Where's your focus?

Mine is, to be honest, all over the place at present. There, I have admitted it and worse still it's been all over the place for a while.

I'm in a place of transformation, not only the crossroads but more like an 8 armed star - rather like driving round the Arc de Triomphe and not sure which road to take to leave it.

I've been saying 'yes' too much. I've been trying out new ideas and there's too much going on so nothing is getting the time it deserves. Ideally I need to take time out but when? Is this something you can identify with?

Last night, when we had the first meeting of my wonderful mastermind group, the need to focus came up over and over again as many of us, all women, juggled with a range of different things in our lives. Focus is what I need. I don't need to lose things for ever, just park them and focus on what is important for now.

This morning, in my Simple Abundance reading, I came across the following - Henry David Thoreau believed "our life is frittered away by detail." Sarah Ban Breathnach disagrees "I think our lives are frittered away by lack of focus"

Meant just for me, I feel and perhaps for you too. Here's to an increase in that focus.

'Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful'

This quote by William Morris lead me to work my way round the house room by room looking at all the accumulated 'stuff' with wider eyes and, apart from a thing or two here and there, I can honestly say that all three of us agreed that what was there was useful and/or beautiful. It was a lovely outcome.

What it did make us look at though was some changes that we could make in the layout of some rooms and pieces of furniture etc that could go in different places.

I have to do the same with the office now. Something tells me that's not going to be so straight forward.

Should have read the whole piece...

Oops, I was so taken with the first part that only after blogging, did I finish it and of course that's powerful too so please read on.

"When we navigate through our business and our lives, we really don't realize how much we are reacting to our unconscious perceptions of what is going on around us. When we do realize that we are reacting to something, we start looking for agreement to justify how we are feeling... and you know what? We find it!! What do you want to find in your life? Love? Success? Health? What are your circumstances suggesting is your reality? Suggestions are nothing more than unconscious projections from your mind making you believe that everything is happening to you. Guess what it's not true!!
You have a choice and with that choice you can create anything you desire.

Activate that choice everyday and let yourself bask it the peace that is all around you!! "

Thanks again David - www.DavidNeagle.com

A very powerful realisation and lesson

Hi there,

I'm a fan of David Neagle - www.DavidNeagle.com and continuously learn from his insights and experience. Reading his latest newsletter this morning, I was struck by the following:-

"I just returned from a long over due trip to Maui, a very peaceful and serene place... so much so that from the moment you step off the plane, you are pulled into a peaceful state. Here's what important to "see": it's the people of Maui that are feeling at peace, adding to the peace of the environment itself. Yes, the environment is powerful also... but what's even more potent is the apparent decision of the population to be in harmony... to receive Spirit in each moment.
Here's an example of what I mean: I went to several places for dinner while I was there and each time was astounded by how audibly quiet the space was, even though the restaurants were full of people talking. It was like this at every place I went. When I got back to San Diego I took my kids out to dinner at a small but nice restaurant and was in body shock at how loud it was. It was so loud that we could hardly hear each other talk. I thought this was very interesting because the people all "seemed the same", but clearly they were not as their environment was representing the chaos of what they were feeling inside."

I can tell you that I know I am going to be so much more aware of this from now on. It does bring back an experience I had travelling on french railways. In the UK, train travel is noisy wit people on phones, talking loudly , laughing in groups etc and I'm a great lover of peace and quiet. In France, the trains were just as busy but people talked quietly, didn't use phones in the carriage and it all seemed much calmer. Now of course I'm thinking of the reflection of their lives etc.

Would love to hear if this invokes any insight for you and thanks David for bringing this to my attention.

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Through my "walk and talk " sessions, I'm often working with business owners and people who want to raise their profiles. They are often required to do this through presenting and I make no apology for borrowing from my husband and business partner Alan Stevens - http://www.mediacoach.co.uk/ for this posting.

When I read Alan's ezine, this really resonated with me and I'm sure it will with you too.

I don't know if you've ever sat through a speech or conference presentation and thought afterwards "What was that about?" If that is your reaction, then the speaker has failed badly. The point that the speaker wishes to make should be crystal clear, and even if you disagree, you should definitely understand their point of view.
When you are delivering a speech, the same rule applies. In order to make a point, you must have a point. It isn't good enough to turn up and tell a few stories. In order to help you prepare, write down your key message in large letters on a piece of A4 paper, and stick it to your wall, or keep it on your desk, as you write your speech notes. Keep checking to make sure that your speech is about your main point.

How do you know when you have a great message in your speech? Apply this test. It should be
Brief
Relevant
Memorable

Best of all, it should pass this test too. Will members of your audience say "I heard a great speech last week - it was about......"


Makes you think, doesn't it?

Have faith in the strength and quality of self.

Today's Simple Abundance quote is "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else." It came from Judy Garland and it really resonated with me.

As Sarah Ban Breathnach herself says it took her a long time to realise this and she's not been the same person since. She talks about the pressure on us females to be like other women but actually we want to stop this comparison and to work on our own authenticity.

Who are you really? Can you claim to be truthfully yourself? How can you work towards achieving this?

We are all too hard on ourselves, we are striving for perfection but I believe perfection doesn't exist in people so why are we killing ourselves in trying to achieve it? We should only strive to be first-rate versions of ourself. That's what I'm taking from today.

Springs glories

It was truly a pleasure to walk this morning.

The clear skies and sun of the last few days meant a dusting of frost last night that hadn't quite gone as I left the house at 7.10 so I had wisely wrapped up but soon that frost was turning to dew like drops still shining in the spring sun. Again the sky was clear.

As I walk these mornings, I am taken by what progress nature makes on a daily basis with leaves unfurling more and more from their protective bud shells.

Soon the trees will have a cover again blocking many of the sites I can currently enjoy, even more reason to get out now and enjoy them to the full. I've been amazed at the amount of blossom too and this seems to increase every morning.

Of course when the leaf cover is there, it provides the shade under which to lie and contemplate life or under which to picnic and keep cooler in the hot summer days I'm looking forward to.

Looks like today will be another stunning day. If you have the chance to grab even 15 minutes, get out there, stretch your legs and enjoy all that nature is offering to you right in front of your eyes. Breath in the spring air, enjoy the warmth and return to your desk with a spring in your step.

A lunchtime walk will increase your efficiency in the afternoon and ensure that the 'after lunch slump' is banished leaving you to end the day feeling productive and satisfied.

Spring Zing

What beautiful spring weather, don't waste it, get on some comfortable shoes and get out there.

Walking, even if you just take a wander around the block, to the shops or to the park, can make you feel great and boost the day ahead. It can also beat depression, improve your heart, and help you stay in shape and if you walk with a friend there's someone to share the sights with and when you chat as you walk, you'll probably cover even more ground but it won't feel like it.

Even 15 minutes in your local area could jump start your Spring of fun, fitness, and fresh air!

What do you think?

"You should never regret what you've done, only what you haven't done" Quentin Crisp - a great one to really think about.

Time to grow.

Having my first 'Creative Day' and just about to head off to a quiet place to work and plan.

Years ago the way I planned my coaching allowed me to have a 'development week' when I didn't coach and I worked on projects that otherwise would not have seen the light of day. Now the structure is different and after being somewhat frustrated at the inaction, I came up with this concept.

Watch this space, I shall report back later and let you know how I get on. Have a great day, I plan to.

Sunny start to the day

I don't know about you but I like a great start to the day , it's one of the reasons I walk as it grounds me and gets the day in perspective.

My office is at the bottom of the garden so not a long journey and I love the look of my turquoise painted office and how it seems to greet me and beckon me in. At the moment I'm also greeted by a beautiful pot of sunny daffodils. How about that?

Those happy little flowers just can't help but make me smile and they're so pretty. It just makes my morning, every morning and later in the year I plant red geraniums.

How can you brighten up your trip to work or your entrance to the office? How can you brighten up your day?

Have a great day.

Searching for my authentic self

Searching for my authentic self is what February's theme in 'Simple Abundance' is and I'm finding working my way through this month harder than last. I feel I'm not quite getting there but I am persevering and persisting which are two of the qualities I believe you have to have to get to where you want.

All these photos represent aspects of me and my authentic self is an integration of them all and more, the bit I've not quite sussed yet.

At times in the past I've given up too easily. I've not been persistent enough or persevered for as long as I could but not this time, this time is different because I do feel I'm on the right track. However, this journey is hard and there are loads of realisations and tears.

I went for a wonderful treatment on Tuesday, it was in a place I love and the treatment was a 50th birthday pressie. I was waiting to find the right time to have it and I did. Was it wonderful? Well yes and no.

'The Relaxation Place' is a stunning venue and Maxine is a wonderful therapist so all of that was superb. So where the oils, the candles, the ambiance, the warmth etc but while having it I realised just how stressed I was and I got very emotional and spent most of the evening in tears and writing in my journal working through ways that I could work to tackle this stress.

I did enjoy my special present, I do wish there wasn't so much stress in my life or that I was coping with it better but I do believe I was meant to have the experience that I did and it's just another part of this journey.

I will get there and so will you.

Overload, over commitment......

After our Monday morning meeting Alan and I were discussing why we failed to do all we'd committed to when we'd really considered our diary before entering 'to do' dates. " there's always so many other things come in" he replied "and I'm having trouble keeping up"

As yesterday developed, I found myself constantly interrupted by other things that needed done, so much so that yesterday's 'to do' list got buried and I felt totally unsatisfied. I'd done loads but not what I planned. In fact this morning I wrote in my journal that today was going to be an office based, get back on track today. I'm very determined.

Does this resonate with you?

Then as I started my day with checking my email, there was a timely blog posting from my good friend and fellow walker, Marc Leblanc. How often this happens when I need it so here it is for you to.

Take a deep breath

Posted: 09 Feb 2009 07:56 AM CST
As hard as I try to meet the challenges of the month, week, day and moment; I find obligations, commitments, tasks, responsibilities, interruptions and distractions get in the way of doing more of what I want to do and doing the good work I feel called and compelled to do. It is an on-going test of your benchmarks and boundaries that will keep you focused and moving forward in the direction of your dream. Trust the process. But, make sure you have a process, a path, a plan and a philosophy for your business and your life.
Mark LeBlanc http://www.SmallBusinessSuccess.com

Time for me to revisit the process, perhaps this will encourage you to do too.

Smiling feedback

I know we don't always have time to check comments on blogs so I wanted to share this with you. It's from my fellow walker Darlene in Canada.

"I used to live in Germany where it wasn't that common to smile and say "hello" as you passed someone on the street. One morning while I was out walking I smiled and said hello to a woman I was passing. She smiled back, stopped, and asked me if she knew me! We struck up quite conversation. It's a great way to make new friends!"

Care to try it out?

In times of redundancies and job search...

Whether you've recently been made redundant, are looking for a career change or upgrade or you're at the start of your career the three companies which are currently the biggest recruiters are BSkyB, Atkins and Ernst and Young. So have a look and check out the range of jobs.

Thanks to the latest Aurora newsletter for this. Let me know about your successes.

Smiling

For her religious education homework this week my daughter had to write her own 10 commandments.

Her list included -

• always do your best


• be positive


• be kind to all living things


• be honest


• smile often

The "smile often" is one that particularly resonated with me as it's very hard not to respond when someone smiles at you, it makes you feel good and it also takes less muscles to smile that it does to frown.

Often when I'm out walking I smile at everyone I meet, the majority smile back. There's always one who just looks perplexed.....

Sorting through some papers this morning I found this poem and wanted to share it with you.

Smiling

Smiling is infectious

You catch it like the flu

When someone smiled at me today

I started smiling too

I passed around the corner

And someone saw me grin

And when he smiled I realised

I'd passed it onto him

I thought about the smile

And I realised its worth

A single smile like mine

Could travel round the earth

If you feel a smile begin

Don't leave it undetected

Let's start and epidemic quick

And get the world infected.

The poem itself is enough to get you frowning so let it go and pass it on and let's smile through the day, week and year.

Excellent Development

The above charity - http://www.excellentdevelopment.com/is very close to my heart as it's co-founder Simon Madrell was an early coaching client of mine and together we worked on his career move which led to the charity formation.

Simon is someone who truly walks his talk and what he and his team have achieved in the time since they set up is amazing. Specialising in planting trees and building sand dams they have recently built its 200th sand dam since 2002. They are currently working with over 50 communities to bring water and food security to some of the driest areas of rural Kenya. The sand dams transform environments and transform lives.

To find out more visit the website and you may want to purchase one of their Tree Duty bags to use.

Oh yes, and in 2008 they won Charity of the Year at the Charity Awards. Just wonderful.

My Simple Abundance Journey

I'm still on it and haven't missed a day. There's so much to learn and to put into practice and I'm sure I've missed things but I do feel I'm on top of the gratitude element. Even as I walked just after 7.00 this morning I found myself saying thanks so much for all that I have.

For me the 6 threads of Abundant Living are all coming together - the gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy. They all link and lead one into another. I feel a greater simplicity in life and the continuous de-cluttering is helping that further. Even Ellie had a major de-cluttering session on Sunday. The simplicity makes the order clearer and that brings harmony and all of it allows me to see the beauty and joy more clearly and to feel it too.

On Friday I am having my Friday review and part of that will be reviewing my Simple Abundant journey so far. I am sure I will pick up on other things and learn more. I'm so looking forward to it.

Just got to decide where to go to have it. I want somewhere warm and cosy and away from my office.

Interesting view on free time.

My Lonely Planet weekly email dropped into the inbox this morning bringing just the right equation for these dull, dark and dismal days (if you live in the northern hemisphere that is). It's the time of year that many people hate and all they see stretching ahead is cold and dark. so get a load of this.

Weekends + bank holidays + statutory annual leave = 132 days and as Lonely Planet ask - What could you do with all that time?

Well for me of course I'm already thinking of walking some more of the Camino with my dear friend Teresa. Also can I fit some walking in when I'm in Phoenix in July or is that madness knowing what the temperatures will be like? Anyone reading got any other ideas of where I should go to walk/trek if I am in the USA at that time of the year?

OK, walking may not be your thing but to raise yourself out of the doldrums, take control and just think about what you could do with that time. What about your plans for the weekend? A;so make sure you take your holiday entitlement as so many people don't. You need that break to recharge your batteries.

Come on bring some brightness and sunshine into your life... and thanks Lonely Planet for this.

Simplification

In my reading each morning, it never fails to amaze me how often the message is spot on. Today was no exception so in this time of "credit crunches", struggling economies; downturns etc. read on.

It talks about how worries about money infiltrate all aspects of our lives, "making us dread the days and agonise at night". You know what it's like when you have a worry that surfaces when all is quiet and you want to sleep. It's also so horrible and lonely tossing and turning when everyone else is asleep.

The other message is that "You have the power to change your lifestyle and move from a feeling of lack and deprivation to one of abundance and fulfillment". Remember the daily choice of which to inhabit? Scroll through past blogs until the one written on Jan 1st .

Sarah Ban Breathnach finishes todays reading with "The simpler we make our lives, the more abundant they become"

Start today and thanks from me to Sarah for all her great guidance this year so far.