The world awaits you

As a child I loved going over to my aunt's house in the summer. They had big doors that swung open into the yard.

I loved the feeling of pushing the doors,
feeling them swing open with a mighty push
and feeling the wonder of the world on the other side.

Today I love to climb to a mountain top
just to sit there and breathe in the immense possibility.

Taking care...giving time

our world is so full
of this and that
of push and pull
in and through
out and with

take time
take ease
to be with
to be in

the gentle place
where self is nourished
and care is given

in the midst
of all that swirls
around us.

What's your vision?

The Journey

We can see where we are.
We can often dream where we want to be.

The magic is to be ready to step into the fog.
To trust the unknown.

The wonder...
The surrender...
The mystery...

Let the journey take form
as you move toward your most
deeply held truth.

No matter what!
Then be who
you are
most meant to be.

The first step is there
before you.

Floods and parking don't mix

Yes, indeed, this image really has sparked some reactions. Some find it quite disturbing. Others see it as a flood of chocolate.

This is what I love about creating this deck --- seeing the reactions it inspires.

What does it inspire in you?

Foundation of strength

When you allow what you are and
couple that with a passion for what you offer amazing things will come your way.

Totems in action

Cats are amazing creatures.
They carry a sense of self pride and dignity.
They are unapologetic in their ways.
They don't seek approval, but rather look for places to lounge.
They can meld into the landscape.
They unabashedly sit wherever they want.
They go where they will,
Yet will come back again, and again.

And fierceness...oh my!
They live in the truth that...
In one moment they can be gently purring, enjoying an afternoon caress,
The next, ready to pounce on a bird while graceful and poised.

They don't try to please.
They enjoy what is.
They see what they want, and go after it.

Being one with...and within

The screen between
is as porous or dense
as you choose it to be.

Wonderland awaits you

Follow the trail
into the land of wonder
where mystery and magic
dance in delight of the moon.

Staying in flow

As you begin to work your plan, try to stay in flow.

Trust your vision.
Keep your focus.
Remember your vision.

It can be easy to get distracted.
It can be tempting to let fear get the best of you.

With each step, new opportunities will unfold.
As you build on to each part of your plan, your confidence will grow, your connections will increase and the process will become easier.

And remember, your plan will change. But without a plan, you will be adrift in the wind, and never really find your flow.

My suggestion:

1. Put aside time in your calendar to work on each step of your plan.
2. Get a support team.
3. Write your vision BIG so you remember why you're doing your plan.
4. Celebrate the small steps along the way. They are the steps that will make the biggest difference in the end.
   

Parts of a plan

With this week focused on creating a plan, I chose this card because it represents how I segment my own plan.

I find that everyone has their own style of planning. As a coach, my job is to help them make their plan in a way that works with how they think, act and connect with others. If we try to work someone else's plan, it can be very difficult. And, actually, many people give up.

So, this is my style. You will have your own. What's important is that you know what it is, write it down and work the plan.

When I create a plan, I like to keep a 'soft focus' on my vision, and let my plan take the foreground.

I always write at the top of the page what I am aiming to achieve. Just like my climbs in West Virginia (as mentioned in the last post), I want to keep my goal in mind.

Then I think...

1) PREPARATION

If I am seeking a professional position, I consider:
~ What research do I need to do to find companies that best fit my vision?
~ What materials do I need to get together to demonstrate my ability?
~ How can I best connect with the people I want to meet?

If I am launching a business or a service, I consider:
~ Where does my clientele go for their life services?
~ Who might I partner with to serve their needs?
~ What is the best way to reach my intended audience?
~ What can I offer them?
~ What materials do I need to get together to demonstrate my ability to support the needs of my clients and the desires of potential partners?

2) OFFER
Once I've done my research, I think, "What can I offer that serves them?"

Seeking a professional position:
~ What skill set is best for what they need?
~ How can I frame it in a way that addresses their needs?

Launching a business or a service:
~ What workshop, coaching or seminar might I offer to them and their clients?
~ How can I help them meet their goals?

By having a sense of what is important to them, I can get a better 'hold' on what they need and how I can be of service.

3) CONNECT

And yes, personally connecting must be part of the plan. We will talk about that more later, but here's the bottom line: the more I know about the person/organization, the easier it is to connect. If I know them, like them and respect what they are up to AND am committed to achieving my vision, then the act of connecting is so much easier.

For me, the connecting piece is much like climbing the rocks in West Virginia. If I've done my research and considered what I have to offer, then I am able to renegotiate my footing as the conversation unfolds.

That's my way of planning. What's yours?

Entering the land of THE PLAN

The truth about 'The Plan':

When I was in college, I spent much of my time in West Virginia rock climbing. It was one of the best trainings I've had for creating 'a plan'.

As we'd approach the rock face, we'd gather 'round and assess the situation. First we'd take in the rock. Sometimes there was a silent awe. Sometimes we had a giddy excitement. We'd talk about why we wanted to climb this rock, this day. Perhaps it was that the view would be awesome. Or maybe, it was for the sheer challenge of the climb. On lazier days, it was simply to enjoy the rock and keep it easy.

Each time, though, we had a goal in mind.

Then we'd plan our route. We'd try, as best we could, to figure out where we could get good hand holds and good footing. We'd talk about the areas where we might be challenged. And people who'd been there before would share their 'trials and tribulations'. There'd be a lot of talking, looking, considering...and then...off we'd go into the land of the climb.

Once the land of the climb was entered, all the planning in the world could not prepare us for what lay ahead. But without a plan, we would not have been psychologically prepared to make adjustments along the way.

I vividly remember, on one particularly challenging climb, clinging to the rock, unable to find my next handhold or my next footing. From down below I could hear my brother calling to me, "It's to your right. It's to your right". From his angle the sun created the illusion of a ledge. Where I was, there was nothing.

For a moment I got very scared. Although I was secured by a rope, the idea of trying to find my way down was more distressing than finishing my climb upwards. So, I took a breath. I tried to dim the noise of the 'helpful tips' and remember back to our discussions before I began. I steadied my hold with my feet and one arm, then slightly leaned back to see where I wanted to go and how I might get there. I breathed again. I called out, "I've got it", hoping that assurance would silence my overly eager brother. Ahh, it worked! Silence below.

I breathed again.
I looked up and looked where I wanted to go.
I relaxed and remembered...step by step, hold by hold.

I let my fear go and my body see the way.
As I started to climb again, I could feel my resolve return and my confidence grow.
Soon, I was moving with greater ease and a clearer focus.
When I got to the top and looked back down...that was a proud moment!

So many people forget to take the time at the beginning to assess where they want to go. The truth is, once you're on your way, the plan will change, guaranteed. But with a plan, you have the resources to make adjustments along the way.

As you start your plan, what's your 'rock' to climb?
Where do you want your climb to take you?
What are some of the 'handholds' you'll need along the way?

And then...get ready to enter the mystery about to unfold.