Restoring Optimism
Yesterday, I went to a Memorial Day parade and ceremony in my town. I was really impressed with what the mayor had to say. In it, she talked of how our country has become very pessimistic. Of how we seem to be focused on what is falling apart, often to the point of overlooking what we have to be grateful for. She encouraged everyone to spend some time thinking of all the wonderful things we have to be grateful for as individuals, as a community and as a nation.
As I was walking away, I realized how important her words were for me. Just like everyone else, I have bigger dreams that have yet to manifest. I was struggling with feelings of frustration and fear last week. Yet, when I look over recent events, I can name at least five separate occasions that were clearly “God winks” or moments when God clearly was supporting me on my life path. It reminded me to watch for the small examples of Divine support. I think God sends those to remind us that he’s still with us. It just takes a little longer for the bigger things to come forth sometimes.
And about the state of our nation, I encourage everyone to look for things that are going well. While none of us relish higher gas prices or the effects these have on our family budget, there are still blessings to be found in the situation. One blessing is the effect on our environment. Despite warnings of the dire effects of fossil fuels on the planet, the problem has grown in scope. It often seems the only way to get significant change in our lifestyles is to hit our wallet…this is already leading to an increase in fuel efficient cars and changing driving habits.
I am not diminishing the negative effects this is having on many. I have friends who are selling their home as a result of high gas prices and how it is impacting their business. I know many are truly struggling right now. My heart goes out to them all. I do feel though that turning our thoughts to the gifts we do have will help draw more “God winks” into this time of change. Living in a state of fear won’t change the situation in a positive way. Have faith and ask for God’s help. I know that is what I’m going to do.
Blessings to everyone!
Nancy
What If…Tips to Overcome Your Fears
I’m sure you’ve all been hearing the news lately. The talk of rising gas and food prices is making even those in stable financial situations feel jittery. Many of the clients I’ve worked with are struggling to make ends meet and worried about what is going to happen if their business doesn’t pick up. “What if” is a common thought for many people these days.
Since I am the Queen of “What if,” I’ve had to develop some effective coping techniques. After all, getting my sympathetic nervous system over-aroused which floods my body with stress hormones doesn’t lead to very effective problem solving! Here are a few tips to help you if you are feeling the strain:
1. Ask yourself if your worrisome thought is true: I love the method that Byron Katie recommends in her books. She says to ask yourself the following questions:
Is it true?
Can I absolutely know that it’s true?
How do I react when I think this thought?
Who or what would I be without the thought?
Then, turn the thought around, and find three genuine examples of how each turnaround is as true as or truer than the original statement.
This process can help you get a clearer picture of your true situation, so that you aren’t reacting to “what ifs” but are dealing with what is actually happening in the moment.
2. Be practical: Are you truly short on cash? Then come up with a two part plan to get yourself in a better situation.
Part One: Reduce your expenses by taking a hard look at exactly where your money is going and then deciding what is essential and what you can live without for right now. Some areas where you might be able to cut back are: cable TV, eating out, beauty salon, cell phone extras (internet, texting), entertainment expenses, or groceries. If you look carefully, you’ll probably be able to find one or two areas where you can “trim the fat.”
Part Two: Increase your income. Look around for a part-time job or if you are self-employed explore options for offering your services at more affordable prices by creating products or group options. Your clients are also feeling the strain of rising costs, so find a way to offer them your valuable service at a less expensive rate, while still meeting your own financial obligations.
3. Count your blessings: Keep a running log of all the things that you do have. Don’t forget to include your health. Remember, keeping self-care on the top of your list is essential for dealing with challenging times. After all, when you don’t feel well, you really aren’t able to handle problems effectively. If you need some help with this, check out my 4 Week to a Self-Care Lifestyle Workbook now available at my websites (Cost: $14.50): http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Coaching_Products.html
4. Manage Stress: When you find yourself obsessing over your worries, use the SOS for Stress Meditation to help yourself return to a state of peace. By turning your attention back to your body, you will calm your thoughts so that you can deal with things more effectively. The simplified version of this meditation is four steps: STOP whatever you are doing or thinking about, BREATHE in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, out for a count of 6 through the mouth, and hold for 4, RELAX your muscles beginning at your feet and moving up to the top of your head, and LET GO with each exhale all of your fears while imagining your guardian angels clearing your whole system of stress. To purchase the download audio version (MP3) of this meditation along with two reference guides for this technique, visit this link: http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Coaching_Products.html
5. Have Faith: Have faith, not only in a higher power, but also in yourself. You have the tools you need to take care of yourself. You will be your own best friend and make sure your needs are met. You can do it! I find the following affirmation helpful with this: “I have absolute faith in myself and I have absolute faith in God. I am safe and all is well.”
Hang in there! Things will get better (and are probably much better than you think!). If you need some one on one coaching help, send me an email or call for a free consultation to learn more about how my coaching services can support you: Nancy@crossroadscoachingonline.com or (330) 416-6184 or join me for this month’s group coaching call on 5/21/2008 (no technological expertise necessary…you just need a phone!). The cost is $15 or free for members of the Empowering Lightworkers e-club. To register, send me an email.
Have a great day!
Overcoming Financial Stress
Are you worried about your financial security? Forecasts for a slumping economy can be especially difficult for those of us in the healing arts. Often our services, while very much needed, are seen as luxuries and can be the first thing to be cut out of the budget when money gets tight.
So what can you do to stay financially secure through these fluctuations?
Below are a few coaching tips to help you navigate a difficult economic climate:
1. Tighten your belt: Are there areas in your own budget where you could cut back? I read The Automatic Millionaire by Financial guru, David Bach where he talked about the “Latte Factor.” He explained how cutting out something as simple as a daily cup of gourmet coffee adds up to a lot of money quickly. He recommends looking for a way you can save even $5 a day. Just think about it…$5 a day adds up to $150 a month! I’ve used his strategies and they really work. Here’s a link to his books at my Amazon store: http://astore.amazon.com/sanctuary0a-20?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=5.
2. Be Creative About How You Offer Your Services: Spend some time thinking about what you offer as a Lightworker. Is there a way that you could offer your services in a group setting? Can you create an informational product to sell from your website? What about offering a class or workshop? Are there supplemental products you use in your practice that you could sell? Try to find some ways to offer your healing gifts and still make your hourly fee, while making it less expensive for your clients to participate. After all, they are feeling the financial stress too which means they need your healing gifts more, not less. Create an option that is a win win situation for you both!
3. Supplement Your Income: As you are building your practice or business, it may (and often is) necessary to have a secondary source of income. What are your skills and education? Are there other things you can do temporarily to fill the financial gap? Easing the financial stress will make it easier to draw new clients to you. Remember we all communicate at a subconscious level and if you are desperate for clients, this will be picked up by the people who you want to hire you. When you are relaxed, it will be much easier for the love of what you do to shine through to those you are trying to attract.
4. Make a Plan: What is your plan for expanding your business? Have you developed strategies to incorporate multiple streams of income? Do you have a mailing list to share your new services with? How will you let people know about what you have to offer? Create a business plan to map out how you will market and incorporate additional means of earning income. Moving beyond earning income only through working with one on one clients is the best way to develop a strong financial base that won’t be subjected to the ups and downs of the finanical climate. Start making a plan how you will create this new type of business today.
5. Have Faith: This last step is often the hardest for all of us. Try to remember that even when it seems like no one needs what you have to offer, that God gave you your unique gifts for a reason. I promise you that someone out there is praying for help only you can provide right now. Believe that your special abilities are here as part of your Divine Purpose, which means God must have a plan for how the people who need your gifts are going to find you. Hang in there…the one thing you can count on in life is change, so if you are in a down swing, an upswing must be on the way!
Take care!
Nancy
PS. I’m taking my own advice…check out my new Empowering Lightworkers eClub where you can experience the benefits of my coaching services, network with other Lightworkers, and get discounts on private sessions and classes with me~all for only $10/month! Plus, as a special bonus for helping me launch this new project, the first month is free. To learn more or to join us, click on this link: http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/eClub.html.
