Beyond The Madding Crowd

Passion and Purpose

What do you get really passionate about? What gives you butterflies in your tummy?

Just knowing what you are passionate about can be a real clue to what your purpose in life is or could be.

For me, I am passionate about helping people grow and develop and about raw food – so to be able to combine the two together in the form of coaching is just brilliant.

To be able to live your life purpose and passion has to be the ultimate way to live – in fact because you are living with passion and purpose you don’t even feel like you are “working” and it definitely doesn’t feel like a J.O.B.!

How do you go about finding your passion and purpose?

I would suggest starting by doing the following:

1 – a visualisation of how you envisage your dream life to be (really go deep inside for this one and let all your thoughts just float to the top, no matter how off-the-wall or random they may seem)

2 – make a list of everything you love to do (hobbies, interests etc)

3- make a list of what really makes you tick – the things you get that magic “buzz” from

4 – create a vision board of all the things that you would love to have in your life – not just from a work stance but looking at your life from all angles and all aspects of living

5 – consider a “perfect day in the life of you” – how would it look and feel, what would you see, what would you hear, how would you feel. Get real clarity with this one – make the picture big, bright and bold and so real that you can reach out and touch it

When you have done some or all of the above you will have a really good starting point from which to move forward.

Now that you have a really good understanding of what your vision of your new life could be like, now is the time to make it concrete.

I now want you to consider “WHY” the vision that you have created is important to you.

You will probably find there are myriad of reasons and it is really important to capture them all. You may be able to just write them all down without  thinking too much about it which is great, but if you find you are struggling with this question don’t worry – just sit with it for as long as it takes.

You might find that it is easier if you take yourself somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed so that you can just close your eyes and let all the “WHY” thoughts just come naturally to you rather than forcing them.

Write down each and every thought that comes to mind as these will be important to you if you ever need reminding of why you have moved your life in a specific direction. You may even want to print them off and pin them to a board or wall or somewhere prominent where you will be reminded on a regular basis.

When you know your big “WHY” you will be able to move forward in a more conscious, constructive and productive way – with real purpose and passion!

Once you come to realise your Passion and Purpose your life will never be the same again!

When Enough is Enough - Where would you go?

Do you ever feel like just running away or just stopping for a while? I know I do.

 

We live in such a fast-paced, hectic and chaotic world that every so often it can become just too much to cope with.

 

So where would you go – either physically or in your mind?

 

Physically

 

You may be quite limited in your options but here are a few that you might consider depending on your circumstances:-

 

1 -  Go for a walk (long or short)

2 -  Do some physical exercise

3 -  Do some retail therapy (even just window shopping)

4 - Take a short break away (one day or longer)

5 - Have a holiday

 

Mentally

 

It is usually easier to travel somewhere in your mind. Here are a few suggestions:-

1 -  Listen to some music

2 -  Read a good book

3 - Find a quiet space – inside or out

4 – Visualisation – imagine a magical place in your mind’s eye

5 – Journal – write about your favourite place (real or imagined)

6 – Meditation – clear your mind of all stray thoughts

 

Where do I go?

 

I travel to southern Sicily (in my mind). I feel the heat of the sun, see the fruit and nut trees, the vineyard, hear the sea, and feel the sand between my toes.

Inside my “country house” I see the decoration in the house in fine detail; I open the windows and green shutters and marvel at the new life I am leading in such a magical place.

 

So where do you or would you go?

 

Let me know, I would love to hear about your travels – real or imagined!

What's Stopping You??

Are you putting your life on hold or waiting for something to change before you take action?

 

I am a seasoned expert at this, how about you?

 

In the past I have put off buying new clothes until I have lost enough weight, or would only get behind the wheel of a car if it is was an absolute emergency etc.

 

So, were these actions positive? Did they support me? Did I feel better for having waited? NO, NO and NO!

 

The two questions that spring to mind are:

 

1. Why?

and

 

2. What’s stopping me?

 The answers I used to give were:

1. I am frightened of being seen by others
2. It’s my safety net
3. I like to be in the shadows rather than the limelight
4. I might not be perfect
5. What if people don’t like what they see
6. What if I make a mistake

These were all totally irrational self-defeating thoughts created by my over-active mind and imagination. What I should have been doing is “Feeling the Fear and doing it anyway!”

 

So, what’s stopping you?

 

How can you overcome your personal obstacles or limiting beliefs?

Here are a few suggestions:-

 

1. Get out of your own way!

This is a piece of exceptional advice that I was given some time ago and although I am not totally out of my own way just yet, I am well on the way.

 

2. Start believing in yourself!

You are a wonderful and unique human being and you should celebrate this fact and not try to avoid it or hide behind others. You have so much to offer the world that it is a crime to not share you with the world!

 

3. Think “I Can” (rather than I can’t)

When you start saying “yes” to things rather than no, then all sorts of new avenues open up for you and people see a whole new side to you that even you had forgotten existed. Go for it!

 

4. Be Yourself

Trying to be something you are not, or trying to live up to someone else’s expectations of you, or trying to be perfect all the time will only set you up for a fall. Try just being “You” for a change and see how good it makes you feel – awesome!

 

5. It’s OK to get it wrong

No-one, and I mean No-One is perfect – and that includes you. Everyone gets something wrong or feels like they could have done something better etc. However, if we were all perfect, wouldn’t it be a very boring and predictable world? Give yourself a break and stop beating yourself up when things don’t go exactly to plan – it’s normal.

 

It’s time to start living and stop waiting!

 

Just go for it!

Getting Enough Sleep!

What are your sleep patterns like?

 

• 6 – 8 hours of uninterrupted deep sleep
• 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep at the most
• Have to get up during the night to go to the bathroom
• No sleep at all – insomnia
• 4 hours of quality sleep

Knowing how irregular my sleep patterns are and what an impact that a bad night can have on the following day, I bought a book by Paul McKenna entitled “I can make you sleep”.

 

So were there any startling revelations in the book – no not really, but it was crammed full of common sense.

 

Some of the recommendations that make the most sense are:

 

• Don’t have caffeine after 2pm (I would suggest cutting it out altogether)
• Cut out alcohol
• Don’t have anything to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed
• Go to bed when you actually feel sleepy
• Take regular exercise
• Ensure your bedroom is dark – even if you use black-out blinds

Paul has a list of 14 suggestions but these are the ones that stuck out for me.

 

As you can see, these are all common sense suggestions – but when you put them all together the cumulative effect is pretty successful.

 

Other personal suggestions that I would propose are:

• Clear your mind before attempting sleep (meditation, journal etc)
• Don’t try and force yourself to sleep as this rarely works
• If you live in a noisy neighbourhood then use earplugs
• If you need to, use an eye mask to ensure complete darkness
• Keep a window open – a good air flow really helps
• Lavender oil on a tissue inside your pillowcase

• Oranges and celery aid calm and assist with sleep patterns
• Reduce spicy foods too close to bed time
• Limit volume of fluids before bed time
• Try not to set the alarm at weekends so that you awaken naturally
• Try using a daylight clock to simulate dawn breaking
• Use a comfortable pillow – depth, softness/hardness to your needs
• Ensure your mattress is comfortable

The other valuable thing about Paul’s book is that it comes with a hypnosis CD – which in essence provides some subliminal suggestions for promoting sleep as well as creating a relaxed state of mind.

 

So, as you can see, there are lots of things you can try if you have trouble sleeping - other than counting sheep or sleeping tablets!

 

 

PS How Nature Intended!

 

Some of you know I keep 2 beautiful parrots (like the ones below - Sun Conures). Birds sleep patterns are governed by light and dark i.e. Awake when it's light and Asleep when it's dark. My birds know that when I turn out the light in their room that it's time for bed, so they make their way to their soft swing, stand on one leg and tuck their head down their back - if only we humans could do it so easily!!!

 

 

 

Just Chilling Out!

Relaxation is as important as work or any other activity that you do.

 

I know that some people view relaxation as being self-indulgence but actually these are the people that would benefit from some personal time the most!

 

So, why should you have some “down-time”?

 

·         YOU are important

·         Looking after yourself means you can look after others better

·         A little bit of “me” times means better quality “us” time

·         Relaxation is one of the most powerful de-stress tools you can use

·         Creating time to reflect on your day or your life is a powerful tool

·         You become more focussed and more effective at what you do

·         You deal with situations in a more balanced way

·         Life is too short to just “work” – play-time is essential to well-being

 

These are just a few of the key reasons you should always plan some “down-time” for yourself.

 

So, how should you go about arranging or planning your “Chill-out Time”?

 

1.      Schedule appointments with yourself – put it in your diary

2.      Keep the appointments! (don’t just pay lip-service to this)

3.      Allow a minimum of 15 – 30 minutes a day (more if you can)

4.      Don’t let anything stop you from having your time – it’s important

5.      Set aside a ½ or whole day a month just for you

6.      Plan what you will do in your “appointment”

7.      Create a list of things you would love to do and then do them

8.      Make your chill-out time special because you are a special person

9.      Find a calm space to be with you – inside or outside – your choice

10. Just do it!

 

My list of “chilling out” things would include:

 

·         Listening to my favourite music

·         Listening to a meditation CD

·         Writing in my journal

·         Walk in a park

·         Sitting in the sunshine with a good book and a green juice

·         Sitting quietly just emptying my mind of all the crazy daily thoughts

·         Watching my two beautiful parrots – automatic de-stress tool

·         Sitting quietly taking long, slow deep breaths – listening to the sound of my breathing

 

So what’s on your list of things you would love to do during your “chilling out” time?

 

Now I know some of you reading this will be saying "When can I fit in “chill-out” time?" I have children to look after; a home to run; a business to run etc.

 

Well, here’s the deal - unless you are on-the-go 24/7 then there is always time to fit in some “chill-out” time – even if it is when you are lying in bed before you go to sleep. You can use this quiet time to your advantage and just clear your mind of all the events of the day and go to sleep relaxed and you will hopefully end up with a better and deeper quality of sleep.

 

So, I urge you to book your “chill-out” time starting today and see what positive changes that makes to your life

 

Here’s to the Chill-Out Zone!

Postive Self-Care - Part II

In November last year, I wrote a post about looking after yourself in a positive and conscious act of self-care.

 

Having just revisited this article, I have realised that I am guilty of ignoring my own advice and suggestions.

 

For some time now I have been suffering with shoulder and neck pain, headaches and stressed-related bruxism (teeth clenching/grinding). I have seen several people within the medical profession (an osteopath, a cranial osteopath, and a physiotherapist), however these all take time, money and none really provide any real solutions for me.

 

I was about to give up on myself when I realised that actually the only person that can help me, is me! So, with renewed hope to find a solution, I have made an appointment to see my dentist to explore options and if that fails then I will seek assistance from my local GP.

 

To this end, I thought I would re-post my previous article as a reminder that we are all responsible for our own health and that nothing is more important.

_____________________

 

Positive Self-Care – Taking Action

 

I don’t know about you, but I find it easier to look after, and be more concerned about the health of friends and family rather than looking after myself.

 

This may be due to using other people’s heath issues as  buffer to hide from your own problems, or it could be just that you are so used to putting others first that you have forgotten how to look after yourself.

 

I am aware that for some people the concept of self-care can seem rather indulgent and selfish. However, if you do want to be there to support your friends and family in their time of need, then making sure you are in a fit state to provide this has to be your Number 1 priority.

 

So, when I say self-care, what do I actually mean? Self-care can take many forms and works on multiple levels, including (but not exclusively):

 

-                      seeking professional healthcare rather than ignoring nagging symptoms

-                      taking time for yourself – even just 15 minutes a day of “me” time

-                      relaxing in a hot bubble bath for 30 minutes (or more)

-                      eating a healthy diet

-                      meet up with friends to relax and unwind

-                      have a manicure or pedicure

-                      have a massage

-                      journaling – daily if possible

-                      exercise regularly

-                      visit favourite places (galleries, cinema, park, club etc)

-                      spend quality time with partner, family, friends etc

 

This list is not exhaustive but you get the idea.

 

To put this into some sort of perspective:

 

I have suffered with chronic headaches on a virtually daily basis for over 30 years or at least as far back as I can remember. I initially went to the mainstream medical profession but to no avail, other than they informed me the headaches were not life threatening.

 

I can go for ages trying to ignore the pain or just taking over the counter headache medications. Even though continual pain can be very debilitating, it usually takes a spate of really bad headaches before I look at doing something more positive about it rather than just taking another pill.

 

So, whilst my headaches are not migraines (although some come very close), and also not life threatening (having had several brain scans) - it doesn’t take away the negative effect that my constant headaches have had and are continuing to have on the quality of my life.

 

So, rather than just accept the lack of diagnosis of the mainstream medical profession, I have continued to seek a solution to my problem. I have therefore investigated various forms of alternative therapies, unfortunately with limited success, but the ones I have tried include:

 

-                      acupuncture

-                      osteopathy

-                      cranial osteopathy

-                      McTimoney Chiropractor

-                      Zero balancing

-                      Nutritional therapy

 

Currently I am trying massage to see if releasing the tension in my neck and shoulders will reduce the level and frequency of the headaches.

 

So, the bottom line is – never give up on your health, even if the medical profession does not have the answer.

 

My question to you is – are you ignoring a personal health issue, and if so, why?

 

Sometimes self-care can seem too much like hard work particularly if you feel like you are getting no where fast. However, I urge you to consider all the options available to you.

 

Your health and well-being should be your Number 1 priority. So my task for you this week is to start looking after yourself better and seek help if appropriate.

 

Never forget that you are a truly special and wonderful human being and looking after you is THE MOST IMPORTANT gift you can give yourself. 

 

Until next time

 

Think positive and keep breathing!

 

Maureen

The Calm Clinic!

Calm Clinic

 

I first posted the information about my Calm Clinic back in November and thought that this would be a good time to remind you that a) I offer this service and b) just what it is all about.

 

Are there times when you would really value an opportunity to have direct access to a life or raw food coach but without the obligation of signing up for a suite of sessions or an expensive package?

 

We all have times when we would appreciate the support of a life coach and to be able to discuss an issue without spending vast amounts of money or joining a very large group and broadcasting it to the whole world.

 

So, here is where the CALM CLINIC comes in.

 

Each month I will be hosting 2 x 90 minute coaching clinics. Each clinic will be for a maximum of 8 people, each of whom will get a dedicated 10 minute slot to discuss their particular issue and receive 1-on-1 support from me.

 

So what sort of issues might you bring to the Calm Clinic?

 

Examples include:

·        I have too much going on – how do I simplify my day?

·        I am lacking in energy – how can I get back my zest for life?

·        My diary is over-flowing – how do I find time for me?

·        I don’t have time for a healthy diet – can you help?

·        I don’t have any space I can call my own – how do I create my own oasis of calm? 

 

So how will this work:

·        Closed call - maximum of 8 people

·        Guaranteed 10 minutes 1-on-1 personal coaching

·        No registration fee

·        No long-term contract

·        Sign-up to only those clinics that you wish to

 

What do you have to do?

 

Book and pay for your place on-line using my on-line diary (http://tinyurl.com/6m8f46) OR contact me in advance of each call to book your place. Once your place is booked and paid for then I will give you access to the secure telephone line that you need to dial into on the specified date.

 

The cost to you: ONLY £10 per call.

 

That’s right, for only £10 you will get a guaranteed 10 minute personal coaching slot with me.

 

As a secondary bonus, in addition to your own slot, the other Calm Clinic participants will discuss their issues, some of which may be relevant to you. Therefore you will be privy to a total of 80 minutes of live coaching for just £10 for the entire 90 minute session.

 

To put this offer into context, if you were to book a 90 minute private session with me it would cost you £85. Therefore this offer gives you a total saving of £75.

 

If you would like more information then I invite you to send me an email (Maureen@the-breathing-space.com) or ring me (0044) 01865 847060) for a brief chat.

________________

Dates for your diary:

All calls will take place between 20.00 and 21.30 (UK time)

2009

Wednesday 4^th February 2009

Wednesday 18^th February 2009

Wednesday 4^th March 2009

Wednesday 18^th March 2009

Wednesday 8^th April 2009

Wednesday 22^nd April 2009

Wednesday 6^th June 2009

Wednesday 20^th June 2009

 

If there is sufficient demand then I will add more and/or longer sessions to allow more people to take advantage of the Calm Clinic.

 

Think Positive and Keep Breathing!

 

 

 

Maureen

2009 – How has it been so far?

Day 9 of 2009 – so just over one week into the New Year, how has it been for you so far?

 

Are you still feeling positive about life or are you feeling a bit down in the dumps because of the weather, your finances, doing the same old job, or just feeling a bit below par?

 

Have your New Year’s Resolutions already gone by the wayside?

 

Are you feeling overwhelmed already and the year is only a week old?

 

Would you like to reignite your personal passions/ dreams / desires?

 

Would you love to have some help in achieving your goals this year?

 

Have you considered working with a personal coach?

 

I have created a special one-time only offer of personal performance coaching just for you.

 

I am offering a series of 4x 1 hour coaching sessions for just £160 (usual price £200 - a saving of 20%)

 

To put this offer into perspective:

 

My usual price for a single hour with me as a stand-alone booking = £60 and for a single hour with me as part of a multiple booking = £50

 

This offer is valid until the 31^st January 2009

 

So – if you would like to take me up on this one-time only offer then just drop me an email to Maureen@the-breathing-space.com

 

Why not put yourself first for a change, and let me help you achieve your goals this year?

 

Until next time, keep breathing!

 

Maureen

Hopes and Aspirations for 2009

This post was published as part of my eZine this week but I felt it was worth repeating here!

 

As we near the end of 2008, you may be feeling a little low due to the current downturn in the world’s financial markets and the knock-on effects that this is having.

If you allow yourself to be impacted by the downturn, you will move into 2009 in a negative frame of mind.  This is NOT a good place to be!

 

So, I would like you to put aside all of your negative thoughts for a while and start think about all the good things in your life and how you would like to make your life even better.

 

The start of a New Year should be a positive experience where you look forward to the year ahead.

 

The New Year is traditionally the time when people create resolutions for changes they would like to see in their lives, and some typical examples are:

           

·         To lose weight

·         To get a new job

·         To be a better person

·         To exercise more

·         To be more organised

 

However, as much as these are all good ideas, they are not detailed or specific enough in order to make them permanent changes.

 

Generally what happens is that people create their New Year’s resolutions on or around 31^st December and by the middle of January most of them have fallen by the wayside. If this is what usually happens for you, and you don’t want this to happen again this year then you need to do a little more work to make them happen and for them to be lasting changes or new habits.

 

To make your New Year’s resolutions more permanent this year, you need to make them SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely:

 

Specific:         be as detailed as you can about the change(s) you want to see, e.g. I will

lose 2 stone (28 lbs); I will to fit into my little black dress; I will exercise for 30 minutes

every day etc.  Also note that they are all in the PRESENT tense!  

 

Measurable:  you need to state what the outcome will be e.g. 28lbs; 30 minutes everyday

Achievable:   you need to make sure you are being honest with yourself. If you want to

change jobs then moving from being a truck driver to a brain surgeon overnight is

probably not going to happen (not without some re-training).

 

Realistic:        it is great having dreams and aspirations but you need to be clear abou

what you want to achieve and the final outcome.  You need to ask yourself “am I willing to

put the time and effort into achieving my goal?”

 

Timely:           you not only need to put a timeframe around what you want to achieve i.e.

by when, but also make the timeframe realistic. With the best will in the world it is unlikely

that you will lose 4 stone (56 lbs) in 4 weeks.

 

So your first task is to decide on what it is you want to achieve in 2009, or to put in place in 2009 if they are not achievable within 12 months.

 

Once you know what it is you want to aim for then you can set about making the goal SMART.

 

So, you may be wondering what my goals are for 2009. Some of my goals are:

·         To run a group coaching programme with a minimum of 6 people every other month commencing in February 2009

·         To run 3 hour introductory raw food workshops for a minimum of 10 people every other month commencing January 2009

·         To exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes every day.

 

So you get the idea?

 

There are now only 13 days left of 2008, so there is no time like the present to start work on your New Year’s resolutions.

 

Think big, bold and beautiful – the only thing limiting you is your imagination!

 

Onwards and upwards to a fantastic 2009!

 

 

Maureen

Non-Raw Relatives at Christmas Tele-Seminar

Tele-Seminar Monday 1^st December 2008

[ 8pm (UK time) ]

 

 

 

 

 

How does being a raw foodist affect your enjoyment at Christmas?

 

Do you get negative comments or looks from family and friends?

 

Do you feel the need to conform and give up your lifestyle and food choices just to keep people happy?

 

Do you feel more stressed at Christmas than at any other time?

 

Do any of the following feelings/emotions resonate with you around the subject of Christmas?

-                      Stress?

-                      Anxiety?

-                      Chaos?

-                      Family arguments?

-                      Pressure to conform?

-                      Keeping everyone happy?

-                      No matter what I do it I am never good enough?

 

DO NOT WORRY – help is at hand.

 

As the only raw foodist in my entire family (not even a vegetarian in sight!) I have been through all of the above emotions.

 

I have now developed a series of coping techniques and strategies in how to have a calm and peaceful Christmas – immaterial of the fact that I not am eating the same as everyone else.

 

Christmas doesn’t have to be a painful and stressful experience, after all you are as entitled to have a perfect Christmas just as much as your relatives and friends.

 

How would you feel if you could remove some of the stress and anxiety so that you can actually enjoy your RAW Christmas this year?

 

If I were to offer you the opportunity to have a more positive experience of a RAW Christmas this year, being in control and in a calm state of mind – would you take it?

 

INTRODUCING:

The non-Raw Relatives at Christmas Tele-Seminar

(Monday 1st December, 8pm UK Time) 

What’s it all about?

 

I am offering you a unique opportunity to join me on a FREE 90 minute tele-seminar in which I will tell you my secrets on how I have a wonderful RAW Christmas even though non of my relatives are into raw food in any shape or form.

 

Benefits for you

 

I will take you through my simple, calm and stress-free solutions to have a perfect RAW Christmas no matter what anyone else is eating.

 

You will then have a suite of tools and techniques that you can use  to create your own perfect RAW Christmas which you can not only use for 2008 but also use as your

blueprint for future years.

 

In essence, at the end of the tele-seminar you will feel calm and in control of your RAW Christmas for 2008, and have a blueprint that you can use for all future RAW Christmas preparations.

 

If you are fed up of dealing with added stress at Christmas through negative comments and looks around your food choices -

 

Then:

The Non- RAW Relatives at CHRISTMAS Tele-Seminar  is for YOU.

 

Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace to all people, and that includes YOU – so why not treat yourself to one of the best pre-Christmas presents you can give yourself – peace, poise and a Christmas of your OWN design. If you don’t put yourself first, who will?

 

Come and join me for 90 minutes of pure calm and re-creation as we create YOUR unique blueprint for a Christmas worth celebrating!

_______________

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

 

DATE:       Monday 1^st December 2008

Time:         8pm UK time

How to book your place on the call

 

Just send me an email and I will send you all the details and information you need.

 

maureen@the-breathing-space.com

 

Let’s start creating your BEST RAW Christmas EVER – right now!

 

Maureen