Inspired In Action

What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do

2008-12-11T17:11:00.001-07:00

So many times in our lives, we think we are “on our way”. Things are moving. We are moving.

Then, all of the sudden, things stop!

Where did my sense of direction go? Why don’t I know what to do? There has to be SOMETHING for me to do! Did I lose my purpose? Was I on the wrong track? What happened?!

A sense of panic comes in. When there is no action, we feel lost and perhaps even stupid or useless.

Our River of Life has reached a calm pool, and we’re busy freaking out! Sails go up and down. The Paddles come out, and we paddle on this side and that. New fangled motors are tested. Nothing moves. It’s like there’s an anchor on the boat, and we can’t see the chain to pull it up.

These moments, too, are opportunities. Those calm pools along the River of Your Life are equally as important and valuable. Life should not be white water rafting all the way through!

When we are in action, we feel useful and on purpose. These times of in-action are times when we can redefine and rebalance. They are times to refuel and rejuvenate.

The question becomes, “What do we do when we have nothing to do?”

Here are some places you can explore when you’ve reached one of those calm pools in Your River of Life.

Trust.

These silent times are exactly perfect too. What if you trusted that The Universe has everything under control?

Let’s take the analogy of planting and growing a garden. You prepare the soil by adding nutrients, clearing away the weeds, and making the rows or raised beds to plant your seeds. You pick the seeds you want to plant. A plan is made for which vegetables go where. The dirt is parted, and the seeds sprinkled. You gently cover over the seeds and begin to water.

For the next while, all you need to do is water, and pull the occasional weed that pops up. You don’t see any action or movement. Things are quiet for the time being, and yet, beneath the surface there are all kinds of unseen action!

The seed expands and pops open. A tiny little root begins to squirm its way through the dirt, sucking up all the incredible resources you worked into the soil, and drinking the life-giving water. Before long, its fingers begin stretching up, building up strength to pop through the surface and peak out at the sunlight.

Can you Trust that in these times of silence that the seeds you’ve planted with your thoughts are germinating like the seeds in your garden? Or will you rush around uncovering your seeds daily to see if they are growing, and preventing them from growing?

Trust that all is well. Gently water your seeds, and pull the occasional weed. Enjoy the sunshine and trust. The Universe does not stop he growth of the seeds in the Garden, and it does not stop the growth of the seeds you have planted either.

Nourish.

Use these times as opportunities to take good care of You.

Chances are, when things were moving you were so busy you were not doing those small things that keep you rejuvenated. “I don’t have time,” is often how you would put yourself off. Things were moving! How could you have time to exercise, eat right, or meditate?

As with the garden, those busy times were important, and those times of watering and patiently waiting are equally important.

These can be times to set up new habits of self-care. Here are some new habits you can add to your daily routine.

Meditation. Meditation does not need to take a full hour of your time. It can be as simple as sitting quietly for 5 minutes, and you can add an extra 5 minutes into your shower. There are many forms of active meditations, including walking meditations. Puzzles are wonderful form of meditation. Your focus is only on the puzzle, and all other thoughts move into the background.

Journaling. Journaling can be as simple as writing 5 gratitudes per day. You can write your intentions or desires. Write your joyful experiences. Gather affirmations and quotes that inspire you. Joy Journaling is a fun and creative way to use your Journal.

Exercise. This can be as simple as adding in a 10-30 minute walk each day. There are so many fun and creative ways to exercise. There are a variety dance classes offered. Gyms are offering cycling, kick boxing and much more. You can take up a martial art. There are also creative blendings of exercise forms being offered, such as Nia. Take this time to sample a few until you find one that is fun for you.

Nutrition. When you have more time available, you can get creative with your eating. You do not need to cook all day to get a quality meal. Sometimes taking the time to explore your grocery store or specialty shops in your neighbourhood can open up new creativity in your kitchen. Explore your library or local book store for cooking ideas. Take this time to find some quick and easy recipes you enjoy so when things do get moving again, you’re ready!

Life is like a River. There are times when the waters are flowing with speed, and there are other times where we come into the calm pools and can see the fish and plants growing on the bottom. Take the time to look into the pools. It’s so much more enjoyable than franticly paddling your canoe and missing all the beauty and joy.

Pull your paddle back in the boat. Stretch back and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. The River will speed up soon enough, and when it does, you’ll be full of energy and ready to go!

*~*~*

Velma Gallant, “The Queen of JOY!”, is an author, international speaker and Lazer Clarity Coach. She hosts her highly acclaimed internet radio show, Welcome Changes Radio where she interviews exciting and dynamic guests such as New York Times best selling author, Neale Donald Walsch, Mike Dooley from "The Secret", and many more. Velma coaches Executives and Entrepreneurs to lazer in on what’s vital to create and experience Joy-Filled Balance in their life and work. Velma can be contacted through her website, http://www.WelcomeChangesRadio.com.

Run Stress Out of Town! Reclaim the Keys to Your City.

2008-10-15T11:20:00.001-06:00

“Stress is not happening because your job is difficult. It is happening because you are incapable of handling your own systems. You don’t know how to manage your body or your mind or your emotions or your energies. If you know that, then nothing is stressful because you are no longer hijacked by external situations” ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

STRESS! It’s gripped the world. It’s gripped many of us! It’s become so natural that we don’t know what life is like without stress.

If they don’t have a crisis, they’ll make one.

The truth is, and though we don’t like to admit it, we’re pretty much all like that. We’ve gotten so use to feeling the stress in our bodies that when it’s not there we feel odd or “not quite right”. We will unconsciously go on the hunt for something to stress about so or bodies can go back to feeling “normal”.

Stress Management courses are offered by our employers. They are written about in magazines. Stress Management is discussed on TV and all over the internet.

The truth is you don’t have to be stressed. It is not your natural state.

Peace is YOUR natural state.

You’ve been out of this place of peace for so long now that you’ve forgotten.

What if you could get back to Peace, even when things don’t seem to be working the way you think they should be working?

What if you could feel good ALWAYS despite appearances?

It’s time to put the REAL Manager in charge of your life. It’s time to put YOU in charge of your life.

Your body isn’t the manager. Your mind isn’t the manager. Your emotions and Energy are not the managers either.

These are each equally important parts of you, however they are all intended to be managed by Your Spirit. They are the team Your Spirit leads through this experience we call Life!

How would your life change if Your Spirit managed your life experience?

Would Your Spirit choose to sit on the couch in front of the TV half-sleeping through life? Who do you think is managing that choice?

Would Your Spirit choose the same job, the same friends, the same recreational activities, the same distractions?

What activities would Your Spirit give your body? What direction would Your Spirit guide your mind? How would Your Spirit use your Energy? What different emotions would you experience if your Spirit guided your Body, Mind and Energy?

These are all important questions to ask yourself, especially if you feel your life is being managed by anyone or anything other than You.

Your Spirit will ALWAYS choose that which serves you. Your Spirit will ALWAYS love you and keep you safe.

Give Your Spirit the Keys to Your City. Leave stress at the gate, and begin living in your natural state of Peace once again.

*~*~*

Has Stress taken over your City? Are you ready to take the keys back?

http://www.joymadeeasy.com

Learn how to Manage all aspects of you and your experience, and give YOUR Spirit the Management Position.

*~*~*

The Thought Behind the Thought

2008-04-28T15:05:00.001-06:00

Have you been making the changes in your thoughts? Have you been making choices about what you DO want more often?

Have you been seeing the results you were expecting?

If you answered no to this, let me share a little secret.

It’s not what you’ve been thinking about that has been created. (You already know that.) It’s the thoughts behind that thought that are created.

Let me explain.

The thoughts behind your thoughts are the engrained beliefs or underlying fears we adopted in growing up, and often times have been shared generation to generation.

Sometimes, those beliefs and fears are deeper, especially the ones that have been shared generation to generation.

Look back in your family history. What do you notice? What was their experience around money? What was their experience around work? What else do you observe?

Look at your own life? Are you having similar experiences, even though your Thoughts are in a different direction?

What does this mean?

Does it mean you aren’t thinking hard enough about your new thoughts?

No!

It simply means that you have new thoughts, and the old thoughts or beliefs are still below the surface. They are the thoughts behind the thoughts behind the thoughts. If you were to peal them back like an onion, these are the ones in the core of the onion, and your new thoughts are the skin, and perhaps even a layer or two into the onion.

When your experience does not match your thoughts, the core of your thoughts will be a belief that is based in fear.

What is a Belief?

A belief is simply a habit of thought. These habits of thought are learned at childhood, and strengthened as you grow through repetition at first, and later through your experiences.

If we continue with the analogy of an onion, the repetition and experiences add layers to your onion as it grows.

For many of us, we have come to that point in our life where we know that those old beliefs no longer serve us, and we begin to make changes. These show up as new thoughts. We try to change the skin of the onion. The new thoughts don’t take firm hold because the core has not been transformed.

Discovering Your Core Belief

First, gather information. You want to know your destination, which is the new thought you’ve been thinking. You also want to know where you are. This is your core belief.

Let’s start with where you are.

There are some things you’ll observe about your core belief as you peal back the layers. Your core belief will be fear based.

If you peal it back far enough, you may find your core belief may show up in one of these ways:

I am not _________.
People who ____ are ________.

This may not always be an easy place to look at first, however if you truly want to change your thoughts and beliefs at a core level, looking here is important.

Let’s look at your destination—your new thoughts and desired beliefs. Your new thought is often the opposite of your core belief. It feels good. It may start out with “I am _____.”

You now have enough information to begin transforming your belief.

Transforming Your Belief

The journey between these two places, your new thought, and your core belief, is where your belief is transformed.

I want to emphasize that Beliefs are transformed, and not removed or deleted. As we previously discussed, Beliefs are a habit of thought. Thoughts are energy, and energy cannot be removed or deleted. Energy can, however, be transformed or changed into something else, simply by adding to it.

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Velma Gallant, "The Queen of JOY!", is an Author, Speaker and Lazer Clarity Coach. Velma coaches Executives and Entrepreneurs to lazer in on what's vital to create joy and balance in their life and work. Velma can be reached at 1-800-992-2863 or by email at velma@welcomechanges.com. You can also subscribe to her weekly ezine at www.welcomechanges.com.

Kindness Counts

2008-02-04T15:26:00.001-07:00

Enjoy the article!

Kindness Counts

It’s very easy, as we are out there trying to build our fortunes, to get caught up in the “profitable” versus “non-profitable” actions.

These ARE things you want to consider as you are building your business. Distraction actions are not profitable. That much is true.

There is, however, one very important thing to remember.

Kindness counts.

Building a business from the mind (in a very calculating and analytical way) can be profitable. You can make a lot of money.

Building a business from the heart (which connects to our creative soul) can be profitable as well, and on many more levels than just money.

What I have found, through both my own experience, and through observation of my clients, is that when you are a creative soul, creating a business without heart doesn’t work.

Profits decline, or don’t happen at all. The JOY in your business disappears. You hang out in your brain. You do-do lots of different things that don’t get the flow happening or create the results you were looking for. The JOY in your life and work disappears.

How do you bring it all back in--the profit and the joy?

Return to heart. Kindness counts.

Be kind and loving to those who do become customers or clients. Be kind and loving to those who do not become customers or clients. Be kind and loving to those outside of your business. Be kind and loving to you.

When you find yourself overpowered, as it were, by melancholy, the best way is to go out and do something kind to somebody or other. ~ John Keble

It’s all too easy to get caught up in how things affect us directly. When you take the time, however, to walk around your experience and look at it from different perspectives, you learn new things.

What if how you perceived things was not the full picture? What if there was more to it than what you initially saw? Would you respond differently?

We aren’t always able to see from all perspectives, however, when we fill the experience with love it changes it, much like adding savoury spices to a stew--the flavour changes.

The flavour of love is both sweet and savoury. How will your business and life change when you add in the flavours of Love, Creativity and Kindness?

Return to your Heart. Return to your Creative Soul. Kindness counts.

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Velma Gallant, “The Queen of JOY!”, is an Author, Speaker and Lazer Clarity Coach. Velma coaches Entrepreneurs to lazer in on what’s vital to create joy and balance in their life and work. Velma can be reached at 1-800-992-2863 or by email at velma@welcomechanges.com. You can also subscribe to her weekly ezine at http://www.welcomechanges.com.

Midlife Crisis or Midlife Adventure?

2007-04-10T23:27:00.000-06:00

How did I end up here? What am I doing with my life? What’s missing? Where did all the fun go? Who am I?

Have you been asking yourself any of these questions? Are you frustrated or discouraged about the lack of answers? Have you been so busy being responsible you forgot how to have fun? Is it an unconscious, endless loop of the same tasks each day?

Some call it a mid-life crisis. Chances are you're simply exhausted from living on autopilot. There's no joy in just existing.

It’s a powerful observation, but what do you do with it?

All too often when someone bumps up against this feeling, they try to do the things they did as a young adult. The problem with this approach is those activities are not filling the void any more than the day-to-day grind is.

How do you turn your crisis into an adventure? How do you get the passion and excitement back in your life?

The first step is to remember who you are. Yes, I said remember who you ARE. Sometimes we get so busy doing, we forget all about the be-ing.

The following exercise will support you in this remembering process.

1. List 3 qualities you absolutely love about yourself.

2. List 3 things you do well.

3. Ask 3 friends what they feel is your best quality.

4. Ask 3 friends what they feel you do best.

Chances are, once you take the time to remember who you already are, you’re going to like yourself again. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Once you have completed this exercise, you can begin to look at what new qualities you’d like to have, and new things you’d like to learn to do well. That’s when the adventure begins!

This is a really important point I want to bring to your attention. Notice how I languaged that. “New qualities you’d like to have” and “new things you’d like to learn”. It’s important and valuable for you look at things as new and additional rather than wrong and needs to be changed or deleted.

Here are a three questions you can ask yourself to begin your new Midlife Adventure.

1. List one quality you’d love to have.

2. List one thing you’d like to learn to do well.

3. Choose the Celebrations you receive for taking these first few steps on your new Adventure.

I’m starting you out with one quality and one skill for a reason. You built your present strengths mostly one at a time. By playing with one at a time, you automatically increase your success exponentially.

Let me give you a visual for this.

You have 10 fingers on your hands. Each finger pushes a new quality or skill into your life. All of your effort gets distributed amongst the 10 fingers, so each gets 1/10th of your effort.

What would happen if all 10 fingers pushed on one new quality or skill? Yes, your quality or skill gets 100% of your effort, but your results are actually exponential. You’re putting in 10 times the effort, but your results will far exceed your expectations.

To summarize, there are two steps to change your Crisis into an Adventure.

1. Remember who you are.

2. Add new qualities or skills that excite and grow you into who you’d like to be.

This mid-point of your life is a wonderful new beginning. Make it an Adventure!

*~*~*

Velma Gallant, “The Queen of JOY!”, is an Abundance Coach, speaker and author. She is a best-selling co-author with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra and Dr. Wayne Dyer in “Wake Up…Live the Life You Love…Finding Personal Freedom”. Velma also writes a weekly e-newsletter which can be found at http://www.WelcomeChanges.com. You can contact Velma by email at velmaATwelcomechangesDOTcom, or toll-free at 1-800-992-2863.

You Don't Need the Luck of the Irish

2007-03-19T10:05:00.000-06:00

YOU DON’T NEED THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

TO FIND YOUR POT OF GOLD - TAKE THE CHALLENGE NOW!

3 Steps to Find Your Gold NOW!

The Quest for the Pot of Gold continues daily--the search for that one thing outside of you that will give you the wealth you crave.

Is money the one thing you think will fill that void? Phooey to those who say “Money can’t buy you happiness.” Being poor won’t fill that void either!

The reality is, money alone will not fill the void. The question then becomes, “What will fill that emptiness?” What would make you magnetic to all that you desire?

Many believe they will not be happy until they achieve financial wealth. The truth is, being happy opens the door to financial wealth. You must do what it takes to create the happiness NOW if you want to experience more wealth in all areas of your life.

True wealth is not only financial wealth. Money does nothing if you are emotionally spent, your spirit crushed, or your physical well-being drained.

Here are three actions you can do right now to create Happiness NOW and begin opening the doors to true, complete wealth.

1. Gratitude – List 5 things each morning, before your feet even hit the ground, that you are grateful for today. Sometimes it’s as simple as appreciating that first breath you take in the morning.

2. Extreme Self-Care – Before you give to others, be sure to give to yourself. This fills your well, in order that you have more to give to others. This could include things such as a foot spa at the end of the day, 30 minutes reading a good book, or a peaceful uninterrupted soak in the tub. Whatever it is for you, just be sure to do one thing each day for the most important person in your life—you!

3. Laugh Lots – Research has shown that laughter is the best medicine! It supports our heart, our blood vessels, our brain, and most of all, our spirit. Just hearing someone else laugh automatically puts a smile on our face. Notice how that simple act of smiling can brighten your mood. Keep a book of funny jokes near by. Watch funny movies often. Find a Joke buddy, and take turns each day telling a joke or telling a funny story. Join a laughter club near you.

These are three simple things you can do each day effortlessly that will create more joy and happiness in your life right now.

Here’s the Pot of Gold Challenge. Do these three things for just 30 days. Not only will you feel great, but watch how your world around you begins to change too. You will find you’ve been sitting in your Pot of Gold all along.

Enter the Pot of Gold Challenge. Share your experience of what changed in your life by taking the Pot of Gold Challenge, and have your name entered to win exciting prizes.

*~*~*

Velma Gallant, “The Queen of JOY!”, is an Abundance Coach, speaker and author. She is a best-selling co-author with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra and Dr. Wayne Dyer in “Wake Up…Live the Life You Love…Finding Personal Freedom”. Velma also writes a weekly e-newsletter which can be found at WelcomeChanges.com. You can contact Velma by email at velma@welcomechanges, or toll-free at 1-800-992-2863.

Use Your Senses

2007-02-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

There is more to Vision than sight. Being a powerful Visionary requires you to use all your senses.

Do you remember the 3 monkeys? See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil.

There is wisdom in that, and to make it more fun and the focus more productive, I’ve changed it to “See Joy, Hear Joy, Speak Joy!”

Let’s start with See Joy. Go on the hunt for things that bring you joy, or put the smile on your face. Turn off the News, and visit places like GoodNewsNetwork.com. Use tools like the Vision Board where you gather pictures of the things you desire to be, do or have. When you see people throughout your day, think of one thing you appreciate about them. When you look in the mirror, think of one thing you appreciate about yourself.

Next is Hear Joy. Listen to uplifting audios. Listen to music that lifts your spirit. Listen to the silence from time to time. Listen to nature. Allow yourself to listen when others speak kindly of you. Listen to the celebrations of others.

Finally, Speak Joy. Speak kindly to others. Speak kindly of yourself. Record your voice speaking your Vision, and listen to it often. Speak about your successes. Speak about other people’s successes. Speak about possibilities and gratitude. Speak about the things that make you smile.

As you move through your week, pick one of your senses to focus on each day. If you have a Journal, keep track of what kind of day you have when you do this. When you practice Seeing Joy, how much more do you see now that you are consciously looking?

By the end of your week you’ll be amazed at the results of consciously seeing, speaking and hearing Joy. Your life will be filled with Joy, and you will be a magnet to your desires.

Use your senses for Joy.

*~*~*

Velma Gallant is an Author, Speaker, Trainer and Abundance Coach. She's a co-author in a best-selling book series with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra, and Wayne Dyer called "Wake Up Live the Life you Love: Finding Personal Freedom". Velma is the creator of Living Abundant Joy where she interviewed 19 outrageously successful speakers, marketers and coaches on Abundance. She publishes a weekly e-newsletter called "Welcome Changes". Velma coaches entrepreneurs and business people to be abundantly successful in both business and life. You can visit Velma's website at www.WelcomeChanges.com, or reach her by email at velma@welcomechanges.com .

God Doesn't Say "No"...YOU Do!

2007-01-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of things you've probably heard said over and over. The first is, "Why doesn't God answer my prayers?". What you'll generally hear next is the response which goes something like, "God DOES answer your prayers. Sometimes he just says 'No'".

The fact is, it's not God who says "No". In fact, God - the infinite source of "All that Is", ONLY says "Yes"! God is the ultimate "creation" mechanism. God responds PRECISELY to YOUR creative catalyst.

So you say, "Well, I've been asking God for money, but he hasn't given it to me.". The answer lies in HOW you are asking! Remember that God - the Universe - responds in a very precise way! It's a matter of Quantum Physics! If your prayer goes something like, "Dear God. I'm in trouble. I have no money. I can't pay any of the bills. I need money!", then THAT is what will be real for you. You WILL be in trouble. You WILL have no money! You WON'T be able to pay the bills, and you WILL NEED MONEY.

The Universe feeds back to you what you give it - and in fact, amplifies it!

If who you are "being" is a person with what we'll call "lack consciousness", then LACK will be your reality! Every thought you have about "not having" will be mirrored in your experience of reality.

Do you desire wealth? Then BE wealthy first, and the Universe will respond.

The fact is, we are here for the express purpose of creating our realities and living incredible lives. We are the manifestation of God's experience in the physical. God does not desire for us to live in lack, and in fact strongly desires that we have everything we desire. It is WHY we have desires in the first place! We are not only meant to have our desires realized, but we have the ability to have them manifest in our lives WHENEVER we want!

However, our egos and limiting belief systems have distorted our power. We have made ourselves "small". We have created thoughts about wealth and prosperity that make them inaccessible to us. Yet they are RIGHT THERE...waiting for us to experience them.

God does not say, "No, you may not experience wealth." God says, "YES! EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING!". However the "mechanics" of reality creation require you to BELIEVE that you already have the things you desire. That's why it's so easy for so many people to experience "lack". It's easier for them to believe that they "can't have something" than it is for them to have everything they want because they have all this external "evidence". The fact is, however, that it is just as "easy" to have either one. It is simply a matter of your belief.

Your current experience is the PERFECT manifestation of your current belief system. It is the EFFECT, not the cause. YOU are the cause your experience. When you can integrate that, you can begin to create consciously from the inside out (which is the only way you CAN create). You can break out of the "loop" which has you believing that your external circumstances are causing your experience.

You must understand that whatever your experience is right now, it is God (the Universe, All that Is) saying "YES" to whoever it is you are being, thinking, speaking, and acting.

To create consciously you MUST "be", "think", "speak", and "act" that your desires are already fulfilled - and they shall be. To the extent that you do these things, you will experience the "yes" that you REALLY desire from God much more quickly.

*~*~*

Bob Doyle is the founder of Boundless Living and the creator of the "Wealth Beyond Reason" package which fully explores the topic of wealth consciousness so that you can begin to attract the wealth you desire using specific and unbreakable laws of quantum physics.

The Law of Magnetics

2007-01-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are a few Laws of the Universe. The Law of Attraction is one we hear the most about. One that is just as important to be aware of, and actually will support you with the Law of Attraction, is the Law of Magnetics.

The Law of Magnetics: As we attract, we also repel.

What does this mean, and why is it important to be aware of?

We know that a magnet has two sides. An attracting side, and the other side repels or pushes away. Try putting two repelling sides of a magnet together, and you can actually feel them push apart.

What's really cool about this law is this.

Have you ever had an email, letter or phone call from someone who said your products or services were not of value? Have they said something you thought was really good was actually bad?

The typical reaction to something like this is to feel frusted, angry or sad. I know I've gone through a whole range of emotions when this has happened to me. It happened to me recently. It was a great reminder of the Law of Magnetics.

The thing is, as you are repelling (negative feedback, for example), you are also ATTRACTING. If you repel someone who is not a match for your products or services, you also attract those who ARE a match for your products or services!

Usually repelling is silent--an unsubscribe here or there. We barely notice them. With each unsubscribe, someone subscribes. The releasing of the old makes way for the new.

Every once in a while, though, we get a LOUD repel. Someone sends you some feedback that sends you realing.

I invite you to take notice that if you repel LOUD, chances are you attract just as loud!

When I get a "repelling" feedback, I consistently receive five more feedback that make me beam with gratitude and appreciation.

It has gotten to the point that when I receive a "Repel", I watch in excitement and anticipation for the "Attract(s)" that always follow.

The Law of Magnetics: As we attract, we also repel.

As you move through your day, notice where you are attracting and repelling. Don't let those "Repels" get you down. Smile with each one, and then watch for the "Attract(s)" to follow quickly. It's the Law.

*~*~*

A Welcome Change

2006-12-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about change?

Does it excite you or scare you? Does it depend on the kind of change?

It seems that the majority of people don’t like change. If we maintain the status quo, there is nothing to fear.

What I have found, though, is that we cannot avoid change. It happens as surely as the hands on the clock change with each ticking second.

The automatic fall-out of that is that many people live in fear.

What if change was something you welcomed? What if your perspective shifted around change? What do you think would happen then?

Is it possible the changes would happen more effortlessly? If the changes happened more effortlessly, is it possible the changes might actually feel good?

And if the changes felt good, would you actually welcome changes?

That line of thought came full circle, didn’t it?

Change is something we cannot avoid. The more we try avoid it, the harder the change will slam us. Certainly being slammed does not feel good!

The next big question is, how do we welcome change?

The first step would be to accept that change is automatic*.

*Tip: Notice how I used the word automatic rather than inevitable? Automatic feels better to me than inevitable. As you make your shifts, choose words that make you feel better. It makes all the difference as you move through change.

This gives you permission to change, and the resistance to change will automatically begin to fall away.

When you are open to change, everything flows more effortlessly. Opportunities begin to present themselves. Things show up that move you through the change effortlessly, and, dare I say it, with more Joy!

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could Joy-fully welcome changes?

What about the possibility of change actually being Fun**?

Is it possible that change could be an Adventure**?

**Tip: Notice again how I’m playing with words? I like fun and adventure, so connecting these words to change definitely makes me feel better about change.

Are you open to accepting change? How do you choose to experience change? Will it be something fun? Will change be an adventure for you?

How do you choose to welcome change?

*~*~*

Grow Your Imagination

2006-12-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

The opportunities of man are limited only by his imagination. --Charles F. Kettering

It all begins in the imagination. The computer I’m writing this article with started out in the imagination. The music I’m listening to started out in someone’s imagination.

The car, the house, the shoes, and even the business you work for (whether it’s yours or someone else’s) started out in the imagination.

I hear it all the time. People want more money. People want more things. People want to experience bigger and better. It seems to me that if this is what is wanted, the best place to start is to grow the imagination. If it can’t fit in my imagination, it can’t fit in my life.

Let me say that again.

If it can’t fit in your imagination, it can’t fit in your life.

All too often we shut our imagination down. If I don’t dream about it, I won’t be disappointed when I don’t get it.

The truth is, if you don’t dream about it, it absolutely won’t happen. It all starts in your imagination.

Are you willing to peak through your fingers and begin to imagine? If so, let’s get started. Let’s play with these questions together.

1. As with anything that grows, it begins with a seed—an idea. What is it you’d like to be, do or have?

I want to live in Maui.

2. The seed needs to be planted in soil. Soil is what carries the water and nutrients to the seed. The soil I use is my Journal. I plant the seeds of my imagination there. I write them as intentions or desires.
I bought a journal. It’s my connection to my imagination. I write my desire, “I want to live in Maui,” in my journal. The seed has been planted.

3. The seed needs nourishment. Give it water and food. Give it attention. Write more about it in your journal. Add details. Create a Vision.
I walk on the beach each morning. It’s a refreshing and invigorating way to start my day. My feet are bare, and the water washes up on them. The water is warm. I can feel the bubbles on top, and the sand slipping away beneath my feet. The sound of the ocean is relaxing. The breeze across my skin is soothing. My walk is a meditation. I enjoy every second of my walk. I don’t rush it. I savor it. By the time I am done my walk, I’m ready for my day. I’m grounded. The ocean has washed away any worries I may have had. I’m free.

4. Keep watering and feeding your seed. Remember, the seed begins to grow beneath the surface. Roots form long before a sprout reaches above the soil. Add details.
As I continue adding to my vision above, I’ll add in things like what I’m wearing, how I’m feeling, scents in the air. I may find something on the beach during my walk. I may see dolphins jumping or the spray from a whale surfacing. Add details from all 5 of your senses. The experience should be like you’re watching your movie on a high definition TV (HDTV). Make it a Technicolor vision.

5. Plant many seeds. A garden does not have just one plant. Write all your intentions and desires in your journal. Plant all the seeds of your imagination. Don’t keep them hidden in your mind. Let your garden grow!
There are a number of places you can plant the seeds of your imagination. The Journal is one. It’s a very powerful tool. The Vision Board is another.

The most important thing you can do is give yourself permission to imagine.

Give your imagination the freedom and space to grow.

*~*~*

Evolution

2006-12-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Evolution seems to be the theme right now. Everywhere I look I’m seeing the word.

It got me to thinking how much I’ve evolved over the years. When I was looking forward, it seemed to be taking so long. When I look back, it amazes me how quick it truly was.

The events of my life created transformations I could have never predicted.

The abuse in my teens created an insecure young woman, and as the wounds healed, a strong, wise and warm woman emerged.

The marriage in my early 20’s transformed me too. It was entered into while I was healing the wounds and was insecure. It was trying at times. I thought I wanted someone to take care of me. Eventually I realized I wanted to take care of myself. It built my strength and courage.

As you look back on your life, notice your own evolution.

There were events which created wounds. There were events that opened old wounds allowing for them to finally heal.

There were burdens and sufferings that, though painful, opened your heart and built your strength. A courageous, strong and divine being has emerged from it all.

I see it in you. Do you?

I really want you to look. Look past the pain. Uncover the truth…the truth of you.

You are Divine!

*~*~*

Watch for the next It IS Divine! teleclass here. http://www.welcomechanges.com/itisdivine.html

*~*~*

The IF in Life

2006-11-26T19:31:00.001-07:00

Life is full of IF’s.

Usually it’s “If only I could/would have…” or “If only it/I wasn’t…” Have you felt those “If’s”?

What if you could play with the IF in Life?

What if you could make a game of the IF in Life?

IF can be a possibility thing of looking forward, if you choose it to be.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to play the “What If Game”.

It’s a perfect way to begin thinking of possibilities before you believe in the possibilities.

Did you know can begin making shifts before you believe? It’s true!

Many Guru’s teach that Belief is an important component of creating the life of your dreams.

They are right, AND you can move towards your dreams and intentions before you believe.

How? One way is to play the “What If Game”.

How to Play the What If Game

You will be using your intentions and desires for this game. It’s also a great way to get clear on what your intentions and desires are.

Simply add “What if” to the front of your intentions when you write them down or speak. For example, “What if I was a successful business owner?” or “What if I had an active and healthy lifestyle?”

When and Where to Play

The best place to play your game is in your Journal. Your Journal is the most powerful Abundance Tool in your toolkit.

This gives your intentions their first physical form. It begins the creation process. You also have a record of your intentions that you can go back on. This will give added focus to your intentions, and also allow you to celebrate as you notice how many of your intentions come into reality.

The next best place to play your game is verbally. Many times we have tasks that occupy us physically, but we can still play mentally and verbally. These tasks can include things like walking, driving, or washing the dishes.

How often to Play

Add the “What If Game” to your daily routine, and you will notice changes quickly.

You will notice how your thinking begins to shift. You will notice more possibilities in your daily life.

Why is this valuable?

Possibility thinking shifts your vibration further up the scale, and the higher your vibration, the more magnetic you are to your desires.

Simply put, when you think of possibilities, you feel better. When you feel better, more good things happen.

What if your life was full of possibilities?

It is—if you want it to be.

*~*~*

Being 40 - What's the best or best to come?

2006-11-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

November 24th is my birthday, and I turn 40.

Once I hit 35, I began dreading turning 40. I was going to be ... da da da ... OLD!

I've had conversations with my Mom where she shared that "Life began at 40".

This is my Mom, by the way. Isn't she beautiful?

Anyway, a thought occured to me, while I was writing my newsletter, that it would be a wonderful conversation to talk about what's great about being 40.

So here's the questions:

What's BEST about being 40 (or more)?

-or-

What are you looking forward to when you are 40?

Here's some of my answers.

I know what I like better.
I am stronger in standing up for what I want.
I like myself better.
I'm more confident.
I care less about what others thing, and care more about what I think.

I am looking forward to your answers. Have fun!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
Abundance Coach
http://www.welcomechanges.com

Ask Yourself – It’s All About You

2006-11-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Are there things in your experience that you do not want, and you’re not sure why they’re there? Are you unclear how to change or shift those experiences?

When I feel this way, it always comes back to one thing. It’s all about me. It’s the same for you too. It’s all about you.

That sounds a little bit weird, and it’s true. Let me explain.

People who were (and are) important to me did not respect my business. There were no tangible products they would buy. They wouldn’t hire a coach. I worked from home. That’s not a “real job”.

Over the years, I have come to understand that how people treat me was often a reflection of how I treat myself.

I had to ask myself, how was I not respecting my business? Was I treating my business with the consistency of a job? Did I set specific hours? If I set certain tasks for myself, did I follow through? Was I putting things off? How could I respect my business (and myself) more?

Some of the things I shifted were giving myself a specific work space, and actually going there to work. I blocked things off in my calendar, including my “me” time. I printed my calendar and stuck it on the fridge so others in the family were aware of my schedule.

What’s one thing in your experience that you’d like to shift?

Do you find people do not respect your time? Ask yourself, are you respecting your time?

Do you find other people overstepping your boundaries? Ask yourself, do you honor your boundaries?

This type of self-coaching question can lead to some pretty incredible shifts if you’re willing to look there. This self-coaching can apply to all areas of your life, including relationships, business and health.

As you move through your day today, if you experience something “not quite right”, check in. See if there’s a self-coaching question you can ask yourself.

It’s all about you! Ask yourself.

*~*~*

Permanent Changes

2006-11-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

I heard a new quote the other day, and it made so much sense to me!

Practice Makes Permanent

What a brilliant way of looking at it!

I’ve heard of “Practice Makes Perfect”. The one thing I wasn’t keen on with respect to that quote is the “perfect” part. It’s so easy to get caught up in the perfectionism trap. I prefer not to use that word.

One part of my life where I see the power of this quote is with my habits.

I’ve found that the best way to change my bad habits is to create a new habit that supports me and my goals, and the best way to create a new habit is to practice it lots. I definitely want my new supportive habits to be permanent!

Are you ready to make a new, more supportive habit permanent?

If so, I have a valuable and simple exercise for you.

Here is a list of materials you’ll need.

1. Journal – You’ll need a place to write your intentions and experiences. Pick something you’ll enjoy writing in.

2. Calendar – Experts agree that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. You’ll be keeping track!

Something important to remember—only choose one habit at a time to play with. This will allow you to keep focus on your intention. Tackling too many habits at once will spread your attention thin.

In your journal, as your self the following questions:

1. What’s one habit I have that I’d like to transform? (Hint: This will usually come out as a “don’t want”. For example, I don’t want to eat bon-bons every day.)

2. What new, supportive habit would I like to replace it with? (Hint: You can usually take the “don’t want” from question 1 and give it a 180 degree flip to find your do want. For example, I eat well every day, and treat myself to a bon-bon on Sundays.)

3. What’s one thing I can do today to practice this new habit? (Hint: Pick an action you feel good about. Write it down in your journal. You do not need to do the same action each day. Sometimes changing things up can make the transformation more fun.)

You will be repeating Step 3 each day for a total of 21 days.

On your calendar, put an X on each day that you practice your new habit.

There is one important detail to this part of the exercise. If you happen to miss a day, the count of days for practicing returns to one. What this means is if you miss day 8, you will be starting again at day one the next day. I want you to get through 21 consecutive days of practicing.

I can already see a few faces being made about this part of the exercise. “You said it was simple!” Yes, I did. It is simple. Being consistent may be simple, but it isn’t always easy.

If you’re one of the faces I’m seeing, ask yourself this question. How much do you want this new habit?

Too often we are the ones that hold us back from achieving our success, whether it’s creating new habits, or achieving any number of goals in our life.

If you find yourself missing days, and are still determined to make your new habit permanent, I invite you to write the following question daily in your journal:

4. How much do I want this new habit?

To recap, to create a new habit, ask yourself the three (perhaps four) self-coaching questions listed above. Write the answers in your journal. Answer question 3 (and 4 if necessary) in your journal daily. Mark off each day in your calendar until you have 21 consecutive days completed with this exercise.

There is one last thing that you’ll need to do each day. This, to me, is the most important step.

Celebrate! Each and every day that you complete the exercise Celebrate! At the end of the 21 days, have a HUGE Celebration! Give yourself a gift. Pat yourself on the back. Phone a friend or two up and brag! Send me an email and brag!

What’s one new habit you’d like to create? I’m seeing you already there!

*~*~*

Are You Doing it for the Right Reasons?

2006-11-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

It wasn’t what I expected, and I’m glad.

I went to a Toastmasters event this weekend. I listened to a speaker regarding the “basics”. I had thought, before I went in, that I’d be getting a lot of technical how-to’s with respect to public speaking. It’s what I thought I was looking for too.

He ended up sharing some of his journey with Toastmasters, and how Toastmasters changed him. He thought he was in it for the glory (he competed) and he learned his craft very well.

What he didn’t expect was that Toastmasters would change him on the inside.

He shared that the most valuable lesson he learned from Toastmasters was that when you speak, you need to do it for the right reasons. It isn’t about the glory in the competitions.

It’s about your audience. It’s about what you’re sharing with them, and what they are getting out of it.

One of the things I wasn’t sure I’d like is the technical stuff in Toastmasters—the counting of um’s and uh’s, evaluating grammar, and things like that. I didn’t want to study a dictionary and learn new bigger words to dazzle people with my intelligence.

After the workshop, I asked him about this. He shared that when he speaks outside of Toastmasters, he’s not as careful about these things. He also told me that if I’m not a “big word” person, not to try and do this. People will know. If I were to use big words to dazzle, then the content would not be coming from my heart. I wouldn’t be sharing the information for the right reasons.

I felt so good after this conversation! I had always felt that my um’s and uh’s, and little grammatical blunders actually made me more human. I felt it helped me to connect with people. I felt it helped me to share my message from my heart. I wasn’t trying to impress people. I was just wanting to share what I was learning in hopes it would support others.

When you’re out there in the world, doing what you’re doing, are you doing it for the right reasons? Are you sharing your message? Are you sharing your message from your heart?

*~*~*

It IS Divine!

2006-11-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Whatever it is you are experiencing right now is Divine.

We all have those experiences that seem to turn our lives upside down. They come. They go. We go on.

In each of these experiences there is a gift.

Sometimes it’s better learning who we are. We desire something better. It ignites our passion and our purpose.

No matter what, we receive a gift.

Isn’t that funny? Many of us would benefit from more practice in receiving. Is it possible that these experiences come so we can learn to receive?

I believe this is true. It has been that way for me.

Take a deep breath right now.

Notice how you automatically receive the breath without thought or judgment.

Notice how you automatically exhale (give) the breath without thought or judgment.

Picture your heart.

Notice how it automatically receives the blood without thought or judgment.

Notice how it automatically gives your body life-giving blood without thought or judgment.

What would your life be like if you gave and received without over-thinking or judgment?

We do give without over-thinking more effortlessly, though we often give with judgment. For example, when we give without receiving, we judge the fact that we are always giving.

We are left gasping when we do not receive. Receiving is blocked by over-thinking and judgment.

Picture your lungs stopping immediately after the exhale. “Oh! I can’t do that. Someone else may need this air more than I do. I’ll do without.”

That would not make sense, would it?

This same thought (judgment) stops us in our tracks before our hand extends to receive.

I want to ask you this question again, but with a twist.

What will your life be like when you give and receive from a place of love and flow?

Imagine looking back on your experiences from that place of love and flow. You see the gifts. You see how they were important in your growth. You see how beautiful you’ve become as a result of these experiences.

You’re an amazing person, and It IS Divine!

Are you ready to receive the gifts of your experiences?

*~*~*

STOP!

Stop the Roller Coaster NOW!

Your life is NOT meant to be a never-ending circle of overwhelming highs and crushing lows.

Imagine flowing through life, having fun, and squealing in excitement as things unfold effortlessly before you.

You are living your purpose. You follow your passion. You help others. It feels sooooooo good!

You have had glimpses of it. You know you are here to make a difference.

You know there’s a reason for what you’ve experienced, and your purpose is important. It may even scare you, yet it feels right.

It IS Divine.

Join me on November 14, 2006 for It IS Divine.

Who is this class for?

* Have you had life altering experiences that may have crushed others, but you pulled through?

* Do you feel that you’ve gone through this for a reason?

* Do you feel it’s time to step into your purpose no matter how scary it may seem?

If you answered yes to any of the above, please accept this gift. (This is your chance to begin practicing receiving!)

It IS Divine is a 1 hour teleclass on November 14, 2006 at 9:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Pacific.

What will you get from this class? You will:

* See the courage it took for you to move through your experiences.

* Notice how Beautiful and Divine you are!

* Peal back the pain and find the beauty that lies beneath (picture pealing the bitter orange peal to find the sweet fruit).

* Understand that what you experienced was something of value and not a burden.

* Feel the Freedom that comes from owning your experiences and your Divinity.

* Renew your courage to step into your Divine Purpose.

Visit http://www.welcomechanges.com/itisdivine.htm to register for the teleclass today!

Dream BIG!

Velma GallantAbundance Coach
http://www.welcomechanges.com

PS If you’ve had life transformational experiences and you’re ready to receive the gifts, this teleclass is for you.

PPS Please feel free to share this article and the gift of this teleclass with anyone you feel would benefit. Gift them with the opportunity to practice receiving too.

It’s not as Bad as You Think!

2006-10-27T22:51:00.000-06:00

It’s so hard when contemplated in advance, and so easy when you do it. –
Robert M. Persig

How many times have you put something off because you thought it was going to be difficult to accomplish it?

How many times have you finally done it only to find out it was easier than you thought?

Here are two acronyms for the word Fear.

False Evidence Appears Real and Future Event Already Real

Both speak to how our Fears are based on our thoughts about something that has not even happened.

It often is our fear—perceived difficulty—that keeps a particular item on our to-do list for longer than necessary.

When we moved, I had what appeared to be hundreds of boxes packed in my little office that needed to be unpacked and cleaned out. It was a daunting task, or so I thought.

I decided I couldn’t live without my office, and broke down the goal into bite-size pieces with the help of my coach.

I have 3 boxes left now. The pictures are hanging on my walls. I can actually work in there, and feel good!

The most valuable realization I got from this experience was that it wasn’t as bad as I thought.

What task have you been putting off? Can you break it down into smaller more manageable tasks?

Chances are it’s not as bad as you think!

*~*~*

I’m Changing my Processes ~ Are you?

2006-10-20T21:49:00.000-06:00

Every single day we move through this Divine life of ours, we are growing and expanding. Things we thought yesterday begin to shift to the thoughts of today, and continue their change on to tomorrow.

I used to use a process; I’m sure you’ve heard it before. It was called a Dream Board.
I’m changing the name.

My Dream Board is now a Vision Board.

Why am I changing the name? Why am I changing my process that’s been working?

Because it is my belief, it is my INTENTION that this process work better--work faster.

I was watching The Secret. (Have you watched it yet?)

My son was watching it with me for just a moment. He heard about making lists. He wanted me to help him write his list. He’s 5.

So he could be a more active part of making his lists, he’s starting his Vision Board. I’ve started a new Vision Board too.

For those of you who are not sure what I’m talking about, here are detailed instructions for you.

1. Get some poster board or a cork board. If using the poster board, you can get your favorite color. You can get a color that represents something for you. My favorite color is purple. A very rich color. ;-) Green is the color of money. You get the idea.

2. Fill up this board with pictures or thoughts of things you desire. I have a Million Dollar Bill I got from a workshop. That’s going on it first. Then a picture of the beach on Maui.

3. Put up your Vision Board in a place where you’ll see it every single day. I’m putting mine in my room. That way I see it every morning when I wake up. I see it every night.

4. Spent 5-10 minutes every day seeing and feeling you having those things on your vision board. What is it like? How do you feel? What’s fun about it?

5. Stop. Once you’re done visioning, move about your day. 2 hours of visioning is NOT more powerful than 5-10 minutes of visioning. This is much like homeopathy. Less is more. (Not none is more, or more is more, but less is more.) There is more power in 5-10 minutes of intense, pure vision.

So why am I changing the name of this process from Dream Board to Vision Board? Dreams are just that--Dreams. Vision is real. I want my intentions to be real, not dreams.

If you want your intentions to be real, you may want to create your Vision Board today. And when you do, make sure you include all 5 steps. They are each important. It’s like your car operating on one less cylinder. It looses power.

Are you ready to move from Dreaming to Visioning?

Create your Vision Board. You are what you think. You are what you see.

*~*~*

Shift Your Focus Step by Step

2006-05-24T13:45:00.000-06:00

"If you want to sail your ship in a different direction, you must turn one
degree at a time." -- Brian Tracy

As we move through life, we ride the waves of emotion. One moment we're riding high on top of the wave, and other times we're at the bottom wondering if the wave is going to come crashing down on us.

Law of Attraction: What you focus on and the emotion behind it is what you bring to you.

If you've been studying Law of Attraction for a while now, you are aware of how your thoughts create your experience, and when you're at the bottom of the wave, all you really want is to be back on top again.

Focus

When we are the bottom of the wave, the best thing to do is keep your eyes where you want to go, and take it one step at a time towards your focus.

Easy to say, but is it really that easy to do?

Many times we get caught up focusing on the fact that we aren't at the top of the wave, or the lack of having the thing we desire.

For example, rather than focusing on having the bills paid, we focus on the fact that the money to pay the bills isn't here.

Emotions

Your feelings or emotions are your clear indication as to how "magnetic" you are to your abundance. The better you feel, the more magnetic you are.

Our emotions generally follow along with where we are on the wave. In other words, when we're on top of the wave, our emotions are high. Our emotions are ones like joy or bliss. When we are on the bottom of the wave, our emotions are low, such as fear, frustration or anxiety.

Solutions

So what do we do when we're on the bottom of the wave? How do we shift our focus and our emotions?

Here are three specific actions you can take to begin shifting your focus and emotions in the direction of your desires...back to the top of the wave.

Ask yourself is "What's one thing I can do right now to make myself feel just a little bit better?"

This powerful self-coaching question addresses your emotions, and also gives you the permission to baby step your way up the emotional scale. You are not expecting yourself to move from overwhelm to bliss. You are simply moving from overwhelm to anger, for example.

Purposeful movement.

Purposeful movement is doing something that requires your full, undivided attention. It's something you can "loose" yourself in, thus taking your attention off of what's not working for a short period of time. This also can move you from a low emotion to a neutral emotion, which is clearly moving you up the emotional scale. Examples of purposeful movement are hobbies such as woodworking or cross-stitching. Another example may be exercises like running, yoga or weight lifting.

Dump and Flip.

Take a piece of paper, and fold in in half length wise. This will give you a left and right side of the paper.

On the left side of the paper, dump out all the crap. Write out all your frustrations and fears. Write out whatever it is that angers you in this moment. Get it all out of you. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and get them out. Do not stuff these things down or hide them away.

On the right side of the paper, give each dump a 180 degree Flip. For example, if you're worried about the bills, the 180 flip of that would be "My bills are paid quickly and effortlessly."

Now comes the fun part. Rip the paper in half down the fold. Take that left side of the paper (the Dump) and get rid of it. You can rip it up, flush it, or burn it. Do whatever you choose to get rid of it.

With the right side, keep it. This is a vision. Read it every day, at the minimum once. Read it more often if you have time. It should take you approximately one minute or less to read through this. Once you're done reading it, put it down and move on with your day.

You can keep these Flips in your daily journal if you keep one. You can create a journal for them. Use this tool as often as needed.

As we move through life, and ride the waves, there will always be times when we are at the bottom of the wave. And that's okay.

What matters is how long you stay at the bottom of the wave, and what you do to support yourself to get back on top.

When you have tools at your disposal to support you to step your way back to the top, guaranteed, it won't be long before your riding high on the wave of life once more.

~*~*~*~

Velma Gallant is an Author, Speaker, Trainer and Abundance Coach. She's a co-author in a best-selling book series with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer called "Wake Up Live the Life you Love: Finding Personal Freedom". Velma is the creator of Living Abundant Joy where she interviewed 19 outrageously successful speakers, marketers and coaches on Abundance. She publishes a weekly e-newsletter called "Welcome Changes", which reaches over 45 countries around the world. Velma coaches entrepreneurs and business people to be abundantly successful in both business and life. You can visit Velma's website at WelcomeChanges.com, or reach her by email at velma [at] welcomechanges [dot] com

~*~*~*~

Want more tools to support your Abundance? Perhaps hiring a coach may be for you. If that's something you're seriously considering, I invite you to take advantage of a complimentary 30 minute conditional consultation valued at $85 US. Request your consultation today.

~*~*~*~

"It’s difficult to fully articulate the value you bring to me, but … I’ll plunge right in and do the best I can. In the few short weeks we’ve been working (or better said, I think, playing the abundance game) together, I continually see evidence of gathering abundance in my life. You are the best coach I’ve ever worked with -- unfailingly generous with resources, able to generate suggestions that really work, and a delightful source of loving, abundant energy. I especially enjoy your idea of continually celebrating. What a wonderful way to keep one’s energy vibrating to a prosperous tune. I am celebrating you, your work, and the value you bring. Here’s to joyous results!" R.L., USA

Conversations of the Mind

2006-05-16T21:30:00.000-06:00

"The most important conversations, briefings, meeting, and lectures you will ever have will be those you hold with yourself in the privacy of your own mind."
~~Denis Waitley

One of the most important things I have learned is that in order to have Abundance in my life, abundant thinking must become a way of life.

It's much like nutrition and fitness. As you make the changes in how you care for your body, they become a way of life if you want your results to be permanent.

Law of Attraction: What you focus on and the emotion behind it is what you bring to you.

The Law of Attraction applies to those conversations we have with ourselves as well. Quite honestly, those conversations you have with yourself have an incredible and lasting effect on the results you experience in your life.

When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, what is the conversation you have with yourself?

Do you look at your physical flaws and list them off to yourself?

Do you list all the things you didn't get done the day before and berate yourself?

The morning conversation with yourself sets the tone for the rest of the day.

An obvious example is if you have a "good hair day", your day usually goes very well. If you have a "bad hair day", your day usually goes down the tubes.

I have an invitation for you. When you wake up tomorrow morning, and for the next 30 days, speak kindly and with loving intent to yourself.

Choose one of the following activities daily for this 30 day exercise, and do it each morning while looking in the mirror:

1. Tell yourself 3 things that you like about yourself.

2. Tell yourself, "I love you."

3. Tell yourself 3 things you did great, either from yesterday, or very recently.

You may choose a single activity for the full 30 days, or you may choose a different activity for each day. Do this in whatever way feels best for you.

You may feel uncomfortable speaking kindly to yourself at first. That's okay!

Many of us have been so unkind to ourselves each day that being kind may feel a little weird.

I guarantee if you play through this discomfort it won't be long before it feels good. Within a couple of weeks, you'll begin to notice you have more "good days" than "bad days", and your energy levels are rising. You'll be surprised at how many more things you achieve. You'll notice more things that you like about yourself.

I'll bet that when you make it through that first 30 days, you'll feel so great that you'll want to make this exercise a part of your daily routine.

Are you up for it the challenge? I'd love to hear what happens to you by the end of the 30 days. Send an email through to 30daychallenge @ welcomechanges.com and share your story.

~*~*~*~

Velma Gallant is an Author, Speaker, Trainer and Abundance Coach. She's a co-author in a best-selling book series with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer called "Wake Up Live the Life you Love: Finding Personal Freedom". Velma is the creator of Living Abundant Joy where she interviewed 19 outrageously successful speakers, marketers and coaches on Abundance. She publishes a weekly e-newsletter called "Welcome Changes", which reaches over 45 countries around the world. Velma coaches entrepreneurs and business people to be abundantly successful in both business and life. You can visit Velma's website at http://www.WelcomeChanges.com, or reach her by email at velma@welcomechanges.com.

Follow Your Nose...It Always Knows!

2006-05-08T13:54:00.000-06:00

The actual quote from Tucan Sam is "Follow my nose, it always knows". But that's OK. I really like how I tweaked it, and I'm going to leave it that way!

Wherever your nose is pointed, is where you are going.

Where is your nose pointed?

Have you been spending a lot of time looking at your past?

Have you been looking at what's not working?

Have you been looking at what's been frightening you?

Wherever your noise is pointed, is where you are going.

Looking at your past, you're heading for more of the same.

Looking at what's not working, you're going to get more of what's not working.

Looking at what's frightening you, you're going to get what's frightening you.

It's really that simple.

The Simple Solution, is to point your nose in the direction of the things you DO want.

Sometimes Simple isn't always easy though.

What you need to do next is learn how to point your nose in the direction of what you do want, when what's in your face are things you don't want.

Here are 7 things you can do to when your nose is pointing somewhere you'd rather not go.

1. Make a list of what IS working right now.

A lot of times this list starts out slow. It may take you a minute or two to put the first thing down on paper, but before long the things start rolling off.

2. Make a list of gratitudes.

What is in your life right now that you are grateful for? I'm grateful for my health. I'm grateful for my son's hugs and kisses. What are a few things you could be putting on that list?

3. Pick an intention or Mantra, and walk or bike to the rhythm of the Mantra.

This could be something simple like, "I choose Joy" or a favorite inspirational quote. With spring happening, you can go outside and get some fresh air at the same time. You don't have to do it that way, though. You could get on the treadmill or a stationery bike.

4. Do a craft or hobby.

For the ladies, this may be something like crocheting or cross-stitching. For the men, it may be carving or wood working. Others may enjoy playing music, singing or reading a book.

5. Spend time with those you love.

For me that would be my family. Play games or read with the kids. Take the dog out to the park and play frisbee. Go swimming, go hiking. Go to a park with the little barbecues and take some hotdogs and marshmallows with you.

6. Pamper yourself.

You don't have to get fancy with this. Give yourself a foot spa. Soak your feet, scrub them with a foot scrub, and then put some peppermint foot lotion on. Ladies, you can paint your toes too if you like. Or give yourself a sea salt or bubble bath. I set up my bathroom with music, a good book, and a cup of tea. Sometimes I don't want to read and I set out the candles.

7. Meditate.

There is no one right way to meditate. If you've never meditated before, you can use a guided meditation. You can listen to soothing music and sit quietly in a chair in a quiet room. You can sit on the bottom of the tub, close your eyes and have the shower rain down on you. It's all about how it makes you feel, so try a few different ways until you find one that fits for you.

Now you have some ideas on what you can do to stop your nose from pointing in a direction you don't want to go, and that's good.

Next you point your nose in the direction of where you do want to go.

How do you do that? I'm glad you asked!

Here are 4 things you can do right now to point your nose where you want to go.

1. Create a Dream Box.

Get a box that makes you feel good. It could be as simply as a shoe box that you decorate up with things that make you happy. It could be a music box. The point is to use a box that makes you happy when you pick it up and open it. Fill that box with pictures or words that represent the things you desire or intend. If you want to travel, put pictures of places you want to go. If you have a dream home, put a picture of that in there. For the home you can put pictures of the rooms inside as well. If you want horses, put pictures of horses in your Dream Box.

2. Play the "I Like" Game.

This game was created with my son. Before going to bed, we'd take turns telling each other the things we really like. It almost always started with "I like playing the I Like Game." It also included "I like you." You can play this game with someone you love, or can simply make a list of the things you really like.

3. Make a list of the things you would like to be, do or have.

There are a few ways to do this. A couple of the ways I've done it is starting out each desire or intention with one of the following:

a) I have a burning desire to...
b) I want...
c) I intend...
d) Wouldn't it be nice if...
e) I see...
f) I have/am...

With this list, it's all about the feeling. If saying "I want" doesn't make you feel good, you may like "Wouldn't it be nice if" better. Play around with the different ways of phrasing your desires until you find one that feels good right now.

4. Hire a Coach.

Some of the many things a Coach can support you with is creating visions, setting intentions and goals, and giving you another perspective on what you are experiencing or would like to experience. Sometimes all it takes is another pair of eyes or a two degree shift in perspective to get your nose pointing in the right direction.

No matter who you are or what you do, pointing your nose in the direction of Joy is a sure win.

Follow Your Nose...It Always Knows!

~*~*~*~

Velma Gallant is an Author, Speaker, Trainer and Abundance Coach. She's a co-author in a best-selling book series with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer called "Wake Up Live the Life you Love: Finding Personal Freedom". Velma is the creator of Living Abundant Joy where she interviewed 19 outrageously successful speakers, marketers and coaches on Abundance. She publishes a weekly e-newsletter called "Welcome Changes", which reaches over 45 countries around the world. Velma coaches entrepreneurs and business people to be abundantly successful in both business and life. You can visit Velma's website at http://www.WelcomeChanges.com, or reach her by email at velma@welcomechanges.com.

It's all about the Now!

2006-05-02T21:44:00.000-06:00

"I can feel guilty about the past, apprehensive about the future, but only in
the present can I act. The ability to be in the present moment is a major
component of mental wellness."
~~Abraham Maslow

This quote fascinates me. It clearly speaks about the importance of the NOW, and also speaks to how many of us look at our past and future. Quite often it's with apprehension.

The truth is, how you feel about your past, no matter what happened, is all about perspective.

I speak a lot about perspective. It's probably one of the most important skills I've learned that has shifted my life from scarcity to abundance.

When I speak about some of the events of my past, I have heard from some, "oh that's terrible" or "how awful".

I rewrote my past. Or at least I rewrote how I felt about it.

Now when I look back, I see specific events that molded and shaped me. They prepared me for where I am now. I gained courage. I learned compassion, both for others and for myself.

I didn't always look at the events of my life that way. I felt grief. I felt guilt. I felt shame. I felt rage.

When you look back on your past, how do you feel?

How can you rewrite your past? Can you shift your perspective and allow yourself to find the gifts?

I wonder if you realize how magnificent you've become as a result of your experiences?

You can look to others for support to rewrite your past. Sometimes another pair of eyes will help you see things just a little bit differently.

One benefit to rewriting your past, is that when you look into the future, your perspective will shift there too.

I find that our future is usually written with the same pen that wrote our past. In other words, if we are fearful about our past, we quite often are fearful about our future.

If you've rewritten your past and have found the gifts, that pen won't write as fearful a future either.

All of this allows us to live in the Now more effortlessly, and with more joy.

What's one story from your past that you are willing to rewrite? Oh, and guess what. You get to be the inspiring hero in this story. ;-)

~*~*~*~

Velma Gallant is an Author, Speaker, Trainer and Abundance Coach. She's a co-author in a best-selling book series with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer called "Wake Up Live the Life you Love: Finding Personal Freedom". Velma is the creator of Living Abundant Joy where she interviewed 19 outrageously successful speakers, marketers and coaches on Abundance. She publishes a weekly e-newsletter called "Welcome Changes", which reaches over 45 countries around the world. Velma coaches entrepreneurs and business people to be abundantly successful in both business and life. You can visit Velma's website at http://www.WelcomeChanges.com, or reach her by email at velma@welcomechanges.com.

Dumping the Inferiority Complex

2006-04-16T19:23:00.000-06:00

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
--Eleanor Roosevelt

This is the exact quote I used to begin the transformation process of my life.

I was in a marriage that was steadily going downhill. My confidence was at an all-time low. My life didn't feel like my own. Conversations with my partner included "you can't do..." and "you have to do..."

I don't even remember which magazine I found the quote in, but I cut it out and taped it to my mirror. I looked at that quote every day for two years.

By looking at these words every day for that two years, they started to take root. What sounded reasonable at first soon became my truth.

"...without your consent."

What an interesting thought! We have to consent to feeling inferior. We have to choose to own someone else's thoughts about us and make it our own in order for it to be.

What if you chose not to consent to it? What if you just decided that what someone else thought about you was not your truth?

What would your life be like?

Would you take a chance that your ideas could succeed?

Would you try something new?

Would you talk to people you've never talked to before?

Affirmations like this can be valuable. They do take root over time if you look at them daily.

Are there areas of your life where you feel inferior or less than confident?

You may find value in printing this quote out and putting it up on your mirror too. Let it take root in your heart and mind.

Dump the Inferiority Complex by dumping other people's ideas about you.

Choose your Truth.

~*~*~*~

Velma Gallant is an Author, Speaker, Trainer and Abundance Coach. She's a co-author in a best-selling book series with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer called "Wake Up Live the Life you Love: Finding Personal Freedom". Velma is the creator of Living Abundant Joy where she interviewed 19 outrageously successful speakers, marketers and coaches on Abundance. She publishes a weekly e-newsletter called "Welcome Changes", which reaches over 45 countries around the world. Velma coaches entrepreneurs and business people to be abundantly successful in both business and life. You can visit Velma's website at http://www.WelcomeChanges.com, or reach her by email at velma@welcomechanges.com.