Quote for the Year

"Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present"
Albert Camus, The Rebel

Get Your Year in Gear

Was 2005 a firecracker year, or the year that fizzled? Did you accomplish the goals you set out for yourself and your business? Did you even have goals?

I can help you make 2006 the year that rocks! Check out my new January schedule, which includes a Day Retreat and a 4-wk teleclass, both focused on planning your year from the inside out.

If the same 'ol goals seem to crop up on your list year after year, then likely you are not choosing the right ones.

Choose either the Day Retreat (and come to Hawaii!!!) or the teleclass and learn how to choose goals based on your intuition and values and walk away with a map and a personalized plan for your very own spectacular 2006!

Stop What You're Doing Right Now and Go Have Some Fun!

Yesterday I was busily moving through my task list cleaning up the backyard from the freaky windstorm the night before that had covered the yard in miscellaneous detritus, when I noticed how particularly lovely it looked out over the direction of the beach. Because the windy weather had aborted our planned hike and knocked our power out a few times during the day, I felt that enough with the tasks already and a jaunt outdoors in the dusky light was simply the thing to do.

I gathered my husband, the oh so happy to go in the car dog Kiva and off we went to enjoy a late afternoon stroll on Kailua beach. Isn't that one of the reasons we live here?

Kiva the wonder dog bounced and swam through the surf endlessly fetching the tossed stick and gleefully rolling in the warm sand. Just watching her do this with such unbounded joy always makes me joyful.

The water was a unique combination of glassy, but nice little waves rolling into the shore. The pink light of sunset was filtering through the clouds, creating a rosy glow to the surf.

Just this 30 minutes at the beach created the inspiration and energy for me to have an immensely productive and satisfying evening, that I don't think would have happened had I simply finished raking up the backyard.

Spontaneous fun has a way of filling up our bucket in a quick way - especially if it's related to nature and beauty.

'Tis the season of busy and bustling and stress for a lot of you. Stop it right now and go have yourself 30 minutes of fun. Ride the merry go round at the mall, sit on Santa's lap, sip a mochachino at a cafe table, make snow angels, create a way to giggle with your children. You will feel filled up in a way that is not possible by simply checking the boxes off your list.

'Tis the season to be jolly - don't forget to get some jolly of your own.

Finding Your Natural Rhythm

I was participating in an online networking holiday party this weekend over at the International Virtual Womens Chamber of Commerce, and the subject of exercise and how it affects business came up.

I didn't pay much attention to the topic until I began to read about the energy, emotion, and frustration that the issue of exercise brought up.

I realized, more than any other subject, exercise seems to bring up the whole 'cloud of should'. You know what I mean. I 'should' really exercise. I 'should' really do it 3-5 times a week' I 'should' get cardio and weight bearing activities into my life. I 'should' do it first thing in the morning.

What if the word 'should' was completely eradicated from the Universe? What would you say then?

Exercise really works when you make a choice and then find a system that works for you. There really is no should about it. It just is and you may be different than your neighbor, or friend, or network buddy.

Same goes for everything else in your life - parenting, running a business, learning, play. You are unique and there is no dang 'should' about it!

Find your natural rhythm. Just because my husband can thrive on 6 hours of sleep doesn't mean my 9 hour requirement is wrong. It's just my natural rhythm.

Just because my Coaching A Go Go podcast partner Nancy speedily moves through her day and craves being around people doesn't mean my slow poke, pensive self should be the same way.

Fit your round self (I don't mean literally!) into your own round hole - not someone else's square one.

Make your first goal for 2006 to quit with the shoulds!

Gifts that are Good for the World

Are you making your list and checking it twice? If the latest techno-gadget, or Wal-Mart trendy toy is not your idea of a holiday gift, consider these options.

Earth friendly office, art and school supplies. Everything from colored pencils made without rain forest wood to paper pads made from recycled paper and banana stem fiber. Many great stocking stuffers.

Handmade bags from recylced saris that are made by fair trade co-ops in India. These bags are gorgeous and practical.


Fabulous handmade jewelry from the Masaai women. Called Zulugrass, this unique jewelry is made from actual grass, which is then dyed beautiful colors and paired with glass beads. Strung on super duty stretch cord, they are as versatile as they are beautiful. The proceeds support the Masaai women who make them.

5 Tips to Put the Jolly in Your Holidays

You want your holiday season to be filled with ho, ho, ho - not #*^!@. So before you completely decorate the tree, pour the first eggnog, unpack the menorah, and plan your gift list, read this article to fill your holidays with jolly.

And - for those of you audio folks, listen in to the podcast at Coaching A Go Go as Nancy and I talk about getting the jolly in your holidays.