Your life is on the fast track; school is ending, you’re preparing for the summer, and somewhere inside there’s a nagging question whispering “How will I do it? How can I be effective this summer as a Mompreneur when both my home and my business need me at the same time?”

The answer? It’s an inside job and only you hold the wisdom.

I’m asking myself these same questions, especially during this season of my life. My daughter just completed 4th grade last week and as I watched her with great joy at the awards ceremony, I wondered what happened to my little girl? Now that she’s 10, I realize that we are on a new trajectory of her life that is preparing her to become a woman and honestly, I don’t want to miss any of it.

My reality is that I’m a single parent which means I need to work; however, I’m on a mission to do this in the most life-giving and fruitful way. I am dedicated to leveraging my time, energy and resources for the sake of achieving my “lights on” vision. I am committed to thriving as a woman, showing up consciously and engaged as a Mom, while growing a sustainable business that leaves a positive impact on others and makes a larger contribution in the world.

How about you? What do you want?

It’s a tall order and I truly believe it’s possible for you and for me. It requires tenacity, perseverance and commitment to continue finding your way in the midst of an ever changing world as you create a life that is “less, yet more”.

I’m not alone in this movement….This is what I’m up to with Wendy Balman and our work through The Leadership Collaborative and Compass. Wendy and are just two examples of thousands of others who are after the same thing; another movement of these types is led by Soren Gordhamer who shares his thoughts about the 2010 Wisdom 2.0 Conference that he created.

Soren poses the question:

“What does it mean to say “yes” to a connected life and use all of the great technologies of our age AND say “yes” to what it means to have an inner life and cultivate wisdom, compassion and awareness?”

Ahhhh, sweet music to my spirit as I listen to industry experts from Google, Twitter, Facebook and more share their insights and ask provocative questions at the Wisdom 2.0 Conference Highlights. Be sure to watch the video and post your comments at the blog.

So what  do you think? Is it possible to live from the heart, honor your role as a Mom AND build a sustainable business at the same time? Let’s get the conversation going…the time is now!

Are you on a roller coaster going up and down so quickly that it’s difficult to get off the ride? Perhaps the treadmill of your life is going too fast because you are being bombarded by too much coming at you? If you resonate with any of these statements, it’s time to stop the madness!

Since launching The Leadership Collaborative at the end of April, I’ve been out in the marketplace with intention; I’ve been speaking, networking and engaging the field to learn more. And boy am I learning what others in business are facing and it can all be boiled down to one word:

OVERWHELM!

This overwhelm is showing up in many ways; see which of these you can relate to:

• Life changes/transitions are at an all time high—loss of a well-loved pet, moving, personal health issue, graduation, end of school, ailing family member and unexpected financial matters just to name a few.
• Wearing too many hats—trying to run multiple businesses, taking on activities that aren’t aligned with passion or expertise, adding more to the plate without assessing what needs to be let go.
• Mediocre financial results—just getting by, barely covering the expenses, surviving instead of thriving.
• Too much activity—doing, doing, doing without any time to slow down, assess and plan with purpose.

If you can relate to any of these scenarios, let me ask from a place of deep humility and love the question that Dr. Phil always asks… “How’s that working for you?”

My hunch is that it’s not.

Now let me contrast the above scenario with another person I met last week. She decided to make a 180 degree shift from her 20-year career in the judicial system to launching a speaking/training business. She’s following her “lights” and integrating her love of photography into a platform that reconnects others to the core through nature as a vehicle to help them find their passion. She has a book coming out in August, she’s working on her website, promoting her speaking and because of her clarity, passion and plan she has opportunities abounding and she’s getting tangible results.

So why isn’t she overwhelmed? What makes her different that the others I mentioned above?

1. She knows herself which helps her to know when to say “yes” and when to say “no”.
2. She has a vision which guides her even in the chaos.
3. She has a plan to take care of herself and slows down daily.
4. She has a strategy and continually revisits it to adjust and stay in momentum.

Here’s the truth: If you want to stop the madness in your own life and eliminate the overwhelm, these four elements are essential and non-negotiable.

So what’s true for you? Are you ready to stop the insanity which is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?

I’m on a mission to stop the madness! If you’re serious like me, then let me help you take a stand for your heart. Give yourself the gift of a 15-minute free, no obligation call to find out what your one next step is. Contact me to schedule your appointment today. At a minimum, schedule 15-minutes in your own calendar to slow down.

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress ©Andrejs Pidjass

Are you crystal clear on what will bring vitality to your life and keep your business sustainable? Consider this question and then explore  “Where do I spend my time?” Take a moment to write your answers.

As you look your responses, step back and make observations without judgment. Are you focused on a list of action steps that support you in “how” to take action? Are your answers and actions supporting you in creating “what” you want? In other words, are you focusing on “what” really matters and are your actions getting you where you want to go?

I met with local business leaders this week to share ideas around the “hot” topic of The Fortune is in the Follow-up. These are energetic and committed people passionate about serving their clients; it was so much fun to be in their presence! At the start of the meeting I asked what outcome they desired from my talk. Ultimately, the question being asked of this group which, I assert is a recurring one for all business owners, is “how?” Questions like:

• How do I balance my time between doing the work and following-up?
• How do I making meaningful connections that produce results?
• How do I keep in touch with the people I meet?

These are important and relevant questions; I imagine you can relate to these. However, I assert that “we” as business owners are focusing our attention on the wrong question. “How” sets you up to look for answers outside of you which can take you away from what you want and what matters to you.

The questions I want to us to be asking are based on “what”. For example:

• What is important to me?
• What information is available that will support me in having the impact I desire?
• What impact do I want to make at home, with clients and in the marketplace?
• What’s the best way for me to forward?
• What investment in relationships, coaching and/or training are necessary for me?

Shifting your attention to the “what” questions draws you inward to find your internal compass that is true and right for you. Here you tap into your core wisdom that provides clarity around your answers for “how?” Specifically, your “what” answers become the filter to run everything through as you decide “how” to move forward in meaningful and purposeful action.

What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear your comments about this so be sure to post them at the blog.

I also have an invitation for you if you want an opportunity to connect to your core to access more of your “what”. Join me for a FREE and complimentary Discover your Compass Group Coaching Session on the theme “The Power of Choice”.  As I prepare to become a Compass Certified Coach I’m offering two options, one on this Thursday, 5/19 at 10:30a Pacific and another on Monday, 5/23 at 1:45p Pacific.

Perhaps now is the perfect time for you to refresh and renew from the inside-out. Find out the “what” that will lead you to the “how” that’s true for you.

Where are your thoughts focused? Are you noticing what’s not working? Do you pay attention to what still needs to be done or what you still don’t have?

These are good places to look because it helps you choose your activities, supporting changes that intentionally move you in the direction of what you want. This is what will make your dreams become real.

The problem is that it’s a one-dimensional approach toward life. You are not just a “human doing” you are a “human being”. When you keep your internal focus zoned in only on the changes needed, you lose sight of what’s present here right now.

Ask yourself these questions to bring fullness to your life today:

• What’s good?
• What’s working”
• What can you celebrate?
• What strengths can you embrace?

As you consider this insight, remember that your life is like a coin. One side is about being in action while the other side is about slowing down to connect to your internal core. Both sides of the coin are essential to allow all of who you are to thrive and flourish at home, work and more.

So, it doesn’t really matter whether you have been on the doing side of the coin or you’ve been resting in the being side. Play with the coin, flip it and decide to embrace what’s here today as you let this present moment inform you of what’s next.

Your thoughts? Post your comments at the blog and share the wisdom.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present.” Joan Rivers

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress © angelo.gi

I appreciate the positive energy and hope that a new year brings. At the same time, it can be overwhelming to navigate the plethora of information about resolutions, goals, strategies and more. The transition from a year end into a new one can be harsh and abrupt adding unnecessary stress if you’re not careful.

So in this first blog post of the year, I’m keeping it simple….

It’s a new year, so instead of resolutions and a long list of to do’s, how about a new word?

Yes, that’s right. Identify just one word that will guide you throughout 2011!

Consider the impact  this one word might have as it engages your heart, connects you to what really matters and guides you in taking purposeful action. Isn’t it time to simplify and bring true and lasting fulfillment, the kind that improves your life and contributes to others in a BIG way?

I want this to be your BEST year ever. You can begin right now when you decide to visit myoneword.org. Make the time to discover your “word” for this new year and let this be your anchor that keeps you centered in your core. If you want additional resources and support, be sure to sign-up for my monthly newsletter.

My word for this year is integration. What’s yours? Post yours at the blog and join as a community so together we can find our sweet spot where we have greater impact with less effort.

Your sweet spot is that place where Frederick Buechner defines as “finding where your great joy and the world’s need intersect and that is most likely where you belong.”

Now’s the time; what are you waiting for?

Picture Source: Book Cover of One Word: Contemporary Writers on the Words They Love or Loathe, Molly McQuade asks the question all writers love to answer: what one word means the most to you, and why?

Christmas is over yet there is still one present remaining if you are willing to open it. It’s the gift of reflection time spent during this last week of the year.

There is a slight “catch” with this gift. Someone isn’t going to come to you and hand you extra hours in your day for this reflection. This is one of those presents that you must decide you will get for yourself. Even once you choose this gift, you must be intentional and disciplined to make use of it.

You might be wondering why it’s so import to experience this gift. For me, this time has become non-negotiable and I guard it with intention because:

1. Reflecting back on your year helps you identify your successes and wins achieved during the year. You can celebrate your accomplishments and own the many ways you’ve grown and become more of your true and authentic self.
2. You clear out unnecessary thoughts, paperwork and possessions you no longer need for the coming year. This frees you up to move into the new year without hindrance.
3. You identify what you want for your life and work in the coming year and can make intentional plans with action steps to get you there. This helps you begin your new year in action, being proactive toward what you want to create for 2011. This results in a thriving and fulfilling life rather than reacting to life and just surviving.

I imagine that many of you reading this blog probably still have kids at home who are on break. You’ve probably checked out from reading this post because you see this reflection time as a luxury rather than a necessity. I challenge you to take on a different perspective consider these questions:

• What if you deciding to make this time for yourself is the way you model healthy self-care to your kids?
  
• How might the future of your children be different if you choose to celebrate your year and plan intentionally for the one ahead?

As you choose to open the gift of reflection this week, use this celebration tool to guide you through the process. This is my free gift to you and for those of you that need a little extra encouragement, I’m going to sweeten the deal.  The first 4 of you who send me an e-mail with your answers to the questions will receive a FREE 15-minute laser coaching session from me. To be considered you need to e-mail me by Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 and it’s first come, first served.

As we wind down the year, I want to celebrate each of you by thanking you for being a part of my blog community. It’s been a privilege and joy to support you with wisdom, resources and encouragement this past year and I look forward to partnering with you in 2011.

Here’s to celebrating 2010 for the sake of an extraordinary and abundant new year!

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”
Hal Borland

Go, go, go. Buy, buy, buy. Do, do, do. The messages received during the Christmas season are usually counter to our true desires. I assert that most of us actually prefer the “presence” of someone being fully connected with us over the “presents” we open on Christmas day.

I struggle with “presence” on a daily basis. It takes conscious discipline to train my heart and mind to live from the inside-out rather than allowing everything outside of me to define and drive me.

How about you? Do you feel the tension between your desire for a peaceful and grounded life while  you experience the scattered feeling from the external pressures and demands?

Life is short; this Christmas and New Year how about showing up with a full heart, alert, involved and engaged? This is what it means to be fully present. Just imagine what your experience will be when you connect with others and your to-do list from this place?

So here’s a question to consider: “What keeps you from living in the present?”

Here are three things that might be getting in your way and a solution on how you can bring yourself back to presence during the holidays and beyond:

1. Discontentment—you lose sight of focus and look inward too much focusing on what you don’t have vs. what you actually do have.

Solution—Take a look at all that you have in your life. Be grateful and consider using what you have to help others.

2.  Regret—you focus on the sorrows of life and your challenges to a fault, keeping you stuck in the past or bitter, angry, immobilized or ineffective.

Solution—Embrace forgiveness. Learn from your sorrows and challenges and allow these to help you be filled with grace and compassion for yourself and others.

3. Future fears—you focus on what future challenges which might happen causing you to worry about things you can’t completely control.

Solution—Live with expectation and take a look the choices you make today which can impact your future in a positive way. Overcome future challenges by being engaged in the present right now.

I’m curious what you think? What solution will you try during the holidays to keep you present? Share your comments at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com. If you’d like more wisdom and insight on the topic be sure to read and sign up for our team newsletter.

This Christmas, I wish you true joy, quiet peace and perfect love.  Enjoy the gift of presence.

“Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  And today?  Today is a gift.  That’s why we call it the present.”
Babatunde Olatunji

Picture Source © photographer Natalya Korolevskaya, www.photoxpress.com

On Monday night, areas of Western Washington State were hit by a major snow storm. In fact, 50,000 people remain without power and some won’t have it restored until Friday. The temperatures remain at or below freezing so this is a significant situation as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday.

With the snow and ice on the roads, I asked my Dad to be my chauffeur because I don’t do well in ice. I remember sliding down the ice on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle years ago and ever since then I have decided this is one area I have no expertise! Hence, the request of my father.

I left my daughter at my parents’ house and my Dad and I headed to mine. Along the way, we saw trees downed due to high winds up to 60 mph, police cars and tow trucks everywhere, flashes of lightning in the sky, cars in ditches and power outages creating an eerie landscape. Amidst the chaos, I was deeply grounded believing that there was something significant about to happen.

We came upon a downed tree and needed to turn around. As we crested a hill on our new route, we found a man who went up over the ditch with his car as he landed against the telephone pole. It had just happened moments earlier so we pulled over to ask if he was OK. He was shaken but with the exception of his damaged car, he was fine. We gave him a ride home and as we left him I could feel emotions stirring within me.

I knew I was experiencing a transformational moment. Something shifted deep within as I connected with my spirit. I realized that all of the work that I’ve been doing to launch The Leadership Collaborative came into crisper focus.

I made connections between my work and the noble cause I am passionate about. I’m still in process with it as I allow the evening adventures to continue to percolate in me.

This is all rather timely as I have been asking myself “Why?” and “For the sake of what?” to get clear on the impact I want to have in the lives of others through my business. Monday night’s adventures are helping me find my true answers which I am committed to gaining. I believe these core truths will help me create a sustainable life and business that will allow me to help the under privileged in a significant way.

All of this has brought me to a place of deep thanksgiving. Since that Monday night, I have acknowledged my gratitude in the following ways:

• being grateful for the gift of basic necessities and praying for those less fortunate,
• honoring this serving moment with my father by talking about it with him and allowing this to create a deeper connection between us,
• being thankful that as an entrepreneur, I have freedom and flexibility in my life to accommodate the unexpected situations that come up.

What about you? What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?

From this experience, I recognize that Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. It’s a state of being that leads to thanks living, calling forth a shift of perspective that is aligning my thoughts, actions and behaviors to match the core of who I am authentically.

I’m curious what changes this post might inspire in your life? What will thanks living mean to you? I invite you to share your comments at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

As you engage with family and friends this Thanksgiving, share your gratitude with them. Let them know what matters and feel the shift within and around you as you express from this place of intimate authenticity. Carry this new perspective of thanks living with you beyond the weekend and watch the world transform.

Saying a prayer of Thanksgiving for the gift of your support and relationship.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

~Irish Blessing

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress © .shock

How might you answer the question, “What’s guiding your life?”

Are your values, vision and mission guiding you? Or are have to’s, ought to’s and should’s directing your thoughts, emotions and activities?

I recently heard this startling statistic shared by Shawn Byler, owner of Intentional Influence. She said, “20-60% of every work day is spent in an unproductive state. This means that people are distracted by worry, stress or anxiety and feel defeated on a regular basis.“

These are shocking statistics! Yet deep down I know it’s true because at times, I’ve experienced this unproductive state in both my life and work.

How about you? Do you find yourself distracted throughout the day, losing your focus, feeling frustrated and discouraged?

If you find yourself in this situation you are losing valuable and productive time. Most likely it is impacting your health, your work, and your relationships in an adverse way.

So what do you do? You need to become aware of what’s getting in the way of you being intentional.

Here are some simple yet powerful steps to take:

• Notice when you are distracted. Pause and become aware of what is causing you to lose focus.
• Take ten minutes. Write down the activities, thoughts and emotions that are getting in the way. Be an observer of your life and get curious about these distractions, without judgment.
• At the end of the day, review your list of distracting thoughts, emotions and activities. Decide what changes you will make make to bring more focus as you engage in your life and work.
• Implement your changes and keep the process of discovery going to see what else is needed.

What do you think? What distractions are getting in the way of your most authentic and productive life? Share your comments at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

Remember, awareness is powerful wisdom that will help you live the life you most desire!

Photo courtesy of Photoxpress © Mirek Hejnicki

Do you want more joy in your life and revenue in your business? If your answer is “yes” you might be shocked when I tell you “how” to go after the “more”.

Just say “No!”

You’re probably thinking, “really?” Could “no” actually be the answer to “more”?

Absolutely and here’s why. If you say yes to every opportunity, invitation, possibility or activity for your life, your kids’ lives and/or your business you will eventually run out of resources and you will crash just like a computer that has too many windows open. By saying “yes” to every suggestion or request, you are letting other people’s agendas drive your life and your business. Saying “no” can put you in charge instead.

Where do you need to exercise “no”?

In your life?

Your business?

Or both?

Pursuing too many opportunities is not the true path to success or fulfillment. The “more” you desire will come when you exercise your “no” and you streamline your life to achieve greater impact with less effort.

What will you say “no” to?

What accountability and support do you need  to begin?

By making a commitment to”no” you can reclaim your life and your business. Join me by sharing your “no” by posting your comment at the blog where you can read my comment as well. And, if you need a new relationship with the word “no” contact me to find out how relationship coaching can support you in the process.

Start saying “no” and watch less become more!

Picture courtesy of Photoxpress © Robert Mobley