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.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
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.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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!
_________________________________________________________________________________
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.
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.
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.
Week 45 - Resurrection
With both Easter and Passover I must ask - What has passed you by? What do you want to resurrect? Sometimes passing over something is a good thing; it can be the blessing; and if it is a personal choice it can show you are satisfied, not needy, decluttering, etc. And other times it is important to reflect to determine if there is something you have not done but have a yearning (yen) to accomplish.
The Challenge:
1) Take a moment to determine if there is something missing. Clearly articulate (verbally) and/or write it down.
2) If you want to begin preparing for action you may. Or if you prefer just keep your new intention somewhere you can see. Think about it daily and feel joyful about this discovery.
What I'm working on:
My next book idea may have sat long enough. I still need to focus on promotion of Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life which will be released June 1st but I may be ready to start the book proposal in the very near future. For me it is important to focus on the task at hand so knowing I want to work on this project is enough for me at the moment.
The Challenge:
1) Take a moment to determine if there is something missing. Clearly articulate (verbally) and/or write it down.
2) If you want to begin preparing for action you may. Or if you prefer just keep your new intention somewhere you can see. Think about it daily and feel joyful about this discovery.
What I'm working on:
My next book idea may have sat long enough. I still need to focus on promotion of Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life which will be released June 1st but I may be ready to start the book proposal in the very near future. For me it is important to focus on the task at hand so knowing I want to work on this project is enough for me at the moment.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Week 44 - Confidence
When I observe my Chihuahua's barking when they are unsure or startled it makes me think about how us humans work around our insecurities. Maybe it's a survival technique to have a big bark to appear big when in fact we feel small, scared or unsure. If you, or someone you know tends to act like a know-it-all, prideful, cutting others down, etc. it could be that there are missed opportunities. As humans a big part of success is the support of others so we must play nice. If you are really confident you won't need to rely on your less than attractive survival techniques. Here are some ideas:
The Challenge:
1) As Steven Tyler from Aerosmith says "Fake it till you make it". You may not really feel confident but if you practice a behavior you will gain genuine confidence.
2) Understand the difference between confidence and hubris. No one likes a know-it-all or show off; a big part of real confidence is not needing to show off. In other words; relax.
3) When writing down a goal also write down the feelings you would like to have as well. For example you may want to lose weight and when you do and people notice you will put yourself down or diminish your accomplishment. Instead learn to simply say thank you for noticing. Also, it's okay to want money and nice things; it's not okay to show off and make others feel less important.
What I'm working on:
Pitching book ideas, and promoting a book certainly keeps you humble but it's important for me to promote with passion. Sometimes speaking with confidence feels like I am bragging but since I believe what I am doing will help others I need to put forth all the confidence I can muster. It's kind of fun. :)
Have a fantastic week!
The Challenge:
1) As Steven Tyler from Aerosmith says "Fake it till you make it". You may not really feel confident but if you practice a behavior you will gain genuine confidence.
2) Understand the difference between confidence and hubris. No one likes a know-it-all or show off; a big part of real confidence is not needing to show off. In other words; relax.
3) When writing down a goal also write down the feelings you would like to have as well. For example you may want to lose weight and when you do and people notice you will put yourself down or diminish your accomplishment. Instead learn to simply say thank you for noticing. Also, it's okay to want money and nice things; it's not okay to show off and make others feel less important.
What I'm working on:
Pitching book ideas, and promoting a book certainly keeps you humble but it's important for me to promote with passion. Sometimes speaking with confidence feels like I am bragging but since I believe what I am doing will help others I need to put forth all the confidence I can muster. It's kind of fun. :)
Have a fantastic week!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Week 43 Creativity
In an article I have written for a local magazine I talk about the art and science of balance. Art is your creative expression in anything that you do. Being creative can add so much to your life; you can create beauty in your surroundings, peace, joy, happiness, love, success, transformation; the sky is the limit.
The Challenge:
1) To make sure you are accessing the right hemisphere of your brain (considered to be the creative side) first take time to doodle, draw, paint, or enjoy natural surroundings like trees, flowers, etc.
2) Now think about your goal(s) and ask yourself "What haven't I considered? This may seem like a strange question but many times a coach will ask you this question. It's kind of like packing for a vacation -- when you're done don't you ask "What did I forget?".
3) Unlike packing when you think of something you haven't considered you may not be sure how to move forward with that idea. First remember just coming up with a new idea is creative and maybe you know exactly what to do -- For example you may decide to try a yoga class after all because you've heard it can help with your wellness goals. But what if the idea that comes to you is not that defined yet? Maybe you are just deciding you want to encourage well being -- this idea can take you in many directions. In this case it's okay to be with the idea for a while. Maybe you will want to journal or talk to other people. Maybe your creativity will give you the courage to explore different possibilities. Think of yourself as a child playing; just have fun and explore.
What I'm working on:
It's time for me to work on book promotion because Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life comes out on 6/1/11. I am very passionate about promoting the book and coming up with many creative ideas. My curiosity is leading me to trying unconventional methods. My publicist is doing the media promotion and I am looking for opportunities to do presentations and workshops.
As I said on Facebook the other day "People said I would never get a publisher but after a lot of No's came a yes. You only need one yes so don't let the No's scare you. Not trying is saying no to yourself. Here's to your success!"
Don't not ask for what you want because you are afraid of the no. Be curious; be a creator!
Enjoy!
The Challenge:
1) To make sure you are accessing the right hemisphere of your brain (considered to be the creative side) first take time to doodle, draw, paint, or enjoy natural surroundings like trees, flowers, etc.
2) Now think about your goal(s) and ask yourself "What haven't I considered? This may seem like a strange question but many times a coach will ask you this question. It's kind of like packing for a vacation -- when you're done don't you ask "What did I forget?".
3) Unlike packing when you think of something you haven't considered you may not be sure how to move forward with that idea. First remember just coming up with a new idea is creative and maybe you know exactly what to do -- For example you may decide to try a yoga class after all because you've heard it can help with your wellness goals. But what if the idea that comes to you is not that defined yet? Maybe you are just deciding you want to encourage well being -- this idea can take you in many directions. In this case it's okay to be with the idea for a while. Maybe you will want to journal or talk to other people. Maybe your creativity will give you the courage to explore different possibilities. Think of yourself as a child playing; just have fun and explore.
What I'm working on:
It's time for me to work on book promotion because Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life comes out on 6/1/11. I am very passionate about promoting the book and coming up with many creative ideas. My curiosity is leading me to trying unconventional methods. My publicist is doing the media promotion and I am looking for opportunities to do presentations and workshops.
As I said on Facebook the other day "People said I would never get a publisher but after a lot of No's came a yes. You only need one yes so don't let the No's scare you. Not trying is saying no to yourself. Here's to your success!"
Don't not ask for what you want because you are afraid of the no. Be curious; be a creator!
Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)