Transformation Coaching Magazine March 2024

We believe that self-employment is the ultimate form of empowerment. Our mission is to bring you guests whose powerful entrepreneurship stories and real-world advice will give you the inspiration and tools to create a business and life that you love.

Listen on our website or your favorite podcast app or watch the video version on our YouTube channel.

Here at Transformation Academy we are excited to announce our March’s Transformation Academy

Rising Star – Jaxx Swadi!

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.

ABOUT JAXX:

Jaxx Swadi, Milton, Ontario Canada @camochickdesigns

"There will always be naysayers who tell you that you can’t do things. Drown out the noise. Weed out the negativity, and anything that steals your joy."

My name is Jaxx. I’ve been a small business owner for the past 15 years. I’ve been with my husband for 22 years,

and we have two amazing kids! I have a diverse background in business, event planning and child and youth social work.

I have spent the last year working on my Master Life Coach Certification, with my niche areas being Small Business Mentorship and Caregiving. Although these are two completely different avenues, these are my areas of expertise given my own personal life experiences.

I’m a firm believer that there is room for all of us. We each have our own unique offering, and the perfect client meant for us. I always tell my kids to be a leader, not a follower. Be yourself, and do what you believe in. This is what sets you apart from others. Be the trendsetter.

WHAT IS YOUR NICHE (COACHING FOCUS) AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE IT?

I actually have two! My focus for some time now has been mentoring small business owners in the handmade industry, along with providing guidance and support to those navigating the world of caregiving for loved ones. I have personal and lived experience with both, and I certainly know how isolating the latter can be.

WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

My ideal client is someone who is kind and compassionate about the human experience. Someone who is transparent

and honest, like me. I believe it is imperative to be open minded about self-improvement, continued education and learning, but also understanding that there is room for all of us to succeed. We all have our ideal client!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LIFE COACH?

Mr. Rogers once said: Don’t just look for the helpers, be a helper. Helping others has always been my passion, and it actually helps me! It gives me a sense of value and purpose to know that I can help others get through challenges with the tools I’ve learned and been gifted with. If I can make life easier for others, be it how to run their business more smoothly, or how to navigate caregiving to make the journey less taxing, this is the ultimate gift.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COACHING?

As a small business owner for the past 15 years, I have been mentoring others for quite a while. As someone several years into being a caregiver, I have had many people approach me for advice and support, and I have been able to guide them in the right direction to make the experience less terrifying.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST CLIENT?

Coaching on a professional level is new to me, but many of the people who approach me are existing customers of my business, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs who I know through my network. I am blessed to be in a town of wonderful, supportive people who embrace local, and have been lucky enough to build relationships with many of them over the years.

HOW HAS YOUR COACHING JOURNEY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Honestly? Everything I have been learning over the last year or so of studying has changed ME! I’m not sure I was expecting that! I went into this industry as a way to help and serve others, which on its own would have been satisfying enough. To be able to say that my own mindset has changed, I feel happier and more positive. I love that I am constantly embracing self-development and able to utilize those tools in my own everyday life, as well as others. So grateful!

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?

I think in any business or industry, getting the right clients for you can be challenging. You aren’t always going to align with others, and vice versa. I also believe that we have to embrace adaptability, as trends change and life, family, business, etc. is incredibly fluid. The only thing that is always definitive is change!

WHAT IS THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?

Helping others—and seeing the results of that help—is definitely the most fulfilling part for me. To have someone call you or message you to say thank you. You made my life easier with the guidance you provided, and I’m so grateful! This means the world to me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INSPIRATIONAL COACHING MOMENT, WITH A CLIENT?

Given that this is relatively new territory to me, I don’t really have a specific example for you. I just find the ability to do what I’m doing inspiring, and I’m grateful to be able to help in whatever capacity I can. Big or small.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COACHING ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE TO DO WITH CLIENTS?

This is still a work in progress, but I’m a firm believer in weighing out pros and cons, and self-talk. Asking yourself the “what if” questions. Telling yourself what you would do in various scenarios and outcomes.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR FINDING CLIENTS AND/OR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?

Being self-employed in a small town, and networking has definitely helped in this regard. Most of my existing clients are repeat clients, who are kind enough to refer me to others.

WHAT

ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF BACK WHEN YOU FIRST DREAMED OF BECOMING A COACH?

I thought I was too old to start something new, but I was SO wrong. You can pursue anything at any age, and achieve

it just as well as others, if not better! We just have to discipline ourselves enough to seek it out, do the research, and be willing to put in the time and work that goes with it.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE IN THIS WORLD?

The world is a bit of a scary place right now. I just want to know that I’m doing my small part to make a difference. The world has enough critics, I just want to be happy, and help others do what makes them happy as well.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH TRANSFORMATION COACHING MAGAZINE READERS?

There will always be naysayers who tell you that you can’t do things. I heard it myself for a lot of my own life! Drown out the noise. Weed out the negativity, and anything that steals your joy. Preserve your peace at all costs. Look for the helpers. And be yourself! Everyone else is taken. Wishing you all the best of luck!

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How to embrace digital marketing as a solopreneur.

By Jowanna Daley

The digital era has transformed the way our businesses operate, and small entrepreneurs and independent coaches can now take market share from larger businesses with bigger budgets. However, it takes a lot of work for solopreneurs to implement successful online marketing tactics—while growing their businesses.

That said, whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, understanding digital marketing is essential for staying competitive and reaching your target audience.

WHAT IS DIGITAL MARKETING?

Digital marketing refers to using online platforms to advertise goods or services. It involves leveraging these digital avenues to connect with potential customers and generate leads.

Digital marketing has become increasingly important in recent years, as more and more people rely on the Internet when making purchasing decisions. It allows you to reach a target audience directly, engage with it effectively, and drive conversions. By utilizing various digital marketing channels, businesses can leverage the power of technology to create a strong online presence and maximize their reach.

Here is a short description of popular types of digital marketing currently in use:

1) Website Marketing

Most of your marketing efforts are to draw people to your storefront, which is your website. Website marketing is about promoting your online presence and ensuring it’s visible to potential customers. Website marketing is often not considered a standalone digital marketing solution. Instead, it is often grouped together with other strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, social media marketing and content creation.

The ultimate goals are to:

• Get people to visit your website

• Convert leads

• Increase sales

2) Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a powerful way to reach potential customers and promote your brand online. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with your target audience, build relationships and drive sales.

Social media marketing allows you to grow your online presence by:

• Sharing valuable content

• Engaging directly with your audience

• Leveraging advertising tools

As a solopreneur or independent coach, social media marketing can be an affordable way to reach a broad audience and compete with larger companies in your industry or niche.

3) Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) involves optimizing your website and web presence to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords or phrases. Improving your website’s visibility can attract more traffic and increase conversions, leading to higher revenue. To improve a website’s visibility on search engines, there are various techniques you can implement including the use of terms and phrases (keywords) that can generate high-quality traffic to your website; tools like the Google Business Profile; and the creation of links to external sites to help market the unique value of your site.

4) Email Marketing

Use email marketing to send emails and newsletters to a targeted list of subscribers and build authentic relationships. The best approach is to create personalized emails that resonate with people, communities and target niches.

5) Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a way for businesses to get their ads shown to people searching for something online. If you look on search engines like Google, you’ll see sponsored content. This is placed on ads to distinguish them from organic search results. Businesses pay for these ads— but they only have to pay when someone clicks on their ad. So, it’s like a game of “pay for play”—the more people who click on the ad, the more you pay.

6) Influencer Marketing

You may find influencer marketing appealing if you’ve ever wished for a spokesperson to promote your content. It means working with popular social media influencers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Twitter to promote your brand’s products or services. This strategy aims to connect with a larger audience and drive sales by leveraging the influencer’s credibility and reach. As brands seek to connect with consumers authentically and engagingly, influencer marketing has gained popularity in recent years.

7)

Content Marketing

Content marketing is a strategic approach where companies build brand awareness and trust by producing compelling and relevant content, such as videos, blog posts or infographics, to attract and engage potential customers. This type of marketing is akin to a friend recommending a new game they enjoy, prompting you to try it out as well. In this case, companies are friends, and their creative content encourages consumers to try their products or services.

8)

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves collaborating with other businesses or individuals to advertise your products or services. You pay them a commission for each sale or conversion they generate for your business. It’s a great way to expand your reach and get in front of new audiences without spending much money on advertising. Plus, it’s a win-win situation because your affiliates earn money by promoting your products, and you get more sales and exposure for your business. Ensure you choose your affiliates carefully and provide them with the resources they need to promote your products effectively.

9) Mobile Marketing

According to a report by Oberlo, the estimated number of global smartphone users in 2023 is 5.25 billion. Mobile marketing is a great way to reach your target audience via their smartphones and tablets!

10) Display Advertising

You can use display advertising online, too, such as banners, videos and interactive ads. It’s a valuable tool for growing your online presence and reaching new audiences, as you can track and optimize campaigns in real time. Consider working with digital marketing professionals to develop effective strategies.

11)

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Search engine marketing, or SEM, is paying for advertising to promote your business to people actively searching for products or services you offer. Using the right bidding strategy on keywords relevant to your business can improve your rankings and brand visibility when people search for those keywords using a search engine.

DIGITAL MARKETING CHALLENGES FOR SOLOPRENEURS

While digital marketing offers numerous benefits, solopreneurs and independent coaches often face unique challenges. Here are five common challenges to keep in mind as you move forward:

1) Limited Resources: Solopreneurs and coaches may have limited time, budget or access to specialized skills required for effective digital marketing strategies.

2) Technical Knowledge: Digital marketing techniques and tools can be complex and overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with them.

3) Time Constraints: Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities leaves little time for comprehensive digital marketing efforts.

4) Audience Targeting: Identifying and reaching the right audience with limited resources can be challenging.

5) Data Privacy and Security: Ensuring compliance with data privacy laws and protecting customer data from breaches are significant concerns.

The Daley Word with

Jowanna Daley

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/

CROSS CROSS ROADS

ROADS ROADS

Achieving workplace success at the crucial intersection of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and coaching.

By Marla J. Albertie

In the intricate tapestry of organizational dynamics, two essential components stand out as pillars of sustainable growth and success: Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology and coaching. While both disciplines have unique characteristics and objectives, their convergence within the workplace landscape has become increasingly recognized as a catalyst for driving individual and organizational effectiveness. Let’s explore the significance of I/O Psychology and coaching, highlighting how coaching emerges as a pivotal element within the broader realm of I/O Psychology—and why it is indispensable for modern workplaces.

UNDERSTANDING INDUSTRIALORGANIZATIONAL (I/O) PSYCHOLOGY

Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a specialized field that focuses on applying psychological principles and research methodologies to address workplace issues and enhance organizational performance. Its multifaceted approach encompasses various domains such as personnel selection, training and development, organizational development, leadership and employee well-being. Essentially, I/O Psychology serves as a bridge between psychology and business, leveraging psychological insights to optimize human capital and organizational processes.

THE EMERGENCE OF COACHING AS A CRITICAL COMPONENT

Coaching, within the context of I/O Psychology, refers to a structured and collaborative process aimed at unlocking individual potential, facilitating learning and development, and achieving specific goals. It involves a supportive partnership between a coach and a coachee (client), wherein the coach utilizes a range of psychological techniques and interventions to empower the coachee in overcoming challenges, enhancing performance and fostering personal growth.

THE INTERSECTION OF COACHING AND I/O PSYCHOLOGY

Coaching intersects with various areas of I/O Psychology, contributing to the advancement of organizational

objectives and the well-being of employees. Here are some key points highlighting this intersection:

1) Leadership Development: Coaching plays a pivotal role in grooming effective leaders by providing personalized guidance, feedback and skill-building opportunities. Through targeted coaching interventions, individuals can develop crucial leadership competencies such as emotional intelligence, communication skills and strategic thinking, thus driving organizational success.

2) Employee Engagement and Motivation: I/O Psychologists recognize the importance of employee engagement and motivation in enhancing performance and fostering a positive work environment. Coaching interventions designed to align individual goals with organizational objectives, clarify expectations and provide continuous support can significantly contribute to enhancing employee engagement levels and job satisfaction.

3) Conflict Resolution and Team Dynamics: Effective teamwork is essential for organizational success, but conflicts and interpersonal issues can impede collaboration and productivity. I/O Psychologists leverage coaching techniques to facilitate conflict resolution, improve communication and foster cohesive team dynamics, ultimately leading to enhanced team performance and synergy.

4) Career Development and Succession Planning: In today’s dynamic workplace landscape, continuous learning and career development are imperative for both individual and organizational growth. Coaching interventions focused on career planning, skill enhancement, and succession planning enable employees to navigate their career paths effectively, while also ensuring a steady pipeline of talent within the organization.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COACHING IN THE WORKPLACE

Coaching offers numerous benefits that contribute to organizational effectiveness and employee well-being: Personalized Development: Unlike generic training programs, coaching provides personalized support tailored to individual needs and objectives, thereby maximizing learning and development outcomes.

Enhanced Performance: By identifying and addressing performance barriers, coaching empowers individuals to unlock their full potential, resulting in improved performance and productivity.

Improved Relationships: Coaching fosters open communication, trust and empathy, leading to stronger relationships among employees and between employees and their managers.

Greater Resilience: In an ever-changing business environment, coaching equips individuals with the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate challenges and thrive amidst uncertainty.

In summary, the integration of coaching within the broader framework of I/O Psychology underscores its significance as a catalyst for driving organizational success and employee well-being. By leveraging psychological principles and coaching methodologies, organizations can create a culture of continuous learning, growth and high performance, thereby staying competitive in today’s dynamic business landscape. As workplaces evolve and challenges multiply, the synergy between I/O Psychology and coaching will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work.

Happy coaching!

Marla J. Albertie is the founder Truth Speaks Group, LLC, a multi-media coaching company dedicated to creating solutions for integrating work and life to create harmony. Marla loves to read, is a concert and comedy show junkie and a cruiser for life. Follow Marla on Twitter @tspeakscoaching and IG @Tspeaksgroup. Sign up for the Truth Speaks Group LLC Newsletter at https://www.truthspeakscoaching.com/

How to tap into inspiration in a world where the desire for efficiency can override natural curiosity.

By Spencer Rouse

Human beings are creative by nature. It is our birthright. We have been granted free will to work with creativity on Earth. We make choices and then experience the results of those choices. We choose, then choose again, as often as we wish.

We are born curious. From the beginning, we observe everything around us and absorb as much as possible, especially as children. At first, we tend to imitate the behavior we observe, or we withdraw from it. We react almost reflexively. As our experiences become more complex, we may reserve immediate action to evaluate our response. We might continue to observe until we take action based on a combination of observations. At this stage, we start to draw upon inspiration.

Most of our actions are based on inspiration in the early stages of our development. As we grow, our experiences grow. A more varied array of responses come forth. Our creative efforts begin!

We continue interacting with the world around us, exploring, taking chances, and sometimes making apparent missteps. When choices lead to

disharmony with our group, some prefer the emotional safety of not standing out. Purely instinctive responses are filtered or shut down. With this approach, we give up some of our inspirational, spontaneous reactions. However, adhering to a more standardized group behavior can create a more efficient way to deal with daily events. Another way of dealing with the world is to rebel and resist conformity. This can help us to grow our intuition when we connect with our soul and the collective unconscious, but it also can bring forth egobased responses if we don’t dig deep enough. For example, breakthroughs in science, art, music, and other areas often come through this channel, but so do lawbreakers. Few of us behave exclusively within one pattern or another; rather, we tend to vacillate between the two, usually falling into the ego’s grip when we feel vulnerable and reaching for soul inspiration when we are empowered. Often, the desire for efficiency can override natural curiosity and we use the mind more and more over intuition to make everyday decisions. As a result, access to our inspiration or creativity can feel shut down. So, how do we access our creativity when we

spend so much of our day using standardized behavior patterns?

First, examine your activities. Where do you feel overwhelmed? Why? Where can you make adjustments? Is there something you can drop? Examine the details of your daily choices. Can you reflect upon the value of actions, or are you moving through tasks just to get them done?

Inspiration comes when we take the time to absorb and reflect.

What about the activities you choose for enlightenment or recreation? Are you reading that book or taking that course to skim through the main points, or can you absorb the knowledge piece by piece? How can you use the information to make it yours, to add value to your life? How can you create something from what you have learned? What is the purpose of this activity in your life? Could it possibly be a diversion from a task you are putting off? Or is it something

others are doing, and you want to be included? The point here is to understand why you engage in your activities and then evaluate their usefulness.

There is a great deal of pressure on us to be productive. We can exhaust ourselves easily and unnecessarily. It is up to us to evaluate how we spend our time. Find ways to simplify everything from home organization to spending habits, from activities to social life. Make adequate sleep a top priority. We need sleep not only for our physical bodies, but also to help us connect with our subconscious and guides while our minds are at rest. It prepares us to receive inspiration.

The next step is to allow inspiration during waking hours. Foster connection to our deeper selves. Our joy. One good way is to pick a time, even as little as 15 minutes, to devote to writing, singing a song, rhythmic body movement, creating a new recipe, whittling a toy from wood, ANYTHING that demands complete focus and draws on inspiration—no pressure involved. Be silly. Be serious. Just be. A few minutes of devotion to the “Inspiration Experience” can relax you and open the connection to your deeper self. A sense of humor helps, but it is unnecessary if you feel poignant. Once you unplug, pay attention to where it leads. And follow that path to Joy.

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

You are on the true path to success and abundance when you are in a state of alignment and act from a place of true clarity, focus and love.

By Terez Hartmann

HARDER IS NOT NECESSARILY BETTER

You’ve read the books. You’ve taken the classes. You got the degrees/certifications. You’ve learned all the top social media marketing strategies. You’ve invested HOURS, MONTHS, even YEARS, and have truly worked HARD. Yet success and abundance can seem like an ever-elusive gold ring that demands more and more from your already full, stretched-to-the-max life…

Could it be that you still need to learn that ONE more ultra-skill and THAT will be the magic wand?

Perhaps one less hour of sleep every night would do the trick?

What if you just need to up your game and call/email/reach out to 100 more people every day?

Humans can be amazing at smiling and using all the best, prettiest words, show up early, stay late, and accumulate enough skills and data equal to a modern-day Library of Alexandria, yet all the dotted i-s and crossed t-s in the world cannot compensate for a funky “Point of Attraction.”

Even though we truly DO mean well and have been taught that hard work is THE path to success, when the (honest) motivation behind our actions comes from a place of mitigating fear, proving our worth, overcoming lack, “preventing”, “protecting”, or trying to “fix” something that is broken, we actually attract more of THE very thing we are wanting to avoid, and SLOW our productivity to a near-screeching

halt. When this happens, even the most spiritual person who understands Law of Attraction will surmise that investing more time or working harder must be the answer, and, henceforth, an endless loop of HARD and struggle to eek out even the tiniest slice of success ensues. Ick!

BUT—here’s the very GOOD news…

THE POWER OF ALIGNED ACTION

When you are in a state of alignment (feeling peaceful/clear/light) and act from a place of true clarity, focus and love, the effectiveness of your actions becomes exponential, and the very act of being in motion—with powerful, positive energy fueling your train of thought—actually sends out an all-pointsbulletin to summon the people, resources, solutions and opportunities that you were truly looking for, but perhaps didn’t even know existed!

Think of it this way: When you rely on “required action” alone, it is like filling a giant swimming pool using only a small bucket and a teaspoon. Yes, you will eventually fill the pool, but it will likely be a miserable, boring journey that may very well take you the better part of your life, and you probably would not have time for much of anything else…

…Which is a BIG bummer and is anything BUT sustainable!

But when you participate in aligned and inspired action, and take the time to tune yourself (raise your vibe) before getting your hands into your work, it’s as if you now have access to a MEGA powerful fire

hose that can fill that same pool in record time so you can quickly move on to actually getting to USE and ENJOY the pool (which is THE reason you stated filling the pool in the first place) and…

…Which IS a process that is doable, repeatable, sustainable and FAR more rewarding!

Like the idea of filling the pool of your life and career with greater productivity? Consider doing THIS first:

1) When contemplating ANY action, ask THE most important question first: WDYW? (What Do You Want?)

For example:

• What are the results you’d like to experience?

• How do you want to feel during and after ­taking that action?

2) Set a clear and conscious intention for the results you WANT to experience.

For example:

• Before a group or individual coaching session, I set a clear intention to share the ideal words, stories and tools that are the most beneficial for THAT group/individual.

• Before writing an article or content for my courses, I get clear about the overall message I want to share and intend to communicate that message in the clearest, most compelling way possible.

• Before a speaking engagement or live music performance, I intend to have a great time and perform/share with passion, precision and excellence.

3) Do whatever you can to raise your vibe before getting started.

For example:

• Before interacting with clients or ­audiences, I listen to a “good vibe” music playlist with songs that are catalysts for fun, joy, ­inspiration and confidence.

• When meeting with someone I care about, I often take a few moments to think about what I enjoy most about that person or even replay happy memories in my mind.

• When preparing for an experience that may be especially intense, I go for a walk or spend time in nature first.

4) Identify any and all intrinsic benefits and positive takeaways that will result from your actions, no matter how they play out.

For example: (Many of my certified life coaches will recognize this)

• As a life coach, when I have an initial meet-andgreet with a client, I know for sure that I will come away with getting to know a new human being, will have an opportunity to practice listening and honing my skills, that I will get to send some love to another being, and that I will get to learn something valuable—no matter what.

5) Listen to your inner compass/iExpert (aka, inner guidance): When you receive a “nudge” to take inspired action—go with it!

I can’t even begin to recall how many times I simply followed the call of inspiration to find myself EXACTLY where I truly wanted to be, or ran into

something even BETTER than what I had envisioned on a certain subject! Life is full of magic and when you are open to it, it is astonishing what can and will present itself to you!

THE BOTTOM LINE: PRODUCTIVITY ON FIRE!

If there is one takeaway, I’d like to leave you with, it is this:

The ENERGY behind the action is even more important than that action itself…

…and it is the TRUE determining factor for your results.

Even when using a top-notch tool or implementing the ultimate action plan that has been proven to be 100 percent effective by a zillion experts, when you do this from a place of lack, fear and obligation—or have not established any true sense of direction/intention—your results will most certainly vary.

BUT doing something for the joy of it, infusing love into whatever you touch, acting from a place of true acceptance/non-resistance—and actually having a clue about the BIG picture of what you WANT to experience—means you get the benefits of enjoying the process, leveraging the infinite power and resources of life, the Universe and everything, and actually remembering why you even started the journey to begin with!

Life is SO very precious, friends, so if you’re keen on realizing your dreams and desires, try a little productivity on FIRE!

ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS

with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann

Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann is a Visionary Creative & top-rated instructor, Law of Attraction & Allowing YOUR Success specialist, published author, speaker, singer-songwriter, recording & performing artist & composer, “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” and true Renaissance Woman who has already helped over 10,000 students in over 130 countries allow success and live life on FIRE. She is deeply passionate about helping other Powerful Creatives and Leading-Edge Thinkers live unique, empowered lives on their terms by cultivating the courage to dream, to express themselves boldly & authentically, and to focus Onward, Upward and Forward into new possibilities. http://www.terezfirewoman.com

Photo by Josh Gordon on Unsplash

If we never try, we will never know what we are truly capable of.

By Mary Boutieller

Motivation is an interesting topic, and one that others have covered in great detail. Just google the word “motivation” and the ensuing list is endless. What motivates us can come from an internal need or an external drive; it can be a life-long struggle or an effortless habit. So much depends on the motivating force. What motivates us when we are young is not the same as when we get older.

For most of my life, I was motivated by others’ expectations. There were many “shoulds” in my life, and I worked hard to meet those demands. Yet I knew I wasn’t happy. My cup was emptying faster than it was being filled. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to do—for me.

There are many reasons why we can or can’t do what we want to do. So often, we tell ourselves we are too busy or tired or broke. We believe that we don’t have the willpower or energy to get up and get moving in the direction of better mental or physical health. And, while all of these are true and valid for some people, I can’t help but hear the fear beneath the message.

The fear is that we are not good enough; that we don’t deserve to feel good or be happy. The thought is, “If we don’t try, we can’t fail,” right? The problem is that if we never try, we will never know. We will never know what we are truly capable of.

I read a book a while back that talked about starting with small, achievable goals. For example, do one push-up against the counter every day. If you can do that one push-up,

you are now someone who exercises. If you can take two minutes to focus on your breath every day, you are someone who knows how to calm and center themselves. If you get up every day and make your bed, you are someone who is motivated to live life instead of just surviving until you die.

When I thought about what motivates me these days, I realized that, somewhere between the “shoulds” and obligations, I learned to love myself enough to take care of myself. I decided it was time to let go of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, and instead aim to be happy. So, when I exercise, eat a healthy meal or release some age-old drama, it is an act of love.

What could you do, starting today, that would be an act of love? Maybe it’s a walk after work instead of doom scrolling on the phone? Maybe it’s making yourself a healthy meal instead of Burger Kinging it? Maybe it’s saying “yes” to the things that make you feel good about yourself, and “no” to ALL that does not serve you anymore?

The challenges in our lives are pathways designed to make us stronger. They are there to make us pause and reconsider the path we are on, willing us to choose a new course.

Carol Burnett said, “Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.”

Only you will know when it’s time to free yourself from the self-imposed cage you’ve built around yourself. Let it be of your own choosing.

I’ll leave you with this quote by Cathy de la Cruz, “Before doing something, ask yourself, “Is this something that someone who loves themselves would do?”

Trust that you already know the answer.

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

You don’t need to be the greatest singer or have had lessons to feel the joy from singing your favorite song.

By Clare Care

Singing balances activity in the vagus nerve, which helps to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure and digestion. There are so many benefits to having a good old sing song including the release of the feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin. Even if you feel inhibited about the prospect of amplifying your vocal cords, I urge you to give it a try. You don’t need to be the greatest singer or have had lessons to feel the joy from singing your favorite song. If you are a firsttime singer, then challenge yourself to sing a familiar song out loud. This can be done in the comfort of your own home, alone. Showers are a really good place to start, as the natural reverb makes for a kinder sound! I encourage you to take a song that evokes a wonderful memory, perhaps from your childhood or a special occasion. This will instantly make connections with your brain and raise your vibration to a happier state of mind. Then belt out the song, as though no one is watching. Start off with two or three great songs a day. Use the lyrics. Sing along to the tracks. Perhaps set up a karaoke style of practice.

For the more confident singer, you could share your song. There are many places that support singers. A local open mic night is a great place to start. They are usually very welcoming and you only need to come armed with one or two songs to get going. You will soon reap the rewards of performing to an audience in an intimate space. It can be quite daunting to begin with, but the feelings of accomplishment should outweigh the initial nerves.

I absolutely love to sing. It was my dream to sing in a band, so I invested in professional training and built up my experience. The first time I sang solo, I remember feeling so scared that my voice quavered with nerves, and my body was shaking. But I am sure you have heard the expression, “feel the fear, and do it anyway.” After the performance, I remember a rush of happiness and a sense of satisfaction for succeeding. From then on, I continued to learn and improve and fast forward many moons, I now front a band! We only play happiness inducing songs, as that is our overall vibe. We are a funloving band and make it our mission to give people the best night ever! Through my band life, I have met some amazing

humans, traveled to stunning venues and had some wonderful adventures. You might decide to join a band and start strutting your stuff. If you want to avoid singing alone, then a choir might be a better option. The feeling of being in a group to create an impressive sound can evoke feelings of euphoria within. It is also a way of forming new friendships and shared experiences, which is another joy giver!

To connect with your spiritual side, chanting is another really good way to help raise your vibration for a positive mindset. The power of chanting can be extremely beneficial for breath control, stress relief and manifesting. It is also brilliant for meditation and self-discovery. There are many chanting groups out there. Find ways to connect through social media. Chanting can be a really uplifting way to source energy via your internal sound chambers. If you wanted to explore this method further, your chakra points each have their own energy center sound. Unlocking each sound promotes natural alignment for your body, mind and soul. So whether you choose to belt out a ballad, chant for enlightenment or dore-mi as you dance, awakening your vocal chords can help you feel amazing!

Clare Care is a presenter, author and singer. She is also a Happiness and Spiritual Life Coach who loves to help others live their best life! Her book, Happiness is Happening; 52 Ways to High Vibe! is an essential guide to finding your inner joy and is available on Amazon. Her podcast, Nourish Your Think Tank, has interviews with music legends and musings on life’s good vibrations. She hosts a weekly early breakfast and drive time show on NLive Radio. Clare fronts a function band and regularly performs at parties and corporate events. To enquire about coaching or online singing lessons go to https://www.clarecarepresenter.com

By Darrel Hammon

Growing old tends to make one reflect on the past, the present, the upcoming future. It is no wonder that people panic, feel they have wasted their lives.

When you really analyze it, put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write the things, even the simple ones, that you are proud of, see as your accomplishments, or those that make you happy, it will truly amaze you, maybe even surprise you.

You can assess your choices, good and bad, review the twists and turns of your life, knowing full well that many were good, propelling you to do the things you were supposed to, needed to.

Granted, there are things that frost us, cause some pain

and, perhaps, a bit of shame, but those are in the past, not worth dredging up or opening wounds again, especially if you have worked through them and have healed.

Yet, when we think of the positive things, we smile, tears fall unabashedly, feelings of happiness wash over us.

At that moment, we understand that our past created us, allowed us to become artists in the art of life, creating, composing, learning, absorbing, changing, and becoming better, kinder, and more self-aware each day, knowing that our choices made us who and whose we are.

Yes, we have done well. Still, there is more to come. Our past will propel us to the future so we can live each day more selflessly.

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/).

Proof of the existence of the creator.

By Owen Waters

Science generally promotes the idea of a Big Bang, from which the universe is said to have literally exploded into life. The problem science faces with this theory is the difficulty that such an event would face in being successful in creating life.

In his book, The Life of the Cosmos, physicist Lee Smolin details the many variables which had to be exactly balanced in order for the universe to unfold into living order, rather than random chaos.

The mass of the proton, the strength of gravity, the range of the weak nuclear force, and dozens of other variables determine how a universe will unfold after a Big Bang. If any of these values had been just slightly different, the universe would have become a disorganized pool of hot plasma where galaxies and solar systems were unable to form.

In order to make a universe that supports life, the numbers have to be exactly right.

What are the mathematical chances of an accidental Big Bang producing a universe that produces life as we know it?

ONE CHANCE IN 10229

That’s one chance in 10 to the power 229.

To spell it out, that’s exactly one chance in… 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Basically, not much chance at all!

What are the chances of an intelligent Creator getting the mix just right so that the universe can support life?

Well, we’re here aren’t we?

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE DAWN OF CREATION

So much for the physics and its favorite tool, mathematics. But, to realize what really happened at the dawn of the Creation of the Universe, you need metaphysics to illuminate the path.

The real starting point of the universe was the Divine Love of the Creator. This was necessary in order to contain what came next, the impetus for Expansion. Today, the Expansion pressure slightly exceeds the magnetic containment power of the framework provided by Divine Love.

At our physical level of existence, this results in the steady expansion of our region of the universe at the speed of light, creating a constant flow of energy within that space at the speed of light.

THE NATURE OF ENERGY

Physics defines energy as the potential for doing work, but they don’t know what it is.

Spiritual metaphysics defines energy as compressed Divine consciousness.

Editor’s Note: For other fascinating secrets, see Owen Waters’ book Spiritual Metaphysics: Answers to the Great Mysteries of Life.

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

How women of the Abrahamic Reunion reach across centuries of political, religious and cultural canyons to support peace between Israel and Palestine.

By Jo Mooy

Christmas used to signal the heyday of greeting cards. Along with good wishes from family and friends, the cards were beautifully decorated with messages of peace, hope and joy to the world. Sending cards has declined, but this season there’s a much bigger need for messages of peace, and hope, and a little bit of joy. As if in answer to that need, an old video arrived in our inbox. It was a peace pilgrimage trip my partner and I took to Jerusalem in 2012 with a small group from the Sufi center in Sarasota, FL. The message in the video could not have been more divinely sent.

There’s an organization in Israel called the Abrahamic Reunion whose mission is to seek peace and common ground across religious and cultural groups. It’s made up of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Coptic, Druze, Sufi and Bedouin religious leaders, and it also includes non-religious Palestinian leaders. The peace pilgrimage was to meet with these leaders and hear their views on bringing peace to Israel and Palestine.

Even with the mission to seek common ground across the groups, the women still took a secondary position behind all the male leaders. Some religious denominations would

not allow women to eat with the men during our gatherings, nor would the men shake hands with the women. Needless to say, our time was spent with the Palestinian women and the women who were wives of the religious leaders. There we learned the stories that bound them together and how they wiped away boundaries between their cultures and religions. Their hands reached across centuries of political, religious and cultural canyons to become best friends. They overcame personal emotional and physical attacks from their own people, but chose to stick with the ideals of peace instead of remaining bitter enemies. But it wasn’t always easy.

The women we met are: Hala, wife of the Sufi leader, Sana, wife of the Bedouin Sheik, Elana, a Jewish peace leader, Ibtisam a Muslim peace leader, and Amina a young Gaza Palestinian activist. With the horrific war that’s raging between their countries, the messages they shared with us in 2012 are more poignant than ever.

Sana the Bedouin asked, “How can a country with a modern civilization look down on a population still living in tents in the desert? How do we heal that rift? By keeping hope alive and finding balance!” Hala the Sufi said, “The stronger one absorbs the violence and anger from the

other and changes it to love and understanding. It is not easy, but that’s the real Jihad.” Amina the Palestinian activist said, “I’m the youngest in the group, but my work is in Gaza working with other young people to bridge the divide. We will be destroyed if we don’t work for a peaceful settlement. I don’t want to die fighting for peace!”

Elana the Jew and Ibtisam the Muslim had a different message. When they first met at a conference, they had to share a hotel room—but were distrustful of being in the same room with each other. At bedtime they feared the other one would slit their throat in the night, so neither could fall asleep. Finally, stressed beyond endurance, Ibtisam sat up in bed and told Elana, “I know you’re going to kill me in my sleep so do it now!” They ended up talking all night, sharing the stories of their background, how their cultures had shaped their beliefs, and seeking ways to bridge the ancient division. These two women became the best of friends, helping each other during medical scares and being present for each other in many ways.

In the 2023 war, a Palestinian woman sitting in the bombed-out rubble said to the reporter, “We’re all dying for peace!” I thought of Amina and wondered if she survived the bombings, so I reached out to the Abrahamic

Reunion for news on all these women, who hoped for peace and held high ideals that they could make a difference. There is no word yet on them.

As media images show how much devastation humans can inflict on each other, it’s so difficult to

maintain equanimity. Taking sides eases the guilt and anguish. It fills the need for retribution until you realize both sides are weeping and hurting equally. There’s still a role for us to play. It’s to rise above what we see and keep the lights lit! The Tibetan

Master-Teach Djwal Kuhl said, “Small groups will go to select places around the world and hold steady an ideal of Peace. It will appear that what they do will not have much impact. The truth is, the impact of their work will be felt for thousands of years.”

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

By Linda Commito

According to Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

I never liked those boxes of assorted chocolates or being offered a choice of one when I didn’t know what was in it. I will admit to being fussy, and especially not liking things with nuts in them. So, I usually passed on the offer, unless I knew for sure.

And although I wasn’t adventurous in eating . . . I did take a Ford Pinto (the one with the exploding gas tank) halfway across the country to Colorado without a job or a place to live (but that’s another story).

Life IS an adventure and we usually don’t know what’s in store for us or what the repercussions are for any choices that we make. I learned that at a relatively early age. Take love for example. I married with a belief in love and a vision of a home, family . . . but four years later found myself living with a “stranger” in another country, lonelier than I had ever experienced, as our relationship fell apart.

In retrospect, I am so grateful, for not only the experiences and wonderful friends whom I met in London at that time, but for the subsequent change of course that my life took. Less than a year later, that trip to Colorado ended up being absolutely the best thing that could have happened. It also gave me faith that things happen for a reason, and the sooner that I could come to a place of gratitude, the faster I could find my way to peace and a happier life.

And that has usually been true in my life, whether it be an unexpected illness, an accident, or the dissolution

of a dream career only to realize that there was a much better one in store for me— my own business. I learned to let go and trust. And even though it’s been a bumpy ride at times, I wouldn’t change anything, even if I could.

Today, I am deeply grateful for the wonderful, long-term love relationship that I have now at this time in my life. And, on the other hand, I am deeply saddened by this increasing epidemic of loneliness in our world that is true for younger, as well as older, people. It makes me want to do more to help, to communicate and to connect with others, especially those who are lonely.

We may not be able to change things on the world front, but we can try to make things better for those in our own lives, families, neighborhoods, and with people that we meet. I believe that we have a greater need for connection today and that being a part of a community not only supports our well-being, but is good for our health, and reminds us that we are not alone, unless

Love is the New Currency

with Linda Commito

we want to be. It is why I celebrate those who bring others together to support each other and to create community.

At a time when we may be feeling less valued, more isolated, unsure of what we can do to experience more joy, how can we live life in a kinder, more loving and inclusive way that helps each of us to feel that we belong, that we matter?

We may not have a choice about what happens to us, but we do have a choice about how we accept or deal with life’s challenges. And that isn’t always easy. What I have found to be helpful in finding peace and creating a happier, more fulfilling life is having a positive attitude, feeling and expressing gratitude, and sharing love and appreciation for the friends and people I care about.

Maybe life IS like a box of chocolates. There may be things in my life that I wouldn’t have chosen (and I’ve had a few nuts to crack) but mostly it’s been a sweet journey.

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