Saturday, June 11, 2011

Week 52 - The Future and The Last Week of the Challenge!

First of all congratulations to all of you that stuck with the 52 weeks. If you have please share your story. I will offer a small prize to the winner which will be determined by me based on who I think exhibited the essence of the challenge.

The Challenge:

You've done a lot so kick back and close your eyes and smile as you imagine all of your dreams manifested in the future. Whether you are a big dreamer or good goal setter it doesn't matter. What makes you successful is your eye on the prize.

What I'm working on:

My next book proposal that will be part of the Yen Path series. That book will probably have a DVD too because it will be more about yoga poses (and a fun approach to life change). I have been dreams for the future and earlier today wrote them down. Maybe you will want to write yours down too. Won't it be fun to look back some day on the list?

Special thanks and many blessings to each of you that travels on Yen Path -- It's your path towards your desires so go for it. And if you want start the 52 weeks again or go back to your favorite posts. Share with the people you love as well.

If you haven't yet please purchase Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life. It went international and orders are being taken in Australia and the UK!

Again thanks, many blessings and be well.

Love, Jen

Monday, June 6, 2011

Week 51 - Present

Have you ever heard the saying that the present moment is a gift? Therefore this weeks challenge is just that! Not only will we focus on the present moment but also I want each of you to buy yourself a little gift for your efforts this past year.

The Challenge:
1) Take a moment to focus on right now. When I do this I usually find everything gets very simple because usually the present moment is just that. It is usually the thoughts about past or future that complicate things. Notice what your 5 senses tell you. Notice your breath and relax. Yoga classes always end with relaxation and since we are only a week away from the end of our challenge I want you to relax and enjoy the simplicity and the success you have created. You are a creator. You alone have created your accomplishments. In yoga the god Shiva is the creator and destroyer. So are we. You can create or destroy your dreams. It can seem easy to blame others but consider the hope and empowerment of working around the "I can't because..." sentences.

2) Go buy yourself a gift! Maybe it's just a celebratory cup of coffee or maybe a trinket to remind you of the challenge. I'd love to hear what you get so please tell me!

What I'm working on:
My meditation practice is usually just taking a few moments to be mindful. Usually when I'm out walking the dogs. They remind me to be present and in this case are my teachers. As they sniff and stand around I try to enjoy the present moment vs. being frustrated that they aren't walking fast enough or doing their business. Note: The key word in the last sentence is try...when I'm in a hurry or hot in the 90 plus degrees and high humidity sometimes the present moment isn't as pleasant as it is in the cool house :)

Jody got me a beautiful necklace on his trip to Mexico. Plus my time in Portland with Jody and my friends and now here in FL with my mom and pets has been an amazing gift. This past year I have spent a lot of time alone and time with people has been wonderful and the best gift ever. The fact that my new book Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life has been published and I am having successes with promotion and sales is a great gift too! Mom's going to take me to dinner at our favorite organic restaurant to celebrate... I feel so blessed!

I also asked my nephew Stephen to create a logo for my next book idea which will be part of the Yen Path brand. He decided to go to school to be a graphic designer so I thought I would give him a shot and he did not disappoint! In July I will start that book proposal and a few other new business ventures.

I hope you have enjoyed this year as much as I have. Times of extreme growth can bring about growing pains and I sure did experience those as well. But now all that pain is behind me as I sit in my present moment with the gifts I have given myself -- accomplishing my goals. All 3 of my goals have been accomplished and to sit with that in this moment is extremely gratifying.

You have the tools to move ahead -- but let's save that for next week; our last week of the challenge will focus on just that -- the future!

Enjoy!

Week 50 - Memories

First I want to apologize for the late post (technical difficulties). The good news is Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life has been released so please purchase your copy online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. And remember to get a copy for someone you care about as well. I'm in Portland Oregon spending time with my husband and promoting the book. Special thanks to Tektronix and Portland General Electric for allowing me to come share tips from the book with their employees.
Being that it was Memorial Day on Monday I wanted to have this challenge be about memories. And this works out perfectly because then the last two posts will be on the present and looking towards the future. Seems like a perfect way to wrap up.
Memorial Day is a great way to remember the men and women that have protected us so I first want to take a moment to offer my personal thank you to everyone in the armed forces and our vets.

The Challenge:

Memories are very powerful because they can actually change over time. Something that seems awful at the time may now appear to be a great blessing because it forced you to change what was not working for you. In the moment it an seem scary to change but if you reflect back you can see it from a different perspective. Perspective is reality.

This week I want you to do just this. Reflect back on something that seemed painful but brought about some positive change in your life. If you really cannot think of something then take a moment right now to believe that this challenging moment will move you somewhere that you can then reflect back on later with gratitude. Believe in your heart that you can create great memories for the future.

What I'm working on:
As I reflect back over this past year I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It has not been an easy year for me but one filled with many blessings. I had a lot of personal and professional changes that many times made me feel unsure and quite frankly disappointed. But those disappointments led me to shifts that have brought me to this day feeling pleased with the results. Feeling unsure helped me to remember that volunteering for change takes courage and I applaude each and every one of you that has done this 52 Week Challenge with me. I still have a lot to do to complete my original goals and have some new goals too, and I hope you do as well.

Here's to happy memories!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Week 49 - Open Yourself to Possibilities

The key word is yourself. There are possibilities all around you -- you simply need to have a sense of curiosity and go for it. Don't feel like you have any choices. Think again; you may be all that is holding yourself back.

The Challenge:

Explore the world around you and pick something new to do. Afterwards write about your experience. Even if it felt odd or even a bit scary please know that's probably just because it's new (unless you were engaging in a risky behavior then listen to your gut!). Write about the feelings -- were they maybe excitement or a realization of something new that you have learned. Us coaches help our clients to change 'their lens'. Look at the world differently and you will see new possibilities.

What I'm working on:

I've had a few weeks with lots of bumps in the road; with publication and publicity for Yen Path and with the sale of our condo. All is well but if felt like a lot of work and that I have to do everything on my own. But during yoga class today the teacher reminded me of a teaching from B.K.S. Iyengar that simply put states when your body and mind are well the gates to your soul open. I immediately felt a profound shift of pure love for everyone, including the realtor, publisher, publicist... not only are they helping but so much more and now I saw that.

If you haven't purchased your copy of Yen Path yet please do so. Amazon is sending out preorders now!

Enjoy your week.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Week 48 - The Home Stretch and Call to Action

I have a lot to share before we get to the Challenge but this is important and kind of sums things up. Plus I need your help so stay with me. I've given a lot and ask very little.
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Just four more postings and we will be done with our 52 week challenge. A year is a long time and a lot can happen if you want it to. If you are just starting (or restarting) then use the past postings to help you along. Just like my new book coming out on June 1, 2011 titled Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life (Price World Publishing) you can do everything in order or pick and choose.

I can guarantee immediate results because the main objectives of the book are to:

-Create awareness. With awareness you have a choice; to create change or not to. Sometimes just creating awareness about something can make you remember why you are doing what you are doing and the shift (or change) will be internal. You will feel more connected, grateful, content or maybe happier.

-Allowing for a shift to positive thought will generate positive feelings. It is immediate and will change your reality. This shift will also improve your wellbeing (actually makes you healthier) and likelihood for success with your goals. Why; because many times we simply do not focus on our goals. Your goal may be to lose weight, get fit, save money, start a new relationship but if you feel fat, out of shape, broke, or lonely you will probably not succeed. The premise of "The Path" is to realize you have to move towards what you want and negative feelings move you away. The book provides opportunities to practice techniques that will help you with this. It's fun and easy!

-A complete method that you can follow step by step or just open the book and try one exercise that looks appealing. The method has 6 components: Awareness, Centering, Balance, Stregth, Stretch and Relax. Centering is more important than you may realize. Have you ever noticed when someone is preparing to do something big that they pause? It really helps. Balance is also very important and something that does not seem obvious when working towards a goal. Instead we do the opposite and push. But too much or not enough does matter. The Strength Chapter includes a lot of information about goal setting but basically it's all about practice. This is the action phase and you should not expect perfection, especially the first few times you try something. The Stretch Chapter is all about encouraging you to learn new things and I share some interesting things I have learned about what science thinks about positive thought. It's pretty amazing. The important point is though -- only repeat behaviors that get you good results. Otherwise you must try something new. Lastly Chapter 6 is all about relaxing and enjoying your success; no matter how small. Take nothing for granted! There is someone out there dreaming to be as thin, healthy, rich... as you are right now.

The Challenge:

I want this to be a grass roots effort and need your help. My mission is to foster and encourage positive thought and action which in turn will create wellbeing and success. Please help me to improve the lives of others. Together we can change the world!

1) Send this posting to everyone. There is someone you know out there feeling discouraged and the free advice from the Yen Path 52 Week Challenge may help. You never know and it is usually the most unlikely person that will benefit.

2) Purchase a copy of Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life. You can go to the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites or contact me for a signed copy. It's just $14.95 plus shipping. If you want I will send you a signed copy of both of my books (my first book is called Four Steps to a Better Life) for just $20 plus shipping.

What I'm working on:

I had 3 big goals for this year. One was to publish the book and the release date is less than 2 weeks away! Another was to move to Sarasota Fl which included 2 condo sales and the purchase of our dream home. Everything has happened except for the sale of the Portland condo but we are confident it will sell when the weather gets nice in the NW. Lastly I knew these goals would reguire a lot of energy so I set up a goal to focus on my health and wellbeing. I've enjoyed attending Pilates, Strength Training and Yoga classes here in Sarasota plus have been working with a personal trainer and holistic doctor for acupuncture and supplements.

My goal for this summer is to promote the book and am hoping it will be a big hit. In the fall I will begin my next book proposal and find a literary agent and publisher. From there I feel that my business will take a shift. I want to start to work out in the community because after 15 years of working at home I am sensing an imbalance (disatifaction) and would love to be a wellness coach or consultant (or even an employee) for a local business or in a healthcare setting.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading to the bottom and have a great week! Now remember to send this to everyone you know!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Week 47 - The Mothers Day Challenge

I like that Mother's Day is this time of year because the weather if finally getting nice and it feels like a time of renewal.

And Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there!

Special thanks to my mom who has been my biggest supporter. Mom - I cannot tell you how helpful it has been to have your support always but in particular as I get my baby; Yen Path ready to meet the world.

The Challenge:

1) Think about what you consider to be the most important 'mother' qualities (e.g., being loving, caring, a good listener, protector, etc) and write a few down that seem the most important to you.

2) Think about how you can exhibit those qualities this week. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But in fact most of these qualities are selfless and that isn't always so simple. In fact I wonder if most of the time we exhibit child qualities (e.g. 'me', 'I want'...). Are you a giver or taker? Of course we are both but think about where you can make a few improvements.

3) Write down not only the qualities you want to work on but provide the details. Who, how, where and when. Even if it is something that will not happen for a few weeks make sure you have your plan and then do you you commit to.

4) Tell as many people as possible to do the same. You can ask them to read this blog post or simply share the idea; which is simply to do something for someone else. No strings attached.

What I'm working on:

One of my goals throughout this challenge has been the completion of Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life. June 1, 2011 is the release (birth) date. Make sure to order your copy now either on Amazon (Kindle is available) or you can purchase a signed copy from me. Just email me at solutions@jennygallagher.com.

Yen Path has been part of my way to show my compassion for others. I believe there is a lot of self induced suffering and it is simply because no one ever taught us how to deal with many of life's challenges. My book provides a method that can be followed from start to finish; or the reader can flip through and find one exercise to do for that day. It is meant to nurture, educate, motivate and calm (good mother qualities) people that are over committed, stressed out, or unhappy. If you are focusing on unhappy thoughts you are going the wrong way on your path and will never achieve your goals. I can help you shift.

You will begin to see the possibilities that only we can create from not just positive thought but positive feeling. There lies the secret to well being and success.

With only a few weeks of the challenge left I want to say it has been a pleasure writing each week and I hope it shows I really do care. I am here for you! So go for it and have a great week.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Week 46- Communicate

Communicating is so much more than talking. It's about honesty with ourselves and others. The 5th Chakra, or energy center (wheel) in the body is the Throat Chakra. The color is blue and when this energy center is working well we communicate well with others and ourselves. There is less need to decieve, which is different than being untruthful in many cases because we are unaware of it. Lack of awareness and letting our ego's rule are forms of self deception.

The Challenge:
1) Think about something that has been causing you to experience a less than desirable emotion (jealousy, envy, anger...)
2) This can be hard to do on your own but try to consider what label you are trying to hold onto that is making you feel this emotion. I know it's easier to blame someone else for the feeling but here is an example. Let's say you feel jealous because someone else has something you want (a home, car, jewlery, job, promotion, etc). Instead of thinking mean thoughts and maybe even talking poorly about that person consider what it is you want and how you can obtain it. Another example: You are angry at someone that hurt your feelings. You feel misunderstood. Stop and consider how you participated in the misunderstanding and how you can correct it. Many times we act with a lack of awareness. You may be sending signals to someone that you are needy and that is why they keep telling you what to do. Or you may always be looking for complements and now someone is avoiding you.
3) Write down 3 small changes you would like to make. Think of characteristics in others that you like (integrity, funny, easy going, classy).
4) Have fun implementing these changes in your life!

What I am working on:
I love planning and accomplishing so I can be a bit of a task master, control freak. I can justify this (self-deception) by saying it is for the greater good. Everyone benefits from all that I accomplish; right? WRONG! My mantra is to lighten up and go with the flow in some areas but to have iron discipline when it comes to accomplishing my big tasks (it's easy to want to slack off with the sales aspects of my business and that is not a good way to sell books!...)

Hope this helps. Enjoy.