Spring Cleaning and Clearing Life’s Clutter

In last week’s Soul Sisters Blog post we shared about how you can lose 10 pound fast by tackling the clutter in your life.  Timing couldn’t have been better; I don’t know about you but we’re in the midst of our spring cleaning!

So why are your Soul Sisters harping on you about your piles?  Clutter wreaks havoc on personal empowerment!  It makes life more chaotic, making us feel overwhelmed and restricted.  These feelings can lead into depression, guilt and loss of esteem and confidence.  Yes, clutter IS NOT a power-booster.

But one of the hardest things about clutter, which ironically also often leads us to fall into a cycle of chaos, is the question of where to begin.  In the above video, Ellen offers some tips: “Ellen Degeneres' Spring Cleaning Tips For People Who Aren't As Good At Spring Cleaning As I Am".  While it’s always best to start any difficult chore with a laugh, we think our tips might be a little more practical.  You decide...

Where to Begin

• Understand what clutter is.  Remember, if you do not love it or use it, it's clutter.
• Approach de-cluttering your environment with the right intention; as you clear the old, you make room for the new to come into your life.
• Start small, with just one drawer, one closet, or one room.  See how it makes you feel, and how you begin to open up emotionally, as a result.
• Give yourself a set amount of time and a deadline.  You would be surprised by how much you can accomplish in just an hour of focused de-cluttering time.
• Sort things into categories (Keep, toss, donate, sell, etc.). 
• Bless each item as it's put into its appropriate category.
• Follow through with putting away, tossing, donating or selling each item within a week's time to avoid it turning into another kind of clutter!
• If you find yourself struggling with parting with your things, don't be afraid to seek out the help of an expert.

Releasing your clutter allows you to let go of old life patterns that no longer serve you, and create new and open pathways for fresh opportunities and prosperity to come into your life.  Without the clutter, these new experiences can support who you are now and the woman you are becoming.

Clearing the clutter allows you to loosen the hold material things have on you, opens your energy and sparks a sense of freedom!

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:

"Anyone who has ever cleaned out a closet and taken stuff to Goodwill knows how liberating it is.   You feel lighter, your mind feels clearer."  ~Cecile Andrews

Stop the Clutter!

I came home last night and completely lost it. You know what I mean by “lost it”; where the ugly twisted sister, that you stuff way deep down within, rears its ugly head. It’s never a pretty picture. But it happens to the best of us if we’re not careful.

Against my better judgment I made a late night grocery run in -15 degree wind chills, which added to the excitement I’m sure. By the time I got home I was tired and chilled straight through to the bone. I walked into the kitchen, and there it was…the island counter of clutter that had been staring me in the face for almost two weeks. I’m sure you can picture it; where you almost have to remind yourself that yes, there is a countertop under there. And when you look at it you kind of tilt your head and think, “There must be some sort of space vacuum occurring here to support this type of balance.”

How do countertops get that way? Most of us have them; the one counter area in the house that’s a catch-all for all the items that we need, maybe need, or might need someday. Heck, there’s probably even stuff there for the shear reason we needed a pit stop on the way to the garbage. And before you know it, you can’t find your counter. It’s gone.

For someone like me, this was a recipe for disaster. Clutter has never been my friend. So why was the mess still there? Who knows? I’m sure I was busy, or lazy, or didn’t feel like spending 2 hours cleaning it up…again. Strangely enough I seem to be the only one in the household bothered by this particular type mess.

This monstrosity had been sucking my energy to live! I couldn’t think straight, I felt depleted, it was hindering the potential of my kitchen, and it was draining my positive energy. But in what must have been my cloudy thinking I made the choice to leave it there. So there it sat, eating away at me…for two long weeks. I’m not sure why it seemed like such a surprise that it was still there when I arrived home. Did I really expect that it would have magically cleaned itself?

So I sent my husband to bed (it would be better for him to not be around for this) and I dove in to finally clean the mess. How I had built the job up in my mind to be a 2-hour ordeal, I’ll never know. Just ten minutes later (yes, it took me a grand total of 10 minutes) the mess was clean and I was sane again. Ten minutes well spent!

What clutter do you have in your life? By tackling this clutter head-on could you free up your energy and harness new power? What shift would occur by focusing just 10 minutes on one area? There’s only one way to find out. Now roll up those sleeves…

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

"Clutter is stuck energy.  The word "clutter" derives from the Middle English word "clotter," which means to coagulate - and that's about as stuck as you can get." ~Karen Kingston

Did You Plug Into It?

What an amazing and “powered up” week! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our energizing tele-class, Power Up: Overcoming Your Personal Energy Crisis! If you missed this training event, don’t worry! For a limited time you can receive a download of the recording and training materials for free! Just click here: Power Up Tele-Training Event

As with every tele-class, for each question we answer during the course of the training we seem to generate another. Believe it or not, that’s a good thing! It means we’re making breakthroughs and stirring up some new and different ideas and thoughts. Keep your questions coming!

Below are a few we received after the session. Perhaps they will address a question or two you had yourself.

Q. “Thank you for a great call! As I worked through the exercises I realized that my energy issues seem to stem from a lack of time. How do I overcome that?” R.B.

A. Great question! Time is another big issue for many women and it’s a topic we would love to dedicate a tele-training event to. To help you until that time however, we offer the following recommendations.

Pull out your Power Up training materials package. Notice that the words “energy” and “time” could almost be used interchangeably throughout. You want more time; more time for what? Until you have that question clearly answered and in writing, you won’t get control of your time issues. Likewise, you may need to overcome some pretty deep-seated “beliefs” about time to really experience a breakthrough in this area. And, the same “Frustrations” and “Incomplete Cycles” that drain your energy also eat away at your time. Try reworking these same exercises using your “time” challenges as a reference point and let us know what you discover!

Q. “I’m really having a problem with limiting beliefs. I recognize how many of my beliefs are affecting my energy levels but I’m really having a problem changing my mindset; any advice for someone like me?” T.J.

A. Yes, beliefs can be tricky but guess what? By recognizing the beliefs that are holding you back, you’ve actually made a significant breakthrough! Congratulations!

The secret to changing our limiting beliefs is found in the Pain Pleasure Principle. Associate enough “pain” with your old belief and a tremendous amount of “pleasure” to your new empowered belief, and you will begin to experience significant changes in your life! Here’s how you can use the Pain Pleasure Principle for yourself…

Step 1 ~ The Pain: Think about your limiting belief. How has this belief hurt you? What has it cost you in your life? How has it affected those closest to you?

Example Limiting Belief: “I’m always too tired.”

Pain: I can’t help but think of all the experiences and opportunities I’ve missed out on in life. Instead of spending time with friends and family, my tiredness kept me at home. Instead of pursuing the next phase in my career, I let my tiredness hold me back. That’s also hurt me and my family financially. This belief has kept me from getting the exercise I need and has actually led me to seek out convenience foods which aren’t as health for me or my family. It’s a cycle that only contributes to my feeling of being tired.

Step 2 ~ The Pleasure: Now think of your new empowered belief. What will this new belief mean to your life? What pleasure will come from it?

Example Empowering Belief: “I am powered up because I choose to be.”

Pleasure: My new belief means I’m spending more quality time with my children. We laugh and even play games together. We’re creating happy family memories I know will shape their lives into adulthood. I’m the wife, friend and mother I’ve always envisioned I would be. I’m advancing in my career and my new responsibilities suit my talents and abilities perfectly. Producing my best work energizes me! I exercise four times a week and nourish my body with healthy food. I’m losing weight without effort. I feel better and my family feels better.

With practice you will be amazed at how simple the Pain Pleasure Principle actually is, and even more surprised at how it can shift your way of thinking. It’s important to regularly review how your limiting beliefs cause you pain in your life and how your new beliefs bring you pleasure. We’re naturally wired to want pleasure in all things so what “feels” better to you is the direction your mind will naturally go. Stay committed to the process and I promise it will work. Please keep us updated on your progress!

If you have questions about overcoming your personal energy crisis, please email us at SoulSisters@SoulspringGroups.com. We promise to personally answer each and every email we receive.

Sisters of Soul
Kim, Jenny and Becky

Soulspiration of the Week:

“Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.” ~Sarah Bernhardt

The Power of Collective Energy

I ran across the most interesting interview that ties in perfectly with our energy topic this month!

Gregg Braden appeared on an online program, “The Aware Show”, to speak about his new book, Fractal Time. Part of what makes Gregg so interesting is that he is a scientist, visionary, and a scholar all wrapped up into one. In his interview he shared how much scientists have learned about energy in the last decade. Here’s just one amazing example:

In 2001, two satellites were placed in space, 22,000 miles from Earth, one in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere. These satellites were to record the energy given off from the Earth every 30 minutes. For the most part it was in constant ebbs and flows, like an EKG, until one day it jumped off the chart for both satellites! Scientists immediately began to search out what would have caused such an increase. When studied it was discovered that this jump in energy began at 9:00 a.m. on September 11, 2001 – fifteen minutes after the first plane hit the first tower of the World Trade Center.

This discovery lead to a series of studies and what was found was when millions of people collectively focus their heart energy or emotions on a specific thing it has the power to influence the energy fields of the Earth. Isn’t that amazing?!

For hundreds of years science has taught us that the only influence we have on the Earth is just our physical bodies. But now we know that our emotions and energy have a much greater impact. Our inner energy can impact ourselves, our families, our friends, and even complete strangers! Imagine what it would mean for the world if we could harness this power, collectively focusing our energies in laser-sharp precision through affirmations, meditation, and prayer! What shift in energy might these satellites see with millions of Soulspring Groups meeting monthly all over the world? What a news story that would be!

It’s clear that energy is even more important than we once realized! Now more than ever you must ask yourself, “how’s my personal power?” If the answer is that your inner energy is a little low these days, be sure to take advantage of our FREE teleclass, “Power Up! Overcoming your Personal Energy Crisis”, taking place this Wednesday, August 19, 2009. Register here!

Becky
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week

“We have learned that power is a positive force if it is used for positive purposes.” ~Elizabeth Dole

Quiz: Are you headed for a Personal Energy Crash?

Feeling tired? Lost your oomph? You’re not alone, it’s one of the top complaints we hear from women, which led us to dedicate the month of August to the topic of energy.

Sure, as women we lead busy lives and sometimes our hectic pace can get the best of us. But burning the candle at both ends for too long can lead to a personal energy crisis. Avoiding the problem all together can soon lead to a crash!

So are you on the verge of a power melt-down or have you formed a solid foundation of thoughts, belief, attitudes and habits to protect yourself from a full-fledged crash? Take this self-assessment and find out!

Are You Headed for a Personal Energy Crash?

Answer TRUE or FALSE to each question below.

TRUE FALSE What I do for a living really turns me on.
TRUE FALSE I surround myself with high-energy and positively charged people.
TRUE FALSE I’m living my life purpose and my life is an exciting adventure.
TRUE FALSE I’m invigorated knowing I’m living in alignment with my highest values.
TRUE FALSE I rarely feel overwhelmed; there is plenty of me to go around.
TRUE FALSE I feel a daily sense of pride in myself and my accomplishments.
TRUE FALSE There’s only one “me” and I take care of myself.
TRUE FALSE I take time regularly to focus on my own hobbies and interests.
TRUE FALSE I work at a healthy pace.
TRUE FALSE My daily to-do list is challenging, yet manageable.
TRUE FALSE I take breaks and time off free from guilt and regret.
TRUE FALSE When it comes to “me”, I have no problem saying “yes”.
TRUE FALSE I easily say “no” to requests that deplete me.
TRUE FALSE I feel empowered and in control of my life.
_____ _____ TOTAL

SCORE: Add up the answers in each column. Compare the number of TRUE statements to the results below:

12+ Sure, your hectic schedule tires you out, but overall you are one powered up woman! Stay focused and on track. Your positive example will inspire others to live an empowered lifestyle too!

9-11 You’ve been working hard to live your life on purpose but negative thoughts, beliefs and habits keep coming back to haunt you. Old habits die hard but stay strong. A few more tweaks will take your personal power to new heights!

6-8 Watch out, you’ve been pushing it to the limits for far too long. You’re definitely in crisis mode and it won’t take much to throw you into a real tailspin. Take steps now to protect your energy stores. As is usually the case, you have a pretty clear idea of what’s draining you. Take steps now to rev up your life once again!

0-5 Girl, we’ve been there! You’re a walking, talking example of frazzled, fizzled, frenzied and frayed! This is no longer a drill but a real live energy crash. Implement your emergency energy plan now!


So, how did you score? Are you in the midst of a crisis? Don’t worry; a full recovery is possible.

If you’re in need of a source of high-power fuel, you won’t want to miss our free tele-training event…

Power Up: Overcoming your Personal Energy Crisis
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m. (CST)
Location: The Soulspring Tele-Classroom. Come as you are and learn in the comfort of your own home!
Fee: We invite you to be our guest!

Get the Details Here!


Sisters of Soul


Soulspiration of the Week:

“Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness.” ~ Shakti Gawain

Emergency Personal Energy Policy

ENERGY: en-er-gy [en-er-jee] n. Any source of useable power; available power; the capacity for vigorous activity; an adequate or abundant amount of power; the ability to act, lead and effect; an exertion of power.

Energy has many different meanings, but one thing is true; many women are experiencing an energy crisis! It’s the number-one complaint we hear from women.

Here at Soulspring Groups, we decided to implement an Emergency Energy Policy. During the month of August you will notice a reoccurring theme as you read our blog posts, follow our “tweets” on Twitter, and visit our page on Facebook. We’re going to be talking in terms of “energy” and offering tips and ideas to power up your life!

You may be wondering why an organization whose mission is empowering women would take such an interest in “energy”. Allow us to explain…

As you know, Soulspring’s focus is to inspire and support women to seek out and pursue their passions, goals and dreams. Through the course of this work we noticed something interesting; a very striking correlation between passion and energy. A woman on a mission glows, they have an inner radiance that can light up a dark room, and they energize others around them. There’s nothing more exhilarating!

And then we have the opposite; women who are living in the gap. That desolate place of boredom, anxiety, worry and unease. Life there is dark, unexciting, and tedious and if you yourself have been in that wasteland for any length of time, you know the feelings we’re talking about.

Well, it turns out many of the most common Passion Pitfalls, the ones that lead us to the gap, happen to also be huge energy drains, exhausting our power supplies, depleting our batteries and literally sucking us dry! That’s why we’ve decided to enact our Emergency Energy Policy this month and we’re inviting you to plug into it!

How, you ask? Well every woman from time to time goes through a personal energy crisis. Whether you're experiencing one now or not, it's still important to watch for the signs and prepare your energy plan in advance. Here's what you can do this month to do just that...

First, our next issue of our e-newsletter, Soul-spiration, is going to roll out our Personal Energy Conservation Plan. You won’t want to miss this issue! If you haven’t signed up for your free subscription please do so now so you don't miss out! Claim Your Free Soulspiration Subscription Now!

Next, we invite you to join us for our next free tele-class training event, Power Up: Overcoming Your Personal Energy Crisis. On Wednesday, August 19 we’ll be revealing common energy drains that deplete your personal energy stores, and helping you to tap into a source of personal power you didn’t even know you had! Get the full details by clicking the link below! Power Up: Overcoming Your Personal Energy Crisis

Watch for our Daily Energizers, our high-octain "tweets" all month on Twitter! Then of course you'll want to meet us back here at the Soul Sisters Blog next week for our next "energized" post!

It's going to be a powered up and high-energy month! Get ready to flip the switch and turn on your life!

Sisters of Soul


Soulspiration of the Week:

“See where your own energy wants to go, not where you think it should go. Do something because it feels right, not because it makes sense. Follow the spiritual impulse.” ~ Mary Hayes-Greico