Looking for Wonder?

For too many, the holiday season can be a time of stress, loneliness, obligation and/or harried-ness (if that’s even a word). I’m hoping for something more this season for each and every one of us. We don’t always have the power to change our circumstance, but I do believe with all my heart that we have the opportunity to frame our perspective. We can choose to be on the lookout for our own magic moments. I think it’s important to take a moment on the front-end and set our compass for this season.

I dare you to take 15 minutes out of your already hectic, multi-tasking day and decide what will be your “true north” this season. What feelings will you let guide you this season? What value will you set as a must-have? Will you let your “shoulds” trump your “desires”? What will you say “yes” to and conversely what will you need to say “no” to? What can you do to take care of yourself in the midst of the hustle and bustle? I dare you to be intentional and decide now what you need to experience the wonder and magic of this season.

Here’s some fun ideas from my girlfriends to spruce up your holiday:

*Devote one night each week to cherish the season with friends or family.

*Take a moment out of the hustle and bustle and take a seat on a mall bench to sip a cup of hot chocolate and watch the joy pour out of a young child on Santa’s lap.

*Choose a simple way you could give of yourself to someone less fortunate…who will you ask to join you in this cause?

*Host a Christmas card writing party for your closest girlfriends.

*Go car-caroling (grab your family/friends and roll down the windows – sing out into the night and spread cheer throughout your neighborhood – lol).

*Host a spontaneous holiday movie night (Elf, Miracle on 34^th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas…).

*Light candles and say a prayer of hope.

*Make a holiday playlist for your workouts.

I want to hear about your magic moments you find along the way. Please post your experiences, ideas and plans for a “Less Drama, More Wonder” Season.

Looking for the Wonder…Cindy

indy

Who's In Your Court?

I was having lunch with my friend Suzi (www.suziqcosmetics.com) yesterday and we got to talking about the power of girlfriends - imagine that.  Girlfriends just seem to meet needs that no one else can meet for us.  Girlfriends just get us!  As many of you know, I've been blessed with an abundance of steadfast, beautiful, strong-hearted girlfriends along my journey.  I hope some of you happen to be reading this right now.

The Power of Girlfriends is one of the 5 gems that will stand as a foundation for my book.  I believe that if we are going to make significant, positive changes in our lives and the lives of others, we need to be intentional.  We need to be intentional about who we spend time with and who we invest in as girlfriends.  I think it's vitally important for us to have these ladies in our court - at least one of each - especially, if we want to become queens of less drama.

Your"Queen Mama" goes before you.  She's "been there and done that".  She's in the next season of life.  She listens to you with all her heart.  She holds you up when you feel like falling.  She celebrates you when you succeed.  She believes in you  when you don't believe in yourself.  She helps you see your mistakes gently (firmly when needed) and she helps you learn from them.  She holds you accountable.  She highlights your strengths and forgives you your weaknesses.  She points to the truth (even when it hurts).  She provides wisdom when you ask for it.  She shares her journey with you.  She gives you perspective.  She reminds you "this too shall pass".  

Thank you to Vickie, Miss Virginia, Joanne, Debby and Donna for being the Queen Mamas in my life.

Your"Lady-In-Waiting" is a noble companion.  That's what they were called in Queen Elizabeth's time.  I love my noble companions - Ashley, Lara, Lauri, Kerstin and Kate.  Our lady-in-waiting is in the "same boat we are in".  We listen to each other.  We can carry on parallel conversations at the same time and not miss a beat.  We keep up with each other.  We learn from each other.  We cry with each other and oh do we laugh (belly laughs) with each other.  We celebrate each other.  We have fun together.  We listen to each other's rants.  We talk each other down off the ledge.  We know each other inside and out AND STILL love each other.  

Your "Princess" comes along behind you.  She asks you for help.  She lets you hold her tight.  She challenges you.  You GET to love her well.  You get to celebrate her.  She inspires you.  She teaches you that you really do have something to give.  She helps you to keep it real and she knows you've got your own shortcomings.  She looks up to you.  She trusts you.   She gets to learn from your mistakes (lucky her).  She laughs with you.  She reminds you that you're not crazy and you get to do the same for her.  

Julie, Wynter, Alisha, Allison, Amy and Laura - thank you for letting me be your "Queen Mama"!

Do you have a Queen Mama, a Lady-In-Waiting and a Princess in your court?  Who are they?  Do they mean the world to you?  Do you need a Queen Mama, a Lady-In-Waiting or a Princess?  Think about the women that have been placed in your life.  Could you cultivate one of these friendships?  If you're in need, be on the look-out.  Be intentional.  See who comes along your way that might just fit the bill.    

The beauty in these friendships is that they reinforce one of the values that I hold dear - the value of reciprocity - they allow us to give and receive.  Yay for girlfriends!

Yay for you,
Cindy

It's Becoming On You!

be·come [bi-kuhm]
verb, be·came, be·come, be·com·ing.

1. to come, change, or grow to be (as specified): She became contented.
2. to come into being.
3. to be attractive on; befit in appearance; look well on: That gown becomes you.
4. to be suitable or necessary to the dignity, situation, or responsibility of: conduct that becomes an officer.
5. to become of, to happen to; be the fate of: What will become of her?


When I think about "BECOMING" I imagine a door. It's not just any door. Its simple yet ornate structure welcomes me. I am in awe. It is inviting me to pass through into its chamber. The entry way seems long but I think I am ready. I have stood here at a distance many times before today just contemplating going in this way. I really do want to go. My internal struggle begging the question "What keeps getting in my way?"

I like what I see from the outside. I wonder what is waiting for me inside? What is this anticipation I feel in my soul? I'm getting excited. I'm getting closer to becoming what I really want. Have others come this way before me? Can they help me on this path of becoming? Is there some magic incantation I must recite? "Open Sesame!" No, silly, that's not the way doors open in real life. There must be a key to unlocking this door. I will find it!

We are always in the process of BECOMING! As a Less Drama life coach I believe it's important to be intentional about who and what we want to become.

Have you taken the time in this New Year to think about what it is that you want to become? Which door will you open? Door #1, Door #2 or Door #3?

Here are 5 simple steps to finding the key
that unlocks the door:

1. Explore, discover & clarify what you really want to BECOME! Take the time to be still, to reflect and to ask yourself the question - What do I really, really, really want to BECOME next? You are worth your time. Make an appointment with yourself this coming week to wonder, dream and contemplate.

2. Believe you can BECOME it!
What negative self-talk is getting in your way from you BECOMING what you want? The truth is you can become it. You are creative, resourceful and whole. Believe it!

3. Develop and implement your "BECOMING" action plan!
Map out the route that will help get you where you want to be! Make a realistic timeline for "arrival". Remember to take small steps. Don't get discouraged by the roadblocks - find the detour and get there!

4. Make sure to have accountability!
Tell someone you trust (your partner, your bff, or your life coach) about your BECOMING. Ask them to help hold you accountable to walking through with your plan.

5. Celebrate your BECOMING!