Jowanna Daley, Jo Mooy, Anthony Talmage, Linda Commito, Owen Waters, Spencer Rouse, Darrel Hammon, Christine Morse, Mary Boutieller
Here at Transformation Academy we are excited to announce our January’s Transformation Academy Rising Star – Sara Bisulli!
Our goal with this initiative is to recognize and celebrate group membership who demonstrate the heart and service of a coach. Each monthly recipient of this recognition will be selected for a unique reason. Some will be seasoned coaches who serve as valuable mentors within the group. Others may be just starting their coach-training journey and exude a contagious attitude or passion. Others may be actively supporting other group members, whether by providing resources, answering common questions, or providing moral support. Regardless of each of our wonderful group members’ background or experience, we all benefit from the mutual support and varied perspectives offered within this diverse group!
The Rising Star initiative is a way to give a special THANK YOU to those who go above and beyond to share of themselves within this community.
“Believe in your abilities and don’t let the opinions of others, especially those with different backgrounds, discourage you.”
I am an entrepreneur and coach passionate about guiding individuals toward reconnecting with their authentic selves. I support individuals and entrepreneurs to reconnect with their true essence and take inspired action towards lives and businesses that truly reflect their inner selves. Since 2012, I’ve worked in digital communications, branding strategy and marketing, managing projects for companies across Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Holding a master’s in economics, I bring a structured and strategic perspective, enriched with creativity gained through diverse experiences in well-being, beauty, travel, food and technology. In recent years, following a profound spiritual awakening, I shifted my focus to coaching and holistic practices like meditation, energy work and healing. Now, I offer brand identity design and business clarity coaching with a unique blend of traditional strategy and spiritual tools. Fluent in English, French and Italian, and knowledgeable in other languages, I aim to connect authentically with clients worldwide. After traveling abroad and living in different cities, including Amsterdam and Marseille, I’m now back to my own country—Italy—where I’m currently based. I’m a new mom, a yoga enthusiast, and a lifelong learner, grateful to help others grow authentically in business and life.
WHAT IS YOUR NICHE (COACHING FOCUS) AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE IT?
I define myself as an “Aligned Business & Branding Clarity Coach,” but I also offer programs as a Spiritual Coach. My business focus and coaching niche combine business coaching, brand
strategy and design, with spirituality and personal development, focusing on helping entrepreneurs, mainly women, but also men, feel centered, achieve clarity with their business, brand identity, and personal goals, and maintain positive energies through a holistic approach. My method transcends traditional business coaching and branding; it's about aligning one’s business vision with authentic values. I use traditional business and branding strategy questionnaires, combined often with tools like Tarot readings, energy work and meditation, tailored to each client’s needs, to connect with intuition and inner guidance. Many business owners feel stuck, confused, lost and overwhelmed by external expectations or struggle to define a niche, a business name, a mission, a visual identity, and to set goals and take actions that truly represent them.
Through my journey, I saw how many entrepreneurs and creatives felt disconnected from their core values and overwhelmed by outside pressures, limiting their true potential, which leads to business issues, too. I personally understood that spirituality and inner work are essential for living a balanced, fulfilling life and for achieving outer success—personally and professionally. This inspired me to create a coaching approach that bridges the strategic and creative side, with the spiritual, empowering clients to build meaningful, purpose-driven lives and to shape their life and business in a way that feels true to who they are. This fusion of strategic and spiritual elements offers them an intuitive yet structured path to succeed authentically in life.
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
My ideal clients are primarily women—though men are welcome, too—aged 35-45, though I work with those from 3055. They are entrepreneurs, creatives, multi-passionate individuals, spiritual entrepreneurs, healers, yoga teachers and coaches across various niches. Some are at the idea stage of their business, while others are navigating established roles but seeking deeper alignment. These individuals recognize their high potential but struggle with clarity, feeling stuck, un-centered or frustrated. Often, they feel disconnected from their inner selves, which reflects in actions that lack alignment and purpose. Seeking to connect their vision with their authentic self, they face challenges due to a lack of inner clarity and direction. Through our work based both
on spirituality and strategy, they find the guidance needed to reconnect, refocus and fully realize their potential, shaping a life and business that truly reflect their values and aspirations.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LIFE COACH?
My journey to becoming a life coach was born from personal experiences and a deep desire to help others align with their true selves. Over the years, I found that achieving fulfillment required more than setting goals or building a career—it called for a holistic connection between the inner and outer self. I got stuck multiple times, trying to please other people, feeling insecure and letting people judge me or my business. I was taking bad choices and paying the consequences—I was not being able to understand what I truly wanted to be happy, and to align my actions with what I wanted. I did a lot of grounding and spiritual work, which brought me the needed self-love and confidence to start facing my own struggles with clarity, balance and a sense of purpose. I discovered that real, lasting success, especially as an entrepreneur, comes from grounding oneself in inner work. Through my personal growth and transformation, I became passionate about guiding others on a similar path, combining practical business insights with spiritual alignment.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COACHING?
I have been coaching for a couple of years, building a practice that combines business strategy and branding with spirituality to help clients achieve inner and outer alignment, although I did some more traditional business strategy mentorship a few years before that. My previous 10-year experience as a digital marketer, copywriter and social media strategist has allowed me to work with diverse clients—from entrepreneurs in tech and finance and creatives, to healers and coaches—guiding them and their business to connect deeply with their vision and values to achieve growth. Each client has deepened my commitment to supporting individuals in creating balanced, fulfilling lives and purposeful businesses and strategies that truly reflect who they are at their core.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST CLIENT?
When I started, back to the early years as a digital marketer, getting my first client was both exciting and challenging. I hesitated to go freelance, worried about the uncertainties. But I pushed through, sending a lot of cold emails to businesses that resonated with my approach. Eventually, two big international clients responded with interest, and I landed my first projects with them. Despite my initial fears, working with these clients went so well that our collaboration continued for several years. One of these business clients has returned to me and we’ve worked on the branding and coaching side together. I also did some Tarot readings and coaching sessions for women entrepreneurs by posting in Facebook groups.
HOW HAS YOUR COACHING JOURNEY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
My coaching journey has transformed my life in profound ways. It’s shifted my perspective, deepened my sense of purpose and redefined my priorities. Through this work, I’ve become more aligned and centered, discovering the power of living authentically in both personal and professional aspects. Helping others find clarity and confidence in their own journeys has been incredibly fulfilling. Coaching has inspired me to create meaningful impact, and I feel more connected to my intuition and values. This journey continues to motivate me to support others in realizing their potential, making every step feel both purposeful and rewarding.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?
The most challenging part of being a life coach involves balancing both business and personal aspects. On the business side, finding clients, maintaining a steady flow of work, and staying motivated through difficult times can be tough. Balancing private life with work commitments is also a constant effort. Personally, it’s essential to keep working on my own goals, self-care and energy, so I can show up fully for my clients. To support this, I work with other coaches and healers and prioritize my own growth and spirituality. These practices help me stay aligned, energized and prepared to help others.
WHAT IS THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?
The most fulfilling part of being a life coach is witnessing clients reach their goals, heal from difficult times, and genuinely feel happier and more fulfilled. Seeing their transformation firsthand is incredibly rewarding. I value the deep personal connections I build with clients—these relationships often extend beyond business and become meaningful bonds rooted in trust and growth. This work allows me to continually grow alongside them, learning from their journeys and experiences. Each client’s progress not only brings them closer to their true potential
but also enriches my own personal and professional development, making coaching deeply rewarding.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INSPIRATIONAL COACHING MOMENT, WITH A CLIENT?
One of my most inspirational coaching moments was when a client, initially unsure and overwhelmed, experienced a breakthrough during a Tarot reading. She gained clarity about her path and felt empowered to take action. Seeing her transform from self-doubt to confidence was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my passion for coaching.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COACHING ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE TO DO WITH CLIENTS?
My favorite coaching activities are The Wheel of Life, Tarot, and creating a vision board. While I use many tools tailored to each client’s needs, these exercises are especially impactful. They provide powerful clarity and insights, helping clients reflect on their life balance, intuitive guidance, and future aspirations in a visual way.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR FINDING CLIENTS AND/OR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?
The most effective strategies for finding clients and growing my business have been word of mouth, targeted cold emails and LinkedIn messages, and actively participating in relevant Facebook groups. Each of these channels allows me to connect with potential clients authentically, expand my network, and share my expertise with a wider audience.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF BACK WHEN YOU FIRST DREAMED OF BECOMING A COACH?
My advice to my younger self would be: Believe in your abilities and don’t let the opinions of others, especially those with different backgrounds, discourage you. Start with one client, then keep pushing forward. Stay resilient during slow periods—clients may be few at times, but persistence will lead to growth.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE IN THIS WORLD?
I want to create a significant impact by building a successful business that serves as an inspiration for other coaches, healers and creators. By sharing my journey and insights, I hope to inspire others to cultivate lives that bring them joy and
purpose. I aim to empower especially women—whether they are mothers, entrepreneurs, or both—to trust in their abilities and pursue their dreams.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH TRANSFORMATION COACHING MAGAZINE READERS?
People can connect with me on Facebook so we can talk directly about the next steps. After a free discovery session, I offer tailored coaching packages of 6 to 12 sessions, focusing on inner-self connection and alignment, intuitive business clarity and branding with purpose, depending on the client. These sessions are designed to help clients connect deeply with their authentic selves while achieving their business goals. Additionally, I provide “done-for-you” brand identity strategy and design services for those looking to establish a compelling and meaningful brand presence. I’m eager to connect with anyone interested in exploring these opportunities or booking a session. Together, we can embark on a transformative journey toward clarity, empowerment and success in both life and business. For more details, I’m available for any questions, and I’m happy to offer a free discovery sessions. I sometimes ask potential clients to fill in a very short questionnaire both to understand if I can actually help them and know what we are going to explore on the call.
Marketing by the Moon
MARKETING BY THE MOON MARKETING BY THE MOON
Transform your 2025 strategy with astronomical dates.
By Jowanna Daley
Running a solopreneur business is hard work, isn’t it?
Especially when your goal is to truly help people. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had moments of inspiration where you’ve started a marketing campaign with big ideas, only to feel overwhelmed and let it fizzle out. It’s frustrating, and sometimes it feels like there’s just too much to juggle.
This year, I decided to take a fresh approach to my 2025 marketing strategy, and I want to share it with you. It adds creativity, structure, and maybe even a touch of magic to the process: using astronomical dates. Yes, I’m talking about full moons, solstices, and other celestial events that have inspired humans for centuries.
These dates don’t just provide structure to your calendar—they spark imagination and give you natural themes around which to build campaigns. Whether you’re creating content for aspiring life coaches or seasoned professionals, the cosmos offers something that speaks to all of us.
Let’s explore how you can use astronomical dates to create a thoughtful, exciting 2025 marketing plan that keeps you motivated and connects deeply with your audience.
First, these dates come with built-in themes. Full moons, for example, are often associated with reflection, release or renewal—concepts that align beautifully with the work life coaches do.
Second, leveraging well-known dates helps you connect with your audience on shared ground. By highlighting topics they’re already thinking about, you make your message feel timely and relevant. You can tie your expertise into the themes of these observances in ways that inspire and educate.
Finally, these dates bring structure to your calendar Let’s face it: One of the hardest parts of digital marketing is deciding what to focus on each month. When you build your content calendar around these observances, you remove the guesswork and reduce decision fatigue. Suddenly, you have a clear roadmap of content ideas that keep your marketing consistent and engaging.
WHAT IS ASTRONOMY?
I’ll admit it—when I first started thinking about incorporating astronomy into my marketing strategy, I had to doublecheck what it actually meant. Maybe you’re like me and didn’t pay much attention in science class, but now you’re intrigued by how something as vast and timeless as the cosmos can tie into your business. Don’t worry, I’ll keep this simple. Astronomy is the study of celestial objects like the Moon, the Sun, stars, and planets, as well as the universe as a whole. It’s not to be confused with astrology (we’ll leave horoscopes out of this for now). Astronomy is grounded in science, and for thousands
of years, humans have looked to the skies to track time, navigate journeys, and make sense of their place in the universe.
But what does this have to do with your 2025 marketing plan? More than you might think. By weaving astronomical events into your strategy, you tap into something universal—our shared fascination with the sky. Whether you focus on the full moons, solstices, or the occasional meteor shower, these dates offer a chance to connect with your audience on a deeper, more creative level.
THE HUMAN FASCINATION WITH ASTRONOMY
From the moment humans first looked up at the stars, they’ve been captivated by the sky. Astronomy isn’t just about science—it’s about storytelling, exploration and connection. These celestial bodies became symbols of change, hope—and even mystery. Fast-forward to today, and that fascination hasn’t gone anywhere. We still celebrate the moon’s cycles with festivals, create rituals around solstices, and use astronomical events like eclipses to bring communities together. There’s something magical about realizing that these same stars have been shining down on humanity for millennia.
As life coaches, you’re already in the business of helping people navigate the ebbs and flows of their lives. Incorporating astronomical dates into your digital marketing strategy connects you to this timeless human tradition. It’s a way to inspire your audience while anchoring your campaigns in themes that resonate universally—change, renewal and growth.
BENEFITS OF USING ASTRONOMY TO BUILD A 2025 MARKETING PLAN
You don’t have to be an astronomer—or even particularly interested in the cosmos—to benefit from using astronomical dates in your marketing because they can help you create campaigns that feel timely, meaningful, and aligned with your audience’s journey. Here’s why it works:
1) Natural Themes to Inspire Content
Each astronomical event carries its own symbolism. For example, a full moon might signify reflection or completion, while an equinox can represent balance and transition. These themes offer natural starting points for creating content, workshops or social media posts.
2) Universal Appeal
Celestial events are shared experiences—everyone on Earth sees the Moon and feels the changing seasons. When you tie your messaging to these moments, you
tap into something universally relatable, which helps you connect with a diverse audience.
3) Keeps Your Content Calendar Consistent
Planning around astronomical events gives your calendar structure. Knowing that a full moon is coming up on a certain date means you can plan your content, promotions, or events in advance, reducing last-minute stress.
4) Adds a Touch of Wonder and Creativity
Let’s be honest—marketing can feel dry and repetitive at times. Incorporating the wonder of the cosmos into your strategy brings an element of creativity and excitement that your audience will notice. It’s a unique angle that sets you apart.
USING THE FULL MOON CALENDAR
AND ITS MEANING TO BUILD CAMPAIGNS
This section isn’t just an example—it’s a complete calendar you can use for your 2025 marketing plan. Full moons are rich with meaning and symbolism, and each one offers you a unique opportunity to align your campaigns with themes that resonate universally. One thing to keep in mind: the exact date of a full moon can vary slightly depending on where you are in the world. If your audience spans multiple time zones, or if you’re based internationally,
be sure to double-check the specific timing for your location. That said, the themes and ideas here are flexible and can be adapted to fit your schedule.
Here’s your 2025 Full Moon Marketing Calendar, complete with the names, meanings, and ready-to-use campaign ideas for each full moon:
January 13—Wolf Moon
• Meaning: Resilience and strength during winter’s harshness.
• Campaign Idea: Encourage clients to embrace self-care and set strong foundations for the year. Host a “Winter Resilience Workshop” or share content about building inner strength during challenging times.
February 12—Snow Moon
• Meaning: Survival, perseverance and preparation.
• Campaign Idea: Focus on decluttering—mentally, emotionally or physically. Create a challenge like “Clear Your Mind and Space” to help clients prepare for spring’s renewal.
March 14—Worm Moon
• Meaning: Renewal and new beginnings as the ground softens and nature awakens.
• Campaign Idea: Launch a “Spring into Action” program, encouraging clients to take their first steps toward a fresh goal or habit.
April 12—Pink Moon
• Meaning: Rebirth and creativity, named after blooming wildflowers.
• Campaign Idea: Focus on creativity and expression. Offer a journaling or vision-boarding workshop that aligns with spring’s themes of growth and inspiration.
May 12—Flower Moon
• Meaning: Abundance and beauty as nature flourishes.
• Campaign Idea: Celebrate gratitude and achievement. Encourage clients to reflect on what they’ve “planted” and “grown” in their lives so far this year.
June 10—Strawberry Moon
• Meaning: Fruition and harvesting efforts, named for the strawberry harvest.
• Campaign Idea: Highlight the importance of celebrating wins. Share testimonials or client success stories to inspire your audience to recognize their progress.
July 10—Buck Moon
• Meaning: Strength and growth, symbolized by deer regrowing their antlers.
• Campaign Idea: Focus on building confidence and resilience. Host a webinar or post tips about overcoming self-doubt and stepping into personal power.
August 8—Sturgeon Moon
• Meaning: Resourcefulness and abundance, named for bountiful fishing seasons.
• Campaign Idea: Share strategies for leveraging resources effectively. This could be a productivity-themed campaign or tips on using existing skills to tackle challenges.
September 7—Harvest Moon
• Meaning: Gratitude and rewards, occurring closest to the autumn equinox.
• Campaign Idea: Run a reflection campaign, asking your audience to share their “harvest” from the year—whether it’s lessons learned, goals achieved or personal growth.
October 6—Hunter’s Moon
• Meaning: Preparation and strategic action before winter.
• Campaign Idea: Focus on planning and goal setting for the remainder of the year. Share content about
The Daley Word
with Jowanna Daley
creating a “winter survival plan” for productivity or personal growth.
November 5—Beaver Moon
• Meaning: Preparation and security, as beavers build their shelters for winter.
• Campaign Idea: Run a campaign around boundaries and self-care, helping clients prepare for the holiday season with strong, healthy habits.
December 5—Cold Moon
• Meaning: Contemplation and rest during winter’s stillness.
• Campaign Idea: Encourage rest and reflection with a “Year in Review” exercise. Share prompts or host a group session to help clients reflect on their achievements and set intentions for the new year.
By aligning your campaigns with the themes of these full moons, you’re not just creating timely content—you’re connecting with your audience on a deeper, symbolic level. These campaigns can help you stay consistent, inspired, and focused throughout 2025.
BRINGING THE COSMOS INTO YOUR COACHING PRACTICE
Building a business is hard enough without the constant struggle of coming up with new ideas. As life coaches, your goal is to help others navigate their journeys, but it’s easy to lose your own sense of direction when faced with the pressures of running a business. That’s where a thoughtful, structured marketing strategy—like this one—comes in.
This is just one set of ideas to help you build a thoughtful, impactful marketing plan. I hope to share even more simple yet inspirational strategies with you—approaches designed to spark creative ways to build meaningful connections with your audience and keep you inspired in your work.
Even if you’re new to this kind of planning, it’s worth a try. Start small by choosing a few dates that resonate with you and build from there. Over time, you’ll find that these moments become a natural rhythm for your business, helping you stay inspired while attracting the clients who are looking for you.
Here’s to a 2025 full of purpose, connection, and campaigns that feel as meaningful as the work you do every day.
Jowanna is a business and personal coach, consultant, freelance blogger, and personal brand photographer. Jowanna uses her 20-plus years of business, information technology, business analysis, and project management experience to serve solopreneurs, microbusinesses, and professionals through consulting, coaching, training, and workshops. She is also a freelance blogger who serves corporate and non-corporate clients. Visit her website at https://www.jowannadaley.com/about/
Pathways to Connecting:
Deck 1 Easing In – playful questions to break the ice & have fun!
Deck 2 Getting Closer – thought-provoking questions to get to know each other better . . . including ourselves.
Deck 3 Deepening Conversation – Insightful questions that invite sharing experiences and reflections on life and relationships.
Deck 4 Daring to Divulge – Provocative questions that spark deeper conversations and encourage meaningful connections.
The unfolding of 2025 signals the beginning of a new cycle of change.
By Jo Mooy
It’s traditional to review the year past while planning for the year ahead. Because 2024 was so unusual, I went back to all the predictions made by psychics and astrologers to see what they said. I learned that most of the “experts” who were predicting “this or that event was going to happen” unilaterally missed the mark. And yet, their predictions, which are usually influenced by their personal belief systems, imprint us and guide our direction each year.
It’s natural to turn to psychics and astrologers and gather their insights each year. Somehow, we think they have a “view” that’s loftier than our own innate instincts and insights. Yet, their predictions for 2024 were all over the place and included who was going to win elections, governments that would collapse, and the death of long-term political leaders. I kept a list of their predictions and the dates and was shocked to realize that 90 percent of what they said would happen did not happen. However, there was one prediction that was consistent and did occur. All
of them said, (and this was supported by NOAA and the UN Foundation) that the “world is facing a climate catastrophe triggered by a warming planet.” One did not have to be a psychic to figure that out. All you had to do was go outside and feel the excessive heat and witness unprecedented back-to-back hurricanes.
I’m not an astrologer or a psychic, but my intuition tells me the world is teetering on the edge. Massive changes are on humanity’s collective horizon. Elections held all over the world have turned out liberal politicians as the electorates supported more conservative and nationalistic values. Younger voters making up the next generation have decided what’s important to them and to their children. The baby boomers finally passed the torch to them and it’s now their world to act and govern from their beliefs.
As the torch is passed, it’s wise to remember that everything in this universe occurs in cycles. It’s the nature of evolution that everything changes. The unfolding of 2025 signals the beginning
of a new cycle of change. How it unfolds is guesswork right now. Some will see this cycle with excitement and happiness. Some will only see despair and sadness. Whatever is unfolding is in the eye of the beholder. What they see is what will occur.
My esoteric training tells me that there is a Divine Plan unfolding—though we may not know the details or understand the endgame. That training also taught me that there’s a balance in the cycles that keeps everything in equanimity. With the passing of the torch, we can still use spiritual practices to keep the light burning. Many do it in big ways, others in small ways in their circles of influence.
As the year unfolds, we can continue to serve our communities in ways that inspire. We can collectively hold high values and high ideals and envision those qualities permeating the atmosphere. And in the end, when we pray for a Most Benevolent Outcome the Divine Plan is unfolding as it should, whether it’s what we envisioned or not. For at the end of the cycle all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. It always is.
Conscious Living with Jo Mooy
Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.
How to live a meaningful life in the 21st century.
By Anthony Talmage (channelling Albert Einstein)
If I asked you to name the world’s best-known physicist it’s more than likely you’d reply, “Albert Einstein,” and then go on to mention his signature Theory of Relativity and its association with energy and time. However, not many people know that, besides being a scientist, Prof. Einstein was quite a spiritual person. In fact, he once described himself as devoutly religious in the following sense: “The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mystical. It is the power of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.”
Einstein believed the universe is far more interconnected and mysterious than our rational minds can grasp.
I have been a fan of Einstein for many years, and recently I wondered what advice he might give us today to help us make sense of the complexities of modern life and a world that, at times, seems to be gripped by a collective insanity. What sort of article might he write for this magazine, I wondered, if he were alive today? Here’s how I imagined what Albert might tell us: “The first thing you should understand, dear readers, is that my view of the universe has not come solely from the rational mind. I have often thought intensely with no result, only for the truth to reveal itself in moments of stillness.
In your modern world, logic and intellect are celebrated, but intuition—the leap beyond reasoning—plays an equally vital role. Solutions to life’s challenges often emerge when we trust the silent spaces between thoughts.
So, cultivate moments of stillness in your life. Answers often arise naturally when you stop striving for them. This is not magic, but the energy of the universe moving through you, a phenomenon accessible to all, not just scientists or thinkers. The belief that we are separate individuals is an optical delusion of consciousness. All our lives are interconnected, vibrating as one in the universe’s energy field. Our illusion of separation is the root of much suffering. In truth, we are
part of a collective whole that includes all living things and nature itself.
In the 21st century, as you face global challenges, like climate change and social unrest, it is crucial to widen your circle of compassion to embrace all living beings. Recognizing our unity allows us to move beyond individual selfinterest and align with a shared purpose for the greater good.
And when it comes to the nature of reality, you need a shift in perspective. Time and space are not absolute; they are constructs of our minds. The distinction between past, present and future is an illusion. All things exist simultaneously in a web of energy. Matter itself is energy vibrating at various frequencies.
This understanding liberates us from the constraints of physical existence. While thoughts alone cannot change external reality, the way we perceive and interact with the world is profoundly influenced by our intentions and mindset. Aligning ourselves with higher frequencies—love, compassion and creativity—helps us navigate challenges and foster meaningful relationships.
How can this knowledge serve you practically? Recognize the immense power of your mind. Time, space and matter are mental constructs, and understanding this reveals your ability to influence your experience of reality. While our thoughts cannot directly alter physical laws, they shape how we engage with life’s opportunities and difficulties.
By cultivating positive intentions and focusing on meaningful goals, you can align your actions with the
harmonious forces of the universe and live with greater purpose.
Exploring the universe has shown me that science opens the door to understanding, but beyond it lies profound mystery. We perceive only a fraction of nature’s vastness. Behind the limits of our senses, entire worlds await discovery.
Do not feel small in the face of this mystery. You are more than a physical body; you are a soul playing its music through the instrument of your being. Rediscover the ancient wisdom that reminds us of our infinite nature and allows us to reconnect with the deeper rhythms of existence.
In my life, I learned that the true value of a human being lies in transcending narrow self-interest. Too often our lives are governed by desires and fears that imprison us. To live meaningfully, we must align with the greater forces of the universe and reconnect with our spiritual essence. The universe is not a chaotic accident. Forces beyond our control shape our existence, yet within them lies harmony. This does not imply a lack of free will; rather, it highlights our responsibility to align our actions with the natural order.
The 21st century challenges us to evolve our consciousness, moving beyond materialism to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our potential. By transcending self-interest, we align with the harmony of the universe, creating lives of purpose and significance.
As you navigate this complex world, remember: you are part of a grand cosmic dance. Live not just in the world, but in harmony with the world.” Anthony Talmage’s latest book Mindfulness and the Pendulum, available on Amazon. Anthony is also author of four books in his Psychic Mind series, Dowse Your Way To Psychic Power, In Tune With The Infinite Mind, Unlock The Psychic Powers Of Your Unconscious Mind and How To Crack the Cosmic Code all available in Kindle, printed and audio versions from Amazon. He also covers more of the above themes in his podcast, available absolutely free. Just click on this link to listen or download: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1742930
Let’s create a world where kindness, hope, love and peace prevail.
By Linda Commito
Know that deep down, no matter what the world throws our way in the coming year, how disillusioned we may feel, that there is always HOPE—for unity, for peace, for connection. It starts within the hearts of you and me.
We are more than OK! We always have a choice. We can hide under the covers, run away to a different land, OR we can embrace change in the most positive ways and help to create the kind, caring, inclusive world that we want to be a part of.
Let’s open our eyes, minds and hearts to those who are right in front of us—who may look, speak, or act differently than us. They may be our neighbors, fellow citizens or total strangers in this dance of life, whether for a moment, a day or a lifetime. How can we find peace in our hearts no matter who or what we encounter? We can start by truly listening, trying to understand, offering a little kindness, a gesture that says, “I see you. I care.” It’s also important to speak our truth, to keep our integrity as we share our values and dreams for peace and unity.
I recently watched the full moon in all its splendor, and I felt the sense of oneness and gratitude knowing that I was sharing it with millions of other inhabitants.
Life is short. Most of us already have way less time on this planet than we had when we arrived. And we never know when our time will run out. What are we waiting for? Why not start now to help to create a more compassionate, caring world? How can we support each other to live our best life in the most loving way that we can?
When in doubt, just be kind. We can even take it up a notch by truly listening with respect to all viewpoints, in a way that leaves no doubt that they have been seen and heard. Let’s choose to create a world where kindness, hope, love and peace prevail.
The New Year is a great opportunity to come together as family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, sharing what we each have to offer in our openness and thanks for each other and the many blessings in our lives.
With gratitude for each of you and blessings to you and your loved ones in 2025.
Love is the New Currency
with Linda Commito
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game
You Know the Future
YOU KNOW THE FUTURE YOU KNOW THE FUTURE
Soul-level consciousness is not constrained by the passage of time: You know the choices you face, and you know how well each possible course of action would serve you.
By Owen Waters
For the longest time, I wondered exactly what people meant when they used the word “quantum.” I think most of them wondered too, but it seemed like such a cool word that they used it regardless. Here’s how I would define it:
Quantum means pre-physical.
When an unseen quantum “wave function” collides with a barrier or a measurement device (a functional “observer”), it collapses into something visible. Presumably, the collision drops its energy level, so it enters the vibrational realm of visible light where its effects can be observed by physical eyes.
Another strange fact from the world of physics is that no one can see light particles until they collide with something physical. Then, stripped of the invisibility of their etheric energy casing, the remaining electromagnetic portion of the light particles can be seen by physical eyes. Again, the invisible becomes visible.
In my latest book, Soul Communion, I noted another example of strangeness in the physics lab. By strangeness, I mean it pushes physicists toward the sometimes-unwelcome idea that consciousness is behind all physical phenomena.
The famous Double-Slit experiment notes the difference in the manifestation of light particles when passed either through a single slit or a double slit. The single slit shows light particles reaching a detector screen, while the double slit arrangement produces wave patterns on the screen. They call this wave-particle duality, meaning that a light particle can travel as tightly contained particle or it can spread out from a central point as waves.
Different variations of the Double-Slit experiment have provided endless brain-teasing hours to theoretical physicists for well over a century, but the best variation of all is called the Delayed Choice experiment. At some point in the 1970s, John Wheeler got tired of wondering about the effect of one slit or two slits and how the presence of an observer fits in. Knowing that the decision to pass light through either one or two slits produces predictable outcomes—particles through one slit and waves through two slits—he tried the unthinkable. He set up an experiment to see what would happen if you made the decision to use
either one or two slits AFTER a light particle had passed through the critical stage of the setup.
The result was that the light particle reacted according to the decision made a fraction of a microsecond IN ITS PAST. It’s as if it traveled back in time to its decision point to decide whether it was supposed end up as a particle or a wave.
I included that information in Soul Communion to illustrate how soul-level consciousness is not constrained by the passage of time in the same way as our physical brains. For a particle of energy to travel back in time to make a decision is unthinkable in the way we are trained to think but, at a pre-physical or soul level, the Time-Space Illusion is no longer a limitation.
One of the strange things about writing a book about a subject is that, as soon as you pass your knowledge along, it opens the floodgates for more new information to come into your awareness. I think the same principle applies to tithing. When you open a financial flow from yourself to help others, it becomes very easy for new forms of flow to come into your life as increased prosperity—often from seemingly miraculous circumstances.
As is typical when such floodgates open, just days after releasing my new book, I had a sudden realization that while the Delayed Choice experiment could be demonstrating time travel, and that is eminently possible, it could also be demonstrating prescience—a perception of coming events.
What if the Delayed Choice particle sensed the upcoming decision and reacted accordingly? I’m not sure how we will eventually prove whether time travel or prescience is the explanation, but it does remind us of a very valid point. We all have prescient awareness of coming events. We always know what’s coming, especially in the next three months.
At a soul level of consciousness, you know your future, you know the choices you face, and you know how well each possible course of action would serve you. Our physical, third-density brains often filter out that wealth of information. Wouldn’t it be better to know what’s coming consciously? To foster the kind of feed-through from the soul mind to the physical brain that empowers you to be able to rise to any challenge in life? To know the elegant solution to every problem?
STEP INTO YOUR POWER
You can open the gates to inner knowledge by reading and practicing the material in Owen Waters’ new book Soul Communion, Powerful Protocols to Access Your Inner Knowingness for Spiritual Awakening, Protection and Prosperity.
This book is an initiation into advanced soul access. It consolidates years of testing in group workshops to produce the most effective method to open up the powers of soul consciousness and bring unparalleled fulfillment into your life.
Soul Communion unveils the power of the resources of your own higher consciousness, bringing elegant solutions to the challenges of life in this rapidly changing world. Step into your natural spiritual power and become free to tread fearlessly into an inspiring and joy-filled future while being supported every step along the way. Here are just a few of the deep-insight subjects covered:
• The nature of deep soul communion
• The Soul Connection technique
• How your soul can determine the perfect timeline
• Can the past be changed?
• Connecting with your perfect potential
• Discovering great moments in your past lives
• Changing your future self’s past
• Contacting your future self
iNFINITE BEING
with Owen K. Waters
Owen Waters is author of the Indie award-winning book, Spirituality Made Simple and a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy and InfiniteBeing.com, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at https:// www.InfiniteBeing.com He is an international spiritual teacher who has helped hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers to understand better the nature of their spiritual potential. Owen’s life has been focused upon gaining spiritual insights through extensive research and the development of his inner vision. He has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter since 2004 which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their clarity and deep insights. Contact Owen via email News@InfiniteBeing.com
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Your Choice
YOUR CHOICE YOUR CHOICE
Are you ready to find a deep love of life driven by your inner passion?
By Spencer Rouse
Our lives are composed of choices, one right after the other, every day, every hour, every minute. When we are young, we make small choices: do we want our sandwich cut diagonally or straight across? Which clothes do we want to wear to school? Which friend do we play with today? We live, we learn from our choices, we grow.
We continue to make choices as we mature. When the results are not what we want, we might become angry and try to force the desired results, or we might become fearful and insecure, backing away from making thoughtful decisions. We can blame others when results fall short of our expectations. However, our choices are our responsibility. Step by step, we create our paths, our lives. As we mature, choosing how to navigate adulthood and preparing for increasing responsibilities becomes necessary.
We might look at careers that bring in the most money, or we may already have a career path in mind. Families with a concentration on a specific career might maintain that momentum. The benefits and pitfalls other family members have encountered can reduce the anxiety of stepping onto a new life path. Indeed, familiarity can help us feel
secure; however, sometimes we choose security over our soul’s expression.
If we consider paths that are entirely new to us, we may have no role models. We might feel drawn to a specific field, but it may just be catching our attention, like the proverbial bright and shiny object. In this case, we constantly pursue the sparkle without understanding how to stabilize our growth with each step on our soul’s path. And—if our choices come from the ego—they are rarely grounded in experience and higher wisdom. We might find ourselves waiting for that magic opportunity to drop into our lives or for the knight on a white horse to arrive to save us from chaos. Fearful and unfulfilled, we risk fading into a minimal version of who we can be. Whatever guides us, our path is still our creation, with all the challenges and obstacles. We set a goal and move forward or not—it’s our choice.
Soul-fulfilling love, a deep love of life, may feel elusive if you are skating by on the surface of life. If that’s the case, now is the time to dive in and fully become YOU. This may feel scary. This may feel impossible. But it is time to “embrace the impossible.”
Choose an action driven by your inner passion. Work at it until you are ready to move to the next step. You
will know. Your inner excitement will elevate your frequency, helping you harmonize and coordinate with higher wisdom and intelligence. If your human mind is too busy to focus, ask for guidance. As you still your mind, that guidance will arrive. It is always available. The fast-track move is to ask questions as you go to bed at night. A reply will usually await you the following day after your mind has been quiet. This process allows space for the guidance to be received clearly. Take notes when guidance arrives. Asking and then listening to the answers is key. It takes patience as you learn to quiet the mind, set the ego aside, and act courageously on the information you receive. As beneficial results emerge, you will develop trust in the guidance and in your choices. This is about you as an individual and as part of a collective. You made a choice to be here on Earth at this particular time to share your love and your light. Living a minimal version of yourself deprives the world of your creativity and light, your part in harmonizing with and expanding the light of the whole, for the whole. We came to learn. We came to grow. We came to add to the evolution of this planet and all that inhabits it. There is no need to fear challenges. You are supported. Choose to embrace the impossible—and you will love and be loved at a soul level, experiencing the full expression of your potential.
Elemental Wisdom
with Spencer Rouse
Spencer Rouse has been a professional psychic and intuitive reader, energy healer, life coach, and lecture/workshop facilitator for more than 20 years, working one-on-one in counseling sessions, in groups, and at psychic fairs and other events. She works primarily through the gifts of claircognizance—an inner knowing—and clairsentience—the ability to sense information through feelings and emotions. Spencer also connects with the different layers of the human energy field (the aura) using color and sound to help balance and invigorate life force energy. Visit her online at http://www.SpencerRouse.com or email PsychicSpencer.com
Some years ago, in a meeting with other leaders, we discussed making resolutions and whether the practice was still in vogue. Interestingly, the discussion had just two sides: yes and no. One leader representing the negative stated: “No one makes resolutions anymore.” Another, representing the positive, stated: “We need to help people turn resolutions into reality.” I sided with the positive, and the following are six reasons why I believe we should develop and complete resolutions AND create strategies for turning them into reality.
1. Resolutions are not passé.
A decade ago, CBS conducted a poll that basically stated that, “68 percent of Americans surveyed said they don’t make New Year’s resolutions—up 10 percentage points from two years ago.” While those percentages may have changed over the past 10 years, other research shows that making resolutions is still in vogue. Wharton School researchers Dai, Milkman and Ri called the idea of making resolutions the “fresh start effect,” concluding that many of the fresh starts began at the beginning of the year or at the beginning of “temporal landmarks” (See https://faculty.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Dai_Fresh_Start_2014_Mgmt_Sci.pdf ). These landmarks can be birthdays, marriage dates, the first of the year, or any time the person wants a fresh start. Perhaps, instead of naming them resolutions, we should call resolutions “fresh starts?”
2. Resolutions propel us toward selfimprovement.
Most of us want to improve our lives, one way or another. What we need to realize is making and completing resolutions help us improve our lives. During the leadership discussion, one participant mentioned that we should “accept the burden of selfimprovement.” In a Forbes magazine article, Ashley Feinstein discussed some research Gail Matthews from Dominican University wrote about goal settings. Feinstein stated that, “Those who wrote down their goals accomplished significantly more than those who did not write down their goals. Making and keep resolution help improve our lives.” (See https://www.forbes.com/ sites/ellevate/2014/04/08/why-you-should-be-writingdown-your-goals/.)
3. Resolutions lead to intentionally planning our lives.
Throughout history, particularly in recent history, people believe they should live spontaneously. One of the leaders in the discussion called this spontaneity “accidental living,” just doing whatever comes up and not caring for what comes after, causing us not to worry about the potential consequences. This spontaneous living creates challenges and maybe even life-threatening actions. Usually somewhere along the way, people stop and confess that they have wasted their lives. Many then work hard in making the appropriate changes through creating goals and resolutions to change and
then sticking to them. Making and completing resolutions leads to intentionally living well. We ultimately have the choice to do or not to do.
4. Resolutions help us answer the question, “Where do I need to improve?”
Often in workplace annual assessments or evaluations, the question is asked: “Where do you think you need to improve?” Most good leaders know exactly where employees need to improve. They want us to be conscientious in acknowledging our short comings and/ or our performance. Consequently, we create goals to improve our performance, develop strategies, and then work hard so our next performance evaluation is a stellar one. Additionally, we also ought to do a personal periodic review to propel us to determine what we need to improve our personal lives.
5. Leaders make resolutions.
Great leaders make goals/resolutions, create objectives that are measurable, develop strategies to achieve the objectives, and then assess how they successfully or unsuccessfully completed their goals and objectives. Some years ago, the Holden Leadership Center at the University of Oregon wrote: “Goals help define your organization, give direction and avoid chaos” (see https://holden.uoregon.edu/leadership). Thus, leaders do not haphazardly follow a path. They know what they want and seek diligently in accomplishing their tasks..
6. Resolutions do not allow status quo.
In reality, there is no such thing as status quo. Either you are progressing or retrogressing. Most of us—thankfully—have to be doing something that improves our lives. Making and completing resolutions propels us forward for the most part. Granted, some of us do not keep our goals. In the CBS Poll, only “three in 10 Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions—but only about half keep them.” The challenge for not completing hinges not making obtainable goals or making too many. In a recent Positive Psychology article titled “The Science & Psychology of Goal-Setting 101,” we learn that “[g]oal-setting in psychology is an essential tool for self-motivation and self-drivenness— both at personal and professional levels. It gives meaning to our actions and the purpose of achieving something higher” (https://www.positivepsychology.com/ goal-setting-psychology/).
INTO ACTION
The key to making goals and resolutions hinges on the power of developing strategies. For example, a goal statement of “I will read 10 books this year” is just that: a statement. A few questions must be asked, “How are you going to read 10 books?” Which ones? When will you read them? We develop a plan of action, i.e., create strategies, which allows us definitive guidance as to HOW we are going to accomplish our goals. All goals
need strategies that guide us through our short-term and long-term goals.
Whether you call it setting goals, making New Year’s resolutions, creating lifestyle changes, or developing a fresh start, doing something to improve your life, health, attitude, eating habits, exercise, or spiritual being
will eventually lead you to self-improvement. When we gang up on ourselves by making dozens of resolutions or changes in our life at the same time, we will melt into oblivion and pound ourselves for not accomplishing all of the tasks. The key is to take one step at a time so that our goals can really become part of our new reality!
Darrel L. Hammon has been dabbling in writing in a variety of genres since his college days, having published poetry, academic and personal articles/essays, a book titled Completing Graduate School Long Distance (Sage Publications), and a picture book, The Adventures of Bob the Bullfrog: Christmas Beneath a Frozen Lake (Outskirts Press). He also was the editor of the Journal of Adult Education (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association). Most of his essay/article writing has focused on topics about growing up, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, marriage/dating, and educational topics. Some of these articles/essays are in Spanish because Darrel is bilingual in Spanish/English, having lived in Chile, Dominican Republic, and southern California, and having worked with Latino youth and families all of his professional life in higher education. He has two blogs, one for personal writing at http://www.darrelhammon.blogspot.com/ and one for his consulting/life coaching business (http://www.hammonconsults.blogspot.com/).
Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash
Elevate and expand your business with these sustainable growth strategies.
By Christine Morse
Aiming to grow your business? You’re not alone. Scaling up is a primary goal for many entrepreneurs, but it requires more than just ambition and a dream. Sustainable growth demands strategic planning, an understanding of market dynamics and robust execution.
In this article, we’ll explore actionable steps to build a solid foundation for sustainable business growth.
If you’re a business owner ready to take your venture to the next level or a coach who dreams of expanding their small business, this guide is crafted just for you. Buckle up; let’s get started on your path to sustained success!
UNDERSTANDING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Sustainable growth is about expanding your business without compromising its long-term viability. It’s not just chasing short-term gains but ensuring that your business can withstand market fluctuations and continue to thrive.
A critical aspect of sustainable growth is maintaining a balanced approach. This involves not only increasing sales but also managing resources efficiently. It’s about making decisions today that won’t jeopardize your business tomorrow. Investing in sustainable practices also helps build a positive reputation. Consumers and partners are increasingly aware of environmental and social responsibilities. A sustainable approach can enhance your brand image and customer loyalty.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A SOLID BUSINESS PLAN
A well-crafted business plan is your roadmap to success. It provides a clear vision of where your business is headed and how you plan to get there. This plan should outline your goals, strategies, and the steps needed to achieve them.
Your business plan should also include a thorough market analysis. Understanding your target audience, competitors
and market trends is crucial. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions and identify opportunities for growth. Financial planning is another vital component. A detailed budget and financial projections will help you manage your resources effectively. This ensures that you have the funds needed to support your growth initiatives without overstretching your finances.
BUILDING A STRONG ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
A robust organizational structure is the backbone of a scalable business. It ensures that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, enabling efficient operations. This structure should be flexible enough to adapt to changes as your business grows. Investing in talent is crucial. Hire employees who are not only skilled but also align with your company’s values and vision. A motivated and engaged workforce is essential for driving growth and innovation.
Implementing effective communication channels is equally important. Ensure that information flows seamlessly across all levels of your organization. This fosters collaboration and ensures that everyone is aligned with your business goals.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFICIENCY
Technology is a powerful enabler of business growth. Invest in tools and software that streamline your operations. This can range from customer relationship management (CRM) systems to project management tools and accounting software. Automation is another powerful tool. Automating routine tasks frees up your time and resources, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the risk of errors.
Data analytics is a game-changer. Use data to gain insights into your business performance and customer behavior. This information can guide your decision-making and help you identify areas for improvement.
CUSTOMER-CENTRIC MARKETING STRATEGIES
Understanding your customers is key to sustainable growth. Invest in market research to gain insights into their needs, preferences and behavior. This information is invaluable for crafting targeted marketing strategies.
Personalization is a powerful marketing tool. Tailor your messages and offers to meet the specific needs of different customer segments. This enhances customer engagement and loyalty. Don’t underestimate the power of customer feedback. Regularly seek feedback and use it to improve your products and services. This shows your customers that you value their opinions and are committed to meeting their needs.
EXPANDING YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERING
Diversifying your product or service offering is a great way to drive growth. This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire business. Instead, look for opportunities to add complementary products or services that meet your customers’ needs. Conduct market research to identify gaps in the market. Look for unmet needs or areas where you can add value. This will help you identify potential opportunities for expansion. Innovation is key. Encourage creativity and experimentation within your team. This can lead to the development of new products or services that differentiate your business from competitors.
BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships can be a powerful driver of growth. Look for businesses that complement your own and explore opportunities for collaboration. This can range from joint marketing initiatives to co-developing new products. Strategic partnerships can also provide access to new markets and customers. By leveraging your partner’s network, you can expand your reach and grow your customer base. Trust is the foundation of successful partnerships. Ensure that your partners share your values and vision. Open communication and mutual respect are key to building strong, lasting relationships.
ENHANCING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Delivering an exceptional customer experience is crucial for retaining customers and driving growth. Focus on understanding and meeting your customers’ needs at every touchpoint. Invest in training your employees to provide excellent customer service. Equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to handle customer inquiries and resolve issues effectively. Leverage technology to enhance the customer experience. This can range from using CRM systems to track customer interactions to implementing chatbots for instant support.
EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Sound financial management is critical for sustainable growth. This involves not only managing your cash flow but also making strategic investments in growth initiatives. Budgeting is key. Develop a detailed budget that outlines your projected income and expenses. This will help you allocate resources effectively and ensure that you have the funds needed to support your growth initiatives.
Consider seeking external funding to support your growth. This can range from bank loans to venture capital or angel investors. Ensure that you have a solid business plan and financial projections to present to potential investors.
ADAPTING TO MARKET CHANGES
The business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is crucial for sustainable growth. Keep a close eye on market trends and be prepared to pivot your strategies as needed.
Invest in ongoing market research to stay informed about changes in customer behavior, competitor activities and industry developments. This will help you identify opportunities and threats early on.
Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. Foster an environment where employees feel empowered to suggest new ideas and innovative solutions.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Incorporating sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) into your business model can drive growth and enhance your brand reputation. Consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
Implement sustainable practices within your operations. This can range from reducing energy consumption to sourcing materials from sustainable suppliers.
Engage in CSR initiatives that align with your company values. This can include supporting local communities, charitable giving or environmental conservation efforts.
MONITORING AND EVALUATING PERFORMANCE
Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial for ensuring that your growth strategies are on track. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Use data analytics to gain insights into your business performance. This information can guide your decision-making and help you make informed adjustments to your strategies. Regularly review and update your business plan. This ensures that it remains relevant and aligned with your business goals.
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
Networking is a powerful tool for driving growth. Building relationships with other business owners, industry experts and potential clients can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums. This will help you stay informed about industry trends and connect with like-minded professionals.
Leverage your network to seek advice, share experiences, and collaborate on new initiatives. Building a strong
professional network can open doors to new opportunities and support your growth efforts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Scaling your business is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. By building a solid foundation for sustainable growth, you can ensure your business thrives in the long term. Remember to stay adaptable, invest in your team and prioritize customer satisfaction. With the right strategies in place, your business can achieve sustained success.
Christine Morse has over 20 years of experience in marketing, team leadership, client relations and sales with companies such as Herman Miller, Amway International, Spectrum Health, Avid Marketing, Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, and several disability network nonprofits. She formed Avid Alliance in 2009, which is focused on helping people to understand how beneficial it is to use free and low-cost tools for excellent branding and business expansion. Christine excels at providing strategic counsel and is a business growth implementor with a focus on marketing and sales. She has helped thousands of people to learn about identifying their ideal client and competitors, realizing their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tactics will work best for quick business growth. She also donates her time and energy towards many nonprofit organizations which contribute to the sustainability of this community. Visit her website at https://www.avidmarketingalliance.com.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Imagine if the entire world took a collective breath and sat still for one minute. What, then, might we discover?
By Mary Boutieller
Once again, we find ourselves at the beginning of another year as winter cools the northern hemisphere and many things have gone into hibernation. This shift toward shorter days and darker evenings allows us to slow down the pace of our lives a little bit, if we are willing.
It’s been a long time since most humans honored the seasonal shifts, the waxing and waning of moon and light, opting instead for perpetual motion, with electricity lighting up our worlds, screens and substances to distract and numb us...and how can we not? This is our world today. Or is it?
Recently, I watched a documentary called, “The Year Earth Changed.” It explained what happened to the Earth during the first year of the 2020 Covid pandemic when people stayed home, travel and tourism stopped, and the Earth quieted down. It was an impactful documentary for me—to see how the Earth could heal if we humans just took it down a notch (or two). In the 12 months of the first year of the pandemic, pollution dropped so significantly that people in parts of India could see the Himalayan Mountains for the first time in their lives; animals could better communicate with their young; rivers became less polluted. After watching it, my husband said, “Imagine if the whole world
could take just one day a week to stop doing things. Would it make a difference?”
And that got me thinking about all the religions that incorporate a day of rest, and about all the times I have pushed through when tired because that’s what I do and that’s what my mother did, and that’s what we are all supposed to do as productive human beings, right?
I wondered what it would be like if we pushed the pause button every now and then and practiced non-doing for a minute, an hour or a day? What would that do for our health, our nervous systems, the planet? Imagine if the entire world took a collective breath and sat still for one minute. What, then, might we discover?
Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “Non-doing has nothing to do with being indolent or passive. Quite the contrary. It takes great courage and energy to cultivate non-doing, both in stillness and in activity. Nor is it easy to make a special time for non-doing and to keep at it in the face of everything in our lives which needs to be done.”
In the new year to come, what would happen if we moved a little closer to the seasonal change of wintering; if we shortened our to-do list and purposely reduced the stress in our lives? What if we worried less about what other people were doing or thinking, and became more curious about what we are doing and thinking?
Our version of non-doing or wintering will look different for everyone. If we are already too still, perhaps our wintering will allow us to go outside, observe nature or walk with awareness. If we are already doing too much or trying to please too many people, it might serve our well-being to take a hot bath, read, or just stare out the window and observe. You see, we have always been our own best teachers and guides. What our bodies, hearts and souls need is already inside of us, so why is it that we push that knowing aside to answer yet another email or head out the door when we are bone-tired?
I think, maybe, it’s about finding balance. It’s about finding the middle-way between too much and too little, of being able to stand on one foot when we can and on two feet when needed. Rumi said that “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go” and often we only remember balance when we have lost it.
My wish is that we find balance in our lives; that we allow ourselves to dwell in the present moment more often so that when the day is done, we feel a sense of peace and calm. Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year filled with love and light.
The Yoga of Life
with Mary Boutieller
Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.
