Few things give us joy and satisfaction like meaningful success. And each of us defines “meaningful” differently. It may be publishing a book, finally finishing a tough workout without stopping, or kicking that pesky caffeine habit. It may also be … Continued
How often have you been told to live your purpose only to look in the mirror and say, “I don’t know what my purpose is?” We inadvertently hold ourselves back by searching for purpose when clues have often been right … Continued
Ever had one of those days when you were so involved in something that you lost all track of time? Have you ever noticed synchronicities or frequent coincidences that seem to have no relationship to one another? If you answered … Continued
Now more than ever, it’s important to remember that we all have the power to celebrate and manage our emotions. And to do that, we need to remember that we have a great deal of say over what we expose … Continued
I don’t know about you, but 2020 was a rollercoaster. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, I often felt drained and overwhelmed. By year’s end, certain things settled down, while others remained uncertain. And that led me to reflect on what I … Continued
Confession: I sometimes struggle to receive offers of help with grace. For a long time, I thought I should be able to do things myself and that asking for help was something only to be done when the world flipped … Continued
How do you feel about change? Does it scare you? Do you roll with it? Do you relish the thought of change, or are your feelings about it dependent on what the change is and how much that change may … Continued
Why do things repeatedly trigger us? How often do we chastise ourselves by internally saying things like, “I should be over this already,” “why can’t I let this go,” “why does this keep coming up for me?” The qualities I … Continued
This is Part II of the Wellness Inventory Dimensions as Elements The Wellness Inventory is a whole person wellness program that helps you use your strengths to achieve your goals and bring more vitality, awareness, and balance to your life. … Continued
You know you should eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise a few times a week to stay healthy. You also know that keeping your mind sharp and doing things that are emotionally rewarding help you feel fulfilled and … Continued
Human beings are hardwired for connection. Even introverts, with our fun-loving adoration of “alone time,” need meaningful relationships with others. To form relationships, we need to figure out not only how to contribute a verse, but also what that verse … Continued
Are you struggling to find greater meaning in your life? Are you consumed by your daily life only to wonder if you’re missing out, or if there’s something “more” meant for you? Finding meaning comes from many things; it can … Continued
Do you often find too many things on your To-Do list? And do you sometimes think, “I have so much to get done. I’ll never get to do all the things I actually want to do.?” At the core of … Continued
In our ever-changing fast-paced world it can be hard to stay on course, to follow our own true north. We’re bombarded with “shoulds” and “musts,” “ought to” and “have to.” One of the best ways to stay true to yourself … Continued
There’s a debate in the stratosphere about whether life balance or work/life balance is possible. Some believe that there is no separation between work and life – it’s all in how we spend our time. Others think that balance looks … Continued
How often do you find yourself saying the word “busy”? When someone asks you how you are or what you’ve been doing – do you lead with “I’ve just been so busy.” Or maybe you don’t actually say “busy,” but … Continued
I’ve written before about the power of stories: the ones we tell ourselves, the ones others tell us, and the ones we absorb from our culture and society. What we glean from these stories about ourselves is crucial as it … Continued
US employers lose an estimated $300 billion annually due to stress-related absenteeism, illness, and lost productivity 58% of Americans say work is a significant source of stress 36% of workers rated Workload as their #1 source of work stress followed … Continued
One of the kindest and most self-affirming things we can do for ourselves is to learn to set and maintain healthy boundaries, both in our personal lives and at work. But so often we find ourselves not setting boundaries despite … Continued
We all love our guilty little pleasures, moments where our attention wanders and we clandestinely check out our news feed or send a quick text to someone. We fall down internet rabbit holes or become obsessed with binge watching our … Continued
Ah, the joy of coworkers. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been around long enough to have experienced, the good, the bad, the usually not so ugly, and the downright incompetent. I’ve had the great honor of working alongside some … Continued
Does the thought of change cause your heart to race out of anxiousness or excitement? If you’re in the “heart racing due to anxiousness” camp, rest assured I get you. But I also know from hard-won experience that change does … Continued
How often do you use your intuition? Do you think you even have intuition? Or are you frustrated because you force yourself to often go against what you know in your heart is right? Many people ignore their intuition … Continued
Whether you’re starting a new year, a new month, or a new day, making effective choices through goal setting and resolutions can be tricky. You have great intentions. You have willpower. And you stick with something for a “little while” … Continued
One of the reasons so many people are more stressed than ever is because we have lost our capacity to savor. We’ve been told that if we stop to smell the roses, appreciate the aroma of good coffee, or notice … Continued
If you’ve tried and failed to begin a wellness practice, rest assured you’re not alone. Moving from where you are now to a place where you feel like you’re taking care of yourself on a consistent basis can be challenging, … Continued
Have you ever found yourself feeling like you’re working so incredibly hard and yet not achieving the results you want? Or worse, you’ve done all the work, and now things have taken off, and you’ve found yourself overwhelmed and wondering … Continued
Though we are supposedly more connected than ever as a society, often we feel as though we have no support. It’s in these times that we need to remember that weaving our own web of contacts, confidantes, and close friends … Continued
Even if you pursue your dream with the most passionate intent, at times you’re going to lose motivation. Things don’t come together as fast as you’d like, projects stall, you’re working crazy hard not knowing if what you’re doing is … Continued
How often have you found yourself feeling like you’re retracing your steps, going through the same motions over and over, and yet still getting nowhere? Rest assured, we’ve all been there, and it isn’t a good feeling. Taking the … Continued
Each of us has an internal set of rules about how things should go and what should happen. Much like the rain becomes a river which flows to the sea and then evaporates to become rain again, our internal rules … Continued
The world demands that we work at a breakneck pace and anything less is a failure, or worse yet, a sign of laziness. The problem with this train of thought is that if you keep zooming along trying to keep … Continued
In a culture where sharing is encouraged to the point of TMI, you would think people would have little trouble expressing themselves. Aren’t we encouraged to do that at every turn? Post the picture on Instagram. Share the video on … Continued
How many times were you tantalizingly close to achieving something you thought you wanted only to watch it fall apart? Instead of coming off as curious or interesting to an important person you just met, you came off as overeager … Continued
Sometimes, regardless of season, you sense that the light, and energy, in your life is about to change. It may feel as though things have become darker or more subdued, or you may feel you’re about to have a breakthrough … Continued
Every now and again, a time will come when you realize you need to start pitchin’ and ditchin’ so you can make room for better things. And by better things I mean, better, healthier thoughts and habits, nicer, more useful … Continued
We design our lives through the power of choice -Richard Bach The power of choice is a power that can never be taken away from us regardless of circumstances. But sometimes life doesn’t feel that way. We feel as though … Continued
Everyone has their own definition of what success looks like, feels like, and will allow them to do, be, and have. But many times, success is viewed as something “out there” – if we strive enough and work hard enough, … Continued
What’s your dream? Every great beginning starts with a dream. And whether you’re aware of it or not, your dreams are always driven by how you want to feel. Going for a certain feeling is at the heart of … Continued
What is the one thing that keeps you up at night? What is the one thing that makes you afraid to take the next step, to make the call, to strike out and try something new? Here’s the answer: uncertainty. … Continued
If you’ve ever wanted to change something – a habit, a way of thinking, your hair, sometimes even your clothes – and then thought, why bother, you understand what it feels like to give up before you begin. And sometimes … Continued
The deceptively simple and yet obvious thing about success is that it starts and ends with you. You know this, but sometimes it can be so very difficult to actually live as if you know it. Living as if you … Continued
What do you think of when you hear the word “legacy?” Do you think legacies are only left by certain people? Maybe those who make a certain amount of money or have a certain level of fame or recognition? If … Continued
Obstacles, real and perceived, are the reason most people do not pursue living a life of meaning. There’s always some “thing,” some “one,” some fear, some reason why you can’t / won’t / shouldn’t take even the smallest action toward … Continued
This is Lesson Five in a series on how the Myths of Modern Life are keeping people overwhelmed. If you’re interested in busting myths so you can manage overwhelm and have more time to do what matters most to you, … Continued
Do you struggle with perfectionism? If so you’re not alone. Many of us (yours truly included) sometimes get so caught up in striving for some perfect state that we miss the joy in what we’re trying to create by making … Continued
Sometimes you feel it coming. You sense the danger but still can’t quite keep the Titanic better known as your life, your psyche, that ship you call home, from hitting the iceberg. This happened to me recently, and I hit … Continued
Ever feel like you’re giving 110%, succeeding wildly and yet your heart, mind, or spirit are left empty and unfulfilled? If so, you’re not alone. And like many people you’re probably searching and wondering why you can’t savor all you’ve … Continued
This is Lesson Four in a series of on how the five Myths of Modern Life are keeping people overwhelmed. If you’re interested in busting myths so you can manage overwhelm and have more time to do what matters most … Continued
Do you trust your instincts or do you ignore them, rationalize them away, or sometimes sense them but only act on them when they truly make sense? Trust your instincts is a pearl of wisdom for a reason. And that … Continued
Having a daily gratitude practice can help you stay positive when you’re stressed, find comfort in times of uncertainty, and lead to a healthier outlook but how many of us actually take the time to start and maintain this practice? … Continued
This is Lesson Three in a series of on how the five Myths of Modern Life are keeping people overwhelmed. If you’re interested in busting myths so you can manage overwhelm and have more time to do what matters most … Continued
You might have noticed I’ve been a bit obsessed with overwhelm lately and that’s because I not only see how exhausted it makes people, but also because I know it’s so easy to fall into the trap of feeling like … Continued
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? Do you check your phone, mentally review your to-do list, or jump in the shower and just try to wake up? What would happen if you instead … Continued
How often do you tell yourself change is hard? Do you pre-program your mind with this thought and then wonder why you can’t get the changes you want in your life to stick? If this sounds like you, I have … Continued
This is Lesson Two in a series of on how the five Myths of Modern Life are keeping people overwhelmed. If you’re interested in busting myths so you can manage overwhelm and have more time to do what matters most … Continued
Do you go through each day feeling bombarded by too much to do and too little time to do it? Do you feel worn out by the end of the week and want to just chill in front of the … Continued
Do you dread being alone? I don’t mean lost in the wilderness alone, I mean alone with our modern conveniences but without the company of a human or pet companion? Do you distract yourself by texting others or by keeping … Continued
The word grief conjures up images of solitary weeping people consumed by misery. According to Dictionary.com, grief is defined as “mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; painful regret.” Grief encompasses many emotions, some of them conflicting … Continued
We live in a world that often expects us to function much like computers: always on, always at maximum capacity, always at optimal levels of performance. And as humans, and especially for those of us who are sensitive to the … Continued
This is Lesson One in a series of five on how the five Myths of Modern Life are keeping people overwhelmed. If you’re interested in busting myths so you can manage overwhelm and have more time to do what matters … Continued
We all like to feel as though we’re part of a group, that we have a tribe of people who get us and who are truly rooting for us. We need our people often times to support us through the … Continued
Many times, even without recognizing it, we fall into the trap of all or nothing thinking. We have a not so pleasant thought, and then another, and then those thoughts start to avalanche and all of sudden there are simply … Continued
We are a culture of water bugs. We zip across life’s surface, zooming here and there, navigating the turns, and trying not to stop for fear of sinking. And all this zipping and zooming is supposed to make us feel … Continued
It’s a little more than half way through January and even though it might be a tad late to add to your list of New Year’s resolutions, I’d like to offer one more: it’s time to drop the mask and … Continued
There’s lots of talk in personal development and self-help land about finding your purpose and living with passion. And while I’m a huge believer in both, I get a little concerned when books and programs tout finding purpose and passion … Continued
FOMO; the first time I heard that term I literally had to Google it. FOMO is short for Fear Of Missing Out and, sadly, it’s turned into one of our greatest thieves. It steals our focus, our calm, our energy, … Continued
As we head toward the holidays it’s important to take time to make sure you’re checking in with your mind and body in order to stay well. Here are five ways to treat yourself: Take time to stretch in the … Continued
When I was little (around 4 or so) I dug up a section of tulip bulbs my parents had planted around the edge of our circle driveway. I think I was on some kind of treasure hunt, like I would … Continued
There should be a warning label that comes with the habit of comparison and that label should read: Comparing may lead to soul corrosion. Comparing is something we’re encouraged to do. It allows us to make “smart” consumer … Continued
Many times in life we know we should give up a habit, walk away from a toxic relationship, or change the way we think about something but we just can’t seem to do it. It’s easier to stay where we … Continued
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. -Pablo Picasso Each of us are born with unique and special gifts. Some we recognize early in life, others are developed or … Continued
How many times have we all heard stories about people putting off doing something or living a certain way for “someday,” that day when all the planets and stars align and everything turns all Goldie Locks and is “just right?” … Continued
Do you consider yourself “uncreative?” Do you swear up and down you have no creative talent – “art” might as well be finger paintings and stick figures, you can’t compose a photo to save your life, and who cares anyway … Continued
The following is a lesson from the e-course You Are Not Your Job: Recovering Your Sense of Identity. Energy Energy – mental, physical, and emotional – plays a crucial role in how we not only view ourselves but also … Continued
Living and feeling as though you are in a state of abundance requires nothing more than shifting your mindset to a place of being. So often we convince ourselves (and society tries to convince us too) that to be truly … Continued
Sometimes we end up lost in our heads and our bodies pay the price. We sit hunched over a computer keyboard, our eyes bugging out looking at a screen all day, and though we know we should pay more attention … Continued
Discouragement is something even the most optimistic people feel from time to time. Things don’t go as we plan or hope. Opportunities disappear. We’re continually rejected in some way and we start to doubt ourselves. At worst we start questioning … Continued
Some say death and taxes are the only things that are certain but I believe that change deserves the honor as well. And if that’s true (and it is) at least we know when the taxes are due – the … Continued
Our current world is not a fan of solitude. It’s not a big supporter of people who want (and sometimes need) to spend time alone, and especially people who spend time alone for the sheer enjoyment of it. Usually, if … Continued
All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages. William Shakespeare Leave it to a … Continued
Perseverance is a funny thing. Often times we think we’ve done all we can and we just can’t do anymore. And sometimes that may be true. As a person who firmly believes that there’s a fine line between pressing on … Continued
How many times do you feel as though you’re not brave enough to withstand the trials you face? Is not feeling brave enough one of the reasons you stay in situations you know are bad for you – personally and … Continued
Now that it’s May and green shoots are peeking out everywhere (hopefully not to be covered in snow yet again here in the Rockies) here’s a fun little exercise to get back in touch with your roots. Remember to express … Continued
Inertia A tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged. How often do you ignore situations, stuff them under the rug, let them sit and fester until the pain is unbearable? How often, in your personal and professional lives … Continued
Several months ago, I read a blog post by Chelsea Dinsmore of Live Your Legend that she posted shortly after the tragic passing of her husband, Scott Dinsmore. In it she talks about trying to regain her footing –on every … Continued
As a creative person, I usually have way too many ideas running around in my head. And sometimes I really want to tell The Muse to talk to the hand because I have more than I can handle and can’t … Continued
Sometimes in the hurry and scurry of daily life we need to take time out to re-energize. You can take a short walk (even if it’s just to the break room), do something creative, or simply listen to a song. … Continued
Creating abundance in the form of connections and goodwill with others – whether you know them personally or not – can be as easy as recognizing how you “give back”. Many times we think that if we can’t give a … Continued
How many times do we get to the end of a busy day and feel as though no matter how fast we go, what we do, or how much we accomplish, we’ll never be content. It’s as if we believe … Continued
When we were young, there were no limits to what we could do. We looked at the world with wonder and curiosity and it was ours for the taking – we could do anything. But as we grew up (or … Continued
Many times we rush through the day, making decisions without a second thought. Often, there simply isn’t enough time to review the impacts of our decisions or we think “I’ll deal with it later.” While this approach can work fine … Continued
Do you ever feel like you’re judged for wanting “alone time?” As if saying no to outside activities makes you selfish and you should feel guilty for taking time for yourself? If that’s the case, consider the following perspective on … Continued
Change makes us vulnerable. It moves us out of our comfort zones into new and unknown worlds where the possibility of failure is real. Big changes can bring up some pretty gnarly emotions, and for me, that gnarliness manifests itself … Continued
During what I call the “flailing” months after my layoff, I did what I always do when I need to figure out my life; I read. In Susannah Conway’s book this i know, she chronicles her painful yet revelatory journey … Continued
Photo Credit: Flickr/ Eric Macgregor About two years ago my brain began churning out book ideas at an alarming rate. Dutiful to The Muse, I excitedly wrote down all my thoughts and filed them away. But over time a … Continued
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