News – Page 45

Special Companion

Last week I had to make the difficult decision to let my beautiful cat, Cookie, go. At 14 years old, she lived a long wonderful life, the last 8 years of which I was blessed to have her in my life.

She helped me through some of my lowest points. No, she could not advise, commiserate, agree or challenge me. What she offered was unconditional love no matter what I looked or sounded like. She gave me warmth and affection as she followed me around the house, curling up beside me wherever I landed. Focusing on her helped keep me grounded in the present moment when I needed to the most.

She added joy to my days. Seeing her first thing every morning as she excitedly waited to be fed – ready for a new day, watching her as she napped in her favorite chair in such adorable positions, coming to greet me when I arrived home, “asking” to be brushed and her having her climb into bed with me most every evening.

Cookie was a special companion and will be missed deeply.

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Who has been such a companion to you during the highs and lows of your life?

Experience Greater Joy

This month’s article is on experiencing more joy in life. I thought this was a fitting topic for summer – a time when many of us take a break from our day-to-day lives for vacation.

I did just that myself spending last week in the Outer Banks of NC. We certainly had our share of joy – from watching the sunset on top of a dune from Jockey’s Ridge, seeing the sunrise from the beach just steps from our hotel, and browsing galleries and shops on the waterfront at Manteo.

Aside from the “doing” the joy truly came from just “being”. Yes, I brought my paints and books but found that this time, I spent more time just sitting and seeing what was in front of me. That was true joy – fully experiencing where we were.

My intention is to have joyous moments every day, not just while on vacation. Breaks from my regular routine where I just sit and take in where I am and what is right in front of me.

Now it’s your turn, I would love to hear what brings you joy in your life.

5 Steps to Discovering Possibilities and Potential

In my work with clients, and my workbook, these 5 steps come up all the time. The steps are not always linear, but they all are necessary as you reach for possibilities and tap into your potential. Here I will share each and how it has shown up in my own growth:

1 – Gain Awareness

Awareness comes up over and over again as I move through the growth of my business. It means paying attention to what works and what doesn’t, allowing me to make slight shifts along the way. Awareness keeps my life in balance.

2 – Clarify Your Direction

When we made our move to NC from NY, we had to know what we were looking for to help us decide where we wanted to move. We clarified our needs and wants; and what we wanted our new community to feel like, look like and be like. We sure found it!

3 – Get Unstuck

Whenever I feel stuck in my business, I immediately call upon one of my mastermind partners. They are always ready with new ideas, new strategies and new challenges. Often I choose one idea that makes me feel slightly (or more than slightly) uncomfortable so I know I am truly growing by choosing it.

4 – Get Started

To start painting again after an almost 20 year hiatus, I attended a one day class that had me painting for several hours. This one day got me started, and over the “someday I’ll pick it back up again” thought.

5 – Make a Commitment

This is the greater challenge I have experienced with my painting, commiting to a regular practice. What helps me? I converted my spare bedroom into a “studio” with space to paint and I create projects to get me painting.

Take a look at your own life and your own growth and see where/how these steps have shown up. I would love for you to share your experiences!