What Empowered Women Do on Vacation

Are you planning a vacation this summer? Hey, we all need a break from time to time -- getting away from it all is refreshing; but so too can time spent in self-reflection. 

We want to let you in on a little tip...the one thing that empowered women are sure to schedule while on vacation:  Don't forget to set aside some alone-time for a little personal reflection and contemplation.

The Soul Searching Questions below are perfect for this!  Surely you're found yourself more open and creative when you're on a break from your day-to-day responsibilities and routines.  That's why there's no better time to check in with you, to see how your feeling, doing and being.

This "Summer Break Exercise" will help you uncover what's "broke" (not working), where you need a "break" (take some time off or away) or where you just need to "brake" (stop or discontinue)! Such simple questions, yet sure to lead to a big vacation break-through!

•  When I think about what's "broke" in my life, the first thing that comes to mind is...
• When I think about where in life I need to take a "break", what comes to mind is...
• When I think about where I need to apply the "brakes" in my life, what comes to mind is...

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking." ~Earl Wilson

Be Your Own Columbus: Your Greatest Discovery Awaits

In the U.S., the second Monday in October is the observance of Columbus Day.  Back in 1492 Columbus planned to sail to Asia from Europe by going west.  It was by accident that he stumbled upon America.  Imagine setting out for one goal, only to stumble across another.  Makes one wonder, how many opportunities are waiting for you, waiting to be discovered, even if only by accident? 

Let's face it, no matter how great things are in our lives, there are still some aspects we would like to change.  A strengthened relationship, a more rewarding career, increased health, or the achievement of a passion or goal, are just a few examples we hear time and again.  Yet setting out on a journey of self-discovery can be a scary thing.  It's natural to let ourselves be content with the way things are.  We get comfortable, and avoid making a change for fear that the end result might be worse than our current reality.

However, by avoiding the exploration of new and unchartered territory in our lives, we limit ourselves in achieving and experiencing our life's fullest potential.  We are robbing ourselves of the opportunities intended for us, and in turn changing the person we were created and meant to be in the process.

This week embark on a journey of exploration and set out on an adventure to a new world of you!  It all starts with a map (how else would we know where we're headed?) and all successful people have a definite purpose in life that serves as a guide.  They know what that purpose is, they have it defined, written down, and committed to memory...in the form of a Mission Statement.

Your personal mission statement should define what's important to you (your goals, values and priorities), specify how you intend to make your vision a reality (your endeavors), and embody what needs you serve by doing so (your purpose).  A great personal mission statement is one that inspires you, motivates you, and offers you the opportunity for continued happiness and fulfillment.

While writing a mission statement that truly resonates with you may take some time and commitment, at its core developing yours consists of asking yourself just one question: Why do you feel you were put on this earth? 

Document your thoughts on this question in a journal and be as specific as you can in your answer.  This single discovery is the foundation for all future mission statement work.  Digging deep into your true self and discovering the secrets to who you are and who you are meant to be, may just be the greatest discovery of your life.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:The greatest explorer on this earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart.  ~Julien Green

Women's Empowerment Tip: Soul-Searching Questions for Abundance

The long warm days of summer are coming to an end and suddenly there is a chill in the air.  Fall is certainly upon us and we love what this time of year brings with it.  Cool days meant for cozy sweatshirts and sweaters, warm hearty eats, and bulging baskets of fresh garden produce. 

Abundance...it’s all around us.

Abundance is the belief that we have enough and will continue to have enough.  As economic and political news is intently focused on scarcity, lack, and that which is in short supply, a focus on abundance is especially important right now.  And since we’re in the heart of the harvest season, we couldn't think of a better time to reflect on the fullness of our lives. 

Yes, we all want more time, more money, more stuff.  Yet, if we only open our eyes, and look at our lives differently, we see how blessed we truly are; our lives are overflowing for sure!

So often when we think of abundance and prosperity, our thoughts turn to money and financial wealth.  While money is an important aspect of life, and an abundance of the green stuff is a definite blessing, we can experience abundance in other areas of our lives, too.  Energy, love, joy, solitude, freedom, and space, are just a few areas you might enjoy in greater quantities. 

Where would you like to experience greater richness?  How can you get focused in on the abunance currently present for you?

We’re big believers in the benefits of journaling and personal contemplation, and when combined with our Soul-Searching Questions, the process can reveal the abundance and prosperity currently in your life, as well as areas where you wish to attract more.  So grab your journal (or a notebook) and spend some quite time documenting your thoughts around these gems.

Soul-Searching Questions about Abundance:

• Where in my life do I see and feel the most abundant right now?
• Where in my life would I like to experience more abundance right now?
• What is one thing I know I must do to attract and experience more abundance in my life?
• What thoughts, behaviors and attitudes are keeping me from a more abundant life?

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
“I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance. Then whenever doubt, anxiety, or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal and soon they’ll forget my number.”  ~Edith Armstrong

Women’s Empowerment Tip: Personal Reflection

Years of stifling our passions and dreams makes us quickly lose touch with who we are and what we truly want for our lives. Prayer, meditation and journal writing are only a few of the many techniques you can use to once again get in touch with your true you.

As our Soulspring Members can attest, journaling exercises are incorporated throughout the entire Soulspring process. Of course each membership includes an Empowerment Journal, which was designed as an accompaniment to the Soulspring Groups Membership Program. We also integrate journaling into each Soulspring Group meeting and encourage regular independent reflection between gatherings too. Creating a record of your “aha moments” is an amazing self-development tool!

If you’re not experienced at journaling it can be an intimidating process for a newbie. The most common challenge we hear is that old question, “I don’t know how to start.”

We’ve been there ourselves and that’s why we have incorporated a wonderful tool into the Member’s area of the Soulspring Group’s website. Members, did you know that with each login you will find a new Soul-Searching Question on the Member’s homepage? We’ve been told time and again the amazing power of the Question, and how it’s the perfect query for the specific challenge you’re facing at the time.

And, if you’re not yet a Soulspring Group’s member you can still take advantage of the Soul-Searching Questions! Subscribe to our Soul-spiration e-newsletter and receive a new Soul-Searching Questions collection in each month’s edition (you can subscribe by entering your email address in the space on the right).

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, or just want to get focused in on your goals, dreams and passions once again, these questions are just the ticket to promote reflection and inspire your journal entries. You’ll soon get to know yourself again!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior” ~Christina Baldwin