hand. Contact me to register!