Opportunity: Suit up and Show up...at Your Best

"Dig the well before you are thirsty."

~~Chinese proverb~~

My post called "When Opportunity Knocks..." (April 2008), has been one of my most popular posts.  I'd like to expand that idea in this post with tips on what to do while you're waiting for an opportunity to turn up. 

In the next post, I'll talk about what to do after the opportunity has arrived. 

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Marek Uliasz

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

~~Martin Luther King, Jr.~~ 

So, let's take a look at what we can do to prepare for an opportunity, even when we don't know what it looks like or when it'll show up!  First, we have to accept the facts that we don't know what or when or how..  We need to go with the flow; if we're too precise, we'll interfere with the process. 

On the other hand, we don't want to run after every shiny object.  We each need to ask ourselves this question:

Am I looking for an opportunity in areas that support 

my over-arching goals?

If you're still fuzzy about this, try author Mike Dooley's idea:

"If you don't know what it is you want to do,

keep doing what you're doing, but do it better."

Some of you may pull away from Dooley's idea. you may think, "Why would I do that?  This is the situation I want to get out of!"

Yes, I understand.  But the Universe is looking for someone worthy of the opportunity and appreciative of what he or she already has. 

Also it keeps you out and about where opportunities abound!  I've never heard of anyone jumping up and shouting, "There it is!  Now I know what my opportunity is!"  while watching a television commercial about a new brand of disposable baby diapers. 

Take this waiting time to keep your skills up to date, so you can easily leverage them at a moment's notice.  Continue with your life-long learning in areas that interest you...a new craft, a new sport, or a new language, or another favorite.

Here's a great real-life example of how this works: Many years ago, before Apple, Steve Jobs took a calligraphy class just because he found it to be fascinating.  Years later, he used that experience to make Apple the first company to offer a selection of various fonts on a home computer!  

Remember to keep your soft skills active, also...people skills, intuition, and a great sense of humor, just to mention a few.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Janne Ahvo

Gather up all the patience you can muster.  Waiting for your opportunity may take longer than you expect.  We don't have the ability to see the opportunity as it's developing, so we must trust the flow of life. 

How you interact with others is another important area to shape up in while you're waiting for the opportunity that has your name on it.  Let others around you know that you're going to be upgrading many aspects of your life in preparation for an opportunity to make an even larger change.  

You may want to consider doing some volunteer work in one or two areas of interest to you.  While you're helping others, you're also meeting new people, and maintaining great people skills.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Brian Jackson

Networking has similar advantages.  Let your fellow networkers know what your interests are, so they can spread the word for you, and you can be on the look-out for ways you can help them.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Jacob Wackerhausen

Readers, please weigh in on this one!  If you have suggestions, questions, or experiences, we'd all love to hear them.  If you don't like to write on-line, you can email me privately here.  I'll use your address only to respond to your comments.  I do not share my readers' email addresses.

Remember, next time I'll be writing about what happens after your opportunity shows up.  Your comments to this post will help me direct the next one more specifically to what you want to know!

Thanks,

Susan

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

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~~Odds and Ends~~

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Denise Kappa

Would you like to set up a complimentary exploratory interview with me?

Being coached is a "real time," customized experience!

Please email me to set up a tele-session where we can decide if we'd work well together in a coaching partnership!

No strings attached...no pressure.  That's just not my style!

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Which of these three words is most provocative to you?

Courage         Creativity        Gratitude

You're welcome to share why in the comments section; just click below!

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

*** Member of the TriCounty Community Network, at www.tcnetwork.org *** 

Bring Your Own Bliss (BYOB), Part Two

(Note: A sincere thanks to those of you who have already read Part One of BYOB!  For those who haven't seen it yet, it's right next door, at the post dated March 28, 2013.)

 Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Steven Robertson

"Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who's there." ~~Rumi

In Part One of BYOB (3/28/13), I talked about the "be, do, have" cycle of manifestation.  We looked at one distortion that blocks results, and that's the bulldozer method: "do, do, do, have, be."  Exhausting!  There's no room for bliss and gratitude in that model!

Let's look at another ineffective twist: "have, do, be."  The user of this model also forgets to bring her own bliss.  She thinks it'll be there at the end...if only....  "If only I had what I want, then I could do what I want, and I'd be blissful and full of gratitude." 

Well, if she left her bliss and gratitude at the bottom of her sock drawer, how could she expect it to be anywhere in this model?  BYOB!

The truth is, bliss and gratitude fuel us throughout the cycle of manifesting!  We need to find those first, and put them in our spiritual backpacks!  If we don't take bliss and gratitude, we won't need backpacks, because we won't be going anywhere!

That's why the only way the model will work is "be, do, have."  So, to align with the Law of Attraction, we must be blissful and grateful for what we have already.

Then, we need to do the inspired actions that come to us from the Universe in  forms such as intuition and synchronicity.  Only then can we have the manifestation we're looking for!  

BYOB!

 Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Rebecca Grabill

With bliss and gratitude for you,

Susan

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

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~~Odds and Ends~~

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Denise Kappa

How I Can Help...

One of the trickiest parts of the "be, do, have" manifestation cycle is learning to watch, feel, and listen for the messages of "inspired action."  And what do we do while we're waiting these messages?

As your coach, I can help you navigate this terrain, using your own day-to-day life as our experimental playground!  Being coached is a "real time,"  customized experience!  

Just email me here to set up a complimentary session so we can see if we're a good match for a coaching partnership...or to ask any questions you may have about tele-coaching with me!   

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Personal Note

Next week, I'm starting as a student in a nine-week comedy improv class.  I've never done this before, but I think it's going to be fun!  Does anyone out there have experience in this area who would be willing to leave a few tips for me in the comments section?

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Getting Your Ego and Intuition to "Play Nice"

The blog post above is on my top ten list according to my Blogger stats!  If you missed it, please check it out.  It's in the archives and dated 1/15/09.  Thanks!

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

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, at www.tcnetwork.org*** 

Bring Your Own Bliss (BYOB), Part One

(Note:  I'd like to acknowledge and thank my community members, shown at the right!)

On your travels through life, I'd like to encourage you to consider a new twist on the old acronym, "BYOB."  For this post, instead of "Bring your own bottle,"  try this one: "Bring your own bliss!"  

OK, OK...if you insist on a mixed drink, you can stir in some gratitude with the bliss!  (Sliced fruit and a paper umbrella are optional.)  

Photo (c) iStockphoto/THEPALMER

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I want to show you another way to look at the Law of Attraction (like attracts like), by using the popular "be, do, have" model.  Bliss and gratitude are major catalysts in this process, so bring them with you!

Many people get the order of "be, do, have" mixed up, and it makes them feel frustrated.  A common mix-up, especially for those with "Type A" personalities, is "Do, do, do, have, be." 

As you might guess, this model is a major cause of burn-out, and it has a  feeling of striving.  Striving will send the Law of Attraction away from alignment with these folks.  It's as if they are saying, "I have to do it all myself, and how can I take bliss along if I don't have it yet?"

Well, of course they won't feel blissful while working fifty hours a week or more!  They need to slow down, watch for help from the Universe, and dig deep in their mental pockets for their bliss. Gratitude can help them remember where they put it.

"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."  ~~Charlie Parker

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Svermir

'More on this topic next time...BYOB!

With a double shot of gratitude for you,
Susan

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

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~~Odds and Ends~~

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Denise Kappa



What I Bring to Our Coaching Relationship, Part 4

Parts 1, 2, and 3 are with my posts dated 11/17/12, 12/22/12, and 1/27/13.

Today's topic: I assist you in creating action plans that will carry you forward between our coaching sessions.

*I provide structure. 

*We brainstorm together for options.

*We put together a list of resources related to your goal.

*I assist you in developing effective strategies and results.


Who do you want to become?

If you're looking for support from someone who's not afraid to say, "I dare ya!", then let's talk!  Email me here to set up a complimentary exploratory session by phone or in person. 

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A Word to the Wise

My post, "Dr. Amen's ANT's," has been on my top-ten most popular posts list for well over a year, according to my Blogger stats!  Check it out by going to 11/17/08 in the creative4life archives.  

Dr. Daniel Amen has at least four books published, and he's been featured on special programs for PBS.  Dr. Amen is a respected expert on the relationship between the brain and behavior.

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


***Member of the TriCounty Community Network, at www.tcnetwork.org.***

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The Hero's Journey, Part 3

In this post, we'll follow our hero-to-be (or heroine) as he moves through the "action" and "resolution" parts of his Quest.  To see the inner process he went through to get to this point of initiating action, please check out Part 2 of this series at my 12/22/12 post. You'll find an introduction to the topic in Part One, which is dated 11/17/12.

Step 5: Our hero steps into the unknown, along with his fears and self-doubt.  The unknown can be representing  one of many possible experiences, whether the Quest is fictional or one you may have experienced last year. Here are a few examples: dealing with illness or an injury, instead of trying to ignore it and hoping it'll go away, or maybe losing a job, and pounding the pavement every day to find a new one.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/frender

Step 6: The hero-to-be interacts with others during the Journey.  He often meets new people along the way, and they sometimes tend to be the kind of people who at first, seem like unlikely pals, or even enemies.  This is all part of the uncertainty he endures.

The friends usually play a part in helping the hero through the crises that he faces during the Quest.  As we'll see later, the hero faces the big, looming, ultimate challenge on his own.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Stefanie Timmermann

Step 7: He's faced with a series of inner and outer obstacles along the way.  While still dealing with inner conflicts, such as fear and resistance, our hero's integrity helps him find the courage to continue confronting the outer challenges.

For example, think of a father who confronts obstacles that he never thought he could, until it comes to the welfare of his child.

"There are some things you learn best in calm,

 and some in storm." ~~Willa Cather

Step 8: The most crucial part of the mission must be faced by the hero alone.  I believe this is because Universal Wisdom wants it to be very clear that, whatever the outcome, it is the actions of the hero that have brought him to the end of his Journey.  He now feels things inside him that he did not know were there.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Daniel Halvorson


"A change of feeling is a change of destiny."  ~~Neville Goddard

Step 9: The successful hero returns home with a new perspective of others, himself, and of life.  The hero may not have been successful at what he thought he was supposed to do.  However, a different kind of success can emerge from the parts of the Journey where he feels he didn't do well.

I have experienced this several times!  For me, it often seems that I've wasted a lot of time and effort on something, only to find later that it was preparing me for a new, exciting part of my life. Remember this when you experience and unwanted "nub" in the tapestry of your life!

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely."  

~~Auguste Rodin

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/creativeye99 

Thanks for reading!

Susan   
                            

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

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Photo (c) iStockphoto/Denise Kappa

~~Odds and Ends~~

What I Bring to Our Coaching Relationship, Part 3

You can find Parts 1 and 2 at my posts dated 11/17/12 and 12/22/12.

Today's Topic: I'm a catalyst for positive changes in you, so you can become the person you need to be to reach your goals, by providing...

*Challenge
*Accountability
*Feedback

In my next post, I'll explain how we work together to create your action plans.

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My post from 6 /21 /12, called "Enlightenment, the Sequel" is currently on my top-ten list of posts, according to my Blogger stats.  Please check it out!  

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Attention, Locals....  Save the Dates!  

Boyertown Wellness Fair, Saturday, March 23, 2013; complimentary Reiki samples at my exhibit table! 

Boyertown Continuing Education Program; Wednesday nights in April, I'll be teaching "Audacious Self-Care"!

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***All of my posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.***

**Member of the TriCounty Community Network, at www.tcnetwork.org**   

The Hero's Journey: How We Grow, One Quest at a Time

Scratch the surface of most books, movies, and plays, and you'll see that the story line is some form of  The Hero's (or Heroine's) Journey.  Why does this template resonate with us, and make us feel like we "just couldn't put that book down"?

We feel this resonance because we have experienced this journey in our own lives.  These quests result in changes in our level of understanding and growth. Some of us are going through this process now.  Those of us who are willing to grow and stretch will set out on more of these journeys. 

The Quest may look to be mostly inner or outer, but we as humans have a holistic nature.  The journey will change us in both ways.  Most of us don't go somewhere like Machu Picchu (pictured below)  just "because it was there."  It may look like an outer quest, but we are changed to the core when we return.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/The Power of Forever Photography

This is the first post of a series I have planned on this topic.  In this post, I'd like to give you an overview of the Quest structure, and then we'll explore the first few phases more closely in the next post.

If this post brings to mind one of your journeys, and you're willing to share it, please click "Comments" and tell us about it.  I believe that the more we use this blog to create community, the more we can enrich each other.  It's especially valuable in this time of economic sluggishness.

O.K., here's the overview of the Hero or Heroine's Quest, along with relevant photos:

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/PeskyMonkey

1) The hero-to-be  is at home, enjoying relative calm.
2) He hears the Call of the Quest.
3) He resists the Call because it has unknown risks, and he hesitates to leave his comfortable,  familiar environment.  He doubts that he can successfully complete the Quest. 
4) The Call gets too loud to resist.  Something or someone he cares about deeply is at risk.
5) The Hero accepts the Call, and he leaves his familiar environment to set out into the unknown.
6) He meets some unlikely but helpful friends along the way.
7) He's faced with a series of inner and outer obstacles along the way.
8) The most crucial part of the mission must be faced by the hero alone.
9) The successful hero returns home with a new perspective of himself and of life.  

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/DNY59

Thanks,

Susan

P.S.  I  would like to give you a clear look at what I deliver as a Coach.  I'll discuss these items in more detail in future posts.  For now, I'll share the main points with you.

What I Bring to Our Coaching Relationship

~I enrich your "thinking environment."~

~I'm a catalyst for positive changes in you, so you can become the person you need to be to reach your goals.~

~I assist you in creating action plans that will carry you forward between our sessions.~

If you have any questions, or you'd like a complimentary exploratory session (by phone or in person), you can reach me here.

P.P.S. My post from June 21, 2012, called Enlightenment, the Sequel, is on the list of my top 
ten most popular posts, according to my Blogger stats.  Please check it out!

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

***Member of  the TriCounty Network at www.tcnetwork.org.***

Enlightenment, the Sequel

My last post, from May 15, 2012, is called "Shedding Some Light on Enlightenment."  In that post, I mentioned that, even though I'm no expert on the subject, I have lots of opinions about it!  :-)

Today's post explores a few more facets of the subject, based on my friendships with people who certainly seem to be well on their way to enlightenment.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Andrea Haase

I love this photo of the Yin/Yang symbol.  We're all familiar with it.  Enlightened folks live it as much as they can.  They know this symbol of balance applies to everything.  Here are a few examples:

Balance of...

• an individual's male (yang) and female (yin) energies
• action (yang) and inaction (yin)
• light (yang) and darkness (yin)
• helping others (yang) and stepping back and allowing (yin) them to learn by doing
• strength (yang) and and self-restraint (yin)
• the energy in a space (Feng Shui)
• chemicals in the body
• the foods we eat 

If you would like a challenge, observe and aid in the balancing of these energies, and see if you can think of more examples for the list.  Then click on "comments" below so we can work on this as a community.  Please let us know the results of your challenge.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Brian Jackson

An enlightened person is simply amazing when helping others.  Just imagine for a few moments that you are the person being helped, one-on-one.  The first thing you might notice is her soothing positive energy and the great effect it has on you.

She will give you 100% of her attention...that is so rare these days!  She's not in a hurry, and she knows how to listen.  As you speak with her, you'll soon realize that she sees your potential, and she's talking to you from that perspective.

This person frames suggestions in the most constructive way possible.  She's very open-minded, and you can see her love for humanity in her eyes.  She thrives rather than strives, and can help you do the same.  She is openly grateful for the opportunity to assist you.  Not only does she enjoy it, but she sees a tipping point at which positive energy can do even more good in this world.  And you, if you wish, are being recruited into the gentlest group of people you may ever know!

If there is any sort of boot camp at all, you were probably already there when you arrived, which could be why you're there in the first place!  It's that "dark night of the soul" boot camp, and you have come to the right person to assist you.  She can't get you out on her own, but she can point the way back to the light, if you're willing to take the many trusting steps that are required...not by her, but by your own psyche.....

I see my friends who are like this as Earth Angels.  Sometimes I ask them to turn around, so I can check for wings or a few stray feathers sticking out! :-) 

With gratitude,
Susan

Mind Spa Coaching and Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

P.S. Remember to fill us all in about the challenge above and about being in the company of these Earth Angels.  I know that many of you reading this are Earth Angels yourselves...be careful about those stray feathers!  :-)

P.P.S. Here's another post from the top ten most popular on creative4life.  You can find it in the archives under 2/22/12:

"Stewardship, Self-Care, and...Multi-Tasking?"

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

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network at www.tcnetwork.org *** 

Leadership: Walking Our Talk

Some of you may remember my theme from 2011, which was "Audacious Self-Care."  Well, I guess I teach what I need to learn...when I need to learn it!

The last quarter of 2010 (when I picked the topic) and all of 2011 offered some very difficult challenges for my family and me, so putting reminders about self-care in this blog throughout the year was helpful to me.  Then things caught up with me, and I had to stop blogging for a while in favor of my self-care.  The irony was not lost on me!

I apologize for disappearing, and I will finish covering all the sub-topics of self-care that I promised my readers a year ago. Thank you for your patience.

Before we move on to talking about leadership, I would also like to announce that I've expanded my business name from the same as my name to...(drum roll please)...

Mind Spa Coaching and Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

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Now for today's topic:

Leadership: Walking our Talk





Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Mats Persson



Last spring, on 6/3/11, I wrote a post about the value of personal leadership in preparation for this one on walking our talk as leaders.  Long-term success in leading others is based on how you manage yourself.

In the photo above, one of the components is "Lead by Example."  That would be problem if the "example," or role model, had the basics of his own life in disarray!  Poor role models either forget this, or they think it won't show.

For example, the poor role model may think it doesn't matter if their home office is messy and disorganized, because his followers never see it.  Well, they do see it...in the role model's stress level, even if his desk at work looks great.  What's more is that they can feel it on an energetic level, and they won't feel motivated by the leader.

This concept also applies to the leader's stewardship in these areas:

*integrity

*health

*finances

*lifestyle

*relationships

Think of this as if it were a pillow sham.  It looks great on the outside.  But if the pillow inside is filled with stones, it's useless to followers and leaders alike.  No wonder so many people come home from work with a headache!

Here's to great leadership,

Susan

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

**Written material in all posts of this blog is (c) Susan Cleaver**

**Member of TCN, a local non-profit organization at www.tcnetwork.org**  

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration

Stop by my Exhibit for a Coaching or Reiki Sample!

Here are the three local Health Fairs where I'll be exhibiting:

Saturday, 3/31/12, The Boyertown Health Fair

Wednesday, 4/4/12, Health, Fitness, and Safety Fair, Blue Bell, PA

Friday, 4/20/12, Healthy Lifestyles Expo, Pottstown, PA

To the best of my knowledge, there will be NO entry fee for any of these three events.  For more information, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.



Personal Alignment: The Journey to Authenticity

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/ ***

The Power of Interdevelopmental Relationships

Photo (c)iStockphoto.com/VickyLeon

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

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

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

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

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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!

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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!!!!!!!!!!!

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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!

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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!

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

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From Recession to Renaissance

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.

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Can you relate? Our time has come!

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Excitedly yours,

Susan

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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.

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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.

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

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

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