The Invitation

There is an invitation being handed out across the world right now.
Would you like to change?
What I see in the financial crisis of our time is a sense of proof that profit for the motive of just profit doesn't work. Most of North America is feeling a vulnerability right now that they haven't felt in their lifetime. Most probably see it as a real risk to their way of life, and all of the good things that their money can buy. I put forward that maybe this is an invitation to change. Maybe this is an opportunity to reset our goals and aspirations into something that is more important than the almighty buck. Maybe there is a chance here for enough vulnerability that there is no choice but to make the change that in the end will line us up with what is important in our lives. Love, compassion, connection, authenticity, service. There is a calling right now, can you hear it? Find your real values. center your compass to them, and live your life in that direction. This is your invitation to live life as you want to. Now it is your choice.

The Art of Saying No

The Art of Saying No

Are you constantly doing work for others? Are you the type of person who is willing to do what it takes to be a good friend, but find that it is abused?

Learning the art of saying no can help you regain control over your life. By learning the art of saying no, you will find yourself freed from the burden of doing things you don't need to do. You will be freed to live your priorities, and spend your valuable time how you want.

Now, this does not mean choosing to be selfish, or less thoughtful, rather it is about conscious choice.

Here is a quick process for saying no:

1. Think of the whole commitment: Listen to what the person is asking and assess the entire commitment. Does it have an ongoing commitment attached to it?
   
2. Consider your values: How does it serve you to say yes to this commitment? How does it serve you to say no?
   
3. Take some time to answer: Get in the habit of taking some time to answer, give yourself the space to make a conscious choice. Other people will learn that this is how you process requests, and learn to expect to wait for an answer.
   
4. If it doesn't fit with your schedule or values, then just say no. Be direct, and don't apologize. You can explain the reason for your decision if need be.
   
5. Recognize what you have said yes to instead.
   
6. Look at your decisions and review how this has changed what you do. Are there choices that you made that you would like to change in the future?
   
7. Celebrate the fact that you are now more conscious in your life!!
   

   
    

   
    

Saying no is one of the most important skills you can develop in this world of increasing demands. The ability to consciously make the choice to say yes to what you want, and no to what you do not want is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Practice the art of saying no in your life, and watch how your energy rises when what you do is what you really want to do more often.

Appreciation and the Change Within

 

I woke this morning in a state of change. I wanted to move forward in my life, and was in the process of making things happen. I worked through the morning, and set the scene for how I wanted the day to unfold. I set obligations in motion that put pressure on me to succeed. I was working hard, and struggling. Then the twist. I took a walk on this cold rainy day. I walked with voices on my IPO talking about the present. The present. I was outside on a cold rainy day walking slowly when I stopped and realized again what an awe inspiring existence there was around me. The wind was blowing the clouds swiftly across the sky. The fall colours were burning red and glistening yellow. I had already walked by them, and not seen the beauty that was there. I started to appreciate where I was for the first time in weeks. I really stood there and appreciated what was happening around me. It felt good. It felt really good, and it is lingering with me. I still have things to do, some I want to do, others I have to do. From appreciation it all feels lighter, and warmer, and easier.