Working with Wisdom

Life Lessons Learned from a River

Last Saturday, my kids, Connor and Allyson, and my friend, Kate Bakon, and I went whitewater kayaking on the Nantahala River in North Carolina. It was a new experience for me and--as I watched the required safety video before heading out--I wondered if I'd be able to make it down the eight-mile stretch of river without getting banged up by the rocks or thrown from my boat. I was afraid. It's a mild river by most standards with only Class I, II and III rapids but it was the wildest river I've ever been on.

Looking back on this adventure, here are the life lessons learned:

• Keep Your Balance. Whether you're navigating your boat around large rocks and churning whirlpools or trying to juggle work, family and your health, strive for balance and try not to over-react to circumstances.


• Go with the Flow. Paddling upstream often leaves you exhausted, frustrated and in the same place you started. When you feel drawn in a certain direction--like pursuing a new profession or relationship--trust in the flow and go with it. Just as important, when opportunities are not emerging as quickly as you'd like, savor that quiet contemplative time--like the smooth water in between the sections of rapids.


• Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. The more calculated risks you take, the more rewards you'll enjoy. Do something bold today, something that's out of your comfort zone. You might find yourself as I did--hooting and hollering and smiling all the way. Can't wait to get back on a river.

CRAVE On!

I love getting feedback from those who have been inspired by my "CRAVE Your Goals!" program. I always end my presentation by encouraging them to commit to three action steps related to the five-step CRAVE system. For example, they might commit to start a treasure map to activate the power of visualization, create an affirmation to support their goal, or clean out some clutter so they have the energy and clarity to move forward.

I recently presented "CRAVE Your Ideal Job!" at the Atlanta Marketer's Career Forum. Mike Murtaugh was there and he followed up to tell me he was taking "baby steps" in the right direction. "I'm cleaning out the clutter, visualizing and expressing thanks," he wrote. "My thought is if I can get those off the ground, then my Vibrations will be raised and I will be in a position to Affirm Success." He's so aware of following the CRAVE steps that he wasn't completely surprised when he came across this concession stand at the Georgia World Conference Center. "Talk about in your face--front and center!" Looks like a God Wink to me, Mike. By the way, Mike is looking for a position as a marketing manager.

You can read more Working with Wisdom Stories here. I'd love to hear yours!

Reflections from a Time Out

I just returned from a long weekend away at an oasis in Orlando, the Villas of Grand Cypress. It was a gift from my favorite long-time marketing client, MSI International. Each year, this recruiting firm honors their top producers with an incentive trip to a luxurious destination. This year, they honored me for my 16 years of service.

These trips are known for providing plenty of free time. Since my husband was home with our teenagers, I was afforded the rare opportunity to spend most of the four days on my own. Here's what I learned.

• Being busy all the time is highly over rated. We often get so caught up jumping from one task to another, we barely have time to think. Take a look at what's keeping you so busy and decide where you can unplug. Carve out some time to just be and you'll experience more clarity and insight.
• Silence is platinum. I purposely refrained from watching TV or listening to music and even limited my speaking to indulge in the silence and reflect. It's a healing practice we should consider making a habit, even for a few minutes at the start and end of each day.
• Nature is our greatest teacher. Whether it's the wise and joyful dolphins (I snapped this photo in the "splash zone" at Sea World--my only outing during my trip.) or colorful display of tropical flowers, look to nature for guidance and inspiration.

May you find many opportunities to indulge in your own divine time outs.

Are You Happy for No Reason?

I've been reading the enlightening book "Happy for No Reason" by Marci Shimoff and am enjoying many Aha! moments. The title refers to a natural state of inner peace and well-being that is not dependent on external circumstances. In other words, no one or no thing can create this state for you or take it away from you.

There's a list of 20 questions to help you evaluate how happy for no reason you are right now. You're asked to rate them on a scale of 1 (not at all true) to 5 (absolutely true). Just pondering these questions reminds you of how much control you have over your own happiness. Here are some that resonated with me.

1) I live in the moment.
2) I don't let bad situations keep me down.
3) Most days I have an experience of laughter or joy.
4) I trust that this is a friendly universe.
5) I look for the gift or the lesson in everything that happens.
6) I am able to let go and forgive.
7) I feel love for myself.
8) I feel a general sense of gratitude.
9) I feel connected to something bigger than myself.
10) I feel inspired by a sense of purpose in my life.

Consider how much happier you could be if you embraced more of these beliefs and habits. Share your comments.

To Find Your Ideal Job, Go Beyond Your Network to Your 'Inner Work'

Searching for a new job can be one of the most challenging and emotional experiences of your life. Polishing up your resume and tapping into your network of contacts are two key strategies. However, it also pays to focus on your "inner work"--like what you say to yourself.

When you capitalize on the power of your subconscious mind and your own inner wisdom, you'll have the clarity, confidence and commitment you need.

Whether you're looking for your ideal job or choose to excel at the job you have, here are three simple strategies to support your success.

1. Clean Out the Clutter. New opportunities and helpful people can't reach you if physical, technical and emotional clutter is distracting you, draining your energy and blocking the way. Here's what to do. Clean out the physical clutter of unnecessary paperwork, the technical clutter of old emails and the emotional clutter of resentments, like forgiving your last employer for letting you go.
2. Keep a Positive Attitude. Looking for a job can be frustrating and often creates fear and doubt and a negative attitude. Since energy attracts like energy, you'll attract other negative people and circumstances. You've heard "Misery loves company." To attract positive people and circumstances and make the best impression, keep a positive attitude by taking good care of yourself. Here's what to do. Eat healthy, exercise, spend time with positive people, be grateful, find reasons to laugh, sing, play games, enjoy a hobby, appreciate nature, and practice random and not-so-random acts of kindness.
3. Affirm Success. Studies show we speak to ourselves about 10,000 times a day and 80% tends to be negative. Affirmations or positive self talk allow you to communicate with your powerful subconscious mind. Here's what to do. Be aware of what you're saying to yourself and others when you wake each morning, before making phone calls, at networking events and as you prepare for interviews. Keep it positive, in the present and brief. It works for athletes, Make it work for you. Consider using affirmations like these: "I attract ideal job opportunities today." "I am guided to make smart job search choices." "I have all the skills and abilities to be a valuable asset to this company." "I am the greatest (fill in your profession)!" Write your affirmations down, post them, say them with a smile and share them with others.

Stressed at Work? Here's Help!

Stress at work and home has been at an all-time high lately. It's easy to consider this feeling as normal. But it's not and it's hurting you.

You may be less focused and productive, and more likely to get annoyed at clients, coworkers and your boss. You feel tired and achy and out of sorts. Although we can't always control what happens to us--from growing responsibilities at work to a dwindling portfolio--we can control how we respond.

You know what you should do, like eating right, drinking lots of water, exercising, being around positive people and taking time to play. Here are three more ways to alleviate stress in your life without even leaving your office.

1) Take a nature break. Got ten minutes to spare? Go to www.lime.com/meditation_room and choose your environment, from a forest or winter wonderland to space or the Zen room. The music, sounds and images will take you away and bring you back more relaxed and centered.

2) Breathe. One of the best things I learned from my yoga practice is alternate breathing. It helps balance both sides of the brain and charges it with extra oxygen so you can think clearer. With one hand, simply cover one nostril with your thumb and inhale deep through the other nostril. Then, close the other nostril with your next two fingers and exhale through the open nostril. Inhale through the same nostril and repeat. After a few times, you'll feel energized. You just might not need that coffee break after all.

3) Control your environment. Whenever possible, design your work environment to be stress free. I burn lavender and eucalyptus candles at my home office. You can get the same scentual effect from potpourri or a scented bar of soap. Surround yourself with your favorite music and pleasant images like family photos and nature scenes. And, remember to clean out the clutter that distracts you and drains your energy. Learn about Feng Shui to create more balance and harmony in your office and home.

Got a stress relief strategy that works for you? Please share it.

Go with the Flow

I was flipping through my book, "Divine Wisdom at Work," as I often do for some inspiration and guidance. I came upon this excerpt from the "Stay Present: That's Where the Gifts Are" chapter that brought me peace. Hope it does for you.

Learn From Nature to Go with the Flow
Just as important as learning to stay present, is learning to go with the flow. There are natural shifts in energy within all aspects of life, including relationships, health and business matters. When you are aware of and accept these ebbs and flows, you can use them to your advantage.

For example, when business slows down, instead of going into panic mode or choosing to work with clients who are less than ideal, take that opportunity to work within the business to prepare for the inevitable upswing. This is a good time to clean out files, update databases, and reconnect with old clients and valued referral sources.

Nature is one of our greatest teachers. Look to it for examples of the mission-critical qualities and skills you need to develop. Consider the patience of a seed, the persistence of a river, the freedom of a bird in flight, the creative expression of brilliant tropical fish, the adaptation of an orchid and the pure joy of your dog.

Get Rich Quick!

With money on everyone's minds--what we have, what we've lost (in the stock market and because of a lay-off or a slowdown in our businesses) and what we might or might not earn this year--it's easy to start fantasizing about Get Rich Quick schemes that will rescue us from our current fate. I thought I'd offer three of my own.

1. Take Inventory. If your focus is on what you don't have or might lose, shift your attention and appreciation to what you do have. Go beyond your material possessions to relationships, health and the can't-wait-for-spring-to-come flowers sprouting in your garden. (A bunch of yellow daffodils sits atop my desk as I write this.)
2. Get Organized. Each day, clean out and organize one spot in your home and/or office. It might be a junk drawer, closet, filing cabinet or car. Removing the clutter will help you feel and think better and you just might find a wealth of supplies, opportunities and other items you forgot you had. Box up those good business clothes that no longer serve you and donate them to a worthy organization, like Dress for Success.
3. Focus on Others. One of the fastest ways to raise your vibrations and put things in perspective is by helping others. Take some time to volunteer at a shelter, school or other good cause. Need help finding the right place? Check out Volunteer Match.

To your abundance!

The Resolution Alternative, Step 2: Journal About the New Year

A funny thing happened when I shared excerpts of my affirmative journal in my January Working with Wisdom e-newsletter. I received a tremendous response, mostly congratulating me on a great year and letting me know that I must have made a mistake on the date. Even though I was writing about speaking throughout Europe and in Hawaii (where I learned how to surf), releasing my second book that is translated into 17 languages and being on "Oprah" in 2009, I must have meant 2008, right? Few of them read far enough to discover these were accomplishments I planned to manifest this year--some on my business "to do" list and others on my "bodacious big dream" list.

The funny thing is that these people--some I knew very well and others I don't know yet at all--saw that all these achievements were already done. I love that.

I've pruned my Treasure Map to a few items that still resonate with me, including this Oprah & Friends lineup (I'm the one on the right) and have begun to add new ones that reflect what I plan to manifest.

So, what's in your affirmative journal? When you share it with others that support your success and can "see" it as real, you turbo-charge your intentions. Share it with me.

Polish Up That Crystal Ball

One of the best ways to break through the fear and lack that confines us today is to let our imaginations run wild. What does your ideal day, week, month, year or life look like? What are you doing and how does that feel? Polish up that crystal ball and see a future that is bright and beautiful.

That's what my wise friend and former marketing client Mike Arasin did. He was inspired by one of the 64 strategies in Jack Canfield's book, "The Success Principles." Mike's Atlanta-based company, Fulcrum Construction, has 24 employees with annual revenues of $35 million. His commercial construction clients include HH Gregg and Dick's Sporting Goods. To celebrate five years in business, Mike asked his employees to look ahead five years to 2014 and predict where they and the company would be.

At a Saturday afternoon workshop, employees displayed colorful posters that highlighted their personal and professional accomplishments. Mike's poster included a "newspaper article" he wrote that announced he won the Georgia Mid-Amateur Golf Championship. It included a picture of the coveted trophy. "That's a goal I've had for a long time," he said with a smile. Everyone got into it as they acted "as if." One worker in Phoenix printed up business cards proclaiming he was the senior superintendent of the company's western division. A video crew captured the excitement of this empowering exercise.

At a dinner that night, the company received a series of prestigious industry awards--ones they expect to win over the next five years. They watched video clips from that afternoon's workshop. "There was a lot of laughter," Mike said. "This is a great company and we've always done well. We keep a positive attitude. However, there's so much bad news out there now. This helped remind us that we can choose to focus on the bad news or we can look ahead with excitement."