In October I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage 2, invasive ductile, with minor lymph node involvement, estrogen positive. Since then I have had a biopsy and two surgeries. Radiation begins today. I have been blogging on Rhonda's Breast Cancer Blog, to keep family and friends up to date.
As a result of this life change I have not been blogging here. As life is slowly settling into this new reality I am establishing a new routine in my life and business.
Even though this was an unplanned and unwelcome change in my life, I embrace the lessons I can learn and share through this exsperience!
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Monday, January 4, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Celebrating Change: A New You is Emerging
CELEBRATING CHANGE
Is change something to celebrate? Often times when we think of change, fear is our first emotion. Most people do not like to think of change, because it feels like something out of our control. When you think of change what feelings come to mind; fear, doubt, anxiety, terror, dread, the unknown, unexpected, anger? Or do you look at it with feelings of; excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation, hopefulness, eagerness or even joy?
You have probably heard the saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” Since change is constantly occurring, then we must learn how to accept it, and even learn to celebrate the changes. Understanding change will be your first step to celebrating change.
Change has several faces. One face is Reactionary Change. This is the type of change that occurs suddenly, and therefore we must react. An example could be an accident, a death, a sudden loss of a job, illness or a divorce which requires us to react and realign our life.
Another face is Anticipatory Change. With this type of change we have advance warning, so we are able to anticipate the change. An example could be retirement, getting married, moving to a new city, or having a baby. We are allowed the opportunity to plan for the effects on our life.
And then there is the face of the Unknown Feeling Change. With this type we may not know exactly why we want to change; we just know we want something different. An example of this type of change maybe choosing a new place to live, trying a new route instead of the normal route, or trying something new at a favorite restaurant. This type of change allows us to explore choices and options.
The last face of change is Not Quite Right Change. With this type of change we feel that something is not quite right and that there could be something better. An example of this type of change may be deciding to redecorate the house, get a new car, or just make an improvement in your life. With this type of change we are seeking a change for the better.
As we come face to face with change we will realize the impact on our life. Regardless of our emotional state surrounding the change, there will be an effect on our lives. We may feel a fundamental change, which truly changes who we are at your core, our essence. Or we may encounter a revelatory change, an epiphany that gives us that “a-ha” or "light bulb moment" type of change. Or we may experience a habitual change, where we change a long held habit.
With all change there is a process that occurs. The process doesn’t necessarily happen in a specific order, but as we progress through the change we will typically experience each aspect. First we realize that the change is occurring, although this may take some time to recognize. Once we recognize the change is occurring, we need to factually disengage from the past. To do this we will need to see what the current state is, see there is a new way and accept that change is occurring. The most difficult process in change is emotionally disengaging from the past. We may realize there is a change but may not be accepting the change, and be yearning for ‘how it used to be.’ If we can see the anticipated end we will begin to process through the change and be on our way on the learning curve. This is where the opportunity begins. With each change there is the opportunity to learn and grow. Once we are completely through the change and on the other side we will internalize the lesson, the true blessing of change.
There is a goal oriented way of getting through the process of change which may help one move from fear of change to acceptance and celebration. The steps are:
1. Identify and define the change.
2. Communicate the results of the change.
3. Recognize what is NOT changing.
4. Remember personal greatness, strengths and qualities.
5. Identify the positive feeling the change will bring.
6. Make a new plan around the change.
7. Find a support network.
If we focus on the positive aspects change can bring, we will find the blessing in change, even a difficult change allow us the opportunity to grow spiritually, and may open new paths that we could have never anticipated. Change is a blessing, sometimes in disguise. Learning to follow the steps above will make change easier and may even enrich the process. The next time you face change CELEBRATE: a new you will be emerging!
Is change something to celebrate? Often times when we think of change, fear is our first emotion. Most people do not like to think of change, because it feels like something out of our control. When you think of change what feelings come to mind; fear, doubt, anxiety, terror, dread, the unknown, unexpected, anger? Or do you look at it with feelings of; excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation, hopefulness, eagerness or even joy?
You have probably heard the saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” Since change is constantly occurring, then we must learn how to accept it, and even learn to celebrate the changes. Understanding change will be your first step to celebrating change.
Change has several faces. One face is Reactionary Change. This is the type of change that occurs suddenly, and therefore we must react. An example could be an accident, a death, a sudden loss of a job, illness or a divorce which requires us to react and realign our life.
Another face is Anticipatory Change. With this type of change we have advance warning, so we are able to anticipate the change. An example could be retirement, getting married, moving to a new city, or having a baby. We are allowed the opportunity to plan for the effects on our life.
And then there is the face of the Unknown Feeling Change. With this type we may not know exactly why we want to change; we just know we want something different. An example of this type of change maybe choosing a new place to live, trying a new route instead of the normal route, or trying something new at a favorite restaurant. This type of change allows us to explore choices and options.
The last face of change is Not Quite Right Change. With this type of change we feel that something is not quite right and that there could be something better. An example of this type of change may be deciding to redecorate the house, get a new car, or just make an improvement in your life. With this type of change we are seeking a change for the better.
As we come face to face with change we will realize the impact on our life. Regardless of our emotional state surrounding the change, there will be an effect on our lives. We may feel a fundamental change, which truly changes who we are at your core, our essence. Or we may encounter a revelatory change, an epiphany that gives us that “a-ha” or "light bulb moment" type of change. Or we may experience a habitual change, where we change a long held habit.
With all change there is a process that occurs. The process doesn’t necessarily happen in a specific order, but as we progress through the change we will typically experience each aspect. First we realize that the change is occurring, although this may take some time to recognize. Once we recognize the change is occurring, we need to factually disengage from the past. To do this we will need to see what the current state is, see there is a new way and accept that change is occurring. The most difficult process in change is emotionally disengaging from the past. We may realize there is a change but may not be accepting the change, and be yearning for ‘how it used to be.’ If we can see the anticipated end we will begin to process through the change and be on our way on the learning curve. This is where the opportunity begins. With each change there is the opportunity to learn and grow. Once we are completely through the change and on the other side we will internalize the lesson, the true blessing of change.
There is a goal oriented way of getting through the process of change which may help one move from fear of change to acceptance and celebration. The steps are:
1. Identify and define the change.
2. Communicate the results of the change.
3. Recognize what is NOT changing.
4. Remember personal greatness, strengths and qualities.
5. Identify the positive feeling the change will bring.
6. Make a new plan around the change.
7. Find a support network.
If we focus on the positive aspects change can bring, we will find the blessing in change, even a difficult change allow us the opportunity to grow spiritually, and may open new paths that we could have never anticipated. Change is a blessing, sometimes in disguise. Learning to follow the steps above will make change easier and may even enrich the process. The next time you face change CELEBRATE: a new you will be emerging!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Insights of a Tourist
Recently I spent 10 fabulous days in London with my husband, visiting our daughter who lives there.
The trip came up quite suddenly. While on the phone with our daughter one morning, she was telling me about her upcoming trip to Greece and how she did not have anyone to dog sit. I immediately hung up the phone with her and ask my husband if he would like to have a flat for a week in London in exchange for dog sitting. He said book the tickets! So, a week later off we went.
We arrived in London on Friday, that evening our daughter had arranged dinner at Gaucho which offered an incredible view of the Tower Bridge
and a scrumptious meal.
On Sunday, my daughter and her guy were off to Greece.
Hubby and I spent the next several days site seeing through-out London. We took a bus tour of the city, and a boat tour. We visited the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Churchill's War Rooms. We strolled through the Portobello Market, the Flower Market, Hyde Park and Green Park. We even took a day trip out to Windsor Castle with the kids when they returned from Greece!
Somewhere in all this site-seeing, and walking, and trips on the tube it occurred to me that I was so enjoying just simply being a tourist. As a tourist, I was meant to be there only for a time, enjoying the sites, the history, and all that I could take in during my short visit.
Then the big epiphany came...aren't we all tourists here visiting this place we call Earth? How different would our lives be if each day we embraced the sites and splendor of this place? Would we live our life with more passion if we admitted that we are only here for a brief time? Would we try to make each day count? Would we determine our purpose, then live each day with that intention?
In this epiphanous state of mind my purpose became crystal clear; to make a positive contribution to each person I meet. I can do this not only in my professional capacity, but also by being loving, caring, and compassionate to my family members, friends, business associates, and others who cross my path.
Even though in our day to day lives we have bills to pay, deadlines to meet, health concerns, family situations, and many other facts of living to distract us, I encourage you to act like a tourist...look up, (tourists are always looking up!) see the sites, feel the air, embrace the splendor of this magnificent place! In doing so, you very well may ignite your passion, discover your purpose, and at the very least you will feel more alive!
As the saying goes, "The past is history, the future a mystery, and today's a gift, that's why it's called the PRESENT!"
The trip came up quite suddenly. While on the phone with our daughter one morning, she was telling me about her upcoming trip to Greece and how she did not have anyone to dog sit. I immediately hung up the phone with her and ask my husband if he would like to have a flat for a week in London in exchange for dog sitting. He said book the tickets! So, a week later off we went.
We arrived in London on Friday, that evening our daughter had arranged dinner at Gaucho which offered an incredible view of the Tower Bridge and a scrumptious meal.
On Sunday, my daughter and her guy were off to Greece.
Hubby and I spent the next several days site seeing through-out London. We took a bus tour of the city, and a boat tour. We visited the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Churchill's War Rooms. We strolled through the Portobello Market, the Flower Market, Hyde Park and Green Park. We even took a day trip out to Windsor Castle with the kids when they returned from Greece!
Somewhere in all this site-seeing, and walking, and trips on the tube it occurred to me that I was so enjoying just simply being a tourist. As a tourist, I was meant to be there only for a time, enjoying the sites, the history, and all that I could take in during my short visit.
Then the big epiphany came...aren't we all tourists here visiting this place we call Earth? How different would our lives be if each day we embraced the sites and splendor of this place? Would we live our life with more passion if we admitted that we are only here for a brief time? Would we try to make each day count? Would we determine our purpose, then live each day with that intention?
In this epiphanous state of mind my purpose became crystal clear; to make a positive contribution to each person I meet. I can do this not only in my professional capacity, but also by being loving, caring, and compassionate to my family members, friends, business associates, and others who cross my path.
Even though in our day to day lives we have bills to pay, deadlines to meet, health concerns, family situations, and many other facts of living to distract us, I encourage you to act like a tourist...look up, (tourists are always looking up!) see the sites, feel the air, embrace the splendor of this magnificent place! In doing so, you very well may ignite your passion, discover your purpose, and at the very least you will feel more alive!
As the saying goes, "The past is history, the future a mystery, and today's a gift, that's why it's called the PRESENT!"
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Developing Your Money Magician
If you want to learn about "Unleashing Your True Potential for Prosperity and Fulfillment" then read Money Magic by Deborah L. Price! This book is chocked full of insightful, useful information.
Ms. Price starts by explaining about the energy of money and why there are winners and loser in the money game. The most interesting part of the book was Price’s description of the eight money types:
• The Innocent
• The Victim
• The Warrior
• The Martyr
• The Fool
• The Creator/Artist
• The Tyrant
• The Magician
So how do we recognize these types, and identify which type we are? I am sure we've all known people like these.
For instance my friend who has no clue of what her take home pay is and how much her monthly expenses are, she'd be The Innocent. Or my relative, The Victim, who continually makes bad choices with her money then blames everyone else and gets her mother to bail her out. And oh boy, you know The Warrior type, he is so focused on money, he sets out to conquer the world, all in an effort to prove his own self-worth. Then there's The Martyr, poor thing, she spends all her time, energy and money on everyone else. I think I dated The Fool once or twice, they play by a different set of money rules, usually rules they try to stack in their favor! The Creator/Artist type just finds it difficult to live in the material world and would rather not have to think about money. I think we've all known The Tyrant, he dedicates his whole life to making money so he can use it to feel superior and control those in his life. Finally, there is The Magician, these are probably the millionaires and billionaires, because they know how to transform and manifest their own financial reality!
Most of us are probably a combination of money types. I could see small traits of all them in myself. At times I am The Innocent, because I would rather not pay attention to the money details, and sometimes I’m The Victim, who likes to blame the economic downturn, but then The Warrior in me will emerge briefly, until The Martyr takes over and I spend too much money on my kids, then I truly feel like The Fool, and crawl into The Creator/Artist who wonders why we need money anyway, until the Tyrant emerges reminding me that the one with the gold makes the rules. Unfortunately, cycling through all these types has never lead to The Magician, who I am sure resides somewhere in my mind.
This book challenged me to define my relationship with money through a series of exercises such "Your Money Biography" and "Identifying Your Money Archetype". Although I am still a work in progress, I feel I am on my way to developing a new relationship with money and on the path to finding or developing The Magician but maybe, The Magician is just a state of mind where we feel truly abundant, prosperous and fulfilled! I can hear the tune strumming through my head, “I’m in a Magician state of mind!”
Ms. Price starts by explaining about the energy of money and why there are winners and loser in the money game. The most interesting part of the book was Price’s description of the eight money types:
• The Innocent
• The Victim
• The Warrior
• The Martyr
• The Fool
• The Creator/Artist
• The Tyrant
• The Magician
So how do we recognize these types, and identify which type we are? I am sure we've all known people like these.
For instance my friend who has no clue of what her take home pay is and how much her monthly expenses are, she'd be The Innocent. Or my relative, The Victim, who continually makes bad choices with her money then blames everyone else and gets her mother to bail her out. And oh boy, you know The Warrior type, he is so focused on money, he sets out to conquer the world, all in an effort to prove his own self-worth. Then there's The Martyr, poor thing, she spends all her time, energy and money on everyone else. I think I dated The Fool once or twice, they play by a different set of money rules, usually rules they try to stack in their favor! The Creator/Artist type just finds it difficult to live in the material world and would rather not have to think about money. I think we've all known The Tyrant, he dedicates his whole life to making money so he can use it to feel superior and control those in his life. Finally, there is The Magician, these are probably the millionaires and billionaires, because they know how to transform and manifest their own financial reality!
Most of us are probably a combination of money types. I could see small traits of all them in myself. At times I am The Innocent, because I would rather not pay attention to the money details, and sometimes I’m The Victim, who likes to blame the economic downturn, but then The Warrior in me will emerge briefly, until The Martyr takes over and I spend too much money on my kids, then I truly feel like The Fool, and crawl into The Creator/Artist who wonders why we need money anyway, until the Tyrant emerges reminding me that the one with the gold makes the rules. Unfortunately, cycling through all these types has never lead to The Magician, who I am sure resides somewhere in my mind.
This book challenged me to define my relationship with money through a series of exercises such "Your Money Biography" and "Identifying Your Money Archetype". Although I am still a work in progress, I feel I am on my way to developing a new relationship with money and on the path to finding or developing The Magician but maybe, The Magician is just a state of mind where we feel truly abundant, prosperous and fulfilled! I can hear the tune strumming through my head, “I’m in a Magician state of mind!”
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Big Business Layoffs, Small Business Opportunities
Richard Branson predicts more big business layoffs and opportunity for small businesses.
In an interview for American Express, the mega business mogul (best know for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies including Virgin Airlines and Virgin Records) shared how he sees the gaps that will be created by big business layoffs that can be filled by small businesses. Regarding the current financial crisis he says it is up to all entrepreneurs to do everything possible to make our businesses stronger, that in fact small business is what will get America back on our feet.
Branson encourages business owners to talk with their existing customers to get innovative ideas for new products and services. He also reminds business owners of the value of leadership and communication with their employees in an effort to cut waste and make their business stronger.
Branson sees hope and opportunity for small businesses in spite of, and possibly because of, these tough economic times. We'd all be wise heed his words, after all this is a guy who has proven he has an eye for opportunity!
To see part of Branson’s interview click here.
In an interview for American Express, the mega business mogul (best know for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies including Virgin Airlines and Virgin Records) shared how he sees the gaps that will be created by big business layoffs that can be filled by small businesses. Regarding the current financial crisis he says it is up to all entrepreneurs to do everything possible to make our businesses stronger, that in fact small business is what will get America back on our feet.
Branson encourages business owners to talk with their existing customers to get innovative ideas for new products and services. He also reminds business owners of the value of leadership and communication with their employees in an effort to cut waste and make their business stronger.
Branson sees hope and opportunity for small businesses in spite of, and possibly because of, these tough economic times. We'd all be wise heed his words, after all this is a guy who has proven he has an eye for opportunity!
To see part of Branson’s interview click here.
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