Two Sites, Twice the Gratitude!

Photo (c) Susan Cleaver

I took this photo years ago, out of my gratitude for the beautiful sunrise. Like many of you, I'm a big fan of gratitude lists and journals.

In the last few months, I found two sites featuring gratitude journals. They're both fun and easy, and I want to make sure all my readers know about them!

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Warchi

The first one is called Happy Rambles (TM), and you can find it at http://happyrambles.com.  You, the writer, can choose to write yours in any form that pleases you.  

The site also encourages you to add photos if you wish.  It reminds you by email when it's time to write again.  It also allows you to save your entries.

I use this site, but I have no other affiliation with it.  I just like it!

Photo (c) iStockphoto/VickyLeon

The second site I'd like to introduce you to is Laura West's "Joyful Business" site.  (Again, I'm just a happy user of her site, with no other affiliation.) 

To get to her gratitude journal, use this link: www.joyfulbusiness.com/online-success-gratitude-journal.  

This one is a little more structured, but you'll still usually have the elbow room to express yourself as you wish.  There are a few playful but provocative questions in the structure.  Laura's journal allows you to print out what you've written when you're done.

I've been following Laura West's work for years before I came upon this journal.  I like the content and style of her site. 

Photo (c) iStockphoto/IrvStock

I hope you'll find these two sites to be helpful and fun!  Please let the rest of the creative4life Community know how they work for you.

Thanks,

Coach Susan

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

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Results of the "Fall 15" Challenge!

In my last post (11/3/13), I put out a "Fall 15" Challenge with three choices of challenges, each involving the number 15 in some way.  I hope some of you tried one and found it helpful.  We'd all love to hear about your results!

Here are mine!  I chose the second challenge, "Find 15 items in your home to donate to charity within the next 15 days."  I started on November 3, so I had until November 18. 

I'm happy to say that I finished finding and packing up the 15 items by November 6, and they were off our property and donated the next day to Goodwill Industries.

I feel good about making the donations, and I'm glad to have them out of our home and back in circulation again for people to buy for very low prices.  It sure beats sending them to a landfill! 

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Have you ever wondered if your work could be better and easier by knowing a few basic coaching skills that you and I could tailor to your job?

It's true for most any line of work!  

Here are a few examples:

Teachers

Parents

Middle Managers 

Grandparents

Small-business owners with a few employees 

Social workers

Leaders of non-profit organizations

Guidance counselors

Research and Development Teams

Health care workers 

Trainers

Let's talk about it!  Please email me here to set up an informal consultation.  It's complimentary and eye-opening!

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

~Member of the local 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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Stop Striving and Start Thriving!

Here are five reasons to stop striving:

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


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


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


4. Striving turns other off.


5. Striving blocks creativity!

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

All my best,

Susan

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

***Plan B: Transforming Transition***

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

The Five R's of Transformation:

1) Regroup

2) Reframe

3) Reserves

4) Resilience

5) Rewards!

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

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

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

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Make Your Home Your Sanctuary

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Thanks,
Susan


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

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

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

~How do you treat yourself?

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

~Do you stand your ground when being pressured?

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

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

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

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

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P.P.S. for Locals:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Step Beyond Gratitude: Appreciative Inquiry

"What went right?"

"What worked before?"

"What am I grateful for in this situation?"

"What do I appreciate in myself and others?"

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

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

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

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

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

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Please share your comments on your experiences with Appreciative Inquiry!

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Thanks,

Susan

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

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***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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