May was amazing; I spent the entire month putting together tons of content for my new coaching program! So if you noticed the blog was a little sparse, that's why ...
And while I was doing that, I hired a Virtual Assistant to work on updating my website so that I can bring you all of that great coaching content. Wait until you see it! It's going to be fabulous.
Right now, I'm working on getting the website stuff finalized, and my content into a format for the website. So, there's still some more behind the scenes work to be done over the next several weeks.
In the meantime, I'm going to keep bringing you some great coaching tips through my blogs and on my WTMJ segments, Thursdays at 4:15 pm.
Stay tuned for some great stuff!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Getting the Most out of Your Gratitudes
Almost anyone involved in personal growth will tell you that "gratitudes" or "counting your blessings" is an important tool. Wanna know exactly why? Watch this post to learn how being thankful affects your brain and find out how to get the most out of your gratitudes.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Design your Summer to Avoid Overscheduling
For some reason, the audio and video won't sync on this clip. So if you want the info that's in this one, just sit back and close your eyes ...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Balance is nearly impossible to get, but it's easy to feel!
Have I mentioned that I used to be a dance teacher? Balance was a physical quality back then. Something that all the dancers strived for. Some days it was elusive and their performance would be off the entire class. Other days they felt strong, their steps were clear and precise, and they felt anchored to the Earth.
As a life coach, I still haven’t gotten away from balance. So many of my clients -- especially the women -- want balance in their lives. The start feeling frazzled and overwhelmed and balance seems to be the elusive answer. But the truth is that they want to feel strong and anchored to the Earth so they can perform better, just like my dancers.
Now a dancer can tell you exactly what a plie or pirouette is. Those are very specific movements. But they can’t really define physical balance or tell you how to get it. It’s something you just have to feel, and you have to make these little tiny adjustments to achieve it.
That’s how it is with life balance, too; it’s a feeling, not a thing you can get or do. And sometimes you have to make these little tiny adjustments until you’re suddenly and easily feeling balanced.
Ironically, the first thing to do to start feeling life balance is to stop using the word. By saying you “need more balance,” you’re just adding one more thing to your “to do” list. It’s one more thing that has to get done; and when you don’t get it done, it becomes another reason to beat yourself up.
“Why can’t I just find some balance? What’s wrong with me?”
Get clear
The other reason to banish the word from your vocabulary is that balance is a Blanket Word; it’s a word that’s so general, it covers up your feelings and needs. A Blanket Word lets you hide from yourself. Instead of hiding, you need to get clear on what balance really means if you’re ever going to feel balanced.
So what feelings and needs are you hiding? Before you throw out the word, you need to get clear and define it. Ask yourself:
What do I really want from balance?
What do I need right now?”
Some people want balance to have more peace in their lives. Others want more time alone or with family. Others want to be appreciated or understood. Whatever your answer, chasing balance isn’t going to get you any closer to your wants and needs.
But once you’re clear on your wants and needs, you can align with those wants and needs. You can then make those necessary adjustments to your life.
I once had a client who was really family oriented. To show support and be involved in her children’s education, she joined the PTA. Yet every time a meeting came around, she dreaded going. It through her whole week off-balance.
So we examined what she really wanted when she used balance -- what the word “balance” was hiding. What she wanted from balance was joy. She was already a pretty joyful person, but when she wasn’t balanced, she lost that joy for her life and what she was doing. Her PTA duties were not giving her any joy or satisfaction.
When we dug even deeper -- getting even more clear and specific, we uncovered what she needed right now. She really needed more time with her family -- all teenagers who would soon be leaving the nest. On the surface, it looked like the PTA was the perfect thing for being involved in their lives, but it was actually taking her away from her house during family dinner. She needed to be directly involved in her children’s lives instead of in a supporting role for their education. She quit PTA and spent that evening home with her family.
Get connected
Sometimes we don’t feel like we can quit an activity to get more balance. Or we have a list of tasks that just need to get done, which feels like the exact opposite of balance. How can we feel balance when we have those situations?
The answer comes when we connect to our soul. Take a step back and look at the big picture. What’s really important in your life? What are your top priorities? What are your fundamental values? Get clear on what makes your soul sing, then ask yourself:
How can I make a soul connection?
I think anything can be connected to your soul. Almost ANY job can be framed to provide a soul connection. A cleaning lady provides peace and order to a home and family. A fast-food worker gives time to all the people seeking quick nourishment -- time they could spend on very valuable endeavors. The person at the gas station is providing us with energy that allows us to drive to our next amazing life experience.
Just look at what is important to you and make the connection. The connection is what makes our work meaningful. When my daughter was a baby, I used cloth diapers. I never minded the “extra work,” because it connected to my environmental values, my parenting values and my financial values. There was a very strong soul connection that gave my extra laundry a lot of meaning.
Can you even begin to imagine what life would be like if you made those soul connections? What if everyone did? How about if you just stopped worrying about being balanced, and just let it be a signal that you’re not living life easy?
Because that’s exactly what it is. It’s just a signal and nothing else. It’s not some elusive thing that we have to find or get to successfully dance through life. It’s just a signal telling you that it’s time to get clear and connect.
As a life coach, I still haven’t gotten away from balance. So many of my clients -- especially the women -- want balance in their lives. The start feeling frazzled and overwhelmed and balance seems to be the elusive answer. But the truth is that they want to feel strong and anchored to the Earth so they can perform better, just like my dancers.
Now a dancer can tell you exactly what a plie or pirouette is. Those are very specific movements. But they can’t really define physical balance or tell you how to get it. It’s something you just have to feel, and you have to make these little tiny adjustments to achieve it.
That’s how it is with life balance, too; it’s a feeling, not a thing you can get or do. And sometimes you have to make these little tiny adjustments until you’re suddenly and easily feeling balanced.
Ironically, the first thing to do to start feeling life balance is to stop using the word. By saying you “need more balance,” you’re just adding one more thing to your “to do” list. It’s one more thing that has to get done; and when you don’t get it done, it becomes another reason to beat yourself up.
“Why can’t I just find some balance? What’s wrong with me?”
Get clear
The other reason to banish the word from your vocabulary is that balance is a Blanket Word; it’s a word that’s so general, it covers up your feelings and needs. A Blanket Word lets you hide from yourself. Instead of hiding, you need to get clear on what balance really means if you’re ever going to feel balanced.
So what feelings and needs are you hiding? Before you throw out the word, you need to get clear and define it. Ask yourself:
What do I really want from balance?
What do I need right now?”
Some people want balance to have more peace in their lives. Others want more time alone or with family. Others want to be appreciated or understood. Whatever your answer, chasing balance isn’t going to get you any closer to your wants and needs.
But once you’re clear on your wants and needs, you can align with those wants and needs. You can then make those necessary adjustments to your life.
I once had a client who was really family oriented. To show support and be involved in her children’s education, she joined the PTA. Yet every time a meeting came around, she dreaded going. It through her whole week off-balance.
So we examined what she really wanted when she used balance -- what the word “balance” was hiding. What she wanted from balance was joy. She was already a pretty joyful person, but when she wasn’t balanced, she lost that joy for her life and what she was doing. Her PTA duties were not giving her any joy or satisfaction.
When we dug even deeper -- getting even more clear and specific, we uncovered what she needed right now. She really needed more time with her family -- all teenagers who would soon be leaving the nest. On the surface, it looked like the PTA was the perfect thing for being involved in their lives, but it was actually taking her away from her house during family dinner. She needed to be directly involved in her children’s lives instead of in a supporting role for their education. She quit PTA and spent that evening home with her family.
Get connected
Sometimes we don’t feel like we can quit an activity to get more balance. Or we have a list of tasks that just need to get done, which feels like the exact opposite of balance. How can we feel balance when we have those situations?
The answer comes when we connect to our soul. Take a step back and look at the big picture. What’s really important in your life? What are your top priorities? What are your fundamental values? Get clear on what makes your soul sing, then ask yourself:
How can I make a soul connection?
I think anything can be connected to your soul. Almost ANY job can be framed to provide a soul connection. A cleaning lady provides peace and order to a home and family. A fast-food worker gives time to all the people seeking quick nourishment -- time they could spend on very valuable endeavors. The person at the gas station is providing us with energy that allows us to drive to our next amazing life experience.
Just look at what is important to you and make the connection. The connection is what makes our work meaningful. When my daughter was a baby, I used cloth diapers. I never minded the “extra work,” because it connected to my environmental values, my parenting values and my financial values. There was a very strong soul connection that gave my extra laundry a lot of meaning.
Can you even begin to imagine what life would be like if you made those soul connections? What if everyone did? How about if you just stopped worrying about being balanced, and just let it be a signal that you’re not living life easy?
Because that’s exactly what it is. It’s just a signal and nothing else. It’s not some elusive thing that we have to find or get to successfully dance through life. It’s just a signal telling you that it’s time to get clear and connect.
Friday, April 30, 2010
The 3 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid when Budgeting Your Money
This week I hooked up with Rebecca Tervo CPA to get some practical budgeting tips for my people! Listen to our chat where she reveals three big budgeting mistakes:
Rebecca Tervo, CPA, is the founder of Tervo & Co Financial Fitness. You can check out her blog at www.tervofinancial.com/blog where she writes about personal finance, Quickbooks tips, and her own entrepreneurial experience. Lots of free tips and advice!
Rebecca Tervo, CPA, is the founder of Tervo & Co Financial Fitness. You can check out her blog at www.tervofinancial.com/blog where she writes about personal finance, Quickbooks tips, and her own entrepreneurial experience. Lots of free tips and advice!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Is Your Perfectionism Screwing up your Budget?
Perfectionists have impossibly high standards. Impossibly high standards make things ... well, IMPOSSIBLE! Here I'll tell you how to step into saving and budgeting your money slowly and simply. No stress or overwhelm!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
I'm not ignoring you!
Hello, Everyone!
I just realized people have been leaving comments on my blog. I wanted to let you know that I wasn't ignoring you; I just spend most my time in the administrator mode, and so I never even noticed!
I've changed my notification setting, so now I'm ready to enter into a (timely) dialogue with you. Thanks to everyone who has left a comment, and I look forward to more in the future!
I just realized people have been leaving comments on my blog. I wanted to let you know that I wasn't ignoring you; I just spend most my time in the administrator mode, and so I never even noticed!
I've changed my notification setting, so now I'm ready to enter into a (timely) dialogue with you. Thanks to everyone who has left a comment, and I look forward to more in the future!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Here's my Biggest Loser moment ...
... and it has nothing to do with losing weight. Have you had a Biggest Loser moment? What did you take from it? And if you haven't had one, maybe it's time!
Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came,
and we pushed,
And they flew.
-- Christopher Logue --
Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came,
and we pushed,
And they flew.
-- Christopher Logue --
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Money doesn't grow on trees, but it does magically appear ...
So I'm on my way to the TV studio to do my weekly segment, which contains similar information to this Video Blog. I stop at the gas station on the way there, open the door, and there's a bright shiny nickel waiting for me in the center of the mat!
You might say it's just a random nickel, but I had a full-fledged celebration. MONEY! And all I had to do was bend over and pick it up! It's like it magically appeared just for me as I was getting ready to talk to the TV viewers about this very same topic. How cool is that?!?
Here's the full scoop:
You might say it's just a random nickel, but I had a full-fledged celebration. MONEY! And all I had to do was bend over and pick it up! It's like it magically appeared just for me as I was getting ready to talk to the TV viewers about this very same topic. How cool is that?!?
Here's the full scoop:
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Are you making this top money mistake?
Saying "I can't afford it" or "I don't have money for that" is setting you up for stress and worry. I know it sounds like a stretch, but it's true. Staying focused on what you don't have only sets you up for more failure. Here's more detail about changing your money mindset ...
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Here I go, tripping myself up ...
At the end of January, I started writing a book. I signed up for Donna Kozik's Write a Book in a Weekend. I didn't finish my book that weekend, but within the next two weeks I probably finished about 2/3 of the book. Then I got stuck ...
Over the weeks, I decided that I probably just needed to start over. And believe me, I wasn't looking forward to that prospect!
But I just went back and reread what I've already written, and it's not bad! I feel like I can probably even finish it. I've even made a commitment to my business coach that I'd lay out a plan and have it done in May.
Now, I've never written a book before, so this is an entirely new experience. New experiences definitely get my caveman brain going! It's been judging my writing as being bad, and it's been making the job seem insurmountable (especially if I had to start over).
Yet even though I know my caveman brain inside and out, and I know it often doesn't reflect the truth of a situation, I've been listening to it! I even know that perfectionism and struggle are some of the top symptoms for the way my caveman brain works, and I've fallen for it again!
I'm not going to beat myself up over it, though. I know that I'll always have my caveman brain and that in this instance, it's just trying to protect me from feelings of rejection, ridicule and failure. And that's okay ...
But I'm not going to stop. I'm not going to let my caveman brain tell me what to do. I'm going to get back on the horse and get back to my book.
And I'm not going to worry about how long it is or which format and size it should be, because that's where my caveman brain also wants to go. It wants to distract me with the details. But I know that I just need to take it step-by-step, putting one word in front of another until its done. Then, and ONLY then, do I need to move to those logistics.
So here I go! I'm off to write a fabulous book about the caveman brain!
Over the weeks, I decided that I probably just needed to start over. And believe me, I wasn't looking forward to that prospect!
But I just went back and reread what I've already written, and it's not bad! I feel like I can probably even finish it. I've even made a commitment to my business coach that I'd lay out a plan and have it done in May.
Now, I've never written a book before, so this is an entirely new experience. New experiences definitely get my caveman brain going! It's been judging my writing as being bad, and it's been making the job seem insurmountable (especially if I had to start over).
Yet even though I know my caveman brain inside and out, and I know it often doesn't reflect the truth of a situation, I've been listening to it! I even know that perfectionism and struggle are some of the top symptoms for the way my caveman brain works, and I've fallen for it again!
I'm not going to beat myself up over it, though. I know that I'll always have my caveman brain and that in this instance, it's just trying to protect me from feelings of rejection, ridicule and failure. And that's okay ...
But I'm not going to stop. I'm not going to let my caveman brain tell me what to do. I'm going to get back on the horse and get back to my book.
And I'm not going to worry about how long it is or which format and size it should be, because that's where my caveman brain also wants to go. It wants to distract me with the details. But I know that I just need to take it step-by-step, putting one word in front of another until its done. Then, and ONLY then, do I need to move to those logistics.
So here I go! I'm off to write a fabulous book about the caveman brain!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Really?!? I'm feeling overwhelmed? Today?!?
Yep. Just a day after doing the blog on feeling overwhelmed, and it comes knocking on my door! Thank you, Universe! I get to practice what I preach.
Why the overwhelm? Well, I just agreed to go to the waterpark this afternoon with some family friends. I feel like I "should" stay at home and work on my website; that nasty rules and obligations trap!
The truth is that I've been working like a maniac on my business, getting ready for my TV Life Coaching segment debut on Thursday. Yes, there is more that I could do, but there's always more that can be done. Going and having fun for the evening is not going to hurt anything.
As a matter of fact it'll take my mind off the big day, and that's a good thing.
So if I switch the word overwhelm to powerless, I'm feeling powerless. But I'm not willing to give my power away to the waterpark. It's ridiculous to feel powerless, because I'm choosing to have some fun with my daughter and friends.
But it's not so ridiculous if I'm displacing the feeling. Maybe the feeling is just coming out, and the waterpark decision doesn't really have anything to do with it. I'm really feeling powerless about the whole TV event. I can't control what questions the new anchors ask me. I can't control how well the segment is received by viewers. I can't control whether the producer likes me enough to keep me around. When I don't have control, I don't feel like I have power.
It seems logical -- of course a person feels more powerful when he or she is in control! But I'm talking about personal power here, and NOTHING can change that. No matter what happens in that TV studio, I'm still me. I don't need to give my power away to the anchors, audience or producer. I only have to be me and do my best. I can always rely on my perfect self to be there, with all my gifts, talents, intelligence, creativity and skills. My perfect self always goes with the flow and comes out unscathed.
So what about this feeling of being powerless? It's just a feeling; it's not the truth. And as much as I'm willing to feel that emotion, I'm not willing to let it (or my caveman brain) run my life. I'm going to feel it, but not react from it. I'm going to keep my power, thank you -- and just do my work during the day and have fun swimming tonight!
Why the overwhelm? Well, I just agreed to go to the waterpark this afternoon with some family friends. I feel like I "should" stay at home and work on my website; that nasty rules and obligations trap!
The truth is that I've been working like a maniac on my business, getting ready for my TV Life Coaching segment debut on Thursday. Yes, there is more that I could do, but there's always more that can be done. Going and having fun for the evening is not going to hurt anything.
As a matter of fact it'll take my mind off the big day, and that's a good thing.
So if I switch the word overwhelm to powerless, I'm feeling powerless. But I'm not willing to give my power away to the waterpark. It's ridiculous to feel powerless, because I'm choosing to have some fun with my daughter and friends.
But it's not so ridiculous if I'm displacing the feeling. Maybe the feeling is just coming out, and the waterpark decision doesn't really have anything to do with it. I'm really feeling powerless about the whole TV event. I can't control what questions the new anchors ask me. I can't control how well the segment is received by viewers. I can't control whether the producer likes me enough to keep me around. When I don't have control, I don't feel like I have power.
It seems logical -- of course a person feels more powerful when he or she is in control! But I'm talking about personal power here, and NOTHING can change that. No matter what happens in that TV studio, I'm still me. I don't need to give my power away to the anchors, audience or producer. I only have to be me and do my best. I can always rely on my perfect self to be there, with all my gifts, talents, intelligence, creativity and skills. My perfect self always goes with the flow and comes out unscathed.
So what about this feeling of being powerless? It's just a feeling; it's not the truth. And as much as I'm willing to feel that emotion, I'm not willing to let it (or my caveman brain) run my life. I'm going to feel it, but not react from it. I'm going to keep my power, thank you -- and just do my work during the day and have fun swimming tonight!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Overwhelmed? Take back your power!
Overwhelmed! I hear the word several times each day and am even guilty of using it myself. Since I’ve been working with personal power, lately, I decided to look up the definition and see how overwhelm relates to power.
Sure enough, one of the definitions is “overpower.” Even more specifically “overpower: overcome with superior force.” Boy! If anything is going to put me into my caveman brain, it’s the thought that something’s going to overpower me with some type of superior force!
So every time that I use the word overwhelmed, I’m actually telling myself that I’m being beaten down. Which is exactly how it feels when I’m overwhelmed. I feel exhausted, hopeless, dazed, frantic and powerless.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t even want to use a word that’s going to conjure up and sustain those feelings. Yet I don’t want to make the word “overwhelm” my adversary, either ... hmmm ....
I think I’m going to stop throwing around this over-used, nearly-meaningless word. Instead, I’m going to be honest with myself. Every time that I want to use the word “overwhelm” I’m going to use “powerless” instead. Then I’m going to look around at what is making me feel powerless. Is it my schedule? Do I have too many arbitrary obligations? Where exactly have I been giving my power away?
Sometimes this analysis alone will probably bring me out of my caveman brain. I mean, am I really feeling powerless because my floor needs cleaning and my laundry needs folding? Puh-lease! I probably just don’t want to do it -- maybe rebellious is a better word! And if I’m being rebellious, then aren’t I actually exerting power?
In some cases, though, maybe I really am feeling powerless. Maybe I really did overschedule myself. Ironically, I used my power to create a busy schedule that ended up draining my power. Having that awareness can help me avoid doing the same thing in the future, but right now, it’s all about claiming back any power that I can.
First, I’m going to stop being a victim. I’m not going to let my schedule (for example) be my adversary. Instead, I’m going to accept my schedule completely. Instead of wallowing in feelings of overwhelm, I’m going to become a player in the “busy schedule game.” A successful player in that game feels vital, organized, focused and efficient. I’m going to let those feelings guide me and my actions. That’s a powerful player, and that’s the player I want to be.
What do you think? How are you going to take back your power?
Sure enough, one of the definitions is “overpower.” Even more specifically “overpower: overcome with superior force.” Boy! If anything is going to put me into my caveman brain, it’s the thought that something’s going to overpower me with some type of superior force!
So every time that I use the word overwhelmed, I’m actually telling myself that I’m being beaten down. Which is exactly how it feels when I’m overwhelmed. I feel exhausted, hopeless, dazed, frantic and powerless.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t even want to use a word that’s going to conjure up and sustain those feelings. Yet I don’t want to make the word “overwhelm” my adversary, either ... hmmm ....
I think I’m going to stop throwing around this over-used, nearly-meaningless word. Instead, I’m going to be honest with myself. Every time that I want to use the word “overwhelm” I’m going to use “powerless” instead. Then I’m going to look around at what is making me feel powerless. Is it my schedule? Do I have too many arbitrary obligations? Where exactly have I been giving my power away?
Sometimes this analysis alone will probably bring me out of my caveman brain. I mean, am I really feeling powerless because my floor needs cleaning and my laundry needs folding? Puh-lease! I probably just don’t want to do it -- maybe rebellious is a better word! And if I’m being rebellious, then aren’t I actually exerting power?
In some cases, though, maybe I really am feeling powerless. Maybe I really did overschedule myself. Ironically, I used my power to create a busy schedule that ended up draining my power. Having that awareness can help me avoid doing the same thing in the future, but right now, it’s all about claiming back any power that I can.
First, I’m going to stop being a victim. I’m not going to let my schedule (for example) be my adversary. Instead, I’m going to accept my schedule completely. Instead of wallowing in feelings of overwhelm, I’m going to become a player in the “busy schedule game.” A successful player in that game feels vital, organized, focused and efficient. I’m going to let those feelings guide me and my actions. That’s a powerful player, and that’s the player I want to be.
What do you think? How are you going to take back your power?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Want an amazing Valentine's Day? Invite your inner caveman ...
Why do we love roses and chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Because they engage our senses, stimulating both our primitive and advanced brains. And Valentine’s Day is one of those times when you want both your inner caveman (or cavewoman) and your perfect self at the party!
This is because love lives in your advanced brain, while your emotional memories and pleasure center is in your primitive brain. So the #1 tip for having the biggest Valentine’s is to bring as many senses into your Valentine’s Day as possible.
And don’t just rely on the traditional treats. Get your perfect self in on the planning -- your creativity and your personality.
Maybe you had a beach honeymoon -- would a nice tropical drink and coconut scented lotion bring back the memories?
Or was your first date at an Italian restaurant? How about a spaghetti dinner with some traditional Italian music playing in the background.
Is it a new relationship? Which senses can you bring into the date? Create the emotional memory commenting on how good your food smells or how good the wine tastes. Notice the music. Remark on the colors of the flowers in the centerpiece. Be specific so that your Valentine comes along for the sensual ride!
Make it special. Make it sensual. Savor everything to bring both your brains together and have a blast!
This is because love lives in your advanced brain, while your emotional memories and pleasure center is in your primitive brain. So the #1 tip for having the biggest Valentine’s is to bring as many senses into your Valentine’s Day as possible.
And don’t just rely on the traditional treats. Get your perfect self in on the planning -- your creativity and your personality.
Maybe you had a beach honeymoon -- would a nice tropical drink and coconut scented lotion bring back the memories?
Or was your first date at an Italian restaurant? How about a spaghetti dinner with some traditional Italian music playing in the background.
Is it a new relationship? Which senses can you bring into the date? Create the emotional memory commenting on how good your food smells or how good the wine tastes. Notice the music. Remark on the colors of the flowers in the centerpiece. Be specific so that your Valentine comes along for the sensual ride!
Make it special. Make it sensual. Savor everything to bring both your brains together and have a blast!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
What if Sherlock Holmes has ADHD?
My darling husband and I just saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.
It was fabulous!
In one of the first scenes we see how Sherlock Holmes is able to look capture every nuance of a situation and immediately analyze it. He does it all in a split second, but through movie magic, the audience gets to see the entire analysis in slow motion.
So we get to see what makes him brilliant! When he's on a case he's unstoppable. His keen senses can pick up any clue, and his mind sorts through that data like a computer. He solves mysteries by piecing together the small pieces and seeing the bigger picture all at once, and all in the blink of an eye.
He's also very physical, buzzing with energy. When danger comes he's an unstoppable force, bringing his mind and athletic prowess together to defeat (or at least escape from) his foe.
But we also get to see that this ultra-sensitivity to his surroundings can make him a bit nuts.
When he's not on a case, it seems like he doesn't know what to do with himself. He almost feels assaulted by all of the sensory input. Maybe he's actually using the drinking to dull his senses and his mind -- self-medicating? And it seems like he's searching for an outlet for his energy, which is where the fighting matches come into the picture.
So I was theorizing that this version of Sherlock Holmes would probably be labeled as having ADHD. Here are some adult ADHD symptoms that he displays:
I know that I've seen this type of thing in my own life. For instance, I love details, learning and personal growth. When it has a purpose, like life coaching, it's celebrated. Yet in my personal life, I can come off as a know-it-all and have ever since my friend got in a fight with me and called my "Little Miss Professor" back in 6th grade.
And maybe I did behave like a know-it-all. I certainly have to be responsible for how I behave in relationships, learning to harness my gifts and talents without vomiting them all over someone else. But maybe -- sometimes -- it's the other person's hangup. Maybe they just haven't learned how to deal with me.
Think about it: what parts of your personality have been criticized. Where have you been told that you're being unacceptable? Could these same things be seen as a talent?
Have you made these personality traits your adversary? I know that I've kept quiet many times in my life, because I didn't want to be seen as a pushy "Little Miss Professor." Was it fair that I silenced myself? What did I miss out on?
Can these parts of your personality be harness and used with purpose? Maybe I could've given the information in a way that was "acceptable" and maybe I'd have actually have helped someone.
And when it comes to ADHD, maybe we just don't know how to work with these gifts, yet? Maybe these are the brains of the next Albert Einstein, but society has made the condition into an adversary. Maybe learning to harness and use this mental energy for a purpose is actually the path to our future instead of a roadblock.
It was fabulous!
In one of the first scenes we see how Sherlock Holmes is able to look capture every nuance of a situation and immediately analyze it. He does it all in a split second, but through movie magic, the audience gets to see the entire analysis in slow motion.
So we get to see what makes him brilliant! When he's on a case he's unstoppable. His keen senses can pick up any clue, and his mind sorts through that data like a computer. He solves mysteries by piecing together the small pieces and seeing the bigger picture all at once, and all in the blink of an eye.
He's also very physical, buzzing with energy. When danger comes he's an unstoppable force, bringing his mind and athletic prowess together to defeat (or at least escape from) his foe.
But we also get to see that this ultra-sensitivity to his surroundings can make him a bit nuts.
When he's not on a case, it seems like he doesn't know what to do with himself. He almost feels assaulted by all of the sensory input. Maybe he's actually using the drinking to dull his senses and his mind -- self-medicating? And it seems like he's searching for an outlet for his energy, which is where the fighting matches come into the picture.
So I was theorizing that this version of Sherlock Holmes would probably be labeled as having ADHD. Here are some adult ADHD symptoms that he displays:
- Work space is cluttered and messy;
- Trouble remembering appointments;
- Zones out of conversations;
- Problems with planning;
- Several tasks are started at once;
- Easily distracted;
- Restless; and
- Blurting out things he later regrets.
I know that I've seen this type of thing in my own life. For instance, I love details, learning and personal growth. When it has a purpose, like life coaching, it's celebrated. Yet in my personal life, I can come off as a know-it-all and have ever since my friend got in a fight with me and called my "Little Miss Professor" back in 6th grade.
And maybe I did behave like a know-it-all. I certainly have to be responsible for how I behave in relationships, learning to harness my gifts and talents without vomiting them all over someone else. But maybe -- sometimes -- it's the other person's hangup. Maybe they just haven't learned how to deal with me.
Think about it: what parts of your personality have been criticized. Where have you been told that you're being unacceptable? Could these same things be seen as a talent?
Have you made these personality traits your adversary? I know that I've kept quiet many times in my life, because I didn't want to be seen as a pushy "Little Miss Professor." Was it fair that I silenced myself? What did I miss out on?
Can these parts of your personality be harness and used with purpose? Maybe I could've given the information in a way that was "acceptable" and maybe I'd have actually have helped someone.
And when it comes to ADHD, maybe we just don't know how to work with these gifts, yet? Maybe these are the brains of the next Albert Einstein, but society has made the condition into an adversary. Maybe learning to harness and use this mental energy for a purpose is actually the path to our future instead of a roadblock.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Personal Power and Connection
Um, yeah ... so far, life is different since I've reclaimed my personal power.
I've been doing personal work for years (duh, I'm a life coach). But NEVER have I felt so comfortable in my skin.
First off, I've been talking to people like crazy! I'm not one to start many conversations with strangers, although I have been doing more of that. Mostly I've been keeping the conversations going instead of answering questions with a yes/no. Grocery cashiers, moms at the school, people in line with me ... you name it! I'm connecting here and there.
When I was a student in my coaching program, I had several assignments where I'd be connecting with strangers and acquaintances. I did it. I felt more "connected," and yet it still felt fake. This doesn't feel fake! This is just natural conversation.
I never realized how much I was still holding myself back - worried about acceptance, not wanting to say something stupid, not wanting to have my energy sucked away by someone else. I thought I'd conquered all of those fears and stressors, and yet there was a deeper level I hadn't even touched.
I've been doing personal work for years (duh, I'm a life coach). But NEVER have I felt so comfortable in my skin.
First off, I've been talking to people like crazy! I'm not one to start many conversations with strangers, although I have been doing more of that. Mostly I've been keeping the conversations going instead of answering questions with a yes/no. Grocery cashiers, moms at the school, people in line with me ... you name it! I'm connecting here and there.
When I was a student in my coaching program, I had several assignments where I'd be connecting with strangers and acquaintances. I did it. I felt more "connected," and yet it still felt fake. This doesn't feel fake! This is just natural conversation.
I never realized how much I was still holding myself back - worried about acceptance, not wanting to say something stupid, not wanting to have my energy sucked away by someone else. I thought I'd conquered all of those fears and stressors, and yet there was a deeper level I hadn't even touched.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Personal Power in 2010
I just had the best massage in my life! I'm here on a Disney Cruise and Emerson from Portugal roughed me up in a good way.
Apparently he also got some emotional junk moving. I've heard that can happen with body and energy work, and it really seems like it happened to me this time. In the middle of the massage I felt like I was buzzing with energy.
And you know that John Mayer song, "Bigger than My Body?" The main hook is, "C I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for." Well I felt like I was filling the entire room -- much bigger than my body. I felt extremely powerful, and like I could tap into a power that was even bigger.
That's when it hit me; I always have this energy/power at my disposal, but I certainly don't feel like that all the time. So where have I given that power away?
Scenes from my life started flashing through my mind of all the kids at school who made fun of me. Of my parents' divorce. My fourth-grade teacher. The embarrassment that my family was on welfare and we used food stamps to pay for our groceries. Being too afraid to speak up and allowing my dad drive drunk with me in the car. Giving up on myself because finding a job in my field was harder than I thought it would be.
With each scene, I took my power back. I can't explain exactly how I did it ... it seems like I either verbally (in my head) told the person I was taking it back or I envisioned sucking it back into me. And with each scene, I felt like I was growing and expanding and encompassing the boat and the ocean and the sky.
It was amazing. I left the spa feeling more grounded and more centered than I've ever felt in my life. I'm left wondering if this feeling is temporary or if there really was some big shift that occurred inside of me. If it is a shift, I can't wait to see where it carries me in 2010! I'm ready to soar!!
Someday I'll fly.
Someday I'll soar.
Someday I'll be so much more,
Cause I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for.
Apparently he also got some emotional junk moving. I've heard that can happen with body and energy work, and it really seems like it happened to me this time. In the middle of the massage I felt like I was buzzing with energy.
And you know that John Mayer song, "Bigger than My Body?" The main hook is, "C I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for." Well I felt like I was filling the entire room -- much bigger than my body. I felt extremely powerful, and like I could tap into a power that was even bigger.
That's when it hit me; I always have this energy/power at my disposal, but I certainly don't feel like that all the time. So where have I given that power away?
Scenes from my life started flashing through my mind of all the kids at school who made fun of me. Of my parents' divorce. My fourth-grade teacher. The embarrassment that my family was on welfare and we used food stamps to pay for our groceries. Being too afraid to speak up and allowing my dad drive drunk with me in the car. Giving up on myself because finding a job in my field was harder than I thought it would be.
With each scene, I took my power back. I can't explain exactly how I did it ... it seems like I either verbally (in my head) told the person I was taking it back or I envisioned sucking it back into me. And with each scene, I felt like I was growing and expanding and encompassing the boat and the ocean and the sky.
It was amazing. I left the spa feeling more grounded and more centered than I've ever felt in my life. I'm left wondering if this feeling is temporary or if there really was some big shift that occurred inside of me. If it is a shift, I can't wait to see where it carries me in 2010! I'm ready to soar!!
Someday I'll fly.
Someday I'll soar.
Someday I'll be so much more,
Cause I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for.
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