Powerful Journey

New Year, New Beginnings

2011-12-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

I find this time of year exciting! I thoroughly enjoy reflecting on my past year as well as creating my goals for the next year. Before you start your "new beginnings" perhaps consider doing this exercise first.
1. Make a list of all the goals you did achieve last year;include wins big and small.
2. Where did you build character due to relationship challenges?
3. Where did you try something new or stretch yourself?
4. What ways did you do self care? e.g. day off, special treatments, meditation, etc.

As you fill your heart with gratitude you will be reminded of the brave, powerful and loving human being that you are. When your heart is right,your world is right. This confidence will be a great spring board to creating your goals for 2012.

There are numerous systems to create your goals:
i) Vision/Dream Board- series of pictures, words, phrases(brain sees pictures first)
ii) Write goals in 7 environment areas: Health, Wealth, Personal, Relationships,
Recreation/Leisure Time, Community, Career
Add a line "Scorecard: your key 3 Action steps to achieve that main goal"
iii)Begin affirmation goals with I am celebrating(feeling)........
iv) Use a white board
v) Record your goals so you can constantly hear them on your MP3, CD, etc.

Regardless of which method you choose "just do it" as Nike says. Remember when you write it down you increase your chances of attracting that goal by 70%. External reminders keep us on track to achieiving the success you deserve.

Cheers to a successful 2012!

Cate

2011-03-25T14:50:00.001-07:00

When it's time to let go

2011-03-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

It was March break last week and I was pumped and so was my 16 year old son. I had always taken time off to spend quality time with my son and our family. So as I picked him up from his visit with his dad. I said why don't we go to a funky coffee house to have hot chocolate or something to kick start his holiday! He didn't miss a beat when he said, "Mom I am not one of your 30 year old friends. I want to be with my friends over March break not my mother." Actually, he had me at 30 year old friends considering I am in my 40's.
Where in your life has a comment or decision you made so obvious to everyone else that you just need to get with the times and let go of the old way of doing things? e.g. at work when you used to do things a certain way, with the your old spending habits that don't fit the economy today, your relationships that keep changing even when we don't notice?
For me the signs that you need to let go are when you are experiencing resistance in a relationship where one person is showing you with their behavior that they aren't on the same page as you. Sometimes people will avoid us, withdraw, become argumentative, forget to show up and you can add your own. The key is where in your life do you need to let go? Do you need to stop working so many hours at work because this is the third cold you have had in 2 months? Your kid is giving you the cold shoulder because you just don't get them? Where you keep expecting that friend to do the same things as last year when they clearly don't want to?
The key to letting go is to simply start by acknowledging that you may need to let go. Then you need to learn how to be willing to try to let go. Sometimes you might need to fake it until you make it. Remember you need not personalize these normal stages of change in any relationship. Then think about what might other people do to let go and be willing to try something different. Acknowledge to yourself and the other person the need for change. Accept that it will feel foreign for awhile. Be sure to talk with other people that have gone through similar changes and finally create an action plan on how you will let go. e.g. I will set a weekly behavior goal that demonstrates I am changing e.g. focus through the present lens in the area that needs changing; work, relationships, etc.
Most importantly, have fun because change and letting go is good for all of us. It can only enhance our relationships at work and home to being better.

Are you being Mind Full?

2010-11-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

As I return from a weekend silent retreat I am feeling very full, peaceful and especially mindful. My goal is to remain present in each moment. I am amazed to see how very easy it is to be mindful. By simply "being" with your breathe you are able to connect with your higher self easily. By the second day of this three day retreat I was aware of just how wound up I can be, moving from one thing to another until finally I just let go. Where are you holding on tight in your life? e.g. your son/daughter is not applying themselves the way you want, your partner is not doing things the way you like, etc. I came to a very simple conclusion this past weekend;I AM NOT GOD"!For some it may be Spirit/Creator, etc. So this means I don't know best. Perhaps your son/daughter is doing the very best that they can, your partner has a heavy heart and is disconnected from themselves right now. Everyone has a story, everyone is going through something that we may never know. Behavior has a purpose and they really aren't out to get you.
So if you chose to be mind full what does that really mean? Here is my take.
Simply put. Being mindful simply means emptying the mind as you are being present doing whatever you are doing. Where ever you are be there! e.g. you are driving enjoy your hands on the steering wheel and soak up all the colorful leaves along your drive or washing the dishes then be there fully and enjoy the water and soap on your hands. So many of us are unconscious in all that we do. While driving you are thinking about what you have to do when you arrive home or while listening to your partner your mind is elsewhere on something you forgot to do. This constant disconnection from our source and from others leaves us unsettled inside. Some refer to it as a void others a static feeling. The end result is the same however unrest.
So ask yourself even while reading this blog is your mind solely on reading or are you thinking or doing something else? Again, wherever you are be there!
The benefits include feeling more calm, peaceful, connected, relaxed and in tune with yourself and others. Remember being in a state of busyness is a chose and you may want to ask yourself "would I rather have calm or chaos"? You choose.

Cheering for your powerful journey,

Cate

Thanks Giving!

2010-10-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Time for gobble gobble once again. For my American friends I realize yours is yet to come. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for all of you who have supported me by either attending my presentations, reading my blog/newsletter, being a coaching client and especially for your willingness to change your life. You continue to be such an inspiration to me. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your powerful journey.
I know for some people, this may be the first Thanksgiving without a loved one or that you may be in the midst of turmoil, however, I invite you to reflect on the miracles in your life and the amazing people who care for you and you them. Of course life isn't perfect nor should it be. Celebrate what is and fully let go of what you wish could be.
If your heart is heavy due to a death, perhaps set a place setting at your Thanksgiving table this year and everyone take turns sharing how this wonderful person means to you. We are not meant to be alone in our pain nor our celebration.
If your kids aren't calling or coming around the way you want there is still gratitude in knowing you were able to have kids where other couples are struggling to conceive and would love to have your problem.
As you prepare for your family dinner in whatever way that may be remember a quote from William Shakespeare, "Expectations are what give us heartaches."
BE with your family and friends without expectations. BE with others without retelling your story over and over again about how they did you wrong or how they didn't get it right. When we let go of "what aught have been", we are freed up to fully embrace what is. The people in our lives are really doing the best they can with what they have. For me, part of being truly thank full is to also be willing to forgive. Forgive others. Forgive myself.
Gratitude really is an action word so I plan to be sure to tythe 10% of my week's pay to support another family that could use a help up.
My intention for this Thanksgiving weekend is to be truly present with my Self, my family and friends by sharing and celebrating who I am and therefore celebrating who they are! What will your intention be this Thanksgiving weekend?
Happy Thanksgiving!
With much gratitude,
Cate

Take time to play!

2010-09-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you just want to run away? Somewhere where you won't be asked to do anything, no pressure to say just the right thing or no expectations of you at all! Well I decided that tomorrow is my Run-Away-Day. I am letting my husband come along for this trip.
Ever felt like your underwear has been way too tight? Where you are convinced that your job is to be the Master Controller of everything? Well I am there. No I don't plan on burning my underwear, however, I have decided to step back from my life to reflect on what really do I have influence over.
Sometimes during these moments of clarity I discover that all my good intetentions have an underlying agenda. I want people to do things my way! Wow! How is that for honesty! Whether it be with our children, our colleagues, our boss, our friends or family, we all need to ask ourselves, "what really is my intention here?" The honest answer may surprise you.
So I came to the conclusion that God/Source/Spirit (whatever you choose to call this) never really did go on vacation so I need not fill in after all.
All the people who I love dearly and respect are exactly where they are supposed to be and yes that means those folks who are sitting in misery as well. I heard someone say that we have no right to rob someone of their misery. People are ready to change and grow when they choose not when we choose. Yes we can pray for them, yes we can encourage them, yes we can celebrate their gains however they must be willing to do what it takes to change. As for us, well we can choose letting go and trusting that all will work out for the highest good of all.
As for me I am off to a play date with my sweetie tomorrow. Where will your Run-Away-Day be?
Stay enchanted,

Cate

So what is your vice these days?

2010-08-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

While at a morning meeting, I noticed a very overweight woman drinking a root beer who shared she had several health issues. Don't you find it easy to notice or let's get honest even judge another person for something they are doing or not doing that we know is not in their best interest? As I caught myself being judgemental in my head I wondered what the people in my life would say about me and how I get in my own way. e.g. multi tasking queen, bleeding heart, sugar, etc.
What vices do you use? e.g. drinking, unhealthy eating, regularly connecting with unhealthy people(their problems are easier to solve then your own, busyaholic....)
It is human nature to want the easier softer way however is it? After all that procrastination which then equals self battering was it really worth avoiding doing what you know would have been easier to do right away?
Life really is simple. It is us humans that complicate it.
The three A's to addressing our vices are: Awareness, Acceptance & Action.
Firstly Awareness. Be honest with yourself; "have you crossed the unhealthy invisible line?" How do you feel after you have used your vice? e.g. content, happy, uncomfortable or disappointed? Next is Acceptance. Remember that you may have been using this vice/crutch for awhile so it will take time to replace it with something that serves you better. "Rome wasn't built in a day." Finally take Action. Simply make a decision to take one step towards living in the solution versus staying in denial saying things like, "well I deserved it, I earned it, etc." If it doesn't serve you well, it doesn't serve you well. Period. Above all remain willing to do whatever it takes to be free of this vice that is holding you back. We aren't meant to do this journey alone so reach out and tell someone you trust how you feel(friend, family member, therapist) and above all know that you are so worth feeling good about yourself!
May your journey continue to be powerful,
Cate

From lemons to lemonade!

2010-07-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ever felt like someone just hit you over the head with a two by four? My sister and I were sharing this morning how a few days ago each of us were side swiped by situations in our businesses. She dealt with it by not sleeping for 3 nights and walking around like a zombie.Thanks to my year long Success Principles Training program with Jack Canfield who taught me I DO HAVE INFLUENCE OVER MY REACTION, I made a conscious decision to look at what was perfect about my bomb. I shared with my sister that I too was taken off guard and was greatly impacted initially with the inconsiderate choices of others. However, I made a stand/decision to not let this event run my day, my week, my business or my well being. So I simply claimed that to be true both to myself and out loud to my husband.
Where in your life have you given away your power to some event, person or thing? Are you about done feeling powerless? I don't mean to sound insensitive. However, the times in my life when I was blaming others for my raw deal, my reaction got so bad that I didn't even want to go to my own "pity party" and I was even serving great food! I am grateful to this day to those people who were courageous enough to tell me to get out of my pity party as it was dangerous and they were right.
When you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired I suggest you STOP replaying the situation over and over and over again, STOP telling your story over and over and over again, STOP dissecting your part, their part, and any other part!
Then start breathing in calm, peace, love and freedom. A great quote I frequently use is, "Life happens for me, not to me!" When I am in the midst of a storm I simply say okay "For the highest good of all". Once I am grounded, I then ask myself okay what is my learning here and then stay in the solutions! Voila! Then you are free to accept what your learning is, accept that life happens to everyone and that there really isn't a conspiracy against you, accept that great things will come from this event and accept that you are still good enough and will carry on with your chest out and your head held high.
Enjoy the freedom! You deserve it!
May your journey continue to be powerful,
Cate

Expecting ourselves to be perfect

2010-05-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Successful people hold high expectations of themselves however they get the illusion of perfectionism. Research has shown that underneath perfectionism is a low self esteem. "Let me impress you with just how amazing I am to the point that I have turned myself inside out" is the mantra of a perfectionist. Of course everyone has been a perfectionist at one time or another. However, everyone looses when we are trying to knock ourselves out to impress another. Perfectionism has some very strict rules. #1 No mistakes allowed #2 No one can do it like I can #3 No mistakes allowed.
The tragedy about perfectionism is it puts us in a constant state of guilt and anxiousness. I just heard someone say recently, "Pack your bags, you are going on a guilt trip." Where in your life are you expecting unrealistic expectations of yourself? e.g. work, home, health, etc.? Goals are very important to stretch ourselves however we need to be kind, gentle and realistic with ourselves especially during challenging times. This doesn't mean we let our goals slip away it may mean we simply need to adjust them. e.g. I will work out every day to loose weight rather than I will work out 3 times per week minimum.
Let's remember we are human and vulnerable. I don't know about you but being around a perfectionist can leave me feeling uncomfortable. The intensity is like a Mac truck coming at you.
So where specifically can you set more realistic expectations of yourself?
Then let go and enjoy the journey! Getting real with who we are and what we are capable of doing in that day sets us free and the people around us seem to enjoy our company that much more!
Cheers,
Cate

When all else fails....REFLECT!

2010-03-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

We have given away our power and especially our inner knowingness to sources outside ourselves. "Google" along with other sources have become our advisors. What happened to the days when the elders in our families or tribes were naturally turned to for support and guidance?
Common answers were to go away and take some time to reflect. Our reflection may have taken the form of sitting in silence, prayer, journalling or meditation. Are we not tired of the constant bombardment of technology? We are hyper stimulated at very turn which continues to pull us out of balance and calmness.
I don't know about you but when my computer decides to take a vacaction my first reaction is frustration and even anger if I have a time sensitive project that I am working on. Eventually I get down right peaceful. It's like the Universe is saying it's time to "check out" of your busy life and "check in" to your inner knowing.
Some of my favorite times to reflect are when I am driving in silence or sitting with a tea down at the lake or I just plain sit in silence to connect with my breathe. How about you, when do you make time to just reflect?
I believe our society is in the middle of an "intuition crisis". We have lost our way. We have become fans of Hollywood stars, golf pros, hockey stars, etc. that we have forgotten to "check in" with the most reliable source of guidance there is and that is with our higher source.
Research tells us that the most successful, balanced and calm people are the ones that create time each day to meditate and be in silence. We know that morning is the ideal time to guarantee you will make space for it.
So if Happiness really is an inside job when will you start?
Reflectfully,
Cate

Underwear too tight? Loosen up....

2010-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

YES! Another item crossed off my "To Do List."
Have you become more of a Task Master in your life? Where your success is graded primarily on what you have accomplished and what you have earned? Not that either of these factors aren't important. Where has the fun and the playfulness gone? I am a fun person... REALLY! It's just that I can let my underwear get too tight some days. You know those days when you spend all your time in your head analyzing that you have lost sight of embracing the joy and fun in your day.
Fun really is a necessity, not a luxury! When you loosen up and have fun and laugh, you relax. This relaxation gives you a greater inflow of ideas, spiritual connection, divine guidance and energy which will allow you to attract your ultimate desires. With your new positive outlook you will attract helpful people that will create more opportunities.
I have decided that for 2010 I plan to spend a minimum of 10 minutes each day playing and laughing! Remember those times when you had a good belly laugh with someone about something silly and when you returned to work or a project you were able to be much more creative and open? What will you do today to just have fun and laugh?
Loosen up that underwear and have some fun!
Playfully,
Cate

Act as if

2010-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

"If only" are words that have past each of our lips at one time or another. I would like to challenge that belief and replace it with "Act as if!" Deep down we all have a Wish List of things we would love to do, see, be or accomplish. If not, I invite you to take 2 minutes right now and write down all the things that you are passionate about. One of the executives that I am working with shared with me that he insisted that when his daughter was growing up he expected her to do at least one thing that she was passionate about each year and if she didn't know then he would provide the opportunities for her to explore what they might be. I really like that approach. Imagine committing to yourself that you will explore each year what your many passions are? So many of us get caught up in our comfort zone and are unwilling to step outside it. If the sky was the limit(money, weight, size, age, education were no issues) what would you do or be?
By December 2010, I plan to go scuba diving in the islands. I know for some that is no big deal however I am afraid of having all that equipment on me for fear I will sink. I know how amazing snorkeling is when I have connected with all those colorful fish! So by December 2010 I plan to step outside of my comfort zone to see if scuba diving is one of my passions. Now it's your turn. What is your adventure for 2010? I would love for you to email me;info@powerfuljourney.com to share with me what you plan to do. Minimally, I encourage you to share it with someone you trust who will help keep you accountable. Give yourself a deadline and the rest will take care of itself. Think of the "happy dance " you will do when you "Act as if" you were meant to try this new opportunity. Act as if you already have experienced that which you desire. So what are you waiting for?
Happy exploring,
Cate

2009-11-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

FEAR

Better known as false evidence appearing real! We all have it from time to time.

Fear is like a robber. It robs us of peace of mind and being truly present for ourselves and those we love.

Fear can immobolize our efforts. Where in your life are you experiencing fear? e.g. in a relationship, business, etc.? On a scale from 1-10; 10 being the highest. Where would you rate yourself? Then answer the following statement. My biggest fear is that.... Check in with yourself is this true for you? Is the fear rational or irrational?

I love the phrase, "When in doubt, check it out." By simply sharing with someone you trust, you can reduce your fear to pint size which is much more manageable.

A close friend of mine just called saying, "what should I do my boss is taking me for lunch and I know our company isn't thriving right now?" He quickly went into the worst case scenario of what might happen. He wanted to do all this major preparation however he didn't even know what the reason was for his boss taking him to lunch. Ever push the panic button and assume the worst? We then went on to talk about whether he was letting his fear drive him or whether he CHOSE to be in a place of positive possibility. He was able to replace his fear with faith that everything would work out better than he ever could have imagined. He was proactive by calling me versus sitting in his fear and letting it have unnecessary power over his thoughts and emotions.

When fear appears in your life, other options include remaining in a place by breathing deeply, choosing positive thoughts and remaining in a place of calmness. A simple affirmation, "I am calm, I am enough, I am worthy" will insulate you from unnecessary negativity. Lastly, surround yourself with people who energize, support and nurture your spirit for they will feed your faith that everyone you meet is here to support your powerful journey!

COOL CONNECTIONS!

2009-09-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

If your primary connection with your kids is to text or email them, you may want to reconnect in a more healthy way. The same holds true with your colleagues. I know you have 128 emails that you need to respond to and 10 of those are family, but in the long run your relationships will be all the better for it.
Remember the last time a friend, colleage or family member just "dropped in" to say hello and connect? How did that feel for you? Aren't some of the best visits those that are spontaneous and without an agenda. Our society is in a serious connection crisis! We are so quick to judge the parent for smoking in the same car as their children, however, we sit across from our family at the restaurant accepting yet another call or responding "just this once" to our black berry. Isn't this a form of neglect too? Signs that we have let the scale go too far? Your kid starts skipping school or failing his grades to finally get your attention or your colleague starts to avoid replying to your emails because you didn't even take the time to visit when his wife was seriously ill.
Let's try an experiment. Leave your black berry or whatever device you have at home when you go out on a date with your spouse/family/friends. No issue here you said? We have become so connected to our technology that we forgot how to connect in person with the people that matter most. A habit I have been doing for some time is doing a nightly inventory where I ask myself have I truly been available as a parent/spouse/relative/friend/colleague?
I would like to revise the statement that we frequently hear to, "Treat your family like you do your clients. Treat your clients like family. Happy connecting!

A Mother & Her Teenage Son's Parallel Paths

2008-10-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our home life gives new meaning to being on the "debating team". Please tell me there is someone out there who can relate to parent-teen relationships? Somewhere in my naive head I thought that I would now step back as a parent and tag my son to do his thing! What was I thinking? What he liked yesterday is completely non-negotiable today. It is like a switch that went on once he hit grade 9. Fortunately, we have a great guy here who knows right from wrong, has a kind heart and really does want to do well. I will need a t-shirt that says"We survived grade 9!" I can't even imagine saying "We survived his teen years!" because we are taking this journey one day at a time. I can't remember a time where I felt more vulnerable, when I second guessed myself, felt this sensitive, felt I needed reassurance that I was on the right path and needed to hear from other like minded parents who survived this stage of development or are presently in the midst of the emotional storm as well. Of course my head says give him room to fly and make mistakes and my heart is saying but "what if?" I feel like my son and I are mirroring each other. We are each trying to find our way!What keeps me on my course(most days) is that I have a very spiritual anchor in my life, I continue to be emotionally, spiritually and physically available to him and myself, I survived it and yes I worked with Teens for many years as a counsellor. So I am here to tell you it doesn't matter what formal training or background we come from these turbulent times are inevitable.I am a strong supporter of Retreats as I host two a year along and attend various ones myself.While on my recent day of silence retreat I wrote the following letter to myself . Half way through the letter to myself I knew that I needed to put my son's name on top of the letter as well. It went like this:Dear Self/Son:I am so very sorry for expecting SO MUCH from you! I have pushed and pushed and pushed you to do more, be more , see more and feel more! My expectations of you have been totally unrealistic. Here I thought I was helping you to improve and be better that I did the opposite. Instead of CELEBRATING & TRULY ACCEPTING your radiant, bright light that shines inside of you I added to your darkness with my fear and uncertainty. The darkness where self doubt, denial of who we really are, the lies, pain and anger that lives on in each one of us.I'm sorry for letting you down. You deserve to be CELEBRATED & SEEN for the beautiful person you are! For you see, you are ENOUGH at this very moment and always! You don't have to prove yourself to others to fit in because through my eyes you already fit in to your own beautiful skin, you fit in our family and your community to share your gifts and especially your purpose. My anger lately has been directed at myself and others around me. I thought I could conceal it. Now I understand the anger is at me for not truly seeing you. For that I am genuinely sorry.My heart aches thinking about each time you felt I kept pushing you to succeed more and be more only to cause you to self doubt yourself even more. Now that I know what I have been doing I will work on "stopping it." Please know that I believe in you and that I SEE how SPECIAL you are! Please know that you have all you need right inside of you now! I want to remind you that in fact you are much more than ENOUGH!With all my love,"ME"/"MOM"

7:51:00 AM