My Doggie Star!

Ok - I know that I usually give you information that helps you to live a balanced life, but indulge me here with a little love for my happy pooch, Kiva.

She was featured as pet of the week at Kim Bloomer's Bark n' Blog as a guest of her big dog Shadrach.

If you're a pet lover and are into caring for your pet naturally, Kim's got all kinds of great products and information for you over at Aspenbloompetcare.com

It's looking into the cute little face of our pet that can sometimes bring us such peace and joy - so do good things to take care of your furry friend.

The Flow of Your Spirit

A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing
Maya Angelou

Are you in harmony with your spirit? Do you know what that means for you?

For me, being in harmony with my spirit means that I'm:

• listening to my intuition and following it
• taking time every day for the quiet parts of me
• moving my body regularly so that it is pleasing
• spending time with my women friends
• allowing my emotions, but not in ways that are hurtful
• nourishing my body well
• acknowledging the powers greater than me
• taking the time to nurture my important relationships

Think for a moment what this harmony means for you? When do you feel that you are in the flow, that you feel the most 'yourself'. Tell us in the comment section what this is for you.

The Impact of Expectations

Are you one of those folks who think you have to do everything yourself and do it perfectly? Many of my clients have this expectation for themselves and it just kills them!

Expectations can be very helpful in guiding our lives, but can stop us dead in our tracks when they don't fit who we are naturally.

What are your expectations for yourself? What expectations does your family and others have of you? Are these expectations helping or hurting?

Listen in as Nancy and I talk about how expectations play a role in your success in life on the most recent edition of Coaching A Go Go.

Things You Can Learn From a Dog

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
• Take naps. Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout . . . run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Don't know who wrote this wise, witty truth, but you can find it and more at http://radiofence.com/pet_humor.htm

Finding a Planner that Works for You

So, really. How many of you out there are using one single planner and are completely happy with your system? Yay for those of you who are secure and organized in your Office Depot weekly calendar, but for those of you who struggle with the planner systems that are out there, I've got some suggestions for you.

A planner and task organization system is more than just a product. It reflects a lot about you - who you are, how you think, your creative format, and what pleases you. Who thought there was so much to a planner!?

Leyden from New York thought about it and was never satisfed with what she could purchase in the stores. With a busy corporate job, 2 burgeoning entrepreneurial ventures, and a sky high creative spirit, she needed something that just wasn't out there yet. Hear how Leyden created her very own planner, which she calls 'The Plannal' on the most recent edition of Coaching A Go Go. You'll be inspired to look at planning in a new way.

Dale, created her own method also, but from a whole different perspective. As a busy mom, writer, and business person Dale has a lot to keep track of. She's also a logical linear thinker and created a method that reflects that. Dale uses a blank lined book and creates a space for every day where she notes her phone msgs and to dos. After each notation she puts a box, which then allows her to check off the item when she has completed the task or returned the call. Simple solution.

Kathy, has yet a different way of planning her busy life as a woman with multiple responsibilities. Kathy likes the Franklin Covey system and has a planner and their Forms Wizard software, which allows her to customize her planner forms. She also uses a PDA, as she is on the go most of the time. Because Kathy's business is photos she swears by Creative Memories photo organizing software to keep all her pictures organized and available.

What kind of planner do you use? A simple calendar, software you can't live without, a mix of several things? Leave us a comment - your great idea may be just what someone else is looking for!

2006 - The Year of Dinero!

Tune in to the latest Coaching A Go Go where Nancy and I talk about money money money!

Nancy has 5 great tips that you don't want to miss that will make your 2006 the Year of Dinero !

And, while you're at it - today's the last day to save some $dinero$ on my Day Retreat for Women - Creating 2006 from the Inside Out. If dinero is on your goal list for 2006 (making more, stewarding it well...), then this is the day for you.

The Power of a Compliment

You know that one of my daily actions is to compliment someone and that this hasn't rolled as naturally as I thought it would.

Well, earlier this week a person called me from an organzation that I have donated to in the past, asking if I would again give a contribution.

I normally do not respond well to these phone calls. I feel like it's just not a 'real' conversation and that I am simply the blanks in the script that the person is reading from.

That was not the case with this phone call. Though I'm sure this woman had some type of script, she was natural and energetic and obviously very enthused about the cause she was calling about.

I of course said I would donate again and then told her that she was very good at this work, a natural. I could tell that this compliment had a big impact on her from her response to me and at the end of our call she said that I had made her day.

Isn't that what we want to do, is make someone's day?

My guess is that she continued to spread good feeling to the rest of the people that she talked to that day, and I know that I sure did.

So, here's the challenge. Go out over these next few days and consciously give sincerere and heartfelt compliments to as many people as you can. Then, let us know how it has impacted your world. I'm sure it will be great.

What I've Learned So Far From My 3 Daily Actions

Wow! I've been sicko-rama ever since this year began. Hmmm.... what does that mean.

However, I have followed through with my daily actions and I've opened a new little window into myself.

First thing - I'm really good at gratitude and appreciation. I had to remind myself a few times, but that one seems to flow out of me quite well.

Next in line - I'm not that good at complimenting. Rats! I thought this was the easy one. I'm realizing that I'm much better at seeing what I don't like than what I do. Some definite practice in this area will be happening.

Who knows - if you call me up I may practice my complimenting on you.

As for doing scary or uncomfortable things every day - that's been a little hard as it has been difficult finding scary things every day. I guess I thought there were more in my life than there are. I'll keep lookin' though.

What daily actions have you chosen? And, what are you learning about yourself?

Creating Goals for the New Year

'Tis the season of creating goals, resolutions, lists of how you want to be a better this or that.

Because this is often a place that I begin with my clients - what is your goal, what do you want to achieve? - I have spent the last few weeks determining how I wanted to create my own goals for 2006.

I am a big believer in goals, writing things down and creating on purpose; however, I also believe that there are as many ways to do this as there are people in this world. So, it's not surprising that the way I conceived of my goals this year is a little non-standard.

Rather than a numbered linear list of things I want to achieve or accomplish or obtain, I created 3 actions that I will do each day. These actions were specifically chosen with the intention that when they become habit (and most actions do after 30 days), they will create such an attractive force in myself and my life, that what I desire to attain and achieve will simply be drawn towards me. Want to know what actions have such power?

1. Daily do something that scares me, makes me uncomfortable or I have been putting off.
2. Express gratitude daily - to another person or the Universe.
3. Compliment someone daily.

I created a small journal to keep track, which helps me consciously remain focused on these 3 important daily actions.

What are your goals for this New Year? If a standard list is not satisfying to you, what would really feel like a robust plan of action for your 2006? Let me know if you'd like some help with this.

Color and Mood

Happy New Year Everyone - or Hauoli Makahiki Hou, for a Hawaiian New Year greeting. I hope you enjoyed your holidays and have tremendous plans for this next year.

I'm starting out 2006 with a bright golden office!

I have craved for years to paint my walls luxurious colors - blues, reds, oranges. But, I'm a renter and that is normally frowned upon - until now!

I am thrilled beyond belief with my color, which is quite bold, but it makes me smile everytime I see it. There really is something to the color and mood research.

I didn't do any color research before choosing 'Casa de Oro' for my office, I just went with what was most appealing for my dark office space. But, if you want to color yourself according to desired mood, here's some tips.

From fanciersplus.com:

Pink - soothes, promotes affection, romantic and charming.

Yellow - cheerful, increases energy, lift spirits, sunny, bright, hopeful, optimistic, joyful, clear, creates motion.

Orange - denotes energy, warmth, sun, soothing, friendliness, youthfulness, happy, motivated, garish.

Red - empowering, stimulant, hot, alert, excitement, attention grabbing, powerful, passion, love, energetic.

Teal - touch of sophistication and richness.

Green - signifies growth, renewal, health, successful, environment, balance, harmony, stability, money and good luck.

Purple - comforts, mystery, creativity and moodiness, wisdom, royalty, passionate, nobility and spirituality.

Blue - relaxes, cool, calming, sky, peace, tranquility, harmony, trust and confidence, water, truth, serenity and spaciousness, comfort. The number one choice of Corporate America is still blue.

There's lot's more info out there - just 'google' color and mood. Think about the connection of color and mood the next time you get dressed before a big presentaion (I always wear red), or as you're considering a new color for a room in your home!