Mon, 21 May 2012 12:30:19 -0700WeeblyMon, 21 May 2012 09:53:02 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2012/05/ageless-issues-in-transition.html My recently retired friend and newly graduated daughter were both experiencing similar symptoms.  Each 1) were aware their bodies were changing, aware they were aging; 2) had expectations the fruition of their last phase of life would result in immediate new results in their next phase of life and 3) were experiencing a lot of surprising emotions including fear, anger and frustration. They are not alone in this experience with transitions.

"I know what I want and what I expect.  Why do things seem like they're getting harder instead of easier after all this work?" Always with endings there are new beginnings. Completing a job, a project, a masters thesis, bring us to a new place. First there is satisfaction in completion, something to be celebrated and acknowledged. Then there is typically a shift in our resources of time, energy and money. For example, my daughter was feeling the responsibility of upcoming new bills, my friend working within a fixed budget. How you spend your time comes up. What will bring you what you want next? How are you working with your energy, what is draining you, what is fueling you?  

Because you are a beginner. And there is more to learn. You are designing and bringing in the next phase of your life. Being a beginner means getting uncomfortable. Getting uncomfortable is a good sign, it means you're doing something different, creating new neural connections. To get new results, or even work on mastering and refinement, means being willing to get uncomfortable. For me, when things have gotten more challenging, I find the easy way out. That means jumping right in. Not in an in your face challenging way, but in a gentle and liberating way. The fastest way to get beyond the discomfort is to become friends with it. It gives you power, it changes the landscape, it offers you another view, and the discomfort shifts. 

So with the endings come new beginnings. And with new beginnings, you get to become friends with your new self. With nurturing and kindness you find the way to the next experience your aging body can embrace. 

To all of you graduating from whatever phase, congratulations. I hope you take the time to pause, reflect, celebrate, and open up to the next you, gently in it's infancy, just being birthed. 

]]>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:28:57 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2012/04/i-dont-want-to.html Sometimes getting going is hard for me. I have so many ideas swirling around in my head; I don’t know where to begin. Clarity around the direction I want to go helps me to develop goals that keep me on track with the results I want. I’ve been experimenting with this the past year to see how else I might go about getting started.

One of the problems with focusing on just the goal, for me, has been the focus on the end result. Why is that a problem you say? No doubt it has gotten me to where I want to go, and I’m sure more quickly than I might have gotten there otherwise. For me, though, if the only satisfaction is upon arrival, that satisfaction is short lived. So…my experimentation these days focuses on my changing the behaviors that will bring the result that I want. For me, that is more interesting. And it brings me both results AND satisfaction along the way.

For example, sometimes it’s clear I have to focus on a single goal. Usually I have self-constructed a deadline that requires it.  It doesn’t necessarily help me develop my skills in a more sustainable fashion. So these days when I am waffling and uber resistant to doing what I “Should” (should is a cue word for me NOT to do whatever comes after it) be doing, I’ve been trying different approaches. I decide I will focus on one item for thirty minutes and keep moving on that item until the time is up. 

I stop even when I’m in the middle of something interesting (like for me, writing this article). I then do something else, in a focused fashion, and can then come back to working on the item I didn’t complete last time. This is helping me in multiple ways.

First, I am learning to let go, even when in the middle of something that is finally moving. Second, it gives me lots of experience in getting going, again, and again.  Finally, I’m making progress, in small steps towards many things I want to achieve. I can celebrate that.

 I don’t use this approach everyday, but it is a habit I am experimenting with to get me going when I don’t necessarily “feel” like it. I make it into a game. This article started out that way, not knowing what direction it was going. And now, as it nears completion, the upper level of my home is cleaned.  Twenty-two minutes left in this segment to keep writing.  But this assignment is complete--onward. 

]]>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:24:08 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2012/03/weathering-the-storm-between-head-and-heart.html My heart wouldn’t rest as I struggled with overwhelm at the multiple commitments on my plate: a talk to prepare, to be given in three weeks in San Diego, a mini- book I’m still writing and want to publish within a month, preparation of the affiliated on-line learning environment, and three new three hour workshops to deliver in April…. Why couldn’t I let it go, my need to ski, my yearning to go for the day. My spirit was crying for a respite.

Up at five, working for a few hours, my heart would not let it go. Even my mind was trying to figure out how to make it work. I could take my notepad and pen along and write inspirational ideas as I took breaks in the lodge. I could listen to my one and half hour conference call from the mountaintop. I probably would meet some really important contacts if I went. (Okay that one was a stretch).

I walked the dog, loaded up the car, and drove out of Boulder (no easy feat these days).  My mind was still racing….was this total self sabotage? Was I destined for an accident to teach me my lesson--I should be home writing.   I kept my foot on the gas pedal. I hadn’t checked out the weather report, looked fine when I left.

Near Golden, when the flakes started appear, I remembered my neighbor had mentioned a big winter storm was coming in. Well, maybe I could get up there, do my ten runs and get back before it hit. On I-70, at Floyd Hill, it started in the extreme, even the trucks were having problems. My heart and foot were connected as I focused on driving in challenging conditions.

Now the mother head was coming in. Is this really necessary? Don’t you think this is a sign to turn around? Hmm, maybe. I had asked for a sign today about what I could expect in my life coming up. Could that have meant you have to weather the storm to push through it to feed your spirit? My mind and heart kept dancing with each other.

The weather ban, in it’s monotonous tone, droned out the message, major winter storm coming 12-18 inches expected. I kept going. I listened again. Oh it was over Rabbit Ears Pass, way north, I had time for my 10 runs…Through the tunnel, down the other side of the pass, still in the storm, I was close enough there was no turning back without a few runs.

I followed my heart, listened to the call in the lodge, where I realized all the expectations I had been putting on myself were blocking me from being productive. Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and I would succeed at accomplishing it all. It ended up being a powerful day for me, with lots of aha’s to put it my book. It got me going in a new direction. The metaphor I had asked for showed up. I pushed through the storm, had followed my heart, and completely filled it up with joy. The ride home was clear of snow. You would never have known what I had weathered earlier to get there. And as of yesterday, my mini-book is in its final draft.

]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:07:34 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2012/01/to-your-dreamand-martin-luther-king-day.html"I have a Dream..." was a recurring theme in many of Martin Luther Kings speeches. Is it a theme in your life? Do you have a dream? Something you want to be, to do, or have. Is it changing? Are you in touch with it? Are you looking for a new one?

One definition, by John C. Maxwell...." A dream is an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, will and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it."

"Dreams come a size too big so that we can grow into them". Josie Bissett.

Today I encourage you to look inside with a loving heart to dreams that may be waiting to be discovered. Allow yourself to drop the discouraging voice, to open the door to your imagination, to visualize an inspiring picture of the future. Simply put, play with it. Maybe give yourself 1 minute each hour to see what comes up for you. By the end of the day you should have a good list to explore.

To your dreams.......









]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:53:35 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2012/01/this-24-hoursnew-years-everyday.htmlI love that we honor the New Year in so many ways. At the same time it is just like every other day. We have 24 hours. With the national holiday behind us, I'd like to propose you integrate the idea of every day being new years, a time for release, a time for growth and setting intentions. But how do these intentions actually materialize? Through your actions. I'm offering four easy ways to support you in your growth and fulfillment of your 2012 vision this month.

On January 11th, "This 24 hours, Loving Today While Creating Tomorrow", I'll be sharing my experience, my experiment, recent research, and tips on creating powerful change, and loving the process, at the Boulder Women's Leadership Group. Click here

On January 19th, "The Electric Connection: Experience the Art of Networking with Three Powerful Coaches" join me and two other coaches, and you'll learn how to create more energy, more business and more meaning in your life. Click here.

On January 20th, Massage Moment is hosting "Three Ways to Love This New Year". Join me, with Hostess Tamara Quezaire, in this free evening conversation with women. Get your girlfriends, join us from 6-7:30, then go out for more fun! (Limited to 15-18 people, evite coming.)

On January 21st, you're guaranteed more focus, clarity and direction in your life as the result of attending "The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose." I served over one hundred clients last year with this three-hour event, based on the NYT bestseller (And it is the starting point for all my private clients).  Click here
 

Wishing you growth and fulfillment in 2012, In appreciation, Susan


]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:17:03 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2011/12/spending-too-much-time-at-your-computer.htmlSo many hours these days are spent in front of the computer. Designed as a tool to make us more efficient, the tool is only as good as the user is trained to use it. While the reach of our networks is now far and wide, so are the distractions. 

This week I'm playing with a new tool to help me reinforce where I want to go . It is a free software program that will at regular intervals (think every 15 or 30 minutes) will give you a message of your choice. Developed to send as many as 15 different affirmations (which you input), I'm adding this to my experimental resources to support keeping reinforcing the messages I want.

 If you'd like to play along, you can download your own free affirmation program from www.downloadsforchange.com. (You could also put in your passion test results!) Have some fun and let me know what shows up for you.  ]]>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:37:24 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2011/11/dont-just-sit-there-do-something-dont-just-do-something-sit-there.htmlI love this dual concept discussed in Joan Borsenkyo's " It's Not The End of the World." She's speaking of resilience, and the need to both take action, and reflect. While she's speaking to physical activity, and mediation, I'd like to suggest this applies to other areas of your life as well. 

This time of year I plan for the next. It is a time for reflection, revisiting, and realignment with what is important to me. This is where I take a look at what I want, and realign my behaviors and habits that I think will take me to where I want to go. As in music, it is actually the space between the notes that give the melody it's unique flow. You need the notes, and the breaks. This time of year I put on some new strings, and tune them up. Not too tight, not too loose, that is how I will play my best. And of course, I will practice, practice, and practice. 

Could you use more focus, clarity and direction in your life? Are you engaging in the right behaviors and habits that will take you where you want to go? Do you want to learn how to accelerate powerful change? January talks and workshops I offer will tell you how. For individual support, and to accelerate your unique aspirations, contact me directly for a one on one consultation. (Yes, take action. Not taking action? Stop and consider why...what's this costing you?)

]]>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:59:59 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2011/10/spine-tingling-forecast.html"Dear Susan, 

Congratulation...you'll make Italy the trip you've wanted, an exploration, an adventure, full of memories you'll cherish for years to come.

How interesting you chose to take it right in the midst of your move. You'll come back to new beginnings, again. But these will be more joyous than you ever could have planned....."

It went on from there, this letter I wrote to myself one year and three days before I read it again last week. It was put away in a folder that included my Passion Test Results from last year, a description of features of a future home that I'd want, and a few other items. I'd forgotten I'd even written it. 

Yet that is exactly what had just happened when I read it again last week. I had just returned home from my trip to England and Italy. And yes, I moved nine days before I left, and just finished unpacking yesterday. There were other very specific events and descriptions I had written that have come to pass. I wrote it originally with a specific belief at the time, that we all have access to other parts of us that can help us through challenging and uncertain times. I wrote it using my imagination from my future self, what advice would I give to the person I was at the time I wrote it. It isn't that things always happen the way we project they will, but amazingly, they DO happen. 

Today is Halloween, but there's no trick here, simply sharing what truly is possible, that we have more available to us right now than we can even imagine. By the way, I'm reworking my passion test, as I try to do at least every six months to a year. Anyone else ready to join me in that process?


]]>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:32:57 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2011/09/familiarity-breeds-deeper-appreciation-rocky-mountain-magical-park.htmlOne of the most amazing joys of moving to Colorado over twenty years ago was the opportunity to savor the sensory overload of Rocky Mountain National Park. Last week, a new hike, and incredible new views of familiar terrain, still induced awe. The air was crisp, a preview to the fall certain to arrive on our calendars this week. Yet the wildflowers were still abundant, in yellow, white, blue, gold and purple, and unlike the leaves in Boulder, which are beginning to turn, the leaves were still fresh and green. 

Yes, it's been an unusual year, with snow packing trails as late as July that are usually clear by the end of May or early June. The late winter storms give us the gorgeous late wildflower blooms. The elk are bugling, so that part is still on schedule. But something was different about this day.

The clarity of the shades of green (and brown where the pine beetle has left it's mark) was distinct. They popped like a numbered drawing, where one shade abuts another in a predetermined outlined picture. The clouds seemed to move faster that day, slipping quickly over the jagged crest of Long's peak. The lighting brought out first the green, then the red and black streaks, then overlain with a shade of gold. The entire landscape was alive and breathing.

There are certain moments when you begin to see things differently. It's like the first time you reread a book, an article, or see a movie, and it appears to be a different one than you first read or saw. Noticing different elements than I might have the first time in the Park, I have developed a deep appreciation of looking at the same old thing anew. Revisiting a landscape, or a thought, or idea, I know now this is true in other arenas as well. The more familiar I become with a topic, the easier it is to grow my expertise. It takes less thinking. You can see what is different and new more easily. My brain already has a paradigm it has been working with, and knowing and growing from that place is a joy.

This week, I hope you revisit the familiar, and look at ways to see and appreciate what you find in a new way. This is how we learn, by absorbing knowledge, and then gaining experience to see how the paradigms actually resonate with us. Developing and learning in any arena can ultimately bring more ease and joy into your life. How has this worked in your life? Are there areas you can look back on and see this has been true? I'd love to hear from you. 









]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:26:47 -0700http://www.empoweredforlife.net/2/post/2011/08/taking-time-for-what-you-value.htmlAnnually for a decade now, I've reviewed how I want to grow:  intellectually, spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, in relationship, career and health. Just like with a business plan, I then set about creating the strategies and implementing the actions to support that growth.

One of the areas I hadn't had on my radar before that time was developing a meditation practice. Recognized for health and spiritual benefits, there are many forms and types of practices available. Neuroscience shows that meditation leads to positive changes in brain chemistry and function, and that this contributes to positive moods and behaviors. As my understanding of the benefits grew, and I recognized the incredibly powerful untamed mind that I was living with, I took a more committed path to working with meditation, particularly mind training. I do this by going on a retreat.


Retreat is a time for extensive and intensive study and meditation.  Retreat means to extract oneself from the distractions of daily life and focus only on the mind training and taming.  Retreat is not a vacation or a time to flop and space out.  Retreat involves a strict schedule of practice and study, time to engage without phones, computers, social engagements, and worry about making/spending money.  Retreat offers time to focus on what really matters.

I write about this in the hopes that you are consciously looking at where you want to grow, and are setting aside time, energy and the means, to make it happen. And you might consider trying mediation, it is recognized as a key component/skill in developing resilience, and was invaluable to me in times of uninvited change.

“See"  you in September. Cheers.

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