Archive for Life Transition
The Spiral Staircase to your Authentic Success
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I am currently in a pretty awesome (and scary!) transition place in my life and work. I’ve been here before so I’m keenly aware of a “pattern” that surfaces when I’m called forth to a new level. I notice that I become very “controlling” toward my outer world in an attempt to bring peace to the chaos I feel inside. Can you relate?
I’ve also recognized that the one person in my life who takes the brunt of my “controlling” nature is my daughter as you’ll see by my post below. When I realized this (again), I decided to share the article I wrote 3 years ago on the topic to let you know that “moving forward” toward your inspired life also results in some “moving back” in order to overcome the obstacles that are in your way. It may seem like you’re “stopped” but as the spiral staircase shows, this is actually a coming back around the loop at a slightly higher place all for the purpose of moving upward to your authentic success.
I also want to make the point that when you are going through this “letting go of the old” to “make room for the new” you must practice extreme self-care. For me in this moment, it means sharing something I’ve already written so I don’t have to muster the attention and strength to be creative with a new blog post this week. (by the way, I’m redirecting you to the original article to keep this post length manageable).
As you read the article below, I invite you to ponder the following questions:
- In what area are you being called forth to a new way of life that is more genuine and authentic?
- What support do you need to overcome the patterns, beliefs and behaviors that are holding you back in your life and your business?
- What’s your next step?
I welcome your comments and insight. Feel free to share by posting them at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com. If you like the article and want to receive more tips, wisdom and insight from our team, we invite you to join our community and sign-up for the Inner Wisdom Unleashed Monthly Newsletter.
The Heart of a Mother – The Power of “Yes”
Have you ever noticed that one of the first words out of a toddler’s mouth is “no”?
Hmmm. I wonder why that is?
I have been reflecting on my role as a mother and I realize that I frequently use the word “no” with my nearly 7-year old daughter, Taylor. With our recent struggles, I am aware that my overuse of this word has been a hindrance in our ability to reconnect. It’s draining me and separating us further. This is not who I want to be as her mother, nor is it the relationship I want to have with her.
I recently decided to try a different approach. I started to say “yes” more often.
I am in awe of what I have noticed…Read on here.
Photo from Photoxpress © Lars Christensen
In the Absence of Complete Clarity
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Do you find yourself in the absence of “complete” clarity. I’m right there with you because in this season of my life, there’s a lot in flux in both my personal life and business. I have a sense of where these shifts will take me and I’m moving forward in action in new and positive ways.
At the same time, I find myself challenged by the lack of “crystal clear clarity” that “us coaches” support our clients to discover. Perhaps you’re like me, finding your schedule jam packed, having little margin, and new opportunities coming to you at warp speed.
Here are some of the realizations I’ve had over the past few weeks:
Strengths taken to an extreme become a weakness. My can-do attitude has resulted in me saying “yes” too often. Don’t get me wrong; I am saying “yes” to good things that honor my values, strengths and vision. The end result however, is that my quiet time has been impacted and the quality of my personal relationships is being affected. What about you? What strengths have become weaknesses in your life?
The “good” can crowd out those things that are “best”. When you receive an opportunity that appears aligned with your strengths, talents, values, vision, etc. pause before saying yes. Evaluate whether the opportunity is “good”, “better” or “best”, and choose accordingly.
Replenish on a grand scale so you can continue to give to others in a big way. You must renew and replenish to the same degree you are giving to have increase your impact, influence and results. To be in service from a “full” tank you need to take care of yourself. This isn’t selfish; it’s a fact of life!
So now what?
Reduce your screen time—my daughter’s pediatrician told me that she should have no more than 2 hours of TV, Computer, and Electronic Games a day. Hmmm, I wonder what that means for us adults. For me, this means that I must turn off the computer when I leave my office daily.
Aim for an earlier bedtime—what bed time allows you to wake up being your best self? I have found a time that allows me to wake up refreshed and every time I “push it”, my morning is challenged.
Radically reduce your multi-tasking—you can’t send an e-mail, put a load of laundry in the machine, talk on the phone and be present all at the same time. Keep the main priority your focus and be real about how many activities you can handle at any given time.
Here’s the truth in all of this. You need to shield yourself from the busyness to hear what your body, soul and spirit are saying. External noise and excessive activity interferes with your ability to hear the still small whispers within that will give you the “complete” clarity you need.
What do you think? I welcome your feedback and comments.
How to Gracefully Navigate the Transition to the New Year
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What are you experiencing right now as you navigate the transition from 2009 into the New Year? Are you excited and ready to embrace all that’s in store for 2010? Or are you struggling in the overwhelm and resisting the transition altogether?
December includes both the winding down of 2009 and the preparation of a new year, making this month a transition time, which can be unsettling for many. So with only three weeks left in the year, there are two BIG questions I have been pondering.
First, what does it look like to wind down the year with grace so you can choose the fresh path for 2010?
Second, how do you navigate the transition from one year to the next with ease when it’s the busiest time of year?
Here are two insights I’ve gleaned personally from first-hand experience and through partnering with my clients:
- Make time to reflect and celebrate on this past year to gain the wisdom and insight for that will prepare you for 2010. Click Here if you’d like a tool to support you with this.
- Extreme self-care (also known as radical self-care to one of my Facebook friends and former clients) is essential and a non-negotiable.
I wonder how you might answer this question, “What does it mean to you to practice extreme self-care as you go through this transition month?”
Here are some ideas shared by my Facebook friends:
- “This week, it means saying no to social invitations when I know it would drain me more than fill me to go.”
- “I’m going to the “Y” to exercise right now.”
- “I said “no” to doing Christmas cards this year! I’ve realized that it is a CHORE, not a JOY for me. Instead, I am calling people and chatting with them which takes more time but is MUCH more enjoyable for me.”
- “I make sure I am ready for the day before I sit down at my computer in the morning. That means I choose to work out, take a shower, get dressed, and do my hair and makeup BEFORE I start work, so I’m not still in my workout clothes and baseball cap at 1:00 in the afternoon working. I feel so much better!”
- “I choose NOT to get caught up in the to-do lists, but instead enjoy the moments.”
Notice the recurring themes of wisdom….
Strength comes from making a choice.
Deciding to let go of the “have-to’s”, “ought to-do’s” and “should’s” is freeing.
Committing to self-care fills you up so you have more to give.
So what will you commit to so you can gracefully navigate the transition to the New Year? I would love to know what you’re thinking so post your comments here and at the blog.
Now is your time to decide!
On the Verge of a Breakthrough – 3 Tips to Jumping into your Bigger Game
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Do you sense you’re on the verge of a breakthrough, as if something new is about to emerge? Are you overwhelmed by the internal chaos, unable to stay focused? Perhaps external factors, like the demands of your family, expectations of others and financial obstacles are clouding your vision, keeping you from finding your true path?
You might be shocked by what I’m about to say because it’s counter to what you are probably feeling inside and seeing around you. The truth is that the internal chaos and clouding of your vision are good signs that you are evolving to a new level, where more of your authentic life and bigger game live.
Can this be? Really? I know it’s hard to believe especially when you are far from the internal peace you long for and your current impact is less than what you imagined you’d offer to others. To put this in perspective, think about the natural evolution of the caterpillar who goes through a painful struggle and fight to become the beautiful butterfly it’s meant to be.
This powerful reminder of nature’s breakthrough process is true for you as a human, as long as you make the decision to say “yes”. The only 
difference between you and the butterfly is the power to choose. The caterpillar automatically goes through the process without question, while you on the other hand have the right to decide.
This point of choice is a crossroads of sorts. You can choose to go back to the comfort zone where you know what to expect out of life even though it may not serve your bigger game, or you can say “yes” to the life you desire and are destined to live.
When you say “yes”, here are three tips that will help you jump into your bigger game:
- Be prepared for the discomfort. As you let go of the behaviors, activities and thoughts that keep you stuck, you will feel unsettled, and perhaps angry or disappointed. This is a normal part of the process of letting go so you can get beyond your comfort zone into what’s coming. Fear is also a part of the experience so expect it. And to move through it, remind yourself that courage means “acting in spite of the fear.”
- Find a mentor. This is a wild adventure that you don’t want to go on alone. Find others who are committed to living authentically and get support from them. This is the time to find your inner circle and connect with them as they remind you of who you are and what’s possible as you stand firm on the path forward.
- Focus on the “what” rather than the “how”. Begin to dream about what you desire on the other side of the breakthrough. How will your life be different? What will you be experiencing internally? What is happening externally? Keep your thoughts here because as soon as you attempt to figure out “how” to make it happen it will shut down your ability to vision and dream. Connecting with your heart’s desires about what’s on the other side will give you the courage to stay the course and help you persevere.
This is not an easy process and it’s worth the investment. What awaits you on the other side is the freedom, joy and life that comes as you flit and float about as the beautiful butterfly you are meant to be.
Will you say “yes” to becoming a butterfly? Remember Helen Keller’s words, “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
Feel free to share how you navigate life when you’re going through this transition phase. Share your comments below or at the blog.
Remembering 9-11
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On that day 8-years ago, I was home with my 11-month old daughter, watching TV in shock when I learned of the first tower being hit by a plane. As I reflect upon the tragedy, it still seems surreal to me to think that this really and truly happened. It was a transforming moment in our world, nation, and in the lives of so many.
I think about this time in history every year because it marks the anniversary of an unplanned and unexpected chapter in my life when I became a divorced woman and single mom. Every year, I am reminded of that humbling moment when life as I had known it was no longer.
It was this season that the phrase by John Bradford, “There but for the grace of God go I” brought new meaning to my journey. Because of the grace I’ve experienced, I am the woman that I am today because my faith has seen me through the dark and painful times into to the light of healing, restoration and redemption.
So on this day, I can’t help but remember the tragedy of 9-11 because it’s so closely connected to my own personal defining moment. Even though there is grief, pain and loss, I am reminded that out of the ashes of the burnt towers, stories of hope, love and healing have emerged, bringing purpose to life’s unexpected tragedies.
What I’ve learned as a result of this experience years ago, and so many other trying times in my life, is that you have to make every moment count, and this means taking a no-excuses approach to creating a life you love, a life that inspires you and to fully express the gift within you. I believe that true FREEDOM comes from being fully self-expressed, and as an Mompreneur, you and I have the privilege to express ourselves FULLY through our businesses which allows us to create the thriving lives we desire.
I invite you to join me today in remembering the events of 9-11. Let’s join together as a community to cherish the gift of life and the gratitude we have for the work we are able to do as we share our gifts in service to others.
I’ll go first…I’m grateful for the love and support of family, the rich connections and relationships I have, and the privilege and honor to be involved in such meaningful and life transforming work.
How about you? I invite you to post your comments of gratitude around your life and work below.
