Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Getting Happy with the Big Picture





Climbing at Seneca Rocks this weekend was an eye-opening experience for me. In front of me stood this massive 900 foot mountain. And I was going to climb it. It was my biggest climb yet and I was so excited. Climbing is such a metaphor for life. It takes a huge amount of physical and mental perseverance. Sitting on top of that mountain reaffirmed for me that the bigger picture is often much larger than we can imagine. Climbing up I knew there would be a beautiful view at the top. My reward would most certainly be a lovely landscape and my sense of accomplishment.

My lesson, however, was much bigger than the view. Not only could I see for miles, but I suddenly felt very small. This sensation has occurred before on a mountaintop, but it was much more intense this time. I found myself reflecting on the bigger picture in my own life. We often focus so much on the small details, those hand and foot holds to keep scraping upwards. How often do we stop to think that the big picture, the lovely view, is always surrounding us?

I'll give you another example. Last December I had a serious relationship end. It was a hard time for me to try to promote my business, keep my spirits up and push myself. I'm in a much better place now, but you know what? Not all that much has changed. My business is still chugging along, my friends are still loving and supportive and my lifestyle is pretty much the same. Back in December I couldn't see how full my life was. I only saw the void where my happiness once was. Now, my source of happiness lies within myself, my big picture is what I had already created around me. I can see it now. It's tangible and it's real. Back in December I could only see the void and the huge mountain I had left to climb before I could again reclaim the good things in my life.

What are the small holds you are focusing on and how will you push off of them to keep moving forward? Take some time today to reflect on your big picture and how gorgeous the view really is. Breath taking and moving as you realize and reclaim all that you have created around you. What views will you set your eyes on next?

Enjoy the journey,
Coach Katie

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Your Best Self

I started this post thinking it would be aimed at the ladies today. However, I would be willing to assume that many guys face this challenge as well. I'm talking about being your best self. I have lost count of how many friends and clients have confided that they feel less than adequate. I have to admit, sometimes I feel it, too. You know how every now and then you get a small glimpse of your true self? You leave a group feeling more than energized, you take a walk feeling totally at peace and open to life, you help out a friend and think THAT is my genuine self. So...where does it go during those in between times?

It doesn't go anywhere. That feeling is always within you. Did you hear that? Always. What changes is your environment. One minute you are thrilled to be around people because those people support your values and love you no matter what. Then, your environment changes and you are in a room of strangers or people who don't quite "get you." That's when we tend to change our behaviour to fit into our environment. Here is an important truth: you can't please everyone all the time and you can't be "up" all the time.

If we were "up" all the time we'd have nothing to compare our low moods to. Each of us is unique and has a special voice. We each have a message to share with the world. I would venture to say we each have many messages to share with the world. Think of how much wisdom you have gained from others. Wisdom is reciprocal and either you have passed that on at some point, or shared some of your own unique wisdom.

Bring yourself back to a place where you were most at peace, where you felt most authentic. Where was that place? What contributed to your peace? What about that environment supported your authenticity? Live there when you are uncomfortable. Feel that place. Bring yourself back to center with it so you can speak your true voice. When you are doing that, two things happen:

1. You are more attractive because you are authentic. People can't help but be attracted to authentic people.

2. You don't "need" the people who aren't attracted to you. Folks that just don't get it don't really matter anymore. You don't need to pursue their friendship or their company if you don't feel a connection. Why not? Because you know you need to surround yourself with people who understand and support you.

Now, it's important to remember that not everyone will get you every step of the way. Remember that your friends are human and make mistakes, too. However, they also respect and value your authentic self. They push you to be better. This is reciprocal by the way. So, who are the people in your life that understand you and push you to be your best self? Thank them today. Then plan a good night out to be lifted up and spirited. Have fun with this!

Peace and authenticity,
Coach Katie

Monday, May 22, 2006

Fuel for the Soul

After a relaxing weekend of climbing in the mountains, I am inspired to write about finding inspiration. As soon as we started driving into the mountains, I immediately settled into my seat and relaxed. For me, being in nature is an inspiration. I enjoy feeling the damp air, seeing the plush shades of green, hearing the wind in the trees and smelling the pure air. I love walking down a path and not knowing exactly what my eyes will fall upon next, or climbing and not knowing what view will be above the treetops. Being out there ignites every one of my senses. It's a wonderful escape for me from the busy city. My goal is to own property in the mountains. For now, they are my escape. Any time I am feeling out of balance, I plan a trip.

What is your escape? For some it is driving down a long windy road, for some it is being in the mountains or at the beach, for others walking around a busy city watching people all day. Where do you find you are most inspired? Describe it in terms of your senses. How often do you allow yourself this escape? Do others join you or is it most effective for you to be alone?

Try to narrow down exactly what that environment inspires in you. Think about the way it makes you feel. Where can you incorporate some of that feeling in your life? For instance, my office is a very mossy green color, very naturistic because that color evokes the feeling I have when I am in the woods on a spring day. Everything I surround myself with is earthy and natural colored. Can you bring some of your ideal environment into your everyday life? Think in terms of colors, sounds, smells, etc.

Enjoy your day today. Plan your next trip to bring balance back into your life. Use it as a little escape and some alone time to rejuvenate.

Inspiration and love,
Coach Katie

Friday, May 19, 2006

Passionate about our jobs

HA! It's completely impossible to be passionate about a job. No one really likes getting up and going to work day after day. Honestly, jobs are just a means to support the mortgage, car loan and student loans. Jobs offer a little extra cash to do some traveling, maybe a headache or two and perhaps a fight between myself and the ones I love. I can't do anything about the job I have, I'm stuck with it.

Do you agree with these statements? These are some of the lies we tell ourselves about having a job. If you were in a relationship and couldn't stand the other person...would you stay? My point is, why are you spending 40+ hours per week of your life doing something you don't like, respect or enjoy? Are you waiting for something better? Settling for what you have?

OR...are you really looking for that ideal daytime activity that will energize you...and pay you at the same time! I know, impossible right? I can't say I agree. There are people out there who love what they do everyday. It is possible. For most, jobs are necessary, yes. How intentional are you being about your search?

When I say search, I don't mean monster.com or careerfinder.com. I mean searching within yourself. Each of us already knows our purpose. I know it sounds crazy. The problem is that through our lives we have been asked to stop dreaming, to follow educational standards and to hide our true thoughts. Starting to sound familiar?

When I went to college, I studied graphic design. I liked it...but I didn't love it. I knew it wasn't my passion or my purpose. It paid the bills, it nurtured my creative side, it allowed me to have fun. So, what was the problem? It didn't fulfill ME. At the end of the day, I was tired, stressed and unfulfilled. I began researching other jobs. Everything that I took an interest in brought peace to the lives of others. Jobs such as massage therapy, yoga instructor, etc caught my attention. As soon as I started researching these paths, I attended a tele-class led by a life coach. I began researching what coaching was and I just knew that was my calling. That's when I began working with my own coach to see what the process was like. Then, I went back to school to study coaching. Before long, I started my own business. My own searching pulled me foward on a path that I didn't question. Every step led to someone or something who offered a gift in the form of advice, suggestion or knowledge.

I want to ask that you take some time today to explore your inner desires. Reflect on what jobs have peaked your interest at some point in your life and what common thread ties them together. Ask yourself why you don't like your current job and what might make you enjoy it more. Start researching, attending seminars, etc. Expand your learning and the right field will reveal itself. There are many ways to uncover the truth about where your calling is. This is the tip of the iceberg.

If you do feel stuck in your job, if you are drained by your work, if you are too tired to enjoy life by the time 5:00 comes around, my goal is for you to say to yourself: "I deserve more than this." Your life is too precious to be wasted. Your time is too valuable. I assure you that you deserve more if you are unhappy. Your spirit requires more. Take a step today, even it's only one, toward something better. Talk to someone new about what they do, read a magazine you wouldn't normally pick up and see what stands out at you or go online and type in a keyword that always brings you energy. Whatever it is, be intentional about it. Plant the seed that starts growing and see what kind of fruit you can reap from it later. Every person we encounter has a message for us, every experience has a lesson. Start listening.

Get serious about this change if it's really what you want. The only person that make it happen is YOU.

With gratitude and intention,
Coach Katie

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Coaching...what is coaching anyway?

In honor of the first posting of Morning Monologue, I'd like to dedicate this one to coaching. Often, people are intrigued by what I do, consistently asking the question, "what is a coach?" I'll give you a little background and my purpose for this blog. Sign on, let me know what you think and what you'd like for me to cover!

My purpose for Morning Monologue is to give away FREE coaching. I will do my best to address a coaching issue three times a week and post it to this blog. Please, feel free to send me other topics you would like to see covered. I'd love to hear some of the challenges you are facing and help inspire you to move past your roadblock. Here are a few examples of coaching topics:

You know that job you hate but can't seem to leave? Or those nagging negative thoughts regarding your strengths, values and worth? You know that task you've been putting off? You know those last 5 lbs you can't seem to shed? You know that lost feeling you sometimes get? You know that shy/scared/overwhelmed notion that creeps in at the most inopportune time? You know that dream you've buried so deep you can hardly remember it anymore? You know that feeling that you are not living your passion? You know that insanely chaotic life you are leading? Coaching can help.

Just becoming popular in the last decade or so, people seem to know the title of coaching, but get lost in the description. Coaching is about regaining control over your life: recapturing the actions, items or places that bring you energy and make you feel alive. Working with a coach allows for scheduled time to put yourself first. How often do you do that? I work with my clients three times a month. We have three hours of in depth talk about what you want, what you're missing and what you're going to do about it. In between our sessions, you continue to work toward your goals (do you see the additional time you are setting aside for yourself automatically through coaching?). Action is essential. A coach keeps you accountable for what you say you want to do. In addition, coaching stretches you little by little to reach for more.

Different from therapy, coaching works with you to determine what you want out of the rest of your life. It's not about dissecting why you are the way you are. It's about what you will do to be happy from this point forward. Coaches are NOT therapists, they will not pretend to be therapists and you should not use one if you need therapy. That being said, we might ask questions about your history to better understand where you are coming from, but our intention is not to diagnose you.

Okay, so hopefully that mini-description helped. You can visit www.energizeyourmoment.com to read more about my business and myself. My goal for this blog is to inspire you, even if it is just once, to seek out the things in life you really want. I'm not talkin about physical items, I mean people, places and activities that get you so excited you can't wait to tackle the next step. Working 40+ hours, juggling friends, family and obligations, it's easy to lose ourselves in the madness. I am passionate about helping men and women energize their moments again.

Make some space for yourself and start dreaming about what would add momentum and passion to your life! More to come Friday.

Signing off for now,
Coach Katie