Hero's Journey, Part 2: Resisting Change

In the previous post from 11/17/12, I wrote an overview of the "Hero's Journey" cycle  of growth and how it affects all of us.  Of the nine parts I listed there, I want to take a closer look at the first four parts today.

Step 1: What happens to the hero or heroine shortly before the Journey begins?  You'll probably notice the structure from books you've read, movies you've seen, and, well,...life!  The cycle begins at the status quo.  The hero-to-be is entrenched in his current comfort zone, although he doesn't know that yet.  

Step 2: As a new Quest begins to tap him on the shoulder, the potential hero's comfort zone begins to feel like a tight pair of shoes.  The comfort zone may even show signs of crumbling altogether, causing him confusion and fear.  

Step 3: He begins to resist the changes.  At this point, he has self-doubt that he could be of any help on an important Quest...he feels like his own life is falling apart.  This stage is sometimes called Divine Discontent,  but the hero-to-be sees nothing divine about it yet!

Have you experienced Divine Discontent?  I know I have.  If you're willing to share the experience with my other readers and me, please add your comments at the bottom of this post.  You may be amazed by how you can help someone else just by sharing your story!  It's very powerful. 

Photo (c) iStockphoto/DNY59

Step 4: The Call gets too loud to ignore.  Something or someone dear to the prospective hero is at risk.  His confusion and fear escalate to very uncomfortable levels.  Of course he has free will, but the Call is so compelling now, he must make a decision that's in line with his values.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Marek Uliasz

Still shaking in his boots, the hero-to-be feels a heavy mantle of responsibility and stewardship.  He also continues to carry the self-doubt.  Quests arrive without instructions, much like babies do.  Yikes!

Photo (c) iStockphoto/lionvision

In my next post, we'll look at the possibilities for our hero-to-be's experiences as he takes his next shaky steps.

Until then, please leave your comments and questions below!

Thanks,

Susan 

P.S. What I Bring to Our Coaching Relationship, Part 2 

In my 11/17/12 post, I shared the main points with you on this topic.  Today, I want to elaborate on the first topic, I enrich your "thinking environment."  Below are four of the services I deliver in this area:

• I listen deeply with trained ears.
• Our high-energy sessions are fun!
• You feel emotionally supported through sincere validation and caring.
• I provide prospective.

In my next post, I'll discuss how I'm a catalyst for positive change.

P.P.S. My post from 2/22/12, "Stewardship, Self-Care, and...Multi-Tasking?" is one of my current top-ten posts, according to my Blogger stats.  It begins with this relaxing photo.  I hope you'll check it out. And it's never too late to comment or ask a question!

Photo (c) iStockphoto/ooyoo

***All of Susan's creative4life 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.***

My People-Pleasing Past

People-Pleasing began by the tender age of six for me.  I was in first grade, where we colored a lot.  My problem with all this coloring was that it seemed to take me forever.  

But, being a resourceful kid, I soon found the perfect solution, even if I do say so myself!  I had all the kids on my worksheets wear orange.  What a great idea!  This saved me lots of time...shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts...all in orange.  For me, orange was the new black!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Svemir

My teacher, however, did not see the perfection in my solution.  And like most children, I felt a strong need to please adults. who were, after all the source of our ability to survive!

This self-protection response is often so deeply ingrained, that we forget to leave it behind as we approach adulthood, allowing it to create havoc in our lives.

Once, as a teen, I agreed to serve at a fund-raising dinner.  It was scheduled for the day after my friend's slumber party, which I was looking forward to, even though I knew it would involve very little slumber!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Jessica Key

I had a great time with my friends, but the next day I had to drag myself to the dinner, which I never should have agreed to in the first place.  Saying NO couldn't have been any worse than that, especially when, in this case, it wasn't a self-protective response...it was just a habit that was not serving me well at all.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/meshaphoto

Now...fast-forward to my college years.  My roommate and I received a "friendly visit" from two other young women who lived on our floor of the dorm.  They mentioned that they were hungry, so we got out some snacks for the four of us.

  Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Kadir Barcin

O.K., now here's the rub....  The following night, the same scenario played out again.  These young women didn't bother with us any other time.  Clearly these two were just looking for anyone with food who had passed "People-Pleasing 101"!

So, my roommate and I devised a "Pest Control Plan."  When the moochers returned on the third night, they said, "We're hungry!"  My roommate and I responded, "So are we!"  The pests never returned, and we saved our study time as well as our snack supplies.

Over the years, I've learned to protect my time, welcoming countless hours back into my own life! You can share your experiences with and solutions to this issue at the "comments" area button below.  Most of us need a tune-up now and then to keep our boundaries in place, so please share what you know with the rest of the creative4life Community.

Now, when I look back at my people-pleasing past, I see for sure that there was no future in it!  :-)

Thanks,
Susan

Mind Spa Coaching & Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration


Announcing Two Community Events
in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area

Pope John Paul II Wellness Fair
"Fun exhibits, healthy activities...and door prizes!"

Saturday, October 6, 2012, from 10 am to 1pm

Pope John Paul II High School, 181 Rittenhouse Rd., Royersford, PA 19468

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Kate_2004


***********



2nd Annual
You Can Heal Yourself from Cancer
Event presented by McCormick Chiropractic

Saturday, October 13, 2012; registration at 8:15 am; program from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: North Coventry Fire Dept. Social Room, 114 W. Schuylkill Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465

Eight inspiring speakers are slated to speak!  

Tickets are $20 each before Oct. 2; $25 after or at the door.  Bring a friend for free.

To register, call Lisa Weir at 610-705-0201.

**********

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

***Proud member of the TriCounty Community Network (at www.tcnetwork.org), Coachville, and the Coachville R&D Team.***

**********

How an Enlightened Person Views the World

Welcome to Part 3 of the Enlightenment Series! (See 5/15/12 and 6/21/12 for the earlier posts.)  I'm not an expert on the topic, but I do find it fascinating!  This post will focus on what it might be like to see the "Earth Angels'" view of the world.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Vicky Leon

Enlightened folks understand the holistic nature of our world.  They are patient, because they keep in mind, for example, that for the flowers in the photo to bloom, lots of elements and processes must be present and come together in a certain way to make these flowers.  A lot of what goes on can't be seen. 


I think we all expect this with flowers, but we forget it when we are trying to manifest dreams and goals over a long period of time, and we don't see any indication of change yet.  "Earth Angels" see everything in a holistic framework, so they trust in this natural way that our world works.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Daniel Halvorson

  

Those enjoying enlightenment also understand that in this world, what you see is not what you get in the time/space arena.  As physical beings, we must operate with this illusion of time and space.  But when we get help from the Unseen, it does not have the restrictions of time and space.  This is why "Distance Reiki" can exist as an energy practice, to name just one example.  


If this idea seems difficult to grasp, that's because it is!  You're not alone, and you don't need to fully understand it.  You just need to be aware of  it.  Because we are both spiritual and physical beings, we've been given this interesting adventure of having a foot in each camp!


I'd love to see your thoughts on this!


Thanks,
Susan


Mind Spa Coaching and Reiki

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

***Member of the TriCounty Community 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 *** 

Shedding Some Light on Enlightenment

The other week, I asked myself a thought-provoking question: "What are the characteristics of an enlightened person?"  Then I wrote 12 pages of answers to it in my journal.  I'll share a few of them here today, and I hope you'll add your own ideas in the comments section.  Questions and anecdotes about enlightened people you know are welcome, also!

I don't claim to be an expert on this topic by any means.  I do have some colleagues, friends, and mentors that qualify, at least to my amateur eye.  I also enjoy studying the topic of enlightenment.  So, the ideas about it that flowed out of my pen have been collecting in my head after getting in there by osmosis.

Here we go....

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Marek Uliasz

Enlightened folks are not afraid to show their vulnerability.  They don't have all the answers, and they will admit that right up front.

In my experience, though, these mentors have often asked me just the right question that would help me find an answer that neither of us could have even guessed about before.  It's a very special type of team effort that brings about an interdevelopmental experience for both parties.

These enlightened people ask themselves a lot of questions about the nature of life and their role in it.  Observing the enlightened ones I have studied or known, their answers seem to come from a combination of four factors: 

• listening
• intuition
• accumulated knowledge
• personal experience

If the answers are not forthcoming, they chalk it up to Divine Timing.  Those who are enlightened accept that if and when they are to know the answers, they will be provided.

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

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Steven Robertson

Can you see the radiant glow on the woman's face in the photo above?  I notice this glow on the faces of the people whom I consider to be enlightened.  Does it remind you of anything?  It reminds me of the glow in the faces of babies and young children, who, of course, have a special kind of wisdom all their own!  It has even  become a cliche to say, "...out of the mouths of babes...."  I would add to that their eyes, expressions, and actions!

Unfortunately, many well-meaning adults don't remember this stage of their own development, leaving them confused when their own children or students display it.  As a result we think it's part of our job to root them in what we see as the "real world."  We give them the "roots," but we often forget to protect their "wings."

I think it is a lucky few of us that don't get their wings battered during the turbulent teen and young adult years.  But as we settle into a calmer, more rhythmic life as we age, many of us begin to feel a nudge toward a more spiritual life.  At that point we start paying attention to the fact that we've been "trying to push the river" instead of going with the flow, and that we're exhausted!

The closer we get to an enlightened state, the better we feel.  Flowing back toward the enlightenment zone is a journey worth exploring!

Please click on the comments section and let us know about your experiences and opinions around this topic of enlightenment!


Thanks,
Susan


Mind Spa Coaching and Reiki
with Susan Cleaver

scleaver@dejazzd.com 

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

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

From my top ten most popular posts,

check out "Hidden in Plain Sight"!

See the archives for September 26, 2011.

Thanks!

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

Sow the seeds of success....

Hire a life coach!

Important Update on the Wellness Fair in Royersford, PA

The Pope John Paul II Wellness Fair in Royersford, PA, has been rescheduled from this Saturday, the 12th of May, to Saturday, October 6, 2012.  In September, I'll list it here on my blog along with the details.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Kate_2004

For those of you in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area, I hope to see you there this fall! ~Susan

Mind Spa Coaching & Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

scleaver@dejazzd.com

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





The Magic of a Personal Retreat

"We hear voices in solitude we never hear in the hurry and turmoil of life; we receive counsels and comforts we get under no other condition." --Amelia Barr

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/pixhook

My goal for today is to inspire you to take a personal retreat!  Your first objection might be that you can't take the time for a retreat.  When I go for 4 nights, I come back with ideas that actually save me time in the long run. Really!

.

There's no one right way to do this, but I'll show you how I conduct my own personal retreats.  As you read, notice the things that would work best for you...and the parts of my retreats that don't appeal to you.

.

Imagine this as a virtual tour of what a personal retreat can be.  Then jot down  what you'd love to include in your retreat plans, and imagine a virtual tour of your ideal retreat experience!

.

I've been very fortunate to find a retreat center in Reading, PA, that has very reasonable rates and is just 30 minutes from my home.  If you live in the Mid-Atlantic States here in the US, you're welcome to email me for more details about this particular center at scleaver@dejazzd.com.

.

I began a ritual of going on retreats regularly back in September, 2011, when one of my health care professionals warned me that I was headed for burn-out if something didn't change soon.

.

I had been under prolonged stress due to a family crisis, and it was wearing down my physical and emotional health.  (You don't have to wait for a crisis...regular retreats now will help you deal with obstacles and ups and downs that may confront you later.)

.

O.K., on to the juicy stuff!

.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Tina Lorien

.

My intuition waits patiently for me to reach a relaxed and quiet state, even if it takes days.  Then I find ideas and solutions raining down onto the pages of my journal! 

.

 

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/4FR

.
 When I go on a personal retreat, I don't take "input" materials with me, such as books for example.  Here's what I do take, along with my clothes, toothbrush, etc.:

.

~my camera

~items to make a small altar in my room

~my sketch pad and pencils

~sea salt and a basin for relaxing foot soaks

~my journal and pens

~snacks

~three beautiful scarves to decorate my room

.

And that is it!  I don't take anything else to read, listen to, or do.  It's very important that I make my environment different from home.

.

I love my home, but if I brought along the things I usually get input from at home, my habits of thought would stay almost the same, and I'd lose much of the benefit of the retreat.  My mind would be too full and noisy to hear the nuggets of wisdom being revealed to me! 

.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

.

 The grounds around the retreat house are also very conducive to contemplation and relaxation.  Each room has a large window with a comfy chair strategically placed for enjoying the view.

.

I get just enough socialization at mealtimes and from exchanging a few words with the others I may pass in the hall or outside.

.

So, that sums up what works best for me during a personal retreat.

.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Igor Demchenkov

.

But everyone is different, of course.  Please click "Comments" below and let my other readers and me know what has worked for you. 


If you haven't tried a personal retreat yet, please comment on what you imagine would work for you.  That will help you to gain clarity and motivation, and it will inspire the rest of us!

"Awareness, in and of itself, is curative."  --Robert Marrone

Thanks, 

Susan

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

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

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration

LOCAL EVENTS

Healthy Lifestyles EXPO, April 20, 2012, 9:30 to 1:30, in Pottstown, PA

Call 610-326-9563 to learn more!

  

 World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One, at 1:00 ~ May 5, 2012

  Sally Martin, Facilitator ~ Pottstown, PA 

 email Susan at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details.

SPECIAL OFFERS ~ GLOBAL

I'm currently offering special pricing of 25% off all my services, including coaching by phone.  This pricing is subject to change after June 30, 2012.

Also, I'm currently waiving the fee on all initial exploratory sessions!  This gives both of us the opportunity to test-drive a possible coaching partnership with no further obligation.  This complementary session offer is subject to change after September 21, 2012.  To set up an appointment, email me at  scleaver@dejazzd.com.

A WORD TO THE WISE

"Dr. Amen's ANT's" has been on my top-ten most popular post list for quite a while.  Check it out by going to November 17, 2008, in the archives. 

You may be familiar with some of Dr. Amen's work. He has about four books published.  He's been on a few PBS special programs in his role as an expert on the relationship between the brain and behavior.

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

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

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/ooyoo

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

--Maya Angelou

Stewardship is perhaps the highest level of self-care there is.  That may sound surprising at first, but look at the area that comes to mind first for many of us.  When we're working toward a cleaner environment, we're serving the Earth and all its present and future inhabitants, including ourselves!

Stewardship is a great example of "what goes around comes around."  Receiving is just as much a part of stewardship as serving is.

Have you ever noticed what a deflating feeling it is when someone refuses your act of kindness?  Giving is very rewarding, and so is graciously receiving from others.  Acts of stewardship are the multi-taskers of life!

Below is a list of several things we do in everyday life that help others and ourselves (multi-tasking), often without thinking about their value as acts of stewardship:

• Caring for your personal environment, including your physical well-being.
• Working in the helping professions and/or the non-profit sector.
• Volunteering.
• Sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
• Cooperating and collaborating with others.
• Letting it be known when you need help.
• Taking responsibility for your roles in your family.
• Developing compassionate and effective leadership skills.
• Being a great role model.
• Being responsible with money.
• Adopting a pet from a shelter.
• Helping people in need with compassion and respect.
• Envisioning the potential of the person you're helping.
• Teaching others how to help themselves over the long term.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Brian Jackson

One of the best books I've seen on the possible frustrations of trying to help others is Do It Anyway, by Kent M. Keith.  He has a list of ten "Paradoxical Commandments," such as "If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.  Do good anyway."  Another of my favorites is, "Honesty and frankness make you vunerable.  Be honest and frank anyway."

Please don't give up on your stewardship efforts without reading Keith's book!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Ivan Bajic

 

Handling your money wisely and teaching your children to do so is great role modeling.  And the kids will be more likely to teach their own children this skill when they're ready for it.  Now that's multitaking at its best!

I want to finish this post with a quote from David Heller's book, 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 ten

Your comments are welcome,

Susan

Mind Spa Coaching & Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

scleaver@dejazzd.com

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration

If you live in the greater Philadelphia or Reading, PA, area....

The Boyertown Health Fair will be on Saturday, March 31, 2012.  It's organized by the Boyertown Area Community Wellness Council, and it's very family oriented.  In fact, it's grandson-tested.  We took ours three years in a row, and he loved it.  This year, in January, he asked us if he could come with us this year.  This kid really plans ahead!

The fair takes place at the Boyertown Area Senior High School.  Please contact me for details at scleaver@dejazzd.com.  The fair is complimentary, and I'll be giving free samples of Reiki and Life Coaching plus lots of resources!

P.S. to kids planning to attend:  Feel welcome to bring along parents, grandparents, etc.  They'll love it, too! 

If you live ANYWHERE....

I'm offering special pricing of 25% off ALL of my services.  And remember, Life Coaching can be done by phone or in person!  The special pricing is subject to change after June 30, 2012.

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

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



Check out my post from April 1, 2008...it has been in the #1 spot for a while now as my most popular post!  It's called, "When Opportunity Knocks....".  Happy reading, and thanks for your support!

   

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

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

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.