by Kelly | Apr 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
What does this exactly mean – to pay attention?
My teachers used to say it to me all of the time, “Kelly, pay attention, this is important!” I would smarten up, get focused and listen but then my mind would quickly wander off until I was reprimanded again, and then again…
So, what happens when you don´t pay attention? Well, you miss out on what is actually happening in your life, which is to say the least, kind of important. But yet our minds wander.. As adults we don´t have teachers always there reminding us to pay attention, so we have to find ways to do it ourselves.
One way that I remind myself to pay attention in my life is to say the word “Namaste“, which means the soul in me sees the soul in you. I try to say it in my head with every person I see or interact with throughout the day.
Try this: the next time you are at the grocery store, completely frustrated because you are late and waiting in this crazy long line, when you finally reach the cashier, say “Namaste” or something similar in your mind to remind you to pay attention then look into the person´s eyes. You will likely smile naturally (not strangely). Take a moment and really feel how good it is to see someone else, then try it with your friend, your partner, your colleague, your mother. The side effect is that they will also begin to see you.
So be your own teacher, use “Namaste” or a find another phrase that works for you and use it to remind yourself to “Pay attention, smarten up, this life is important!”
http://yogajournal.com/basics/822
by Kelly | Apr 29, 2008 | career coach
I am stating the obvious here, there is so much information available to us online. Have you ever wanted to look up a random fact say on polar bears that would take 5 minutes and ended your search three hours later looking up old high school friends? It happens all the time and especially when you are job searching or changing careers.
When we are going through a career transition all of the information out there can seem overwhelming! Information on academic programs, recruiting companies, personality assessments, “How to” websites on resumes, cover letters, networking etc.. Many job searchers will confess to spending hours and hours researching faceless job boards without talking to anyone or getting a lead on a job.
For anyone who has job searched solely using the internet, you know that you can begin to feel very isolated and hopeless very quickly. Researching companies and collecting labour market information is essential, so instead of spending hours searching and searching online, develop a plan that will move you toward increased self-awareness and ultimately a more meaningful employment position. With my help as a Career Coach, I will help you navigate the information and together we will get the results you are working so hard to attain.
by Kelly | Apr 23, 2008 | Uncategorized
It is Wednesday morning, mid-week with nearly three full working days until the weekend and you are immersed in your work, head down and getting through the tasks of the morning. Ever stop and wonder what am I doing all of this for? Who is benefiting from this? What once brought you vibrant energy now depletes you. At the end of the day, you make your way home wondering, whose life is this anyway? How did I get here? Ugh!
Well, you are not alone – there are many varying statistics in the US, Canada, UK and Australia attesting to people´s dissatisfaction at work. But there is hope, there are strategies you can implement today to improve this situation. By using my Career/Life Coaching service, you can not only get yourself out of this situation and fast but also get the support, encouragement and ideas it takes to move in a new direction that is more consistent with your dream life!
Just a little exercise: take one minute and jot down as many activities that bring joy, peace, bliss into your life – when you are finished, review this list and identify when was the last time you did any of these things. That is OK, be gentle with yourself, avoid judging! The first step in making change is gaining awareness. Now make a plan for yourself about when you can engage in these activities over the next week. Check in with yourself at the end of this week for progress.
As your coach, you would be assigned exercises similar to this (depending on your personal goal) and then report your progress weekly. Think about how motivating it would be to have someone on your side, brainstorming and cheering you on. So if there is a goal that you have held onto for a long time and you are tired of just talking about it and ready to take action, let´s get started today – this is your life and it is time to get back that vibrant energy you once had!
by Kelly | Apr 21, 2008 | dreams
There are few things in life that provide as much inspiration as does watching a marathon.
Yesterday, many people gathered and stretched down both sides of the palm-treed lined street that overlooks the sea here in Santo Domingo. In the rain, we cheered as the athletes travelled by us en route to the finish line; each one having raised money, practiced and trained for hours and looking powerful as they executed the task!
I looked around the crowd and recognized a common glimmer in people´s eyes as they exuded support for the participants – excitement, hope, fascination! As we witness other people engaged in actualizing their dream, on some level we feel the energy of this event and become aware that our dreams are also attainable – and that is truly exciting!
One athlete, was a man with one leg and one arm. He was surrounded by a group of about 6 people, likely his family and an ambulance trailed close behind him. One step at a time he hopped down the slick street and three hours later completed the 10 km marathon and received his medal!
We too, have the power within us to choose to follow our goals and make our dreams reality! We are surrounded by systems and people who support us, that can pick us up when and if we fall. So today, choose one goal and take one step toward that goal and celebrate the journey of actualizing our dreams!
The proceeds from the 10K marathon went to the Dominican Association for Rehabiliation.
http://www.hoy.com.do/article.aspx?id=148875
by Kelly | Apr 17, 2008 | Uncategorized
I have always been interested in the topics of self-development and self-awareness. My entire education and experience has been dedicated to learning and sharing the power that comes with making mindful choices and creating a life you love.
When I look back now, I see that my identity was closely tied with my academic achievements and social status symbols. Somehow to me they illustrated my worth to the world; they validated me and I found comfort hiding behind them. It wasn´t until I walked away from all of those things that I identified with so strongly did I really begin to see myself and understand life. When I was without my title, my house, my possessions etc.. when I was stripped from all that “made” me important did I become more harmonious with others and nature.
It is interesting to watch myself that now when in moments of fear how quickly I regress. An intense desire for power, clothes, my tall non-fat-latte, stuff – anything to fill me up and fast overtakes me! But with my new awareness, I watch the moment pass and eventually I regain balance. It is hard sometimes, I do love shoes 🙂 but I know that the high from buying stuff doesn´t make you feel high for long.
Being a Career/Life Coach is my way of sharing my passion and giving thanks to the world. It is my way of helping others and myself continue to create a life that is based on truth. It is my goal that when one person lives more authentically they will inspire and be an example to another person and so on. Today when I see my reflection and where I am now in my life, I recognize more of who I am and my purpose! I don´t hide behind my roles and my stuff.. when I buy stuff now, I know it doesn´t make me better or more important, they are just shoes!
by Kelly | Apr 14, 2008 | inspiration
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”– Lao Tzu
