STORIES FROM THE SANCTUARY!

The Chinese proverb "May you live in interesting times" is certainly one we are all realizing as we feel the effects of the current world situation economically.   I see each day how it's creating more stress for everyone.  What can one person do?  This month's issue is all about how to stay centered and what you should focus on if you want to thrive in these times.  

From business tools to regular meditation to lighting your creative fire, to changing our thoughts, we have many choices for moving forward and not letting the media's gloomy forecast be our future.  Rather than engage with doomsayers, pay attention to who you bring into your circle and make sure they are aligned with your purpose and goals.  Your Yes's and No's are your greatest weapon to ward off isolation, negative thinking and falling down the rabbit hole. 

If you aren't sure how to utilize the suggestions I've included this month - or just want some support, write me atvictoria@truelifecoach.net and let's work on it together.  I am committed to your Success!

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If you're receiving this newsletter for the first time, WELCOME!  Whatever you find here, listen to how it fits into your life at this moment.  View the stories and events as personal invitations to you to deepen where you are and discover what could be next.

If you're curious and ready to explore a Coaching relationship with me, call for a complimentary session to see what's possible!

(970)259-9040 

 APRIL SEEDS TO SOW IN YOUR GARDEN

1. Go Inward - I was talking to a client the other day and she said she hadn't spent any time noticing what her feelings were. She was operating in 'reaction' mode and that meant 'work harder, work more to stay afloat'.  I challenge this assumption and suggest taking daily time to connect with yourself in a quiet, sacred way.   Don't wait til your emotions are so big and heavy that they toxify you or your circle.  Schedule that ME time - 30 minutes each day should be the minimum (you can even divide it into two 15 minutes to start and end your day). 

2. Ask for Support - There are so many ways to access support for wherever you are.   You can ask a friend/partner to listen, hire part time help, take books-on-tape from the library, get a Coach (couldn't leave that one out!) - get creative and reach out.  Asking does NOT mean you are 'less than' - it means you are wanting to gain the tools you need to be successful. 

3. Smile More - Recently I did a meditation that asked me to practice smiling and just bring awareness to how my inner state changed as I even just began to engage the 'smile' muscles in my face.  I noticed that my world shifted!  And I could discern different kinds of smiles - playful mischevious smiles or loving, touched smiles - there was so much room to express myself and it all turned a dark mood into something completely new. Try it!  And I have India.Irie's "There's Hope - It doesn't cost a thing to smile." on my ringtone and that's a boost too. :)

4. Move your Body Daily - This should be a no-brainer by now.  Endorphins, sharing the fun, feeling fit - the benefits are huge! 

5. Live Bigger - Choose to live Purposefully.  Instead of shrinking and being scared, step up in each moment.  Choose to live full out instead of letting yourself be swayed by outer forces.  "Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about What to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do." - Neale Donald Walsch, Author of Conversations with God.  Or follow this quote by Cadet Maxim, given to me by my daughter Tasha at just the moment I needed to hear it:

RISK more than others think is safe,

CARE more than others think is wise,

DREAM more than others think is practical,

EXPECT more than others think is possible. 

While these times will challenge us, I believe the best policy is to take an even greater stand for vital Self-Care.  You will not make it if you neglect your best assest: YOUR SELF! 

TO PRINT OUT THIS LIST AS A DAILY REMINDER,

 CLICK HERE.

MORE SEEDS OF SUCCESS  FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

In a widespread survery I recently received here are the top four things women business owners are doing to stay successful (and my take in black below it):

 
1,         Networking/Building Relationships 92.3%
              The foundation of any truly successful business
2.         Collaborating with others 74.9%
               Get out of the box and find experts to align with
3.         Managing expenses better 70.9%
               Take calculated risks while reducing unneeded costs
4.         Ignoring the negative news 51.2% 

               Stay in a positive perspective of universal support

How do these responses mirror yours?  Or what are you doing that's working for your success?

 And more from that Survey:

 What advice do you have for women business owners who are really struggling right now?  (Common themes of the responses provided)

*           Do things differently than before, think outside the box to meet your customers' needs.
*           Take positive steps to grow your business like collaborating and being active in your community.
*           Focus on the positive aspects of business. Promote those areas that are showing positive response and put non-essential efforts on the "back-burner".
*           Find those advocates in your current customer base who love what you have to offer and ask them for help by providing you referrals.
*           Gain as much knowledge as possible and prepare yourself  for a change to your current situation so that you do not become a victim of circumstance.
*           Get creative with your offerings. Diversify the product or service. Team up with other women business owners and create package deals.
*           Contribute to others - not knowing what you will get out of it!
*           Re-contextualize your marketing and repurpose your products and services.
*           Network, network, network!

If you would like a copy of the full survey responses I received, email me at victoria@truelifecoach.net with Survey Responses in the subject line.
 

 TLC Announcement:

SOVEREIGNTY CIRCLES - FALL 2009!

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Many of you who missed the start of the Sovereignty Circles program have asked when there will be another and so I've decided to run it again in September 2009.  I haven't set the starting date quite yet, but I do know that it will be limited to the first 6 women who are really ready to move forward in their lives. The cost will be approximately $200/month.  If you are interested, email me victoria@truelifecoach.net and get your name on the list for first consideration.  And look forward to more info next month!