Following the Signs

Good Morning,

Usually when I get inspired as a result of an observation or an experience, I write in my blog.  Yesterday I had an experience which I won't go into detail but when you get the nagging feeling to contact someone or reach out and it just pops up out of the blue for no apparent reason at any given moment- some words of advice is to listen to your gut or your intuition.  There are times where I am too wrapped up in the daily activities of life that I get those intuitive feelings, yet I do not take the time to listen to what is being told to me.  Make sense, or am I just going crazy :)

I was watching a TV Show called Touch just a couple weeks ago which speaks to how we are all one and the interconnections with others that come and go into our lives. I am a true believer that people come and go into our lives for many different reasons.  Through our life experiences come signs that are given to us in a variety of ways. Some of these signs come through in dreams, some through people that we meet for just a short period of time or that stay in our lives and some through our daily experiences. It is finding the meaning and connection to it all and listening to those gut feelings. It is paying attention to the signs that we are getting which means being in the present moment. One that I am still trying to master.

So my lesson that I learned this morning was to pay more attention to the signs that I am getting and to work towards staying more in the present moment.  Hard thing to do, but I am sure with practice, life experiences and the support of family, friends, and my coaching circle angels that I can make the steps towards accomplishing experiencing life to my fullest.

May sound odd, but would not be where I am today without my "Soul Family" which includes my family, friends and coaching circle angels.  I am so grateful to have met such amazing individuals and so lucky that they have allowed me into their lives to be able to have those life experiences that are only helping me to grow as a person.  Forever grateful and will continue to be.........

A New Year 2012

As I look back on the year 2011, a lot happened. A lot.  A mixture of both positive and challenging happenings.  I am going into this new year bringing all of the positives that occurred and learning from all of the challenges.  Good comes out of each situation and lessons are learned.  I have grown so much professionally and personally this year.  Met some amazing individuals and as a result new friendships were formed.  To say that I have the most amazing support system in my life is an understatement.  I am truly blessed and grateful. I am one lucky gal!

Here are a few things I learned this year as a result of all of my experiences:

Taking what I have learned and experienced this year,  putting it to use, and building on it for the new year 2012.

To cut myself some slack and when mistakes are made or those negative patterns or tendencies occur, know that it is OK, don't dwell on the past, it does not do anyone good to dwell on what was, instead  focus on the present moment.

To speak my truth, I am worth it, true relationships are developed maintained and only grow stronger when you say what you need to say in a loving manner.

To do what it is that I love to do.  Take action.  Action produces results.

Here is that latest one recently I learned a week or two prior to the new year and the biggest one to celebrate-To move forward no matter what curve balls life throws you.  Staying stagnant is no fun and is not helping anyone, including yourself.

I know there is so much more I could celebrate, but I am looking forward to a new year of celebrations,  possibilities, adventures, trials and tribulations.  I know that this year will never be perfect, but nothing will ever be perfect, this is what makes life something to experience and celebrate.  Sometimes not knowing what is next can be scary, but it is all about perspective, consider this something to look forward to-new possibilities :)

Happy New Year 2012

I Can Do It Conference-Tampa, Florida

Just the past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in the I Can Do It Conference in Tampa, Florida.  I had it on my vision board and made it a reality.  I was only in Tampa for 24 hours,  overnight, yet it was the most influential experience that I will never forget and cherish.  I had the opportunity to finally meet Michelle Phillips, along with some fabulous ladies in the Coaching Circle I have been a part of for the past twelve weeks in mid July through early November.  It was the first time we all met in person.  All other communication has been over the phone on our Coaching Circle calls or through our private face book page.  The anticipation up until we met was a mixture of nervousness and excitement. We all met in the lobby, gave hugs and went to dinner to celebrate the completion of the Summer and Fall Circle, as well as new friendships.  It was a time to connect, laugh, and enjoy each others company.

Michelle had each of us do something similar to what she did when she was a part of a Coaching Circle. She had us pick an engraved rock out of a bag and each rock had a word on it.  The rock that I picked was STRENGTH.  So relevant to where I am in my life right now and something that I carry around with me as a reminder of this amazing support group that I had the opportunity to be a part of. I am such a lucky girl. After the dinner we all walked over to the Wayne Dyer speaking event.  It was so fun to be able to sit with the girls and listen to more inspiration to end the night.

The next morning I met one of the girls from the CC Sherri to attend the workshop with Cheryl Richardson and Louise Hay. To see them speak in person, in the same room, was a dream come true.  And to start my day with the two of them and spending time with some of the Coaching Circle girls made my day even brighter.  Following this presentation, I attended another work shop with Louise Hay and part of the workshop we watched a video and it was so powerful and following were questions and answers.  It was so incredible to be in the same room and to hear Louise give advice to others in the room.  After the presentation we went to lunch, talked, and waited until Michelle's presentation later that day.

All of the girls in the Coaching Circle headed to Michelle's session.  Michelle had the front row reserved for her Coaching Circle girls.  On the other side was her family.  It was so awesome to be able to experience one of the biggest days in Michelle's professional career to be a speaker at the I Can Do It Conference. She owned the room. Her confidence and passion for what she does illuminated the room and the energy was incredible.  To be sitting in person and listening to her speak, along with all the Coaching Circle girls was the highlight of my trip.  We were Michelle's first Coaching Circle and the bonds that have been formed with Michelle and all the girls is unbreakable. The session ended with Michelle playing the video all the girls created for her as a Thank You.  Tears were flowing.   Solidified that we will always be there for each other through good times and bad. The power of a support system I never thought I would ever experience something of this caliber.

As the trip to Tampa came to a close I was overwhelmed with sadness. Sadness that this experience was over.  Sadness of leaving the girls and Michelle in the Coaching Circle and thinking when am I going to see them again.  Fear of what's next for me and in this next leg of my journey.  As my emotions got the best of me, my Mom and I headed back to Orlando.  It was a long drive and during this time we talked and we cried. It was a time to connect with my Mom and share our truths with each other.

I will never forget this experience and am forever changed as a result.  Upon my return home, I was re charged and hopeful of good things to come my way. This experience was just one more to add to Taking Yoga Off the Mat and my blog series.  I am so proud of where I am in my life and the work that I have done and am looking forward to what lies ahead.

Paying Tribute Part 7- Michelle Phillips

I embarked on new venture that began back in July-July 27th to be exact.  It is funny how the universe worked in my favor and it was meant to be. Confirmed to me that all is time and space.  I ran across a woman by the name of Michelle Phillips on face book. Michelle is a celebrity makeup artist and life coach. She also has a book that just got released called, The Beauty Blueprint and her own radio show on Hay House Radio.    I started to respond to some of her face book posts and to my amazement she actually took the time to respond to me. Not just a yes, no or thank you, but really took the time to respond. I was amazed, but also felt a connection to someone that I hardly even knew at that time.  

I responded to one of her face book posts on affirmations, I sent her my story through e mail, and Michelle responded again with a sincere message and asked me if I would like to join her with a small group of women in her summer coaching series. It was at this moment in time that my life changed all because of someone who cared enough to take the time to say-You Matter-And I Want to Help You.

Michelle is one of my angels. Michelle has such a big heart and she sees the best in everyone.  Michelle has been my continued supporter and strength over these past seven months.  Michelle has provided me with a safe forum to be able to accomplish things I never thought were possible. She helped me to challenge my beliefs about myself and she believed in my abilities. Michelle has supported me through the process of confronting things about myself and in my life that I had a hard time facing at times.   Michelle inspired me to take ACTION on things in my life which lead to results.

Michelle introduced me to Doreen Virtue's Angel Cards in the Coaching Circle, so in her honor, I asked the cards tonight and you will never believe what card I picked- and this is so right on-ANSWERED PRAYER.  Michelle is one of my answered prayers.  She came into my life in an unexpected way and who would of thought my prayers would be answered through the power of the face book world. A new opportunity for me was lead by Michelle and it has opened up doors for me I could never have imagined, along with a continued friendship.  I feel so blessed that Michelle is in my life. Michelle is one special individual and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Coaching Circle Thoughts

Ladies,

I came to the realization that this Coaching Circle is coming to a close-somewhat-I know Michelle said we would stay in touch monthly for a while longer.  This is something that I am sad and anxious about, yet I feel a sense of achievement and excitement at the same time. I feel so grateful to be a part of this circle.

I learned so much from each of you in this circle.  I thank you for allowing me into your lives and opening up yourselves to me.  You are such a powerful support group for me and amazing individuals. You been there for me through words of honesty,  support, encouragement, and to celebrate of all of my achievements. I have had the opportunity to do the same back to all of you.   The process has changed my life for the better. Words can not express how grateful I am for this experience.

I have learned so much from being a part of the Coaching Circle and here is just a few things that popped into my mind:

That it is OK to be vulnerable and open up myself to others.  When you open up to others and ask for support you not only learn more about yourself, you also can learn from other people's experiences.

That it is OK to speak my truth out of love for myself and not the fear of what if!

To trust that the universe will take care of me. So instead of reacting I need to let go and let things fall where they are going to fall.

To love myself.  To take care of myself first and know that I can not carry the burdens of others.

To trust that I am a competent person and I am able to do anything I put my mind to.

To know that it is OK for me to make mistakes, to not beat myself up over things, and to learn from every situation I encounter in life. Every experience is a lesson.

To believe that every situation that has occurred in my life has happened for a reason and in the midst of the most chaotic situations in life, these are the times to look back on and with great pride and say that it only made me stronger.

To not only speak of things that I want to see happen in my life, but to take ACTION. Action is what gives me what I deserve in life.

I love this one, To lead by example :)

That I will look back on the past six months to a year and say AHA-so that is why this is happening. Love those Aha Moments!

Whew!!! I feel a sense of achievement :)

I am looking forward to finally meeting Michelle and some of you in November at the I Can Do It Conference. It will be a time to connect face to face finally, give lots of hugs and to celebrate the new friendships that have been formed. I am also looking forward to staying in touch with each of you.

Love you all!

xxoo

Melissa

Changing Lives-One By One

Second Chances

So I watched one of my favorite movies of all times with Jennifer Garner.  Its called 13 going on 30.  My niece and Mom were asking questions throughout the entire movie-good thing I have seen it before...lol.  The best part about this movie is that it is full of beauty from the location of the set, the scenery, Jennifer Garners outfits (to die for), hair, makeup, the messages that came up throughout the movie and most of all to not have any regrets and live life to the fullest. Life is all about second chances.  Create and to go after what you want in life.

One of my favorite scenes is when she is presenting her new outlook on the magazine Poise.  Love this:

  Jenna: "Who are these women? Does anyone know? I dont recognize any
  of them. I want to see my best friends big sister, the girls from
  the soccer team, my next door neighbor, real women who are smart
  and pretty and happy to be who they are. These are the women to
  look up to. Lets put life back into the magazine. And fun and
  laughter and silliness. I think we all - I think all of us - want
  to feel something that weve forgotten or turned our backs on
  because maybe we didnt realize how much we were leaving behind. We
  need to remember what used to be good. If we dont, we wont
  recognize it even if it hits us between the eyes."

Each time I watch this movie I never get sick of it because it is such a fun movie full of life.  Every time I see this movie I want to go out and buy some Razzles :)  http://youtu.be/hhbYxXg7p-A This video is a reminder to let loose, have a little fun-and to not take life so seriously and enjoy the beauty around you.

Coaching Circle

I can not believe that four weeks of the Coaching Circle I joined and decided to participate in has passed. Amazing how much time flies when you are having fun.   I won't go into detail, but Michelle Phillips our main leader-supportor and motivator takes us through steps out of her book, The Beauty Blueprint. I never really thought that you could dedicate that much time to yourself, self indulging-but for me it felt like overindulging.  I almost felt guilty, yet something about looking within yourself and having the courage to hold yourself accountable and do the work is so liberating.

It has been four weeks of eye opening experiences, and participating in this Coaching Circle is the best thing that I have ever done for myself in a really long time.  I feel like I have made great strides towards facing things in my life that I have a hard time facing and learning my lessons in life.  

I still have a ways to go, and how ironic is it that I pulled one of Cheryl Richardson's twilight cards off of her website. I closed my eyes and asked a question about moving past resentment and the work that I will be doing in the next cycle of the Coaching Circle.  The card that I pulled was Comfort.  When I clicked on it, it said " Lean back into the arms of grace, let go and let God. "  So perfect and until next time I know what it is I need to do.