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2012 Book List Recommended by The Women of The Indigo Connection

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Each December, our Indigo Connection women’s networking breakfast program involves a holiday book exchange. Everyone brings a favorite book, wrapped beautifully and a story to tell about why that book was selected. The program allows each participant to not only give her 30 second business introduction, but also share something deeper about who she is and how reading inspires her. Every year this book exchange offers an opportuntity for us to know each other on a whole new level as we share what we love about the authors and the words which touched our hearts.

One thing I know for sure, the women who attend these breakfasts are some of the most intelligent I encounter. They are thirsty for wisdom and open to new thoughts. They choose their books carefully for this event. Some choose fiction, while others choose inspirational or practical business books. It is an honor to share the list as part of my blog each year. If you are looking for a new read or a holiday gift idea, perhaps this list will inspire you to action.

Our 2012 book exchange included:

Yes Energy by Loral Langemeier NOTE: this book came up TWICE!
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The Magic by Rhonda Byrne
The Positive Dog by John Gordon
Beastly by Alex Flinn
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Shack by William P Young
101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health - Various authors
Less – Accomplishing More by Doing Less by Marc Lesser
Gettng in the Gap by Wayne Dyer
No BS Direct Marketing by Dan Kennedy
Live, Learn and Lead by Cavett Robert
Maybe the Moon by Armistead Mopaun
The Last Girls by Lee Smith
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
Be the Miracle by Regina Brett
Medicine Maker by Hank Williamson
The Gift of Change by Marianne Williamson
Local Dollars, Local Sense by Michael Schuman
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Enjoy a good book this holiday season and start thinking about what might make a great exchange book for the next exchange. We’ll do this again on December 11, 2013!

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A Place Filled with LOVE – A Visit to the Cleveland Pregnancy Center

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Betsy Muller, CPC Exec Director Renell Williams and Sonya Weiland

When you first meet Renell Williams, Executive Director of the Cleveland Pregnancy Center, you not only get a bright smile, but also a giant hug. Renell embodies love as she serves in her role of leader, mentor and mom to the women who seek help for their pregnancies through this bright, sparkling facility on Broadview Road in Parma.

The calming sense of peace was apparent as Sonya Weiland and I entered CPC to personally give Renell the donation collected as a result of our Women Who Thrive event on Nov. 14. We were treated to a tour of the facility and stories of how CPC serves pregnant women who need support. We saw the classrooms, nursery, counseling areas and the beautiful store where the mothers can use credits they earn through participation to purchase beautiful equipment, supplies, bedding and clothing for their new arrival. Everything was neat, organized and obviously prepared with loving intention. You can’t help but smile being here.

The suggestion to support CPC for our event came through Indigo Connection member Sonya Weiland who serves on their board. Our members voted to support this choice, although most of us had not been familiar with the organization. We trusted Sonya and our intuition on this.

Spending time with Renell today gave me goose bumps on several occasions. This lady is a master “manifester” and a woman of great faith. This non-profit often does not know where the next dollar is coming from, but continues to serve, trusting that all will be well. Just yesterday CPC managed to manifest new and updated training materials from a sister organization in Warren that would have otherwise been outside of their budget. We also learned that our $2,000 donation would help cover the cost of the mobile ultrasound unit so that operating days could be maintained and more women served. Several women from our Nov. 14 event have stepped forward to offer their services too. Many great things are happening because we pursued this connection.

God often acts on the wishes we throw out through our prayers, actions and words. Renell jokingly mentioned that recently she was out shopping and saw a darling little girl’s bike, which she immediately purchased and brought home. Her husband thought she was kind of crazy, but she defended her impulsive purchase. Certainly she would run into a little girl somewhere along the way who would cherish that bike.

Not long after Renell came home with that bike, she received an important phone call. Renell herself will soon become a mother! The call confirmed that the adoption of two darling sisters, ages 3 and 6 would be moving forward in December. The joy of this big holiday gift was palpable and a delight to share.

Know that prayers are answered and good things happen at the Cleveland Pregnancy Center because the place is filled with love. Learn more at www.clevelandpregnancyhelp.org.

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Taking a Pause for Integrity

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

I woke up today feeling disappointed and very upset as I checked my iPhone for updates. No additional registrations had come in during the night for Wednesday’s EFT class. It was time to pull the plug and cancel. Doing so was admitting failure and also realizing that maybe people don’t even care about energy self-care.

As long as I was facing reality this morning, I decided to step on the bathroom scale. I knew that the number would be up, but when I saw the reading, I recoiled in disgust. I guess there is a very real reason my clothes have been tight. Ouch! Why had I been so careless these past two weeks? With the holidays approaching, is it even possible to imagine that I could burn off those pounds and the 2 extra inches I have gained around my middle? An ugly reality for the author of Winning at Waist Management to admit, but it is the truth.

Pity parties are not my thing, yet here I am feeling embarrassed and out of integrity. Could there be a way to turn this into something to benefit others as I get back on track? Is there a holiday gift wrapped up in this mess?

As I completed my workout on the elliptical trainer this morning in a desperate attempt to change the situation, I thought to myself, “What else would a great coach recommend to turn this situation around?” It was time for a pause, a quiet mind and refreshed focus. As I meditated in my office, the answers were soon flying in.

It occurred to me that I always get great results for my own life and a smaller waistline when I teach what I know. What if I was to begin a series for people to take the waist management journey with me during December when there are so many challenges? Could we all be better off and ahead of our game when 2013 rolls in? Are there other ways I use my talents to help others make the best of this last month of 2012? My calendar said yes. A program could be produced. It could be a series set up as an automatic course with live support and a private FB group too. Would my connections like this? Would they want this sort of a holiday gift?

Here’s the program I have in mind:

1. Begins on Monday Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 28

2. Participants will receive a daily email with a topic and a resource such as a video, article, tracking tool or self-care process.

3. We will cover a variety of issues such as diet, exercise, emotions, beliefs and handling personal challenges. I will pull from my 21+ years as a lifetime member of weight watchers to bring depth to the discussion.

3. On Wednesdays at 4 PM EST (Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26), there will be a live 45 minute call for questions, discussion and checking in.

4. A private FaceBook Group will be established for all members of the program as a forum for sharing ideas, support and resources.

5. The cost for the entire 25 day program is ONLY $9.95 (just 40 cents a day!) for those who enroll between now and Friday Nov. 30. After that, the price increases to $39.95 – which is still less than $1.60 per day. Indigo Connection Premium members are invited to participate FREE!

6. All program enrollees will be entered into a drawing for 4 hours of private EFT or energy makeover coaching with me, which can take place any time in 2013.

7. Satisfaction Guaranteed

If you want to be part of the December 2012 Energy Makeover Waist Management Journey, enroll online at http://dec2012waistmanagement.eventbrite.com/ I look forward to taking this journey with you.

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The Healing Power of Holiday Gratitude Moments

Monday, November 19th, 2012

It is not unusual for me to post on Facebook when something provokes my sense of gratitude. It is a way I pause in appreciation and also remind my friends that even the smallest things count when it comes to being grateful. Imagine my surprise when a comment came in response to one of my posts this weekend accusing me of being self-centered and ignoring the needs of the poor and homeless. OUCH! That was not the kind of response I had expected, yet it happened.

It made me wonder what that might have triggered that individual’s response. Was it more about what was going on in the life of the commenter or was it about me? Should I be less grateful publicly in the future?

After coming off of a week dedicated to hosting a very successful fundraiser for the Cleveland Pregnancy Center, leading groups, speaking and volunteering my time to two different non-profits, I know I am not a self-centered person and as much as that comment hurt my feelings, I can’t allow myself to own that comment. What I can do is continue to reach out through life and business to help others find more bright moments within their lives.

It is quite possible that some of you reading this might encounter “energy vampires” during the days ahead in spite of the festive Thanksgiving theme. What can each of us do to avoid an energy drain or worse – becoming one of those energy suckers ourselves?

Support others as you are able. When you begin to feel depleted, stop! True giving energizes the giver. Take time to take good care of yourself. Pay attention to how you feel as you give of your time, resources and attention.

Be aware that people may be sensitive to your good fortune. Temper your comments with sensitivity to the audience. Be aware that things you say and do may be twisted by their perspective and taken as you did not intend. Apologize for triggering the response, but allow yourself to hold on to the original gratitude moment.

Speak up and ask for the help you need. Holidays are a time when everyone’s to-do lists and stresses get bigger. Speak up sooner rather than later. Whether it is with cleaning, shopping, or doing dishes after that big family gathering, don’t assume everyone can read your mind. ASK!

Receive and acknowledge help from others graciously. Help may not always come in the form you had imagined. Take it anyway and say “thank you”. A hand written note is also a nice way to create a permanent expression of your gratitude.

Start a gratitude journal. Every day as part of my daily writing habit, I take a moment to jot down at least five things I am grateful for. Coaching clients and participants in my creativity groups are also urged to take on this habit. There is evidence that those who take time for daily gratitude are thriving.

According to research summarized by Robert Emmons in his book Thanks! gratitude journal keepers reported:

• Feeling better about their lives overall
• More optimistic about the future
• Fewer health problems than the other participants.
• Improved sleep
• Protective effect against heart attacks

All of the above contribute to optimal health, which is something we all want.

As the frosty mornings and the emerging holiday sales call for our attention, Thanksgiving Day provides a chance to pause and celebrate the good that has come to our lives. Be sensitive to the needs of the world that are yet unmet, and do your part to heal yourself as you give and serve. The world is a better place when we pause to appreciate. Make it a habit!

If you need more help with staying strong this holiday season, I hope you’ll check out my book, Energy Makeover – A Conscious Way to Stay Young, Have Fun and Get More Done! and the Energy Makeover Daily Journal at www.energymakeover4u.com and available on www. Amazon.com. You are also invited to join me for a live event at 7PM on Nov. 28 Practical Energy Self-Care Tips and Holiday Survival Tune-Up. Details at http://eftholidaytips.eventbrite.com/

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Fuchsia Anemone

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

What is that?
Emerging from the greenery
A tiny head lifts to the sky
Opening to share a complex center
Darkness and light merging amidst vibrant petals
Revlon needs this hue!
Delicate, yet bold
Both mystery and miracle
Plucked to share the day
The marvel of your beauty is my blessing

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Golden Grace (a poem written at the Word Lover’s Retreat 11/3/12)

Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Gracie

Ball of fur, accepted as a gift
Heavy breathing and toe nails scramble across the kitchen floor
A simple thought calls this loyal companion
Golden Grace, our language has no words

Steadfast like the dawn of each new day
We travel this road together
Ready to explore
Pausing to discover evidence of what is

What power you humbly offer!
Balance restored simply through your presence
Thump Thump Thump
Your tail beats to the sound of love

Inspired by Gracie, my female golden retreiver, companion and healing partner.

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The Art of Thrills and Expectations

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton once said “High expectations are the key to everything.”

I am in complete agreement. High expectations are thoughts that are punctuated with images, feelings, dreams and ENERGY. Low expectations, on the other hand, are bland, apologetic and bracing for disappointment. Setting expectations is a choice. Have you checked your expectations today?

As an energy coach, a big part of my role working with clients is to help them create bigger and more exciting expectations for themselves. To be authentic in my work, I must constantly push my own expectations to higher places. I have come to love the challenge of that.

I don’t let disappointment invade my state of balance. I am not afraid of disappointment anymore. Fortunately I have energy self-care and EFT tapping to help me move on quickly after things don’t seem to go as planned. Now I believe in thrilling possibilities.

I remember entering a contest back in February 2012 which offered a spa vacation trip for two to Sedona AZ as a prize. As I entered that contest, I imagined myself taking that trip and enjoying it fully. I knew no matter what, that I would go to Sedona, even if I didn’t win that contest, and I allowed the thought of that to grow in my heart. Want to know something really cool? I won the contest and will be flying off with one of my girlfriends to enjoy that prize in a few days.

Where can you play with your expectations a bit in the next few days? One thrill you might enjoy is star-gazing. This week there is a higher likelihood of seeing a shooting star, especially if you are out on a clear night. I imagined myself witnessing the predicted meteor shower while outside on Saturday night, gazing at the clear sky and a beautiful array of sparkling stars. Did I see a single shooting star? NO! Determined not to give up, I showed up for star-gazing again early Monday morning, even though the odds of seeing a meteor were much lower. I kept looking straight up – and NOTHING but stillness. For a brief second, I shifted my gaze to the western horizon, and there it was – a brilliant bright meteor falling across the sky. Not where I had set my expectation, but showing up anyway.

What a thrill! Little things like that make my day and get jotted down on the gratitude list inside my daily journal. In spite of my expectations, the outcome was exceptional. The emotional boost resulted in a very productive day.

What might you expect for yourself today? I hope you set those expectations high.

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Why Me? Attraction, Karma, Fate or Agreement?

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Universal Light Expo in Columbus where I attended two presentations about dealing with life’s challenges. Both speakers talked about times when really bad things happen. Pondering those low times, I wonder, is it because you attracted them with your thoughts, that you have some karmic debt to pay off or is it because you agreed to this for the purpose of a necessary soul lesson? Could it be that it’s some mixture of the three?
I have long believed that as spiritual beings, we are here on earth to accomplish expansion of consciousness. Each person plays a role and to some extent, we chose our assignment. Some say we work with our guides and soul council to chose exactly how it would play out – then wipe it from our memory before we are born.

• How could a loving God allow sexual abuse to a child happen as part of consciousness expansion? Is that Karma?

• How could someone who has practiced healthy choices and habits suddenly succumb to a struggle with cancer? Could that be connected to a thought?

• How could a spouse betray a loving partner through infidelity? Is that part of the pre-birth consciousness agreement?

• How could a man rob and kill and innocent bystander? Is that fate?

In a world of “Why me?” all of us must take a step back to witness the situation as it is. That’s the way to find peace with the existence of pain, illness and the hurt that humans place on others. Pain exists. Pain happens. Pain is part of physical existence. It is from that witness place that you can ask yourself. “Now what”?

Could you choose to______?

• Love anyway
• Accept what happened
• Forgive
• Change
• Take Action
• Surrender
• Tap
• Ask for help
• Pray
• See the bigger picture

I recently had a Soul Detective session with a woman who wanted a better understanding of her intuition so that she might improve it. Our session revealed that she had been carrying the earthbound spirit (a ghost) of a child killed in an accident which had attached to her during her own childhood. The spirit had drained energy and scrambled her intuitive abilities for decades. Releasing the spirit was relatively easy. What remains is the question – why did this happen? Would someone create a spirit attachment in their life plan for soul development? Is the bigger plan about letting this woman appreciate the benefits of amplified intuition later in life? Was there some karmic soul connection between the ghost and the woman than needed to play-out? All of this is fascinating, but in the end, what matters is how the woman moves forward.

The true consciousness job is to transform “what is” to something better. That’s where your thoughts and free will come into play! You can be a co-creator of “what’s next” from the position as the observer of “what is” using your unique gifts and talents. There are clues from “what happened” to help shape your life purpose too.

Watch those thoughts and actions. You are creating destiny!

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Women Who Thrive – Coming Nov. 14

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

Social Networking Expert Andrea Nierenberg to Speak at
Women Who Thrive Event- Nov. 14, 2012
Proceeds benefit the Cleveland Pregnancy Center

Strongsville, Ohio – (October 8, 2012) –Do you remember a simpler time when a women needed only to be concerned about bringing home the bacon, frying it up in a pan, and keeping her family (including her man) happy. Today’s woman continues to do all of the above (except probably eats less bacon), but now adds tweets, shares, comments and likes to her day as social media has become part of the new daily routine. When it comes to juggling work, life, health, friends, finances and promoting a business, are there secrets to keeping it all in balance? YOU BET!

The event will feature a keynote presentation “Networking in a World of Change” by best-selling author Andrea Nierenberg. Called a “networking success story” by The Wall Street Journal, Andrea Nierenberg is founder and president of The Nierenberg Group, best-selling author and world-renowned business authority. With a stellar 25 years as a leader in sales and marketing, Andrea is an in-demand business expert both at home and abroad. Her company partners with an array of the world’s leading businesses, including Citigroup, Time Inc., TIAA-CREF, The Food Network, Omnicom, Coach, Deutsche Bank, Tiffany and Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Betsy Muller, along with the women of the Indigo Connection will host “Women Who Thrive – Striking Balance in Health, Wealth and Happiness,” which she warmly describes as “a women’s expo filled with resources, workshops, inspiration, ideas and connections.” She invites all women to grab a few girlfriends, coworkers and clients and block off the morning of November 14 as a business and personal commitment.

“Women Who Thrive” is set for Wednesday November 14 from 8:00 – 11:45 am at the Middleburg Heights Community Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cleveland Pregnancy Center www.clevelandpregnancyhelp.org . Discounted advanced registration is $15 for Indigo Connection members and $20 for non members. After November 2, tickets will be $49.

Muller, Indigo Connection’s founder, says the event will be “a day of inspiration and connection.” Attendees will share an entire morning with successful women who appreciate the juggling act a balanced life requires. Muller says there will be ample opportunities for business and personal networking, as well as a breakfast provided by Whole Foods and Caribou Coffee, the opportunity to shop with our vendors, and a chance to attend three (3) workshops with area experts on topics such as fitness, feng shui, shopping for your next car, financial planning, gluten free nutrition, choosing supplements and “green cleaning” for your home.

Special thanks goes to our generous sponsors: Merrill Lynch, Stephanie Dawn, Whole Foods, Carabou Coffee, COSE – Council of Smaller Enterprises and Business Depot.

Middleburg Heights Community Center is at 16000 Bagley Rd. in Middleburg Heights. To register online, go to http://womenwhothrivenov14.eventbrite.com. For information on sponsor and vendor opportunities, call 440-238-4731.

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The Creativity Comfort Zone

Thursday, September 20th, 2012

Have you ever dared to step way outside of your comfort zone? I did just that this week, and I am glad I did.

My friend Joan Barris was hosting a 2 day watercolor painting workshop in one of my favorite places, Lakeside on Lake Erie. I went, not so much for the painting, but for a chance to savor this most gorgeous time of the year with my friends Dianna and Ann. Maybe I would learn something too.

I have never watercolor painted before, except if you include those little paint boxes we used in elementary school. I was so completely clue-less. I never even thought to ask Joan if I needed to bring anything for the class. Imagine my surprise when I learned that I was supposed to have brought paints, watercolor paper, brushes, paint mixing tray, a pencil, paper towels and a big cup to hold my water. Fortunately, Joan scrambled into her cupboard and found me what I needed, including some old brushes, tubes of paint, a mixing tray and paper too.

When I arrived at class, everyone looked like they knew what to do. They all had fancy supplies lined up at their tables and about 4 times as many colors as I had in my make-shift box. I thought to myself, “What have I gotten into?” Joan seated me between two ladies she considered to be capable artists and asked them to keep an eye on me. Maybe she was afraid I would spill something?

Our instructor, Bob Moyer, an accomplished artist in his eighties, had us all gather around his painting station to show us our first assignment. We traced a fall barn scene from a sketch Bob had made. Bob began by demonstrating how to create a painted sky. From there, he blended the colors of fall foliage and sent us back to our seats to begin. I felt woefully unprepared, but picked up the brush anyway and got started. Right away there was yet another set-back. My brush had a hair loss problem. As I painted, there were hairs everywhere. Dang! I persevered anyway figuring I could dust these off the paper after the paint dried.

My first watercolor painting

Bob came around the room to give tips and help people like me. As he drew close to my table, I braced for criticism. It never came. Bob actually came in with compliments and suggested that I had lied about not having painted before. He called me Susie the entire day, so I was never quite sure if he was being serious. I just kept painting.
At the end of day one, I had created a respectable painting of a fall scene, feeling good enough as a beginner to post a photo of me with my painting on Facebook. A sushi dinner with my friends, followed by fabulous chocolate made it a great day.

Day two began as I walked the dog along the lakefront beholding a glorious sunrise. I immediately found myself making a mental note about how I would watercolor that sky! Yes, I had already learned something that changed my way of thinking forever.

I was excited about day 2 of the class because I knew we would be painting flowers in a vase. I love flowers – so much more inspiring than some old barn! Bob immediately dazzled us by demonstrating how to create the look of a clear vase by using colors and blending light. We were supposed to paint the silk flowers in a vase at the front of the room but one woman kept standing in front of the flowers and blocking my view. I decided to surrender and painted a bouquet I liked better from flowers stored in my memory. That was liberating. I guess that was when I realized I wasn’t a beginner anymore.

My second painting - flowers I liked better than the ones in the room

Comfort zones are meant to be broken and when comfort returns it means you have grown. I’m already planning to return to this painting workshop which will be held the same time in 2013. Maybe you’ll want to sit next to me.

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