The Power of Belief

In one of my favorite films, The Evening Star, Shirley MacLaine’s character, Aurora, states, “I have come to the conclusion there’s no such thing as a mistake. I think we all create what we need.” When I first heard those words I had a light bulb moment. Could I really be creator of my experiences based on the choices I was making?! The realization was profound.

In March I wrote a blog entry entitled The Next Step, in which I discussed the shift I was experiencing and how I'd decided to write a new "business plan for my life". A large part of this new business plan was devoted to my career and the direction I was headed. As I performed this exercise I realized that I had created my "job" as the center of my life - you know the story, go to work and make money so I can afford to pay rent, buy food, go out for an occasional dinner or coffee with a friend, pay my bills, yada yada yada... the usual routine. This has been my reality for many years. Why? Because that's what I chose to believe.

Well, guess what? (I can't tell you how many times my parents have heard me say that!) I changed my mind. Literally. My new business plan for my life included a new belief about my job and how I am going to earn money. Instead of having employment as the center of my life like some sort of feeding machine (I see the automatic milker replacing the mother pigs in the movie Babe), I now see the center of my life being about stepping into my true self, living my passion, and manifesting my vision - whether it be my books, photography, blogging - whatever makes me tick. Out of those activities will flow wonderful outputs such as experiences, relationships, and that golden word "revenue". Money will come as a result of stepping into my greatness... not the other way around. How could this be true? Because it's what I choose to believe.

Initially this shift occured in my mind, but as a direct result of tapping into my feelings and, most importantly, my intuition (spirit). And, like any other type of change, there are consequences... well, let's reframe that - there are results. When you change your mind you shift your energy. Suddenly you see things differently and some things (or people!) no longer fit your new reality. Thus, changes in relationships, career decisions, environmental influences, etc., will start to occur. However, this is part of the process. As you change on the inside, the outside of your life will also change.

So, in short, I have resigned from my job at Target, I'm moving out of my apartment, simplifying and scaling back in many areas of my life, and leaping into my new life without looking back. Why? Because those are the external results of my internal changes. How can I do this? Because I truly believe that "if you jump the net will appear" (thanks for that, Mary). I have faith that I will manifest the opportunties, people, and experiences to help me step even further into my greatness - to fulfill even more of the purpose for which I have been placed on this earth. Pretty cool, huh? :o)

As I move back out into the world please continue to follow my travels, read my insights on The Balance Factor, (buy my photography books! :o) as I continue to spread a message of connection and goodwill across the world. Who knows where it will take me next. I really have no idea what's going to happen, but I can't wait!

Peace.

The Ambassador of Goodwill

The Next Step

You know how some days you're just ready for change? I realize that spring is still around the corner (especially after 6 inches of snow and subzero temps this week...), but I've been itching for something to shift. So in a moment of inspiration last week I decided to sit down and write a new business plan for my life. "A what?" you say... Yes, you heard me, a business plan for my life.

During a working session this morning with my good friend Bob Manning (mentioned in my last blog entry), we chatted about our current projects and I told him about my business plan. Bob's first reaction was, "Write about it!" So because he was inspired, I have also been inspired to write about it on my blog today. Here's the lowdown...

Until last week I'd always made short term plans--you know, like my top goals for the year on New Year's Day or planning my next monthly trip, etc., even created multiple "vision boards" over the years (see The Secret), but never really sat down and described what I wanted my entire life to look like. Actually, to be more precise, what I wanted my life to feel like (sometimes you have to believe before you see :o) So I got out a notepad & pen and decided to take the next step--write it out.

Now if you know me personally you'll know I've been actively editing my first book in The Balance Factor series for the past month, so writing's been taking up most of my free time; however, writing a book is much more challenging than I had assumed. When you can speak about something, that's great! Conversation flows because it's dynamic and has a lot to do with the context, your mood, and the relationship you have the person you're speaking to... but the written word does not. Words are not concerned with your mood or if you're having a good day--words are static. But this writing was different, so sitting down and writing something other than my book came as a welcomed relief!

What does a business plan for life include? Whatever you want it to. I just went down the list and made categories for my "big buckets" and then added bullet points for each:

• Career
• Home
• Family
• Finances
• Vision/Business/Projects
• Personal (Mind, Body, Spirit)

These were my top sections--many of which have subsections and bullets for each area, but the most important thing was that I took time to focus on what I really want to create in my life. Since I'm a firm believer that we all create what we need, I wanted to truly harness that power and create a life filled with what I want most--happiness and harmony. Hey, why not?!

Ever since I wrote down my personal business plan my energy has been shifting. Over the past week I've noticed in change in my level of focus and concentration, and when I get a little hazy or off kilter during my day I can glance back at my list and see where my thoughts and behaviors are aligning with my goals. I can ask myself, "Is what I'm doing/saying/being in-line with what I am wanting to create?" And that, my friends, is the ultimate question!

What an interesting exercise it's for me. I dare you to try it and see what it does for you...

Be Well,

The Ambassador of Goodwill

Powerchick Strikes Again!

This past Friday was the official book launch party for Honoree Corpron's latest book, The Successful Single Mom. Most of you who know me will already be familiar with the name Honoree Corpron (aka, my "Powerchick")--a fellow entrepreneur, trusted advisor, and one of my favorite and closest friends. Honoree and I met in 2001 when I joined the Honolulu Rotary Club. We instantly connected and our friendship has sparked creative collaborations for projects from the Next Generation Rotarians (aka, the "Under 40 Club"), volunteer work with Jim Nabors and the Honolulu Symphony, to helping each other manifest our own personal visions.

Honoree's new book pays due diligence to the journey of the single Mom (herself being a single mom for many years), and gives single Moms and their families a host of tools and tips they need to quickly and effectively get moving personally and professionally. Visit her book site (and link to my review on Amazon) at: thesuccessfulsinglemombook.com

My buddy Lukas (founder and president of Gimigo) and I decided to surprise Honoree at the launch party by flying to Las Vegas Friday afternoon and just "showing up"... it was great! We had a chance to meet her new husband, Byron, and spend time with her 9-year old daughter, Lexi (without whom this book couldn't have been written!) Since I hadn't seen Honoree since returning from India our visit was both timely and appreciated. I'm constantly reminded how important my friendships are with people who support one another in manifesting their dreams. Both Honoree and Lukas are amazing examples of how you can achieve whatever you put your mind, body and soul into. It's the Law of Attraction!

As I continue to manifest my Balance Factor vision I know that I have the support of my family and friends, like Honoree and Lukas, to help me achieve my goals and dreams. It is not alone by which we truly succeed in life, but by touching the lives of others. And, like peace and goodwill, you need to pass it on. Thank you, Honoree, for passing on your love and support to me all of these years so that I, in turn, can do the same.

Onward and upward!

The Ambassador of Goodwill