Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fact or fiction?
I wanted to share a tip which was just given to me by the lovely Leiza. It is in regards to when your mind is making 'stuff' up. What does that mean? Well, you know when your friend says they will call you back and they don't. Then, you start thinking they didn't ring me because........(they don't like me, I've done something to uspset them, they are sick, etc).
Leiza asks herself this question; Is it fact or is it fiction? That is a great question, isn't it? Do you have proof? Usually the answer is know. Go with the facts. They haven't rung you back because they haven't rung you back. It's as simple as that. Thanks for sharing, Leiza.
What do you think about this question? Leave me a comment or contact me direct. You might have another great one to share.
Leiza asks herself this question; Is it fact or is it fiction? That is a great question, isn't it? Do you have proof? Usually the answer is know. Go with the facts. They haven't rung you back because they haven't rung you back. It's as simple as that. Thanks for sharing, Leiza.
What do you think about this question? Leave me a comment or contact me direct. You might have another great one to share.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Working in the 'Now'
I had a bit of a revelation yesterday. Most of my blogs are about how, as a person, you can utilise living in the present to create a peaceful and calm life. In my coaching business, I coach individuals (who, incidentally are usually owners of small businesses) to bring peace, calm and fun into their lives. After hearing someone's story today, I have realised the importance of linking the two; living in the present and getting more from you work.
I, personally, discovered living in the present as a fantastic tool to increase the success of my coaching. I have a practice I use before my coaching sessions to ensure when I coach, I am totally present and fully focused on each and every client and their own agenda (not mine or whatever is happening in my life at the time). I never made the connection before though, of how this could benefit others in businesses other than coaching.
So, I hear you ask, what was this story I heard? I heard about a guy who owns his own business and used to constantly take his work home; constantly thinking about work no matter where he was. To avoid thinking about work other than at work, he created a practice of writing a 'to do' list of things he has to do the next day, before leaving work and then he does a sort of 5 minute "meditation" if you like, where he just focuses on his breathing and nothing else. Then he goes home to his family and feels life is much more fun as work stays at work. It removes the constant stress from his life and he feels much more relaxed.
That is when I realised the practice of being present at work for everyone could have loads of benefits. What would being present at work mean for you? Would it mean closing more deals? Would it mean making less mistakes and thus increasing productivity? Would it mean you might actually enjoy work? I would love to hear what this could mean for you. Please email me or comment on this blog.
I, personally, discovered living in the present as a fantastic tool to increase the success of my coaching. I have a practice I use before my coaching sessions to ensure when I coach, I am totally present and fully focused on each and every client and their own agenda (not mine or whatever is happening in my life at the time). I never made the connection before though, of how this could benefit others in businesses other than coaching.
So, I hear you ask, what was this story I heard? I heard about a guy who owns his own business and used to constantly take his work home; constantly thinking about work no matter where he was. To avoid thinking about work other than at work, he created a practice of writing a 'to do' list of things he has to do the next day, before leaving work and then he does a sort of 5 minute "meditation" if you like, where he just focuses on his breathing and nothing else. Then he goes home to his family and feels life is much more fun as work stays at work. It removes the constant stress from his life and he feels much more relaxed.
That is when I realised the practice of being present at work for everyone could have loads of benefits. What would being present at work mean for you? Would it mean closing more deals? Would it mean making less mistakes and thus increasing productivity? Would it mean you might actually enjoy work? I would love to hear what this could mean for you. Please email me or comment on this blog.
Friday, October 16, 2009
1001 Ways to Live in the Moment
by Barbara Ann Kipfer. It's the title of a new book I have found. I thought I would love to share bits and pieces as I get to them. In the introduction it talks about what living in the now is (and isn't). I love the description it gives; "Living in the now, for a mature being, is about appreciating the passing moment as a fundamental of existence, accepting whatever comes our way, whatever we cannot change-including our own aging."
It also goes on to say it's not about our possessions, people, habits or past times. The writer also says that it's about being positive, not about living in the past (or being overwhelmed by nostalgia or regrets is how it is put in this book) or having delusional hopes or anxieties.
It also talks about 'Clock Time'. If you have read 'The Power of Now' you will be familiar with this phrase. Clock time , Barbara says, is an artificial order which we have put on the organic flow of experience. As we all know, 'Clock Time' can rule our lives, if we allow it. In coaching, something people often seek is 'Time Management' skills. Some find Time Management is important however sometimes with strict time management, we lose our freedom. The freedom to 'be' ourselves. Isn't that what being totally present is all about. Just being?
Take some time out for yourself today to just 'be'. Rest not rust! How can you change your busy schedule today to fit in 5 or 10 minutes of 'being'? If you are out and about in the car today, stop off at a park or the beach or some other place you love and just 'be'. If you are working in retail or in an office, maybe it might be on the way home from work this afternoon or during your lunch break. Kids at home today? Maybe they could practice 'being' with you. They are sometimes experts at 'being'. Maybe tonight when you get home you can go outside and lie down in your backyard and look up at the stars and just 'be'. There are lots of simple ways to 'be'. Grab yourself 5 or 10 minutes and love what you get from that time. In a busy world, often it's the simple things that make our day peaceful and calm.
It also goes on to say it's not about our possessions, people, habits or past times. The writer also says that it's about being positive, not about living in the past (or being overwhelmed by nostalgia or regrets is how it is put in this book) or having delusional hopes or anxieties.
It also talks about 'Clock Time'. If you have read 'The Power of Now' you will be familiar with this phrase. Clock time , Barbara says, is an artificial order which we have put on the organic flow of experience. As we all know, 'Clock Time' can rule our lives, if we allow it. In coaching, something people often seek is 'Time Management' skills. Some find Time Management is important however sometimes with strict time management, we lose our freedom. The freedom to 'be' ourselves. Isn't that what being totally present is all about. Just being?
Take some time out for yourself today to just 'be'. Rest not rust! How can you change your busy schedule today to fit in 5 or 10 minutes of 'being'? If you are out and about in the car today, stop off at a park or the beach or some other place you love and just 'be'. If you are working in retail or in an office, maybe it might be on the way home from work this afternoon or during your lunch break. Kids at home today? Maybe they could practice 'being' with you. They are sometimes experts at 'being'. Maybe tonight when you get home you can go outside and lie down in your backyard and look up at the stars and just 'be'. There are lots of simple ways to 'be'. Grab yourself 5 or 10 minutes and love what you get from that time. In a busy world, often it's the simple things that make our day peaceful and calm.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Can exercise help to stop stress and worry?
In a survey by the University of Sydney, they say absolutely! There are many benefits. The first is probably the most obvious; being physically fit and healthy which in turn increases self-esteem. Exercise also releases endorphins which are kind of like a happy drug for the body, making you feel calm and exercise also burns up the stress hormone call 'cortisol'. Muscle tension and headaches can also be relieved by exercise, especially if that includes stretching. And what happens when you exercise, you usually get a more restful sleep. It increases your metabolism, makes you concentrate (or live in the present) whilst you are doing that task and therefore you have an almost forced break from stress and worry.
So what can you do? Well, if you haven't exercised for a while, you won't want to run a marathon. Start with light exercise, something that you feel is within your capabilities. Perhaps a light walk. Of course this isn't going to make you feel like Mr or Mrs Universe today, but you will notice a change. Now that it is coming into summer, it might be a great time to go for a swim or do some water aerobics. If a gym is more your cup of tea, many gyms are offering specials now coming into summer. They will also advise the best program for your ability. Get your pushbike out and go for a ride, bring the kids or partner if that makes it easier to fit it in or maybe more fun. Or maybe ask a friend to join you. All these things will get you moving at your own pace and help you move toward a more fun, relaxed, calm life. Remember, if you have any health issues or are unsure, get yourself checked out by a medical professional before you start.
If motivation or dedication is the struggle for you, that's where I can help. That's what I do. I help people to free themselves from stress, worry and guilt so if it's motivation you need or direction or perhaps persistence, call me.
So what can you do? Well, if you haven't exercised for a while, you won't want to run a marathon. Start with light exercise, something that you feel is within your capabilities. Perhaps a light walk. Of course this isn't going to make you feel like Mr or Mrs Universe today, but you will notice a change. Now that it is coming into summer, it might be a great time to go for a swim or do some water aerobics. If a gym is more your cup of tea, many gyms are offering specials now coming into summer. They will also advise the best program for your ability. Get your pushbike out and go for a ride, bring the kids or partner if that makes it easier to fit it in or maybe more fun. Or maybe ask a friend to join you. All these things will get you moving at your own pace and help you move toward a more fun, relaxed, calm life. Remember, if you have any health issues or are unsure, get yourself checked out by a medical professional before you start.
If motivation or dedication is the struggle for you, that's where I can help. That's what I do. I help people to free themselves from stress, worry and guilt so if it's motivation you need or direction or perhaps persistence, call me.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Get Happy!
When you have a spare 8 mins, have a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umxO5YK5NSU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umxO5YK5NSU&feature=related
Friday, October 2, 2009
Is your mind running the show?
Many of us who are completely identified with our mind, feel incomplete. Our unhappiness is driven by our mind telling us over and over again just how incomplete we are.
I will be successful if I have a mansion on the hill. I will be happy when my kids do what I want them to do. I’ll be satisfied when my husband/wife/partner says ‘sorry’ or buys me a particular gift. I will feel fulfilled when I get my next promotion. I’ll be better when this is all over/life is back to normal. Have you heard your mind saying any of these things?
Perhaps some of those things have even happened for you and you experienced feeling success, happiness, fulfilment or better but only briefly. Then it was gone and you were back to being unhappy again. Perhaps the feeling seemed bottomless.
Whilst you allow your mind to feed you these negative random thoughts, this pattern will continue. It’s basically similar to a craving for something. The mind has cravings mostly with external things, possessions and status; things like the assets you have or want, your career, your social life, what you know, how you look, what you can do, your relationships, your history, the list goes on.
None of these things ‘are’ you. They are ‘things’ that your mind identifies with.
By living in the present and switching the mind off when not required for action, you can be happy right now. You have everything you need. You are everything you need; physically and mentally speaking.
For this concept and others relating to living in the present, please refer to ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle.
This is from my my recent newsletter. To sign up for my newsletter, please go to my profile and send me an email.
I will be successful if I have a mansion on the hill. I will be happy when my kids do what I want them to do. I’ll be satisfied when my husband/wife/partner says ‘sorry’ or buys me a particular gift. I will feel fulfilled when I get my next promotion. I’ll be better when this is all over/life is back to normal. Have you heard your mind saying any of these things?
Perhaps some of those things have even happened for you and you experienced feeling success, happiness, fulfilment or better but only briefly. Then it was gone and you were back to being unhappy again. Perhaps the feeling seemed bottomless.
Whilst you allow your mind to feed you these negative random thoughts, this pattern will continue. It’s basically similar to a craving for something. The mind has cravings mostly with external things, possessions and status; things like the assets you have or want, your career, your social life, what you know, how you look, what you can do, your relationships, your history, the list goes on.
None of these things ‘are’ you. They are ‘things’ that your mind identifies with.
By living in the present and switching the mind off when not required for action, you can be happy right now. You have everything you need. You are everything you need; physically and mentally speaking.
For this concept and others relating to living in the present, please refer to ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle.
This is from my my recent newsletter. To sign up for my newsletter, please go to my profile and send me an email.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Top 25 Positive Philosophy Songs
I came across this list on the net of the top 25 positive philosophy songs(at Rhapsody Music http://www.rhapsody.com/home.html). Thought I would share them with you. I downloaded them and made myself a cd-happy philosophy music that goes anywhere with me really!
Three Little Birds By Bob Marley
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong(of course!)
All You Need is Love by The Beatles
Ac-cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Ella Fitzgerald
Put a Little Love in Your Heart by The Isley Brothers
Love Train by The O'Jays (OK?)
Heart of Gold by Neil Young
What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye
A Beautiful Morning by The Rascals
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves (try putting that on your headphones and walking slowly-impossible!)
Simple Man by Lynryrd Skynyrd
I Can See Clearly Now by Johny Nash
The 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon and Garfunkel
Peace Train by Cat Stevens
Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Beautiful Day by U2
Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin (of course, that's why it's the name of this blog and my ring tone and on my business cards etc)
Thank You For Being a Friend by Andrew Gold
Lovely Day by Bill Withers
Top of the World by The Carpenters
Dancing in the Streets by Martha and the Vandellas
Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone
Hold on Tight by Electric Light Orchestra
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
Definitely some 'oldies but goldies' on there. Let me know if you can think of anymore, maybe even some current ones. I'm thinking of 'Like it Like That' by Guy Sebastian and 'I Gotta Feeling' by Black Eyed Peas.
Got any more?
Three Little Birds By Bob Marley
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong(of course!)
All You Need is Love by The Beatles
Ac-cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Ella Fitzgerald
Put a Little Love in Your Heart by The Isley Brothers
Love Train by The O'Jays (OK?)
Heart of Gold by Neil Young
What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye
A Beautiful Morning by The Rascals
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves (try putting that on your headphones and walking slowly-impossible!)
Simple Man by Lynryrd Skynyrd
I Can See Clearly Now by Johny Nash
The 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon and Garfunkel
Peace Train by Cat Stevens
Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Beautiful Day by U2
Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin (of course, that's why it's the name of this blog and my ring tone and on my business cards etc)
Thank You For Being a Friend by Andrew Gold
Lovely Day by Bill Withers
Top of the World by The Carpenters
Dancing in the Streets by Martha and the Vandellas
Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone
Hold on Tight by Electric Light Orchestra
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
Definitely some 'oldies but goldies' on there. Let me know if you can think of anymore, maybe even some current ones. I'm thinking of 'Like it Like That' by Guy Sebastian and 'I Gotta Feeling' by Black Eyed Peas.
Got any more?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Another passion of mine
Yesterday, a friend of my husband's asked if I could be the 'official' photographer at his 50th birthday celebrations. I was extremely happy to do this as I love being behind the camera and taking photos of things is my way of recording the memories. It helps living in the now as you have photos and dvd's to remind you and you don't have to store the memory in your mind (where over time the image and memory changes anyway).
Taking photos for me is also a fantastic way to observe people. You actually have a reason to do it. I enjoy taking photos of people when they aren't watching you so they are at their most natural and relaxed. Well I took over 250 photos just in one afternoon (the beauty of digital, hey!). And I have now downloaded them onto my laptop, cropped and corrected exposure where necessary and made them into a movie by also adding music and created a dvd. It's the guy's birthday tomorrow so I would love for him to have the dvd for tomorrow so he can watch it with the people who will be celebrating his actual birthday with him.
Thanks for the opportunity to be your official photographer, Fong. I loved it!
Taking photos for me is also a fantastic way to observe people. You actually have a reason to do it. I enjoy taking photos of people when they aren't watching you so they are at their most natural and relaxed. Well I took over 250 photos just in one afternoon (the beauty of digital, hey!). And I have now downloaded them onto my laptop, cropped and corrected exposure where necessary and made them into a movie by also adding music and created a dvd. It's the guy's birthday tomorrow so I would love for him to have the dvd for tomorrow so he can watch it with the people who will be celebrating his actual birthday with him.
Thanks for the opportunity to be your official photographer, Fong. I loved it!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
There's nothing like a change!
A big thanks to Lady Di for referring me to Cutest Blog on the Block where I got this fantastic background. Certainly has changed the look of things!
Monday, September 21, 2009
World Peace Day
Well, I've had it marked on my calendar for some time now. I read about it last year on about the 22 of September, I think. I have been waiting all year to enjoy it. There are lots of things happening in Australia to promote World Peace Day. What can you do to share in the celebrations of this day? Here is the link to the world peace website:
http://worldpeace.org.au/world_peace_day.asp
I have decided to email some world leaders and, well I am messaging and blogging many people to let them know. What will you do? I would love it if you commented on my blog or emailed me to let me know.
Have a very peace full day!
http://worldpeace.org.au/world_peace_day.asp
I have decided to email some world leaders and, well I am messaging and blogging many people to let them know. What will you do? I would love it if you commented on my blog or emailed me to let me know.
Have a very peace full day!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's what you think!
You know, I'm not a doctor or a mental professional. I'm a coach. I coach people to lighten up in their lives and to take the little things in their life a little less seriously. I coach people to release the need to control everyone and everything in their lives and to see where it takes them. I coach people to achieve goals and to complete study. I coach people to create and build small businesses. You want to know what the single most common thing they all talk about? They all talk about what they don't want in their lives. They all spend mountains of time focusing on, talking about, dreaming of and repairing all the things they don't want in their life. People speak to me about their overwhelming position and are at their wit's end with their situation, whatever that is. It never fails to amaze me that the one most single reason why people are unhappy, is that they think unhappy thoughts; about the things they don't want in their life.
When was the last time you looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, "You know, you're a bit of spunk!". When was the last time you said to yourself "you know, today was a job well done." When was the last time you celebrated anything you have done in your life? I don't mean celebrate as it drink alcohol or overeat, I just simply mean celebrate. It could be as simple as having a bath at the end of a really busy day and saying to yourself, "you worked really hard today and you deserve a nice long hot bath" or it might be having a beer and revisiting all the great things you achieved that day. If you were to think of 3 things you did well today, what would they be? How could you celebrate those things? Try doing this every day this week and see if you notice anything change in your life. You might even need to do this for much longer than just one week to notice any changes, I guess it depends how entrenched you are in the negative thought patterns.
If you want good things in your life, think good thoughts. Think about all the good things you do and have in your life. If you are having trouble moving from living in the past and being anxious about the future, focus on the positive. If you find yourself thinking about the things that have happened to you that you didn't want to happen, start asking yourself "So what do I want?". Put some action around these ideas. Make some changes toward getting what you want in your life instead of dwelling on what you don't want. It is amazing how quickly life changes. And if you are finding it challenging to stay motivated, look me up, give me a call and let's chat.
When was the last time you looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, "You know, you're a bit of spunk!". When was the last time you said to yourself "you know, today was a job well done." When was the last time you celebrated anything you have done in your life? I don't mean celebrate as it drink alcohol or overeat, I just simply mean celebrate. It could be as simple as having a bath at the end of a really busy day and saying to yourself, "you worked really hard today and you deserve a nice long hot bath" or it might be having a beer and revisiting all the great things you achieved that day. If you were to think of 3 things you did well today, what would they be? How could you celebrate those things? Try doing this every day this week and see if you notice anything change in your life. You might even need to do this for much longer than just one week to notice any changes, I guess it depends how entrenched you are in the negative thought patterns.
If you want good things in your life, think good thoughts. Think about all the good things you do and have in your life. If you are having trouble moving from living in the past and being anxious about the future, focus on the positive. If you find yourself thinking about the things that have happened to you that you didn't want to happen, start asking yourself "So what do I want?". Put some action around these ideas. Make some changes toward getting what you want in your life instead of dwelling on what you don't want. It is amazing how quickly life changes. And if you are finding it challenging to stay motivated, look me up, give me a call and let's chat.
Monday, September 7, 2009
See what you can do
I wanted to share with you a testimonial I received today from a friend of mine who is living in the UK. I love hearing news and comments like this. As a coach and as a person, I love hearing how amazing people do things to make the changes in their life they want to make. And I love sharing their excitement at what their life now holds for them. So thanks for sharing this with me, Alicia.
Hello jillbrown...just read your latest blog, always enjoy reading what you have to say, you put a link to jack canfield in a short time ago and i listened to it about 3 weeks ago and signed up for his monthly newsletter anyway to cut to the chase, THANKYOU !!! went on a holiday a week in tenerife, needed some heat, dont get any here in the uk, had a fab time, lots of time to think, i have enrolled in an access to nursing degree course....thought i had to stay in england forever cause now have nothing to come back to aus for, got home from holiday to a phone call from jacks coaching team, had a one hour session, bought the book Success Principles working through it and WOW.... it all makes sense and the sessions i had with you....now i get what you were saying, do i accept 100% responsibility for where i am ... so to move on i will be back to australia to do my bachelor of nursing, by this time next year and hopefully to have some coaching from you, lots of love xxx Alicia
Hello jillbrown...just read your latest blog, always enjoy reading what you have to say, you put a link to jack canfield in a short time ago and i listened to it about 3 weeks ago and signed up for his monthly newsletter anyway to cut to the chase, THANKYOU !!! went on a holiday a week in tenerife, needed some heat, dont get any here in the uk, had a fab time, lots of time to think, i have enrolled in an access to nursing degree course....thought i had to stay in england forever cause now have nothing to come back to aus for, got home from holiday to a phone call from jacks coaching team, had a one hour session, bought the book Success Principles working through it and WOW.... it all makes sense and the sessions i had with you....now i get what you were saying, do i accept 100% responsibility for where i am ... so to move on i will be back to australia to do my bachelor of nursing, by this time next year and hopefully to have some coaching from you, lots of love xxx Alicia
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A coach isn't for everyone
As most of you may (or may not) know, I like to interact with social media sites so I'm sure it comes as no surprise when I tell you this blog was inspired by reading tweets on twitter. The tweet I am speaking of is a quote and comes from a person by the name of Gary Keller. I tried to do my own research of this person but came up with nothing. I guess really it's irrelevant to what I am about to say anyway. The quote however is very relevant. It is 'A coach isn't for everyone-you must RESOLVE to be pushed'.
It ties in with something that a friend of mine has recently said to me. She said 'I didn't see what you did as important. I just thought if you had a problem you worked it out.' What has now happened unfortunately is things in her life have become overwhelming and we have been working through some things together to help her see the little ray of light at the end of the tunnel. It's a step by step process. I keep going back to the old saying 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.' And that is exactly how a coach helps their clients get things in order. One step at a time. And is a coach for everyone? Well as Gary Keller says, only if you are ready to move forward. My friend could stay in the past and focus on the hurt or what is now missing or what she used to have, but she is going be brought into the future no matter what. She can either go kicking and screaming and getting dragged there or she can start thinking about what that future might hold for her and start a little bit of dreaming about what she wants it to look like.
I have worked with clients before who I had done pro-bono work with (complimentary sessions, basically). Most of these clients were grateful for those sessions and used them to the make the changes they felt were necessary. I have found though that clients who are paying clients are much more ready to be pushed and ready to move ahead in their lives. You really need to have absolutely had enough of what you have been having, to get to this point though. And truly want something different in your life. Are you sick of lying in bed at night worrying and missing out on sleep? Are you sick of that constant running feeling inside? Do you wish your life was more organised? Do you wish you could lose weight? What is stopping you from just 'working it out'?(quoting my friend). If you want to change something because you know it's just not right or just not working, I would love for you to call. That's what I do! Are you ready to be pushed?
It ties in with something that a friend of mine has recently said to me. She said 'I didn't see what you did as important. I just thought if you had a problem you worked it out.' What has now happened unfortunately is things in her life have become overwhelming and we have been working through some things together to help her see the little ray of light at the end of the tunnel. It's a step by step process. I keep going back to the old saying 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.' And that is exactly how a coach helps their clients get things in order. One step at a time. And is a coach for everyone? Well as Gary Keller says, only if you are ready to move forward. My friend could stay in the past and focus on the hurt or what is now missing or what she used to have, but she is going be brought into the future no matter what. She can either go kicking and screaming and getting dragged there or she can start thinking about what that future might hold for her and start a little bit of dreaming about what she wants it to look like.
I have worked with clients before who I had done pro-bono work with (complimentary sessions, basically). Most of these clients were grateful for those sessions and used them to the make the changes they felt were necessary. I have found though that clients who are paying clients are much more ready to be pushed and ready to move ahead in their lives. You really need to have absolutely had enough of what you have been having, to get to this point though. And truly want something different in your life. Are you sick of lying in bed at night worrying and missing out on sleep? Are you sick of that constant running feeling inside? Do you wish your life was more organised? Do you wish you could lose weight? What is stopping you from just 'working it out'?(quoting my friend). If you want to change something because you know it's just not right or just not working, I would love for you to call. That's what I do! Are you ready to be pushed?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Green Smoothies-What the?
Recently, an acquaintance of mine, told me she had decided to eat only raw foods and as part of that diet, she said she had got a hold of some 'green smoothie' recipes. She told me what was in them. I said 'yuk, that sounds horrible'. She assured me they tasted just like fruit. Last week, I felt sick and I thought to myself 'I reckon I need to dose up on green vegies to help me get a health boost'. What I usually do is eat baby spinach in a huge salad for lunch but as I was unwell, I really couldn't be bothered to get up off the couch and do that, so I was trying to think of easy ways to consume lots of baby spinach.
Then I remembered the conversation I had had with my friend and contacted her to get the 'recipe'. I began straight away on the Wednesday (day two of feeling unwell). I had two green smoothies that day (quick to make-about 5 mins total I would say) and the next day when I woke up, I cancelled all my appointments for the day, made myself a huge green smoothie and hit the couch. Slept most of the day, mind you! In between sips of green smoothie of course. And what do you know. I woke up Friday, with only a hint of what I had had. I was feeling so much better in fact, that I was able to get up and about and do the chores etc that I had had to reschedule from the previous day plus what I had on the agenda for Friday. Mind you, I was driven by the fact that I have a scrapbooking retreat coming up and plenty to do in preparation for that and need to be as healthy as ever.
This morning I was woken up by my son sneezing at 5 am with all the symptoms, and as I had to be gone by 7.30, I got up and made him and myself a green smoothie. My friend had promised me that her children really enjoyed the green smoothies so I put it in a cup (with a lid because it looks horrible) and asked him just to sip it. Three sips were enough for him. He had had enough. He didn't like it all. I guess you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him enjoy it!
So what is a green smoothie? Well basically, it's roughly 2 cups of fruit (any fruit really or any combination) with all the yucky bits removed (core, tips, stalks, seeds, whatever), in a blender with a large handful of greens (I only used baby spinach as it is what I had in the fridge and I believe it is the green with the most nutrients). Wizz it in a food processor or blender until it all sticks to the sides then gradually add 2 cups of water (or enough at least to make the mix resemble a smoothie consistency). I put mine into a 'Thermos' cup (with the lid on as I mentioned before because it doesn't look that appetising-it's green for goodness sake) and then I sip it. I have been having them for breakfast and am back to feeling great. I might even continue having them to keep up my 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegies per day. As it's blended and not juiced, you also get all the fibre as well.
These are the fruit mixes: I have had green apple, strawberry & banana, berries(that was a bit bitter), also recommended are pear & parsley, apples & lemon juice, peaches, mangoes, grapes & mango, orange & mango, mango & pineapple. I was thinking you could do watermelon as well with summer coming up(or is it already here? It feels like it today).
So you see, as far as fruit goes you can use whatever is in the fridge. Well, if you are feeling a little under the weather anytime soon, get the blender/food processor out and grab some baby spinach and some fruit and wizz to your heart's content. A quick easy nutritious meal when you are feeling poorly, if nothing else!
You can check out more here: www.GreenSmoothieRevolution.com/blog
Then I remembered the conversation I had had with my friend and contacted her to get the 'recipe'. I began straight away on the Wednesday (day two of feeling unwell). I had two green smoothies that day (quick to make-about 5 mins total I would say) and the next day when I woke up, I cancelled all my appointments for the day, made myself a huge green smoothie and hit the couch. Slept most of the day, mind you! In between sips of green smoothie of course. And what do you know. I woke up Friday, with only a hint of what I had had. I was feeling so much better in fact, that I was able to get up and about and do the chores etc that I had had to reschedule from the previous day plus what I had on the agenda for Friday. Mind you, I was driven by the fact that I have a scrapbooking retreat coming up and plenty to do in preparation for that and need to be as healthy as ever.
This morning I was woken up by my son sneezing at 5 am with all the symptoms, and as I had to be gone by 7.30, I got up and made him and myself a green smoothie. My friend had promised me that her children really enjoyed the green smoothies so I put it in a cup (with a lid because it looks horrible) and asked him just to sip it. Three sips were enough for him. He had had enough. He didn't like it all. I guess you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him enjoy it!
So what is a green smoothie? Well basically, it's roughly 2 cups of fruit (any fruit really or any combination) with all the yucky bits removed (core, tips, stalks, seeds, whatever), in a blender with a large handful of greens (I only used baby spinach as it is what I had in the fridge and I believe it is the green with the most nutrients). Wizz it in a food processor or blender until it all sticks to the sides then gradually add 2 cups of water (or enough at least to make the mix resemble a smoothie consistency). I put mine into a 'Thermos' cup (with the lid on as I mentioned before because it doesn't look that appetising-it's green for goodness sake) and then I sip it. I have been having them for breakfast and am back to feeling great. I might even continue having them to keep up my 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegies per day. As it's blended and not juiced, you also get all the fibre as well.
These are the fruit mixes: I have had green apple, strawberry & banana, berries(that was a bit bitter), also recommended are pear & parsley, apples & lemon juice, peaches, mangoes, grapes & mango, orange & mango, mango & pineapple. I was thinking you could do watermelon as well with summer coming up(or is it already here? It feels like it today).
So you see, as far as fruit goes you can use whatever is in the fridge. Well, if you are feeling a little under the weather anytime soon, get the blender/food processor out and grab some baby spinach and some fruit and wizz to your heart's content. A quick easy nutritious meal when you are feeling poorly, if nothing else!
You can check out more here: www.GreenSmoothieRevolution.com/blog
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When I was driving home today, I heard on the radio that today is national marriage day. The announcer on the radio was saying something along the lines of you better give your hubby or wife an extra kiss today because it's national marriage day. It got me to thinking about marriage and in particular my own.
There are two pieces of information that I wanted to share here which I have found to be very helpful in keeping my marriage feeling like it's national marriage day everyday(well almost!). One comes from the Guru, Dr Phil. He says a lot of people wake up in the morning and from the moment they open their eyes they are thinking or looking for things in their partner to be improved. I know I've been there. He recommends turning that around to think what can I do to help my partner today? (or what can I do to make my partner's life happier today?). I'm not talking about necessarily 'doing' more, it could be something as simple as a smile when you first see him (instead of the usual growl!).
The other piece of information comes from a dear friend who once told me in her marriage, her and her husband have agreed to never speak badly about the other to people outside the marriage. They have an agreement to always communicate the issues between them in the hope to get the issues resolved. Obviously this wouldn't apply if you were seeking professional coaching or advice. I'm talking about the issues you sometimes share about your partner to your girlfriends or mates where you and your partner didn't agree and you feel the need to 'bitch'.
So Happy National Marriage Day!
There are two pieces of information that I wanted to share here which I have found to be very helpful in keeping my marriage feeling like it's national marriage day everyday(well almost!). One comes from the Guru, Dr Phil. He says a lot of people wake up in the morning and from the moment they open their eyes they are thinking or looking for things in their partner to be improved. I know I've been there. He recommends turning that around to think what can I do to help my partner today? (or what can I do to make my partner's life happier today?). I'm not talking about necessarily 'doing' more, it could be something as simple as a smile when you first see him (instead of the usual growl!).
The other piece of information comes from a dear friend who once told me in her marriage, her and her husband have agreed to never speak badly about the other to people outside the marriage. They have an agreement to always communicate the issues between them in the hope to get the issues resolved. Obviously this wouldn't apply if you were seeking professional coaching or advice. I'm talking about the issues you sometimes share about your partner to your girlfriends or mates where you and your partner didn't agree and you feel the need to 'bitch'.
So Happy National Marriage Day!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Good Doctor
I was very proud of myself. I took advantage of a special offer and purchased heavily discounted tickets to go see one of my all time favourites, Dr Phil when he was in town on Friday night. Firstly, I have to tell you, I purchased the last Dr Phil T-Shirt in Australia and think I'm pretty lucky. My son tells me it's far too big for me and it makes me look fat. Care factor-nil. It's not like I'll be wearing my Dr Phil T-Shirt to the disco!
Now love him or hate him(and from what I know about people, they only fall into two categories when it comes to Dr Phil), he has some clear messages on all things from kids and families to taking care of your partner and having a successful life.
For me, Dr Phil reiterated lots of things I already knew about. Things like, How's that working for you? You know if you keep doing the same thing you will always get the same results. Why would you do the same thing and expect different results and he likened it to someone continuing to bang their head up against a brick wall (haven't we all felt like that at one time or another) and instead of stopping it and doing something else, just continuing to do it and expecting the pain to go away.
He also talked about Personal Truth which I will talk more on at another time along with 7 laws to success and other things. Again, it's probably all things that you have heard before, but by heck it's great to be reminded. And you know what? I actually found Dr Phil to be as funny as a comedian. Probably the raw truth in what he was saying. When I left my belly and my jaws ached from laughing. So that in itself are the tell tale signs of great night. Thank you Dr Phil for a great night out!
Now love him or hate him(and from what I know about people, they only fall into two categories when it comes to Dr Phil), he has some clear messages on all things from kids and families to taking care of your partner and having a successful life.
For me, Dr Phil reiterated lots of things I already knew about. Things like, How's that working for you? You know if you keep doing the same thing you will always get the same results. Why would you do the same thing and expect different results and he likened it to someone continuing to bang their head up against a brick wall (haven't we all felt like that at one time or another) and instead of stopping it and doing something else, just continuing to do it and expecting the pain to go away.
He also talked about Personal Truth which I will talk more on at another time along with 7 laws to success and other things. Again, it's probably all things that you have heard before, but by heck it's great to be reminded. And you know what? I actually found Dr Phil to be as funny as a comedian. Probably the raw truth in what he was saying. When I left my belly and my jaws ached from laughing. So that in itself are the tell tale signs of great night. Thank you Dr Phil for a great night out!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Journey into Gratitude Retreat
On the weekend I attended a retreat completely different to anything I had ever experienced before. For starters I was on the committee and we had been organising it since January. I have organised girls weekends away before but never to the point of organising activities etc. From the outset, we were determined that we wanted a retreat to satisfy all the participants. We created a vision that encompassed everything each four committee members thought were important. With that in mind, we began planning speakers, activities, gifts and many other minute details. We put loads of energy and action into achieving this event.
It was to begin on Friday at 5 pm. As you can imagine, there almost wasn't enough time in the day on Friday. However, when 5 pm came along, we were in position and relaxed to welcome guests. We hosted some fantastic presenters; we had yoga, tai chi, speed manifesting, NLP, self gratitude, painting and Indian healing. We even had time to wedge in a 'Christmas in July' thanksgiving dinner. Well after all the Saturday night was the 25th.
All along the journey of organising this retreat, the four of us on the committee maintained that if we kept focused on what we wanted to achieve it would happen. And quite simply, that is what we did. We were clear on what outcomes we wanted and we stayed focused on that. If one of us lost focus, someone else was there to restore our faith and positive thinking.
We had hiccups, definitely. Our art therapy lady cancelled her presentation a week or so out from the retreat and on the day before the retreat, we had another presenter cancel. We stayed calm and focused and it all turned out perfectly.
I guess why I am sharing this with you is not only to reinforce that if you set your goals, take action toward them and stay focused then you can achieve whatever you want or turn things around to make them whatever you want them to be but also to reinforce that sometimes you come up against things that do trigger doubt or disbelief in your ability and with assistance from a coach, you can bounce back to where you want to be in next to no time.
So remember, if you are stuck in doubt or disbelief, call me.
It was to begin on Friday at 5 pm. As you can imagine, there almost wasn't enough time in the day on Friday. However, when 5 pm came along, we were in position and relaxed to welcome guests. We hosted some fantastic presenters; we had yoga, tai chi, speed manifesting, NLP, self gratitude, painting and Indian healing. We even had time to wedge in a 'Christmas in July' thanksgiving dinner. Well after all the Saturday night was the 25th.
All along the journey of organising this retreat, the four of us on the committee maintained that if we kept focused on what we wanted to achieve it would happen. And quite simply, that is what we did. We were clear on what outcomes we wanted and we stayed focused on that. If one of us lost focus, someone else was there to restore our faith and positive thinking.
We had hiccups, definitely. Our art therapy lady cancelled her presentation a week or so out from the retreat and on the day before the retreat, we had another presenter cancel. We stayed calm and focused and it all turned out perfectly.
I guess why I am sharing this with you is not only to reinforce that if you set your goals, take action toward them and stay focused then you can achieve whatever you want or turn things around to make them whatever you want them to be but also to reinforce that sometimes you come up against things that do trigger doubt or disbelief in your ability and with assistance from a coach, you can bounce back to where you want to be in next to no time.
So remember, if you are stuck in doubt or disbelief, call me.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
3 great questions
Recently I read 3 great questions to start your children's day off in the right direction. It's using the Law of Attraction. I read them and thought they were great questions to start the day off for anybody. From time to time we all come across challenges in our life, most of us have more than one challenge every day. If we haven't learned to master the art of switching off the negative self talk yet, this may just be a way to help us live a better life. It certainly helps us to visualise our day and focus on what we want to have in our life. So, what are the questions?
What kind of day do you want to have today?
What kind of things do you want to have happen today?
How do you want to feel in your day today?
Simple? Easy? I have these questions on a nice piece of paper on my napkin holder on the breakfast table. That certainly reminds me to focus on what I want in my day. My son however is 9 and reading something on the napkin holder would only really happen if it had nintendo at the top! Today being his first day back at school after holidays, he kept saying he wanted to stay at home again. Obviously the holidays at our house are too much fun. I'll have to do something to change that next holidays so he wants to go back to school when the holidays are over, maybe even before!
On our drive to school I asked him the above questions. I just simply used them in our conversation. I can't wait to hear about his day today. I'm not sure if it will have an obvious instant affect. I hope so. Even if there is no obvious tangible change, it really is a nice conversation to have with yourself, your husband and your children at the beginning of the day.
So what kind of day do you want to have today?
What kind of day do you want to have today?
What kind of things do you want to have happen today?
How do you want to feel in your day today?
Simple? Easy? I have these questions on a nice piece of paper on my napkin holder on the breakfast table. That certainly reminds me to focus on what I want in my day. My son however is 9 and reading something on the napkin holder would only really happen if it had nintendo at the top! Today being his first day back at school after holidays, he kept saying he wanted to stay at home again. Obviously the holidays at our house are too much fun. I'll have to do something to change that next holidays so he wants to go back to school when the holidays are over, maybe even before!
On our drive to school I asked him the above questions. I just simply used them in our conversation. I can't wait to hear about his day today. I'm not sure if it will have an obvious instant affect. I hope so. Even if there is no obvious tangible change, it really is a nice conversation to have with yourself, your husband and your children at the beginning of the day.
So what kind of day do you want to have today?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
These trying times?
Each day, I hear more and more how people are 'struggling' and how 'business is slow'. Today on the news I heard our acting Prime Minister talking doom and gloom and economic crisis. Even people I know who are usually very positive are beginning to feel the negative pull into this kind of mentality. I appreciate that perhaps people aren't spending the way they used. I feel what we should be focusing on is what is good. If things are slow, are we doing everything we can to promote our business to others? Are we focused on growing our business or are we content with saying that business is slow and quiet. Let's not focus on what we don't want. If we have less jobs on than before, what do we want to have?
Here's some simple steps to get you focused in a positive way. Write a list of all the things we don't want to happen. Let's face it. It's easy to identify the things in our life we don't want. Now write a new list. Ask yourself (for each of those items on our 'what we don't want' list) so what do I want? Put that list up in a place where you will see it regularly. Do you need one for work and one for home? Focus on getting those things. Do you need to think about how you are going to go about getting those things? Perhaps an action plan or maybe even enlist the help of a friend, a partner or a coach to get those things happening in your life. Think about what you do want and get it!
An example:
I don't have many clients "So what do I want" I want more clients= What can I do to get more clients?
Here's some simple steps to get you focused in a positive way. Write a list of all the things we don't want to happen. Let's face it. It's easy to identify the things in our life we don't want. Now write a new list. Ask yourself (for each of those items on our 'what we don't want' list) so what do I want? Put that list up in a place where you will see it regularly. Do you need one for work and one for home? Focus on getting those things. Do you need to think about how you are going to go about getting those things? Perhaps an action plan or maybe even enlist the help of a friend, a partner or a coach to get those things happening in your life. Think about what you do want and get it!
An example:
I don't have many clients "So what do I want" I want more clients= What can I do to get more clients?
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