The Power of Intention- and what's behind it

We're not kids anymore. Wishing doesn't make things happen. Santa doesn't review the wish list and make the wishes appear under the tree.

However, we have something even more powerful within us. That is the power of intention. Once we are clear about what we want we can turn those wishes into reality.

Say that we want to be more relaxed- Let's get behind why we want to be more relaxed. Is it to feel less stress? Have a healthier lifestyle? Appreciate the moment? When we are clear about why we want an intention then the steps to make it so, magically appear.

This is why when we say 'I want to lose 10 lbs' it doesn't work. We have to be clear about why we want to lose 10 lbs. Be able to fit in our clothes, less huffing and puffing climbing the stairs, be more attractive are all good and clear reasons to justify the goal. And when we are clear it makes NOT putting that cookie into your mouth that much easier :)

What are your intentions this fall- why is it you want them? Enjoy the progress that comes with the answers to these questions.

What are you tolerating about the Holidays?

When we tolerate things being less than we desire- we aren't doing anyone any favors.

How many things about the holidays suck the energy out of you? Or deflate you every time they come to mind? In coaching we call these tolerations. You're putting up with rather than creating the ideal.

Make a list- you'll be shocked- I promise! It could be everything from Auntie's cranberry sauce to having to always host extended family that you don't care for. What would you do to eliminate that situation? Pay for a hotel room? Suggest another recipe?

I challenge you to make this list- and tackle one a week. There's ten weeks left in the year (yikes!) If you took care of the ten things that really got to you- you'd have a much more enjoyable holiday season.

First on my list- say YES! to ten things I want AND saying Goodbye to compromising for the mediocrity of consensus. (Remember the 'The Abilene Paradox'?)

The road to hell is paved with good intentions

It's Friday in America and so our next goal is probably to find an adult beverage :)

How many things did you intend to get to this week? Are you transferring to-do items from this week to next week?

Start planning with the end in mind. Last year - after Christmas - our family sat down and discussed what went well and what we wanted to do for Christmas 2009. We made the LONG list. I've just pulled it out and I'm going to start making reservations and plugging to-do's in my calendar.

By scheduling all of my intentions I'm going to make sure the season is one of my desires rather than the holiday from hell. Peacock Lane and Christmas lights here we come!

Time is just whizzing by

It's well into October. Here in the Northwest things are getting foggy but frustratingly warm in the afternoon- so when can I wear wool...?

With time passing so quickly it's important to start planning well in advance of the holidays to ensure we have the time we intend. If we don't take time to plan- we're simply following the path of least resistance and we'll have what Wal-mart and Hallmark have in store for us.

What do you want your holidays to be about? What do you want your memories of the season to be come mid-January 2010?

I'll be sharing my list that my family created last year- hopefully we can conspire together to get what we both want!!

The FUD factor

I'm seeing a lot of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) lately...

I routinely offer coaching appointments to friends and family of my clients when they need to resolve a quick issue. Lately, there are number in this network that are struggling with the FUD factor: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.

We need to label and acknowledge when we do have fear, or uncertainty or doubt. Just saying it out loud helps us feel better. If we inform others, they are sure to share that they experience FUD sometimes too. We're not alone. The key is to get it all out in front of you and take action on the things you can. We can't control the Economy, or the weather but we can prepare.

Creating a plan B, or an emergency kit, or a regular outing with friends to discuss positive ways of dealing with your fears and doubts can bring calm and gratitude into your life.

Don't keep FUD to yourself. Put it in perspective. Take action on what you can- and don't forget the 10-10-10 rule. Will this really matter in 10 hours, 10 months, or 10 years? What's the impact, it may help guide your decisions.

Good luck- and slay FUD at the earliest opportunity!

Preparing for down time

I'm getting my tonsils out tomorrow, and I'm so ready! I've prepped my environment for comfort and relaxation. I've got my reading list ready, and a stack of holiday movie favorites ready for the DVD player. I know that my recovery will be best aided by a complete lack of stress and frustration. I am very keen to let my family know how they can best help, and fortunately my adoring husband only wants me to be comfortable and healthy again. What do you do to prepare for down time? Please share!