Wring Out 2012! Ring in 2013

This New Year's Eve, make a list of all of the things that held you back in 2012.  Just as you would wring out a sponge, so that it will have the capacity to hold MORE, allow yourself to purge all that kept you from your dreams in 2012.  Release it.  Write it out, dig a hole in your back yard and scream your list into the ground and then burry it.  Leave it there, literally and figuratively.  Recognize that you are no longer in need of your self doubt.  Release the self-imposed limitations!  I have them, you have them, we all have them.  Some are as simple as, "I do not have time to invest in a hobby".   Notice the chatter holding you back from taking the next step toward your dreams. Today, let yourself empty the chatter, so that you can fill your mind with thoughts of your dreams!  You wouldn't host a party without first having a thought about having friends over.  If you entertain the thought that no one would attend you wouldn't bother going through the necessary steps to make it happen; creating a guest list, sending it out, purchasing supplies and preparing for their arrival.  The same applies to your dreams!  Hold the thought.  Clear your mind of the limiting beliefs that have held you back.

Live On Forever

I think we can all agree that the world needs more love, compassion and radiance.  Without it, we starve ourselves by hoarding and seeing one another as competitors.  What legacy are you ready to leave the world with? What imprint are you leaving behind when you go?

Get Your Shine On!

What makes you shine during the Holiday Season?  Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, we could all use a little magic of this time of year.  What is the magic you ask? Too often it takes deprivation, devastation, or a natural disaster for us to rally together, work in collaboration for the common good.  Disconnect from one another brings about feelings of depression and stress.  We need one another and collectively, we function at a higher level when we work together.  The magic of the holidays is about coming together and feeling connected to one another.  Want to feel the buzz of the holidays?  Here is a list of ways you can put your SHINE on:

Invite friends over for a night of games
Volunteer with an organization that serves others
Donate food and essential items to a shelter
Commit random acts of kindness
Shovel snow for a neighbor
Write a letter to a friend or family member
Register for a class or book study
Host a dance party for friends
Take a meal to a family in need
Join an indoor sports league
Call a friend to share how much they mean to you
Join a choir or music group

What are other ways that you are able to feel connected to those around you?

No! Not the Unsolicited Advice!

There is a time for sharing advice and there is a time to close your mouth and open your ears.  How do I know this?  I find myself in the trap of offering unsolicited advice.  In fact, sharing unsolicited advice can not only hurt you, it can delay the growth and progress of your closest loved ones, the ones you intend to support.  When you believe in the gifts of others, the significance of their journey, in who they are, you refrain from giving the advice that they have not asked for.  When you allow yourself to simply be present with them and listen, you allow them to experience their journey, to shine, to learn the lessons that are for them to experience.  WAKE up to the hero that resides in you, trusting that the same hero resides within your loved one.  When you are present and listening, you demonstrate a belief in others and an appreciation for who they are, exactly as they are.  Release the desire to save, fix or rescue them, recognizing the truth that he is the one who has the power to change the situation he finds herself in.  Zip it when you feel inclined to interject or share unsolicited advice.  Choose to no longer undermine who he  is and the powerful wisdom he has to arrive at the answers that are right for him. Unsolicited advice can make us feel incompetent.  Zip the lip. Learn to listen.  Ask questions and remain curious.  Let go of the idea that you have anyone's answers but your own.  The truth that I live by is that YOU are the only one who has your answers.  Remain available should others find themselves in need of support to discover those internal answers.  Ask for permission, "Can I share what has helped me in a similar situation?"  Liberate yourself from feeling like you have to rescue anyone other than yourself.  YOU are your greatest hero.  Gift others with the opportunity to discover the hero within.  Perhaps somewhere in the listening, you'll discover something in the moment that is profound for you.

Take Time to Connect

Studies show that isolating animals, produces significant stress.  We see the same results for our species.  We even use isolation as a form of punishment.  This holiday season, as our stressors can be at an all time high, make a point to reach out to others for a sense of connection.  Here is a list of ways you can reach out for connection: 

1. Invite a group of friends to go Carolling at a local nursing home
2. Attend a Holiday Concert
3. Plan a potluck with friends/family
4. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee
5. Committ to doing a Random Act of Kindness 1x/week (or more)
6. Volunteer at a local shelter
7. Do yardwork for your neighbor
8. Take a meal to a family in need
9. Choose to perform a random act of compassion
10. write a letter to someone 
11. Call a friend to share how much they mean to you 
12. Invite friends over for a dance party
13. Invite family/friends to play games
14. Join an indoor sports league 
15. Register to take a class/book study

Share with me! Let me know how you connect with others and the benefits you receive from reaching out to others. Join the conversation on Twitter with #StellarConnection