You can only see through your eyes

I remember years ago a doctor friend telling me how lucky they were and how they had led a charmed life. I knew from a previous conversation they slept with their cell phone because to them an answering service was just an inconvenience since they would end up calling the person back any way. I imagine it was also because of their true care and concern for the patients and wanting to be available any time they were needed. I thought to myself, well, that may be a charmed life to them, but I wouldn’t want to be tied to a phone 24/7.

Here is a classic case of a matter of perception, or seeing things differently depending on who’s looking at it. To them it was just a matter of doing something that went along with their chosen profession, and therefore a part of what they considered their “charmed” life. To me, it would have been a price I was paying, an inconvenience, because, well…I like uninterrupted sleep

You can see by this example, what is stressful or unpleasant to one person is not necessarily the case for another. The same holds true for what we find pleasant or desire and want in our life. We judge good or bad by our own perceptions…what we enjoy, what we find hard or easy, what makes us smile. Because of this one simple fact, what we want to experience, or not experience, is not the same for everyone.

So, the next time you are ready to judge someone else’s decision or actions, remember you can only look at it from your perception, not theirs. If we can concentrate on our own decisions in life and stop worrying about others, we will start creating what it is we want and begin to live from a more peaceful perspective.

Veteran for me equals my life and my love

What Veterans Day Means in My Life

Today is a day set aside to honor those who have served our country. I want to share with you how special it is for me and why.

First, my father was in the service during World War II. He actually met my mother in Belgium during the war. They were married when my mom was 17 and she came to this country shortly after the war leaving all family and friends behind. She was what they called a “war bride” and part of a group of many women who bravely followed their soldiers here all in the name of love. I’m sure leaving war torn Europe wasn’t as hard as leaving the people. She couldn’t speak English, but taught herself to read and write it, and one of her favorite stories was about becoming a citizen. I guess my pride is not only in the fact my father served for his country, but the bravery of my mom as well. So, don’t forget to honor those who sacrifice for those who are serving! If you think about it, were it not for his service, I wouldn’t be here writing this.

Next, my husband Harry served in the Navy during the Viet Nam war. He did not leave the states, but served as a hospital room technician at a naval hospital just outside Boston. One of my brothers, Gary, served at the same time, in the same place. I went to visit my brother, and yep, that’s when I met my husband. I knew the minute I saw him we would be married and here we are 37 years later still sharing our life together. So, the Universe sets things up in strange ways doesn’t it?

Because of my father serving…I was born.

Because of my husband and my brother serving…I connected with my soul mate.

Today I celebrate!

What if you knew you could never make a bad decision

How does it make you feel if I tell you that there is no way you can make a bad decision? I bet the first thing that comes to mind is, that’s nuts, people make bad decision all the time. So, what the heck am I talking about here? Is there a magic formula, a tool you need to use, a program you need to take, a special thing you have to do? No. All you need to do is know that the right decision lies within you, only you.

I can give you questions to ask, ways you should feel, things to consider, but - only you are living your life, only you have had your experiences, and only you know what it is that makes you happy. Trust how you feel more than what you think, because perception can be tricky, but true feelings don’t lie.

The truth of the matter is, you can only make a decision based on all you have at hand at the particular moment in which you are deciding. Fear of making a wrong decision will be paralyzing, yet no decision in and of itself is actually a decision.

It’s your choose, and if you follow your inner guidance, choose what brings you peace, choose what brings you happiness and choose with your heart, not your head.

I think as we grow and our awareness grows, our opinions change. This does not mean that you were wrong in the past. All it means is that what you believed in the past was your understanding with the knowledge you possessed at that moment. This is a new moment.

We fear making a bad decision, because perhaps one we made in the past didn’t turn out the way we expected. Ever consider, maybe it helped you learn a lesson you needed to learn? Obviously you didn’t blow up or disintegrate by making a bad decision, because you are still here to read this! And… you are an experience wiser with more knowledge under your belt. Do not allow yourself to get stuck in guilt because that guilt only keeps you in ego and blocks your connection to Source.

Trust your heart and instincts and you can’t make a bad decision.

Bring Spirit to Work Every Day!

Think about this when you are connecting with someone to present your business.

If you are coming from a place of “getting” and not from a place of “giving” your customers/clients will sense it. When dealing with your customers, you must be coming from a place of integrity, honesty, giving and love if you truly want to help them. If you aren’t, then you are only doing it for yourself, not them. The Universe doesn’t work that way.

This is a much used quote from A Course In Miracles that I think puts it in perspective.

I am here only to be truly helpful.
I am here to represent Him who sent me.
I do not have to worry about what to say or what
to do, because He Who sent me will direct me.
I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing
He goes there with me.
I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal.

If you feel like you’re pushing for something, you probably are, so stop and listen with your heart, not your head.

I believe that you must earn the right to offer your solution (program, product, service) by first doing your part in a Divine Agreement by figuring out why Spirit put the two of you together. If you don't know what they need, how can you possibly know if you can help them?

The best thing about connecting with prospective customers is that you aren’t alone on this journey and you have the power of the Universe inside of you to help you every step of the way.

Would God have given you a purpose without the means to do it?

Learn to trust yourself and your guidance and both of you will benefit. It's all about finding the win/win, because ultimately if you harm someone else, you are harming yourself as well.

Ignore the wrapping, it’s what’s inside that counts.

One of the things I talk about is how often times if the “gift” the Universe sends us isn’t wrapped to our liking, we may not take the time to open it. Well, this article is me experiencing my own example of this and sharing it with you.

I had lunch with a dear friend and colleague in a small suburban town near the car dealer where I took my car to have my oil changed. He was gracious enough to pick me up from the car dealer, we had a wonderful lunch and he dropped me off to pick up my car afterwards. I started to head home and it dawned on a few months back I was looking for some stones and my friend Steph recommended someone she likes who sells them. I had received an email that they now had a location in the downtown area where we had just eaten lunch, so I decide while I’m in the area I need to check it out.

I tried to call Steph, and no answer. Well, I think to myself, I’ve had the Universe guide me before, so I’ll just ask, and follow the guidance I receive. Blinker on, ready to be led, I make a right turn back down to Main St. (literally.) Here I am driving slowly down Main St., which normally has little traffic, looking from left to right on the store fronts for the name of the “stone lady.” Of course, some nice older gentleman happens to decide to drive down Main St. at this very point in time, but, he is in a hurry and on my bumper. I feel extremely guilty and since most of the shops face the street the first place I can pull over to let him go by, I do. I go to pull out, and nope, a women in a hurry is headed that way, so I patiently let her go on by.

My venture continued up and down streets, calling information who had no listing of that name in that town, sitting in the parking lot searching google on my blackberry, and darn…where are you Universe?

I finally decide, go to Starbucks (I know where the closest one is) and search the web some more, wait for Divine Inspiration, or give up. Grande Decaf Mocha Light Frappuccino in hand I decide to call Steph once more before heading home, a little disappointed my “connection” hadn’t worked. This time, she answered and I had the name close, but wrong, and of course helpful friend that she is, she says let me look it up for you, I’m right in front of my computer. She tells me it’s at 445 Main St. inside “The Brick Street Mall” and I bust out laughing.

Yep, you got it if you saw this coming, the place I pulled over to let the man by was “The Brick Street Mall.” Now, the stone lady’s name was not outside because it is one of those places you share space, but wouldn’t it have made sense for me to park, go inside and ask someone inside if they knew where she was. Not only that, but realize I went to pull out and was told to stay a second time and didn’t listen.

Gotta love the lessons… I was guided but didn’t recognize the answer and was even given a second chance and still didn’t listen. Better than that, if I had just thought to ask another person for help I would have been right where I need to be. You never know in what shape or form the Universe is going to send your answer, so don’t pre-determine how it’s going to work.

The happy ending is since I didn’t give up, (although it could have been a lot easier, I’m the one who made it hard – yet another lesson) I left with lovely stones in hand, that I got at a reasonable price, and a story for all of you to read.

What's really going on?

There is a slight difference, but sometimes we aren’t arguing to be right, we are arguing not to be wrong. The ego has taught us being wrong makes you less of a person, while being right makes you the better person. I think both stances are wrong, but let’s look a little deeper at what’s really going on.

For comparison, first think about the way you feel when you want to be right. Stop right this moment and really think about how it makes you feel. It shouldn’t be hard to come up with a recent situation where you wanted to convince the other person you were right and they were wrong.

Now, think about the way you feel when you don’t want to be wrong. It’s not just a matter of correcting the other person or convincing them they are wrong, you absolutely cannot be wrong. You don’t really care that it may be a matter of perception, you might have heard something incorrectly, or your memory of it isn’t correct…you have just can’t own the feeling you were wrong.

If you pay close attention, there is more fear attached to not wanting to be wrong. Wanting to be right is more of a statement of fact. Not wanting to be wrong attaches more of a negative emotion to it. I think it has to do with the fact in one situation you are using the word “want” and in the other you are using the word “don’t.”

Here’s what really is the underlying issue, no matter which one is the reason. If you find yourself correcting others, or constantly seeing their faults, you are seriously having issues with a belief in lack. They have to wrong so you can be right, thus you believe if they have something it take away from you.

Interesting how deceitful our ego can be, hiding our true issues behind something else. The lesson here is- don’t take things at face value. If you find yourself doing something you don’t like, dig in and figure out what’s really going on.

What matters most?

I think our initial reaction on how to answer the question “what matters most to you?” depends on who you are and where you are in life. For example, a man may think “my wife and kids,” and a women may think “my family” Without children, the man may think “my job” and perhaps a women may think “my appearance.” Ask a teenager and they may think “my car.” Give it a minute and I’m sure you can see how answers to this question can be all over the place.

So, let’s dig deeper and figure out what really matters, or more importantly what should.

Here’s the deal… there is only one person, guaranteed that you have to live with your entire life and that person is you. If you don’t recognize how much you matter, if you don’t love yourself unconditionally, how can you give someone else something you don’t have?

We are taught that it’s selfish to think that we matter, and it would be if it was at the expense of someone else. If you are connected to your Creator (or whatever you believe in) you would never choose anything other than what’s in the highest good for everyone. That’s why you need to completely tap into the belief just how much you do matter, because then, and only then will you be able to help others. You will be able to give to others what you have discovered within yourself.

I ask you “what matters?”

I tell you – you do!

Where did that come from?

I was watching something last night on television and there was a scene with the vehicle (not sure what they call it) that hooks up to the plane and pulls it up to the terminal. My initial thoughts went to how years ago people had to walk out to the plane and up steps, and, in some instances and countries you still do.

What occurred to me is that someone had to come up with the idea it was something they wanted to create. Yes, it is more a convenience than a necessity, however, everyone who simply walks down the enclosed ramp into the plane today probably takes it for granted.

Now, think about what must have gone into how it came about. The very first thing had to be the idea, then selling the idea to a lot of different people, figuring out the best and most economical way to produce it, etc. etc.

My point here is what caused it to come into being? It was someone’s idea, their dream, that began with a thought. Maybe they got rained on boarding a plane and decided there must be a better way, whatever initiated the thought was the beginning of it’s existence. The person initially came up with the “what” and that led them into beginning the “how.”

If we did not dream of better ways to do things in our life, I suppose we would all still be living in caves and banging animals on the head with rocks for dinner. Never underestimate your dreams, pay attention to your thoughts and realize we are here to create.

NOTE (TIME SENSITIVE)- If you're interested in working with me one on one I have an incredible summer offer - http://bit.ly/cNBJrm

You are where you should be

As we go through life and we work on self improvement and spiritual growth, there is something in us that thinks once we grab some magical “brass ring” all our worries will be over. We’ll be in total bliss, always be happy and not have to work on healing anything ever again. It gives me the visual image of Snow White in a meadow with the birds singing, being loved by all the woodland creatures and dancing her way through life.

We somehow think once we heal something (grab that brass ring) that should be it- done with, over, healed, not going there again, thank you very much. You may not like hearing this, and you may find this hard to believe but it just doesn’t work that way. Because we learn and heal on a spiral, you may just have the same thing come up again, but on a deeper level. This is good news if you look at with from the right perspective.

I use to beat myself up thinking I was defective because surely once I reached my meadow I was suppose to stay there forever. After all, I did all this work and finally got my reward. When the rains came, the birds flew away and there were no woodland creatures to dance with I thought what in the world did I do to have it taken away? I’ve finally learned...I did nothing wrong, it was just time to come back around to a learning place for a while.

The deeper lesson in all of this is to enjoy the meadow while you’re in it. When you’re in the storm (a learning place,) know that the meadow is right around the corner. Life is all about ebb and flow, and no matter where you find yourself it is exactly where you are suppose to be.

Think you need all the answers?

I was thinking how we often feel “if I just had all the answers.” As human beings we think we are striving for perfection. We somehow have this misconception perfection and happiness go together.

I’ll be happy when I find my perfect mate.
I’ll be happy when I uncover my true purpose in life.
I’ll be happy when I make a million dollars.
I’ll be happy when I lose 30 pounds.
I’ll be happy when…- fill in the blank-.


If you are constantly giving your happiness specific criteria, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Once you find, uncover, make, lose, or whatever it is you’re goal is, you will inevitably have a sense of “now what?”

You have got to learn to just be happy now. This moment, right now is truly all that matters. The past if over and done, the future has no guarantees, so if you aren’t happy, right now, in this moment, you are missing out on the greatest joy of life. From a spiritual perspective, you are perfect in Spirit, but, you are here to experience life and all that goes along with it.

Yes, you want to have goals and desires…the key is to learn to be happy during the process of fulfilling them. Once you reach a goal or obtain a desire, you are going to replace with another. Life is all about creating, so you will always be moving toward “something.” Think about it- even when you are totally content with your life, you still think of things you want, such as a vacation, a new car, something new to add to your experience.

So, quit being hard on yourself. Stop feeling guilty you haven’t reached a specific goal or desire and give yourself a break. I have always said the day I stop learning it the day I didn’t wake up. Be happy you are constantly learning because of this you continue to have desires. Realize you don’t have to be perfect to be happy.

How do you show up?

You may or may not have heard the expression “how you show up in life is how you show up in your business.” I was thinking about that this morning and truth be told, how you show up anywhere is how you show up everywhere.

Since we are all “energy” if you’ve studied anything about The Law of Attraction, you know we are constantly putting out vibrations of what we want to experience. We have thoughts, and we have feeling connected to those thoughts. Those feelings are what create the energetic vibration we are sending out.

When we make a choice in our life that is not aligned with what we really want, it makes us feel bad. We may not consciously admit it or even know it, but on some level we feel bad because we are not connected to our true self and all the good feeling that comes with that. This puts our vibration or feelings out of whack and the end result is, well, everything starts showing up out of whack.

Often times we know better, but out of fear, belief in lack, old programming in our head, we still make the choice we know will cause us harm. We don’t like to admit it though, so we try to make it work. It doesn’t.

Ever take a client you just knew was not an energetic match because of the money? What happens? You struggle, you get frustrated, they put you in overwhelm and your other clients suffer because of it. Can you really be giving your other clients your best with this negative energy attached to you?

The good news is once you recognize it, you can change it. Let them know you’re not a good fit and you think they would be happier and more satisfied if they found someone who was. In other words, let it go. I promise once you create the opening, it will be filled with an “energetic” match, and how you are showing up for your other clients will change for the better.

Don’t beat yourself… be loving and forgiving, just make the change and move on. Your energy will shift and so will everything else around.

NOTE (TIME SENSITIVE)- If you're interested in working with me one on one I have an incredible summer offer - http://bit.ly/cNBJrm

Turn Wishing, Hoping, Dreaming into Creating

I think we all need to spend some time just fantasizing to connect to what our deep down desires really are. But, just wishing, hoping and dreaming only will keep you stuck.

When you create an image in your mind, this in turn will create a thought of how you would like something in your life to be, or maybe a possession you desire. The most important part of imagining (visualizing) is to connect with the feeling of actually owning it, being there, or experiencing it…just like we did when we were children.

When I was small it was called “day dreaming” and it certainly was not encouraged. Once I became aware of this fact as an adult, I first had to accept it, and then adapt to changing it so it was integrated into my being. You know the feeling of truly “owning” it. I must admit, I still work on this because it is human nature (or habit) to fall back into what you were taught as a child was or was not acceptable behavior.

Creating like most things in life is definitely a process. In order to move past the wishing, hoping, dreaming, you must set a thought (or an intention) that this is something you do desire in your life. The process doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve done this and put that feeling into it, you can’t just sit there and expect it to fall from the sky.

Yes, the intention is what will create it, however, you will probably have to act in some manner to receive it. This is what is called “inspired action.” The Universe will open the doors in ways you could never imagine, and since your job is to receive, you need to pay attention to what is sent your way.

Webster's definition of inspired is - "aroused, animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural or Divine influence." When you are inspired to do something, don’t over think it, don’t question, don’t talk yourself out of it…act!

How do you tell the difference? Inspired action is action that feels good and natural and is effortless. It is the action taken to receive your intention. Action that is taken to force or create something is not inspired. Think about the feelings behind it, you will be able to tell the difference.

To sum it up- desire, intend, feel, act, receive. Are you missing out on a part of the creation process? You can tell by your results, so if you need to, go back to the part you missed…the great thing about the Universe is it does allow do-overs!

You don't need to know everything

The Universe will reveal to you what you need to know as you need to know. It is also a matter of being able to accept what you are being shown and being in a place to embrace it.

Have you ever watched a movie for the second time and seen something you didn’t the first time you saw it? Part of the reason for this is that you already knew the plot, characters, etc. from seeing it the first time, so you were able to pay attention to other things.

Life happens much the same way. As we grow, we can understand things on a deeper level. Think about this, you can’t learn to multiply if you don’t know how to add. You have to understand certain principles before others will make sense to you.

So, relax, enjoy this wonderful life journey and know that if you don’t get something the first time it is presented to you, you will be given another chance. When you need to know it and you can accept it, it will be shown to you.

Commit like a Gold Medal winner

Whether you watch the Olympics or not, I’m sure you’re aware of what they are and all about Olympic champions. This year as I watched the games, and many of the heart warming stories of the family sacrifices to train their champions I thought about how inspirational it should be to all of us in our business.

What makes a champion? First, they love what they do, and second they are committed to do whatever it takes to be the best in their field. Yes, I am sure there are days when that alarm goes off at 3:00 or 4:00 AM to get up and get ready to head out to practice that they, just like the rest of us, would sometimes like to throw it against the wall! But, they don’t. They are committed and they just do what they have to do. They stay focused with their eye always on the prize.

Not only do the athlete give so much of themselves, but consider the Mom’s and Dad’s who drive them to practice… some even giving up their own dreams to help their children live theirs. I think this is a Divine agreement they have made, and I believe if you asked them they would not change it for anything in the world. They also do what they need to do with total commitment.

Now, consider the coach. This is a person who has dedicated their life to training the athlete to be the best they can possibly be. They are there to push them, to cheer them on, to console them, to do whatever is necessary at the appropriate time to help them be the best they can possibly be. They never waver on their commitment.

Behind the scenes, there are countless others who support in many ways. Anyone involved in equipment, costumes, travel arrangements, nutrition, the list goes on and on. All play a vital part in creating the champion, who would not and could not be who they were meant to be without them. Each one plays an integrate part in creating the end result, each one is doing what they are meant to do.

So, think about your business. Are you the champion? Do you commit to whatever it takes? Do you let your coach, your back up team, anyone who supports you in countless numbers of small ways do their part? Do you have the coach, the team, everything you need so you can stay focused on your part of the agreement?

Look at the Olympic champions for inspiration, commit to whatever it takes, and be sure you have the background support you need, and most importantly, let them do their part while you do yours, all with total commitment.

Increase Your Sales by Changing Your Focus

As the year comes to an end, I think we reflect on what the past year has brought and begin to focus on what we hope the New Year will bring.

Because the spiritual teachings of A Course In Miracles are near and dear to my heart, I can’t help but thinking how what it teaches and what we need to bring to our business goes hand in hand. It was a major ah-ha for me this year, and will be an important focus in 2010, so I am sharing it with you.

Students of the course love the saying “Shift Happens.” One of the important things ACIM teaches us is, when you make a shift in your perception from your ego to your Spirit this is when the miracle occurs. It’s catching yourself following your ego, recognizing it, and then making the shift to connecting with your true self and following Divine guidance.

It’s one of those things that sound simple, but simple doesn’t always mean easy.

So, what does this have to do with your business?
You need to make a shift in your mindset when it comes to your customers. In order to be successful, you must shift your focus from yourself to them… particularly during the sales process. Instead of focusing so hard on trying to tell them everything you offer (which is focusing on yourself,) recognize you first need to find out how you can help them.

You’ve got to figure out what they need before you can tell them you have it.

Many times we are so focused on our own investment in the outcome, we forget what really matters. In order to truly be successful, in any business exchange the outcome has got to be a win/win solution. If you are only worried about telling them what you think is important, you may spend a lot of wasted time talking about something that is of no interest to them. If that’s what you’re doing, they stop listening. Neither one of you will benefit from the conversation.

When you shift your focus to the other person and their needs, you can easily follow the Divine guidance within and connect with them on a higher level. This is where the true healing, helping and solution takes place.

You have got to learn to get out of your own way, which is why it’s not always easy. We like to think we know what’s best not only for ourselves, but for others as well. Yes, you may have the perfect solution for them, but if you don’t focus on them, you may miss the opportunity to offer it.

If you would make one of your goals in 2010 to focus on your customer’s needs, and not your needs, your will see an incredible change happen in your business. Don’t ever think you’re in this alone!

SMART Goals with a Spiritual Twist

I teach and coach how to obtain maximum results by combining the spiritual and the practical, and goal setting is a great example of doing this. It gives your logical mind a process to follow, and you should also become aware it's not only OK, but necessary to connect with Spirit while goal setting!

When you set your goals always find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted and start thinking about your ideal business. Remember the goal has got to be your goal. Not one you think you must do because of someone else or for someone else, but because it will help you get where you want to go. It will take you to your place of happiness and success, which is unique from anyone else.

If you don’t know what you want, you won’t know where you want to go and you may end up somewhere that isn’t to your liking. By setting goals you are putting where you want to go in writing. You are also making a commitment to yourself you are working toward achieving something.

Traditional goal setting always incorporated the S.M.A.R.T rules for setting goals. Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely.

I’m going to expand that even further and bring the spiritual into it.
S – specific reason, significant, synergistic, shifting, *Spirit Guided
M – measurable results, meaningful, motivating, *Magical
A – attainable action plans, accountability, *Authentic
R – realistic, relevant, results-oriented, rewarding, *Resonating
T – timely, tangible, thoughtful, *Truth

S
Always be sure you have specific reasons. In other word, why do you want to achieve this goal? For it to be significant you need to understand what having it means to you. When you understand these things, it will be synergistic, your energy will shift to obtain it, and because God wants you have the life you desire and deserve, Spirit will guide you.
M
Your goal has to have measurable results so you know you are getting there. When it is meaningful to you, the closer you get, the more motivated you will be and the easier it becomes. It becomes second nature to break through your fears to accomplish it and it will seem almost magical to you when you see the results.
A
Anything is attainable because you have the power of the Universe within. You need an action plan so you won’t become paralyzed when you become fearful. When you hold yourself accountable you will push through your discomfort and the results will be nothing but awesome! Always stay authentic and true to yourself in this process.
R
When you set a goal you have to be realistic and not put something like “I will lose 60 pounds in one week.” It can’t be anything that would actually be harmful to you! It also needs to be relevant to you and require results-oriented actions to keep you moving in the right direction. Most importantly it has to a result in a reward. When you are connecting with your true heart’s desire it will resonate within you and you will have no doubts it’s in your Highest Best Good.
T
When you set a time in which to accomplish a goal, make sure it’s reasonable, but also make sure it causes you to stretch. Be sure it is something tangible so you know when you reached it. Always be thoughtful about your goal setting and ask for guidance from Spirit. Your goals with align with Truth when you take the time to ask for guidance.

Most importantly, remember as circumstances change, you must be flexible with your goals as well. In other words, don’t use them to beat up on yourself!

Before you can reach where you want to go, you need to know where you are starting. Learn more about yourself and find out your preferred Spiritual Sales Style www.TheSecretSourceofSales.com