What would your life be like if you let go of the need for external validation and learned to love and accept yourself unconditionally?

Imagine a life where your self-worth and happiness are no longer dependent on the approval and validation of others. A life where you embrace your authentic self, celebrate your unique qualities, and cultivate a deep sense of love and acceptance for who you truly are. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of self-love and acceptance, and how they can transform your life in profound and empowering ways.

The Trap of External Validation
In today's society, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of seeking external validation. Success may be defined by outside influences, rather than exploring our own definition of what success is for us. Sometimes, our upbringing or the aftermath of childhood trauma can set us up to look for external validation. It's no wonder that we may find ourselves measuring our worth based on the opinions and judgments of others. It's no wonder we might find ourselves striving to meet societal standards and expectations  seeking validation through achievements, appearances, and the approval of others and believing that their acceptance defines our value.

However, this constant quest for external validation can be exhausting, leaving us feeling empty, disconnected, and unfulfilled.

The Power of Self-Love and Acceptance
Learning to love and accept ourselves unconditionally is a powerful shift in perspective that can revolutionize our lives. It is an act of self-compassion and self-empowerment that liberates us from the need for external validation. When we embrace self-love and acceptance, we become the source of our own validation and happiness. We recognize our inherent worthiness and acknowledge that we are deserving of love and acceptance simply because we exist.

Benefits of Self-Love and Acceptance

• Authenticity: When we let go of the need for external validation, we can live authentically, without fear of judgment or rejection. We are free to express our true self, embrace our quirks and imperfections, and show up in the world as our genuine selves.
• Inner Peace: Self-love and acceptance cultivate inner peace. We no longer need to constantly seek approval or compare ourselves to others. We can find peace within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances or opinions.
• Increased Confidence: Unconditional self-love builds confidence from within. When we accept and love ourselves, we develop a strong sense of self-worth and belief in our abilities. This confidence allows us to pursue our dreams, take risks, and embrace new opportunities.
• Healthy Boundaries: Loving and accepting ourselves unconditionally helps us establish and maintain healthy boundaries. We can prioritize our needs, values, and well-being, and set boundaries that protect our self-worth and honor our authentic selves.
• Resilience: Self-love and acceptance provide a foundation of resilience. When we face challenges or setbacks, we have a deep well of self-compassion to draw from. We can navigate difficulties with kindness and understanding, and bounce back with resilience and strength.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Self-Love and Acceptance

• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and compassion. Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend, offering words of encouragement and support. Practice self-care and prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
• Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Become aware of negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations and empowering beliefs. Reframe self-criticism into self-compassion, focusing on your strengths, achievements, and progress.
• Embrace Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice mindfulness and meditation, nourish your body with healthy food, and engage in regular exercise.
• Cultivate Gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate and are grateful for in your life. Regularly practice gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of yourself and your experiences. Celebrate your successes, big and small.
• Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you. Seek out relationships that are built on mutual respect, acceptance, and authenticity. Engage in communities and groups that promote self-love and personal growth.
• Set Authentic Goals: Set goals that align with your values, passions, and desires, rather than seeking validation or approval from others. Focus on personal growth and fulfillment, and celebrate each step of your journey.

​
Remember, self-love and acceptance are ongoing practices that require patience and self-compassion. Embrace the journey of discovering your true worth and learning to love yourself unconditionally. When you let go of the need for external validation and cultivate self-love, you create a life filled with authenticity, inner peace, confidence, and resilience. Start today, and embrace the incredible power of loving and accepting yourself unconditionally.

What would your life be like if you lived with a growth mindset, always seeking to learn and improve yourself?

Imagine a life where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth, where failures are seen as stepping stones to success, and where the pursuit of personal development is a lifelong journey. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of a growth mindset and how it can transform your life in profound ways.

Understanding the Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed and improved through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn. It is an outlook that fosters resilience, curiosity, and a passion for growth. With a growth mindset, individuals understand that their abilities are not fixed traits, but rather malleable qualities that can be honed and expanded with time and practice.

The Benefits of a Growth Mindset

• Embracing Challenges: A growth mindset allows you to see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of shying away from difficulties, you approach them with a sense of curiosity and determination, knowing that they can lead to personal and professional development.
• Overcoming Failure: Failure is no longer seen as a setback but as a valuable learning experience. With a growth mindset, you understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process and provides an opportunity to gather insights, adjust strategies, and achieve success.
• Continuous Improvement: Living with a growth mindset means continually seeking ways to improve yourself. You have a hunger for knowledge, actively seeking out new skills, ideas, and perspectives. This mindset allows you to stay adaptable, embrace change, and continuously evolve as a person.
• Increased Resilience: When faced with obstacles, challenges, or criticism, a growth mindset enables you to bounce back with resilience. You see setbacks as temporary and remain committed to your goals, knowing that perseverance will lead to progress.
• Expanded Creativity: A growth mindset encourages you to think outside the box, explore new possibilities, step outside your comfort zone and take risks. By embracing the unknown and being open to possibilities, you unlock your creative potential and develop innovative solutions to challenges.
• Stronger Relationships: A growth mindset extends beyond personal development—it also influences your interactions with others. By recognizing the potential for growth in others, you offer support, encouragement, and a belief in their ability to improve. This fosters stronger, deeper connections and more collaborative relationships.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

• Embrace Learning Opportunities: Seek out opportunities to learn and grow, whether it's through formal education, reading books, attending workshops, or engaging in online courses. Embrace new challenges and step outside of your comfort zone.
• Emphasize Effort and Process: Focus on the process of learning and the effort you put into your endeavors, rather than solely focusing on the outcome. Celebrate progress, perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way.
• Reframe Failure: Change your perspective on failure. Instead of seeing it as a personal reflection of your abilities, view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Extract valuable insights from failure and use them to inform your future actions.
• Cultivate Curiosity: Develop a curious mindset and ask questions. Approach situations with a sense of wonder and a desire to understand. Seek out different perspectives, explore new ideas, and remain open to continuous learning.
• Practice Self-Reflection: Take time for self-reflection and introspection. Regularly assess your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Set goals that align with your values and challenge yourself to reach new levels of mastery.
• Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded Individuals: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who embody a growth mindset. Engage in discussions, collaborate on projects, and learn from one another's experiences. Build a supportive network that encourages personal and collective growth.
• Embrace Discomfort: Growth often occurs outside of your comfort zone. Embrace discomfort and actively seek out opportunities that push your boundaries. Embracing challenges and stepping into the unknown fosters growth and resilience.
• Celebrate Progress: Celebrate your progress and small wins along the way. Acknowledge and appreciate the effort and growth you've achieved, reinforcing a positive mindset and motivating further improvement.

By adopting a growth mindset, you unlock the potential for personal and professional growth, resilience, and fulfillment. Embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities, and continuously seek ways to improve yourself. Remember, a growth mindset is a lifelong journey of learning and development. Start today, and watch as you transform your life and unleash your fullest potential.

Click here to enroll in our FREE course, The Journey from Head to Heart: Practical Tools for Emotional Well-being. It's designed to help you get out of your head, connect with your heart and expand your growth mindset. 

What would your life be like if you practiced gratitude and focused on what you have, rather than what you lack?

In a world that often emphasizes the pursuit of more—more success, more possessions, more achievements—it's easy to get caught up in a cycle of dissatisfaction and comparison. However, the practice of gratitude offers a powerful shift in perspective that can transform your life in profound ways. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of practicing gratitude and provide practical tips for incorporating gratitude into your daily life.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the good in your life. It involves recognizing the blessings, big and small, that surround you every day. When you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, you invite a sense of abundance and contentment into your life. Gratitude allows you to find joy and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for something else.

Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

• Increased Happiness: Gratitude has been linked to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction. By focusing on what you have and expressing gratitude for it, you cultivate a positive mindset and a greater sense of overall well-being.
• Improved Mental Health: Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. It shifts your attention away from negative thoughts and fosters a more positive and optimistic outlook on life.
• Enhanced Relationships: Expressing gratitude towards others strengthens your relationships and deepens connections. It fosters a sense of appreciation and encourages acts of kindness, creating a positive cycle of gratitude and reciprocity.
• Greater Resilience: When faced with challenges and setbacks, gratitude can help you develop resilience and bounce back more quickly. It reminds you of the positive aspects of your life, providing a source of strength and motivation to overcome obstacles.
• Improved Physical Health: Gratitude has been associated with improved physical health outcomes, including better sleep, reduced inflammation, and increased energy levels. A grateful mindset contributes to overall wellness and vitality.

​
Practical Tips for Practicing Gratitude

• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Set aside a few minutes each day to write down things you are grateful for. Reflect on the positive experiences, meaningful connections, and blessings in your life. Be specific and detailed, focusing on the small joys and moments of gratitude.
• Express Gratitude to Others: Take the time to express your gratitude to the people who have had a positive impact on your life. Write a thank-you note, send a heartfelt message, or simply express your appreciation in person. Acts of gratitude not only benefit the recipient but also deepen your own sense of gratitude.
• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by paying attention to the present moment and savoring the experiences you encounter. Engage your senses and notice the beauty and goodness around you.
• Count Your Blessings: When you find yourself focusing on what you lack or comparing yourself to others, consciously shift your attention to what you have. Make a mental or written list of the things you are grateful for, and remind yourself of them regularly.
• Practice Gratitude Rituals: Create rituals that remind you to cultivate gratitude. It could be a daily gratitude meditation, a gratitude jar where you collect notes of appreciation, or a gratitude walk where you reflect on the things you are grateful for.
• Find Gratitude in Challenges: Even in difficult times, there is often something to be grateful for. Look for silver linings, lessons learned, or personal growth that has resulted from challenging experiences. Shifting your perspective can help you find gratitude even in adversity.
• Practice Gratitude with Self-Reflection: Take time for self-reflection and acknowledge your own strengths, accomplishments, and growth. Celebrate your achievements, both big and small, and express gratitude for the journey you are on.
• Surround Yourself with Gratitude: Seek out like-minded individuals who practice gratitude. Engage in conversations and communities that foster a grateful mindset. Surrounding yourself with positivity and gratitude reinforces your own practice.
• Start and End Your Day with Gratitude: Begin and end your day by reflecting on what you are grateful for. Set an intention to carry gratitude with you throughout the day and end your day with a moment of reflection and appreciation.
  

Embracing a practice of gratitude can transform your life, shifting your focus from what you lack to the abundance that already exists. It opens your eyes to the beauty and blessings in everyday moments and cultivates a sense of contentment and fulfillment. By incorporating gratitude into your daily life, you invite more joy, positivity, and connection. Start today, and watch as gratitude becomes a natural and transformative part of your journey.

I'd also like to share an up level to your new or existing gratitude practice with a process called the Rampage of Appreciation or the practice of Uncommon Appreciation in a chapter I wrote in our recently published volume, The Book on Gratitude. I use this practice when my emotions are getting the best of me, when life is particularly challenging, in a stressful moment when I would like to shift focus quickly and to enhance my daily gratitude practice. The results are truly remarkable. You can download it here.

What Would Your Life Be Like If You Took Control of Your Thoughts and Emotions, Instead of Being Controlled by Them?

Our thoughts and emotions have a powerful impact on our lives. They shape our perceptions, influence our behaviors, and impact our relationships and overall well-being. But what would your life be like if you took control of your thoughts and emotions, instead of being controlled by them? In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of taking control of your thoughts and emotions, and provide practical tips for doing so.

Why Take Control of Your Thoughts and Emotions?
Taking control of your thoughts and emotions can have a lot of benefits. It can help you:

• Reduce stress
• Manage anxiety
• Improve your relationships with others
• Increase your self-confidence
• Expand self-awareness
• Enhance your problem-solving skills
• Foster greater resilience and adaptability

So how can you take control of your thoughts and emotions, and use them to improve your life?

A Word About Your Brain Neurochemistry
Keep in mind that we can change our brain neurochemistry. It takes practice, but we can literally do it instantly! Studies have proven this, and you can experience it for yourself right now by trying two things.

First, play music! Put on a song that is a high vibing tune for you. One that makes you want to get up and move. Notice the change in your body that is literally fueled by an instant change in your brain neurochemistry!

Second, smile! Whether or not you feel like you have anything to smile about, move your mouth into a smile position. Next, make the smile even bigger, engaging your whole face. Even smile with your eyes!  You don't have to be happy to do this. Just putting your mouth and face in the position of a smile changes your brain neurochemistry instantly.

The key is to notice when we are in a neurochemical state of anxiety, which is fueled by adrenaline and the fight, flight or freeze response, and take action to shift that state to one that serves us better. Music and smiling are definite options.

Practical Tips for Taking Control of Your Thoughts and Emotions
Here are some practical tips for taking control of your thoughts and emotions:

1) Practice Mindfulness
One of the first steps in taking control of your thoughts and emotions and reducing the body's neurotransmitter adrenaline, which often increases with anxiety, is practicing mindfulness. This involves being present in the moment, focusing on your breath, and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your internal experiences and learn to respond to them in a more intentional and constructive way. Here are two breathing tools that might be helpful while developing your mindfulness practice:

• Box breathing is a simple tool that will help you stay focused on your breath.
• Quick Coherence Heart Breathing

2) Challenge Your Thoughts
Another way to take control of your thoughts and emotions is to challenge your thoughts. This involves questioning negative or unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more positive and constructive ones. For example, if you find yourself thinking "I can't do this," challenge that thought by asking yourself, "Is that really true? What evidence do I have to support that belief?" By challenging your thoughts, you can learn to think more critically and objectively, and reduce the impact of negative or unhelpful thinking patterns.
3) Practice Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation involves recognizing and managing your emotions in a constructive way. This can involve strategies like deep breathing, visualization, or taking a break when you feel overwhelmed. By practicing emotional regulation, you can learn to respond to your emotions in a more intentional and constructive way, rather than being overwhelmed or controlled by them. Another highly effective strategy that helps with emotional regulation is called Aroma Freedom Techniques which is a science based set of tools using essential oils that help ease anxiety, . For more information about Aroma Reset, Aroma Freedom and related tools, click here to connect with a certified AFT practitioner to schedule a session. 
4) Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
Keep in mind that comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing yourself to others is not helpful unless you use it to inspire you. If you focus on failure, such as "I'll never be ..." and not being "as good as" someone else, anxiety will actually worsen. Repetitive thoughts only reinforce the anxiety. However, if you reframe the comparison and self talk to reinforce that you can "be" or "get better at" whatever you choose to be or get better at, it changes everything. If you focus on one small action that you can take towards whatever it is you choose to be or get better at, even better. And if you take that one small action and celebrate that as a victory, anxiety lessens as the neurochemicals in the brain shift.
5) Seek Out Support
Having a support system can be a powerful way to take control of your thoughts and emotions. Seek out friends, family, or a therapist who can offer encouragement, guidance, and feedback. Build relationships with people who share your values and goals, and who can help you stay focused and motivated, even when you experience setbacks.
6) Engage in Self-Care
It's important to engage in self-care when taking control of your thoughts and emotions. This can involve activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. By taking care of your physical and emotional needs, you can enhance your overall well-being and resilience, and feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.

So what does it look like to take control of your thoughts and emotions, and use them to improve your life, in real life? Here are a few examples:

• A person who's always struggled with anxiety and self-doubt decides to seek out therapy, to better understand their thoughts and emotions. They learn to challenge negative thinking patterns, practice mindfulness and emotional regulation, and seek out support from their therapist and support system.
• A person who's always had difficulty in social situations decides to take a public speaking class, to improve their confidence and communication skills. They learn to challenge their negative thoughts about themselves and their abilities, practice visualization and deep breathing to manage their anxiety, and seek feedback and support from their classmates and instructor.
• A person who's always struggled with anger and impulsivity decides to start a meditation practice, to help them regulate their emotions and respond more calmly and constructively in difficult situations. They learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, practice deep breathing and visualization, and seek out support from a meditation community and teacher.

Taking control of your thoughts and emotions can be a powerful way to improve your life, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your relationships and overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness, challenging negative thoughts, regulating your emotions, seeking out support, and engaging in self-care, you can learn to respond to your internal experiences in a more intentional and constructive way.

Remember, you have thoughts and emotions, however you are not your thoughts or emotions. You have the power to manage them. By allowing your emotions to emerge and putting some space and breath between you and your emotions, you will become a curious observer. From this detached place, you are able to notice what might have triggered the emotion. By paying attention to the cause and effect, you can use intentional practices to manage them, thus creating a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Also, with this awareness, you will be able to make choices that decrease the triggers or shift your response to the triggers that fuel anxiety.

What will you do today to start taking control of your thoughts and emotions?

What would your life be like if you challenged yourself to stay out of your comfort zone and try new things?
​
As humans, we naturally seek comfort and security in our daily lives. We prefer routines and familiar environments that make us feel safe and secure. However, staying within our comfort zone can limit our potential and prevent us from experiencing new opportunities and growth. Stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things can be intimidating, but it can also lead to personal and professional development, new connections, and a more fulfilling life.

 It can be a scary thought, but it's worth exploring. Here are some potential benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone:

• Personal Growth: When we challenge ourselves to try new things, we inevitably learn and grow. We discover new skills and talents, develop resilience and problem-solving abilities, and build confidence in our ability to face new challenges. This personal growth can translate to all areas of our lives, including our relationships, career, and personal development.
• Increased Creativity: Trying new things stimulates our brains and can increase our creativity. When we step outside our comfort zone, we are forced to think in new ways. If we create a habit of stepping outside our comfort zone, a process called neuroplasticity actually creates new neuropathways in our brain to support new habits. This helps us identify innovative solutions to old problems  and come up with fresh ideas for new or existing projects.
• New Connections: Trying new things can also lead to new connections and relationships. When we put ourselves out there and try new activities or attend new events, we have the opportunity to meet new people and expand our social circle. These new connections can lead to new opportunities and experiences that we might not have otherwise discovered.
• Overcoming Fear: Trying new things can be scary, but it can also help us overcome our fears. When we challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zone, we are forced to confront our fears and push past them. This can be a powerful experience that can give us the courage to tackle other challenges in our lives. Remember to breathe. Deep breaths work well. Heart breathing works even better. I've heard it said (and I've experienced this for myself when leaning into new experiences), fear and anxiety is excitement without the breath. 
• Increased Confidence and Self-esteem: Finally, stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things can lead to increased confidence. When we push ourselves to try new things and succeed, we build confidence in our abilities and our ability to face new challenges and our self-esteem increases. This can have a positive impact on all areas of our lives.

Of course, stepping out of our comfort zone isn't always easy. It can be scary, uncomfortable, and perhaps even painful at times. However, the benefits of trying new things far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Here are some tips for challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone:

1. Start Small: Just lean into whatever your big goal might be or whatever new thing you'd like to try. You don't have to take on huge challenges all at once. Start with baby steps. Try small things that make you slightly uncomfortable, such as trying a new food or taking a different route to work. If you get stuck, ask a friend to join you until you build up your "lean into it" muscle. Build up to bigger challenges over time.
2. Embrace Failure: Trying new things often involves some degree of failure. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and a necessary step on the path to success. This is about progress, not perfection.
3. Surround Yourself with Support: Having a support system can make stepping out of your comfort zone feel less scary. Surround yourself with friends, family, or a coach who can offer encouragement and support as you take on new challenges. Share your big dream or goal with them and invite them to celebrate your small wins along the way. 
4. Focus on the Benefits: When you're feeling scared or uncomfortable, remind yourself of the potential benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone. Focus on the personal growth, new connections, and increased confidence that can come from trying new things.
5. Keep a Victory Log: Dedicate a small notebook to jot down your victories, no matter how small. Trust me that the more you step out of your comfort zone, the more you'll experience what I call the magical zone. The space where our vibration rises and we can more easily interact with universal flow. Over time, you can look back over the small victories and celebrate your progress as you live the new life you've created along the way.

So what kind of new things should we try? The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas to get started:

1. Travel to a New Destination: Traveling to a new destination can be an incredibly enriching experience. It exposes us to new cultures, languages, and perspectives, and allows us to step outside our familiar routines and environments. Keep in mind this can be as simple as changing the route you usually take to the grocery store or as big as embarking on a month long safari and trekking adventure in Tanzania, East Africa and Mount Kilimanjaro.
2. Learn a New Skill: Learning a new skill can be both challenging and rewarding. It can expand our knowledge base and open up new opportunities for personal and professional development. (I recently took a deep dive into developing a new skill learning how to use artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT to help me streamline routine tasks in my business to free up more time to enjoy life! I was resistant at first, but a friend challenged me to join her and it actually turned what we learned into a course to help others and it into a side income stream for us! And it's been so much fun doing it together!)
3. Try a New Hobby: Trying a new hobby can be a fun and enjoyable way to step out of our comfort zone. It can introduce us to new activities, interests, and communities, and provide a break from our usual routines.
4. Attend a Networking Event: Attending a networking event can be intimidating, but it can also lead to new connections and opportunities. It provides a chance to meet new people, share ideas, and expand our personal and professional network.
5. Take on a New Responsibility: Taking on a new responsibility, such as leading a project at work or volunteering for a new organization, can be a great way to challenge ourselves and build new skills.

​
Ultimately, the key to stepping out of our comfort zone is to be open to new experiences and willing to take risks. We may not always succeed, but the act of trying new things can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

Challenging yourself to step out and live outside of your comfort zone can lead to personal and professional growth, increased creativity, new connections, and increased confidence. While it can be scary at first, it's well worth it in the long run! By taking small steps, embracing failure, surrounding ourselves with support, and focusing on the benefits, we can make stepping out of our comfort zone feel more manageable and less intimidating. If we commit ourselves to feeling the fear but stepping out of our comfort zone anyway, before we know it, we have created a life with more joy, happiness and fulfillment than we ever knew was possible.

So what new thing will you try today?

What would your life be like if you lived with intention and purpose, rather than just going through the motions?

If you're like most people, you probably spend a lot of your life going through the motions. You wake up, go to work or school, come home, watch TV or scroll through social media, and go to bed. Rinse and repeat. Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and before you know it, years have gone by.
But what if there was another way to live? What if you could live with intention and purpose, and create a life that truly fulfills you? In this blog post, we'll explore what your life would be like if you lived with intention and purpose, and provide practical tips for getting started.

Living with intention and purpose means that you're living deliberately, rather than just reacting to the world around you. It means that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why it's important to you. It means that you're making conscious choices about how you spend your time and energy, and that those choices are aligned with your values and passions.

When you live with intention and purpose, you're more likely to experience a sense of meaning and fulfillment in your life. You're less likely to feel like you're just going through the motions or wasting your time on things that don't matter to you. You have a sense of direction and focus that helps you stay motivated and engaged.

How to Live with Intention and Purpose

So how can you start living with intention and purpose? Here are some practical tips to get you started:

1) Identify Your Values and Passions
The first step in living with intention and purpose is to identify your values and passions. What do you care about? What gets you excited and energized? What do you want to achieve in your life? Take some time to reflect on these questions and write down your answers. This will help you get clear on what's important to you and why.

2) Clarify Your Vision and Set Goals
Once you've identified your values and passions, the next step is to clarify your goals and sett meaningful goals that are aligned with them. What do you want to achieve in the short-term and long-term? What steps do you need to take to get there? Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

If you’re not much into setting goals, which may be an emerging post-pandemic theme for those who have lived a goal oriented life, only to watch the world shut down and bring everything to a screeching halt, simply consider this concept and integrate into your decision making process. In any given situation, you have just two choices. In every decision you make, you have just two choices. One choice will be more in line with your intentions, values, passions and vision for your life. The other choice will be less aligned. Always choose in the direction of your values and passions.

3) Create a Plan
Once you have your goals in place, create a plan for achieving them. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable action steps that you can take each day, week, or month. Create a schedule or to-do list that helps you stay on track and make progress toward your goals. I love to use Jack Canfield’s Rule of 5 to keep things moving along. Check it out here.

If you are not much into goals, simply hold the intention and the vision of what you want to accomplish and how you want to feel as you move through each day and take daily action steps that get you closer to living from that place. This could be as simple as intentionally adding more joy to your daily activities. It could be establishing a meditation practice or spending some time each day focused on gratitude.

4) Focus on What Matters
Living with intention and purpose means focusing on what matters most to you. It means saying no to things that don't align with your values and passions, and saying yes to things that do. It means being intentional about how you spend your time and energy, and making sure that it's aligned with your goals and priorities.

5) Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can help you live with intention and purpose by increasing your awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can help you stay present in the moment and make conscious choices about how you respond to the world around you. Try incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine.

So what does it look like to live with intention and purpose in real life?

Here are a few examples:

• Toni is a 40-something woman who values health and wellness. She sets a goal to run a half-marathon. She creates a training plan and follows it consistently, even when it gets tough. She prioritizes her health by making time for regular exercise and healthy eating, and feels a sense of accomplishment and pride when she crosses the finish line.
• Melissa is a middle aged woman who is passionate about social justice. She decides to volunteer at a local non-profit organization. She spends two to three days a week helping with outreach efforts, attending community events, and advocating for causes she cares about. Se feels a sense of purpose and connection to her community, and knows that she's making a positive difference in the world.
• Melissa has always loved art. After raising her kids, getting divorced and finally having time to focus on herself first, she started creating art again. She recently decides to start a side hustle selling her artwork online. She spends her weekends creating new pieces, promoting her work on social media, and connecting with other artists in her community. She feels a sense of pride and joy when someone buys one of her pieces, and knows that she's pursuing her passion in a meaningful way. She recently created.a paint and sip class at a local cafe in her community and discovered that she loves teaching others what she’s passionate about.
  
  

Activities to Integrate Living with Intention and Purpose

Here are some activities you can do to help integrate living with intention and purpose into your own life:

1. Reflect on your values and passions. Write down what matters most to you, and how you can incorporate those things into your daily life.
2. Set SMART goals that are aligned with your values and passions. Write down specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that you can work toward.
3. Create a daily schedule or to-do list that helps you stay focused on your goals and priorities and/or your vision, intentions and passions.
4. Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
5. Say no to things that don't align with your values and passions, and say yes to things that do.

Living with intention and purpose is about creating a life that aligns with your values and passions. It's about making conscious choices about how you spend your time and energy, and pursuing goals that are meaningful to you. When you live with intention and purpose, you're more likely to experience a sense of fulfillment and meaning in your life. Use the tips and activities in this blog post to get started or enhance your own journey.

If you are ready for an even deeper dive, consider working with a 1 on 1 coach or accountability partner to help keep you on track. Click here to learn more about working with Trisha.

To learn more about heart-centered living, click here to download Trisha’s ebook, Heart-Centered Living: The Art of Cultivating Love, Compassion and Balance.

To learn more about Trisha's new heart-centered living community visit 
https://www.livingtheheartcenteredlife.com/www.livingtheheartcenteredlife.com/

Are you feeling a bit disconnected, off-balance, or unsatisfied in this divided, post-pandemic world? Are you asking yourself, "Is this all there is?" Perhaps you've spent years working hard and pursuing external achievements, but now you feel a sense of restlessness and yearning for something more.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many people experience a similar sense of dissatisfaction and desire for change at various points in their lives. Combine that with all that is going on in our world right now, and the energetic impact it is having on all of us, and it's no wonder so many are disoriented, confused, and uncertain. It's a time of transition and transformation. The old ways of being no longer feel satisfying. In some cases, they simply don’t work anymore. New possibilities are emerging, and how we respond to new possibilities will determine what we create next for our lives.

This blog series is for you if you're ready to explore what's next from a deeper place and wish to create a more heart-centered life of meaning and purpose. It will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this transitional phase and provide you with practical tools and strategies for living with intention, embracing change, and consciously creating a life that aligns with your values and passions.

Through a series of 12 questions, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery that will help you embrace the challenges and opportunities of this transformational phase and find a path that's true to your heart. It will also connect you with a community of like-minded individuals who are on a similar journey and committed to supporting each other along the way.
​
And so tomorrow, we begin the "What Would Your Life Be Like" blog series with our first question ...

To learn more about Trisha and her new heart-centered living community,
​visit https://www.livingtheheartcenteredlife.com/

A tough bout with Covid has forced me into submission.

The Universe has been having it's way with me for the past five weeks. I'm too tired to resist and I'm moving too slowly to get out of the way. I've been spending my days taking it one simple thing at a time. I'm going with the flow and practicing extreme self care. I'm simply taking the next right step and depending on the Universe to guide me. It has truly been a humbling experience.
While I'm sleeping or napping, my Covid-hazed dreams have created and delivered a new vision for the next steps for my property, my work, my being.

AI/ChatGPT helped to create the website, a business plan, an ebook and a step by step plan to help me turn this vision into reality. (I simply love the power of this technology, but I digress.)

Perhaps this is all just a long-Covid thing. But it feels like so much more than that. Check it out and pass it on if you are so inspired ... https://www.livingtheheartcenteredlife.com/

Also check out my new ebook:

As technology continues to advance, entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for new tools and strategies to help them stay ahead of the curve. One such tool that is gaining popularity in the business world is ChatGPT, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology that uses natural language processing to communicate with users. In this blog post, we'll explore how ChatGPT is revolutionizing entrepreneurship and the benefits it offers to both business and personal life.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art AI technology that utilizes natural language processing to communicate with users in a conversational manner. Once prompted, it is able to generate human-like responses to queries and conversations.

The technology is very versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. Once a new user gets acclimated to the platform and learns the basics of developing effective prompts for ChatGPT, the sky is literally the limit. 

Benefits for Business Improved Customer Service
ChatGPT can be used to develop chatbots that can handle customer inquiries, providing a more personalized and responsive experience for customers. Chatbots can answer common questions, handle complaints, and even help customers make purchasing decisions.

Enhanced Productivity
By automating repetitive tasks, entrepreneurs can free up more time to focus on other aspects of their business. ChatGPT can be used to develop chatbots that can automate customer interactions, perform data analysis, and even generate reports.

Content Creation
Whether its a sales email, a social media post, a blog post, a slide presentation, an employee handbook a partnership agreement or a business plan, with effective prompting, ChatGPT can help.

Increased Revenue 
ChatGPT can help entrepreneurs identify new business opportunities, such as personalized marketing campaigns or product recommendations. By analyzing customer data and generating insights, ChatGPT can help businesses increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction.

Competitive Advantage
By incorporating ChatGPT into their business, entrepreneurs can gain a competitive advantage over their peers who may not be utilizing this technology. Chatbots can provide a more personalized and efficient customer experience, ultimately leading to increased customer loyalty and business growth.

Improve Work-Life Balance
Entrepreneurs often struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By automating certain tasks and delegating responsibilities to chatbots, entrepreneurs can free up more time for themselves and their personal lives. This can lead to reduced stress, improved mental health, and better overall wellbeing.

Improved Communication
ChatGPT can help entrepreneurs improve communication with their team members, customers, and other stakeholders. By utilizing chatbots to handle routine interactions, entrepreneurs can focus on more strategic communication and relationship-building.

Enhanced Creativity
ChatGPT can be used to generate ideas and creative content, such as social media posts or marketing campaigns. This can help entrepreneurs overcome creative blocks and come up with fresh ideas to grow their business.

Streamlined Decision-Making
By generating insights and analysis, ChatGPT can help entrepreneurs make more informed and data-driven decisions. This can lead to better outcomes and improved business performance.

Personal Use
When the work day is done, ChatGPT can help you plan your next family vacation, develop a fitness plan complete with a workout plan and a meal plan, complete with a grocery list organized by aisle to save time once you get to the store! 

In conclusion ChatGPT is a powerful technology that offers a wide range of benefits to entrepreneurs, both in their business and personal lives. By automating repetitive tasks, improving customer service, and generating insights, ChatGPT can help businesses grow and succeed. Moreover, by freeing up time, improving communication, and enhancing creativity, ChatGPT can help entrepreneurs achieve a better work-life balance and lead a more fulfilling life. As ChatGPT continues to evolve, it is sure to become an indispensable tool for entrepreneurs and business owners in the years to come. 

If you're interested in learning more, check out our self-paced online course, ChatGPT for Entrepreneurs: Using AI to Start, Support or Supercharge Your Business designed to not only get you started on the platform, but get you using ChatGPT in your business and personal life and saving you time right away! Click here to enroll. 

My mission is to use my insight, creativity and resourcefulness to support and inspire others to connect with their passion, find their inner magic and create the life of their dreams. I do this primarily through my training, writing, coaching and service work.
I also live my mission through my property management business at Ripple on Silver Lake. I find myself doing it in my day to day interactions while I go about living my best life ... like in the grocery store line, with the server at a restaurant, in my conversations with friends and family and with former students, colleagues and contacts I meet along the way.

I work hard. I write a lot. I talk a lot. I inspire a lot. I show up to life with a curiosity about people, human behavior and most of life with a curiosity that never seems to subside. I have lots to be grateful for. However, sometimes there are simply not enough hours in the day or money in the bank or help in my day to get all that needs to be handled, handled. Sometimes I get tired. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I look for the easy way out.

I imagine the Universe dropping a huge lottery win in my lap or perhaps money will come from a wealthy businessman whom I helped get out of his head, into his heart and into a new heart centered life he loves living. Perhaps he or she will see my vision and fund the projects that I hold dear so I can expand my reach, do what I was born to do and not work so hard taking care of the time consuming and sometimes tedious tasks it takes to keep my property rented, my blog posts written and optimized, my social media fresh, my coaching and training calendar full, and my clients served. And then there is that book that is in my head and wakes me up in the middle of the night, as if to say, "don't forget about me!" that needs to get onto the page.

Ahhhh, the life I have chosen (and love!) as an entrepreneur.

I have tools. I have support. I have passion. I get divine inspiration that I'm on the right path. I am always grateful. And I keep taking the next right step. And the Universe always delivers, although sometimes in the strangest of ways, in the quietest whispers and in the most obscure places. 

Awhile back I came across an article about AI. Then a friend mentioned it in passing. The same week I heard something about it on the news during one of my rare "gotta check in with what's going on in the world" moments. I always pay attention when something comes up multiple times within a short period of time. So I paid attention. Yes, I was intrigued by this AI thing, but tech talk tends to take me out of my heart and into my head and into a space that I don't always get. Yes, I dabble in tech to make my day to day life and work easier, but I tend to rely on the young people in my life to get me up to speed with the latest apps for this or that and tell me what I need. Or just let them fix it for me.

But this AI thing kept coming up.

I felt resistance. Truth is, I fast became an AI skeptic. I was focused on the fear of it. What if this? What about that? What about ethics? What about if it gets into the wrong hands? What about the primary literature source? I was trained as a scientist, and that sometimes closes my mind, for sure. So fear won and I forgot about AI. Or rather, I got distracted by the blog post I needed to write or the outline for the new book I need to get out of my head. Whatever. It was not time for me and AI to dance.

In the back of my mind, I remembered the day I fully embraced the power of my new phone and started to actively pursue ways that hand held device could support me.

On December 28th, I woke up with an inspired idea, which led to an inspired phone call, which led to another, which led to a Zoom call with a guy with fundraising experience who might be able to help raise some capital for the pretty cool project that's been in my heart for awhile now. That conversation led to, of all things, a conversation about AI. Whaaat? Seriously? The guy who might be able to help with fundraising turned out to be a tech genius who was captivated by AI. And there I was on Zoom wondering how this related to my project or fundraising. I did my best to stay open, but truth be known, I could feel my resistance. By the end of the call I could feel my fear dispersing just a bit and felt my shell cracking open just a bit. I could see the glimmer of possibilities.

I got off the call and carried on with the next thing on my task list, finish that blog post and put it up on social media.

An hour later, the Universe delivered an AI course to my facebook feed. I started to think, what the heck!. How does Facebook know what I'm thinking? But instead of going down that rabbit hole, I clicked on the ad. It was for a two day deep dive into AI put on by a couple of tech gurus. I shared it with Starr, a colleague, fellow Canfield trainer and dear friend of mine who is always up for learning and growing. She was intrigued. We dove in and took the course together.

I run live events for Jack Canfield, America's number one success coach and the beloved author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Clearly the event crew for this AI training was not as seasoned in event planning and execution as Jack, his team and I are. I almost quit the Zoom link ... but something made me keep the link live while I went about my day.

It started 35 minute late. I was irritated. In just 10 minutes, I forgot all about my irritation and started to see some new possibilities. Throughout the event, Starr and I went wild. As each presenter shared another prompt or another way to use AI as a tool, we texted each more creative ideas, another aha moment and samples of what we had created as we followed along with the activities at the event.

The day after the event, I found myself feeling a glimmer of fear again. I played around with the technology and was blown away, but I could feel the resistance again ...

What about legality, ethics, integrity? How does this compare to using Google as a tool? I'm lucky to be well connected with a wonderful group of colleagues who love supporting each other. I texted a lawyer friend to get his perspective. He shared some resources, told me about his own experience with AI at the legal organization he works with and helped me sort it all out and put it all into perspective.

It's been two weeks since that course. The floodgates are wide opened. Now all I see are exciting possibilities, inspiration, a massive flow of creative ideas, innovative income streams and wonderful ways to leverage technology, save time and serve my mission to help people find their magic and help heal the human heart, lift the human spirit and touch the soul in ways I didn't see a month ago. And it so much FUN!!! My productivity has literally gone through the roof.

To all my teacher, trainer, speaker, coach, author, writer, entrepreneur, or have-a-book-stuck-inside-your-head friends ... the event below is a must not miss! I'm teaming up with some of my favorite Canfield trainers and colleagues for this event and I'm beyond excited! For those of you who know Jack's work, this training promises to deliver even more than the training Starr and I went to. We know how to begin and end on time, make sure we overdeliver value, engage our audience and have fun in the process! And the return on investment in terms of productivity, ideas and resources to support participants in blowing up their productivity and coming up with creative ideas for new ways to streamline routine tasks to make room for new income streams promises to be huge!

If you can't make the weekend, replays will be available so you can jump in at your convenience. Register here: www.impacthpt.com

And if you have any questions feel free to email me here.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever for trainers, coaches, authors, and solo entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive. With the rise of AI models like ChatGPT, these professionals now have access to a tool that can help them increase productivity and profitability. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways ChatGPT can help trainers, coaches, authors, and solo entrepreneurs improve their businesses.

ChatGPT is a cutting-edge AI-powered language model developed by OpenAI. It has the ability to understand and generate human-like text, making it an incredibly valuable asset for anyone who needs to write or communicate on a regular basis. For trainers, coaches, authors, and solo entrepreneurs, the ability to write and communicate effectively is crucial to their success. With ChatGPT, these professionals can produce high-quality content with minimal effort, freeing up valuable time to focus on other important aspects of their businesses.

One of the ways ChatGPT can increase productivity is by automating routine tasks. For example, ChatGPT can assist with creating social media posts, answering frequently asked questions, and even writing entire blog posts. This automation saves hours of time every week, allowing these professionals to focus on more critical tasks that require their attention and expertise.

Another way ChatGPT can help increase productivity is by providing quick and accurate information. Trainers, coaches, and authors must constantly stay informed on the latest information and trends in their respective fields. With ChatGPT, research can be done much more quickly and accurately, making it an indispensable resource for professionals who need to stay informed.

In addition to increasing productivity, ChatGPT can also help trainers, coaches, authors, and solo entrepreneurs increase their profitability. With its ability to produce high-quality content in a fraction of the time it would take to do so manually, these professionals can produce more content, leading to more sales and a larger client base.

Another way ChatGPT can increase profitability is by providing valuable insights and suggestions. For example, ChatGPT can help with creating marketing plans, identifying new business opportunities, and even providing recommendations on how to improve existing products and services. These insights and suggestions can lead to new ideas and strategies that can drive growth and profitability.
ChatGPT can also help trainers, coaches, authors, and solo entrepreneurs save money. By automating routine tasks, ChatGPT can reduce the need for administrative support, freeing up valuable budget that can be used for other areas of the business. Additionally, the model can provide insights and suggestions that can help these professionals make more informed decisions, leading to cost savings and increased profitability.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can help trainers, coaches, authors, and solo entrepreneurs increase productivity and profitability. With its ability to automate routine tasks, provide quick and accurate information, and provide valuable insights and suggestions, ChatGPT is a valuable asset for anyone looking to improve and grow their business. Whether you're looking to write better content, make informed decisions, grow your client base, or get inspiration for new income streams, ChatGPT can help you achieve your goals and take your business to the next level.

A Note from Trisha: 

I'm excited to partner up with an AI tech guru and three of my training colleagues, Angie Kneirim, Starr Pilmore and Kristin Sparks from Impact Human Potential Training to offer this amazing training opportunity coming up on March 4th and 5th. (yes, replays will be available)

We've done a deep dive into AI and chatGPT and created a powerful virtual experience specifically designed to demonstrate the power and versatility of AI and help you implement it in real time and in ways that will literally revolutionize your work and massively increase productivity and profitability.

Learn more about this virtual event here: https://www.impacthpt.com/. Space is limited so grab your spot ... and yes, there will be replays available to all registered participants.

Today we launched the second module of our new course 2023 and Me: A Journey from Head to Heart and Soul. In the course, we're working on simple tools that get us out of our brain and into our heart. We were talking about developing a gratitude practice. Some people choose to have a ritual surrounding their gratitude practice. Starr, my co-facilitator, gets up, takes her dog for a walk and sits on a bench down by the river near her house every morning where she reflects on gratitude while watching the dolphins play.

My practice is not based on any ritual. I wake up when my body decides to wake up. With my eyes still closed, I simply reach out to where my cat Sundae is sleeping alongside me. I bury my fingers in her fur, which makes her purr. I am grateful for her purring. And with my fingers still in her fur and feeling the vibration of her purring, I lay in bed and add to my gratitude list.

Today, I find myself wondering why I find her purring so profoundly powerful. Also, today, I spent some time exploring the relatively new trend of AI. Artificial Intelligence. I was introduced to AI by a man who I might be collaborating with. I downloaded the app he recommended and started exploring.

I found myself wondering about the power of Sundae's purr, so I decided to ask AI. Here's what I got ... 

The Healing Power of Cat Purring: Understanding the Benefits of Feline Vibrations

Cats have been a beloved part of human society for thousands of years, and it's easy to see why. With their soft fur, playful antics, and soothing purrs, cats have a way of making us feel calm and comforted. But did you know that the sound of a cat's purr may actually have therapeutic benefits? Let's explore the healing power of cat purring and how it can improve our physical and emotional well-being.

What is a cat purr?

A cat's purr is a unique sound that is produced when a cat is happy, content, or feeling relaxed. It is a low, vibration-like hum that can be heard from a distance, and it is believed to be produced by the rapid contraction of the muscles in a cat's larynx (voice box) and diaphragm. Purring occurs at a frequency of 25-150 Hertz, which is within the range of sounds that have been shown to have therapeutic effects on the body.

The Benefits of Cat Purring for Physical Health

The therapeutic effects of cat purring have been well documented in scientific research. Purring vibrations have been shown to have a number of benefits for our physical health, including:

1. Pain Relief: Purring vibrations are thought to help reduce pain and promote healing. Studies have shown that the low frequency vibrations produced by a cat's purr can help to reduce inflammation, swelling, and promote tissue regeneration. This makes cat purring a natural pain reliever for conditions like arthritis, wounds, and other types of physical pain.
2. Improved Bone Density: The low frequency vibrations produced by a cat's purr have also been shown to improve bone density. This is especially beneficial for older cats who are more prone to bone weakness and fractures.
3. Lower Stress Levels: Purring vibrations have a calming effect on the body, which can help to lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The Benefits of Cat Purring for Emotional Health

In addition to the physical benefits of cat purring, there are also emotional benefits to consider. Purring has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on our emotional well-being, including:

1. Reduced Stress: As mentioned earlier, the soothing vibrations of a cat's purr can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This can lead to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
2. Improved Sleep: Purring vibrations can also help to promote relaxation and better sleep. Studies have shown that the low frequency vibrations produced by a cat's purr can help to induce a state of calm and promote restful sleep.
3. Increased Feelings of Comfort: Spending time with a cat and hearing its purr can help to increase feelings of comfort and security. This can be especially helpful for people who are struggling with feelings of loneliness or isolation.

How to Benefit from Cat Purring

If you're interested in experiencing the therapeutic benefits of cat purring, the easiest way to do so is simply by spending time with a cat. Whether you're petting your own cat or visiting a local animal shelter, the sound of a cat's purr can be a powerful source of comfort and healing.
For those who may not have access to a cat, there are also other ways to experience the benefits of cat purring. For example, you can listen to recordings of cat purring, or even use a purring cat toy. While these alternatives may not have the same therapeutic effects as spending time with a real cat, they can still provide some level of comfort and relaxation.

Wow ... who knew there was so much to the simple purr of a cat!

And ... wow again ... about this AI thing! 

Which brings me back to the vibration of Sundae's purring and how grateful I am to start my day with that vibration as part of my gratitude practice.

And to finding balance in whatever tools and resources life brings us.

So while I was in Florida visiting my Dad, my Ukranian family, Tamara, Anastasia (12) and Sofia (8) with the help of one of their teachers and her Mom, turned my home into a recording studio of sorts and created this amazing gift for me and for the world. I am honored to share it with you and with the world. And I am amazed at how it all weaves back into my own story and reminds me that even though my Mom has long since passed, she is right here with me.
​

​I shared the video with a dear friend of mine who I knew would appreciate the sentiment.  "So while I was in Florida visiting my Dad, my Ukranian family was creating this in my living room. Beyond words ?" I texted to him. To which he responded, "Wow! This is kind of unbelievable. How does this sort of thing happen? Certainly not what you were expecting when you signed up to host Ukranian refugees in your home."

Certainly not! I never could have imagined the bond we have created in just a few short months. I never could have fully understood experiencing pure joy in the midst of the most challenging circumstances. And yet, here we are. The war rages on in Ukraine while this beautiful experience was happening in my living room. 

Which got me to thinking how it all came about. I could go back to just a few months ago and a call I got from a wonderful couple who work very hard, have been very fortunate in life and do a lot for our community. They called to ask me if I had room in my inn for a family they were considering sponsoring from the Ukraine. Hmmmm ... if I reflect on that call from the perspective of the reason for the season, I could get all very easily dip into the story of Jesus and Mary and Christmas.

Instead, I'll let you in on what was happening on my end around the war in Ukraine and my Mom's influence on my life overall. It's all connected anyway!

One weird fact is that the war in Ukraine started on my birthday, 2/24. So that certainly caught my attention. Another fact is that my Mom was always about taking care of the kids. When she was younger, she always wanted to be a social worker working with kids, but her guidance counselor told her that she was much too emotional and would not be able to handle the emotions involved in working with kids in difficult situations.

I can remember as a child, we would go grocery shopping and always buy two extra bags of groceries for the other family. And then we would make a game of delivering the groceries to that family without ever being discovered.

When my youngest brother Scott was in middle school, Mom was starting to feel that empty nest thing as the kids grew up and she needed something to take care of. She thought about volunteering and did some of that, but ultimately decided to add a bit of culture to her house and decided to host an exchange student from Spain. Gotzon was with us for a year. Then came his brother Kerman. And then their sister Leire. Through our exchange student experiences, we grew as a family and got exposure to different cultures. That resulted in a connection between families that still thrives to this day and includes attending weddings, trips to Spain and the US, and a myriad of snail mail, email and social media exchanges.

One of my last memories of my Mom’s obsession taking care of the children was when Manatee Hospital staff was getting ready to evacuate her to an Orlando hospital during Hurricane Ian. I went to see her before the EMT’s came to transport her. She was in a panic. She had no TV on and wasn’t near a window so she could see what was happening outside. She just intuitively knew something was up. I walked into her room and she was agitated. I attempted to calm her down, but she kept looking around to see if anyone was looking.

She grabbed my hand and told me that something bad was happening and I needed to help the children. She pulled me closer, reached underneath her bedcovers and began stuffing blankets under my jacket. Apparently, she had kept asking the nurse for blankets and hiding them under her bedding. She had about 8 blankets and as she attempted to stuff them all under my jacket, she kept babbling. The essence of which told me that she wanted to be sure that the kids would be warm and safe and dry.

“Please take care of them” she kept saying. “They will be afraid and I can’t get to them, so please keep them warm and safe and dry.” It was a wild and somewhat disturbing experience to see my Mom on the edge of incoherent, as her elevated ammonia levels from her UTI was having its way with her brain. But there was the essence of who she was … always worried about the children.

So ... fast forward to June of 2022. I had a dream of the scene above. The hurricane, my Mom stuffing blankets in my jacket. I’ve had this dream before, but this time, the dream was infused with flashes of fire and what sounded like bombs. I woke up disturbed. Something made me turn on the news. I heard reports of bombings in Ukraine. Fucking Putin. I was angry. My heart was heavy. And there were tears streaming down my cheeks.

At that moment, I got a text from my friend Sue who was living here at the time. She asked me to meet her for coffee in the kitchen. I went downstairs and she was crying. She, too, had a disturbing dream and woke up thinking about Ukraine. She was feeling compelled to do something but had no idea what to do. Donate money? To where? Send clothing? Pray? Meditate for world peace? All of the above?

At that very moment, when we were talking about taking action and trying to figure out what to do, I got a text from Joe, the former owner of this house. He asked if he could call me and discuss something he was considering that involved me and the house.

Twenty minutes later Joe called and told me of a sponsorship for refugees program that he and Nancy were considering. They had gotten an email from Dima, a former employee who came to the Valley one summer and worked with Joe at the restaurant during his exchange year in the US. Dima and his family lived in Ukraine and their community was beginning to see evidence of the war. He was not able to leave the country, but he asked Joe if he could help find refuge for his family (wife and two daughters).

Joe and Nancy discussed the situation and decided that  If they could find housing for the family (tough to do in the Valley these days and especially in the summer season) they would apply for sponsorship, which involved a 2 year financial commitment. Joe and Nancy have the money but were a bit worried about finding suitable housing and emotionally supporting the family.

When Joe and I talked, I knew what I had to do. I had just come home from Florida after a long ordeal with my dad with the sole focus of monetizing the property for the summer season. That day I decided to move out of my apartment, rent it to Joe for Tamara, Sofia and Anastasia from Ukraine and create a studio space for me in the barn for the summer and figure out living space for me somewhere else in the house when the weather got colder.

So now, I have a house full of traveling health care professionals in the main house, I have created a very nice space in the massage suite for myself, and the Ukrainian family has settled in quite nicely upstairs in my old apartment. We’ve had many opportunities to share meals, attend meetings to get them set up for health care and school and working papers and all the other things involved in creating a new life in a new country. The news back in Ukraine is sad and Tamara, the mom cries every day. But they are safe and warm and have landed in a community full of love and support.

As you can see in the video, they are quite amazing. I consider myself lucky and honored to have created safe, secure space for them to find some peace again while the war rages on. When I saw this video, I could literally feel my Mom’s energy and inspiration come through it.

Yes, indeed, it is all kind of unbelievable. Who knows how this sort of thing happens, but it does ... when we least expect it and in ways we never could have thought up on our own. However, when we look back in retrospect of what led us to today, it all makes perfect sense. And it is all connected ❤️

Addendum: The creators of this video have given me and you permission to share it far and wide. it is a message that will never grow old. Here is the youtube link if you are so inclined to share it: https://youtu.be/6PkNsSOd_OE

Ohhhh ... it's windy, snowy, freezing rainy ugly outside. The lights are blinking and I'm pretty sure the internet will go down soon. And, oh, I lost my phone last night about an hour away from home and the roads are much too bad to venture outside to go find it where I think I left it or go to Verizon near the house to get a new one. The truth is, I forgot to change my summer tires for my studded snow tires before my last trip to Florida to get eyes on Dad. Uggh!!! Not a good thing in northern NH winters.
So, I'll be wrapping some gifts, tidying up and then curling up with the cats to do some reflective writing. I’ve been writing a lot lately. Blog posts coming soon.

After that I will continue reading a book I came across in one of my recent sorting out stuff in the barn sprees. The title, by Sarah Knight, captured my attention. The Life-Changing Magic on Not Giving a F*%&: How to stop spending time you don't have with people you don't like doing things you don't want to do.

Hmmm ... I don't recall ever buying it, yet there it was grabbing my attention.

As I flipped through the table of contents, it seemed like the perfect read for where I am as we wrap up 2022. I think it will serve my intention to create a more joy and a more intentional self care practice and redesign a new normal for myself in 2023.
​
I'm feeling a major shift happening. I love my life, but I am coming to the realization that I've been spending too much time and energy worrying about things that are beyond my control, that I really don't care about anyway. It’s time to realign.

If the title offends you, I'm lovingly practicing the foundational principles of this book and self care by saying ... I don't give a f*%$. Do with that what you will.

But seriously, if you are overwhelmed, stressed, have difficulty saying no, or find yourself spending time you don't have doing things you really don't want to do, worrying about things that you really have no control over or spending time with people you really don't like, this book can help.
​
For my next read, in between practicing the principles outlined in Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up as I continue sorting out stuff in the barn, I might just dive into The Art of Doing Nothing while singing, “Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful …”

I just spent an unexpected, but profoundly impactful ten minutes on the phone with a wonderful young man while trying to sort out an issue with my retirement plan. After I joked about having a early onset senior moment that was affecting my brain and making it not able to function like it used to, he piped in and told me that he I was not alone. With a sense of sadness, he stated that his brain wasn't functioning quite like it used to either, and he assured me it had nothing to do with my age. How sweet, but I am who I am and my being simply doesn’t allow that type of comment, accompanied by what I sense was some deep sadness and concern, to go unaddressed without digging a little deeper. He went deeper with me. I’m always amazed at where those conversations take me and even more intrigued about what happens next.

So there I am, on the phone with a man trying to sort out an issue with my retirement plan and I find myself leading a mini coaching session about why he was feeling so disconnected at 30-something. He cited Covid, the news, financial worries and health concerns all being part of it for him. He stated that its something he and his peers are dealing with every day.

I am always guided, thus I dug a little deeper into the health thing. He disclosed having anxiety that he had never noticed before. He shared the details easily. At the end of his sharing, he stated concern that he was beginning to notice his anxiety affecting his physical health. I shared some resources, for which he was grateful.

Then I asked for another minute of his time and asked for his feedback. I shared my theory that our society spends so much time focused on physical health (diet, exercise, etc.) and not enough time teaching us how to deal with our emotions. My sense that we are missing key components about how to support our emotional health that creates both physical and mental health issues. He agreed but said he hadn't thought much about dealing with the emotional part. His focus was more on his physical health.

I asked him if he was doing anything specific to support his emotional health now that he suspected it was connected to his physical health. He told me that he no longer starts his day with the news and that he was seeking support for his physical health. He also mentioned being concerned about finances and inflation.

I asked him if he thought people in his age group could use more specific (and simple) emotional support tools to help get their brains and their hearts connected  and help them heal from the past several years and he said a resounding YES with an additional comment that everyone could use these kind of tools, not just people his age.

I hung up the phone with my retirement plan issue resolved and new inspiration. I’ve spent the past few days sorting out old paper and computer files, including old blog posts, unfinished books, half developed classes and endless content that the world needs, especially now. I have studied with and been mentored by human potential gurus. I have learned how to connect the brain and the heart and live a heart centered life. I have learned how to deal with difficult emotions, overcome huge challenges, process tremendous grief, managing difficult and troubling situations and I have learned to let it all go and tune into the present moment and feel immense gratitude for the gift of my breath and watch what miracles unfold when I am able to do just that.

The call with Andre fixed my retirement plan issue. It also gave me an opportunity to share some resources with him. But when I hung up the phone, I got goosebumps.

I believe that the body of work I've been studying for the past 20 years is foundational to connecting head to heart and helping people stop looking back for what used to be "normal" and start intentionally moving forward to create the heart centered, empowered life many of us are seeking.

I have so much content and so many tools to share.It’s time to compile all I know about connecting head and heart to support emotional (thus physical and mental) health into blog posts, ebooks, courses, services and yes, perhaps even creating a heart centered living community hat will have an impact on the world and serve people in expanding their experiences into living a more intentional and heart centered, empowered life.

The truth is, I’m already doing it each and every day in small but impactful ways. I do it wherever I go, in whatever I am doing and whenever I sense something deeper going on. Like my interaction with Andre, the customer service agent this morning. If I follow my heart and go with it, I always am guided to ask that curious question, create emotional safe space, share a tool or a resource or simply connect and serve in a way that I have impact in even the shortest of interactions. Some would call that laser coaching. Some would call it divine intervention. I call it my superpower.

Clearly it’s time to organize it all in a way that will serve people who are seeking a new way, like my new friend, Andre.

If you're interested in receiving updates and announcements about resources, events, courses, etc.  sign up below.

​It was the last day of a weeklong conference in early December several years ago. As I left my hotel room on my way to the meeting, I noticed a penny on the floor right outside my door. I bent down, picked it up and proceeded to the convention center. On my way, I decided that I'd had enough of meetings and that I would venture out to do some Christmas shopping instead.

​I went down to the hotel lobby to find out about local shopping. As I waited for the concierge to finish with the guest before me, I noticed a penny on the floor by my foot. I bent down and picked it up. The concierge gave me brochures for two big malls in Atlanta, as well as walking directions to the subway. While I was walking through the maze of buildings, on my way to the subway, I decided that I really wasn't in the mood for mall shopping and would much prefer shopping in specialty shops for different kinds of gifts. The thought had no sooner crossed my mind when I turned the corner, and found myself in the middle of a food court, surrounded by specialty shops. Delighted, I started to browse and met some great people along the way.

I decided it was time for a coffee break. As I walked toward the coffee vendor, I lost my footing, spun around a bit, and lost my balance. Although I didn't fall, I had turned about 90 degrees and almost twisted my ankle. As I got my bearings, I found myself looking into a bookstore and directly at one specific bookshelf. The only title that I could see clearly was a small book titled Small Miracles. I looked down to see why I had slipped and there, on the floor was another penny. I picked it up and went into the bookstore and purchased the book. 

I proceeded to the coffee vendor, found another penny at my foot while they got my coffee. I found a seat and began reading the book. It was all about coincidences. Believe it or not, the introduction even makes references to finding pennies! Okay, so that got my attention paying attention as I recalled all the pennies I had found since I left my room this morning. It was as if I was being called to pay close attention to where the pennies were leading me. 

Awhile later, I headed back to my room to check out and head out to catch my flight. When I arrived at the airport, I found out that my flight was cancelled. The next flight home was full, so I was rebooked on another flight to another destination that would eventually get me home to Providence in two flights. I didn't have much choice if I wanted to get home in time for an event I had scheduled.

As I approached the new gate for the rebooked flight, I heard someone call my name. It was a man I had graduated college with 15 years before. I hadn't seen since graduation! As we caught up, they made an announcement that my flight was delayed. The delay would cause me to miss my connection. He offered to let me stay with him and catch an early flight out in the morning. What were the chances?

I needed to call home to let them know that I would not be home that night, but the lines for the phones were outrageous. (Clearly this all happened way back, before the days that my cell phone was always charged and close to the palm of my hand! ) I walked down to one of the gates with a shorter line and waited my turn in line. I was next in line. I dropped my calling card on the floor and as I bent down to pick it up, I noticed a penny at my foot. Of course I picked it up. As I lifted my head, I looked up to see a colleague making a phone call. I had not seen him in over a year! Our eyes met and a smile came across his face as he motioned for me to wait for him.

As he came over to me, he was shaking his head and reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a piece of paper that had a list of names. My name was on that list of people he was going to call the next day. Although we hadn't done business together for over a year, he had just signed a contract that day that he wanted to talk to me about a contract! I asked him where he was headed. He was going direct to St. Louis, I was headed to Pittsburgh. I asked him why he was making a call at the Portland, Maine gate and he said that he just kept walking until he got to the shortest telephone line!

As I walked back to the Pittsburgh gate, I noticed that the direct flight to Providence that was previously full was in the final boarding stages. Something made me approach the ticket agent and ask if there were any available seats. The attendant informed me that there was one more seat. She changed my ticket and in a few minutes, I was on my way home via the direct flight to Providence.

I was the last passenger to board the plane. As I went to sit down, there was a penny on my seat! The man in the seat next to me commented on the smile I had on my face. He said I looked like the cat that ate the canary. I told him the story of my day, starting with the first penny outside my hotel room and ending with the one I had just found on my seat. As I looked at the penny, I noticed the words, "In God We Trust". God, Source, Universe, whatever you want to call it, there was definitely something guiding me along a path paved with pennies. I was amazed, he was curious and we talked a lot about life, coincidences and paying attention on that flight.

As we were waiting to deplane, he shook my hand and thanked me for sharing my days events. He said that he needed to be reminded to trust something beyond himself. He needed to be reminded about faith. He said that he needed to be reminded to get out of his head and pay attention to what was happening around him. He said, with tears in his eyes, that my story was just what he needed to hear to wake him up before he lost his wife and family. He continued ...

He told me that when he had left on his trip, his wife told him she wanted a divorce. She told him that he had become disconnected from life, their relationship and their family. He simply wasn't paying attention. We walked off the plane and headed to baggage claim where I watched him hug his wife and whisper something in her ear. She smiled and hugged him back. I sensed a renewed connection.

I smiled at him, waved and wiped away a tear. And when I went to call my ride, I found a quarter on the top of the pay phone!!! I have been finding the coins and the signs ever since. And I always pay attention!

During the first week of every new year, I set aside some quiet time to put the busyness of the holiday season behind me, get comfy, gather a fresh new journal, my favorite pen, a cup of something warm and cozy up for bit to pause and reflect on where I was, where I am, where I am going. I invite you to join me.

Here are 5 great questions to consider using as journaling prompts to get you started. Remember, wherever you were, wherever you are ... this is a judgment free zone. Instead, this is a growth zone. A place to connect with yourself in a space of total acceptance. An opportunity to spend some time to reflect, imagine, clarify and dream about what you'd like to create in 2023. There will be time for sharing later, for sharing is a powerful way to get your dreams out of your head and heart and out into the Universe where pure potential exists.

But for now, settle into a comfy chair, take a sip of your beverage, take a few deep breaths, write out the first question on a page in your notebook, close your eyes and reflect on that one question. Open your eyes, write your answers.

1. What has been your biggest life lesson of 2022?
2. What hurt your heart and what was the gift of that pain?
3. What are you most proud of in yourself for this year?

As you move forward with the next 2 questions, begin to fill in details and specifics. Things like, who is with you, where are you, the colors, landscape, sounds ... as much detail as possible. And then punctuate the details with your emotions. We'll come back to why the details and emotions are so  important later, but for now, I invite you to simply enjoy looking into your future and beginning to intentionally create your 2023.

4. What makes you feel more joy, more aliveness in your life?
5. What do you want to create in 2023?

I just returned home after an intense seven day training training event with America's Number One Success Coach, Jack Canfield. I lead the assisting teams for his live events. I'm the person behind the scenes making sure the space is physically and energetically set to support the transformation that always happens in Jack's trainings. I have the honor of working with some of the most talented trainers and transformational leaders on the planet. Our goal for the week is to help our participants fully embody Jack's success principles while training them to teach the principles to others. I've been working with Jack since 2010 and have incorporated these powerful and timeless principles into everything I do. I love this work and love what happens every time I step into the training room with Jack, his staff and our team.

Before I boarded the plane to Newport Beach, California, I was home in New Hampshire immersed in wrapping up a very busy summer season at my property, Ripple on Silver Lake. Between short terms VRBO guests that flowed steadily through Columbus Day, the comings and goings of my travel nurses in the main house and the new energy brought into the house by the Ukrainian family that moved into what was formerly my apartment in mid August, there wasn't much time to pause and reflect. 

I barely had enough time to move myself from the studio space I had created in the barn into the suite I rent out to summer and fall guests before I had to board the plane and get down to the business of  bringing the team together to prepare for the training. While I was in California, my dear friend, long term tenant and my part time property manager moved out of the space she had occupied for over three years.

When I got home, I spent the first two days recovering in my suite. The training is intense and the logistics of supporting a world class training event are never ending. Yes, the days are long, but the opportunity to spend time with such amazing people over dinner or a glass of wine or a walk on the beach once the training day ends simply cannot be overlooked. Add that to adjusting back to East Coast time and facing the colder temperatures that reminded me that winter was coming, the gardens that needed some attention and a huge pile of unopened mail and I had all I could do but fall into bed, drink coffee, snuggle cats and relax and reconnect with my space, my home and my life.

I woke up yesterday with a to do list a mile long and, at last, the energy to do it. There was nothing on my list about rearranging my new suite, however a sense of urgency overtook me. Before I knew it, I was moving furniture, rearranging the space and adding a plant here, a diffuser there, placing my favorite rose quartz crystal on the corner of the small desk i dragged in from the barn. The Vision coffee cup that a colleague gave me a long time ago  and now served as a pen holder took it's spot on the desk next to the rose quartz. In a matter of an hour, I had turned a very beautiful and functional VRBO guest suite into a much more comfortable, energetic space that grounds me, makes my heart beat happy and inspires my creative soul.

This morning, after fully enjoying a cup of coffee with a cat purring in my lap while the rain poured down outside the sliding glass window of my suite, I felt moved to wander into the main house and do a walk about. The house was so quiet. All my traveling nurses were at work and my Ukrainian family were till sleeping. Su, who would normally be having coffee in the kitchen, had moved out. I wandered through the house. It is such a peaceful space ... magical, even. As I moved from room to room I reflected on what I have created here.

The journey has not been easy. My original vision for this property has not been realized. In the middle of the process, I was dealing with the loss of my Mom, then my younger brother died from a brain tumor and the day after Kevin died, my Dad had a cardiac event that launched me into  an intense caregiving experience while still dealing with some intense grief around the loss of my Mom and my brother. Covid came next, making it impossible to execute my plan for the retreat center I had mapped out.

As I moved through the house, I found myself reliving the memories of those times, and in an instant, the feeling of pure joy took over and I got goosebumps. If the walls could talk, there would be stories to tell, so many stories ... but now the feeling of joy along with the goosebumps were a clear sign that it's time to move on!

I could literally feel energy moving through my body as I walked up the stairs and into Su's room. It was strange to open the door and see the empty space. I could feel the energy flowing through the room in a whole new way. All of a sudden, I saw a vision of the room with some fresh paint, a different carpet and the space set up to inspire the next person who stays there.

As I wandered down the hallway, I sensed the feeling of endings and new beginnings. In an instant, I knew what's next. I would like to create a heart centered living community. I envision a group of people living and gathering here in this magical space that I feel compelled to continue to create. I see us gathered in community and in service to a much larger vision of expanding love and joy. A sense of peace washed over me. 

I went back to my suite and google "heart centered living center". Much to my surprise, I found a PDF titled Heart Centered Living Definition. I got goosebumps as I download it. I always pay attention to goosebumps! The PDF is actually a 277 page book written by a channeler; that is, one who communicates with spirit. I haven't been able to stop reading it. It is profound. It describes exactly how I've been feeling for awhile now, but haven't been able to put into words. I haven't been attached to much of anything and I'm not feeling compelled to do much of anything lately. Instead, I've been inspired to simply to allow myself to be still and pay attention to what happens when I allow myself to  just be.

In the training room, Jack guides participants and his team to find and/or refine passion and purpose and then design a life, make a plan, set goals and take action around it. Back in 2010, for me that involved making lists and phone calls and scheduling meetings and doing lots of things.

For me, right now, it's simply about being present in each moment and allowing myself to feel whatever is flowing through me in the moment. Perhaps it simply gratitude for the beauty that surrounds me or simply witnessing my breath flowing in and out. Sometimes it is experiencing pure emotion; the sadness I have for that friend I know longer feel connected to, the joy I feel as my cat settles into my lap and turns on the purring. This morning it was the sound of the rain pouring outside my window and I curl up to read over coffee, the inspiration I got to get up and walk around my house and pay attention to what is happening in my body. And most of all, the gratitude I feel for the people I can reach out to and connect with about things that some might never understand, in a world that sometimes appears to have lost its way.

And then I remember what I heard Jack say last week, and so many other times over the past 12 years.

"What if it's all perfect just the way it is?"

And by now, after all the time I've spent training with him, I now know that it always is perfect just the way it is to serve my learning and growing. I simply need to look for the growth opportunity.

Which leads to the next question ...

What opportunity is there in this for me to learn and grow?

This morning I got some powerful insight into my next steps. Then I got the book that has given me some context around which to develop the next steps in my plan. Yesterday I created the space where I will be able to explore this further. Stay tuned. If you're moved to reach out and hear more about my vision for a heart centered living center, feel free to contact me here.

​Now, where did I put that to do list? But wait, the rain has stopped, the sun is shining and this might just be one of the last warm and balmy days before the snow flies ...

As you may know, I purchased my dream property in June, 2018. I've often shared the story of how I came upon purchasing this amazing property when teaching classes on how to manifest whatever we want using the Law of Attraction. Those who know me well have heard me talk of my vision for creating a wonderful retreat center that would attract people from all over to explore personal growth and powerful transformation in a safe and beautiful space that exists in and around the property. Some of you have helped me name the property, Ripple on Silver Lake. Some have helped me with renovations and property maintenance issues. And once it was ready to host guests, some have come to participate in the trainings and workshops and celebrations I've hosted there.

You may know that I've been challenged with some family health challenges that have taken me away from Ripple for a number of days. And all of you are well aware of the impact Covid has had on life, business and our best laid plans. 

Things at Ripple on Silver Lake have certainly changed. We've pivoted. I've shared what's happening with lots of people along the way and as things have developed. Today I am inspired to share things publically. What I realized this morning as I wrote this update is that there is something HUGE that underpins the past several years for me. It is the concept of self care. I have finally embraced self care as an essential part of my life. And in doing so, I've been somewhat disconnected from the world at large and living simply with the goal of taking care of myself so I am fully present to what shows up as my next right step.

If you are so inclined, here is the update I posted publicly today. If nothing else, I hope this inspires you in some way to do something extra special for yourself today!

http://www.rippleonsilverlake.com/update-from-trisha.html

With light, love and immense gratitude,
Trisha

Some people have sworn off Facebook. I totally get it. I, on the other hand, use Facebook to support growth. My own growth, and perhaps, in between cat pictures, sunrises and sunsets, I post something on occasion post that might support another's growth.

I have actually become quite fond of Facebook Memories. I've used it as a tool to look back and see my own growth over the years. I've used it to help me put together a timeline of life events. I've even used it to help me write a manuscript. Apparently, four years ago today, I posted a pretty profound account of a relationship breakup. It generated lots of engagement including likes, comments and private messages that indicated that by simply sharing (some would say over-sharing) my experience, many people were impacted on a deep level. And it affected me deeply this morning.

At the time I posted about it four year ago, the breakup felt final. The truth is, despite my best attempts to move on, the relationship with this man has recycled several more times. Although the growth has been profound, I have been judged by others and have judged myself harshly for going back and reengaging with this person, over and over again.

I've learned in life that judgement of myself and others is a waste of time. More on that in a minute ...

I recently spent some time with a dear friend, fellow spiritual traveler and talented intuitive in an eclectic town in Florida called Dunedin. We had no agenda. It was simply a time for us to escape the craziness of today's world, relax and enjoy the simple things in life for a bit, contemplate our next steps and connect on a soul level. As we wandered through town we were drawn to a metaphysical shop full of crystals and psychics and incense and books. Although there were lots of books on the shelves, I was drawn to one, Journey of Souls, by Michael Newton, PhD. He is a hypnotherapist who specializes in past life regression and has done a lot of work around the mystery of life between lives. I've been creating an online course for caregivers of aging parents and thought that the book could give me some insight and perspective on my module on aging, death and dying. 

As we poked around town, the book got soaked by a partially opened bottle of water I had in my tote bag. Despite my best efforts to dry it out, the book was ruined. On the day we were leaving, I felt compelled to go back to the store and buy another copy. At first, after several of us had looked for the book, it appeared they were sold out. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a copy under another book and I knew it was there for me.

I dove into the book that night. I've been studying it ever since. I finished it this morning. Although it has certainly given me some things to consider for the course I'm developing, it has given me even more insight into my relationship recycling issue and has helped me more fulling understand my most recent experience with the man I've been on this journey with.

I ran into him a week ago. He was walking on the side of the road in my neighborhood at dusk. I recognized his form immediately. He was limping and walking very slowly. I thought he had moved out of the area after he sold his house, so I was surprised to see him. I pulled over and offered him a ride. He had aged quite a bit since I had last seen him. The encounter was painful. He is not well. A chronic illness has taken over his body and having some pretty profound affects. He was not happy. He was defensive. He admitted that he had chosen to go back to that which does not serve him. "Life is just okay", he said. He proceeded to blame me for the choices he made, once again, that keep him stuck. I had heard those words so many times. If only I hadn't done this or said that, we would still be together. I had heard it all before. I was done listening. This part of the lesson was over for me. I drove away from the encounter with a sense of completion and freedom, along with immense sadness for how things have turned out for him.

I just finished Journey of Souls this morning. It is profound and has provided tremendous insight and understanding into my connection with my own soul and the souls I have chosen to travel with in this lifetime, including the man I have been recycling with. He is sick and his chronic illness is having a profound impact on his body. My sense is that he is not long for this world. The sadness I feel for him and for what happened with us is deep and profound. At the same time there is this fascinating ability to detach from the emotion and know that things are exactly as they need to be.

There is some peace in knowing he will someday be free from suffering. I have no doubt that he and I will travel together again in another lifetime. We may even recycle again in this one. It's all part of some plan that goes way beyond me ... and I am at peace with that in this moment.

Today, I have an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude for his soul and the role he has played in my life and in my growth. It's not a human love, it's deeper than that. It's a soul thing.

After I finished the book, I poured another cup of coffee, powered up my laptop and escaped to Facebook Memories to find this post from four years ago, just after one of our many breakups. It was as if the Universe was reminding me that it's all connected. That there is something deeper going on here on Earth that we don't always understand. I could spend the day going deeper and reflecting more on soul growth and past lives and the journey of souls, however, for now, I feel the need to ground myself in the human experience for the purpose of allowing the lessons to integrate. Perhaps another cup of coffee. Perhaps lunch. Perhaps a walk on the beach.

But before I go, here is my post from four years ago that showed up in Facebook Memories that is helping me integrate all I've learned from my most recent encounter with my fellow soul traveler and what I've learned from the Journey of Souls book. Perhaps you can relate to the journey of souls?

September 10, 2018

I just ended a relationship. It has been a pretty significant off again, on again connection that has spanned over the course of many years. A good friend of mine warned me that "recycling" never works. I have recycled with this man many times. Exactly as many times necessary to fully integrate the lessons, I suppose.

Our reconnection was magical. We had both learned a lot in our time apart. When we came back together, our vision of what we wanted our future to look like was totally aligned. We had both learned a lot since the time we were last together, however, in time, it became clear that although we shared the same vision, we each had different ways of going about creating it. And we each had a different kind of fear standing in our way, along with a different approach to dealing with our fear.

After a recent challenging time, we decided to take a break. A couple of nights ago, he contacted me. He told me that his time apart from me has made him feel calmer and that he was choosing to continue taking time to be apart. He said he would be in touch after our agreed upon 30 day break. My first instinct was to feel hurt. I started to text my response. But I was too tired to go there. Instead I put my phone down and fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning with a huge revelation about why he feels calmer. And why I feel calmer as well. The revelation reminded me just how different the way I choose to live is from how some people choose to live. I was grateful for the clarity that came through during my dream time and feel like writing about it.

Pardon me for sharing on Facebook. Some would consider this oversharing. Then again, no one is obligated to read my rambling. We all have choice. Suffice to say that this post just scratches the surface of the lessons, the growth and the purpose of this connection in my life. This man has been my greatest teacher. He says the same of me. Perhaps our experience will provide someone with insight that is helpful if one is so moved to read on.

Or perhaps this sharing is simply powerful validation for me that the soul work I have done over the past 8 years has literally changed my priorities and the way I choose to live, work and be in my relationships. The work has become a part of who I am, what I do and what I need in my life to be the best me I can be.
​
When I woke up and had my revelation, I began texting. I wrote from the place where my soul intersects with my human life. The messy place where I am a spiritual being having a human experience.

I wrote this and hit send ...

"This morning I woke thinking about something you said to me the other day. That you felt more calm when you aren't in touch with me. That struck a chord in me, but I was too tired to address it then. I fell asleep and I woke up this morning like a shot knowing precisely why.

Of course you feel more calm when you don't see me or talk with me. Because then you don’t have to be accountable for the statements, agreements and the promises you make and the actions you don't take to back them up. In that calm place, your words have a place to rest without having to match up with your actions.

I think that place might be termed complacency. You helped me realize just how much I am not living in that place. I have calm. But it is by no means complacent.

When I speak my intentions, desires, wishes, goals out loud the next thing I do is become accountable for them. It's automatic.

Today I have an accountability partner that I talk to everyday for just 5 minutes. She holds me to what I say I want in my life in the areas of my work, relationships, finances, health, fun/recreation, my spiritual life and my contribution to society. And I hold her accountable for what she says she wants in hers.

Every day I outline 5 action steps I will take in the next 24 hours that will get me closer to accomplishing what I say I want in the areas I am focused on. And if I don’t take those 5 actions, me and my accountability partner talk about why.

What’s the block? What’s the fear? What’s the issue behind my inaction? And how can I overcome it?
And then I either address the block, fear or issue … or I recommit to taking the action the next day. If I don’t take the action again, I pay consequences.

For example, recently I was dragging my feet on something and procrastinated it for a few days. My accountability partner called me on it and we explored the underlying reasons. My reason was fear of asking someone for something because I was afraid of being rejected.

But I really wanted what was on the other side of the ask. And I really wanted to get rid of the fear. So I committed to taking action and asking. I set a new deadline to take action and ask.

I agreed that if I didn’t take the action, I would write Trump a check to support his reelection campaign, which I knew I would never do. And so, with integrity, I did what I said I was going to do so I didn’t have to write that check. (Incidentally, I got what I asked for!)

Just 5 minutes a day focused on accountability has helped me accomplish some amazing things over the past 8 years. Taking 100% responsibility for achieving what I want in life has literally changed my life. It has changed everything. And now it has changed what I want in relationship.

Your comment helped me to realize that I am always in that mode now. This morning I just realized that I automatically expect others around me who I'm connected with, work with, am in relationship with, to be in that mode as well. Those are the people I want to surround myself with.

You reminded me that is not necessarily the case with you. Your words are no longer enough. They are no longer as meaningful to me as they where when we first met. Or when we reconnected. Today your words need actions and accountability and taking 100% responsibility for what you say you want ... for you to work as my partner and for us to work as a couple.

In my accountability partnership, there is plenty of room for fear to show up. Fear is a part of life. Instead of rejecting fear and pushing it aside, me and my accountability partner identify it as fear, invite it in for a chat and bring it into the light. We support each other in dealing with it and removing it from blocking us from accomplishing what we set out to do. Sometimes we even need to engage outside resources that can help us clear old subconscious blocks and break old nonproductive cycles. But we get it done.

l love this new way of being. I love being curious about what makes me afraid and how I can put that fear into perspective and clear it out of my way so I can lean into what's next for creating my best life.

This is how I live my life now. I've brought this process into all aspects of my life. Thus I inherently expect your actions to be along those lines. And when they aren’t, I no longer see any integrity in your words. Trust is deeply affected. And that is simply not okay for me.

So yes, it makes total sense to me now why you are calmer when you're not in contact with me. My guess is that the fear, pushed aside and not addressed, will certainly show up in some aspect of whatever you choose to do and whomever you choose to be with next. Life is like that. It has a way of continuing to provide us with opportunities to learn and grow until we get the lesson.

So thank you for giving me the opportunity to reflect on where I was when we first met. Where I am now, what I've learned and what I want next for my life.

I love you deeply. I truly wish you well.

Gratefully,
Trisha"

I didn't hear from him for awhile. The next time we reconnected, our meeting was, again, profound. I was able to help him deal with some deep seated childhood trauma and support him in getting some help to release the impact of that trauma on his closest relationships and intimate partnerships. He helped me find the courage to address something I had long been avoiding in one of my own relationships.

We are no longer physically together. Perhaps we never will be again. Or maybe we will. I'm not sure it matters right now. But I know this. Our connection goes well beyond our human experience and that connection is something that no amount of human pain can sever. It's soul thing.

I wonder if Dr. Newton has written more about the Journey of Souls. I've got some more studying to do. But first, I'm going to pay some bills, eat some lunch and get grounded in my human experience.