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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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O.K., on to the juicy stuff!

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photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Tina Lorien

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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! 

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photo (c) iStockphoto.com/4FR

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 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.:

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~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

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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.

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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! 

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

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 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.

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

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

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photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Igor Demchenkov

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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.

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Goal Setting for Audacious Self-Care

~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/.***

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Stress-Reducing Ideas You May Not Have Thought About

~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.***

Be an Effective CEO of Your Own Life

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.***

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Top Ten Tips on Gratitude

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.***

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Get the "How" Out of There!

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.***

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Removing Creative Brain Blocks: A Book Review

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.***

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A Coach's-Eye View of "The Opus" Movie

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.***

Be Aware of the Influence of Others on Your Life and Creativity

Book Review: The Power of People: Four Kinds of People Who Can Change Your Life (c), by Verna Cornelia Price, PhD., JCAMA Publishers (c), http://www.jcama.com/.


I'll start with a quote from another reviewer of this book, Dr. Myles Munroe, who says it's "...for anyone who desires to navigate safely and effectively through the sea of human personalities on their way to their destiny." I agree, and I find it particularly helpful for those of us who have, are, or want to become creative mentors.


Dr. Price discusses two types of people that can affect you very positively, how to recognize them, how to relate to them, and how you can develop these traits in yourself to have a meaningful effect on others. She also discusses two types who can have a very negative affect on you, how to recognize and handle them, and how to avoid developing similar unsavory traits in yourself. Dr. Price calls the four types Adders, Subtracters, Dividers, and Multipliers.


What You'll Want to Know about Adders


*Adders are sincere and altruistic cheerleaders for you and your goals.

*They see your potential and help you reach it, if you let them.

*They're essential to our growth!

*Always show your appreciation to the Adders in your life.

*Adders know the power of words and carefully use them to affect you positively.

*They take goals, habits, and visions seriously (yours and theirs), and so they budget their time carefully.

*They won't waste time on a resistant benefactor; instead, they will move on to someone more likely to seize the moment for being helped.

*They're life-long learners who are looking to help other life-long learners.

*Being around adders will help you become one yourself!


Subtracters: "Misery Loves Company"


*Subtracters seek to level the playing field by dragging you down to what they perceive as their level.

*They attempt to plant doubt in your mind about your own abilities.

*They come to you for help over and over as their thoughts and behaviors attract more problems to them.

*If you want to see a blank stare from a Subtracter, ask: "Who would you be without your problems?" Chances are they have no clue and are afraid to find out!

*They use guilt to manipulate others.

*Subtracters are like "black holes," sucking away your energy and focus.

*They can poison your outlook on life.

*Subtracters are threatened by your good habits, and will attempt to dismantle them.

*They may pose as a resource while they are actually draining you of your personal power.

*You must protect yourself by calling them on their antics or "run like the wind"!

*Don't underestimate the damage that a Subtracter can do to your life and your dreams!

*In short, Subtracters are users who feel like losers!


Dangerous Dividers


*A Divider is a toxic mix of user and control freak.

*Dividers use distraction as a way to strip you of your vision.

*They are acting out of their own insecurities.

*Dividers step way out of line with what they think they are entitled to, including the right to dismantle your life for their own benefit!

*They are two-faced and provide you with only the information they want you to know.

*Dividers are very difficult to disentangle yourself from; they may even lash out in some way.

*They come between you and your friends and mentors, especially the ones who are Adders or Multipliers.

*Dividers want to design your life and take credit for your progress. (If you're lucky enough to make any progress when enmeshed with a Divider!)

Multipliers: Turbo-Charged Adders!


*Multipliers are comfortable in their own skin and with their own accomplishments.

*They make amazing coaches and mentors!

*Multipliers can come from any walk of life, and they are not concerned about what positions you hold. Rather, they are looking at your attitude and potential.

*Multipliers will, like teachers, "work themselves out of a job." Don't be surprised if they proudly send you off on your own and look for another to help.

*They know intuitively who they can best help. If you feel passed by, wait patiently for the Multiplier who is the right fit for you.

*Multipliers believe in you enough to stick their necks out for you.

*Dr. Price has named the Multipliers who help you along one step at a time "Escalator Multipliers." On the other hand, "Elevator Multipliers" are looking for those who are ready and able to ascend now, and who will know how to conduct themselves when they get there.

In this book, Dr. Price will show you how to be comfortable with your own personal power!

Sincerely,

Susan

P.S. Upcoming Tele-Party: Monday, Sept. 22, 7 to 9 pm Eastern, "Fall Sweep Dig-In." See http://www.seminarannouncer.com for details or email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.

Local Events: "Reiki for Rookies," Sept. 20, 10 am to noon Eastern; email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com. Come experience and learn about this amazingly simple and relaxing energy practice!

Contact me at the same email for details about the " "Stress-Less Evening" on Sept. 26, 7 to 9 pm Eastern. Kick back and relax as I provide Reiki, soothing music, nurturing snacks, guided imagery, and more!

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

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The Foundation of Patience

Are you looking to develop more patience with yourself, others, and situations? Here are some qualities and skills to develop and a few tips that will help in creative endeavors and everyday living:


*Compassion When you must deal with someone who is trying your patience, remember that there is a good chance that they are acting out of fear and/or pain or even a temporarily muddled mind due to a chemical imbalance.

Here's what helps me remember to be compassionate: I remember that at the lowest point of my life, I would not have liked anyone to take a mental snapshot of me and then assume that that's how I am all the time! This is especially helpful when you're dealing with people you don't know.

*Flexibility A little forethought can prevent a lot of frustration. Leave extra time for possible delays such as slow lines, traffic, and puppies that piddle on the floor just as you thought you were ready to leave home.

And always have something with you to work on or to entertain yourself when you get detained. If you like to travel light, just a small tablet, a pen, and your cell phone can give you some options. Books on CD are great for in the car!

*Acceptance Cr%p happens! Puppies piddle. Traffic slows. Orders get held up. The person ahead of you in line pays with 98 pennies. Working on the other areas covered in this post will make this one come easier with time.

*Stress Management If you are committed to keeping your base-line stress level under control, the better you'll be at keeping your cool when the pressure is on. Take care of yourself and ASK for help when you need it.

Find ways to relax that work for you. It could be tai chi, Reiki, massage, meditation, or enjoying a hobby. During the "Do What You Love" evening that I mentioned near the end of my last post, I spent the whole three hours doing one 12"-by-12" collage! It was very soothing to me.

*Assertiveness You don't need to be or act angry in order to communicate what you need. It can be done calmly and politely before you lose your patience!

If you have trouble speaking up for yourself and/or saying "NO," there's lots of help out there. How deeply embedded is the problem? Would a book, CD, or coach help, or is it time to find a skilled therapist? Does seeking therapy sound extreme? Not if the problem is interfering with your life!

*Faith Try learning more about the Law of Attraction and the power of intentions, thoughts, words, and feelings. If you relax and believe that wonderful things are on their way to you, you're sending out positive energy that the Universe matches by the Law of Attraction.

*Self-Awareness When you lose patience with yourself, explore your limiting beliefs about yourself. They can lead to conflicting commitments within your own mind that make you feel stuck.

Fear of success is a great example. Maybe one facet of you wants to succeed, but another part of you is afraid you won't be able to handle the responsibilities involved. Both sides are tugging with equal strength while you're losing patience with yourself for "getting nowhere!"

Again, you need to figure out how deep-seated the problem is, and what level of assistance you'll need. If you're used to doing a lot of inner work, journaling about it may be very effective.

Feel free to offer your comments, questions, and experiences around the topic of patience!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. For details about the Fall Sweep Dig-In Tele-Party on Sept. 22, go to www.seminarannouncer.com and check the September listings for that date. A little accountability and support go a long way! I'm hosting the tele-party as a complimentary service. Questions? Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.

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

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Why Working from Home Works for Sensitive Creatives

Creative folks often fall into the category of high sensitivity. I've mentioned it in other posts, but to get the whole story, see The Highly Sensitive Person, by Elaine Aron, PhD.

Meanwhile, here are my reasons, as a highly sensitive person, that I find having my "headquarters" at home to be good for my head...and the rest of me, too!

Environment
Highly Sensitive People usually experience their sensitivity in just about any way you can think of it. This includes sound, weather, indoor temperature, good or bad Feng Shui, energy coming from others, sights, textures, emotions, physical sensations, information overload, interaction overload, smells, tastes, and the effects of hunger or pushing themselves too hard.

Working mostly from home gives us much more control over these issues. This really helps, because most people in the more common sensory mode do not understand why we even have these issues. How can they, until the concept of high sensitivity is explained to them? It's simply not in their experience. So don't hold it against them. Just do what you need to do for your self-care.

Pace
Because sensitive people take things in at such a deep level, we have a lot more processing to do. This can cause us to respond, adjust, and/or work more slowly than others.

Remember those standardized, timed tests we took in school? I never saw the end of any of them! I simply can't sort that much info that fast, not to mention simultaneously handling random data coming in through my thoughts or senses! I do not have a "standardized" mind! That was in the 60's and 70's, when accommodations for differences were in their infancy.

By working from home I can make my own accommodations and set my own pace, even if it means it'll take me longer to get done. Rushing only compounds the problem, so I plan ahead to avoid that as much as possible.

Solitude
If sensitive people can work in reasonable solitude at home, so much the better. Not everyone has that luxury, but maybe you can arrange some time for solitude by asking for help from supportive family members or friends.

Flexibility
As you can see, the flexibility of working from home can help with all three of the issues I've mentioned above. Just be sure that you keep your trait of high sensitivity in mind when you are your own boss. Don't fall into the trap of making working from home just as difficult for yourself (or even more so) than working elsewhere. You can have better control over your environment, pace, and amount of solitude, so use your flexibility to make sure you do!

One way that I'm doing this is by controlling the level of clutter and disarray in my environment, as I wrote about in my last post, on July 10. If you missed it, please check it out!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. For a complimentary exploratory tele-coaching session on this topic or most any other, email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com!

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

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The Way of the Creative...Terrier?

Here are personality traits of my Silky Terrier pup that I would like to see all of us creative folks emulate!

She is...

• feisty
• playful
• intuitive
• brave
• always ready to speak up for herself
• never growling at herself for messing up
• sure the kibbles will follow if she does what she loves
• not about to let her short stature and 4-lb. weigh-ins keep her from being assertive
• willing to rest when she's tired and eat when she's hungry
• adding joy to the lives of those around her
• given to bouts of spontaneous and gleeful exercise
• non-judgemental
• not afraid of failure
• always radiating positive energy
• appreciative of the wonders of nature
• most comfortable as part of a supportive community

Her joyful way of living is her art form!

Please comment on what you have learned from your pets, children, grandchildren, etc., about living creatively!

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary intro tele-coaching session!

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

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A Sign of Creativity That's Often Overlooked

Did you have imaginary friends as a child? If so, chances are you've grown into an intelligent, creative adult! Imaginary friends are not a prerequisite for high IQ and creativity, but they are one way that children express these traits.

We use imaginary friends to help us navigate our unfamiliar worlds: the one inside our heads and the one around us. As we get older, the friends sometimes show up as entities such as "Kitty", to whom Anne Frank wrote her journal.

I often use journaling as a way to dialogue with my subpersonalities, or "masks." It's amazingly effective! In Gestalt therapy, a similar technique is employed orally, with the client changing seats each time the speaker changes. It gets to information that we can't can't access while thinking in our everyday patterns, which is why we go into therapy in the first place!

Also as adults, we tend to pick role models that we haven't even met, and ask ourselves, "What would Oprah do?" or "What would Bill Gates do?" Writers of fiction know they've hit the mark in character development when the characters start to take on what seems like lives and minds of their own. My guess is that this is made possible by our subpersonalities, too.

The ability to imagine others and/or others' responses in given situations should be celebrated! It's a wonderful gift from the muse and from our inner healer that can serve us well throughout life!

Be well,

Susan

P.S. Whether you live around the globe or around the corner, you can email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for a complimentary trial tele-coaching session!

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

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Finding a Great Coach

Many coaches offer complimentary trial sessions. Here are some things to listen for when deciding if the coach is competent and if he/she is the right fit for you.

• He walks his talk. Is he displaying the qualities that you wish to develop in yourself?
• She is a life-long learner and is constantly developing herself further.
• Do you feel a rapport with the coach?
• A great coach will constructively help you see your blind spots.
• He will help you figure out who you need to become in order to reach your goal.
• She will point out when your tone of voice, etc., do not match what you are saying.
• He will help you see signs in yourself that are coming from unrecognized sources, ie., signs of burn-out or a life that's not in line with your values.
• A great coach does not do the work for you. She can guide, inspire, and encourage you, but the goals, strategies, and action plans must come from you in order to be right for you.
• She understands the holistic nature of life and will help you work through the obstacles in the other areas that are blocking you from your goals.
• He will propose challenges for you to accept, reject, or modify.

You may not see all of these displayed in one session, but this list can help you clarify what you're looking for in a coach, whether for creativity coaching or coaching in other areas.

If you'd like to try a complimentary session with me, email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com, and we can set up a tele-coaching session about creativity or most anything else!

Be well,

Susan

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

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You've Come a Long Way, Baby Boomer!

Calling all baby boomers whose teachers told you to be seen and not heard as kids...it's time to be seen and heard and to use your talents and creativity to make a positive difference for yourselves and others!

Go for it! Step up to the metaphorical (and/or real) microphone and boom it out, baby! :-)

Please keep us up to date and inspired with field reports of your booming adventures in the comments section. Thanks!

A fellow boomer,

Susan

P.S. Last call for the Spring Cleaning Dig-In Tele-Party! Email me today at scleaver@dejazzd.com for the access numbers. See my May 8 post for details!

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

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Take Pride in Your Creative Quirks

Below are eight phrases that have been used to describe me. They all come from family, friends, and professionals who hold me in high esteem despite my quirks!

• "refreshingly not normal"
• "an imp"
• "a rebel"
• "not exactly demure and submissive"
• "a dreamer"
• "easily distracted"
• "ornery as cat sh#@"
• "hard headed"

I appreciate the fact that the important people in my life honor me with these descriptors. These are some of the characteristics that make me who I am as an actively creative person and coach!

I encourage you to take pride in your quirks, too! Please share them with us in the comments section. And remember, I'm the only one who's allowed to swear on this site! :-)

Proudly,

Susan

Around the Globe and Around the Corner.... Upcoming Events

Spring Cleaning Dig-In Tele-Party ~~ Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

It's time to roll up our sleeves and clear decks before the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer," as the song says. (Yes, I'm old enough to remember that song!)

Call in from your home or office, wherever that may be! Brief check-ins via teleconference technology will take place at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Savings Time). During the calls we will share our clean-out goals and progress for each hour. The 9:00 call is for celebrating!

Your only expense is your long-distance charges for calling into the teleconference service. I'm facilitating the tele-party free of charge! Just email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com by Tuesday, May 13, 2008, and I'll make sure you get the access numbers.

Even if it's not spring in your part of the world, join us anyway. Clearing out the old to make room for the new feels great at any season of the year!

Stress-Less Evening ~~ Friday, May 30, 2008, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Eastern DST

For those of you in the greater Philadelphia and Reading, PA, areas....

Kick back and relax while I provide Reiki, soothing music, guided imagery, pampering snacks, and more!

Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com soon for details, because you'll need to get your registration fee of $20 US to me by Wednesday, May 21, 2008. I hope you can join us!

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

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Networking for Creative Folks

Do you hate networking meetings? Do they feel forced and unnatural to you? Would you rather spend your time coming up with five leads for yourself instead of your leads group?

I think that creative types in particular often don't find these groups to be a good fit for them. So, what other avenues are open to us? We can try...

*Cultivating our patrons as cheerleaders, and giving them lots of value in return.

*Blogging regularly.

*Commenting on the blogs of others that genuinely interest us.

*Teaching workshops.

*Writing a newsletter.

*Starting a website, and writing articles for other websites.

*Alerting friend, students, and colleagues that we are looking for connections.

*Building a community around a common interest (on the web and/or locally).

*Volunteering in related fields.

*Providing referral incentives.

*Writing ebooks.

*Providing truly helpful freebies and resources.


Please add to the list by leaving a comment!

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary tele-coaching session on this topic or most any other!

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

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Creative Leadership Is...

Vision Driven

As a visionary, you are aiming at a target that others don't see yet, so you'll need to be inner directed, patient, and persistent. Also, you'll need to create a scene of the vision in the hearts and minds of your early adopters. (I prefer that term over the word "followers.") Be sure they can see, hear, and feel it in their imaginations. This is the basis for creative leadership that is...

Integrative

Genuine holistic concern for your early adopters is essential in order for them to be 100% "there" (i.e. "whole") for you. Get their minds, bodies, spirits, and emotions on board. Offer them access to coaching, and hire one for yourself. You may even consider coach training for yourself and/or others. Coaching skills are wonderful tools for the creative leader!

Give your early adopters compelling reasons to develop their own intrinsic motivation to stay with you in body, mind, and spirit. If you try to lean on just your credentials or, worse yet, just a title, these crutches will snap like dry twigs and leave you sitting in the dust! Help your early adopters grow, and they will return the favor, because creative leadership is...

Inter-Developmental

Through working with your early adopters, you will change and benefit from the synergy of the group. See them as your partners. Model behaviors for them that they can take out into the world on behalf of your vision.

Positive regard, support, and affirmation should be allowed to flow freely from you and to you within the group. Seek out the valuable resources of your early adopters for manifesting your vision.

Learn to read the energy of your team in action, and use this information for morale maintenance. Tune in so you'll know when the energy of the group is dragging. Change the pace or tone of the group's activity accordingly, and reframe vague or uninspiring aspects of the project at hand.

Encourage buy-in from your early adopters by getting them involved in the development of goals, strategies, mission statements, and the like. If you've empowered your team sufficiently, you won't fall into the trap of micro-managing. Save your shepherding for the...

Sacred Stewardship of Your Vision

Your early adopters will help you with this stewardship if you let them. You and your team are a collective, protective vessel for your precious, embryonic vision!

Keep the vessel sound by maintaining and encouraging impeccable integrity (yes, "wholeness" again) and authenticity. Nurture your vision by providing it with a firm foundation for the collective vessel...physically, emotionally, spiritually, and environmentally. Coaching can help tremendously with this, too. Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details about a complimentary session!

Once this foundation is in place, you are free to be...

Flexible

You'll be ready to turn on a dime when you need to. (See my April 1, 2008 post.)

If you and your team act on your inspired ideas at the point of 75% certainty, you'll need to be ready for rapid course adjustments as the actions bring you closer and closer to 100% manifestation. It will also keep you out of the trap of waiting around for 100% certainty, which is a much bigger risk, because you just can't get there from here without inspired action. So go ahead and follow your intuition to the fullest manifestation of your vision!

My best to you,
Susan

P.S. To those in the greater Philly, PA, area: Registration closes on Monday, April 28, for my Advanced Journaling Workshop that will be taking place on Sunday, May 4. Please email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details.

If you're a journaling fanatic like me, but you can't be at the workshop, email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for details about ordering my guided journal, "The Whispering Heart." Thanks!

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

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When Opportunity Knocks....

Will you have the flexibility to turn on a dime when opportunity knocks? Check your supplies of these resources:

• Time
• Space
• Energy
• Attention
• Enthusiasm
• Clear-Headedness
• Money
• Personal Boundaries
• Self-Confidence
• Self-Esteem
• Willingness to Move Forward Through Fear
• Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Health
• Tolerance for Ambiguity
• Environmental Support Systems, Including People
• Awareness of Opportunities
• Patience
• Inner-Directedness, for Deflecting Nay-Sayers and Stereotypes

I suggest that you print this list out and review it often, so you are always prepared when great opportunities come along. If you can think of more resources that I missed, please add them in the comments section!

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. To those in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area: I'll be leading an Advanced Journaling Workshop on Sunday, May 4, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Please email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more details.

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

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Two Great Books for the Creativity in All of Us

Both of these books remind us, right on their back covers, that you don't have to be an Artist with a capital "A" to benefit from these books. I'm pleased to recommend them here because I feel the same way about this blog!

Living Your Life Out Loud: How to Unlock Your Creativity and Unleash Your Joy by Salli Rasberry and Padi Selwyn

Specifically, the back cover says, "Creativity is not just for artists--it's everyone's birthright." I agree!

Who could resist a book with such chapter subtitles as, "Write Yourself a Play Prescription Today," and "The Thirty-Minute Breakation"? Here's my favorite quote from the book:

"The path to joy comes from creative expression. When you make the time and space to harness the energy in your life, you can begin to express your unique creativity. Your joy will increase. Your confidence will grow. Your life will be transformed. You will be living your life out loud."

Marry Your Muse: Making a Lasting Commitment to Your Creativity by Jan Phillips

The back cover says, "...everyone who wants to live life as a work of art will find inspiration and practical suggestions in this joyous book."

Here are a few of the inspiring chapter titles:

• You Are Worth the Time
• Giving the Artist Within Half a Chance
• Start Anyway
• The Little Wise Ones
• The Art of Activism
• Pass the Stardust, Please

And from this book, my favorite quote:

"To live creatively is to live from the soul, to shape our circumstances out of our deepest desires instead of conforming our dreams to the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Once we experience the joy and power of creating our own lives, we find that creating in other arenas comes naturally, an outflow of the abundant energy that comes with being true to our essence."

Please comment on your experiences with these books, with living creatively, or with other relevant resources you have found useful. Thanks!

Happy reading,

Susan

P.S. I offer complimentary trial tele-coaching sessions by phone, one per person. To set one up, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com. Creativity is my specialty, but most other topics are welcome, too, such as dealing with transitions, starting a new project, etc.

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

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