Be Well! Take care of the Emotional YOU

September 13, 2009 at 12:58 pm ("stress management", life coaching, meditation, overcoming worry, self-care) (, , , , )

Ever feel like a victim to your emotions?  You aren’t alone!  Feelings are something we all experience (no matter how we sometimes try to ignore them!) 

One of my biggest passions is learning to master self-care and to teach others how to do the same thing.  Over the years, I’ve become very adept at caring for my needs energetically, physically, and mentally.  Recently, I’ve realized I wasn’t as adept at providing the same care for my emotional self. 

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I’m a big fan of nervous system settling.  Learning how to bring the body to a state of calm and restore balance is an amazing technique for feeling more peaceful and safe.  Lately, I’ve been experimenting with how to provide the same type of “settling” for my emotional self.  Below are some simple steps to restore a sense of well-being, even when times are tough.

STEP ONE:  IDENTIFY WHAT YOU ARE FEELING

What are you feeling?  Sometimes we expend tremendous energy trying not to answer that question.  Why?  Because we don’t know what to do about the situation that is causing the emotional upset.  For this step, don’t jump to how to make it better.  Just identify what exactly you are feeling in that moment. 

A great way to do this is to take a few minutes to breathe deeply.  As you breathe deeply, ask yourself how you are feeling.  Sometimes when I do this activity, I will see myself very angry, sometimes sad, or sometimes frustrated.  I let myself “listen” to this part of me so that I allow this emotion to be expressed.  Again, this isn’t the time to try and “fix” anything. It is simply an opportunity to be present for you and allow yourself to fully feel whatever is there.  I find it helpful to write out what I’m hearing onto a piece of paper.  The physical act of writing seems to help release the emotion more easily, especially if you destroy the paper when you are done.  Our emotions aren’t always rational, but they do need to have an outlet.  Writing them on a paper that will be destroyed provides a safe place for them to be expressed. 

STEP TWO:  PROVIDE COMFORT

When you were a child, what did your parents do when you were upset?  Hopefully, they comforted you by hugging you or spending some time listening.  You can provide this comfort to yourself, now that you are an adult.  I do this by imagining the upset part of me as a child.  I pull the child on my lap and hug her.  I say and do the things I would do to comfort my son, if he was upset or afraid.  This always helps me to feel relaxed and loved.  This activity is simply about providing comfort and the space to express what is experienced, not a time to judge or try to fix.  An additional benefit to this activity is that it empowers my wise, compassionate adult self, so everyone is happy! 

STEP THREE:  LEAN ON SPIRIT

As an adult, we are no longer able to lean so heavily on our parents for care and nurturing.  For me, I’ve found it helpful to lean on Spirit.  You can use whatever religious or spiritual reference works for you…or you can simply imagine your highest self providing the support.  I use a simple meditation technique to evoke this feeling.  I imagine myself sitting in a peaceful spot in the woods.  I lean against a big strong oak tree and put my feet in a gentle stream in front of me.  I feel the gentle breeze, hear the birds singing, smell the fresh scents of the forest and feel the soft moss under my hands.  Once I am relaxed, I let myself imagine being wrapped in loving arms and feeling Divine love surrounding and supporting me.  I release whatever is troubling me to Spirit, knowing I will receive the help and inspiration I need at just the right time. 

STEP FOUR:  ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM

Our emotions are simply a warning system.  They provide us with awareness when our thoughts are creating a feeling of unease or disharmony.  Sometimes, simply listening to our emotional self will calm things down and no further action will be needed.  Other times though, there is an underlying fear that needs to be addressed.  Ask yourself, if this were my child, what would I do or suggest to help them feel safe?  If you find that you don’t know how to ease the fear, then consider asking for some help.  There are many wonderful books, counselors, coaches, and healers available to give you additional insight and wisdom on how to improve the situation that is making you feel powerless.  There is no shame in taking good care of yourself…and sometimes taking care of yourself means acknowledging when you need some outside input.  A fresh perspective can make all the difference.

STEP FIVE:  USE ENERGETIC TOOLS TO SOOTHE

There are many amazing tools that can help support you in taking care of your emotional self.  One of the tools that really made a difference for me is a Blue Agate pendant designed by Intuitive/Artist Deanne Angel (Angel Healing Crystals).  This pendant was intuitively designed and selected for my needs.  I absolutely love it!  It has a deeply calming and soothing effect on my whole system.  It seems to work on an energetic level to help me overcome my fears and feel more emotionally balanced.   Another tool  I find helpful is flower essences.  I tried a new flower essence for emotional sensitive people recently called Pink Yarrow.  You can find that essence and others for a variety of emotional and physical concerns at http://www.featherhawk.com/.   Aromatherapy is another favorite tool of mine.  I’ve been using a roll on from Young Living (Jennifer Hagele #989297 is the distributor I use) called Tranquil which I find very helpful.  I also love the LavenMint spray from Savannah Moon.     

I hope you find these steps helpful!  If you find you need some spiritual insight and practical input to support you with this process, I’m here to help! 

Blessings to you and yours!

Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern.  She offers Empowerment Readings which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation.   Readings are available by phone or email.  Economic Recession Rates are $15/15 minutes.  Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey!   www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com

Questions?  Nancy can be reached by email at Nancy@EmpoweringLightworkers.com

 

 

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Tips For When You Feel Powerless

July 21, 2009 at 12:42 am ("stress management", overcoming worry, relaxation techniques, self-care, spiritual growth) (, , , , )

Everyone seems to have an area where they feel powerless in their life. It may be a relationship, a health challenge, or a job. Sometimes it is just life circumstances that are beyond our control. The question is what do you do to find your power?

I asked for a vision on this topic the other day. I saw a beach with strong waves smashing on the shore. The waves would crash hard on the sand and then pull back. Within the wave I saw a small fragment of the shell. I watched as it was pounded by the waves and dragged back and forth. I saw an image of the shell as it had been when it was whole. Then, it had provided a home for a creature and was perfect for what was needed. Now, it was no longer functional and the beating of the waves was slowly pulverizing it into sand.

The message was that the situations where we feel powerless bring forth opportunities for transformation. Often, some well worn pattern in our personality or experience is continuing to be followed even though it has outgrown its usefulness. The waves represent the challenges which push us to change so that we can create new approaches that fit our life now.

I thought about how it would feel to be that shell. I can imagine the power of the water forcing me down into the sand and pulling me out into the ocean, only to toss me back up onto the same shore. There is pain in the experience, both in the forcefulness of the challenge and in the need to let an aspect of one transform. For me, there is also the message about how to allow this transformation to occur the most easily. If the shell resists the pull of the ocean and fights against the change that is occurring, the pain increases. If it accepts there is wisdom in the cycle that is occurring and allows it to pull and push it into a new form, there is at least peace within.

Putting this into the terms of one’s life, this means to me that we accept that the challenging things we face in life exist, at least in part, to help us to grow. Part of that growth is in learning to trust. For me, that trust means looking to God and to myself, instead of those around me, to bring me what I need. It means trusting that even though change is hard, it always brings new joys and new opportunities.

Below are some simple steps to help you the next time you feel powerless.

1. Come back to yourself. What do you need right now to relieve the stress you are experiencing? Would it help to take a walk? Talk to a friend? Exercise? Have a cup of tea? Take care of yourself as you would a child. How can you comfort and nurture yourself?

2. Turn it over. Once you feel calmer, it is time to turn the problem over to a higher power. I believe and have experienced that the Divine does and always will provide for all my needs. Stop and send a quick prayer for assistance with the situation that is challenging you. We usually know what we’d like to see happen, but sometimes it helps to just leave it open. Ask to have your needs met on all levels. Ask to love your life, your relationships, and your work. Trust that it will be so.

3. Turn your attention to something else. I know it is hard to let go of something that is bothering us. We want the situation to be resolved and we want it to be resolved quickly. Sometimes though there is nothing for us to do except to take care of ourselves, and find something else to focus on. Look for something you enjoy doing or something that will really grab your interest. Do you have a hobby you enjoy? What about a work project that is absorbing or even a good book? Pick something and turn your focus to it, even if you have to keep dragging your attention back there when your mind wanders back to the problem.

4. Have faith. Sometimes the transformations we need to go through happen quickly and other times they take a little longer. Keep yourself in the moment. Pray for guidance and grace. It may take some time, but the shell will eventually become sand and the challenging time will be over. Find as much joy as you can in the other areas of your life during the process.

As always, if you need some support through the process, give me a call!

Blessings to you and yours,

Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern.  She offers Empowerment Readings which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation.   Readings are available by phone or email.  Economic Recession Rates are $15/15 minutes.  Visit my website to learn more or call (330) 416-6184: http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Readings.html

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Trust and Becoming a Wise Innocent

April 26, 2009 at 9:07 pm ("spirit guides", "spiritual guidance", angels, faith, intuition, overcoming worry)

I love the message of the Fool card in the Tarot deck.  The version I have depicts a man smiling happily as he is about to step off a cliff.  The interpretation speaks of this card as the state of a wise innocence.  A person who is able to have a child-like trust in the good of the Universe and therefore avoids harm, no matter what path they take.  They live a charmed existence where Angels intervene to keep them from harm…a harm they often don’t even know was there in the first place.

While pondering this card, I was shown a vision of a child approaching a dog.  The child was young, 2 or 3 years old, and it was so excited to touch the dog.  I could feel how much she longed to wrap her arms around the dog’s neck.  The child’s mother stood near the dog and seemed to be saying it was okay for her to approach, but when the child did rush up to hug the dog, the dog bit her.  The mother was as shocked as the child.

The purpose of this vision was to help me understand the dynamic that takes place within us as we seek to have faith and trust in the Divine and in ourselves.  Such early experiences, as illustrated by the dog example, teach our innocent self that it isn’t safe to trust.  The parent who loves us, can’t always keep us safe from danger.  The love we feel in our hearts isn’t always reciprocated by the object of our affections.  It teaches us how to pay attention and to learn what we need to know about our environment to avoid danger and stay safe.

This brings me to a universal question…how can one trust and feel safe in an unsafe world?  How does one become a wise innocent?  Is it possible, after earlier experiences that have taught us the world can be dangerous, that we can find a state of blissful ignorance where unseen helpers leap to whisk us out of danger before we even know the danger exists? 

For me, the only path of serenity in the midst of constant change is to find an anchor.  For me that anchor is the Divine and while I realize that my faith in God’s guidance and protection doesn’t exempt me from the hurtful experiences in life, it does guarantee me that I will never have to walk through any circumstance alone.   I’ve been blessed to see how our Divine helpers will come to our aid whenever we ask.  They work through our thoughts, our feelings, through books, and other human beings.  They step into the place of fear and pain, and bring comfort and love.  We just need to ask. 

Today, I encourage you to take a look back over the course of your life.  Find a moment when life felt hopeless and filled with despair.  Did someone show up to comfort you unexpectedly?  Did things work out in a way that, while maybe not what you’d hoped for, were what you really needed?  Letting go of our fears and the parts of ourselves that need to evolve for us to grow can be painful, but it is also necessary.   So ask for comfort, ask for love, ask for healing, ask for God to make smooth your path and guide you in making wise choices.   Then remember… help will come for you.  It always does.

Blessings to you and yours!

Nancy 

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach.  She offers Life Coaching Readings, Divinely Guided Messages by email, Divinely You Readings, coaching clubs, and other products to inspire and empower.  For a free Divine Purpose Survey and to learn more about her services, visit her website: http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.

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Just for Today…Loving the Day You Are In

April 11, 2009 at 1:18 pm ("stress management", overcoming worry, self-care, well-being)

jonesgap

Jones Gap State Park, SC

My husband and I just took a short trip South this past weekend.  Usually, I spend a lot of time anticipating a vacation which makes it especially hard when the trip is over and it is time to come back home.  I didn’t have as much time to anticipate this time around (we weren’t 100% sure we were going until the last minute), but I still found myself reluctant when it came time to head back to responsibilities and snowy weather!  

This got me to thinking.  What is the spiritual lesson to be learned here?  What occurred to me is the importance of living in each day, instead of living in tomorrow or yesterday.  Below are a few simple ideas to help you make the most of each moment.  I hope you find them helpful!    

1.  Just for today… This statement came from my Reiki training.  It asks that you do a series of things “Just for Today.”  I find that this serves me well in moments when I feel sad or unsettled.  I ask myself, can I get through this moment I’m in?  Can I get through just this day?   I may not relish the moment, but usually I find that it isn’t the moment or even the day that is causing my sadness.  It’s tomorrow or yesterday.  So step one is to ask yourself to do just the moment you are in…just this particular day…and let the future days be dealt with when they arrive. 

2.  Daydream:  When one thing ends and I can’t see what is coming next, it often helps to let myself dream.  Try asking yourself, What would I like to have as my reality today?  Even if you can’t bring it into being in this moment, you can feel the joy of it through your imagination.  Have you ever felt like you can’t dream?  When that happens to me, I know that I’m not letting myself admit what I truly want.  Ask yourself if you lived in a world without limitation, what would your world look like?  Where would you live?  Who would you be with?  What would you be doing?  Then let yourself daydream.  Feel the joy of it and trust that even if you have no idea how that could ever exist, that somewhere out there, the Angels are working to bring you the feeling you just experienced.  They are guiding you gently towards exactly that which you seek…even if it is something you haven’t thought to seek.  It’s the feeling that matters….the joy…let yourself rest in that in whatever form it comes.  And more will come to you. 

3.  Do the Day:  My dear and wise friend Lori Byrnes (http://www.thehealerstouch.com) often says this very thing to me.  When you don’t feel that things are the way you want them to be and you find yourself frustrated or sad, one thing you can do is just “do the day.”  What needs to be done right now?  What is before you to do?  Do that.  After all, we each get only the moment we are in and it is up to us what type of moment that is.  We can sit and feel miserable, or we can get up and do what is before us to do and look for the joy to be found in that.  The choice of how we respond to our day is always ours, no matter what our outer circumstances. 

4.  Find Simple PleasuresDid you notice the bird sitting outside your window?  How about the tender new wildflower growing up out of the ground?  What about the silly show on tv or the warm cup of tea you are holding?  There is always something to love.  Sometimes we just have to look at the small things to find it.  Love the people around you.  Love the Earth.  Love God.  Love yourself.  Loving is the path to peace and to joy…and it isn’t as hard as it sometimes seems. 

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

So here is to a beautiful day…TODAY! 

Blessings to you and yours!

Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach.  She offers Life Coaching Readings, Divinely Guided Messages by email, Divinely You Readings, coaching clubs, and other products to inspire and empower.  For a free Divine Purpose Survey and to learn more about her services, visit her website: http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.

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Divinely Guided Message 3-Security Within

April 8, 2009 at 2:26 pm ("spiritual guidance", "stress management", meditation, overcoming worry, readings) (, , , )

I’ve asked for a Divinely inspired message for you today (on whatever day you happen to read this!) and this is what I was shown.

DIVINELY GUIDED VISION (as shown to Nancy Nicholas)

 mountainyoga

I am standing in white, silky sand looking out over a beach.  Clumps of wild grass and small dunes flow out from me.  I catch a glimpse of the ocean far off to my right.  My attention shifts to my feet and I see that I have sunk down in the sand so that it now reaches up to the tops of my ankles.  I feel the sand beneath my feet and get the sense of it shifting.  This makes me uncomfortable and I keep trying to push my feet down further so that I come into contact with solid ground again.  I soon realize that solid ground is not going to be found here.  I look up and try to see which way I should walk to find a sturdier place to stand.  Before me are miles of sandy shore.  I feel reluctant to turn and look to my left or behind me (perhaps this is where I’ve come from?), so reluctant that I sit down instead of turning.  I close my eyes and imagine myself where I’d like to be.  I am sitting on a mountain top and the rock is solid and warm beneath me.  I feel the breeze and hear an eagle soaring overhead.  When I open my eyes again, I am on the mountaintop.  The sand is gone.  I stand up and look to my left and a path winds away from me.  I turn and follow it. 

INTERPRETATION

From Nature-Speak: Signs, Omens & Messages in Nature by Ted Andrews:

Beaches and Dunes:  “Keynote: Adaptability to unique challenges; healing; doorways to spirit.  Beach and dune habitats are more challenging than most.  Plants that survive here have unique qualities and adaptability.  This is often a reminder to keep ourselves grounded when opening to new realms and to protect our own roots, while we extend ourselves out into new and challenging areas.  When beaches and dunes show up in our life, it reflects a time in which we need to balance some elements within our life. This environment reminds us to find creative and unique approaches to the challenges in life.”

Mountains:  “Keynote:  Discovering our spiritual powers; overcoming obstacles for spiritual attainment; communion with spirits.  The mountain reminds us of the spiritual attainment that is ours as we overcome our obstacles.  The height of the mountains gives rise to thoughts of being a world axis, linking heaven and Earth.  Mountains are symbols for higher meditation, spiritual elevation, and communion with the blessed spirits. Mountains lift our spirits.  They give us perspective on things both mundane and spiritual.  They open us to hear our own inner spirit and open us to hear the spirits around us.  It is not unusual for people to begin hearing spirit after a visit to the mountains.  Intuition heightenss and creativity flows.” 

From Native American Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson

Eagle:  Keynote: Spirit:  “Eagle medicine is the power of the Great Spirit, the connection to the Divine.  It is the ability to live in the realm of spirit, and yet remain connected and balanced within the realms of Earth.  Eagle soars, and is quick to observe expansiveness within the overall pattern of life.  Eagle is reminding you to take heart and gather your courage, for the universe is presenting you with an opportunity to soar above the mundane levels of your life.  Eagle teaches you to broaden your sense of self beyond the horizon of what is presently visible.”  

FROM SPIRIT

“In a world of change, it is easy to feel you are in danger. Remember, though, that each change brings with it a gift…a chance to move beyond the challenges of the moment to an easier more God-centered way of living.  Today, look at your world with new eyes.  Trust that the security you seek is within you.  Step into your own true self.  Feel the strength of who you are.  Rest in the truth that you are Divinely guided and protected at all times.  All will be well.” 

COACHING TIP FROM NANCY

Do you have a morning routine that includes time to reconnect with your deepest self?  If not, this would be a great time to start one.  My routine includes a few moments each morning listening to peaceful music and practicing yoga mudras.  I randomly flip to a page in Power Mudras:  Yoga Hand Postures for Women by Sabrina Mesko.  I also often use the Native American Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson to ask for an animal totem to represent my male and female energies for the day.  Throughout the day, I imagine these two animals with me and I can feel an energetic shift, moving me into a more balanced state of being.  I breathe slowly and deeply, soak in the warm sunshine through the window, and imagine somewhere deeply peaceful.  Sometimes I am shown a vision.  Other times I simply feel deeply loved.  This can be a time to ask for guidance, support or healing.  It is also a wonderful time to feel deeply centered in yourself and in the moment you are in.  What activities, books, or music help you feel connected to your deepest self and the Divine?  I encourage you to look for a way to incorporate them into your daily routine.  

RESOURCES

BOOKS:  The books mentioned above are also available in my Amazon store if you’d like your own copy. I highly recommend them! STORE

Have a wonderful day!
Nancy

For a free Divine Purpose Survey and information on Life Coaching Readings, Divinely You Readings, Divinely Guided Messages by email,  Intuitive Coaching Clubs, and products to empower and inspire you, visit my website: http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.

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The Power of Love: Make 2009 a Great Year!

January 14, 2009 at 2:04 pm (goals, overcoming worry, spiritual growth) (, , , , , , )

Every year, I complete an exercise that Life Coach and author, Cheryl Richardson, sends out.  It asks you a series of questions in April and then asks you to reflect on them at the end of the year.  One of the questions is “What advice would you give yourself? 

This year, when I started to answer that question I found myself getting very squirmy.  All the “words of wisdom” from the things I’ve learned just felt like something else to remember.  That’s when I realized that my advice to myself is really very simple. 

Just love. 

Now, we’ve all heard this suggestion a million times, but what exactly does it mean?  For me, it comes back to the most important thing I’ve learned in my life.  It is that my happiness and my sense of peace come from loving…not from being loved. 

This sounds like a very trite saying, but I encourage you to try the activity below and then see how you feel.  Ask yourself when you are done the following questions:  Is your body more relaxed?  Do you feel more peaceful?  Are you smiling? Does your heart feel lighter?  

Here is what I wrote in my journal in response to Cheryl’s question, 

“What advice would I give myself this year?”

Breathe.  Relax. Let go.  Breathe. Relax. Let go.  Love yourself.  Love God.  Love your husband.  Love your sons.  Love your family and friends.  Love everyone.  Love the Earth.  Love trees.  Love the mud between your toes.  Love the birds singing in the morning.  Love the candlelight at night.  Love the first star at dusk.  Love your soulfriends.  Love your body.  Love your inner child.  Love sunshine on your face.  Love the warmth of a cozy blanket.  Love the sound of Dylan’s laugh.  Love the feel of Jacob’s head on your shoulder.  Love the feel of a rock in your hand.  Love the smooth feel of jade.  Love the softness of your pillow.  Love the wonderful scent of mint tea.  Love the lavendar in the garden.  Love God’s whispers in your mind.  Love Spirit hugs.  Love your beautiful Soul sisters.  Love simplicity.  Love joyous music.  Love laughter.   Love swimming in a quiet lake.  Love the first wildflower in the spring.  Love watching the sun come up.  Love the ebb and the flow.  Love your innocence.  Love your wisdom.  Love books and stories and stories!  Love your fears.  Love the creative rush of a new idea.  Love the smell of the pages of a book.  Love watching the branches stir in the wind.  Love the feel of the Earth beneath you.  Love the snowflakes melting on your cheeks.  Love starlit nights.  Love songs.  Love simple pleasures.  Love being loved.  Love yourself!

Now it is your turn!  What do you love? 

Feel free to write your response in the comment box below.   Did you notice a difference in how you felt after your list was complete?  Share your thoughts!  We’d love to hear from you!

Save a copy of your list to refer to throughout the year.  I’m going to keep my list posted by my computer to remind me to start each day with loving thoughts.  Where could you keep your list to remind you of all that you love?

Blessings to you and yours!  Best wishes for a joyous, peaceful and loving 2009!   

Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach and the owner of Sanctuary at the Crossroads, Crossroads Coaching, and Empowering Lightworkers.  She offers Life Coaching readings, products, and Intuitive Coaching Clubs which provide Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to empower you to live your life purpose.  To learn more, visit her websites:

http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com

http://www.CrossroadsCoachingOnline.com

http://www.SanctuaryAtCrossroads.com

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What If…Tips to Overcome Your Fears

May 2, 2008 at 2:09 pm ("stress management", financial stress, life coaching, overcoming worry, relaxation techniques, self-care)

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!

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