Changing Direction

I don't know about you, but I've been following the Olympics and have been very inspired by the pure heart and soul all these athletes have put into being their very best in these games.  There's one story by CNN's Steve Almasy that I found most inspiring that I will repost here about U.S. bobsledder Bill Schuffenhauer. Though there have been some recent charges made against him, I still think his story is well worth sharing.  There is still hope throughout all of life's trials to overcome, reach your goals, and be your very best if you push forward and believe! Olympian's Strength Built from Life on the Streets By Steve Almasy, CNN Vancouver, British Columbia (CNN) -- Many kids dream of being in the Olympics one day. When U.S. bobsledder Bill Schuffenhauer was a child in Salt Lake City, Utah, he had no idea the Olympics even existed. All he knew was his parents were drug addicts, that his mother was a prostitute who was often beaten in front of him...

I had an interesting dream last night that I decided to share in a recent coaching session. As you know, dreams can be all over the place and don't always make sense but this one proved to have strong symbolism and gave some insight to my present thought processes. Here's how the dream played out... I was walking down a busy street in a big beautiful city carrying a file that contained a few papers and some folded money. My mood was happy and I was headed to a specific destination. I came upon a road block where I would need to go to the left or to the right. At this point I wasn't sure which way to go. I asked someone for directions and was told that if I went in the direction to the left it would be a detour that would take me back to the main road I needed to be on. So I went left. The atmosphere changed a bit and the area seemed to be a rougher area which made me a little anxious and uncomfortable but I kept going. There was a girl walking just ahead of me in busin...

This 1998 hit song by Lauryn Hill has some strong lyrics with a positive message.  The video is quite creative as well.  Watch and listen... "Everything is everything What is meant to be, will be After winter, must come spring Change, it comes eventually"    

The definition of intuition is the act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes; a perceptive insight. I refer to it as gut feelings or instinctive behavior.  An intuition can be a good or bad feeling or even an instantaneous response to something without knowing why. I dare to say that whenever I have acted (or not) on gut instinct I have rarely ever been steered wrong. So what's that all about and why don't we follow this more often? Well, for one thing, it isn't always seen as a rational act. It doesn't always make sense. But what I'm finding more and more as I get older and listen more to my innards, I trust that I have an innate ability to read situations and people with great accuracy. There have been times that I have been very compelled to do something for a reason that I couldn’t quite define that turned out to be a very smart move.  Honing in on this ability means being very in touch with yourself. Unfortunately there ...

A 2-part ABC interview with Dr. Wayne Dyer

Did Martin Luther King Jr. know that his time of death was near?  All of his speeches were always moving and inspirational.  But his last speech before he was assassinated gives hint that he knew his time was fast approaching.   "Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." These somewhat haunting but beauti...

  "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." It's about never giving up and giving your all!  USA continues to do well and so far is leading in the medal count.  Lots of fun to watch!

This week has been one mostly of meditation for me...focus on breathing, focus on my heartbeat, and focus on receiving positive energy.  I have also been doing some independent research and consulting for businesses which has been very fulfilling.  It's truly been another wonderful week.  But tonight one of my favorite events will take place...The Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies! I love the Olympics not just because of the obvious competitive sports but because of its grand scale of international collaboration.  The ceremony traditionally begins with the hoisting of the host country's flag, singing of their national anthem and a performance of music, dance, and theatrics unique to their culture and talents.  Afterwards all the athletes from countries around the world who are taking part in the games parade into the arena with their flags.  The finale is the lighting of the arena's cauldron.   The Olympic games are a time that for two week...

First of all, congratulations to 1st time Super Bowl winners the New Orleans Saints !  It was a great game last night and they played like true champions.  I'm really happy for them and the entire Whodat Nation.   My husband and I usually go out to attend Super Bowl parties but this year we hosted an intimate family gathering at our home.  Thanks to my sister's significant contribution to the food budget it was quite nice.  I was very happy to have everybody over for good food, drinks, and laughs.  I also want to thank whomever invented the paper plate.  Halleluiah! :) Image courtesy of NetNax.com

How often do you smile?  Have you ever spent a whole day smiling?  I've done this and it's very interesting what happens.  If you smile at everyone that you come in contact with throughout your day no matter what, it's infectious.  Most people return a smile with a smile.  Of course not everyone is in a good mood but it's quite possible and probable that you can brighten that person's day with your smile and positive energy. Scientific studies show through high-tech medical imaging that the sight of a smiling face makes the brain of an outgoing person light up more than that of a person who may be shy. And laughter produces an adaptive response to stress by creating perspective and improving relationships.  Recent discoveries lend scientific credibility that when when you give a genuine smile that isn't forced it serves as both a physical and emotional release of tension. When you smile, you not only make yourself happy, but you also improve the psychologic...

Thursday, February 4, 2010 I just watched the 2005 documentary "What the Bleep Do We Know!?" (embedded below). It's about quantum physics and how science shows that we affect the reality that we see. It shows various mystical interpretations of reality and how this opens the mind to many possibilities. I found it insightful and thought provoking. Take some time out to watch or if you have seen it before please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

It's the start of a new month. February is not only the month that we take a day to celebrate love on Valentine's Day, or remember African Americans who have made great contributions to American society but it's also my birth month. So lots of positive things to look forward to. My plans for the month are to give back. This month I will be looking for ways to volunteer and give back to the community because whenever I give, it is such a rewarding feeling. Have you ever heard of the "Helpers' High"? Well, Stephen Post, author of "Why Good Things Happen to Good People" says that there is science that shows giving money or time can not just feel good but can actually improve your health. "Giving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver. Science says it's so. We'll be happier, healthier, and even -- odds are -- live a little longer if we're generous," Post said. "Public health isn't just about bugs and stay...