creative4life

Hidden in Plain Sight

2011-09-26T19:15:00.001-04:00

Boundaries and Bridges: Your Interactions with Others

As we move into this new subtopic in our search for "Audacious Self-Care" this year, I want to explore our interactions with a rather ethereal other...the creative Muse.

O.K., I think I know what you're saying....

"'Sounds like fun...you go first, Susan!"

Well, it is a little unusual, so I'll excuse your sarcasm. :-)

And I will go first.

Hidden in Plain Sight

I was five years old when I got my first glimpse of her. She was walking past the classroom, just as I’d finished making my first collage. At that age, I didn’t even know what a Muse was. But the thrill of making a piece of art that I loved was unmistakable.

As an adult, I tried my hand at writing children’s fiction. At first, my Muse and I were bubbling over with enthusiasm.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/kemie

When the reality of being a writer settled in, I tried to offset this by striving. That was the absolute worst thing to do! My Muse wanted nothing to do with that writing environment, so I began seeing her less and less.

One day, my Muse stopped by with wise advice. She said, “Let writing go. If it’s meant to be part of your life, it will return.” I knew she was right; I had nearly ruined my health from the stress.

Later, my Muse and I developed a class on journal writing. We had found journal writing to be our easiest way to communicate with each other and strengthen our friendship, so the class was a natural for us to design.

Not long after that, I took training to become a Life Coach. Growing my practice in partnership with my Muse has been a delightful creative challenge!

The four photos below are the facets and moods of my Muse.

photo (c) iStock/Alina Solovyova-Vincent

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/ChristopherBernard

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/kate_sept2004

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/THEPALMER

My Muse may seem like a silent, invisible partner to anyone else. But for me, she has been an inspiring friend…a true catalyst for my creativity.

Now it's your turn! Please click the "Comments" button below
and let us know about your relationship with your Muse.
Thanks,
Susan

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration

Attention Local Folks ~ I hope to see you at these events!

"You Can Heal Yourself from Cancer"

Saturday Morning, October 8, 2011

Presented by McCormick Chiropractic, Pottstown, PA

Come and hear some very down-to-earth speakers talking about prevention and cures!

For details, please see www.mcccormickchiropractic.com

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Boyertown Area School District Continuing Education

Two Personal Enrichment Classes by Yours Truly

Starting on October 17 and 20

For details, please see www.boyertownasd.org

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"Inner Light Spiritual Holistic Expo"

Weekend of November 12 and 13 in Pottstown, PA

Presented by Inner Light Holistic Center, Gilbertsville, PA

For details, please see www.INNERLIGHTHC.com

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**All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.**

**Active Member of the TriCounty Community Network at

www.tcnetwork.org **

Stewardship of Ideas in Your Environment

2011-06-26T23:12:00.028-04:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Creativeye 99

"True wisdom is the integration of knowledge." ~Lise Janelle, Coach

I love this quote! I love to learn from big ideas and worthwhile knowledge, and then synthesize them into wisdom that I can share with others and use to improve my own life.

For my last post on environments, I'd like to talk about our environment of ideas. Ideas like to hitch-hike from one mind to the next, then the next...you get the drift.

While they're traveling, ideas usually change in some way, big or small, at each hop from mind to mind...and they leave their mark on each mind they hop from.

So, what kind of ideas are we allowing into our environment? Not only do they leave their mark, but ideas take up thinking space in our minds! Let's keep the space available for uplifting ideas; let's not waste the space on negative, destructive ideas that drag us down.

Remember, ideas wilt, grow, or mutate as they hop from mind to mind. When you encounter an idea that you see as positive and useful, give it a safe place to grow, and allow others that you trust to help you tend it. And don't forget to give the same care to your own ideas!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Andrei Nicholaevich Rybachuk

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Special Event Announcement for Local Women....

"Ladies' Night Out...A Time to Indulge"

Friday, August 19, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Created and Hosted by McCormick Chiropractic

92 Kemp Road, Pottstown, PA 19465

Wine Tasting ** Manicures ** Chocolate Fondue Fountain ** Hors d'oeuvres

Mini Tutorials on Make-Up, Image, Fashion, & Accessorizing!

:-) I'll be there to offer Reiki and Coaching :-)

$10 Registration Deadline is August 11! Call McCormick's at 610-705-0201 ASAP.

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**All of Susan's posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.**

**Active member of the TriCounty Community Network at http://www.tcnetwork.org/**
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Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Warchi
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Personal Leadership: Your Strongest Foundation

2011-06-03T13:55:00.015-04:00

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde

Starting in July, the Audacious Self-Care Community will be moving on to our next subtopic for the year, which will be "Boundaries and Bridges: Interacting with Others," and Leadership will be an important part of that segment.

So today, while we're still discussing our personal environments and how they affect us, I want to discuss Personal Leadership, which will be the foundation for leading others in the future.

Like the blue fish in the photo above, you may be starting to see untested leadership qualities in yourself. The fish is just at the point when he suspects that he is willing and able to be more than a couch potato (or "reef potato," in this case).

This is the humble beginning of "Blue's" future as a leader. He needs to have the courage to swim the other way for a long time before the other fish even think of following him. Some say it's lonely at the top. There's one thing for sure...it's lonely on the way to the top!

So, what is a fish (or a human) to do? Well, this is where Personal Leadership comes into the picture. Take a quick assessment of how well you lead yourself.

Do you have a role model, or even a mentor, who is not only a leader of others, but who has his or her own act together? Develop the characteristics in yourself that you'll be expecting in your followers.

A Few Examples...how are your:

~Communication Skills?

~Character Traits?

~Organizational Skills?

~Time Management Skills?

~Personal Finance Management Skills?

~...And of course your Audacious Self-Care Skills?

Just take it one block at a time, like the guy in the photo below. Over time, you'll be amazed at the changes you were able to make! And no matter how you end up using your leadership skills in the future, you'll always value the personal leadership skills you're building upon now.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Henrik Jonsson

"If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's

plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." -Jim Rohn

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Silense

'Any comments, experiences, or questions?

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. Please join us for these global, complimentary activities via telephone!

Are there any projects you've been putting off in your office, home, or studio?

Call into my teleconference line at 7:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday, June 21st, and we'll tackle our projects together (well, sort of...).

No registration is necessary. We all call in at the tops of the hours 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm

Eastern for brief check-in calls about what we we're each declaring as our project of the hour, and/or an update on the previous hour's success!

Between calls, when we're actually doing the projects, you'll feel more focused and accountable, knowing that you'll be reporting back to us!

Here's the number to call: 712-432-3973, PIN Code 7280202

I'm hosting at no charge, and there's no extra charge for using the teleconferencing service. Your only expense will be from your regular long-distance carrier. Questions? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.

We'd love to have you on the calls!

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Do you have a burning question? Call my COACHING HOT LINE on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, between 7:00 and 9:00 pm Eastern for a complimentary 20-minute coaching session! Call: 610-385-3766.

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

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***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network at www.tcnetwork.org. ***

You and Your Environment as Partners

2011-05-10T13:43:00.039-04:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Kemal Bas

Twenty years ago, clutter in my home and office was still a sizable impediment and irritation for me. Our son, Dave, stilled lived here with us at the time. Whenever Dave would see me trying to clean up, he would quip, "Who's coming to visit?" I'm sad to say that it was often a valid question! Ugh. It pulls my energy down just to think about it.

Fortunately, since then I've learned to work with my environment instead of against it. In this holistic world of ours, our personal environments have an inter-developmental relationship. The task of decluttering our home and office spaces feels very daunting at first. I like to begin with the exposed surfaces that I use the most. This gives me a lift both emotionally and practically.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Luis Pedrosa

So, once you've established momentum with this cycle, you climb "mountains"! Be ruthless about things in your environment that you have psychologically outgrown. Donate, recycle, up-cycle, or otherwise dispose of the things in your environment that are not serving your current best interest!

If you have trouble parting with things that you know you need to get out of your environment, here's a tip to try. You'll need a friend or family member to help you, because the trick is to not to touch the items!

Ask the other person to hold up each item so you can decide, hands free, whether you really want to keep the item. Make sure they take all the "no" items with them for proper distribution when they leave. You don't want to take the chance of regressing, which can be very tempting, so ask someone to get it out of your sphere right away!

My Dream House

A mansion with six bedrooms and filled with antiques? No thanks. Actually, I don't have to find my dream house...I just need to finish uncovering it! Michelangelo said that, to make the statue "David," he chipped away all the stone that was not part of "David," and there he was inside! I don't think I could sculpt a statue that way, but I can find my Dream House that way! I'm steadily removing all that does not reflect my husband and I as we are now.

We both run home-based businesses, so right now it's still a bit crowded in our modest home. We also have a little dog, toys and books for our grandson, and several hobbies! All of these are important to us and will definitely stay. But when I finish chipping away everything that is out of place in my Dream House, we'll have plenty of space and great Feng Shui, right here where we've been living for over 30 years!

Best of luck with your masterpiece,

Susan

Click on the comment button below to let us know how it's going. Questions are also welcome!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

P. S. to those on my snail mail list: I'm discontinuing my paper newsletter, and I'll be communicating mainly on this blog from now on. Many thanks to those of you who, over the years, have told me that it has made a difference for you! May creative4life be useful and inspiring to you as we continue with 2011: The Year of Audacious Self-Care!

***Active Member of the TriCounty Community Network at http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

And a P.S. for all readers: contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 if you'd like a tour guide for the adventure of Creative Living!

Reminder! Global Teleconference Event Tomorrow, May 3, 2011!

2011-05-02T17:53:00.017-04:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Jeff Irving

Global Spring Cleaning Party via Teleconference Line!

Autumn Cleaning Party for Folks in the Southern Hemispere!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm Eastern

Cleaning by yourself isn't much fun! Call in at the top of each hour (7, 8, and 9) to support others and be supported.

During our breif calls, we'll declare to each other what we'll be working on for the coming hour and what we accomplished in the previous hour.

I'm not charging to host this event and no RSVP is required. Your only expense is whatever your long-distance carrier normally charges you for calls to the 712 Area Code in the US. The teleconference service itself is complimnetary.

Here's the number to call:

712-432-3973, PIN Code 7280202

Questions? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com, 610-385-3766, or by using the comment button below.

We'd love to have you on the calls!

Thanks,

Susan

Check These Out!

2011-04-25T15:44:00.005-04:00

Hey Guys and Gals,

Please see the new comments from my hubby and me for the 3/29/11 post. It's a good example of how having people you resonate with in your immediate environment is beneficial!

Thanks,
Susan

Time Frustrations

2011-04-19T11:00:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Please be sure to check out the comments on the 11/22/10 post about parameters and other time-planning issues! What are your issues and solutions around this topic? Curious minds would like to know! :-)

Thanks,
Susan

Carol P, The Environment Maven!

2011-04-13T19:57:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone, Please be sure to check out the comment from Carol P, a response to my 3/29/11 post. Carol had a major environmental challenge at work that she single-handedly overcame! 'Very inspiring! Thanks, Susan

Personal Alignment: The Journey to Authenticity

2011-03-29T16:49:00.077-04:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Daniel Halvorson

The old saying is true...you can't compare apples to oranges. Especially if the oranges hide under the cloaks of apples!

So, as we wrap up our first quarter of Audacious Self-Care, let's take a look at authenticity as our final topic about "The Possible You." Many folks think of showing authenticity as a very risky way to live [as do some oranges, apparently :-) ].

The perceived risk is usually a fear of not being accepted as we are...leaving us feeling vulnerable. But the bigger risk is continuing to hide behind a mask (or an apple skin!) This type of recluse is likely to feel scattered and lonely. After all, how can you develop meaningful relationships when it's difficult to know yourself, let alone letting others get to know you!

The solution sounds simple, but it may take some time change old habits. Here's what we need to do:

Personal Alignment

We are aligned when our thoughts, feelings, values, speech, and actions match.

I like to think that that's why the cookie man below is smiling!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Alasdair Thomson

Before we start our new Audacious Self-Care topic for April, May, and June, I want to share a quote to close out our topic about "The Possible You." It's from a book by David Heller called, "Children on Happiness."

"The secret of happiness is kindness...not just toward other people but being kind to yourself too." ~~Michael Y., at the age of 10

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2011: The Year Audacious Self-Care with Coach Susan

For April, May, and June, our topic is...

Take a Look Around: Your Personal Environment

Photo (c) iStockphotos.com/PeskyMonkey

It took me many years to see that decluttering and organizing in my home and office are actually a form of self-care! The condition of our personal environments affects us in ways that I knew nothing about 20 years ago.

The time and energy it takes to develop better habits in this area are welcome exchanges for the the time and energy it costs us to even be in a messy environment, let alone trying to function in one! The Feng Shui experts are really onto something. Your personal energy is affected by the energy of the space you're in.

Please comment on your experiences with various spaces and their quality, size, color, mood, level of organization, and other characteristics that affect you!

This is the interactive part of The Audacious Self-Care Community! :-)

Please respond now while you are here. Most folks have a lot on their plates and will forget to respond if they put it off.

And speaking of interactions, have you ever thought of the people around as part of your environment? Their moods and energy levels can affect you negatively or positively. Don't get caught up in the negativity that others may be bringing to the space. Be careful about who you spend time with.

If you can't escape an obnoxious co-worker, for example, do what you can to limit contact. You may also want to sit down and have a frank conversation with him or her. They may not realize how negatively they're coming across. Let them know in the most civilized way you can that you will no longer be one of their targets.

Also, do whatever you can to avoid picking up the negative energy of other people. My husband is rarely affected by negative energy. His secret? "I just put up my s*#t shield!" he says. It's a great bit of imagery...in part because of the lightness and humor it brings to your own energy! Humor solves many problems!

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Here's a quick review of what we'll be talking about over the course of The Year of Audacious Self-Care:

First Quarter: "The Possible You"

Second Quarter: "Take a Look Around: Your Personal Environment"

Third Quarter: "Boundaries and Bridges:Your Interactions with Others"

Fourth Quarter: "Audacious Self-Care through Contribution and Stewardship"

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As you can see already, each section builds upon the ones before it, and there will be some overlap. I love this picture below because it represents the interconnections of the topics...after all, we do live in a holistic world!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Andrew Johnson

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Reminders from my last post....

Upcoming Spring Events, Both LOCAL and GLOBAL!

LOCAL EVENTS

The Healthy Lifestyles EXPO

Friday, April 15, 2011, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Montco West Campus in Pottstown, PA

This event is complimentary, thanks to several sponsors from the community!

'Hope to see you there...stop by my table to say "Hi"!

For more information, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

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Stress-Less Evening Friday, April 29, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Douglassville, PA

This is one of my most popular events...at a recession-friendly fee of $25 per person, prepaid, for two hours of pure pampering!

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. I'll need your check by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

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GLOBAL EVENTS

The fee will be waived on an exploratory coaching session for each of the first three people who contact me by Wednesday, May 13, 2011 to set up an appointment! The actual appointment day can be as late as Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. You may be invited, but never pressured, to continue with more sessions at my regular, recession-friendly fees.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Warchi

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Global Spring Cleaning Party Via TeleConference Line

May 3, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm Eastern

We'll be checking in at the top of each hour, 7, 8, and 9, for a few minutes to declare what we're working on how we did in the previous hour. And we celebrate all victories!

Expert Karen Kingston says that Americans are THE worst clutters in the world! She says we put it everywhere...in sheds, basements, attics, closets, garages, spare rooms, and on and on! So I hope that readers from all over world will call into our party and support us here in the US!

And for those of you who live in the southern hemisphere, there is never really a bad time to get rid of things that are clogging up the energy in our homes, studios, and offices. I hope you'll join us!

I'm not charging to host this event (after all it is a party!) Your only expense is whatever your long-distance carrier charges you to place the three short calls to the US. The teleconference service itself is complimentary. Here's the number to call: 712-432-3973, PIN Code 7280202.

No RSVP is required. If you have questions before the party , you can contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. (Hint: If I've totally confused you, look back on my post from March 8, where I've explained it a little differently.) I hope you can make it! This is the only kind of party where I can clean my home during the party instead of before it! :-)

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.***

***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network in South Eastern PA,

http://www.tcnetwork.org/ ***

Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Fear

2011-03-08T15:48:00.044-05:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/alle12

What a motley crew: Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Fear. While they look very different from the outside, they're all wearing the same neon green long johns underneath! Fear is the leader of this trio of impostors.

When we try something that's outside of our comfort zone, Fear sends Perfectionism and Procrastination out first to force us to stay stuck while Fear hides in the shadows. Fear has been around for a very long time. Fear is desperate to protect us against everything from saber-toothed tigers to jay-walking in Manhattan.

This Fear character can't discern between the first day in court for a new lawyer and his prehistoric counterpart who is hiding from a woolly mammoth! So, fear is working incognito, pushing Perfectionism and Procrastination right in your path.

Fear hopes that we won't even have a clue about the reason for our difficulties. And we end up blaming ourselves!

Let's look at Perfectionism. First it will con us into thinking that perfection is a worthy, even honorable goal. But how can that be true when it keeps us barely crawling toward our goals? (Not to mention that perfection is impossible to attain!)

Procrastination, on the other hand, makes us feel bad about ourselves, and we start looking for ways to "fix" that. And taking time for fixing slows us down even more! Ugh!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Joe Potato Photo

Let's get to the bottom of the Fear. Let's dust it off and take a closer look. Is this Fear from limiting beliefs from the past? A past experience that we don't want to risk repeating? A worst-case scenario that we don't want to manifest? What are the odds for this scary scenario actually happening? How would you cope if it did?

Pick a situation in your own life and apply the questions above to it. Please put your answers in the comments section! Your responses will deepen the meaning of the questions for all of us (including you!) Please answer now, while it's fresh in your mind. In other words, don't procrastinate! :-)

Making mistakes is our only bridge to competency, and of course there is no bridge to Perfection at all. And even if there were, no one would ever make it to the other side, due to Fear and Procrastination!

All my best,

Susan

Upcoming Spring Events, Both Local and Global

Local:

The Boyertown Area Community Wellness Fair is on Saturday, March 26!

Contact me for more information at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

The Healthy Lifestyles EXPO will be in Pottstown, PA, on Friday, April 15.

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

Both local events mentioned above will be complimentary, and I'll have a table at each!

The Stress-Less Evening will take place on Friday evening, April 29, to wrap up our three months of "The Possible You"!

One of my most popular events...at a recession-friendly fee of $25 prepaid for two hours of pure pampering! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. I'll need your check by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Global:

A complimentary coaching session by phone is available for the first three people who contact me to set up a time by Friday, April 8, 2011! Appointment dates for the actual coaching call will close out after Tuesday, May 10, 2011.
Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

The Complimentary Dig-In Day via Teleconference Line will be on Tuesday, May 3. This will be the Kick-Off Event for our Second-Quarter Topic for our Year of Audacious Self-Care: "Take a Look Around: Your Immediate Environment." We will be improving our home, office, or studio environments. Here's how:

*We all call in at a specified time.*

*We each declare specifically what we will do in the coming hour to improve our immediate environments.*

*We hang up and do it!*

*We call in again, report our progress, offer support, and declare our task for the next hour.*

*During the last call, we report our progress again, address concerns, and celebrate!*

Again, the Dig-In Date Is May 3. Here is the call schedule:

7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm Eastern

Save the Date! In my next post I'll be supplying the phone number and PIN Code.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network, based in Pottstown, PA;

http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Joe Potato Photo

The Possible You: Life-Long Learning

2011-02-17T21:10:00.042-05:00

Life-Long Learning: A Valuable Investment in Yourself!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/William Britten

Many of us are very stingy with ourselves when it comes to life-long learning. There are several reasons for this:

~We have financial constraints.

~We have time constraints.

~We don't feel worthy, or are afraid of failure.

~We fear it will obligate us to then go to work in that field, or at least use what we learned somehow.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Janne Ahvo

~ We think we're too old or too young.

For this last one, I remember a great story mentioned by Julia Cameron in one of her books on creativity. It goes something like this: One friend says to another, " I'd love to learn to play the piano!" Friend #2 says, "That's great! Have you signed up for lessons yet?" Friend #1 says, "Oh, no, of course not! I'm too old to learn to play the piano. It could take years to get really good at it!" Friend #2 says, "Well, you'll be 70 in 5 years, right?" Friend #1 agrees. Friend #2 says,"And how old will you be in five years if you don't learn to play the piano?"

Coach, author, and speaker Cheryl Richardson, knows that most people are too hard on themselves about learning something new unless they have clear plans for how they'll put the new skills to work. In one of her workshops, she said the best advice she could give them in that moment was for everyone to give themselves permission to try anything new that they wanted, regardless of whether they would they would use it again or not.

Often, our intuition is what's nudging us toward a new experience well before we know why. I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity like that!

But what about the time problem? Take a look at what's on your plate right now. Is there anything you've been doing out of habit that perhaps has perhaps worn out its welcome? That's one place to look for extra time.

Take a look at what activities you could delegate or just pain dump! Does that sound a little audacious? Good! Try making a Not-to-Do List and see what you can get off your plate.

And there are lots of ways to get around the financial restraints. Don't forget about libraries, book swaps, used book stores, and sites you trust on the Internet! And of course, I hope you'll start with this site and join in on some of the complimentary and low-cost things we have going on in the Audacious Self-Care Community!

Please leave a comment, question, suggestion, or success story in the comments section of creative4life! I want our community (both local and global!) to be as interactive and inter-developmental as possible.

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. The next global event aside from the blog are the 8 complimentary hours of Hot- Line Coaching by me, on Wednesday, March 16, from noon to 8:00 pm Eastern! Just call at the top of one of these hours for a session of approximately 30 minutes. (First to call, first to be served at the top of each hour.)

Your only responsibility is to pay any long-distance charges from your phone service provider. So, if you're on an unlimited long-distance plan that includes Pennsylvania...even better! The Hot-Line Number is 610-385-3766. This type of exploratory session is a $35 value!

P.P.S. The next local event is Audacious Self-Care presented as a 4-week class that I'll be teaching for the Boyertown Continuing Education Program. There will be four 1-hour classes on Monday nights, starting March 14, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. For details, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. It's reasonably priced and definitely fun!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Proud and active member of the TriCounty Community Network at

http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/William Britten

Goal Setting for Audacious Self-Care

2011-01-24T14:58:00.031-05:00

~Complimentary Coaching Hot Line on Thursday, February 10!~

See details at the end of this post.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/PeskyMonkey

Greetings, readers! If you haven't read about the Audacious Self-Care Community yet, please read my post from last week! This is a year-long opportunity to get and give support around how to take the best possible care of our selves, especially during the recession.

O.K., last week I promised I'd write more about goals. In my November post (You might want to check that one out, too.), I wrote about a popular goal-setting method called SMART Goals. The idea is to use this acronym to remember these elements of a great goal. Is your goal Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound?

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Marek Uliasz

I've used this SMART method for several years, and it has been very useful for me. My only problem has been with the last descriptor, Time Bound, especially when too many elements of the goal were out of my control.

If the "control factor" drops below about 75%, though, I feel that I'm making an uninformed decision. Then if I don't reach the quotas in my plan, I feel demoralized. I need to remember that I 'm stepping on the toes of my silent partner, Intuition. If the decision is that difficult for me, then I'm probably not the one to make it.

So, for goals where I have limited control or information, I use what I call STAR Goals:

S for Significant

Design a goal for your Audacious Self-Care that gets you out of your comfort zone. That may be a little scary, but that's O.K. You'll be moving forward, which is much more rewarding than spinning your wheels with a goal that requires only "busy work." Busy work comes from fear. It makes you feel productive while avoiding the real change you want to make.

T for Teamwork

Create an inter-developmental relationship with a partner or group. The interplay of your ideas will help you both stay motivated and to maintain flexible thinking. This is true whether you're working on the same goals or different ones. A little cross-pollination may be just what you need!

A for Accountability

Find at least one person who is willing to hold you accountable for completing what you've said you would do. If you're feeling a lot of internal resistance, you may need to check in with this person several times a day. Create a scoreboard for yourself if that helps.

R for Realistic

Design your goal so that it feels like a bit of a stretch (remember: no "busy work"). If you're feeling some excitement and some fear at the same time, that's a good sign that your goal is realistic. When you're planning, take into consideration your current responsibilities and leave room for the unexpected. Feeling overwhelmed is not only stressful but actually detrimental. Pushing through overwhelm is not a "badge of honor." Remember, this is Audacious Self-Care! Respect your limits and don't let your STAR burn out.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Diana Walters

I was inspired to develop STAR Goals after I heard Master Coach Dave Buck say that for the big plans he's working on now, he doesn't know when they will be complete. He's just going to keep at it until he gets the numbers he wants, even if it takes a few years!

If your goal doesn't inspire you to keep going without a specific end date, maybe you need to find a goal that you're more passionate about.

Comments and Questions, Please!

As you create your Audacious Self-Care Goals for "The Possible You," please let us know how the experience went for you. What goal-setting method did you use? What questions do you have? What advice do you have for us from your experience? What emotions do you feel when you think about your goals?

Remember, being a member of the Audacious Self-Care Community has no strings. You don't have to share your email address with me. There will be many complimentary activities to participate in. You don't have to participate in the reasonably-priced activities unless you are comfortable doing so.

I believe that being in the community will ease the sting of the recession for those who participate. I can't abide with the idea that when people need help the most is also when they can least afford it. Let's work together to pull ourselves out of that cycle!

Thank you,

Susan

P.S. I'm hosting a complimentary Coaching Hot Line on Thursday, February 10, 2011, from Noon to 8:00 pm Eastern! Just call at the top of one of these hours for a session of approximately 30 minutes. (First to call, first to be served at the top of each hour.)

Your only responsibility is to pay any long-distance charges from you phone provider. No prior registration is required. Just pick the top of the hour that works for you and call the Hot Line Number, 610-385-3766. This type of exploratory session is a $35 value!

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P.P.S. This Saturday, February 5, 2011, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm Eastern, join us for a peaceful journey around the labyrinth while listening to soothing live music! This opportunity is available in Pottstown, PA, for a small donation. Complimentary Reiki will also be available! Call me for more information at 610-385-3766 or email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com. This is a great chance to practice Audacious Self-Care!

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***All of Susan's posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Proud, active member of the TriCounty Community Network at http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

~~~~~~~~~~

2011: The Year of Audacious Self-Care!

2011-01-14T16:55:00.027-05:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Ann Marie Kurtz

Welcome!

I'm hosting a year-long program of Audacious Self-Care to build a community that will soften the blow of the recession somewhat for all of us. It really bothers me that now, when folks are looking for ways to rise above the recession and have to great lives anyway, many of them can't afford assistance with their goals!

I don't want us living "lives of quiet desperation," as Henry David Thoreau put it. I like this quote by Thoreau much better:

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

I know we can all do this despite the recession! Even if you've suffered losses because of the recession, I believe in your power to overcome them and "Live the life you have imagined."

I developed the Audacious Self-Care program so that you can participate in many no-cost and/or reasonably-priced activities. It's this simple: if you want in, you're in! The program itself has no enrollment fee, and you are not obligated to participate in any part of it that has a fee if you're not comfortable with that.

I discussed the Audacious Self-Care program in my 11/22/10 post, along with some goal-setting tips. I encourage you to take a look at that post, too. And later this month, I'll be posting more about goal setting and how to pick the best goal-setting system for you.

Audacious Self-Care is a theme that I'm very passionate about, and I believe it's the perfect one to focus on during the recession! We'll be covering four topics, one for each quarter of the year, keeping in mind that self-care is world-care, and world-care is self-care!

1) The Possible You

2) Take a Look Around: Your Immediate Environment

3) Boundaries and Bridges: Your Interactions with Others

4) Audacious Contribution and Stewardship

Please note: I am not harvesting emails through this program, and there is no official sign-up. Just jump in wherever and whenever you want!

I would love to hear from you in the comments section of this blog! I know we can help each other by reporting our success stories, asking questions, giving advice, and making observations right here on the blog.

The Audacious Self-Care Community needs your input! I know it will be worth your time to support and be supported and inspired by this community.

I'd like to call upon my five blog followers to step up and get the conversation started. Many thanks to spiritcoach, denagrad, decory, Hazel Dugz, and pf_black44!

For blog followers and non-followers alike, please share your thoughts with us about our current topic, The Possible You. Here's some food for thought: Close your eyes and imagine the best possible you. Describe the scene, including sounds, sights, who is with you, what you're doing, and how you're feeling.

At what level of belief are you that you are actually heading there? 50%? 85%? (If it's zero, don't worry. We'll help you bump it up!) What evidence is currently in your life or in your personal history to support your belief? And finally, what will your self-care need to look like in order to support the possible you?

Most of us have a desire to make the world a kinder and gentler place, and that starts with being kinder and gentler to ourselves! As Daniel Pink, the author of Drive, says:

"...the secret to high performance and satisfaction in today's world is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world."

If you would like a more personal venue, I also encourage occasional brief email exchanges (scleaver@dejazzd.com) at no cost and with no strings. You can even send snail-mail if you wish! :-) The address is Susan Cleaver, P.O. Box 586, Douglassville, PA 19518-1121.

Speaking of snail-mail, I publish a quarterly, two-page newsletter that is complimentary. (If you live outside of the domestic US, I may ask you to help with the postage, though!) Just let me know if you'd like to receive it and where you'd like it to be sent.

The Audacious Self-Care Community is going to be a great inter-developmental source of fun and support, even if I do say so myself. ('See? I'm already a bit audacious!)

All my best,

Susan

P.S. to local folks: I'll be teaching an accelerated, reasonably-priced version of Audacious Self-Care for the Boyertown Area School District's Continuing Education Program. We'll meet for one hour on each of the four topics.

We'll cover one each week for four Mondays, starting on March 14. Contact me (scleaver@dejazzd.com) or the District for details.

***One more thing: Please spread the word about The Audacious Self-Care Community! The more people we have involved, the more wisdom we'll have to share and the more folks we can help. Thank you!***

***All of Susan's posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Proud, active member of the TriCounty Community Network, http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

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Please Join Us for the Resolution Revolution!

2010-11-22T11:26:00.024-05:00

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Marek Uliasz

A Call to Action: Prepare Now for Your 2011 Goals...

And Help Others Do the Same

"Isolation is the dream killer," says career coach Barbara Sher. So I propose we work together on our resolutions for the New Year! You don't have to sign up for anything, and you needn't spend any money for it. It's just this simple: if you want to join us, you're in!

Just watch this blog and/or my snail-mail newsletter from now until the end of 2011. My other readers and I would love to assist you with your problems and questions, and to cheer for your victories!

You can join in the conversation by commenting on the blog, calling me (610-385-3766), or by email at scleaver@dejazzd.com. I'm not harvesting contact information here...you can even send in your comments or questions by snail mail with no return address if you wish! (Susan Cleaver, P.O. Box 586, Douglassville, PA 19518-0586).

This is a stand-alone, complimentary program that does not require attendance at any fee-based programs that I may offer on the topic.

Many of you are familiar with SMART goals, I'm sure, and if we add a few more elements to this system, it becomes even more effective. I call it WAPP:

~Work with a group for encouragement, accountability, and fun!

~Always state your goals in terms of what you do want, not what you don't want.

~Prepare your goals ahead of time so you can work out any wrinkles in your plan.

~Put your goals in writing.

Now let's take a look at the SMART goal process:

My goal: 2011 will be a year of Audacious Self-Care for 200 or more people who will take successful action related to what I'll be writing and speaking about throughout the year. These people will notify me about their successful action so I can keep track of how close I am to my goal.

******

What's your Audacious Self-Care Goal?

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How is my goal SPECIFIC?

~I will share my Audacious Self-Care Message at five or more events that I will lead or participate in .

~I'll write 25 or more posts on this blog that will help others with their Audacious Self-Care.

~I'll write 12 or more articles in my newletters this year on the topic of Audacious Self-Care.

~I intend to have a record of 200 or more anecdotes from readers, clients, and participants that explain the Audacious Self-Care actions they took and how they helped.

******

How is your goal SPECIFIC?

******

How is my goal MEASURABLE?

~The articles and posts mentioned above will each be 50 words or longer.

~The minimums mentioned for the posts, articles, and anecdotes in the section above will provide clear ways to measure my progress as well as the achievement of my goal.

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How is your goal MEASURABLE?

******

How is my goal ATTAINABLE?

~My goal is doable with a bit of a stretch. A little stretching is good!

~Putting numbers to most of the sub-goals was not to difficult, because I had past performance to guide me.

~The tricky one was the one where I'm intending 200 or more reports back from folks. I have not made a request like this before, and the goal requires actions that are out of my direct control. Like Scarlotte O'Hara said, "I'm counting on the kindness of strangers [and friends.]"

******

How is your goal ATTAINABLE?

******

How is my goal RELEVANT?

~This goal supports the personal growth and happiness of the those I'll be able to reach with it (including me).

~This goal supports my values, and I'm excited about getting started. Now that's AUDACIOUS!

******

How is your goal RELEVANT?

******

How is my goal TIME-BOUND?

~The actions and results will take place during the Year 2011.

******

How is your goal TIME-BOUND?

******

"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom."

~~Victor Frankl

Let's help each other choose the powerful responses to our resolutions in 2011!

Thank you,

Susan

***Gift certificates are available for Coaching and/or Reiki. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or call 610-385-3766.***

***All of Susan's posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network, where we're "partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions" in our area. www.TCNetwork.org ***

A Public Service Announcement and My Two Cents

2010-10-04T14:25:00.018-04:00

Photo (c)iStockphoto/Rebecca Grabill

Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun! (R)

A six-week parent training program designed by the Love and Logic (R) Institute, Inc.

Designed for parents of children who are between the ages of 0 & 6.

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?

Would you like to have more fun parenting?

Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?

This program will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 am on the following Wednesdays:

October 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17

The classes and childcare are free!

Location: Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte St, Pottstown, PA

Family Services, 610-326-1610 (x233)

********************************************************************

If you don't live in this area, watch for the program in your area if you're in the USA! This is "America's Most Practical and Entertaining Parent Training."

*********************************************************************

Now for My Two Cents About Our Relationships with Young Children....

In last week's post, I wrote about interdevelopmental relationships between adult friends. Today I want to discuss the interdevelopmental relationship between an adult and a young child.

We put a lot of energy into helping children develop into happy, healthy adults. But sometimes we forget how they tune up our development as adults. Here's a brief list of ways they do that:

~Young children give us an excuse to play. During our busy days, play gets shoved to the bottom of the list. But play is extremely important for adults, too.

~They are quick to forgive; what great role models they are!

~Young children are spontaneous, a way of being that also gets the short straw in many adults' lives.

~They speak their minds! Add a dash of tact, and you have a great recipe for stress reduction in adults.

~Young children reawaken in us the creativity that was schooled out of us. What a blessing!

Spontaneously yours,

Susan

**Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a discounted exploratory coaching session on parenting or just about any other topic! Sessions can be done by phone or in person. No strings attached.**

**The "My Two Cents" portion of this post is the copyright of Susan Cleaver.**

**Active member of the TriCounty Community Network, where we're

"partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions" in our area. www.tcnetwork.org**

The Power of Interdevelopmental Relationships

2010-09-30T09:17:00.031-04:00

Photo (c)iStockphoto.com/VickyLeon

I'm excited to share this post with you because:

~It's a great chance to introduce you to another Featured Artist, Tina Marie, and her work.

~Along with the email below, it's an outstanding chance to share with you the power and joy of interdevelopmental relationships.

~I'm showing off this unsolicited testimonial from Tina Marie and our valued friendship! :-)

We've been coaching each other since the 1970's, even though we didn't call it that. We just clicked so well that we instinctively provided each other with nurturing and wisdom that we didn't even know we were capable of!

My Recent and Treasured Email from Tina Marie

Coach,

You'll be proud of me, I hope.

I published my first co-authored book, and the proof is on its way to me. I already have enough advance orders to make a 200% profit on my investment! https://www.createspace.com/3486640

I created a website for my new business. It is just in draft format now, though it is out there: http://mysite.verizon.net/res113jik/. I found two distributors for my music and just need to add PayPal links before promoting the site!

I am working with my Godson, Eric, to create music also, and play music for events. Here's the draft of our website: http://mysite.verizon.net/res113jik/spiritualalchemy/.

The Wonderment Journey continues, and the Best is Yet to Come...

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

********************

So, can you see how our relationship is interdevelopmental? There is no way that I could have made this happen for Tina Marie, no matter how powerful my coaching may be.

I dropped seeds of inspiration in some very fertile soil here. I shared my intuitions with her. I mirrored to her how she looks from my eyes. I encouraged her. And she has done the same for me on many occasions.

Tina Marie knew that she had to tackle these projects in her own way and time, just as we all do. And she's in the Divine Flow of things, as you can see! That's because she doesn't strive, resist, or try to '"push" the river. She waits for the intuitive clicks to whisper to her about the right actions at the right times...for the right reasons!

When you check out her sites, you'll see that Tina Marie is skilled in many areas, and that she creates the quiet and stillness she needs in order to hear the "still, small voice" of her intuition.

She has always been an amazing woman, and this past year in particular, she has gone well beyond amazing...and in ways that many, many people and animals on this planet will benefit from. And I am definitely one of those fortunate people!

Maybe you have some amazing friends like Tina Marie. If so, please leave a comment and let us know about them!

If you are looking for amazing friends who are suited just for you, here are the "secret sauce" ingredients:

~List the qualities you'd like to have in those friends. (Caution: Qualities only; don't focus in on particular individuals.)

~Develop these qualities in yourself.

~Go to where people with these qualities hang out and interact with them. The rest will take care of itself. You'll love it!

All my best,

Susan

P.S. 'Want some support carrying out these ideas? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a discounted Exploratory Coaching Session with me by phone or in person!

P.P.S. Many thanks to my blog followers, SPIRITCOACH & DENAGRAD! I appreciate your interest!

~~~~~~~~

And one more thing...I'm an active member of the TriCounty Community Network, where we are...."Partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions" in our area. Check us out at http://www.tcnetwork.org/!

For someone with my interests and passions, TCN is a great environment in which to make a difference AND to enjoy the company of great friends who are up to amazing things!

~~~~~~~~

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

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Connection: The Passion of Artist Jean Richard Esther

2010-08-26T13:07:00.017-04:00

Above is a photo that was taken while I was interviewing Jean Richard Esther, my Featured Artist for this blog post. I first met Jean at a local Farmers Market. Yes, you read that right...a Farmers Market, of all places! (www.boyertownpa.org/farmersmarket)
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The market hosted several children's activities, and Jean was there on behalf of Building a Better Boyertown (http://www.boyertownpa.org/). Jean was drawing amazing caricatures of the children.
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His three business partners (http://www.artcorner.net/) were also there, taking photos and helping children with craft projects inside a custom-remodeled school bus called the ART Mobile! (http://www.studiobbb.org/). The ART mobile is also a project of Building a Better Boyertown (http://www.boyertownpa.org/) and their artists' venue, Studio B (http://www.studiobbb.org/).
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Jean is a gifted teacher of art classes for kids and adults at Studio B and on board the ART Mobile. He also does commissioned portraits, and he explores almost every kind of art you can imagine!
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Meanwhile, Back at the Farmers Market....
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I took my grandson aboard the ART Mobile to make crafts, and then to Jean, who was sitting just outside the bus. Jean and I chatted while he drew my grandson's caricature...and for a long time after he was done. We soon learned that we have a lot of common interests and the same enthusiasm for art and for life! So, that's how Jean came to be my Featured Artist for this post.

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Connection and the "Wireless Web"

The common thread that ran through Jean's answers to my questions can be summed up in one word: connection. Connection to others through art is Jean's passion. He loves to see his students' eyes light up when he helps them see the world in a whole new way...a way that enables them to translate it into art.

During the interview, I asked Jean about the spiritual aspect of his work that I was sensing. Again, the word connection came up...connection with his students and connection with his Higher Self or the Universal Mind. Jean calls this the "Wireless Web." What a great term for it!

Connection and Contribution

Also on a spiritual note, Jean uses art and his talent as vehicles for making his contributions to the world. Again, it was about connection...connection with others through art, and the connection of his students to themselves and their passions. The world needs more passionate people!
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Don't forget to check out the sites I mentioned above. Interviewing Jean Esther was an absolute joy!

All my best,

Susan

P.S. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to schedule an initial coaching session by phone or in person at a reduced price. Your initial Reiki session is also at a reduced price!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Active Member of the TriCounty Community Network at http://www.tcnetwork.org/.

"Partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions." ***

What's Your Commitment Level When Working with a Helping Professional?

2010-07-28T19:47:00.016-04:00

There are lots of us out there...Helping Professionals such as coaches, tutors, counselors, therapists, consultants, and mentors, just to name a few. Assuming the professional knows her stuff, is ethical, and is capable of building a rapport with you, how can you predict the results of working with her?

The Rest Depends on You

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1) Am I a life-long learner?

2) Am I willing to reach more than half way (and out of my comfort zone) to co-create the change that the professional and I are working toward?

3) Will I be tempted to quit at the first unrelated but unexpected impingement on my time or money, such as a costly car repair?

4) Worse yet, will I use this impingement as a ready excuse to quit?

5) Will I respect the boundaries and time of the professional while still asking clearly for the assistance I need ?

6) Am I willing to accept help, constructive observations, and, last but not least, hearing about what I do well without reflexively deflecting the compliment?

The Bottom Line

A Helping Professional can commit with you but not for you. What priority are you putting on the change you want to make?

All my best,

Susan

P.S. Is it time for you to get moving toward what you want? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a discounted intro coaching session by phone or in person!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Active member of the TriCounty Commumity Network. "Partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions." See http://www.tcnetwork.info/. ***

Meditative Journaling

2010-06-28T13:52:00.012-04:00

Dedicated to Our Wonderful Participants at the June Women's Retreat...

At a weekend retreat I co-facilitated a few weeks ago, we experimented with doing some very unstructured journaling immediately after the meditative experience of completing an 11-circuit finger labyrinth. I'd like to share my results with you, followed by some more meditative activities that can enhance your journaling.

Upon completion of the labyrinth, my mind presented me with an image of a piece of loosely woven cloth. I drew the image, and these are the words that followed, unedited:

I am a weaver of life's threads...even the ones that some may think are too short to save. Every piece contributes to the holistic life. A glint of gold here, a splash of silver there. Quiet colors, lively textures...whispers and nubs. Thick pieces and thin pieces, inviting us to touch its amazing geography. Life's bumps and windy spots. So windy, we can't always see too far ahead. But we don't need to. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other...follow your nose. And trust.

You'll be surprised at what's rumbling around in your mind! In addition to using labyrinths, other activities to try just before journaling are:
~exercise
~sleep
~Reiki
~bathing
~relax in nature
~sitting meditation
~receive a massage

Experiment with these, and please let my readers and me know what you experience!

My best to you,
Susan

P.S. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a discounted introductory session of Coaching or Reiki! Coaching can be done by phone or in person.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local collaborative for the betterment of health, social, and environmental factors.***

Stress-Reducing Ideas You May Not Have Thought About

2010-05-24T16:12:00.012-04:00

~Dedicated to my May "Stress-Less Evening" Participants~

...May the Calm Be with You!

1. Make sure your goals align with your values.

2. Declutter. You'll be amazed at how much stress it was causing you!

3. Trust. Author Dr. Susan Jeffers says, "Trust the grand design."

4. Be of service. Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

5. Be a life-long learner.

6. Learn to be mindful in the moment while keeping the big picture in view.

7. Be proactive. It's the polar opposite of procrastination, and it feels great!

8. Be part of a community.

9. Were you taught that "little white lies" were no big deal? I'd rethink that. As nationally-known coach and author Cheryl Richardson says, "Learn to speak the truth with grace and love."

10. Be sure you have clear personal boundaries in place about what you're willing to do, and what you consider to be acceptable behavior toward you from others.

11. Embrace simplicity.

12. Be selective about the amount and the type of information you allow into your head. Consider joining the growing number of us that rarely watch TV, especially the news!

Serenely yours,

Susan

P.S. Email me for more info on a discounted introductory coaching session by phone or in person. Discounted introductory pricing is also available for your first Reiki treatment!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local organization at www.tcnetwork.info.***

Escape from the Need to Escape

2010-04-19T16:33:00.023-04:00

"...set up a life you don't need to escape from." ~~ Seth Godin, business and leadership author

This is one of my favorite lines from Godin's book, Tribes. The quote resonates with me because I've noticed how often the word "escape" comes up in our everyday reading, conversation, and the advertising we see and hear.

Have you noticed it, too? It seems to be everywhere:

~"Escape from it all with our special getaway vacation packages!"

~"Buy this book for summer escape reading!"

~"These new styles of exotic prints create a getaway in your mind!"

Now, please understand, I'm not advocating a spartan or puritanical existence for any of us. I'm all for vacations, retreats, breaks, and variety in our lives. In fact, I believe they are essential to our health, happiness, and success.

Please ask yourself this question: "Am I running toward something, or away from something?" Your answer will clarify where your motivation is coming from.

This theme dovetails naturally with that of my last post, which was about positive habits. When you give yourself credit for the daily habits you have put in place to move you toward your goals and into your vision, you can live joyfully in the moment.

If you're living happily in the moment of a well-designed life, you'll find that you aren't constantly daydreaming about escaping from the "grind," because you're not experiencing a "grind" to begin with! As I mentioned in my last post, "...you are living a life of grace and style that will make you proud to be who you are!"

If you're still working toward living this way, you've probably noticed people who already are. They generally have tons of enthusiasm and positive energy. They love their work (even if it's volunteer work). And they smile a lot!

I used to meet these people and wonder, "How do they do it??" In the last six years, though, I've been cutting myself a path to the same joyful, playful lifestyle. Now I'm smiling a lot!

Here are seven questions to ask yourself:

~Am I taking great care of myself, physically and emotionally?

~Do I have strong personal boundaries in place? Am I gently but firmly enforcing them with others?

~Am I asking for help when I need it?

~Does my personal environment at home, work, and play serve me or work against me? (Hint: Clear the clutter! I understand...you don't think you have time. I don't feel like I have the time, either. But try it; you'll love the results of having organized spaces to rest, work, and play in. Take it from a recovering clutter bug!)

~What about brain clutter? Well, you probably have some...in the form of negative beliefs that don't serve you anymore. Dump 'em!

~Do I fear change? Again, it's likely that you do, because it's built into our DNA as a protective mechanism. But it often works overtime and to our disadvantage. (Hint: It's usually disguised as feelings of resistance!)

As you can see, while a lack of money or time can be challenging, they don't have to compel you to escape your own daily life! Why wait? I'm a very busy person, and I'm not rolling in money. But I'm happy!

My advice to you: find or make a reason to smile today, right here and now!

My request of you: please leave a comment for my readers and me about how this turns out!

"...today, well lived, makes every yesterday

A dream of happiness,

And tomorrow, a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to This Day."

~"Look to This Day!" from the Unitarian-Universalist Hymnal

Thank you and bless you,

Susan

P.S. 'Need help with making this happen? I offer you an introductory coaching session by phone or in person. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 to set up an appointment. The fee is nominal, and there's no further obligation. Just show up on time, ready to start. High pressure is simply not my style!

P.P.S. This blog has an alter-ego! It's my snail-mail newsletter than comes out every two months, called "Susan...Unplugged." Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 to sign up with your regular mailing address. The newsletter is complimentary in the U.S. If you live outside of the U.S., I may ask for some help with the postage. [Unless, of course, you're a monthly international client! :-) ]

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the Tri-County Community Network, a local human services organization at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

Positive Habits as Building Blocks to Success

2010-03-26T16:32:00.014-04:00

Daily living does not have to be the hum-drum, mundane, "same c#*p, different day" routine that many people see it as. If you play your cards right, day-in and day-out living can have something much deeper going on beneath appearances.

Rather than being something to "get through" while we're waiting for the "good stuff" (weekends, vacations, big achievements, celebrations, etc.), daily living can be the birthplace and incubator for our most exciting, joy-filled experiences!

Ask yourself, "What habits do I employ daily that contribute to my overall happiness and produce great results over time?" Maybe you feel like you are taking two steps forward and one back, over and over again. If so, great! Believe it or not, this is how most things get done! Author David Allen says, "The value of a future goal is the present action it fosters."
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The "one step back" is part of the human experience. As long as you have more forward steps than backward ones, consider that to be progress! And speaking of steps, we're all trying to put our best foot forward, which is fine. Just don't be misled by stories of "overnight success"! More likely, the person invested several thousand nights (or days) in his well-designed habits.

Instead of comparing yourself to others when you don't have all the details of their journeys, look to nature as a role model. The beautiful works of nature's art are the results of steps that are so small, it takes time-lapse photography to show them! Each tiny change builds on another.

Daily life is anything but mundane. In fact, if you operate out of a sacred trust that your daily unsung efforts are making a difference, you are living a life of grace and style that will make you proud to be who you are!

To your success,

Susan

P.S. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up your introductory coaching session with me for a reduced fee. Sessions are available by phone, email, or in person. You're under no obligation to continue beyond this session; no pressure!

P.P.S. to Locals: Complimentary Wellness Day in Boyertown, PA, on April 10! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details. Stop by my table and say hi!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member and Education Committee Chair for the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services non-profit organization at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

From Recession to Renaissance

2010-02-15T14:57:00.016-05:00

When something starts to unravel, as our economy has in the past two years, its future can look pretty bleak. But I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

There's a natural law at work here that I learned from author Julia Cameron. That is, when something or someone becomes unraveled, they eventually end up reintegrating at a higher level than ever!

Leadership expert Seth Godin talks about this in his book, "Tribes." He speaks of changes that are taking place in our culture that will lead us into what I like to call a modern Renaissance.

Master Coach Dave Buck calls it the "Inspiration Economy," where personal fulfillment trumps fancy titles and earning, earning, earning to the point of burn-out. In the economy that has just crumbled, many folks got caught up in trying to earn way more than they needed so they could buy more "stuff" for their external environments in order to fill their echoing internal voids.

Granted, there are people with high incomes who love their work and maintain balance in their lives. The cultural changes that are happening now will be an easier shift for them. They may even make good mentors for the rest of us!

Several current thought leaders are predicting a shift in how folks spend their disposable income. The trend is expected to be moving away from spending it on material things and more toward investing it in themselves. They may pursue life-long learning, hire a coach to assist them in reaching a meaningful goal, develop a latent talent, etc.

According to several experts, "old school" corporate middle management is going to have to dangle something more than 14 "carats" of gold in front of folks to keep up employee retention. Workers are putting a higher value on the other factors that contribute to a high quality of life.

I'm delighted with the prospect of this new mindset rippling through our culture! For over 50 years, I have not fit into the flow of the old way of doing things....

"S.C. Phone Home"

I've felt a bit like E.T., with at least some curiosity about my "home planet" because this sure didn't seem be it! :-) When this modern Renaissance takes hold, I may still want to "phone home" occasionally. However, the emerging cultural mindset will be much more friendly to people like me who want to live balanced, creative lives.

Can you relate? Our time has come!

Excitedly yours,

Susan

P.S. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a "First Step Forward" coaching session by phone or in person...at a reduced rate! Then we can decide together if you would benefit from setting out on the coaching journey.

P.P.S. to Locals...Attend my complimentary workshop in Pottstown, PA, on March 16! Topic: "Think Better, Thank More, Feel Great!" Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services non-profit organization, at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

Don't Let Worry Push Your Buttons

2009-12-28T16:56:00.017-05:00

Here are some tips...

~Be proactive about being prepared well in advance for events, etc. Just this one change has done wonders in reducing my stress level and taking worry off my plate. Make it a way of life!

~Trust yourself. Make a reasonably informed decision...then move on.

~Bodywork such as massage and Reiki, and the gentle movements of Tai Chi and yoga help to relieve anxiety and stress.

~Give challenging issues your attention when you're feeling fresh and rested. If they start to distract you at other times, write them down and put them aside until you're feeling your best.

~Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." I practice this, and it absolutely works! Instead of worrying about something as it is, I become the change I want to see.

~Be very selective about the kinds of media that you let into your psyche. Unless your job requires it, you don't need to be overloaded and stressed by all the bad news that's hyped up on TV, radio, and the Internet!

~Buddy up with a friend who is willing to be your sounding board in exchange for the same favor from you. Speaking your worries out loud to another person helps you keep them in perspective. It forces you to get clear enough about the issue to relay it to another.

~Journaling is another great way to clarify your thoughts and feelings about an issue.

~Look for the hidden "benefit" behind your worry. A small worry can distract you from a bigger challenge that perhaps you could make a difference on. But you feel a little unsure about it, so your subconscious mind grabs any small worry it can find as a substitute.

~Don't "feed" your worries. Like sea gulls, they will come to you in multitudes if they see you as a friendly host. Like attracts like...the Law of Attraction applies to sea gulls and worries, too. :-)

~Once you've done all you can, write down your worries and put them through the shredder! This is a great ritual for releasing worries.

~This next ritual is even more fun! Write your worries on a piece of toilet paper and flush 'em!
Happy New Year!
Susan
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P.S. I offer discount pricing for your introductory coaching session by phone or in person. Give it a try...maybe we can become partners in making your plans for 2010 unsinkable! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for an appointment.
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***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services organization at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Twelve Tips for Designing and Using Affirmations

2009-11-21T12:49:00.014-05:00

Here we go....

1. Affirmations need to be clear and to the point, so make sure the goals that the affirmations are growing out of are crystal clear and specific.

2. Now that you have clarity around your goals, check to see that the goals are a good fit for you before designing affirmations around them.

3. Look at your goals again. Who do you need to be in order to reach that goal? If your goals require you to become more outgoing, that would be a good place to start developing affirmations. Examples might be: "I enjoy getting to know new people in my life," and "I have a lot of value to offer the people I'm meeting."

4. As you design your affirmations, keep in mind what you personally need to hear to make it easier to reach your goals. The affirmations that your friend is successfully using may not resonate for you at all.

5. Don't share your goals and affirmations with negative people as they are developing. Their remarks may stall your progress or halt it altogether. Protect these seeds of your future accomplishments.

6. Always create your affirmations in the present tense. Don't start with, "Someday I will...." Your subconscious mind will always see those in the future, so you'll find them difficult to manifest.

7. Always state your affirmations in the positive, such as, "I enjoy excellent health." Statements such as "I don't want to be sick," will keep your subconscious mind focusing on sickness.

8. Have a plan in place for when limiting beliefs pop up while you're doing your affirmations. Consciously reverse those old beliefs, which transforms them into affirmations, too!

9. Does your environment reflect your intentions? It's hard to convince yourself that, "I'm in control of every aspect of my business," when you look in your office and see disorganized piles of papers cluttering every surface in the room.

10. Do your actions reflect your intentions? Are you scouting out the new clothes you'll buy when you lose weight? Can you imagine how you'll look and feel in them? Do you know where you'll most enjoy wearing them? (Whatever you do, don't berate yourself for not fitting into them yet!)

11. Use a multi-sensory approach to introducing new affirmations to your subconscious mind. You can write them, read them, listen to a recording of them, and make art about them!

12. Have respect for workings of the Universe that we can't see or comprehend. Leave the timing and the details of exactly "how" things will manifest to these unseen forces. They are your co-creating partners!

To your success,
Susan

P.S. I was interviewed this week by Davette Harvey on Blogtalk Radio! Davette and I had great fun recording it. Please check it out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/amenique-radio/2009/11/17/empowerment-zone !

P.P.S. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up your complimentary intro session or telesession with me! Check back over my last several posts for examples of possible formats...or just come with what's on your mind!

P.P.P.S. to Locals:

Santa's Secret Workshop

An easy, pleasant way to get some of your holiday shopping done!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 6:30 pm

Hosted by McCormick Chiropractic in Pottstown

Admission is free, but you must register with our host at 610-705-0201.

I'll have gift items and gift certificates for coaching and Reiki available there!

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a non-profit human services resource at www.tcnetwork.info.***

Stop Striving and Start Thriving!

2009-10-30T16:11:00.012-04:00

Here are five reasons to stop striving:

Striving creates a feeling of lack. It puts us out of alignment with what we want, because it has us focus on what we don't have.

Striving keeps us living for the future. We lose touch with mindfulness and gratitude for what we already have.

Striving is very poor self-care. It can burn us out.

Striving turns other off.

Striving blocks creativity!

Sure, we can have goals and move toward them. We just need to leave out the hurry, worry, pining, pushing, and struggling that striving fosters. We can let inspiration gently take us by the hand and lead us to our goals.

All my best,

Susan

P.S. Does this complimentary intro session have your name on it?

***Plan B: Transforming Transition***

In this session, we'll strategize for your smooth transition to Plan B with...

The Five R's of Transformation:

1) Regroup

2) Reframe

3) Reserves

4) Resilience

5) Rewards!

Whether you've taken on a Plan B or one has been thrust upon you...contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary in-person or tele-session!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

Make Your Home Your Sanctuary

2009-10-22T10:43:00.012-04:00

"You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyze your life in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you toward success -- or are they holding you back?" ~~W. Clement Stone

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Make your home a comforting, supportive place for you, your family, your friends, and your creativity! No matter how modest your home is, with a little imagination you can find places in it to relax, play, and welcome friends.

Create harmony with and for the people you live with. They are part of your environment! Help your kids to feel that it's their sanctuary, too...a haven away from the stresses of school and peer pressure. Help them decorate their rooms in ways that reflect their interests.

Make your home a desirable place for the kids to invite their friends to. Older kids need a safe place for their belongings if there are little ones in the family.

Have spaces that encourage family interaction as well as spaces for quiet times, even if it's just part of a room or even a closet that has been remodeled into a desk, craft area, or home altar.

Declutter and organize your space to make room for new things and experiences to come into your life. Let go of things that no longer reflect your taste or interests. Less is more!

Always keep supplies on hand for creative projects for the kids and the adults. When the muse visits, you'll be ready! Personally, I'm often inspired by the materials themselves, so keeping lots on hand is essential for me.

Do your own decorating or work very closely with whoever is doing it. You want your home to reflect you and to make you happy and relaxed.

Do you feel overwhelmed when you try to study Feng Shui? If so, just follow the suggestions in this post...do what pleases you, don't allow clutter to accumulate, and arrange things in a way that allows a free flow of energy through your home.

Make a gratitude list of the people, pets, and things that make you revel in spending time at home. If you like pets, they are great Feng Shui for you! Our little Silky Terrier, Sunny, keeps our spirits up and the energy moving with her antics. I call her our VP of Feng Shui! :-)

Please comment on what makes you feel good about your home.

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. What? You haven't had your complimentary intro session or tele-session with me yet? Consider this topic....

***Respect 101: Teach Others to Treat You Well***

We'll discuss the questions below as they apply to YOU:

~How do you treat yourself?

~Do you speak up for yourself clearly, directly, and in a timely manner?

~Do you stand your ground when being pressured?

~What vibes are you sending out about how you expect to be treated?

~What limiting beliefs from the past are hindering you in asking for the respect you deserve?

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up your appointment!

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***Tuesday, November 17, from 11:30 am to noon, I'll be interviewed on Davette Harvey's Blog Talk Radio show!***

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P.P.S. for Locals:

My November Schedule ~~ Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more info.

Friday, November 13, from 7 to 9 pm in Douglassville, I'll be facilitating a...

***Craft Workshop for the Holidays or Any Days!***

I'll need your prepayment by Friday, November 6.

The fee of $40 includes instruction, all materials, and use of my tools.
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Thursday Evening, November 19, at the Celestial Bodies event in Pottstown, I'll be assisting at the Reiki workshops.

This event is free, but you must pre-register with Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

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Tuesday, November 24, at 6:30 pm, I'll have a table at "Santa's Secret Workshop" in Pottstown.

This event is free, but you must pre-register with McCormick Chiropractic at 610-705-0201.

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a human services resource at www.tcnetwork.info.***

Adults Aren't the Only Ones: Over-Scheduled Kids

2009-10-08T12:17:00.016-04:00

Do you want your children to grow up knowing how to live creatively and how to be independent thinkers? Here's my two cents...don't let them over-schedule themselves now, while they're young!

Constantly running from one structured activity to another gives kids little time to just "be." Kids need to learn how to use unstructured time in ways they will enjoy.

Kids don't have the judgement and experience to know when they're setting themselves up for stress and overwhelm. It's up to the parents to guide them about leaving time to "chill out" and time for unexpected things that may crop up.

Let's give the kids a chance to hear the "still, small voice" that invites creativity into their lives!

All my best,
Susan

P.S. Try a complimentary coaching session with me called...
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Start Here; Grow to There!

Are you embarking on a huge project or challenge?

During your phone or in-person session, we'll take a personalized look at three areas where you can take action RIGHT AWAY!

~~We'll get a clear picture of who you'll need to be to best meet your challenge.~~

~~We'll develop a strategy to invite those changes.~~

~~We'll break the project or challenge down into steps that will make it easiest for you to tackle, given your strengths and preferences.~~

To set up a time, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com. Let's get you moving!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.P.S. for Locals:

Family Services in Pottstown, PA, Presents an...

Anxiety and Stress Management Group

Facilitated by Sarah Lebo

Six Tuesday Evenings Beginning October 13, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at

Family Services, 1976 East High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

This program is FREE.

For more information or to register, contact Sarah Lebo at 610-326-1610 ext. 499 or slebo@fsmontco.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at www.tcnetwork.info.

It's Fall...Do You Know Where Your Immunity Is?

2009-10-02T10:31:00.036-04:00

Creative living begins with taking care of your physical and emotional health. In this holistic world of ours, of course, these areas are intricately related.

Here's a list of resources for you to check out to tune up your immune system physically and emotionally:

Chiropractic Care has helped me in more ways than I can count. It has been so instrumental in supporting my immune system, I would continue to get chiropractic care just for that reason alone! When you think about it, how can we expect any of our systems to work well when nerve signals and energy flow are blocked?

Reiki is an energy practice that I use on myself, offer to others, and teach. It supports your body's efforts to prevent and heal illness as well as to ward off stress and anxiety.

Shiatsu is a delightful form of massage that's based on the energy meridian system in the body.

Keep those endorphins flowing with...

~healthy relationships

~community involvement

~exercise

~pets

~hobbies that you love

~being in nature

~humor

Monitor Your Self-Talk. As best-selling author Mike Dooley says, Thoughts become things!" (http://www.tut.com/) So...when you get the sniffles, do you say, "By tomorrow I'll be stuck in bed with a fever!" Or do you say, "My body is escorting the germs 'off the premises' as we speak!" Remember to expect what you want, not what you don't want.

To your health,
Susan

P.S. 'Haven't had a complimentary coaching session with me yet? How about this topic....

Get Your Mojo Back!

During our phone or in-person session, we'll take a look at three areas where you can take action right away!

~~~Your Values~~~Your Passions~~~Your Self-Care~~~

To set up a time, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

Five Great Reminders for Self-Care

2009-09-23T13:57:00.015-04:00

1. "People spend more time planning their vacations each year than they spend on planning for their care and well-being the other 51 weeks." ~Thomas Leonard

Yikes! This is all too true for many of us. Do you have a written plan for your own well-being?

2. "Remember to avoid over scheduling, over committing and over yes-ing! The more you say yes to things that may zap you of your time, strength, and energy, the less you stay true to your values and priorities." ~Debi Silber

Do you have effective boundaries in place?

3. "They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them." ~Mohandas Gandhi

Is maintaining your self-respect non-negotiable?

4. "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Marianne Williamson

Great self-care makes you a wonderful role model for others!

5. "Put your own oxygen mask on first before attempting to help other passengers." ~Every airline I've ever flown on! :-)

You can't help others if you're running on empty yourself.

Take care...of yourself,

Susan

P.S. Whether you've taken on a "Plan B," or one has been thrust upon you...contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary coaching session by phone or in person. It's called:
.

***Plan B: Transforming Transition***

In this session we'll stragetize for your smooth transition to "Plan B" with...

The Five R's of Transformation:

1) Regroup

2) Reframe

3) Reserves

4) Resilience

5) Rewards!

***************

P.P.S. for Locals: Stop by Sunnybrook in Pottstown this Saturday, Sept. 26, between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, to watch or experience my Reiki and Laser Coaching Demos at my exhibit table! There will be lots to see and do at the PMSI Community Health Fair!

***************

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local resource for human services at http://www.tcnetwork.info/. ***

Make the Decision to Read this Book

2009-09-17T07:26:00.017-04:00

Book Review:

10-10-10: 10 Minutes, 10 Months, 10 Years; A Life-Transforming Idea

by Suzy Welch, 2009; Simon & Schuster Inc. and Simon and Schuster Audio

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this intriging book, which is read by the author. Out of her own necessity, Welch has developed a wonderfully clarifying model for making decisions.

As the title implies, the method involves thinking through the short-range, mid-range, and long-range likely results of the options at hand. Welch's model is also very useful as a low-conflict way of making decisions with others. It's a great way to explain your decisions to others who will be affected by them.

Below I've pulled together a fictional example to illustrate how this method might be used in everyday living.

Molly's Quandary

"My kids want a dog. I love dogs, too. But can I take on that extra responsibility as a single mom with three kids?"

Let's say Molly starts exploring the "Yes" possibility using Welch's 10-10-10 method. She jots down, "Ten Minutes: I'll still feel definite trepidation! The kids will have to contribute more than just 'lip service' about promises to help.

Ten Months: We'll all be attached to the dog. I'll wonder what took me so long to bring this new source of joy and connection into our lives! I'll still be holding the kids to their specific promises to help. They may resist at times, but by then they'll know that I'm not about to back down on this point.

Ten Years: I'll feel tremendously rewarded for having taken this risk. We are all learning first-hand about love, responsibility, and cooperation. My decision is made!"

'Still not sure if this book is worth your time? You can guess what my advice is...apply Welch's 10-10-10 model to decide!

My best to you,

Susan

P.S. What?! You haven't had your complimentary coaching session with me yet? :-) Consider this topic....

"You Are Here": Develop Your Best GPS for Daily Living

By phone or in person, we'll work on the upgrades you want for your personal GPS !

Possible areas to explore:

Spirituality

Values

Priorities

Strategies

Goals

Steps

Habits

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up an appointment. Your only obligation is to call in on time and be ready to dig in!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a non-profit local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

Ask "What?" and "Why?"; Forget about "How?"

2009-08-31T14:41:00.019-04:00

Greetings, Law of Attraction Fans!

If you want to align yourself with the Law of Attraction ("like attracts like"), it's really important to ask yourself the right questions.

Ask Yourself "What?"

First, get really clear about what it is that you want. Think about it; isn't it next to impossible to help someone get what they want if they aren't even sure themselves? Sometimes as a coach it's my job to help someone figure out what they want. Then we can proceed from there.

Example:

O.K., let's say "Carmen" holds this intention: "To raise a healthy, happy, and productive daughter." Next, she asks herself, "What exactly does this feel like, assuming I'm already there?" This question helps to align her energy with what she wants as well as clarify exactly what the intention means.

Carmen's answers the question this way: "I feel pride, love, and feelings of contribution and accomplishment. I feel my daughter hugging me, and I'm delighted to hear her thanking me for always being there for her. I'm telling her that I wouldn't have it any other way; it's a total joy for me." Do you sense her passion and energy rising?

Now Kick it up a Notch by Asking Yourself "Why?"

Asking why you have set a particular intention pumps up the passion and enthusiasm even more! Then your vibration rises even higher to put you more into alignment with what you want to manifest.

Now Back to Carmen....

Carmen's "Why?": "This intention is my gift to my daughter and part of my contribution to the world, including my future grandchildren and great-grandchildren! I trust that I'll be shown how through intuition and synchronicity."

Suit up and Show up

That's what you do next. You show up. You watch for openings and check with your intuition. And you do this consistently. I would say, "Best of luck to you," but if you follow the advice in this post, you won't need luck. You will make your own.

~Susan

P.S. Give this complimentary coaching session a try....

Respect 101: Teach Others to Treat You Well

We'll discuss the questions below as they apply to YOU:

~How do you treat yourself?

~Do you speak up for yourself clearly, directly, and in a timely manner?

~Do you stand your ground when being pressured?

~What vibes are you sending out about how you expect to be treated?

~What limiting beliefs from the past are hindering you in asking for the respect you deserve?

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a session by phone or in person!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/ .***

Mike Dooley: "Thoughts Become Things!"

2009-08-17T14:31:00.008-04:00

Book Review: Choose Them Wisely: Thoughts Become Things!

by Mike Dooley

If you haven't read or listened to this book yet, you're in for a treat! (It's also available as an audiobook from Simon & Schuster Audio, copyright 2009, unbridged. I experienced the audio version.) The book is encouraging, inspiring, and soothing.

Dooley wrote the book from the point of view of the Universe as he understands it, and he speaks to the reader directly and casually. This style and use of a persona allowed him to add gentle humor and convincing but gentle nudges to the brief messages that make up the book.

I'm sure I would enjoy the print version, but the audiobook is great...it's read by the author in a very centered, soothing, and reassuring way. I like to listen to it before I go to sleep at night!

In his "Universe" persona, Dooley reminds us that we are all parts of something grander and larger than we can even imagine. The "Universe" reminds us of our full power and potential!

I'd like to add a bit of inspiration here for you writers and other creatives out there. When Dooley first started doing this type of writing many years ago, he felt very unsure of himself. Can you relate?? Most of us can! Now Dooley has at least 4 books out, he's an inspirational speaker, and he was one of the featured teachers in the movie "The Secret"!

And wait till you see his website at http://www.tut.com/. I think you will love it! There are lots of free, fun goodies there! As with the book, the site is great for Law of Attraction fans who are looking for practical understanding but who don't want and/or need the scientific details. (By the way, scientific support for the Law of Attraction is out there from other sources, for any of you who aren't fans of it...yet!)

Please share your opinions and experiences with the book and/or the site with my other readers and me!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. Shameless Plug! Try a complimentary coaching session with me called...

Start Here; Grow to There!

For those who are embarking on a humongous challenge!

During your phone or in-person session, we'll take a personalized look at three areas where you can take action RIGHT AWAY!

~~We'll get a clear picture of who you'll need to become to best meet the challenge.~~

~~We'll develop a strategy to invite those changes. (Hint: Your challenge will "grow" you!)~~

~~We'll break the challenge down into the steps that will make it easiest for you to tackle, given your strengths and preferences.~~

To set up a time, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com. Let's get you moving!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

How is Your Life GPS Working?

2009-08-05T11:19:00.007-04:00

Just as a GPS in your car uses a number of satellites to determine where you are on the road, I recommend these "satellites" that are vital in deciding which roads to take in life.

Spirituality
I use this as my first point of reference. Without this, I feel like, as my husband would say, "a loose canoe in a swift stream."

Values
With clarity around my spirituality, I find it much easier to focus in on my most important values...perhaps the top three to five, to help me see where I'm positioned in life.

Priorities
Once I have the first two in place, from there I can set my priorities as they relate to my values.

Strategies
Once I know my priorities, I can develop strategies that will help me make sure that the priorities are addressed.

Goals
At this point, I can develop useful goals easily, because I've looked at the other areas.

Steps
Next, I can use my goals to figure out what steps I need to take on a daily or weekly basis to make sure I'm manifesting my priorities.

Habits
When I take the steps I need to take on a regular basis, I develop new habits that serve me well in accomplishing my goals. These new habits actually make it easier to do the steps than to not to do them!

So how about you?
What keeps you centered and on track? Please leave a comment and let my other readers and me know! Maybe you have a different series of "satellites" that work for you.

If you try my Life GPS, please let us know how it works for you!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. 'Need some assistance in this area? I'm offering...

"You Are Here": Develop Your Best GPS for Daily Living

...a complimentary coaching session (by phone or in person) where we will work on the upgrades you want for your personal GPS!

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up an appointment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.

What a Gift...

2009-07-29T11:02:00.006-04:00

My long-distance friend and colleague, Droku, passed away one week ago today. He was one of the most amazing people I've ever met.

About 20 years ago, Droku sustained an injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He taught me, by his outstanding example, that not only can I handle anything that comes along, but that I can do so with an accepting, positive attitude. And I can still make a difference.

Droku did not just survive...he thrived, and he helped others do the same. He turned his attention to what he could still do, and away from his limitations.

He took teleclasses from his bed to become a life coach, and soon he became a leader in Coachville's virtual community.

Droku operated his computer by using voice-recognition software. He helped many others through his coaching and teaching. He also shared the results of his research about how we can put our personal environments and technology to work for us. To see an example and Droku's photo, go see his guest blog post at http://blog.thebrain.com/personalbrain-user-droku-inspires-the-best-in-all-of-us/.

Droku's courage, positive attitude, gentle encouragement, and willingness to share made him quite a powerful role model. What a gift to all that knew him! And that gift will continue to ripple out into the future and touch many more lives in a positive way.

Droku, you will be missed by so many, but you've left us an amazing legacy. Goodbye and thank you, my friend.

Love,

Susan

The "Perfect" Excuse

2009-07-21T09:08:00.006-04:00

What causes perfectionism? It's commonly believed that it results from a fear of criticism. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though.

Consider a more insidious source: the fear of moving out of our comfort zones. Perfectionism steals precious time from activities we consciously wish we had the time to do. But because of our unconscious fears, we use that time to:

~Stay stuck.

~Feel busy without accomplishing much of anything.

~Stall until the "perfect, risk-free" opportunity comes along (which is, conveniently, NEVER).

No matter how much we may want to move forward consciously, a frightened or poorly programmed subconscious will block it in an effort to protect us. We can reassure our subconscious minds by:

~Identifying limiting beliefs and replacing them with beliefs that support our expansion.

~Taking baby steps outside our comfort zones so the subconscious feels less threatened.

~Accepting the fear. The only way out of our comfort zones is through the fear. (See the work of Dr. Susan Jeffers, author of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.)

Please comment on your adventures outside of your comfort zone!

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. Whether you've taken on a "Plan B" or one has been thrust upon you...contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary coaching session called...

*** Plan B: Transforming Transition ***

In this session we'll strategize for your smooth transition to "Plan B" with...

The Five R's of Transformation:

1) Regroup

2) Reframe

3) Reserves

4) Resilience

5) Rewards!

*********************

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at www.TCNetwork.info.***

Teach Others to Treat You Well

2009-07-03T18:23:00.011-04:00

Here Are a Few Questions to Consider....

~How do you treat yourself ? Teach others by modeling care and respect for yourself.

~Assertiveness: Do you speak up for yourself clearly and directly? Do you stand your ground when being pressured?

~What vibes are you sending out? Others pick up on these whether they realize it or not...and whether you realize it or not! if you're conflicted by limiting beliefs about your own worth, that will show up in your interactions with others!

Write out your out-dated and flat-out wrong beliefs about yourself. Then go back and change them to fit the person you are now...or the person you want to become.

Please take a minute to leave a comment so we can all learn from your experience and insight!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. 'Need more assistance with this? I'm offering...

"Respect 101"

...a complimentary coaching session where we'll discuss the questions above in more depth as they relate to YOU.

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a session by phone or in person!

******

P.P.S. for Locals: A hot topic for summer...

"Keeping Your Cool"

~~A new workshop for finding answers to anger~~

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 ~~ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Douglassville, PA

Contact me soon at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details, as I'll need your prepayment of $20 by Thursday, July 23, 2009.

In this workshop you will learn about...

~Using anger as nature intended~

~What anger is NOT~

~The holistic effects of how you handle your anger~

******

'Not local? If there's enough interest, I'll run a teleclass also. Let me know at scleaver@dejazzd.com. Thanks!

******

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

******

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, a human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

Your Environment: Your Catalyst for Productivity

2009-06-28T15:26:00.024-04:00

You'll find it much easier to avoid procrastinating on a project when you have an inviting, well-organized space for work and creativity.

A Reminder: Invest Time in the Following Areas: (They may seem obvious, but we sometimes forget anyway!)

~Clear out clutter from past interests. It's taking up precious physical and psychological space, and it's blocking the free flow of energy! Make elbow room for your current interests and projects.

~Stock up on supplies, tools, and materials that you'll need at hand.

~Set up a retrieval and reminder system that works for you. Using someone else's system could prove to be as useless as borrowing their eyeglasses!

~Make the space appealing so that you and your Muse will look forward to going there.

~Use a timer so that you can really get into a project without forgetting about when you need to stop.

~Back up your e-data regularly. (Obvious? You bet. But I don't do it nearly as often as I should!)

What You Can Expect in Return:

~Better Feng Shui

~Less Stress

~Less Time Wasted/Fewer Distractions/Better Focus

~Others trust your word because you can work efficiently and reliably. Tasks that need your attention will be less likely to fall through the cracks or run past their deadlines.

~You'll feel more centered and flexible.

A Bonus Step!

Once you've come this far, consider stepping up to the next level of low-stress living and working: proactivity. Always factor in extra time for miscalculations, interruptions, problems, technical difficulties, and the like.

I set target dates for myself that are well ahead of the actual deadlines. I don't always hit the target dates, but it saves a lot of rushing around just before (or worse, after) the deadline. This way of working has been a major stress reducer for me.

Please comment on your experiences while experimenting with your environment for increased productivity and proactivity!

Thanks,
Susan

S.P.P. (Shameless Postscript Plug! :-) )

My Latest Complimentary Session Offering!

**** "Become a Kick-Butt Pro at Productivity!" ****

By phone or in person, we'll brainstorm around the topics below as they apply to YOU!

~Leverage Your Space~

~Manage Your Time~

~Develop Your Strengths~

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up your appointment.

Give stress and procrastination the boot!

******

***Member of TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/.***

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Enthusiasm: Have You Seen Yours Lately?

2009-06-15T14:14:00.015-04:00

Your Level of Enthusiasm Is Your Barometer
Enthusiasm is a crucial aspect of your energetic make-up. You can check with it in many areas of a holistic life to see where you stand.

Making Decisions
Check in with your level of enthusiasm about each option you are considering. This is a great way to begin developing your intuition, too. Balance your more logical ways of making decisions (pro and con lists, etc.) with this valuable tool.

Recognizing Inspired Action
If you're a Law of Attraction fan, you've probably been advised to take inspired action. How will you know the action is inspired? You will feel pure enthusiasm and a certain "rightness" about it.

Actions that you've orchestrated because it's what you think you should do will not be accompanied by these feelings. This is a definite red flag!

Enthusiasm as a Mirror
Do you want to know how you are coming across to others, and how your energy is affecting them? Again, check in on your own level of enthusiasm. Is it sagging or forced? If so, this is what others are picking up from you, regardless of your words and actions!

For writers and artists in particular...is genuine enthusiasm coming through in your work? If not, maybe it's time to try a new technique, medium, or style!

Depleted Enthusiasm also Depletes Your...
~Energy Level

~Well-Being (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual!)

~Creativity

~Capacity for Rewarding Relationships

~Level of Enjoyment of Life!

Has Your Enthusiasm Gone Missing? Learn from the Little Ones.
Have you ever noticed the unbridled enthusiasm of pre-schoolers? They get so excited, they literally jump for joy!

Why does this come so naturally to them? It's because they have not yet been weighed down with negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, resentments, and other insults to their well-being.

Sure, they have their moments of disappointment or anger. But they express it and move on. That's what emotions are meant to do...flow through us like water through a tea bag. They're not meant to hang around where they are no longer needed.

Learn from a Master
Master Coach Dave Buck has some great advice for cultivating enthusiasm. He suggests that we infuse the spirit of play into everything we do! After all, that's what pre-schoolers do. Perhaps Dave Buck has learned from the little ones, too!

Let's Learn from Each Other
Please add your comments, experiences, and questions to the mix!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. I'm offering a NEW complimentary coaching session called...

"Get Your Mojo Back!"

During the phone or in-person session, we'll take a personalized look at three areas where you can take action RIGHT AWAY!

~~~Your Values~~~Your Passions~~~Your Self-Care~~~

To set up a time, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

~~~

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.tcnetwork.info/***

Befriending a Better Habit

2009-06-06T09:40:00.011-04:00

Energy-Draining Bad Habits
The results of a bad or outgrown habit are like a swarm of gnats...distracting and annoying! The energy it takes to shoo them repeatedly away adds up over time and raises our stress levels. Yet like gnats, bad habits can be very persistent, as we all know!

I'll use one of mine as an example. I was a life-long producer of clutter who was also great at maintaining it! Ugh! In the past several months, I've finally gotten a handle on it. It's a lifestyle change that I have adopted, and I'm keeping a structure in place to assure that the new habit sticks.

Speaking of Structure...
...create some for yourself. Set up some way to be accountable to others for the changes you want to make. Choose your accountability partners carefully, because you will need gentle support and encouragement from them as well.

I continue to receive support and accountability from my family, friends, and coaching colleagues. Last fall I even went public here on my blog with a decluttering challenge that I had set for myself!

Make It Fun!
I know...this is where you're thinking, "This woman is nuts!" But give it a try. You might pair the new activities required with something you enjoy, such as listening to music.

Make yourself a chart so you can visually track your progress. Use colors and symbols that make you smile.

For my clutter-zapping and prevention, I set a goal of 15 minutes a day in four areas for a total of 1 hour a day. This keeps me on track, and the rewards of not having to deal with clutter or cleaning much during the rest of the time are well worth it.

And I do track my time on paper. If I'm out of town for the day, I make up the time later.

The Key to Motivation
O.K., even if you don't think you can find any way to make a new habit fun, ask yourself this: "How will this new habit support my larger vision?" This question could make a crucial difference to someone who, for example, is setting out to change from a procrastinator to someone who is proactive about getting things done.

When I saw decluttering as something I "should" do, I couldn't muster up the resolve to see it through. As my friend Sally says, "Don't should on yourself!"

Now, I see life much more holistically, and I know that staying organized affects the Feng Shui of my office and home, as well as my personal energy. I also see organization as an important element of my self-care. And it's important to me to be a great role model for clients, participants, and readers.

Some coaches don't discuss topics they are still struggling with because it makes them feel out of integrity. My feeling is, however, that if someone else can learn from something I know but have not yet been able to fully implement, why not share it with them? To stay in integrity, I just admit right up front that I'm still working on the issue myself.

These days, with the clutter issue, I can honestly say that I have a handle on it. There are a few drawers and closets that still need some work, but now that my new habit is in place, they too will soon be more orderly!

Best of Luck as You Develop New Habits that Will Serve You Better for a Lifetime! Please share your successes, setbacks, and questions with my other readers and me.

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. Shameless Plug: Contact me to set up a complimentary trial coaching session by phone or in person at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at www.TCNetwork.info.

A Holistic View of Feng Shui and Your Work

2009-05-26T16:52:00.014-04:00

Your Physical Environment

Take stock of the physical environment of your home, office and/or studio. Is clutter or disorganization blocking the free flow of energy in these areas?

Also check for items that don't serve you in your current stage of life. Even worse are items that remind you of a difficult time and bring down your energy when you see them.

Psycho-Spiritual Feng Shui

Your physical work environment may be great, but if your psycho-spiritual environment is out of whack, you will feel out of whack. Shore up this part of your environment by getting a handle on your emotions. You'll also need to clear up any unfinished business with other people.

Take your spiritual temperature and see if your are aligning with your own current beliefs. Also take a look at your integrity. Are your thoughts, words, and actions aligned with each other?

Your Physical Body

As the saying goes, "The body doesn't lie." What is going on in the two areas I discussed above, will affect the energy that your body is taking in and giving out. You will feel it in your level of wellness and in how others respond to you.

And of course your work (creative or otherwise) will be affected. Ask yourself: "Am I an energetically sound vessel for the creativity and productivity I am seeking?" If not, check out the areas above and make the needed changes.

It's a Cycle....

In turn, the state of your body's energy will affect the other two areas above. Be sure to apply mindful stewardship to all aspects affecting your energy. There will be a snowball effect, so be sure the snowball is rolling in a positive direction for you!

Shameless Plug of the Week....

Being coached leverages the benefits of living with a holistic perspective! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for a complimentary trial session by phone or in person.

Best of luck with your personal energy management!

~Susan

.
***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.TCNetwork.info.***

Step up Your Intuitive Development

2009-05-19T16:27:00.013-04:00

Here are some tips for developing your intuition:

~Be open to the idea. Your relationship with your intuition can't bloom easily without your attention and respect.

~Start small. Ask yourself who's calling before you pick up the phone. What color will your friend be wearing today? What's coming in the mail for you today? Who should you call today?

~Get Feedback. By starting small, you can get lots of feedback on issues that are not emotionally loaded or parts of crucial decision-making.

~Learn more about what intuition feels like for you. Constriction of the throat may signal a "no," while a more expansive physical sensation may signal a "yes."

~Watch for the sensation of a solid "click." This is how I often experience intuition. It feels like two or more things have come together in a meaningful way. They meet, and then settle in as a new insight with a solid "click," similar to puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.

~Be aware of synchronicities. The timing and meaning of synchronicities may hold a message for you.

~Watch for "way closing." This is the Quaker concept that intuition can show you which way to go by blocking the other options.

~Become familiar with the language of your subconscious mind. It speaks to you through your senses. Intuition can be delivered in the form of an image, a phrase that pops into your head, or a bodily sensation, such as an unexplained knot in your stomach.

~Engage in activities that encourage intuition. Some examples are creative activities, walks in nature, meditation, a relaxing bath or shower, and giving or receiving Reiki.

Please share your experiences with intuition in the comments section!

Need a fresh perspective? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial coaching session by phone or in person.

Thanks,

Susan

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of TriCounty Community Network, a local human services resource at http://www.TCNetwork.info.***

Prolonged Denial: A Hidden Source of Trouble

2009-05-11T15:08:00.012-04:00

Denial...it's so easy to see in others. By definition, we have a very difficult time seeing it in ourselves.

Useful denial is like useful anger; they're both designed by nature to be temporary. Temporary anger nudges us to take constructive action. Temporary denial protects us from being hit by all the emotional pain of loss at one time.

Prolonged denial, though, becomes a nasty little gremlin that really messes with your mind and life. Because we can't see the denial itself, we must look at the symptoms. Here are a few to consider:

~Creative Blocks. Chances are, they aren't caused by laziness or lack of something to express!

~Free-Floating Anxiety is probably a misnomer in most cases. We don't see the source, so we assume there isn't one. Long-term denial may well be the culprit in certain situations.

~Free-Floating Anger is another symptom. Chronic bouts of unexplainable or inappropriate anger are like the release value on a pressure cooker.

TV personality and author Art Linkletter tells a story about a store clerk who looked like she was about to snap at anyone (maybe everyone...) who walked by. Mr. Linkletter asked her, "Are you angry?" She answered, "No, of course I'm not angry!" To this he replied, "Well, you'd better tell your face!"

~Exhaustion...physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. It takes a lot of energy to suppress emotions, which sometimes leads to...

~Depression. And again, it may be difficult to pin down the cause if it's related to chronic denial.

*****

Resources for Help

~Self-Help. If the problem isn't too deeply entrenched, you might be able to gain clarity through journaling.

~Friendly Help. Ask someone you trust to give you objective feedback about what you might not be acknowledging.

~Therapy may be needed to rout out deep-seated denial and work through it.

******

Then What?

~Forgiveness and/or self-forgiveness. This is easier said than done, and it takes time. A therapist can help you develop this skill set.

~Redesign Your Life. Prolonged denial and its symptoms can take you way off course in life. When you have worked through the issues, you will be ready to construct a lifestyle more to your liking. A great life coach may be just the catalyst you need!

******

Shameless Plug Time: Contact me for a complimentary exploratory coaching session by phone or in person! Email: scleaver@dejazzd.com.

******

~Shameless Request Time: Please comment on your experience with this topic! Questions are welcome, too.

Thanks,
Susan

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

A Step Beyond Gratitude: Appreciative Inquiry

2009-05-02T17:03:00.010-04:00

"What went right?"

"What worked before?"

"What am I grateful for in this situation?"

"What do I appreciate in myself and others?"

These questions are at the heart of Appreciative Inquiry, a method that is used formally and informally in many settings.

Clients are often taught to use Appreciative Inquiry in individual or relationship therapy. Individuals also apply it on their own without realizing it, having heard about the benefits of positive thinking, gratitude, and the Law of Attraction.

When businesses and other organizations employ Appreciative Inquiry, they combine the synergy of group brainstorming with the effectiveness of looking at past successes. They use the results to develop new goals and strategies.

We life coaches encourage our clients to use Appreciative Inquiry to focus on their strengths and build the self-confidence to move forward.

Give it a try! The next time you're setting a goal, look at the questions at the beginning of this post. Use your answers as the foundation for new areas of discovery that may currently be outside of your comfort zone.

Please share your comments on your experiences with Appreciative Inquiry!

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. to Locals: Join us for some serious pampering! I'm hosting a Stress-Less Evening on Friday, May 15, 2009, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Douglassville, PA. Kick back and relax as I provide Reiki, soothing music, snacks, guided imagery, and more! Contact me ASAP for details, as I'll need your prepayment of $20 by Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Email: scleaver@dejazzd.com. Phone: 610-385-3766. It'll be fun!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

The Sacred Stewardship of a True Vision

2009-04-22T11:39:00.011-04:00

I want to share with you the most inspiring explanation of having a vision that I've ever seen! It was in Jesse Jennings' Q&A column in the latest issue of Science of Mind Magazine.

Jennings explained that when creating a vision, ideally we plan from the outset to work ourselves out of a job. For example, if you start a non-profit organization to help domestic violence victims, your vision would be that of a world where everyone is safe in their own home. That's your ultimate goal...for the organization to become unnecessary!

This doesn't make you unnecessary, of course. In fact, you'd be the perfect person to start another organization with a new vision of another problem that you can see as eradicated!

To me, these kinds of visions are of the highest order, and are true examples of sacred stewardship.

My best to you,
Susan

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Be an Effective CEO of Your Own Life

2009-04-14T15:03:00.006-04:00

You Are Your Own "Chief Environmental Organizer"

Are you short-changing yourself in any of these areas?

Physical
Examples of possible problem areas: clutter, poor air quality, poor lighting, poor Feng Shui.

Emotional
Pull any weeds from your emotional garden. If you can't do it alone, hire a therapist to help you.

Mental
This is clearly a "use it or lose it" area. Exercise your brain and fuel it well for best performance.

Spiritual
Does your environment feed your soul with beauty, nature, music, solitude, etc.?

Family
How is your family doing in the areas of mutual respect, sharing responsibilities, communication, etc.?

Creativity and Productivity
Are there any blocks here? What facilitates these two assets for you?

Community
Do you feel a sense of community? If not, how can you change your environment to create community? The natural cycle of giving and receiving is very valuable, and community is an important foundation for that. Take a look at your networks and opportunities for collaboration.

Boundaries
As I mentioned in last week's post, be sure to educate others about the boundaries you need to have in place...and back them up!

All my best,
Susan

P.S. to Locals: The Healthy Lifestyles Expo takes place this Friday, the 17th, in Pottstown! See last Monday's post for details, or email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Minimize Distractions on the Front End

2009-04-06T13:06:00.013-04:00

It's an all-too-familiar scenario: You finally have time to focus on a project that is important to you. It's full speed ahead! Until....

Knots, tangles, detours, and other interruptions spring up in your path. Ugh. These little gremlins come from three major sources:

*From the project itself (logistical issues, etc.)

*From outside of you and the project (household emergencies, technology problems, entreaties for help from others, etc.)

*From inside you (lack of sleep, ADD, fear of success or failure, etc.)

Head 'Em off at the Pass. Proactivity is a concept that has been thrown around a lot lately...and with good reason. Being proactive has become one of my most valuable ways to avoid stress! A few tips:

*Have a rainy-day fund in as many of these areas as possible:

~Time

~Space (in your physical surroundings, in your schedule, etc.)

~Money

~Flexibility

~Resources

~Patience (Learn to accept what is while still intending to move forward.)

~Supplies (It stinks to get a great idea for a watercolor painting and then realize you never got around to replacing your worn-out brushes. When inspiration strikes, the last thing you feel like doing is running an errand!)

*Educate others about your needs and boundaries.

~Let them know when your focus time is, and when you're available to be reached.

~Sure, you want to help others when they truly need it. But be firm with those who tend to disrespect your time and/or expect you to bail them out because of their own lack of planning or follow-through.

And for the gremlins and interruptions that manage to sneak through anyway....

*Ask yourself why it happened. If you could have avoided it, own up to that and learn for next time. But don't waste energy beating yourself up about it.

*Prioritize...is the interruption important enough to drop what you were doing completely, or can you put the obstacle in a holding pattern for a while?

*Dispatch...choose the best course of action for the interruption:

~Ask for help if that's appropriate.

~You may choose to deal with it on the spot, especially if it's urgent or can be gotten off your plate quickly.

~You may choose an appropriate future time to handle the issue; be sure to make a note on your calendar.

~Ask yourself if it really needs to be done at all. The gremlin may be a sheep in wolf's clothing!

Cultivate inner calm. In college I took a speed-reading course. One of the exercises was to read while hearing (but not taking in) a variety of noises on a recording. I still have a difficult time reading in a noisy environment. It's an interesting exercise, though, and may work for some folks if they practiced it enough.

Here's one I'm much better at...keeping my base-line stress level down by following my own advice from this post. This allows me wiggle room when I need it, so I can respond to situations rather than react to them.

An all-purpose reframing affirmation from author Susan Jeffers, PhD: "Whatever happens, I'll handle it." Give it a try!

All my best to you,

Susan

P.S. for locals: Don't miss the Healthy Lifestyles Expo at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus in Pottstown, PA, on Friday, April 17! I'll be demonstrating Reiki at my exhibit table. Please stop by! Contact me for more details at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Getting the Most from Being Coached

2009-03-25T14:22:00.008-04:00

The coaching relationship is a partnership rather than a service that is done "for" you or "to" you. Because of this, you can get the most from your coaching dollars by being the best client you can be.

Below is a list of qualities you can apply or develop in yourself that can help you get the most value from being coached.

~flexible

~open-minded

~has the ability to withhold judgement while brainstorming freely

~allows herself to be pulled forward by the synergy she has created with her coach rather than waiting for the coach to push

~follows through on commitments or is willing to take an honest look at why he didn't follow through

~enthusiastic

~has picked a compelling challenge for herself

~curious, adventurous thinker

~speaks up when he has a concern or wants the coaching to go in another direction

~clear about her values and is willing to take the time to build her personal infrastructure to support them.

I'm eager to hear from those of you who fit this profile! Your trial session is complimentary; email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or call 610-385-3766.

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. to Locals: It was great to see so many familiar people and to meet new ones at the Boyertown Wellness Fair on Saturday! I'll also be exhibiting and demonstrating Reiki at the Healthy Lifestyles Expo in Pottstown on Friday, April 17. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more information.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.**

What Motivates a Patron to Buy Art? Here's What Stirs My Heart

2009-03-18T15:32:00.007-04:00

Inspired by a recent visit to my favorite craft show (OJR Friends of the Arts), I'm sharing with you what motivates me to choose the particular pieces I buy there.

~The piece calls to my intuition.
~It expresses the artist's unique style and essence.
~The item may have an original twist on a well-loved theme or design element.
~It has an interesting combination of materials, textures, and colors.
~The piece has a certain earthiness to it.
~The item has a loose, flowing design that suggests a movement of energy.

At a show of this kind, I typically buy jewelry, clothing, and pottery. However, I look for these qualities in any art form, including books and performing arts, where some of these qualities tend to be more metaphorical.

I believe you should create according to what stirs your heart as a top priority, but I thought this list from an artist/patron's viewpoint might be helpful. I'd love to see your responses to the list in your comments!

Thanks,
Susan
scleaver@dejazzd.com

P.S. for Locals: Don't miss the free Wellness Fair this Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Boyertown Area Sr. High School! It's presented by the Boyertown Area Community Wellness Council. Bring the whole family; there's something for everyone.

I'm on the planning committee, so I can tell you it's going to be bigger and better than ever this year! Stop by and see me; I'll be exhibiting, giving brief Reiki treatments, and teaching a short workshop on "Embracing Imperfection."

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Top Ten Tips on Gratitude

2009-03-09T15:47:00.008-04:00

Here's the countdown....

10. Look for opportunities to express gratitude. The opportunities can be large or small. I like to write "thank you" in the memo line when I'm writing checks, especially for personal services such as massage.

9. Re-frame negative situations by looking for the "jewel in the mud," and being grateful for it.

8. Over-deliver with added value for your patrons to show your gratitude for their support of your work.

7. Show gratitude to and for yourself! Your creative expression is unique. It not only deserves your thanks, but it flourishes as a result.

6. Write thank-you notes when they are least expected. These are the most meaningful kind, and the most fun to write!

5. Start a "Warm and Fuzzy" file, and fill it with the expressions of gratitude that come to you from others. Look through it whenever you're having an "off" day.

4. Use sincere gratitude to prevent creative blocks and to raise your energy.

3. Avoid "when, then" thinking, such as "When I'm accepted by a gallery, then I'll be happy." Be happy and grateful now, and you'll greatly improve your odds of having more to be grateful for in the future.

2. List the things you are grateful for...with a twist. Here's what works best for me: I date my list for one month from the day I'm writing it. I mix in things that have already manifested with things that are on the way, but I write them all as if they are already here. These two strategies make it much easier to get used to the idea and feeling of the items being true. After all, in a month, they could be, right?

1. Please comment on this post if you are grateful for it! :-)

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. for locals: Please see my 2/27 post for details about the Boyertown Wellness Council Health Fair, coming up on Saturday, March 21, or email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more info. I hope to see you there!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Values, Vision, and Vitality Equal Results

2009-02-27T11:13:00.021-05:00

Here's one way I propose to look at the manifesting process, using a nautical analogy....

Values
The value that guides your vision will serve as a beacon throughout the process of manifesting that vision. For an example, let's use "helping others to help themselves" as the value. And let's say that where you are now is the shore you're currently on concerning making something happen that will align with that value.

This value gives us the compelling purpose and motivation for developing the vision.

Vision
The vision is the vehicle that will get you to the far shore, which is the manifestation of the vision. An example of a vision guided by the value above might be starting a non-profit organization that extends loans to micro-businesses in third-world countries.

Keeping the vision aligned with the value contributes to the integrity of the project. It also inspires others with the same value to support the vision.

Through the vision, you can articulate your desired results in a way that others can understand, imagine, and get behind. In computer terms, it's like putting your idea and desire into a PDF so everyone can see it easily. Next, we can partner the vision with vitality to assure the feasibility of the project.

Vitality
What resources will it take to make the project work? Vitality is the bridge for the vision to cross. This bridge must be engineered with a firm foundation consisting of self-care, financial responsibility, leadership, patience, trust, flexibility, and sustainable energy.

This foundation will help you maintain your passion and enthusiasm, and it will help you align with the Law of Attraction. Vitality will also contribute to the integrity of the project by allowing you to actually move on it, and not just daydream about it.

In the case of our example above, vitality will assure that the organization can be founded, funds can be secured and managed, and enthusiasm can be sustained.

What? You don't see yourself as a visionary? Let your values give birth to your image, and let vitality carry it to fruition!

I'd love to hear about your experiences with this model!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. to "locals": Details will be available soon about the largest-yet 4th Annual Boyertown Wellness Council Health Fair! It'll take place on Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Boyertown Area Sr. High School.

I'll be facilitating a brief workshop on "Embracing Imperfection," demonstrating Reiki on willing participants, and hosting an exhibit table about coaching and Reiki. Order forms will be available for a special discount on my products. I hope to see you there!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

"Why Is She Telling Us This?"

2009-02-18T12:41:00.009-05:00

This is my last decluttering update; I have finally reached 100 hours! I started on July 10, 2008, so I don't get any points for speed. I'll take credit for persistence, though!

You may be wondering, "Why is she telling us this?" I had two reasons for tracking my progress on my blog:

For accountability (A special thanks to my hubby, Stew, and my good friend Mary Beth for heading up the accountability squad!) I also wanted to show you how much accountability helps on a project like this or most any other type. Just be sure your accountability buddies are people who are going to be positive and supportive, especially if the project is a creative one.
As a demonstration of how you might use a similar method to break down a big project. Through my monthly updates, I've hoped to give you a bird's-eye view of how this can be done, along with the foibles and doubts I had along the way.

What about sustainability?

I spent a little time toward the end of the project setting up a plan for that. I didn't want my organizing efforts to go the way of yo-yo dieting.

I'm a member of www.Coachville.com, and they have a great program called "The 100 Day Challenge." I signed up for the one that started this week to work on maintaining what I did during my own "100 Hour Challenge." The program also gives me a fresh way to approach continuing to improve my home and office environments.

When you're planning a change for yourself, remember to figure in a way to maintain the results you'll attain. We all know how frustrating it is to slip backward. So...go for it, and follow through on the follow-through! :-)

To your success,

Susan

P.S. Contact me for a complimentary exploratory coaching session by phone or in person at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. I look forward to hearing from you!

P.P.S. Thanks to all who attended my workshop at McCormick Chiropractic in Pottstown, PA, last night. It was fun!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

The Holistic Nature of Coaching and Being Coached

2009-02-13T12:42:00.009-05:00

During my coach training, there was a brief exchange (between the coach who was leading the class and one of the students) that made a lasting impression on me. The student said that she'd heard a lot about the high-quality ways of living that many coaches had carved out for themselves. She wanted to know if that was the "real deal," or just a legend floating around the virtual halls of Coach U.

The student wasn't talking about earning a lot of money and using it to "buy" a lifestyle. For coaches, it's more often the opposite. We design great lives for ourselves with the same skills we teach to clients. Any increase in income is a byproduct of that.

The leader said yes, it was absolutely true, AND that it doesn't happen overnight or without effort and commitment. I loved that answer; it was honest and encouraging. And now, several years of effort and commitment later, I see myself growing into that answer more and more all the time.

Coach training is a great two-for-one deal. You learn how to polish up your own life while learning to help others do so! Another one of my teleclass leaders called the training the best personal development training around. I agree; you learn it, you live it, you love it, and you facilitate it for others.

O.K., So What's in it for the Client?

A lot! Coaches who walk their talk in this way have many treasures to share with our clients, both on a practical level and an energetic level. Some clients sense this upon meeting the coach. Sometimes they express it directly to their coaches..."I hired you because I want what you have!"

Again, we aren't talking about material things here. When a client says that, she's referring to a certain energetic spark that they want to align themselves with.

Even when a client hires a coach for other reasons, such as dealing with a job transition, the smart client will soon open up to the more holistic nature of coaching. He will allow his coach to work with him in other areas because he sees how crucial it is to his success. (Just as he wouldn't expect a shade tree to produce only leaves without its other components in place.)

Why Coaching Is So Effective

So here's the thing.... All endeavors have that holistic, yin/yang thing going on. It's a law of nature. The difference with coaching is that we are one of the few fields that leverage that law by recognizing and utilizing it for our own highest good and that of our clients.

Questions and comments are welcome and appreciated!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 to set up a complimentary exploratory session by phone or in person!

P.P.S. for "Locals": Remember to register for my complimentary workshop, "Trade Up to a Healthier Habit," by calling my host, McCormick Chiropractic, in Pottstown, PA, at 610-705-0201. The workshop is on Tuesday, 2/17/09, from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Organizing Report and Inspiration

2009-02-06T09:24:00.009-05:00

For those of you who are naturally neat and organized and wondering what all the fuss is about...you'll be glad to know this is my next-to-last decluttering report!

For the Rest of Us....
I reached my goal yesterday of completing 20 hours of decluttering since my last report on 1/5/09! That gives me a total of 90 hours since 7/10/08, when I set the goal of 100 hours. It's taking a lot longer than I thought, but I'm getting there!

As I've mentioned before, I'm living and working in the spaces I'm clearing, so there have been times that I felt like I was on a treadmill with the decluttering. Picking up the pace a bit this month has helped a lot, though. My husband and I are seeing clear evidence of my organizing efforts (and so is the Goodwill Store donation center)!

Inspiration for the Journey...
...from Michelle Passoff's book, Lighten Up! "Every time I took a quantum leap in my growth, I noticed that I would clean physical clutter.... I thought it was curious that I responded in this way to personal expansion, so I decided at one point to conduct an experiment to see whether if I reversed the process and cleaned clutter first as a way to foster growth if it would work. It did! And, it was fun. I began to make a game of exploring the relationship among oneness with myself, harmony in the world, and my physical environment."

So there you have it. That's what all the fuss is about!

Cheers,
Susan

P.S. Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. See last week's post for details about my "Cupid's Bow" Couples Coaching Special, a fun, one-time experience especially for the Month of Love!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Fear and the Economy: Not a Good Mix!

2009-01-30T15:13:00.010-05:00

If you are a Law of Attraction fan like me, I'm sure you'll agree that fear just adds fuel to the fire of an economic downturn. And of course fear can put out the fire of creativity.

I can't tell you what you need to do about the current economic situation. We've all had to make adjustments and maybe change some habits in response to the downturn. But take a look at how you feel about it. Replace any fear and feelings of victimhood with gratitude for what you have now and for what you intend to have in the future.

The Test

The following is a true account of how my husband, Stew, was repeatedly tested by the Universe in the last 6 months leading up to his recent retirement at age 55, all the while resolving not to let the media and the current climate of the economy keep him from this long-term goal.

We had a parade of unexpected expenses come into our lives over those 6 months, too. Our hard drive crashed, and so did our printer. I had a tooth that had to be crowned in December, even though we had used up most of our dental insurance allowance for the year.

We spent quite a bit of money on car and truck repairs in November, only to have the car's engine go permanently ka-put...one week before Stew's retirement in January!

Part 2 of the test came in the form of several several job offers in his field that might have pulled him back in. But Stew stood firm. He was retiring, and that was that! He didn't let anything scare him out of it or tempt him to change his mind.

Stew's response to "the test" may not be right for everyone, but I think Stew knew at a deep level that he was doing the right thing for himself. Law of Attraction expert, Dr. Joe Vitali, calls this "inspired action."

"The Test" Comes in Many Guises

It's often what keeps people in dysfunctional relationships, for example. Or it may keep someone stuck in some other pattern of behavior that they want to change, such as over-eating or smoking. Or you may get a "pop quiz" just as you're about to move across the country.

Author and creativity expert Julia Cameron calls this phenomenon "the escape-velocity test," because it reminds her of the earth's gravitational pull on a space shuttle that is being boosted into space. What a great analogy!

Check in with your intuition before letting yourself assume that "the test" is somehow "proof that it wasn't meant to be." (Whatever "it" is for you.) Maybe, but maybe not. Look deeper!

Please share your experiences with "the test" in the comments section.

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. Are you looking for a unique and fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your partner? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 to set up a prepaid appointment for my Cupid's Bow Valentine Special! It's a one-time couples-coaching session that's available for the month of February.

You'll leave the call (or visit) with a fresh perspective on what's right with your relationship! In honor of the special day, your session is just $14 US per couple, when prepaid and scheduled for the month of February. This offer has no calories and does not wilt! :-)

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

A Shot in the Arm for Health Care

2009-01-23T15:33:00.010-05:00

Note: Please read on even if you're not "local." You may be inspired to help develop or support a similar program in your community!

Community Health & Dental Care, Pottstown, PA

Please go to http://www.ch-dc.org/ to check this out! Any overview I could give would not do justice to this amazing organization. I learned about them through my membership in the TriCounty Community Network (http://www.tcnetwork.info/). I will say that through the generosity of several organizations and individuals, Community Health & Dental Care is in a position to accept under-insured and even uninsured patients as well as those with adequate insurance.

Perhaps you or someone you know would like to become a patient and/or supporter! Community Health & Dental Care's Director of Development, Carolyn Brunschwyler, says, "...we've all been challenged to help turn this country's problems around, and health care is certainly one of those problems." I think that sums it up nicely!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. for Local Folks: Sign up for my complimentary workshop, Trade Up to a Healthier Habit, by calling my host, McCormick Chiropractic, at 610-705-0201! I'll be presenting the workshop on Tuesday, February 17, from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm at their Pottstown office.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Getting Your Ego and Intuition to "Play Nice"

2009-01-15T12:44:00.016-05:00

Why is it that even when we dearly love to paint, write, dance, etc., we circle our studio or office like a plane waiting to land at a busy airport? We love our craft, we love to work on it, we love to get lost in it...so why are we sharpening every pencil in the place to a nub when we don't even plan to use any pencils?

I believe the answer lies in the phrase above, "...we love to get lost in it...." Yes, the creative and intuitive facets of our psyche love to get lost in it. They have no issue with surrendering to the mystery of the process.

The ego, on the other hand, fears "losing itself" in anything. I believe that our egos are necessary parts of our personalities. But the ego can be like a well-meaning but over-bearing friend to your creative side. He or she is afraid that if you "get lost in the process," you may never come back, or you won't want or need him or her anymore.

So it's the ego's fear that keeps us from diving into the work we love. The ego is also concerned about the end result and how it will be received.

To get our egos to "play nice," we have to remind them that they do their best work near the end of the process...in the editing, pricing, and marketing phases of a project. It's a yin-yang thing; each partner must contribute, but each must also rely on and trust the strengths of the other.

Please share a comment about your experiences with this natural law of the creative process!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. I invite you to try a one-on-one complimentary intro session by phone or in person...on this topic or most any other in the realm of life coaching! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 to set up your appointment. I look forward to talking with you.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Clutter-Zapping and a Calendar of Events

2009-01-05T13:29:00.013-05:00

Out, D*%n Clutter!

My tally is at 70 clutter-busting hours for the time period of July 10, 2008 to this afternoon, January 5, 2009! If you've been following the monthly installments of this saga, you know that I'm aiming for 100 hours. In the past month, I accumulated 8-1/2 additional hours. I'm more than 2/3 of the way there!

With the flurry of the holidays behind us, I'd like to commit to at least 20 hours for my February report. If you think I'm being too easy or too hard on myself, let me know in a comment. It's New Year's Resolution time, so if decluttering is on your list, check in with us for support, accountability, and bragging rights! (Please let us in on your secret to success, too.)

Calendar of Events for Early 2009

Here are some other things I'm up to besides clearing clutter.... For more information, please contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

*Anti-Hibernation Coaching Special ~~ To benefit, have your complimentary session by February 20, and (if you decide to come aboard) have your first month prepaid by February 27.

*"Cupid's Bow" Valentine Coaching Special for Couples ~~ Your prepaid session is available for the month of February for just $14 US, in honor of the special day, February 14. This is a unique, fun, and calorie-free Valentine treat!

*The "More Than a Tutor" Coaching Program for Kids" combines my experience in education and coaching to assist your child in strengthening the social, emotional, and intellectual skills that form the foundation of his or her happiness and success in school.

*"Susan, Unplugged... Your 'Slow-Tech' Source for Creative and Healthy Living Tips" is this blog's alter ego. It's complimentary in the US and arrives by snail-mail. (Remember snail-mail??) The January/February issue is now available.

~~~Additional Goodies for Local Folks...~~~

*Reiki is 50% off for your intro session.

*"Trade Up to a Healthier Habit" is a complimentary workshop presented by me and hosted by McCormick Chiropractic in Pottstown, PA, on February 17 from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

*Boyertown A.C. Wellness Council 4th Annual Health Fair will be held on March 21 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. I'll be exhibiting and offering a workshop at this family event.

Be well,

Susan

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Communicate with Your Subconscious to Make Your Resolutions Stick

2008-12-22T16:17:00.013-05:00

For many of us, the most important second language to learn is the language of our own subconscious minds. Your senses, behaviors, feelings, and imagination are the best translators for communicating with your subconscious mind.

In turn, your subconscious will answer and cooperate with you through these same channels, in the form of intuition. Resolutions tend to make a quick exit when our conscious and subconscious minds are not aligned and communicating in these areas.

To invite your intuition to respond and help you keep your resolutions, find ways to communicate in these three areas:

Auditory~ music, spoken language (affirmations, poetry), chanting, listening to nature, reading your journal out loud
Kinesthetic~ movement, rituals, smell, taste, awareness of bodily sensations, writing in your journal
Visual~ collage, photos, view nature, the written word (affirmations, inspiration), guided imagery, symbols

Remember that your intuition also lives in a different time zone! The answers and supportive synchronicities will come at times that will seem random to you. Just go with the flow! The responses from your intuition will come through the same three channels as listed above:

Auditory~ a thought pops into your mind, song lyrics related to your resolution run through your head, affirmations are reflected back to you as new neural pathways are formed in your brain
Kinesthetic~ a spontaneous nudge to take a certain action, a pleasant or unpleasant bodily sensation, writing something in your journal that you had no idea you were thinking, a taste or smell that seems to come from nowhere
Visual~what you've been visualizing is showing up in reality, a symbol that now strengthens your resolve and helps you move forward

You get the idea...get your conscious and subconscious minds in the same "head space." :-) You'd be surprised how often they're not, due to limiting beliefs that cause inner conflict about what you consciously want.

Happy holidays,

Susan

P.S. 'Need support in this area? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial coaching session by phone or in person.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Three Inspiring Quotes from Coco Fossland

2008-12-12T11:32:00.009-05:00

Check out www.worldchangingbusiness.com to learn more about Coco Fossland her work.

******
Coco on why we don't speak up...
"...we stop asking for what we truly want, because we are secretly afraid that to want it will expose even more of our fear -- that we're unworthy, not good enough, or whatever."
Naming the obstacle makes it feel smaller to me!
******
Coco on keeping the holiday spirit 365 days a year...
"Giving with an open heart is a beautiful practice that brings out [the] feelings [that are keys to manifestation]. Thus, this makes you a magnet for receiving what you want."
It all comes back to the Law of Attraction.
******
Coco on success...
"Your level of self-trust equals your level of success."
This one says it all!
******

For more quotes from a wide variety of wise ones, check out the alter ego to this blog! It's my complimentary (in the US), snail-mail newsletter, Susan, Unplugged.... Your "Slow-Tech" Source for Creative and Healthy Living Tips. To order, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com, 610-385-3766, or P.O. Box 586, Douglassville, PA 19518-0586.

Thanks,
Susan

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Clutter-Zapping Update, Month Five...and More

2008-12-06T16:04:00.009-05:00

Greetings Intrepid Clutter-Zappers,

In the past month, I've logged another 11 and 1/2 hours of decluttering, for a total of 61 and 1/2 hours since 7/10/08! My goal is to reach 100 hours.

Like many things in life, it's a two-steps-forward-and-one-back process. Life is messy! I still need/want to live and work in my home and office, so I'll just have to accept those steps back, and focus on the progress I'm making.

On Wednesday (12/3), I wrote a post called "Pave the Way Now for Your 2009 Resolutions." I was quite pleased with myself for updating my plans for two goals that are well under way already...decluttering and building a business that serves from the heart. (Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to ask about the introductory rate on my new "More Than a Tutor" program for school-aged kids!)

Then, on the next day, I learned that some numbers in my routine blood work were wonky, so my body is needing even more care than I've been giving it. Following my own advice may not be so easy after all! Back to the drawing board for a game plan for honoring all of my body's needs. Being proactive and taking responsibility for my own well-being are high on my values list, so this is not negotiable!

Please share your own goal-setting adventures by leaving a comment. Here's where the "support and accountability" part comes in that I mentioned on 12/3. :-)

Thanks,
Susan

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Pave the Way Now for Your 2009 Resolutions

2008-12-03T16:59:00.008-05:00

Start now to set the foundation for the success of your 2009 goals! Here are a few things you can do to put yourself in the best possible position to succeed.

~Prioritize your goals, and limit your current efforts to the top two or three so you don't spread yourself too thin.

~Line up support and accountability. Depending on your goals and situation, you may need the help of a friend, family member, coach, therapist, doctor, personal trainer, dietitian, etc.

~Note the obstacles you may encounter so you are prepared to flow around them.

~Start taking excellent care of yourself physically and emotionally so you'll be up to the challenges. Set boundaries with others and eliminate at least one obligation from your schedule that is draining you.

~Prepare your mind with affirmations, imagery, and intentions related to your goals now so they will be firmly set in your mind by the New Year.

Following these suggestions will be one of the best holiday gifts you've ever given yourself!

Please let us all know how it goes by leaving a comment. We can all learn from each other!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. Ask me about my Anti-Hibernation Coaching Special that will be in effect for January and February 2009! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Dr. Amen's ANT's

2008-11-17T12:45:00.014-05:00

I reviewed the book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, by Daniel G. Amen, M.D., in my October 24 post. Today I'd like to focus on one of Dr. Amen's ANT's that he mentions in the book. ANT is his acronym for Automatic Negative Thought. We all have them, and we need to learn to talk back to them.

ANT's go by other names, too. Maybe you've heard them called Negative Self-Talk. In the coaching community, I've heard them called "The Itty Bitty Sh%#ty Committee in Your Head." I love that one...it's a bit longer, but equally memorable! :-)

For this post, I'd like to talk about the ANT that Dr. Amen calls "Fortune Telling." I'll use a little fiction here to convey the idea. Let's suppose there's a woman sitting in a coffee shop waiting to meet a guy she's been corresponding with by email for six weeks. He looks normal in his photo, and there have been no red flags in his daily emails. In fact, he seems to be quite funny and bright.

But as she waits for him to arrive, she gets nervous, and she starts into a downward spiral of Fortune Telling.... Maybe he used someone else's photo. Maybe he's a knuckle-dragging neanderthal male chauvinist pig! Maybe he lied about not owning any reptiles. Who knows what else he'll lie about?? Yikes! That scuzzy guy who just walked in must be him! Thank goodness this place has a back door. I'm outta here!

As you can guess, this woman isn't going to meet many men with her negative predictions for the future!

Check in with yourself. Are you harboring negative predictions for the future? Dr. Amen suggests countering the ANT's with thoughts of the opposite. So our fictional friend might try.... Maybe he's even better-looking in person! In six weeks' worth of emails, he always sounded like a good, honest guy. That's why I agreed to meet him here in the first place. Wow! Here he comes now. I'm glad I got up the nerve to do this!

You get the idea.... :-)

As I mentioned in the book review (10/24 post), be sure to check out Dr. Amen's site at http://www.amenclinics.com to see some amazing functional brain scans!

How do YOU keep the Fortune-Telling ANT's at bay? Please stop by the comments section and let us know!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. 'Looking for some reasonably priced holiday gifts? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766 to inquire about my two products, The Whispering Heart: A Guided Journal for Body, Mind, and Spirit, and Food for Thought: Delicious Quotes on the Law of Attraction [gift-boxed in a pastel Chinese take-out box; includes two fortune cookies; NO ANT's! :-) ].

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

What We Gain from Losing Our Clutter

2008-11-08T17:32:00.009-05:00

My Latest Decluttering Report and Two Resources for You

I'm Half-Way to My Goal of 100 Clutter-Zapping Hours! I logged 11 hours since my last check-in for a total of 50 hours in 4 months. I've done most of this in 30-minute segments and even some 15-minutes segments (when I'm feeling tired, overwhelmed, or under motivated). Using small blocks of time is key for my success. 50 hours is the equivalent of one work week of 10-hour days. I can confidently say I would not have had success with that format!

Here's What I'm Gaining as I Lose My Clutter:

~More space to create.

~Visual calm.

~A feeling of being on top of things.

~Order.

~Space for new things to come into my life; room to grow as a person.

~Better organizing habits.

~An opportunity to be a better role model.

~Better energy...for my space and for me. (Four months ago, the bamboo plant on my desk was languishing, despite having adequate sunlight and water. Now it has three new sprouts of growth on it!)

Check Out These Two Great Sources of Info and Inspiration!

~When Organizing Isn't Enough: SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life, by Julie Morgenstern (hardcover or audiobook). This book is a valuable resource for folks in transition, whether the change is welcome or unwelcome.

~www.RealSimpleRealLife.com This site features inspiring before-and-after photos and practical tips.

Please drop by the comments section and share your organizing success stories!

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. This blog has an alter ego! It's my light and inspiring bimonthly snail-mail newsletter, "Susan, Unplugged....Your 'Slow-Tech' Source for Creative and Healthy Living Tips." It's complimentary within the US. To request it, contact me by email, snail-mail, or phone: scleaver@dejazzd.com, P.O. Box 586, Douglassville, PA 19518-0586, USA, or 610-385-3766.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Get the "How" Out of There!

2008-11-04T11:10:00.008-05:00

Are you interested in deliberately applying the Law of Attraction, but confused by experts saying that you must let go of "how" you think your intention will manifest? I found a news story that illustrates this point perfectly.

A man named Bobby Guffey from Indiana had been buying state lottery tickets since 1989. From then up until this past August, he had only won about $5,000 in all that time. He clearly had an intention to win, and his "how" was to use the exact same sequence of numbers that had personal meaning to him every time he bought a ticket.

Up to that point, the question, "So, how's that workin' for ya?" may have been met with a scowl from Mr. Guffey! However, one day last August, he forgot his glasses, and he accidentally let go of his "how" by entering one of the digits wrong while buying his ticket.

When he saw his "mistake" later, he went back and bought another ticket for his usual number.

The results? His usual number won him $1,000 that day. Not a bad haul. But the "wrong" ticket won him three million dollars!

Moral of the story: Let go. Trust. And get the "how" out of there!

If you know a story that also illustrates this point, please share it with my readers and me in the comments section. Thanks!

My best to you,
Susan

P.S. Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial coaching session by phone or in person. Your responsibilities? Show up or call in on time and bring an open mind!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Removing Creative Brain Blocks: A Book Review

2008-10-24T13:13:00.011-04:00

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

Any of the problems listed in the subtitle above can put your creativity out of reach. It's extremely frustrating. You know you have been able to use your creativity in the past, but now you have lost access to that "file" in your brain. This book/audiobook can help.

So, you might ask, how can Dr. Amen deliver on the huge promise that the full title implies? All of these problems can have strong roots in the structure, function, and/or chemical imbalances in the brain. Injuries, such as concussions, or intruders, such as cysts or toxic substances, also play a major role.

Dr. Amen is a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist. He's an expert on
ADD and the relationship between the brain and the body, and these topics are addressed as well.

The book discusses the use of functional brain scans, medication, therapy, and self-help tips...all potentially helpful to a brain in trouble...that is, a brain that may be getting you into trouble in your work and relationships. Rare among the cases discussed are those that require surgery, such as a cyst in the brain.

To benefit from this book:

*You don't necessarily need a functional brain scan.
*You don't necessarily need to travel to one of Dr. Amen's clinics.
*It's very unlikely that you'll need surgery.
*You won't necessarily need medication...but keep an open mind about the possibility.
*You may not need therapy...but again, don't dismiss the possibility too quickly.
*You might not need a coach, if you're able to benefit from the self-help tips on your own and/or are seeing improvement from one of the other avenues. However, a coach can help with related lifestyle changes. She can also help you decide if you need more help than she can offer, such as therapy and/or evaluation by a psychiatrist.

Amazing functional brain scans can be seen at http://www.amenclinics.com/!

When looking at these scans, keep in mind that they are functional, not structural. The "holes" you'll see on the surface scans are areas where the activity of those parts of the brain was not enough to register on the scan. Prepare to be amazed!

To your creativity,
Susan

P.S. to local folks: email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for info on my Nov. 8 workshop where we'll be making collage crafts for holidays or any days!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

My Clutter-Zapping Check-In, Month 3

2008-10-08T18:11:00.007-04:00

Well, I'm over a third of the way to my goal of 100 decluttering hours! I have a total of 39 hours since I started on July 10, 2008, and I did 12 of them since my last update on Sept. 9.

I'll keep zapping and checking in monthly till I get those 100 hours! If it's true that "slow and steady wins the race," then I'll be getting a huge trophy when I'm done! :-)

At this rate, that could take another 6 months. That sounds so far away! But I'll just keep focusing on one 30-minute clutter-zapping session at a time...one foot in front of the other, and I'll get there! The Feng Shui in my home and office will be the envy of the neighborhood. :-)

Is anyone out there dealing with this issue, too? Please leave a comment to tell us all what's working for you!

Taking the scenic route,
Susan

P.S. To receive this blog's alter ego, "Susan, Unplugged...Your 'Slow-Tech' Source for Creative and Healthy Living Tips," send your snail-mail address to me at scleaver@dejazzd.com, or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 586, Douglassville, PA 19518-0586. It's complimentary within the US. Outside the states, I'll ask you to pay the postage only. I think you'll find it to be light-hearted and inspiring!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

A Coach's-Eye View of "The Opus" Movie

2008-09-30T08:27:00.010-04:00

Attention, Law of Attraction Fans! Have you seen the film called, "The Opus: From Vision to Plan to Performance," by Douglas Vermeeren? It's designed to pick up where "The Secret" movie, by Rhonda Byrne, left off...with more detail about the inspired action steps that Dr. Joe Vitali talks about in "The Secret."

Although with fewer details about quantum physics than were in the "What the Bleep Do We Know!?" (by Mark Vicente, Betsy Chasse, and William Arntz), "The Opus" covers some of the same ideas in its own way. "The Opus" also uses a similar structure, with a story line weaving together the practical meaning of the advice and stories of the experts shown in the film.

The Experts: Here's a list of some of my favorite experts from "The Opus." (Most of these folks were also in "The Secret," but there are many in "The Opus" that were new to me, also.)

Jack Canfield
Dr. Joe Vitali
Morris Goodman
Dr. John Dimartini
Bob Doyle
Mark Victor Hansen

Where "The Opus" Shines: Some critics of "The Secret" said that it seemed to be directed to a self-centered and materialistic audience. I have to agree, but I looked past that because I think it's very important to get the message of the Law of Attraction (like attracts like in our lives) out there.

"The Opus," however, has avoided that pitfall. It focuses more on the altruistic side of manifestation, including intentionally reaching out to others and giving them the nudge they need to reach their own highest goals.

"Tell Me More!" Go to http://www.owntheopus.com/ for more info. Enjoy!

Contact Me for Assistance with the Development of Your Life's "Opus." You can reach me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial coaching session (by phone or in person). I look forward to talking with you!

Be well,

Susan

P.S. for local folks: Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more info on my two October workshops....

Vision and Discovery Boards ~~ Thursday, October 16, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Put Off Procrastination ~~ Saturday, October 25, 10:00 am to 12 noon

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Featured Artist: Wilfriede Axsmith, Silk Painter

2008-09-18T15:34:00.014-04:00

I love wearable art! So every spring when I head to a local craft show in Chester County, PA, I always look forward to visiting the booth of The Silken Garb and its creator, silk painter Wilfriede Axsmith!

In her warm and helpful way, Wilfriede has helped me pick out at least four pieces of her art for my wardrobe. The breezy style of her painting and the flowing nature of the garments make me feel like a free spirit!

Wilfriede's pieces always garner compliments, and her pieces are so distinctive that those who know her work can recognize it immediately.

I can certainly relate to Wilfriede's style of working. She says, "In my work I create my own safe haven. I love texture, color, and unexpected designs...." She follows these elements to the completion of the piece without imposing a particular structure on it.

Wilfriede and I also share several values: life-long learning, reading, self-care, experimenting, and loving our work!

Wilfriede says, "Germany in those days was a different world," when she left it to come to the US in 1963. Even though her father was an artist, Wilfriede was busy dealing with culture shock and working as a tailor to help put her three daughters through college. She didn't see herself as an artist during that time.

Designing one-of-a-kind dolls after 20 years as a tailor sparked her transition into art. Several years later, Wilfriede went on to become a silk painter, which required much study to learn about using the dyes and other techniques.

Finally she had found her true calling! Wilfriede then took "...advanced classes with nationally known silk painters and artists...." Today she is a juried member of the Reading-Berks Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen.

Wilfriede's techniques include Batik (a wax resist process), Shibori, a special folding and pleating technique, or using the Gutta Serti technique, which involves steam-setting of the dyes. For her "canvas" she uses light-weight China Silk, Silk-Rayon Velvet, or something in between, depending on the character of the piece she's creating.

Wilfriede faces the same challenges as many other artists: pressure, deadlines, and fear of losing her creativity. "Being discouraged at times is part of the process," she reassures us. "I have also come to realize and accept that it is okay to have my work rejected at times. I often learn and try a different approach and always try to remember what is really important in my life."

Wilfriede's upcoming shows are at: Peters Valley, NJ, on Sept. 27 and 28; PA Guild of Craftsmen at Montgomery County Community College, Oct. 18 and 19; Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen on Nov. 1 and 2; North Penn, Lansdale, PA, Nov. 22.

For Wilfriede's contact info, please see www.rbcrafts.org/listings/axsmith.htm. Many thanks to Wilfriede for being willing to be my latest featured artist!

Sincerely,
Susan

P.S. Feel free to suggest future featured artists!

P.P.S. Please let me know by tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 19, if you're interested in the Fall Sweep Dig-In Tele-Party. Just go to http://www.seminarannouncer.com/ for more info and a convenient place to sign up. Thanks!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Month Two: Clutter-Zapping Report

2008-09-09T16:13:00.009-04:00

Here's my progress since my last clutter-busting update on August 11. Yikes! I only did 13 more hours! Add that to my total for Month One, and I have a total of 27 hours. But since I set my goal at 100 hours in three months (starting July 10), I'd need to have about twice this many hours done in order to be keeping pace with that commitment!

I'll do my best to make good on my commitment. If I don't reach 100 hours by my next report on October 11, I will continue to make monthly reports until I do!

I have been keeping the task in front of me in writing every day. I don't feel that I've gotten distracted or that I've lost my motivation. But I do know one place I went wrong: I over-promised! Realistically, with everything else I have going on, 100 hours in 3 months might not work. It's starting to look like 50 hours would have been a worthy challenge but more doable.

Do you have trouble getting real about how long something will take or how much time you'll have to fit it in? Optimism is great, but leave a margin for error in your calculations, especially if you have someone chomping at the bit for your results. I'm trying to remember to under-promise and over-deliver. You can reduce your stress greatly if you work on developing this habit, too!

Not all is lost, though. There's a lot to be said for incremental improvement. And the simple fact is that I'm getting more hours in than I would have if I hadn't made this public commitment. Also, setting up this sort of step-by-step challenge for myself drives home the point for me that these hours do add up over time, and my office and home look better for it. And I feel better!

Do I have any fellow clutter-zappers out there? Please fill us all in on your progress and/or obstacles!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. To receive the alter ego to this blog, called "Susan, Unplugged...Your 'Slow-Tech' Source for Creative and Healthy Living Tips," with my compliments, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com, by phone (610-385-3766), or by snail-mail (Susan Cleaver, P.O. Box 586, Douglassville, PA, USA, 19518-0586) with your snail-mail address. If you live outside the continental US, I'll ask you to cover the cost of the postage. Thanks! I think you'll enjoy the light and inspiring tone of the newsletter.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***