As a personal coach for women, I often have clients arrive in my office when they are ready for change. Usually the impetus for change comes from frustration with a relationship, job situation or health challenge.

As humans, we often look outside of ourselves for answers. We think if we can just get our partners to act or think a particular way, we will be happier. If we can only land the ideal job, then everything will come together, including our finances. Or if things weren’t so difficult in our lives, we would feel better.

If I have learned anything about positive change, it is that it comes from within.

In the words of Leo Tolstoy, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

When you are truly ready for your life experiences to be different, start by taking a look at yourself first.

However, for most of us, looking in the “mirror” leads to self-judgment rather than self-empowerment. And here is where it gets tricky! You will never (and I really believe this) make sustainable, positive changes in your life from a place of self-judgment.

Sure, you might go to the gym more often if every time you look in the mirror, you can’t stand what you see. But, this is a slippery slope. Tying your self-worth to being an ideal weight can lead to guilt and self-sabotage. If you want to be more fit and healthy, love yourself just as you are enough to give your body the exercise it needs.

And instead of struggling to get another person to be different, ask yourself : what can I change in myself first? Often the very thing we want from other people is the key to our own happiness when we do it ourselves.

If you are craving understanding from your partner, take some time to look inside and see how you can be more understanding of yourself. Likewise, how can you be more understanding of your partner?

I invite you to consider all the areas of your life that are challenging for you right now. Notice how you might be trying to forcibly change an outside person or situation. As an experiement, consider what you might shift within yourself first. I promise that you will have surprisingly positive results!

No Comments »

I often work with women entrepreneurs who identify closely with their businesses. They want their business to match their values, represent the best aspects of themselves and positively impact others. Some people call this “Soul-Centered Business”.

Recently, I took a wonderful workshop with a small one-woman company called Good Karma Marketing, Small Actions Create Big Results! Besides developing a marketing plan that really works to serve my clients (rather than sell to them), I also was able to refine my USP (unique selling proposition). This is the central message that allows your clients to know who you are and what is special about what you offer.

I wrote a short blog about clarifying your USP for Mamapreneurs, Inc., if you are a business owner, you are going to want to read it!

Are you curious about my USP?

It is simply: I know and believe in women and inspire them to know and trust themselves.

Clarity is my central message. When my clients have clarity they feel empowered to take action, they know what choices to make, are more intentional and aligned with purpose. They trust themselves, so that no matter what they are working with: business development, relationship challenges, health habits, life transitions…they know what steps to take.

No Comments »

As the mama of a toddler and a teenager, I have experienced the challenges and joys of parenting at “difficult” ages. Yes, toddlers are expressive little beings and teens are interested in exploring independence, but with respect and communication, you can maintain a deep connection.

My article in the Tranquil Parent this week is an interview with two mamas who are passionate about spreading the message: Don’t believe the hype! The teen years can be wonderful and magical. Avert a connection crisis – start now to build a trusting relationship with your preteen/teen. Give it a read!

No Comments »

No Comments »

I was inspired and excited by all the comments on my Mindfully Mothering blog from other mamas yesterday about their simple yet nourishing Self Nurture practices!

While reading them, I noticed that many of the acts: drinking a cup of tea, listening to music, window shopping, reading, soaking in the tub…are ones that many of us do regularly. And yet it was the intention and presence these mamas gave to the actions that made them truly Self Nurturing!

My Self Nurture practice today was to create time to connect with people who are important to me. You know how busy life can be…As a working mama, I often get caught up in getting things done and lose track of making time just to connect.

So today I called Sweet boy’s Step-Mama to chat about his upcoming Prom, hear all about his tux fitting and just catch up. I am blessed to have a great relationship with her and Sweet boy is blessed to have two mamas who love him so much!

After our conversation, I sat down and wrote Sweet boy a little card, sharing how proud I am of him and how excited I am for him about his Prom. I wish I could be there to see him shining in his stylish Tux. Then I let myself feel how much I miss him and looked at some photos of him when he was a little guy.

Over the past few years as Sweet boy and I having been living apart, I have missed him every minute of every day.  But I don’t often let myself just have the time to sit and experience my feelings of sadness and longing.

So today, I am just missing my Sweet boy and that is the most nurturing gift I can give myself.

How are you caring for yourself tenderly today?

No Comments »

No Comments »

I know that you, like me, are choosing to be more conscious in your language, especially in your relationships. But don’t you have those moments when words just slip out? Whether from frustration, distraction or anger, we all use words we wish we didn’t.

What about the words always and never? These two small words pack a powerful punch. My Tranquil Parent article this week is all about the potency of always and never and some good reasons to rethink using them!

No Comments »