Archive for the ‘holiday’ Category

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What’s Love Got to Do With It?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Do you remember the lyrics to the popular Tina Turner song, What’s Love Got to Do With It? How dare she refer to love as a “second-hand emotion”!

As Valentine’s Day approaches, there is plenty of talk about love out there. How are the words about love falling on your ears? I found myself thinking of a friend who suddenly became a widow last month and wonder what it must be like having her first Valentine’s Day without him. Will friends reach out to her? Will she take steps to get out into the world to let us hug her and help her heal? Today also reminds me that this week can be rough for the singles who are not currently in relationships while the rest of the world seems to be paired up in bliss. Love or the lack of love has EVERYTHING to do with how they might be feeling.

How can each of us fill that empty love space and brighten a bleak February day? The only way to do that is to find the love in our lives right now. This need not be romantic love, but simply something that you thoroughly enjoy having in your life. This need not be expensive, elaborate or even material. The key to the delight is realizing you LOVE and appreciate something.

As I reflected on my own experience of love in today’s life experience, the following list surfaced in my journal:
• A soft chair in the sunroom
• A husband who does laundry
• Bird feeders filled with seed
• Blueberries in February
• Healthy houseplants
• Fresh cup of bold coffee
• Exercise before breakfast
• Evidence of bulbs sprouting outside my window
• Pure drinking water

I could probably go on and on with this list, but you get the idea. When you make this kind of list, it is a love-filled expression of gratitude sending positive energy out into the world around you. Having spent time reflecting on what you love, you become aligned with love.

What do you think you receive and experience when aligned with love? The answer is MORE to LOVE.

Are you a skeptic about this? Try making this kind of list daily for 10 days and let me know what happens. If you need help finding the love in your life right now, I’d be happy to help you. The love is there and your mission is to find it.

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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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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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Truly Honoring and Celebrating Relationships with Connection and Balance

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Valentine’s Day comes each year as a reminder to honor the love in our lives. While it can be about candy, flowers and cards for some people, it is a day that helps the world pay attention to relationships. That’s a good reason to be a fan of February 14.

If you are celebrating love, consider extending that celebration to everyone who has offered kindness, friendship, business, referrals, compassion or company to your life. Certainly your spouse or partner deserves a big portion of your attention and consideration on this day. Your children, parents, co-workers, friends, employees and relatives might also like to know you truly care about them too.

Ask yourself how you performed as a loving and caring person during the past year. Is there a relationship you have allowed to go dormant? Is there a friend you haven’t seen in awhile or a relationship that needs reconnection? Is there something you could say, appreciate or ask for that might add a spark to an existing relationship? There is always room to up your game when it comes to being a loving person.

Recently I was feeling a bit unappreciated in my marriage. My husband works long hours and has been nearly killing himself over work during the past months. Because I love him, I really care about his well-being, especially his lack of life balance, and try to make things at home as easy as possible for him. I go out of my way to initiate conversation, take care most of our household details, and give him space to relax when he finally isn’t working. I was also realizing that our relationship was in need of re-balancing. I was feeling hurt that I was killing myself with chores, my book launch, speaking schedule and handling a pet health crisis without ever hearing him ask me what I was struggling with or what I was working on. That felt really bad. I finally let it all out one night over dinner. He probably felt attacked, but he owned what I was saying. By asking him for more, he was more than happy to respond.

Imagine my surprise and delight when my husband started asking me about what I was working on and showed up at one of my local evening speaking events. I felt especially loved and supported by those gestures. Things between us have been much more evenly balanced and happy these days.

I hope you will take my story to heart and allow it to inspire you to ask for what you need in a relationship, especially if you are feeling like you are mostly the giver. It takes both giving and receiving, initiating and following, to make love connect and flow. Perhaps there is a relationship that needs attention in your world. Consider a Valentine call, greeting or conversation as a way to reconnect. Have a little fun with this. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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The Joy of Reading, Giving and Receiving Books

Friday, December 16th, 2011

One of the qualities attributed to a life of success is a voracious appetite for learning. Books are a great way to keep the mind open and learning flowing no matter where life takes you. Reading can be a joyful escape from reality too. If you are like me, it can often be a challenge to find time to engage in the luxury of reading for pure pleasure, but once I find a great story, there isn’t much that can pull me away.

This year was particularly challenging because I wrote a book too! I’ve learned that there’s far more than just writing involved with being an author. Each day is a new discovery when it comes to being both a reader and a writer.

If you have voracious readers as friends, consider yourself lucky. Books clubs are a wonderful way to keep your reading habit strong and to discover new material you might have otherwise missed. Ask your friends what they are reading or trade books when you meet for coffee or lunch. Books are a great topic to help you deepen your relationships and connections. As you meet people this holiday season, make sure to ask what they are reading and if they have any favorite books from the year just passed.

As I look back on 2012 and think about the books that have had the greatest impact on my life as a reader, I recommend the following that you might consider as gifts for yourself or others:

Confessions of an Entrepreneur by Penny Dixon
The Hidden Power of Past Lives by Sandra Ann Taylor
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue
You Can Create and Exceptional Life by Cheryl Richardson and Louise Hay
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Backwards: Returning to Our Source for Answers by Nanci Danison

Below I have listed the books exchanged during The Indigo Connection’s Holiday gathering on Dec. 14 2011, along with the name of the person who recommended and gave the book. I hope you are inspired to snuggle up with a book during the next few months.

Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People by S. Truett Cathy given by Sonya Weiland

Energy Makeover by Betsy Muller and an Angel Journal given by Betsy Muller

Beyond Delicious Cookbook by Ghost Whisperer Mary Anne Winkoski given by Karen Poltrone

Squirrel Seeks Chipmonk by David Sedaris given by Ellen Tudron

Coaching Journal by Anthony Robbins given by Ann South

A Guide to Rational Living by Albert Elas/Robert Harper given by Lisa Ackim

The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent by Ester and Jerry Hicks given by Cara Gallagher

Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson given by Carrie Weise

These are a Few of my Favorite Things by Tony Burton given by Pat Kugli

Tea Chings: The Tea and Herb Companion by Rubin/Gold given by Betsy Jack

Cherished – 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost by Barbara Abercrombe given by Vicki Melega

Send You Home by Jodi Picoulet given by Jan Lewis

Ten Spiritual Principles of Successful Women by Victoria Lowe given by Gloria Zabala

The Witch of Portabello by Paulo Coelho given by Kate Guidish

Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett given by Susie Wodarczyk

Signs Along the Path by Jonathan Davis and Holly Matson given by Holly Matson

Meditations to Heal Your Life by Louise Hay given by Jean Mraz

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My Gift to You – Energy Makeover Book Club Call Recordings

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

It was great having so many of the first readers participating on the Energy Makeover Book Club Calls this week. I really do appreciate your questions and feedback. Since our topics were good ones and many weren’t able to particpate for the live calls, I am placing the audio links here so you can enjoy listening at your convenience.

Recording for the Nov. 28 Call – Topic: Holiday Tips for your Energy Makeover

Recording for the Dec. 1 Call – Topic: Using a Journal to Monitor Your Energy Makeover

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Betsy Demonstrates a Great Tip for the Holidays (video too)

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

In this short video I explain and demonstrate the Zip-UP Technique, mentioned in Chapter 4 of Energy Makeover. It is something we can do every day to strengthen our shield for dealing with difficult people, crowds and energy drains.

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Going Deep Into Gratitude

Friday, November 18th, 2011

It’s that time of year when being thankful, grateful and appreciative is at “top of mind” as the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches. We all know that we should be grateful and have probably heard far too many people (including me) urge you to keep gratitude journal so that you might keep gratitude at the top of your awareness. It really works, and if you are not fully immersing yourself in at least being curious about gratitude, you may well be missing one of the easiest ways to lift your emotional state and make a solid soul connection with another human ever known to mankind.

Today I want to remind you of a very powerful tool that combines gratitude with connection. This tool requires taking time to sit down and write a thank you note, by hand, to someone you appreciate. This is one of the Practice Time exercises I recommend in my book Energy Makeover on page 70. It may seem like a small thing, but I know that doing this offers the potential to deeply enrich a relationship.

I remember writing such a note to my father shortly after I attended a speech given by my friend Lisa Ryan earlier this year. I was pretty sure Dad already knew how much I loved and respected him, but when that letter arrived, my Dad called me to tell me that the letter brought tears to his eyes. I never imagined that!

After readers started making their way through the first few chapters of my book, I received a beautiful hand written letter from my dear friend and loyal retreat participant Judy. Judy wrote to me because of page 70. I felt tears well up too!

Yesterday I received this lovely email from Susan Mitchell, a reader and friend from my Jazzercise class.

“I was reading the chapter where you say to write a note “do it now” to anymore that means a great deal to you. So I quickly wrote a card to a nurse here at CCF that is very intuitive (she actually called me that very morning to reach out and connect because she could feel I needed someone to talk to which she never did in the past) She called me down to her area grabbed my hands and prayed over me. The next day she received my card in the mail and CRIED. What a connection we have. So I have been blessed with angels around me.”

Those tears that the recipient experiences are a sign that the heart has been touched. You have connected in a very special way on the soul level through a gesture of deep appreciation. The bond will be permanent and profound. Trust me on this.

I urge everyone reading this to bare their soul and tell someone how significant they are and how much you appreciate them. Even if you think they already know what you will write, write it anyway. You risk nothing and may just gain a profound soul connection.

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Insulating Your Energy for the Up-Coming Holidays

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Do you know what the top 3 energy drains are?

If you knew, would you make different choices?

As we head into the upcoming holiday season and our dark, winter here in NE Ohio, we think about shielding ourselves from the cold, energy inefficiency and drafts. We insulate our homes, change our filters, order furnace maintenance and begin shopping and housekeeping for the busy season ahead. Are you scheduling self-care into this agenda to make sure that YOU are shielded and energetically insulated for this very busy time of the year? If you care about sustainable human energy, consider the following.

• Limit time with people who drain you. Think about how you can say no or limit your exposure to them.

• Ask for help, even before you need it. Could someone help you clean, shop, cook, rake or entertain guests? It’s more fun when you don’t go it alone.

• Shift your attention to things that are positive. Remember what Thanksgiving is all about. Say “thanks” often. Little things are always going well in your life. Make a point to notice a kind gesture, that your car starts, the heat works, you have warm place to sleep and food in your pantry. You have comfort!

• Offer your talents to the world. Could you help someone who is having a rough time? Is there a way you could bring a smile to someone else and do it with EASE? Speak up and act. You are the gift someone is waiting for!

In my book the top 3 energy drains are:

1. Energy Vampires
2. Trying to Control incontrollable things
3. Isolation/Disconnection

Learn more about what I mean and also 3 ways you can most rapidly recover your energy by listening to this short audio of From Sensitive to Reliably Resilient – an Energy Makeover Overview

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