New Way Of Being

I just love Wattle Trees.  Today when I was getting out of my car, just about to rush out in the rain, I noticed a beautiful Wattle Tree bush next to my car - and for a few seconds, my Soul felt alive, soaking in the beauty of the Yellow Wattle Tree.  And everyone knows how much I LOVE Yellow.

I am Consciously shifting to a New Way Of Being.  In My New Way Of Being I am Totally Present and more in my Body.  In my Other Way Of Being I can get stuck in Thinking or Overthinking or in the Shadow of Worrying, or be swept away with my Feelings.  In this New Way Of Being I notice the Yellow Wattle Trees and I love to hear the Kookaburras singing.  Very important to me is spending time in Nature and enjoying smelling the roses (literally).

  
I love that I am a Transformational Life Coach and I am very Passionate about working with my Clients when they are working at embracing a New Way Of Being, discovering and exploring their Inner Journeys.  And I am Passionate about my own Journey.  For me my New Way Of Being is about being "Present and Warm To What Is", it is about being Real and Authentic, it is about Being in the Now.

In this New Way Of Being I am Totally Present in my Relationships, I am not in a rush or having to be somewhere else, I enjoy the Present Moment.  I am Grateful for my Man and my Family.  The image of this New Way Of Being for me is My Yellow Heart – where I am relaxed and at Peace and there is purity in my Love and Connection for all.  In this New Way Of Being there is Joy and Happiness and Gratitude for Beauty and Simplicity.

In this New Way Of Being where I am Totally Present and in tune with my Body, I am able to decide my ACTION.  Both of my Parents are not well at the moment and I today I felt a sense of being uncomfortable in my Body.  My Mum said that they were okay and that I should just be at work today, and yet it was an easy decision to talk to my Manager and advise him that I needed to leave within the next few hours.  My Values came into this decision today, an easy decision for me, where Family and Love are my biggest Priorities.  I am just so happy that my lifestyle and my work allow me the flexibility, where I can leave work to look after my Mum and Dad.  I knew that I needed to see my Mum and Dad and once I was with them, at their Home, that still feels Home to me, I felt relaxed and calm and Grounded in my Body. 

Rather than worrying about what may or may not happen, which is my Other Way Of Being, I am able to rest and relax now that I am at Home, knowing that I have been Present to my Mum and Dad.

Of course, I sometimes need reminders to keep me on track in this New Way Of Being, to bring me back to being Present in the Now. Sometimes I remind myself when I catch myself worrying about what I cannot control - I say "Stop" and this moves me out of my Thinking and back to the Present.   Other times, like this afternoon, when I was driving Home from my Parents, I was lost in Thinking about my Brother and what I wish could be different, and then I see a car number plate, I feel it is a message from the Universe for me - "I AM I".  This reminds me of my Counselling Courses where we are trained to recognise that "I Am I... You Are You", and from this place I bring myself back to the Present Moment and not take on all the worry and responsibility.

 This can be challenging when it involves the people that I love.  Today I feel myself stepping into my Caregiver Archetype, which comes naturally for me. 

And yet the Shadow of this can be when I go into worry.  My Man is also sick, and it would be easy for me to create all of these possible scenarios about what this means and the fear of test results, and yet my worry will not serve us - instead I can be in the Present and approach day by day.

Being Present in the Now for me is about letting go of my Past.  I love the quote that hangs in our living area "Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a Gift."  Stories from my Past often come up for me - when I was married, my divorce, other relationships from my Past, jobs and careers from my Past,  when I was a Manager, when I was a runner.  And the Past can be great in terms of leading us to where we are Now and lessons that help us on our path - for me, my failed marriage and deep dark depression and then my career in working as a Manager has led me to become a Coach – and this is my Lifework and I love that I now have my Coaching Business. 

And the Past can also be wonderful as a source of reflection where we are able to tune into times when we felt alive in our career or in our hobbies as indicators of our Passion and Purpose.  I have recently remembered how much I loved sewing and making clothes, and I am very Excited by the opportunity to start sewing again where I have been loving just walking through Lincraft and I feel my Soul alive when I see all of the beautiful material.  My Creator Archetype is all ready to start creating and yet I know that I need to bring in my Organiser Archetype and Destroyer Archetype to clear clutter and find space to bring this new hobby back into life.  I have a strong sense of my Organiser Archetype which shows up a lot more when I am in my New Way Of Being as I let my Body and Intuition guide me - where I have a sense that I need to Organise at Home or get moving on some "to do" list items for my Coaching Business or Colllege.

I am also gaining a sense of My Creator Archetype, where the other night I enjoyed making Cards to use as a Resource for Coaching Children.  I loved sourcing images and cutting and laminating the set of Cards.  I was Totally Present and in the Moment and loved being in Creation.  I am very Excited about bringing my Creator Archetype more on the stage in my life through sewing, photography, cooking, art.  I am looking forward to my Yin and Yang working together – tuning into my Intuition to be Inspired and then enjoying the process of Creation. 

From my Past, I also have such a love of Running and I often remember how much I love and miss Running.  I always notice runners when they run past me and when I hear my friends talk about Running, I always wish that I was also out there Running.  And yet for me I am choosing not to run right now where I am choosing to enjoy Walking while my body becomes stronger, since my main priority is to have a Baby within the next 12 months, this is my greatest desire.   When I am asked the question, the same question I use on my Coaching Flyer - Ask yourself from the heart, if I could be, do or have absolutely anything, I would  definitely ___________be a Mum.  As I tune into my Body and I am just Present in my day to day life, I am always drawn to the stories of Mums and love seeing and being around Babies and Children.  I am ready to be a Mum.  Every part of me feels this Call.

For me I feel that I am Creating a New Story – there is a New Book beginning for me.  While I Value my Past, where there are many Books and Chapters and so many wonderful life experiences and lessons, I have started a New Book.  The other Books are on the Bookshelf and I am closing these Books now, no need to tell stories from my Past or worry about my Past.  NOW, I can just be Present in my New Story.  And when I am Totally Present, I am also not caught up thinking about the Future, worrying about the Future - I can enjoy the NOW.  I can still dream about the Future and have Goals, and I can be unattached to the outcome and enjoy every day, the Gift of each day.
 
In my New Way Of Being I am in the flow, there is space for spontaneity and adventure.  I do not know what tomorrow will bring and yet I feel that when I am Grounded and Centred in my Body and Totally Present, I can feel into my Intuition.  I also have all of my Strengths and Resources of my Archetypes.  The key for me in this New Way Of Being is to press the Pause Button when needed, just Pause and Breathe Deeply and ask for Guidance from my Sage Archetype, who I believe is Inspired by God and supported by the Love and Light of the Universe and my Angels.  I am Loved.  I am Love.

And in Love I can Spread The Yellow.

Body, Thinking, Feeling

Body, Thinking, Feeling - I have been considering all of these Aspects within myself.  The Process for me has involved an Evening Review for the last two weeks.  As offered by my Teacher and Mentor, Self-Reflection is very important -"supporting you to become wholly integral and ethical practitioners".

Once I started looking at these Aspects within myself, it became obvious that I was spending most of my time in my Thinking, in my Head.  It was a surprise to me to see how much energy I can waste in being in the Shadow of Overthinker or worrying.  And I am very Conscious of not wanting to waste my energy.  This is the time for me to get rid of those energy leaks and direct my energy to achieve my Goals and have Space for relaxation and to be in the flow.

The valuable qualities of my Thinking is that it does definitely help me at work.  I realise that I have been wasting energy worrying about work and Overthinking if I am in the right job, and yet when I just direct my Thinking to focus on my work and give my best to each Project, I enjoy my day and exceed my Targets.  

By being an Observer to myself, I am able to witness myself when I go into Overthinking.  To help create change, I am using the word of STOP, which helps me STOP being in my Head - and then I bring myself back to my Body through focusing on my breathe, breathing fully and deeply.

I wonder about my Belief or Assumption that I have been carrying for a long time, possibly all my life.  I am not exactly sure - and yet perhaps it has something to do with our Society of rewarding Thinking.  I also believe that I have grown up trying to make the most of my time, where if I was driving or walking, this has been an opportunity to Think.  

Since training to become a Coach I have enjoyed Meditation and the opportunity to be Present and be in my Body, just being a witness to Thoughts and Feelings, almost as if they are just clouds floating past and I am just sitting in my Body, unattached - and this is when I experience Peace.

I feel that my Logo helps give a Visual to the new way of Being that I am embracing in my life.

In this Logo, My Yellow Heart is my Soul's Home - this is where I am Present.  For me My Yellow Heart represents being in my Body.  I love just being in my Body, just sitting in Presence - I am relaxed, I am breathing deeply, I am not Thinking or Feeling - I JUST AM.  When I am sitting with my Coaching Clients I feel totally in my Body, I am totally Present.  When I am in my Body, I can hold a Sacred Space for my Clients.  I feel Grounded, Centred and Present.  

I love being totally Present when I am with my Nieces.  Today I spent time with them in the playground and it is beautiful to just be Present with them and enjoy every beautiful moment.  Last night I was also babysitting my Friend's little one - she is an angel - she is 7 months old.  I felt totally Present and in my Body and by being in this place I did not feel upset when my Friend's Baby was crying.  I was just Present and loved being the babysitter.  I especially loved rocking the Baby to sleep, her little body cuddled into me and me singing to her to help her sleep.  I love spending time with babies and children and I can't wait until we have own Baby.   Today I have started a new Vision Board and for me it is quite simple - having my own Baby is my greatest wish.  And I am so Grateful that I have learnt to be in my Body rather than being busy or distracted in Thinking or Feeling.

I feel that by being in my Body, I am then able to make Choices - from my Body, I may be moved into Thinking or into Feeling.  In my Business Logo, my Thinking is represented by my Yang, the left-side of the brain, my Masculine part of me and my Feeling is representing on the right-side of the brain, my Yin, my Feminine. 

I really like these quotes -

- "Intelligence is present everywhere in our bodies . . . our own inner intelligence is far superior to any we can try to substitute from the outside."  Deepak Chopra
- "The body always leads us home . . . if we can simply learn to trust sensation and stay with it long enough for it to reveal appropriate action, movement, insight, or feeling."  Pat Ogden
- "In our bodies, in this moment, there live the seed impulses of the change and spiritual growth we seek, and to awaken them we must bring our awareness into the body, into the here and now."  Pat Ogden
- "Our own body is the best health system we have--if we know how to listen to it."  Christiane Northrup

It is interesting, I have been getting lunch from a cafe for the last few months and very often I am caught in a rush and am still in my Thinking mode.  By Consciously bringing myself into my Body, and feeling relaxed when I arrived at the cafe the other day, I was then surprised to feel a sense of stress within my Body - I then realised that this experience of rushing to get a sandwich, rushing back, rushing to eat my sandwich was far from relaxing and while I was waiting for my sandwich to be made I felt so stressed seeing that my vegetarian sandwich was being made with chicken filled tongs.  Even after requesting clean tongs my Body sensed the stress of this situation.  Yes, this sandwich had appeared such good value to me and then I realised that this is not being made with love and is causing me stress.  Time to bring in my Organiser and start taking my lunch to work.

By being in my Body, I can also be Present to what is real for me.  And rather than moving into my Thinking, I have been able to sit in my Feelings.  I am not sure what I have done in the past - perhaps in my positive, energetic, enthusiastic, half full attitude, I may move away from the depth of my Feelings.  And yet now I have been able to be Present to my Emotions, to be Present to what is real for me.  The other day I enjoyed a Meditation and was able to get in touch with anger from my past and then an email from a Friend from my past brought up Emotions of rejection and pain.  And there were tears and tears.  And I was okay.  By being with my Emotions I was able to release rather than store the pain - the next day the Emotional charge was no longer Present.

By being in my Body - I feel My Yellow Heart is so open and so often I am just watching a television show or a movie or I hear a story and I feel emotional, my eyes well up in tears.  From this place I have so much empathy for others.  From this place I have such a strong love of others.  I am in Connection. 

I thought that there was only two options, that I was either in my Head or my Heart, my Thinking or my Feeling.  And now I have learnt to just relax into my Body and let my Body be my guide.

I am also loving that I am now doing Yoga which is helping me become more aware of my Body and I am feeling a greater strength in my Body.  As I become stronger in my Body and more in touch with my Body, I am also more Conscious of checking in with my Body Felt Sense. 

In my new way of Being, I wish to be in my Body and use my Gifts of Thinking and Feeling to assist me on my Journey.  Being an Observer to myself, to my Body, Thinking, Feeling and spending time in Self-Reflection will continue to be important to me.  Meditation and Focusing will also help me, and when I do make time for these important Activities, I love the sense of being Present and in my Body.

Being With My Emotions

After being at College all weekend with so much to learn, I have definitely been feeling a sense of overwhelm, so many Activities and Processes to learn so that they can aid us in working with our Coaching Clients.  

I was happy to complete all of the Activities that applied to my Physical Environment, and then in completing the Activities, this automatically led to new Awareness and then comes the work - more work.  And yet I also have a knowing that I do not need to put pressure on myself.  I can feel into my Intuition and I have a sense of the Areas in my life that need my attention.  I also have a sense that I want to exercise Exceptional Self-Care and focus on the basics - eating well, sleeping, relaxing.  

When looking at my Wheel Of Life, I rated my Health at a very low 2, and I am now taking Steps each day to help me in this Area in my life.  In particular, I am loving Yoga - very much loving Yoga - I am so Excited that I have finally started a regular class - it is wonderful - I am feeling less pain in my neck and back and definitely stronger in my body. 

I have also been enjoying Walking in Nature - I love getting out in the morning before I go to work.  I love walking in Gunnamatta Park - just being in the stillness.  I enjoy the time in Solitude.

Day 2 of our Course looked at our Emotional Level of Living and we talked about Needs.  For me time in Nature and Solitude are very important to me.  As explained by my Teacher, when our Needs are met, we are at our best.  For me, Walking in Nature is a positive way to start my day.  I love when I see Kookaburras - I love Birds and these are my favourite - bringing back childhood memories of holidays with my Family - and I just love the laughter of the Kookaburras.  I also love the Trees in the Park. 

I do miss my Running and yet it has definitely given rise to my new love of Walking in Nature and has renewed my love of Nature.  I remember at College a few months ago we talked about the new label of Nature Deficit Disorder - I use Google and look this up "a term coined by Richard Louv in his 2005 book 'Last Child in the Woods', refers to the alleged trend that children are spending less time outdoors, resulting in a wide range of behavioural problems" - interesting.  I remember at College we joked that a pill would probably be prescribed for this disorder.  Spending time in Nature in Solitude, and also Walking with my Man, is so important to me, and it will definitely be a Priority when we raise children.

On my morning walks I have been collecting rocks for my own Medicine Wheel.  On the weekend we created a Medicine Wheel and it was so beautiful and had so much meaning.  It has Inspired me to create my own Medicine Wheel.  I have collected 4 rocks for the main stones of North, South, East and West and I have 56 smaller rocks to collect - I am in no rush - I am just trusting the Gifts of Nature, as to what feels right for me to collect.  I am looking forward to displaying my Medicine Wheel in my Coaching Space from these rocks that I am collecting - especially with a knowing that they carry the energy of my favourite places in Nature.

As I refer back to my notes I see that one of the objectives of our learnings is to be able to connect in more fully with our emotional world.  Last night I experienced this first hand, Being With My Emotions.  I was contacted by someone from my past and it brought up a whole world of Emotions.  It took me back to a time seven years ago - a time that was filled with sadness and stress.  And as I sat in these Emotions, not being scared or overpowered by them, so many memories were triggered for me.  My Man was lovely and asked me what he could do to help me feel better, asking if I wanted to watch one of our favourite shows.  I just cried and said that Being With My Emotions was what I needed to do, rather than trying to move away from them.  And so I cried.  And I sat in Meditation, witnessing memory by memory, sad memories by sad memories, coming up for me.  It was like watching a movie of my life - seeing all of these scenes from times that I had been rejected.  And I just sat in the pain of the rejection.  The pressure on my neck was intense, as if the wounds of these unhealed Emotions were buried in my body.  And I just kept crying.  I went to bed early, crying, with my Man lying close by and giving me the Space to just be.  

I have been very conscious of wanting to heal any unresolved emotions, where I have a feeling that my back and neck pain stem from my past and from not processing my Emotions.  The other day I experienced the opportunity to deal with some unresolved anger through listening to a Louise Hay Meditation.  This Meditation was a good chance for me to look at unresolved feelings.  I initiated this Process and I actually thought that the Process helped.  Obviously the Universe and Spirit and God knew that I was strong enough to uncover another layer, where I needed to sit in the Pain of my past and just allow myself this chance of Being With My Emotions.  And now one day later, there is no longer the Emotional charge associated with these memories.  

I am learning that it is so important to be real and be with Emotions - that this is the path of healing.  It makes sense.  I look back on an old relationship break up, a long time ago now, 10 years ago, and I remembered being so upset.  I remember crying and crying and expressing my upset, crying while I cooked dinner, crying with Friends and Family.  And I remember being expressing my anger and heartbreak.  And then the crying stopped and day by day my heart began to heal.  And there was no longer an Emotional charge - I had allowed the time to Process my Emotions.

As I end my Blog tonight I would like to include a quote that was emailed to me this morning - this quote makes so much sense for me -
"Other people’s opinion of you will only affect you when you don’t have a concrete opinion of yourself.” – Amir Zoghi –

"Be more concerned about what you think of yourself Kathryn, rather than being so concerned about the opinion of others. An opinion of another individual is only determined by the opinion that they have of their self, so it cannot be a true opinion of you anyway. Just like your opinion of others is really an opinion about yourself.  The UNIVERSE"

Last night when I was crying, it brought up so many Emotions, and I did start to compare where I am at in my life versus Friends from the past - and then I remembered that none of this matters.  I am happy to be me - my life is a Gift.

My Yellow Heart

I am blessed that I now have such a strong sense of my Soul's Home - My Yellow Heart.  

For me the image of my Yellow Heart is my Touchstone to the way of being where I am totally Present.  In this place I am Love, I am Light, I am Acceptance, I am Warmth.  In this place I am Relaxed, I am at Peace.  In this place I can hear the whispers of my Soul, my Yellow Heart is the home of my Soul.  

In this place I have Connection with my Wise Self - a Part of me that guides me on my Soul path.  Today I enjoyed a Meditation listening to my new CD 'Pure Sounds Gyuto Monks of Tibet' (which is wonderful) and I felt my Self sitting in my Soul's Home of My Yellow Heart and being in Communication with my Wise Self (who was sitting opposite me).  This was a wonderful experience.  This is my image of my Wise Self.

As I sit in my Soul's Home of My Yellow Heart in my Meditation I also have a sense and the image of my Guardian Angel holding my right hand.  My Guardian Angel whispers "I am here, you are not alone."  My Guardian Image is beautiful - her dress is made of crystal and gold.  This is a beautiful experience.  I also have a sense of another Angel holding my left hair - she is dressed in purple.  My Angels explain that they are here to help guide me, and that by allowing this Space in my life, I can be in touch with my Intuition.

As I am in Meditation I feel my Self sitting in my Soul's Home and I feel so Peaceful - I want to stay in this place, I want to stay in this place forever.  And then came the realisation that I can stay in this place - I can always sit in My Yellow Heart and be Love and Light and Peace and Acceptance.  In my Soul's Home I feel that I am sitting in a circle, my Guardian Angel to my right, another Angel to my left and my Wise Self opposite me - and there are Others from the Universe also Present to support me.  In my day to day, I can take this Awareness with me, feeling the Love and Light of the Universe.

Recently in a Coaching Session I discovered my Soul's Home is this place of being "Present and Warm to What Is".  By Consciously choosing to be in my Soul's Home I feel more at Peace.  At work I am just being  "Present and Warm to What Is", and so rather than overthinking about my Monday-Wednesday, I am able to be Present and focus on my work.  In this way, I am not wasting energy thinking about anything other than being at work - and as I focus on my work I am able to exceed my Targets and I feel a sense of Achievement.  In my relationship with my Man, I am also practicing being Present.  And in this place I can express my truth and all of my feelings. 

When I am with my Clients I feel myself in My Yellow Heart, listening with my Heart, totally Present.  In My Yellow Heart I sit in Honour of my Clients, in Honour of their Courage.  I am Honoured that they are sharing their Journey with me.  In My Yellow Heart I am Love, I am Light, I am Acceptance, I am "Present and Warm to What Is", I am Peace.  As I sit in My Yellow Heart I hold a Sacred Space for others.  In my Yellow Heart I allow Space.  Space for me offers the opportunity to Pause.  Rather than rushing in and speaking, I allow Attentive Silence for my Clients.  I also allow the Space for my Intuition, to hear Spirit.  And then I can respond to my Clients. 

Space in my own life allows me to gain insights for my own life.  Having Space is very important to me.  Space allows me to tune into my sense of achieving Balance within my Self and my Life. 

When I am Home in My Yellow Heart, I have a strong sense of Self-Love and Confidence.  I remember who I am, my Soul Journey and my Soul Purpose.  I am True to me.  And as I move into the Future and looking at my Ideal Scene in 5 years I want to be having this same internal experience - where I can be in the daily living of being in My Yellow Heart, my Soul's Home, the Light, Love and Peace within me - that is me.  When I am Home in My Yellow Heart I allow the Space to be in Connection with Spirit.  I have a knowing that I can draw on all of the Strengths and Resources within me, including my Wise Self and other Archetypes. By being "Present and Warm to What Is" I feel that I can always carry this with me - no matter where my Life leads I can be in My Yellow Heart.

From My Yellow Heart I can Spread The Yellow.  From a Natural, Heart-Felt, Genuine, Place of Love, I can Share, Moment to Moment, my Love, Warmth, Connection, Presence, Genuine Interest and Curiosity, My Interest In What You Have To Say, My Interest In Your Journey, My Care.  I can Communicate  I SEE YOU, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ME.  I can Share JOY, Happiness, Positivity, Energy, Excitement, Enthusiasm, Eye Contact, Just Being With Another, A Smile, A Moment, A Kind Word, Words From My Heart, A Hug, An Encouragement, An Acknowledgement, Gratitude, Appreciation, Gift Of Words, Gift Of Thoughtfulness, AWARENESS, Opportunities, Possibilities, the Right To Choice, the Right To Choose, An Offering, An Invitation.  From My Yellow Heart I can Make A Difference, I can Make This Moment Count!!!

I have a sense of a Butterfly landing in my Soul's Home, an image of Transformation.  The Butterfly gently reminds me that Life is a Journey and that change is a part of Life.  The Butterfly reminds me to Honour the Journey of Others.  The Butterfly reminds me to Honour my own Journey.

For me my Business Card helps highlight my way of Being and Doing that feels right for me.  My Yellow Heart is at the Centre and this Inspires Emotion and Action through my Yin and Yang, the Parts of me that act from a place of Love.  There is Balance, there is Space, there is Light.  And as I Honour My Yellow Heart, I will SHINE.

I feel so Grateful to recognise the Yellow in my own Life.  As I sit within My Yellow Heart I can be real with every emotion and I can also have an Attitude of Gratitude.  I am very Grateful to my Man who surprised me yesterday with a beautiful card and words and a thoughtful present, that is very me.  My Man is continually bringing Yellow to my life, always buying me Yellow flowers and recently he bought me a Yellow shower curtain.  I am so happy that I see my Man in my Future, he is in my Ideal Life.  I am blessed to be so Loved by my Man and feel such Love for him.  And in My Yellow Heart I have Love and Care for my Self.

Exceptional Self-Care

I am happy to revisit the topic of Self-Care, which is the final Activity in preparation for my College Course next week.  What I love about Transformational Life Coaching is that it offers the opportunity for Clients to achieve balance in their lives in terms of Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Aspects of Self, essentially a Balance of Yang Masculine and Yin Feminine.  I also love the opportunity to bring in Self-Awareness of the importance of Self-Care.  This is great for me and for my Coaching Clients. 

I read my notes from my Teacher "Exceptional Self-Care... establish or renew a commitment to take VERY good care of yourself.  Underpinning any Self-Care behaviour, such as getting sufficient rest, receiving bodywork, not doing every little thing that others expect of you, etc, is an attitude of valuing one's Self-Care, and a willingness to follow through... When you support clients to learn to support themselves better in this way - and role-model Self-Care yourself - they are likely to adopt better habits and thus experience a boost in their energy.  This then makes it naturally more possible to be more present in their life, and the lives of others.  The term 'Exceptional Self-Care' highlights an intention to uphold this way of living."

I look up the definition of 'Exceptional' - "Being an exception; uncommon; well above average; extraordinary".  I feel Inspired.

I look at the 'Exceptional Self-Care' Activity, a Holistic Approach that looks at what can be done on the Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual levels to improve my Self-Care.  Rather than just being in the mind in a Yang mode - I tune into my Yin Intuition and Feelings and I have a sense that I can be Exceptional in my Self-Care:

Physical

- Massage - at least one every three months

- Walk in Nature - at least four times per week (I love my Walks in Nature)

- Yoga - at least once a week (I love that I have finally started Yoga)

- Sweet-free at least Monday-Thursday (I remember not eating sweets for about 9 years and I enjoy being able to relax and enjoy sweets now and yet I also want to limit the sugar in my diet)

Emotional

- Check in with my Feelings on a daily basis, a few times a day 

- Trust my Body, Felt Sense, Intuition rather than just being in my Thinking

- Journal and Art Therapy when I feel called to express myself

Mental

- Meditation 15-30 minutes per day

- Affirmation to STOP any overthinking or worrying

Spiritual

- Meditation 15-30 minutes per day

- Pray and give thanks on a daily basis with an Attitude of Gratitude.

I feel that in the last two weeks I have just been reading and reviewing all of these forms and making lists of all of the gaps I have in my life and identifying Areas where I need ACTION.  And so I am especially loving that I can balance this out with Self-Care.  I am especially keen to book a massage - hmmm... that sounds like a great idea!!!

There is so much to do.  I will write this twice - THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO!!!  And yet this week I will enjoy each day.  I am not going to overthink things or worry, or even think about ALL of the things I need to do.  I am just going to be Present in the NOW.  This feels to be such a great way to Honour Self and to Practice Exceptional Self-Care.

 

 

My Financial Health

Now is the time to look at my Financial Health.  There is a Part of me that feels some resistance to looking at this topic, as I do not feel that I am in the best Financial Health right now.  It is definitely an Area that needs my attention, and for that reason there is definitely another Part of me that is motivated to become better Organised and Planned in this Area.  It is time to bring in my Yang.  I keep talking about bringing in more of my Yang as I am usually so much in my Yin.  I revisit my Yin and Yang images, inparticular I am inspired by my Yang Masculine image - I need this Part of me to definitely be more active.

Before I start reading my notes from College, I take the time to reflect on the History of my Relationship with Money.  I remember getting my first job while I was at school and my Parents were always very generous in letting me spend the money on whatever I wanted - clothes, going out, clothes.  Even when I went to University and I was working casually, most of my money just went to clothes and going out.  As I write this now I have a sense of sadness that I didn't contribute to my University books or stationery, I just remember my Dad going to work every day, week in and week out, working hard for his family and giving me money when I needed it.  I didn't think much about the value of Money or having Choices about Money when I was a child or even a teenage, although I do remember being sent money for my Birthday and Christmas from my Nana and Papa and Aunty Joyce and making Choices of what I should buy.  

I then remember my Cousin telling me that every time she would reach $100 in her bank account, she would transfer it to another account, and with this advice I started saving, and I loved saving.  Saving made me feel great, especially with a Goal of buying a car.  In my early 20s I bought a grey charade - I loved that car.  

Once I started working full-time I started spending money on fancy clothes for my fancy jobs in the city, I was always buying suits and scarves and stockings and shoes.  I then went to Atlanta for work for 4 months and I spent a fortune - books, clothes, perfume, presents for everyone back home.  I was also given so many presents from the place where I was working, and so when I returned home I had too many bags.  At the last minute at the airport, I had to organise for some bags of my luggage to be sent home.  

After years and years of shopping and spending, I settled into a savings plan, I don't really know how this happened or what Inspired me.  I was still living at home and I settled into a long-term relationship and before I knew it, after about 4 years, I had enough for a deposit on a home.  And then a whole new Journey began - buying a home, a mortgage.  And then a relationship breakup.  Followed by a new relationship and marriage and divorce.  Followed by other relationships and other breakups and selling my Home.  My Health and My Financial Health suffered as I went in and out of different relationships and in and out of different properties.  

About five years ago, a lot of things changed for me, where I started working with People in Hiring, Training, Management and Motivation.  I loved this job.  After years and years of Financial loss, this job gave me the opportunity to save and plan for my future.  I loved being able to buy a car and then my own Property again and I enjoyed having a feeling of Financial Freedom where I felt able to buy clothes and presents for loved ones and I was able to go out and enjoy myself and I felt in control of my Finances and my life.  

When I changed jobs, this changed for me.  And now I am choosing to start my own Business.  I feel my Journey over the last two years, and my experience of now, is just the opportunity for me to learn about My Financial Health.  I have never had to worry about a Budget or really worry about Money until now - and so now I see the opportunity to shift my perspective and learn how I can be more responsible and become more active and more abundant in this Area.

I read 'Invest In Your Financial Health' from 'Take Time For Your Life' by Cheryl Richardson and there are many parts of this excerpt that resonate with me.  "Although most of us know by now that money doesn't bring happiness, the lack of money can bring plenty of pain.  If you're living without financial reserves, it's impossible to be in control of your life.  How can you leave a job that's making you crazy and affecting your health or take time off to care for a loved one?  When will you take that trip you've been planning for the last ten years or start the business you've always dreamed of?  It's impossible to 'follow your bliss' when you've got a hefty mortgage to pay or feel saddled with unwanted debt." This resonates with me - I have always had this reserve of money and now with my decision to start my own business and stay true to my Dream, this reserve is no longer available, right now.  Time to build back the reserves.

Cheryl Richardson explains "A lack of financial reserves is the biggest obstacle to my clients, living the lives they want most... The more trouble you have with money, however, the more energy this piece will take from you and the more challenging it will be to live the life you want.  Extreme self-care includes taking care of your financial health.  If you struggle to make ends meet, have trouble saving money, or feel burdened with unwanted debt, it's time to do something about it."

Time for the Financial Health Checkup - with 15 points:

- I balance my bank statement every month - No

- I always pay my bills on time - No

- I live debt free or utilise a plan to get there - No

- I contribute to a savings plan consistently - No

- I don't dream about or depend on the lottery or other gimmicks to fund my financial future - Yes

- I know where my money goes and how much I spend on personal and/ or business expenses - Yes

- I have a long-term financial plan that supports my present and future Goals - No

- I live well within my means - Yes

- I am financially secure, I don't worry about money - No

- I always carry enough cash with me -No

- When I feel financially full, I share my wealth with others - Yes

- I pay my credit cards in full each month - No

- I pay my taxes on time - Yes

- I have an excellent financial adviser/ accountant who supports my financial goals - No

- I have a bookkeeping system that allows me to access my financial information at any time - No

= 5/15

I am reassured when I read "If this checklist feels overwhelming or depressing, don't worry.  Eight percent of the people that first take this test score between 3 and 6 points out of the possible 15.  Becoming aware of the missing pieces in your financial puzzle is the first step.  Once you know how to improve your financial health you can take one simple action and be on the road to fiscal fitness.  Inaction is what keeps you a victim to external forces."

As I am a Coach, I am all about ACTION and I also have a Commitment to Coach myself and be true to being my best on my Journey.

I enjoy reading and learning from 'Take Time For Your Life' - "This lack of skill, discipline, and basic money management expertise gets you into trouble in several ways.  First, there are concrete issues of debt and liability, what I call the practical issues.  Following close behind are the emotional issues - a looming sense of anxiety about where your money goes and a sense of hopelessness about your ability to improve your financial state.  Finally, you end up feeling frustrated, irresponsible, and bad about yourself, and this is what blocks you from increasing your wealth."

"I am convinced that the secret to creating the abundance you desire is very simple: once you take full responsibility for your financial health, money stops being a source of frustration and starts to flow into your life naturally."  I feel Inspired reading this paragraph as I have heard about this before, in line with The Secret and Law Of Attraction and as suggested by Cheryl Richardson, it is now time to send the right message to my Wise Self that I can be responsible with My Financial Health and allow more abundance into my life. "To allow more abundance into your life, you must invest in your financial health.  By shifting your attitude and developing 'adult' money skills, you'll open to the abundance that is rightfully yours.  Time and again I've watched as clients balance their checkbooks, start paying off debt, or ask for a well-deserved raise and thus open the door for more money to enter their lives."

"Restoring your financial health begins with a shift in attitude, from 'dealing with money is too much work or too stressful' to 'I'll do whatever it takes to restore My Financial Health'.  This shift sets the stage for action.  When you take the necessary actions to get on track, you end up feeling good about yourself, and that's the key ingredient to creating abundance.  When you feel secure about the way you handle money, you naturally attract more."

I like the opportunity to look at how I think and feel about money - and explore these statements:

- Money is -  Freedom and Choices 

- My bank account is - A tool I can use to be Organised

- Those who have more money than me are - Successful

- Money never - Brings happiness (oops I don't think I should be sending out that Belief)

- Money always - Makes everything easier

- When it comes to debt, I believe - That it is okay to have debt as long as it is kept under control

- When I am faced with money problems, I believe - In being aware of my debt and having a plan where I can make Choices for my future

- When it comes to money management, I am - wanting to develop better skills

- For me to make money, then - I have to follow my Vision and be true to my Self

- I can't make a lot of money because - ____________ I don't believe in this statement - I believe I can make a lot of money and I open myself up to abundance

- I deserve - for My Financial Health to be strong so that I can make Choices and Make A Difference in my life, to my loved ones and in Community.

I like this Checklist - Prescription for My Financial Health - I will be working on getting this Area of my life right (what is right and healthy for me) - 

"The Inner Work - Change How You Think and Feel About Money

- Change your beliefs

- Develop an Attitude of Gratitude (this one is easy for me)

- Share your wealth (I am already comfortable and active in sharing my wealth)

- Get comfortable with more

- Respect Yourself (I can tick this off the Checklist - and need to continually Honour my Self)

The Outer Work - Develop New Money Skills

- Ask for help

- Balance your accounts

- Know where the money goes

- Cut your expenses

- Pay your bills on time

- Eliminate debts

- Repair your credit report

- Start saving

- Put a bookkeeping system in place

- Create a personal spending plan

- Invest in your future, invest in you."

I definitely need my Organiser Archetype to help me in this Area.  I am Excited to be meeting with my Accountant this week and so I feel that this will give me a great opportunity to improve My Financial Health.   And with the start of the new Financial Year it is a perfect time to put systems in place.

Healthy Sources of Energy

We had a great night last night - out with my Man and his Friends.  We went out to a Thai Restaurant and enjoyed great food and wine, stories, chatting and laughter.  I love laughing.  Laughing for me is definitely one of my Healthy Sources Of Energy.

And today has been a day of relaxation, which I have loved.  I remember the days when I had every minute of my life planned and I was always on the go - now I love the opportunity to relax and recharge.  I have also enjoyed looking at my College work today, which is my lifework and a hobby.  Unlike when I was at University years ago, I love my College work, it is not a chore at all.  I love that it offers me the opportunity for my own Growth and I love continually learning to help me with Coaching my Clients.

For my College work and for my Self-Development, I have been looking at Distractions and Energy Leaks.  In 'Take Time For Your Life' by Cheryl Richardson there are some good reminders for me of how I used to be and how I do not want to be again - this part resonates with me "Another common way to keep the adrenaline flowing is to spread yourself too thin.  Investing your time and energy in too many areas causes stress and anxiety.  Instead of working on too many projects at once, pursuing multiple business ideas, or getting involved with too many organisations, narrow your focus.  Decide to do one or two things well, and channel your energy.  Too many irons in the fire give the illusion of getting a lot accomplished, but it's usually less productive."

As I tune my awareness to Energy Leaks and Distractions "of what triggers my body into fight or flight response, even on a subtle level", I really like the opportunity to consider how I replace this in my own life with Healthy Sources Of Energy (or fuel).  In the book 'Take Time For Your Life' by Cheryl Richardson, she talks about the "energy that comes from a higher source - the kinds of fuel that give you the power to do all that you want to do and contribute to your overall health and wellbeing.  Living a high-quality, whole life is a long-distance event.  Give yourself plenty of good fuel you need to sustain yourself."

I review the "What's Fueling You" List and check the good sources already in my life and I am conscious of what I still may need to Consciously bring into my life.  Cheryl Richardson explains "These are the things that will fuel you in a way that contributes to the quality of your life... give yourself 2 points for every item checked.  Tally each section individually and multiply by 2.  Then, combine the scores from each section for a grand total.  With 100 points available, how did you do?  If you score is low, don't worry.  Now that you have more time and energy available, it will be easier to consistently add more of these types of energy sources to your life."  In doing this Activity I decide to give myself either a 0, 1 or 2 which helps me avoid the black or white, yes or no, and allows space for the sometimes and I want more.  If I feel like I do have some progress in this area and I would still like to make some improvement, I will rank this Area at a 1.
 
Relationships
- I enjoy the company of special friends -1
- I share my life with my soulmate - 2
- I have a blood family or chosen family with whom I feel close - 2
- I get immense pleasure from spending time with children - 2
- I have a pet that brings me joy and provides me with unconditional love - 0
- I spend time having fun with people who make me laugh - 2
- I am part of a loving and supportive community -1
- I have relationships that stimulate me intellectually - 2
- I have people I can turn to in times of need - 2
- I have relationships where I feel intimately connected to others - 2
16/20

Environment
- I have a special 'soul nurturing' place in my home just for me - 0
- I listen to my favourite music regularly - 1
- I love my sense of style and feel good in the clothes I wear - 1
- I've let go of all the 'stuff' I no longer need - 0
- I keep fresh flowers in my home and office - 2
- My home is neat, clean and well organised - 1
- I create beauty around me - 1
- I love the neighbourhood I live in - 2
- My bedroom is the perfect place to get a good night's sleep - 2
- I have at least one room with a beautiful view that I enjoy - 1
11/20

Body, Mind and Spirit
- I exercise regularly -2
- I have eliminated caffeine from my diet - 1
- I have a way that eliminates stress and keeps me centred - 2
- I eat healthy and nutritious foods -1
- I care for my body with regular healthcare checkups and bodywork appointments - 2
- Each day I read something inspirational to keep my attitude positive - 2
- I have a Spiritual practice that connects me with my Wise Self - 1
- I feel a strong connection to a power greater than myself - 2
- I set aside regular time for solitude and silence - 2
- I have a safe and healthy outlet for my emotional wellbeing - 2
17/20

Work
- I enjoy my work - 1
- My commute is stress free - 2
- I have a mentor who guides and encourages me - 0
- I always take lunch breaks - 2
- I have colleagues who inspire and respect me - 2
- I take mental health days when I need them - 1
- I feel energised at the end of most work days - 1
- My office is a beautiful space that's well organised and free from distractions - 0
- My work contributes to a larger Vision that I have for my life - 1
- My ideas and talents are welcome at work - 1
11/20

Money
- I always carry enough cash with me - 1
- I have a system to keep my finances in order, and I know where my money goes - 1
- I am fully insured and protected - 2
- I save money consistently - 0
- My taxes are paid and up to date - 2
- I've made smart investments that earn very well -1
- I enjoy being generous and easily share my wealth - 2
- I pay myself first - 0
- I spend my money on things that I love - 2
- I pay my credit cards in full each month - 0
11/20

My Total Score = 66/100


I am surprised that I am only at 66 out of 100, and then another Part of me is not that surprised as I know that Environment, Work and Money are Areas that need my attention.  I am Excited that by having a look at the list of different Areas, by chunking it down to specifics, I am able to see opportunities for me to bring more Healthy Sources Of Energy into my life.

I am enjoying these Yang Processes and yet I am feeling my Yin Part of me calling to check in with my Intuition to get a feel of Next Steps plus bring in some images to bring possibilities to life for me.  In terms of Relationships I have a sense that of most importance to me is Connection with my Man on a daily basis  (this week I think we'll put on some music and have fun dancing, as well as enjoy some  Nature walks).

It is also important for me to maintain Connection with Friends and also be proactive in joining in with Community through the Bookstore and Church.

In terms of my Environment, this week I plan to listen to more music that I enjoy, at home and in my car.   I love music, I love when I put music on at home when I am cooking and I love listening to music driving to work, it definitely gets me energised for my day.

And I plan to keep my living area and kitchen free of clutter and organised.  I am not going to make a Commitment to organise my Office - this is a big job, and I want to be realistic and have the time to be able to focus my energy - and so for this week, it is just small Next Steps.


For my Body, Mind, Spirit I am also making a Commitment to enjoy at least 15-30 minutes of Meditation every day - this is important.  This week I will use this as the Opportunity to Connect with my Wise Self.  This is the image that I feel resonates with me when I talk about my Wise Self, the Sage Part of me.

The Area of Work is a BIG one for me.  While I love my Coaching, I also have a sense of wanting to be bringing more of my Self and my skills to my Monday-Wednesday job and I also want to put more energy into building my Business.  For me this week I am just going to hold myself Accountable to finalising the requirements for my Coaching Advertisement.

Money is also an Area that requires my attention.  There has been a huge change in this Area for me, directly related to my decisions regarding Work.  I make a BIG decision to not go back into a Management, Corporate, Full-Time role once I was made redundant so that I could be true to my Journey of becoming a Coach.  And this has been the right decision - even though it has had a huge impact on my Financial situation - and I trust that this struggle is just short-term.  For this week I am planning to be conscious of living to my Budget and keeping a record of where I am spending my Money.

I am also looking forward to reading my notes from College about "Invest in Your Financial Health" - sounds like a perfect topic for me.

I am Excited to know that with all of this Self-Reflection via all of these Yang Processes and Activities, there is the opportunity to work with a Coach and so perhaps this is where there will be space for getting insights from my Intuitive Yin and Emotional Yin Parts of me.  As I am so connected with my Feminine, Intuitive and Emotional Yin, I do welcome the opportunity to get my Yang Part of me working for me, taking ACTION.

All of these Processes are fantastic by offering the Opportunity to look at all Areas of Life.   I am Excited to use them as Exercises in Coaching with my Clients and to add them to my Toolkit.

Feeling Of Home

I've had a great day today, where I went into the City with my Mum and Dad and my Man.  As Family and Love are two of my Values I always love spending time with my Mum and Dad and my Man.

We visited the Australian Museum and I felt humbled watching a film and seeing photographs and displays on the Depression.  My Dad was born in the Depression and he remembers the time when his Mum would put camphor in material and walk door to door trying to sell them, trying to earn money.  I never met my Dad's Parents and hearing the story of how my Grandfather would travel to the Country to work in the railways and when I recently read the love letters he wrote to my Grandmother during this time, bring them to life for me.  I studied the Depression in History at school and yet watching the film is a reminder of a reality that was faced by my two sets of Grandparents, the struggles of bringing up their families.  As part of the Counselling Course, our major assignment involved a review of our Family of Orgin, and understanding that my Dad was born during the Depression explains a lot for me, in terms of his strong work ethic and also the fact that my Parents are not materialistic at all.  I am glad that I also have these qualities within me. 

In watching the film what caught my attention is seeing the families living in shandy towns, constructed out of packaging and scrap material.  It seems so surprising and there is a quietness and sadness when watching the film and even as I write these words it reminds me that this is still the reality for children and communities living in poverty.

In terms of Australia, I enjoyed seeing the families singing together as entertainment and the reality that children just enjoyed playing simple games outside and were thankful for a few simple handmade toys.  It is such a different time now.  I think of my Nieces and how they have so many dolls and toys, so much of everything, and I do know that I myself love buying them gifts.  While living in poverty is not desirable, and I do not want to be living in a financial struggle, I do feel a sense of motivation to avoid being caught up in consumerism.  I remember in my 20s when I worked in the City and I loved buying new outfits and spent a fortune on clothes and shoes and makeup and bags.  I am thankful that I now am not a big shopper now.  And as I look towards wanting to be a mother, I wonder how I can bring up my children to enjoy the simple things, rather than having them wanting everything.  I am motivated to help bring them up with a Spiritual, Environmental, Global Consciousness.

We enjoy lunch and a walk.  I really enjoy the company of my Mum and Dad and I am Grateful that we enjoy a great day out together.  My Relationship with my Mum and Dad is definitely a positive in my life.  I am thankful that I always have a Feeling Of Home being with my Parents.

I am also Grateful that I have a Feeling Of Home with my Man.  And I am Grateful that we share a Home together.  I loved my Unit, which is downstairs to where I now live, and yet when I moved upstairs to be with my Man, I realised that being at my own Unit was filled with a sense of loneliness and a sadness and yet here I have a Feeling Of Home.  And I love this Feeling Of Home.

As part of my College work for College, I like the opportunity to look at the topic of Distractions which is helpful in my Mission to get more Organised and Ordered at Home - "What distracts or annoys you?  Pay attention to the sights and sounds that overstimulate your energy, like a leaky tap, busy walls, or even a bookcase by your bed.  These subtle things pull your attention away and disturb your concentration or relaxation."  My College notes  from 'Take Time For Your Life' by Cheryl Richardson suggest "Spend one week on a search mission looking for these types of things and put them on a list.  At the end of the week, review the list and start eliminating them once and for all."

In the last few days I have been doing this Activity.  For me this Activity mainly serves to clear my Clutter, and inparticular move all of my study and College work from the lounge room coffee table back to my desk.  As my Man and I moved our 2 x 2 bedroom units into 1 x 2 bedroom unit, we have had to try and find places for everything.  I also have a Yin Preference and so in my creative energy and tendency to move on quickly from one project to another, as I am caught up in my enthusiasm, it is easy for me to leave areas with my Clutter.  I have been Consciously working on bringing in my Yang.  I have a sense that this Activity is a great idea to do once a month.  "Survey your environment.  As you walk through your home or office, or even when you get in your car, look at the walls, the desk and the floor.  Stop and notice how you feel when you look around.  Do you feel relaxed and peaceful, or agitated and overwhelmed?  Now take an inventory and write down the specific changes you'd like to make: Bedroom, Office, Kitchen, Living Area, Car, Other Areas" (for me that would include my Garage).

While my College work is giving me an Awareness of my Energy Leaks and Distractions I feel that this is a Process in terms of making changes.  For example, I know that everytime I park my car in my Garage that this does trigger my body, where I know I have to get my Garage organised and sell items on e-bay and organise a Garage Sale.  I am glad for the opportunity to be involved in this Yang Process and I have a list of change that I want to make, that I will make.  As a Coach, I find it very important to be living my own authentic life and having a Commitment to make changes and move towards my Goals.

And as I love the Feeling Of Home, I do want to walk in and around my Home and feel a sense of positive energy and a sense of peace.  While I have taken positive steps to clear clutter in our Living Areas and Bedroom, I definitely plan to dedicate some time to get our Study more Organised and Ordered.  That is the plan and I am holding myself Accountable.

Now time to get ready for a night out with my Man and some of his Friends.  We just had a laugh, he knows how much I love the Feeling Of Home and it is not uncommon in Winter for me to want to stay in and watch a dvd and hang out in my pjs.  That's me being so comfortable with my Man in our Home.

And I do enjoy going out, I just have to brave the cold tonight...

Commitment

'Commitment' is the word that has been coming up for me in the last few days - just the sense of Naming my Commitments and Honouring my Commitments.

Yesterday and today my Organiser Archetype has been in Action, with my To Do Lists, getting things done. And by being in Yang ACTION mode I do feel good about myself, I feel a sense of Achievement.  I have been organising my tax, health appointments and an Advertisement for my Coaching Business.  I have made a Commitment to get more Organised, so that I feel more Empowered in my Life.  

This morning, as I was lying in bed, I had a look at my Values on the wall and Commitment is one of my Values.  I love having my Values on my wall - they guide me for my day and for my life.

As I was lying in bed and enjoying lying in bed, I see the words Commitment and Health.  I am choosing to Name and Honour my Commitment to my Health.  Recently I was shocked to complete a Wheel Of Life Activity and have a sense that my Health is only at a 2 out of 10.  I was looking at my Wheel Of Life on 1 July 2010, knowing that I still had 6 months left of 2010, I wanted to put my own Dreams into ACTION.  I am SO HAPPY that I am now going to Yoga - I have a Commitment to go to Yoga at least once a week - and I love it.  I love the feeling of stretching and strengthening my body, I just love it!!!  After Yoga, I was very relaxed sitting at home on the couch and I was very very tempted to have some chocolate - and yet I have made a Commitment to not eat sweets during the week.  I am not sure what changed for me, I never used to eat chocolate, sweets, cakes.  I am glad that I am more relaxed and yet I need to Balance this with my Commitment to my Best Health. 

Thanks to my Commitment to Yoga, the last two Thursday nights I have slept so well, sleeping through the whole night.  Getting enough sleep is also important to me.

Nature is also on my list of Values, and while I could have stayed in bed longer, I felt Inspired to get up and go for a walk.  By having a Commitment to my Health, it is easy to make a decision to get moving and get active.  

As I go for a walk, I see some runners pass me and I always have the same response, a feeling of 'I wish I was Running'.  Every time I see a runner or hear a story about Running from a friend, this feeling is always present for me.  I love Running.  I have tried other activities such as Paddling and love the idea of Swimming - and yet I always come back to my love of Running.  And yet I have made a Commitment that starting a family within the next 6-12 months is a Priority for me and so I have decided to just enjoy Walking so that I can be painfree in my back and neck.  I know that I will be Running again one day and so for now I enjoy Walking.  I love the sense of peace that comes with Walking, especially when I am in Nature.

I love Gunnamatta Park, it is one of my favourite places.  My Soul feels at home here.  I just love the Trees and the quiet.  I love being outdoors, especially at Gunnamatta Park.  I feel a sense of Connection with Nature.  I love feeling a sense of Connection with Trees.  I am drawn to a tall tree and I have a sense of the Tree's Wisdom.  I put my hand on the Tree and listen to the whisper of the words that I feel inside of me.  I wait.  I have a sense of the following words - "Be", "You are here", "You are here!!!", "Follow the signs".

I feel a sense of stillness.  These words speak to me.  I have a sense that due to the nature of Coaching and the moving forward, I am often looking forward and setting Goals and wanting to take the Next Steps and in  hearing these words "You are here" I have a feeling of Relief, Peace, Rejoice, Celebration - "I AM HERE" - WOW!!!  I say to myself "Wow, I AM HERE, look where I AM".  I have so much to be Grateful for right now - after years and years of being unhappy in my Career and wanting to work with people and be a helper and healer - I AM HERE - I am a Coach now.  This is a new Journey and I am still learning and growing and yet I Am Here - I can be happy with where I am right now.  Yes, I want to grow my Business and work with more Clients and be more Active in running Workshops and Group Coaching and today I also have a sense of being a Teacher and speaking at Seminars - and these are all possibilities and opportunities.  And this will come.  And I have reassurance in the words "Follow the signs".  I also have a sense of "I AM HERE" in the area of my love relationship - for years and years I have put so much energy into the wrong relationships and this has been my Soul Path and now I AM HERE in a loving relationship - my Man is Home to me - it is a wonderful feeling.  I have a strong Commitment to my relationship with my Man.

I love being in Nature.  I have a strong sense that I want to do outdoor Coaching that may involve Nature Walking and picnic rug style Coaching as well as Group Coaching at Sunrise and also Sunset.  These are just ideas that feel right for me, and my Organiser Archetype has scheduled 2 hours next week to put these and more of my other ideas into writing.  I definitely have a Commitment to grow my Coaching Business.  I love Coaching and working with Clients.  I also have a Commitment to Spread The Yellow in my daily living, in my Coaching and also through my Business.

I also have a Commitment to be in Community and so I enjoy being at the Bookstore today where there are some lovely woman and I love being able to talk about our Spiritual Journeys.  I really enjoying sharing time with them and enjoy a sense of Connection.  I also enjoyed a Meditation at the Bookstore today, guided by one of the healers.  This is the second time I have come to this Mediation Group and I am really enjoying this opportunity.

I always love the opportunity to just connect and relax within.  I have a feeling that I am within my Soul's Home, my Yellow Heart, which is a place of Love and Light, and I am just being "Present and Warm To What Is" - it is really nice to just take time for Meditation.

I love the image above and it captures the sense of my Yellow Heart filled with Light and the rays of Light coming from my Heart.  And I also have a strong sense in my Meditation of rays of Light coming from the Heavens - from God, the Universe, my Angels.

During the Meditation I have a sense of the words "I Am Here" (again here are these words).  And I also have a visual of a Yellow Path, that I will be guided and I just have to "Follow the signs" (these are also the words from my Nature walk this morning).  I love the visual of a Yellow pathway and I hear the words "Trust", "Trust".

I have a Commitment to my Soul Purpose to Spread The Yellow and I am asking for Guidance to show me the signs of my Next Steps.  I do not want to be so in Yang that I am not in tune with my Yin - I want Spirit to speak to me through my Yin and for my Yin to then direct my Yang.

As I Name and Honour my Commitments of my Health, my Man, my Coaching Business and my Purpose to Spread The Yellow, I believe that this will open up more doors and ways for me.  I have a sense that I have to "Be" and "Listen" and "Trust".

I love the following quotes about Commitment -
- “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tom Robbins

- “There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”

- “Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.” James Womack

- "When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.” - this is how I feel about my Coaching and being in a place of Spread The Yellow - I feel like I am definitely on my Yellow Path, I AM HERE!!!  And as I say these words I am Excited and Delighted, I feel a lightness, a brightness - I AM HERE!!!  And I have a Commitment to follow my Path, even if it is not always Yellow, even if it takes me through the forest or down into the Valleys, I have a sense that my Light will carry and support me on my Journey...

And this afternoon my Man is doing a cleanup and finds some beautiful Christmas decorations that we bought last November and that we had forgotten to display at Christmas.  He brings them out and I love that there is an Angel with a Yellow Heart and also a Golden Butterfly.  They are beautiful and have so much meaning for me.  I decide to bring them into my everyday, rather than just packing them away for Christmas.  I feel the Angel with the Yellow Heart is there to remind me of my Soul Purpose - that my Yellow Heart, at the centre of my being, is filled with Love and Light and is a Gift from God.  This is why I am here, to Spread The Yellow, and God, the Universe and Angels are here to support me.

And the Golden Butterfly also speaks to me - the Butterfly is such a strong symbol of Tranformation.  As I look at the picture of the Golden Butterfly, the Light has created a Shadow - a reminder to me that Life is Light and Dark, Day and Night, Summer and Winter and a reminder to me that I am also Light and Dark.  And as I live in the Light and Upper World, I can make Space to Witness my Shadow and be open to all emotions and open to the messages of my Unconscious... this is my Commitment.