15 Reasons To Be Lead By Leaders

Have you ever met someone who just seems to have it all together…& then you get to hear their story on HOW they got to be where they’re at now? Fascinating and illuminating to say the least. I have met a handful of people just like this & they have such varied backgrounds & career paths. The main common denominator is that these leaders have all be lead by another successful leader and they just happened to follow these leaders advice.

So…here’s my 2 cents on 15 reasons to by lead by leaders.

1. Leaders…Walk the talk everyday
2. Leaders… Are already successful in their field of expertise by following a Leader in their life
3. Leaders…Give back to help others
4. Leaders…Have persevered through adversity and come out the other side
5. Leaders…Remain humble and don’t flaunt their status
6. Leaders…Are respected by their peers
7. Leaders…Are respected by others
8. Leaders…Command respect; NOT demand respect
9. Leaders…Are the first ones to take responsibility on their teams
10. Leaders…Welcome & Embrace change
11. Leaders…Adapt well to current situations
12. Leaders…Allow others to lead at times
13. Leaders…Have respect for new learning
14. Leaders…Create other Leaders
15. Leaders…Simply Lead by example

Who are you willing to let in to Lead you?

Are you a leader in your own life?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be open to be Lead,
Nicole

What Pendent Are You

I was thinking of the relationship between these 3 words this week; Dependent, Independent & Interdependent. These words have weaved in and out of my life from when I was very small and continue to do so now. Recently I have gained a much deeper understanding of these definitions and how these meanings have impacted my life.

So… here’s my 2 cents on what dependent, independent & interdependent means to me.

Dependent = relying on someone or something else for aid, support, etc.

We are all born Dependent; relying on others for all our basic needs being met for our very survival. In time we are given less from our care givers and we are taught to become more self-reliant. This helps us to grow into fuller and more rounded person who begins to contribute to their family, home & community. To be dependant is to have full support around you for getting all your needs met.

Independent = not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion & not influenced by the thought or action of others

Independent is the way we start to separate from first our parents and then from most authority figures in general. This stage is MOST profoundly demonstrated in the Teen Years. Yup, the constant questioning, the up-in-your-face “but that’s not fair” and “Why can’t I do go…” (this too shall pass, or so they say…) This is a natural and most important stage in our development and becomes important in setting healthy boundaries and trusting your instincts. Building a strong and healthy sense of Dependence creates room for the next stage.

Interdependent = Being mutually and physically responsible to, and sharing a common set of principles with, others.

Interdependent is the balance between both Dependent & Independent. To be completely one is either being held back from doing things on your own or being so concerned with doing EVERYTHING on Your own. Learning the fine qualities of living a healthy and productive life means becoming flexible enough to know when you need to lead your life in your own decisions and when to accept help and listen to some wisdom from others. To know what action to take…this requires getting to know the REAL you and what best fits for your life at that moment in time. This means that you will only know when it’s appropriate to walk the pendulum line between Dependent, Independent & Interdependent.

What Pendent are you most right now?

Are you willing to try on another Pendent for a while?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be Mutual,
Nicole

First Aid For Yourself

There comes a time in your life when you simply say “Enough!” and you finally take a stand for your health, your sanity and your very Being. What is the stand you’ve taken…to no longer be used up like a dirty old dishrag. What you come to realize is that people will suck out your energy in every way possible if you let them, so you have taken a stand now for your own sake.

So….self care is first aid for you.

1. The Power of NO!

Learning to say “No” is an important first step in your first aid plan. This very act, is taking back your own power. No, is one of the very first words children learn to say…They intuitively know that this is a powerful word that commands attention. Say No! with Conviction, Without Apology or Guilt.

2. The Power on ALONENESS

Learning to be comfortable by Yourself with Your Self is the second step in your first aid plan. This is truly a Gift that once you start to accept and incorporate in your daily routine (that’s right…I said Daily) you will make this a priority and schedule in this sacred time for Yourself to replenish your soul.

3. The Power of QUITENESS

Learning to enjoy the sound of quietness is very centering and crucial to your first aid plan. It is within the silence that you can truly hear Yourself. Giving yourself the opportunity to have no noise to distract you from hearing what your very Being needs and wants. It is within the silence that one hears their true voice, their soul speaking to guide you in the best possible direction.

4. The Power of LETTING GO

Learning to let go of control is a necessary first aid Essential. When you truly realize the fact that you cannot control ANYTHING except for your actions, reactions & responses to situations…you will have a Much more calm & peaceful life. Understanding and applying this simple, yet difficult task requires an inner belief that you Trust Yourself. You trust yourself enough to know that no matter what happens you will be able to handle the situation. As a result of this new found Self Trust…your outer world will become calmer, more peaceful and more joyful.

Everyone needs a First Aid Kit & a First Aid Plan.

Have you put together your First Aid Plan?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be First,
Nicole

Life Path

 

I came across an older list of things I want to accomplish in 1, 3 & 5 years. A starting point to goal setting I suppose. There were things on that list that I’ve completed and were very satisfying to Have accomplished. There were also things that I have completed or done that were NOT on that list. Reviewing the notes I made on this older list made me wonder about how much I really knew what my life path was and how open I was to Change that made me take different directions that I didn’t think about at the time.

So… here’s my 2 cents on finding your life path.

1. What do you enjoy doing now?

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time? What hobbies do you enjoy doing? If money & time were not an issue…what would occupy your time whole heartedly?

2. What piques your interest?

This question opens you up to some exploration on your part. What activity did you always want to try out? If no one knew about it…what workshop/course would you take right now?

3. What really grabs your attention?

When overheard in a conversation, this thing just grabs your whole attention. You want to find out more information on this subject. You seem to tune into to more conversations and see more advertisements & businesses with this very interest now.

4. What are you being drawn to do now?

This new interest has now become a passion that you are drawn to learn more about and are now willing to devote your time and energy into exploring more in depth. You are now engaging in conversations with others about this new interest.

This is now the point of ACTION. You have now gathered enough information to know that this interest resonates with your very being and you need to be doing THIS is some form and fashion….It has now become part of you and your world.

Until next time… Make each day count!

Live Your Life Path,
Nicole

Intuition

The in-depth meaning for the word Intuition has had a huge impact on my life recently. I knew what the basic meaning of the word, but not much thought went into what this means to me personally…Until very recently.

So… here’s my 2 cents on intuition.

Intuition
From the Latin word intuito meaning, the act of contemplating & From the Latin word intueri meaning to look at, contemplate, from in - + tueri to look at.
Put this all together and it means: To contemplate and look at from within.

What Intuition means to ME:

1. My Gut feeling
2. My Spidy senses
3. A Hunch
4. A Whisper
5. My Inner Wisdom
6. My Guardian Angel
7. My Inner Knowing
8. A Deep Knowing
9. My Inner Being Whispering To Me
10. My Soul Speaking To Me

What does Intuition mean to You?

Have you listened to your Intuition lately?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be Intuitive,
Nicole

Goals Setting Simplified

January is the time of the year that everyone is talking about goals & goal setting. Okay…what exactly is goal setting? Writing any old goal is easy…Picking a goal that is really meaningful to you is more difficult. I thought I would write out a few steps that I have found most useful.

So… here’s my 2 cents on goal setting simplified.

1. Think about a goal that has personal meaning for you:

Goal setting is much more than just writing out a few things in a list that sounds really great to others or your peers. Goal setting requires that you will be doing the work to achieve the desired goal. Without the work, goals just become dreams & words on a page. Be sure to be clear and specific on what you want to achieve within this goal.

2. Set the intentions for each major goal you want to set:

An Intention for a larger goal helps keep the big picture in mind and creates a purpose that you originally set your sights on for making this goal. The Intention is the powerhouse of feelings behind the goal you set. This gives you directional focus and is phrased in a positive affirmative.

3. Break the goal into bite-sized pieces :

A major goal will most likely be broken into at least 3 timelines – Short-term, Mid-tern & Long-term. Use these increments of time to break down the larger components into more specific and manageable timelines. This helps creates believability in achieving your goal.

4. Write the goal in the positive affirmative:

Yes, you have to write out the goal on paper, as this in grains the goal into the deep recesses of your mind & sets the motion into action. To write the goal in the positive affirmative means to write the goal in a positive phrase as if it has already happened.  This sets the stage for your mind to believe that this goal has Already Happened & will keep this energy that this is true.  The famous quote “What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. “ by Napoleon Hill stands true to today as they did back then.

5. Assign a specific time/date with your signature:

This is the final steps for your goal setting. You need to assign a specific date & time. Without a date, you have no way of knowing if you are on track or not. The date & time is an absolute & concrete moment in time that allows your mind to understand when this goal has happened. Your signature at the end of your date & time is like a handshake at the end of a deal and this becomes your contact with yourself.

What goals have you set for this year?

Have you written them out yet?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be Goal Focused,
Nicole

A New Year & A Fresh Start

Happy New Year to everyone!

This is a time of renewal, reflections  and commitment to do better than the previous year by many. Often these resolutions are made in haste and no real thought has been put into what you are REALLY prepared to do in order to meet these new goals. This year I challenge you to push beyond the regular off handed resolutions: To lose weight, To quit smoking, To better myself….you get the point.

So… here’s my 2 cents on a new year a fresh start.

This Year Resolve To:

1. Re-Align with my intuition & trust MYSELF more
2. Commit to reading a book a month for Personal Growth (CD, Podcast…)
3. Set aside 30 minutes a day of undisturbed reflection time for Myself
4. Make a daily appointment to Check In with & Listen to my Heart
5. Organize my Thoughts & Keep only Thoughts that Uplift my Being
6. De-Clutter my Mind and throw out Old Beliefs & Tapes that no longer fit
7. Let Go of Limiting Beliefs of lack
8. Unleash your Creative Mind
9. Cultivate & Nature your DREAMS
10. Set Free your Soul and Live YOUR Life

This year IS YOUR YEAR!

What are you resolved to do THIS year?

Have you started your New Year yet?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be A New Year All Year,
Nicole

Gifts All Year

 

The Holiday Season is wrapping up & I am reflecting on what the real meaning of GIFTS is for me.
I’ve decided to keep this week’s post simple.

So… here’s my 2 cents on gifts all year.

1. Gifts come in all sizes
2. Gifts come in all shapes & colors
3. Unexpected Gifts were some of my favorite
4. Some Gifts needed time to be understood they were indeed GIFTS
5. Gifts can be Friends
6. Gifts can be your Nemesis
7. Gifts are Gifts when you fully allow them into your Heart
8. The most special Gifts are the ones that cannot be bought in stores
9. Gifts need to be given freely…without strings attached
10. Gifts given with the Heart do not need to be returned
11. Gifts given with the Heart require no explanation
12. True Gifts require no special day to be given out
13. Receiving a Gift requires a simple “Thank you”
14. Giving a Gift requires no expectation of receiving one in return
15. Gifts are lessons learned through Love
16. Gifts are lessons learned through heartache
17. Gifts are lessons learned about One’s Self
18. Gifts are lessons learned through mistakes
19. Gifts are lessons
20. Life is a Gift

What do you consider Gifts?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be a Gift,
Nicole

Creating A More Calm & Peaceful World

 

We can create a more peaceful world!
Okay…does this sound intimidating?
There is a saying that springs to mind when I am contemplating a personal change habit: If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. ~ by Mary Engelbreit.
What does this mean…Just Do it…That’s all there is to do. Personal change Requires ACTION.

A recent example of this happened just the other morning… I was on my way to work, quite pleased with myself that I was on time & was feeling quite calm. Ahhhh…I had just settled in my seat on the morning commute train and was relaxing to an inspiring pod cast I was listening to on my IPod.
All of a sudden a women got on the train, flopped down harshly beside me carrying one of her 2 small children with her & angrily shouted at her oldest to “JUST SIT THERE DAMN IT!” at the seat directly across from her.
I have to admit; I was miffed that SHE was interrupting my nice, quiet, relaxing time.
Then I started thinking thoughts like: HOW dare SHE yell at her small kids? HOW could she be sooo angry this early morning already?

Then it hit me…I was judging her and not doing her one bit of help…even IF I was just thinking these negative thoughts.
I decided that I would silently give her some of my calm energy & I myself got into feeling calm, peaceful & loving.
Then her youngest child started to engage me by talking to me in her cute, babbling-I-understand-only-a-few-words talk. I responded happily to this child and got her to pick out some symbols from the safety stickers on the window (mommy, baby, doggy…) The child was delighted to tell me stories of her day & the pictures she saw. (baby talk)
The mom saw this exchange & she started to calm down & relax a little. The older child of 3 started to calm down as well & started to tell her mom pictures she saw & the mom responded positively with her.
I got to talk to the mom and asked her the ages of her kids, 3 years & 18 month old. I said it must be hard getting ready 2 young children so close in age, she agreed that it was hard & that today was really difficult as she also forgot the stroller in her rush today. Soon it was time for them to get off at their stop and as the mom was leaving the train she said “thanks for calming me down by talking with me today…I really needed it” and she left with a smile on her face & 2 small children in tow.

This really touched me…we only rode together for 6 minutes…& within 6 minutes I was able to affect change with 3 people. Who knows, maybe the mom was able to better cope with her kids that day because of this calm feeling.

So… If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be Change,
Nicole

The Light And Dark

Without darkness the light would be indistinguishable…So as it is in life, we need to have the contrast to bring out the greatness. On this December 21st day of the Winter Solstice…let us celebrate contrasts in many different forms.

So… here’s my 2 cents on light and the dark.

1. Without sorrow…we cannot know Happiness
2. Without loss…we cannot know Growth
3. Without failure…we cannot know Success
4. Without pain…we cannot know Love
5. Without heartache…we cannot know Deep Love

Here is a Solstice poem I found that spoke to me this season.

Solstice Fires (yuletide/Christmas poem)
By Ian R. Thorpe

Solstice fires burn bright as newborn stars
shedding warmth where frost – wolf’s icy breath
silvers streams, kisses each leafless branch,
making the eternal mother yield.
Frosted buds glitter like frozen tears
as nature mourns the mother’s little death;
dark demons spread a heavy shroud to blanch
colour from the woodland, heath and field.

But of each thing a little spark, preserved
and tended by the ones who serve the flame
survives to light embryo season’s birth,
’til life returns one more, vibrant and green.
Reaching higher each day the pale sun curves,
not strong enough to set the sky aflame.
So while nature languishes in dearth,
this darkest night the solstice fires burn.

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What gifts have the dark brought to you this year?

Have you celebrated your many contrasts yet?

Until next time… Make each day count!

Be Light,
Nicole