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Dear Melissa,
Letter From the Editor:
WHAT YOU NOTICE MATTERS!
And, what I've noticed is that thoughts cry out to become action.
I've noticed this because as we're finally getting some sunny, but still cool, days here in Seattle, I long for deeply warming sun. And so, sitting in my backyard this past weekend with its assortment of 13 trees, and feeling a little too shaded, I have found myself thinking "now where's that saw?"
But something shifted this morning. As I sat on the back deck with my cup of green tea wondering whether I could bring myself to cut down a tree or two, I asked myself, "Do I want these thoughts of mine to actually lead to action? "
After all, I'm an aware gal. I realize that these thoughts of sunshine may turn to thoughts of shade in a month or two. So I've decided to merely observe my thoughts without acting on them, even though I can feel my thoughts (those egotistic task masters) pushing for manifestation.
There's so much attention out in the world right now about thoughts becoming things, and I've experienced that truth. Yet, right now, right at this moment, there is an opposite truth coming to my attention: Not every thought must lead to an action. Sometimes we can just let a thought pass. And, with all the thoughts that compel me to add another to-do to my list, that's very calming and empowering.
Happy Start of Summer!
By the way... one action I am committed to this summer is the 60-mile 3- day walk for a breast cancer cure. If you would like to support me, please go to:
www.the3day.org/seattle07/melissawadsw orth
I'd love to hear from you. How do you like the new blue? Yeah or Ney? Let me know what you're noticing!
Send all your comments, ideas and questions to me at: wadscomm@msn.com
PLEASE FORWARD THIS EZINE TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT ENJOY IT.
Thanks!
Melissa Wadsworth is an author and conscious communications expert. She specializes in intentional awareness and personal growth topics. Through her writing, public speaking and seminars, she emphasizes the vital importance of curiosity, clear intentions and mindful communications to a satisfying and successful life path.
| Meet Wellness Roadshow Radio Host Catherine Bradford |
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 Awareness of Self
Like many of us in midlife, Catherine Bradford is in transition, again, and making interesting life decisions that are moving her forward in a fascinating direction.
Catherine has lived in France, she has been married twice, she has been a nurse; she is the mother of four children.
These are aspects of Catherine's life that have contributed to her growth, to her understanding of who she is meant to be in the world: a healer, a woman committed to other women's life journeys, a connector, and an authenticity endorser.
In her mid-forties Catherine reinvented herself as a skin care specialist working within a medical office. That is, until she got the "whisper in her ear" about being in a bigger space with women around her. From that whisper the Ostara Center for Well Being, a day spa and holistic healthcare center, in Redmond, Washington, was born. Ostara was created as a place where people could step out of their busy, over-stimulated existence into a day of quiet where "aha" moments could surface and give them back their lives.
Awareness of Life Process
"Ostara has been a bridge to my understanding who I'm here to be. With Ostara I wanted people to understand that there are as many definitions of wellness as there are people in the world. The goal was to get people to equate 'well being' with feeling like a 'whole being.' I didn't want people to judge their journey. I wanted them to recognize the variations, the opportunities that are portals to well being. Ostara was created as a place where people take responsibility for their well being choices," she explains.
And, as someone currently in transition, Catherine is reminded that the process of moving into a state of well being emotionally, spiritually and physically is a life-long and on-going process in which every experience, each conversation contributes to the journey.
The Human Extension Cord
Asked how she envisions herself and Catherine easily replies that she sees herself as an "extension cord" that connects people in relationship to who they are personally and connects them in relationship with others in an empowered community.
Catherine's newest incarnation as a human connector is as host of an Internet radio show at www.contacttalkradio.com called the Wellness Roadshow. The tagline for her show is "raising consciousness through conversation."
Guests on the Wellness Roadshow have unscripted conversations about who they are and what messages and passions they embrace. Recent shows have included:
- Healing Through the Power of Music
- The Law of Achievement: A Spiritual Journey of Healing
- Authenticity, The Real McCoy: Discovering the Genuine
These shows are part exploratory process, part fascinating conversation and part expert advice for listeners who can call in and become part of the conversation.
Not too surprisingly, just as the right practitioners and clients seemed drawn to Ostara during its formative years without over-orchestration on her part, listeners around the world and people who want to be interviewed are being drawn to her radio show. This seems to be a reflection of the energy she projects -- energy that reinforces she is ready to embrace who she is on a bigger stage.
Of this new endeavor Catherine says, "I see the creative possibility for my life as I channel my energy into the radio show."
Ultimate Awareness = Living in Authenticity
The Wellness Roadshow is a natural outgrowth for Catherine who makes a conscious decision each day to live in authenticity. The radio program supports and provides an outlet for her deep desire that others feel the authenticity of their own life purpose. Her goal is to start a global conversation that connects people back to themselves, so that they can see themselves in partnership with their spouses, their bosses, and neighbors.
Catherine's authenticity journey is all about trusting herself. "I have gratitude that I have intelligence, that I'm aware, that I feel myself in the world. I can feel that I know what will be good for me. I'm not looking for other people's answers; I have to find my answers."
Not looking outside herself for answers includes not following outside ideas about what constitutes a successful life. As she puts it, "I'm not going to run in a rat race. I'm not going to chase being a millionaire in six months. In our culture, we're so results oriented, we don't trust the quiet times. People need to relax a bit. There's such pressure to run at high speed and accomplish these monetary things that can disconnect us from community and how we can step into our most positive being."
The Importance of Quiet Reflection
Catherine endorses giving the psyche and brain a rest. As she puts it: "Sometimes in order to move forward you need to hold still." Quiet time, being still and oberving, is vital to setting the seeds so new things can grow. We can be accountable for our lives without the pressure to be successful before a certain birthday date.
"I believe that my life journey is about abundance. Abundance means understanding my place in the world. If you know this, you have use for little more. If you don't pay attention to the first step, then the rest aren't going to make sense."
Another part of Catherine's transition is helping other women to feel empowered, to understand who they're here to be. For Catherine this means getting women to trust their inner voice rather than trusting external forces that may be more related to trends and fads, to the ego and inner critic. To learn to better trust and listen to your own truth she recommends the following:
- Relax in Yourself. Don't over think or over analyze. Notice who you are, the choices you make. Notice the cause and effect relationship of your choices: "I make this choice and this happens."
- Recognize Your Power of Creation. You create each moment, your day, and your life. You create the way your life is turning out. Be empowered by this responsibility.
- Commit to Not Building Your Life Over Emptiness. Build on your understanding of who you're here to be. Don't get too distracted by outside forces.
- When You Achieve a Sense of Authenticity, then go be fully "you" in the world. Smile at others when you talk to them. Be fully engaged in your relationships and in your life.
- Come Together in Community with others through love, acceptance and understanding. The truest path to being in relationship to SELF is seeing your relationships to others and the world around you. None of us is isolated.
Catherine Bradford is an expert in living with authenticity and the host of the Wellness Roadshow: Searching for Whole Being at www.contacttalkradio.com. Listen to her program live each Wednesday afternoon at 1 PM PST or access achieved shows.
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| Successful Living Through Communication Awareness |
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I've noticed that often we humans are afraid to ask for clarification from others and, sometimes, we're fearful of clarifying our own feelings. This can leave huge gaps in our relationships or prevent them from moving forward in a productive way.
Not asking for clarification occurs in all kinds of situations:
- Not asking for clarification about the status of a relationship (e.g. what happened to suddenly end a relationship when things seemed to be going well).
- Not asking for clarification about a comment, opinion or information presented during conversation (at work or in personal situations)
- Not being clear with a potential vendor about about the level of communication required in order to build trust and a smooth working relationship. (I've been remiss in this area myself of late).
- Not letting other people know when you've been offended or hurt by something they've said or done.
It can be easy to tell yourself that it doesn't matter. It does. When we don't ask for clarification, the human temptation is to fill-in-the-blank. We mentally and emotionally supply the answer since the question is present, even if it's not verbalized. And, we usually fill-in-the-blank with less than positive assumptions.
Sometimes it can seem like too much trouble to ask, but that's a bad communication habit to reinforce. Fear of confrontation and fear of changing the status quo also drives this tendency. Some people might even convince themselves that not asking, puts them in a position of power.
As a communications-focused person, I hang onto the belief that there's always the possibility that relationships can change for the better, if you SPEAK UP! So I recommend the following:
- In your own mind, set a standard for the clarity you need and reinforce that in your communications and relationships.
You might have to push past your comfort level at first, until you embrace your right to receive information that you need. You might not always get the answer you want, but, at the very least, you set the example by being clear yourself. And you show that you expect the truth.
Evaluate your assumptions and beliefs about communication. Do you tell yourself things like: "there's no use in talking," or "it will just lead to a big discussion," or "I don't have time for that conversation," or "It's not important"? Try rephrasing your ideas about clear communications. Affirmations might include, "Clear communication is an asset that will enrich my life." "I grow and learn in leaps and bounds each time I ask a question and am compassionately clear with others."
As you go about your business and day-to-day living, notice the times you don't ask for clarity when you have a question. Then consider this: Any question for clarity can be phrased in such a way that it shows you ask because you are genuinely intelligent and curious or that you care enough to ask. When you come from a place of engaged awareness and caring, then you always come from a place of strength!
Don't fritter away your communication opportunities. Believe that great communication leads to great things. Practice making your all your communications meaningful.
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| Inspirational Quote |
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As we shift our center of power from material strength to spiritual strength, we begin to change from a 'go-out-and-get- 'em kind of personality to a more magnetic "be-centered-and-watch-the- world-come-to-you" kind of personality." The toughness, the intensity, and the assertiveness of the personality are second-rate powers compared to the spirit within."
From The Gift of Change by Marianne Williamson.
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Dream Board Special Report |
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SPECIAL REPORT
Are you fascinated with The Law of Attraction?
Are you interested in using Dream Boards and Vison Collages to help you manifest your goals and dreams?
Then you'll want to check out my "Special Report: How To Picture Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams with More Clarity, Focus & Success."
This 28-page illustrated manual provides Dream Board guidelines and instructions.
Discover nine Dream Board variations you can use to visualize success, invite positive results into your life and to pinpoint the desires that really motivate and excite you! The nine variations mean that you can find the right format that works for you. This Special Report also includes two bonus visualizations to help create clarity around your personality and life path.
For a limited time, I am selling this Special Report (PDF) for $15. After that it will go up to its regular price of $21.95.
Go to my Dream Board web page to learn more.
Or make your purchase now.
Other Highly Recommended Reads:
The Anti 9 to 5 Guide: Practical Career Advice For Women Who Think Outside the Cube by Michelle Goodman
Social Intelligence by Daniel Coleman
Shop at Amazon
Instant Income by Janet Switzer
Click the star to read other self-development articles by Melissa Wadsworth
Fun People I Know, Like and Trust
Gloria Two- Feathers, energy healer. She's presenting Earthwalk Energy Healing seminars in Seattle June 2-3. Check it out!
Photographer Morgan J. Miller
Karen Burn's career advice for Working Girls Blog
Margit Crane, motivational speaker and teen and parent coach
Corporate Chocolatier Sara Roller, Buchanan Chocolates
Zita Gustin, The Savvy Networker
Nancy Juetten, Media Relations expert
Recommended blogs:
www.outpost- earth.com is a Dynamic Blog Network. Check it out!
Recommended Movies:
Avenue Montaign
The Secret
Recommended Web Sites:
Spiritual Cinema Circle
A Great Gift Idea That Keeps on Giving All Year Long.
Your Personal DNA report. A free and fun personality test.
Taked the free computurized "Implicit Association Test. Find out what automatic associations you make between particular words and images. You may be surprised!
SPEAKING Alert!
Melissa Wadsworth is a creative self-help author and conscious communications expert. She is available to speak on the following topics:
Small Talk Your Way to Business Success
Public Relations Savvy: Take Back-to-the-Office Basics for Entrepreneurs
What You Notice Matters!: The Stuff of a Successful and Satisfying Daily Existence
I Get It! Recognizing Your Personal Truth In Life Lessons
Creating Dream Boards &Vision Collages
Click here to contact me at wadscomm@msn. com
SMALL TALK SAVVY
Awareness and observation are natural small talk tools. Read more about conscious communications in my book Small Talk Savvy. It's full of tips and strategies for effective personal and business interactions. Have fun getting connected! It's available nationwide, exclusively at Borders bookstores. Look for it in the self-help books section, shelved under "O" for operator's manual.
Read an excerpt by clicking here. |
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