Life’s Lessons in your Email’s Inbox?

You know those “FW:” emails? The ones that clutter up your inbox? The ones that require you to forward them to 10 of your closest friends or suffer some horrible consequence, thus perpetuating the cycle of the “FW:”?

I know, they can be annoying but curiosity gets the best of me every time I see one. While the time management experts will tell you to immediately hit “delete”, I just can’t bring myself to do it. What if there’s some important message, some life lesson, some clue to my purpose hidden for me within the text?

And so I read, on the quest to discover some piece of treasure buried within the typed words, and every so often I find it. It’s an exciting moment when you stumble upon a story that touches you to your heart, which is what the following parable did for me. Hopefully as you read it, its lesson will touch you as well. No need to forward to your 10 closest friends; nothing bad will happen as a result if you don’t. On the other hand, if you think the story will warm their heart, feel free to share the link to this post.

Enjoy!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
Once upon a time on an island, there lived all the feelings and emotions: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to them that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left.

All that is except for Love; Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment. But as the island was becoming nearly submerged, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "Sorry Love, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat and so there is no place here for you."

Next, Love asked Vanity, who was also sailing by, for help. Vanity was ready with the same answer, "I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat.”

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, take me along with you."

"I’m sorry, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" was Sadness’ sullen reply.

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so preoccupied with her happiness that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. An overjoyed Love jumped up into the boat and in the process forgot to ask where they were going. When they arrived at a dry land, the elder went her own way.

Realizing how much was owed to the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who was that who helped me?"

"It was Time," Knowledge answered. "Time?" thought Love. Then, as if reading the face of Love, Knowledge smiled and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is." ~Unknown

We Encourage Returns

It always amazes me how quickly the Holidays fly by. With a blink of an eye you’re staring glassy eyed at a room full of ripped wrapping paper, boxes, and bows strewn about. All the time wondering to yourself how could it possibly be over? It seems like we just got finished with the dishes on Thanksgiving Day. But now we enter the unofficial part of the Holiday season….gift returns.

Millions will head to the costumer service department with receipts in hand ready to exchange their gifts for something different. Maybe they want to exchange it for a color or size that suits them better or even returning it all together because they don’t want it.

Things get returned to the store for so many reasons. Either it doesn’t fit or it’s not our style, we don’t feel good in it, maybe it’s damaged or we just plain don’t need it. Making a return has really come along way from years ago. It used to be a much avoided task. There you were standing in line waiting for your turn to be interrogated. The unhappy clerk would fire a dozen accusatory questions in your direction and upon finally realizing that they couldn’t change your mind would leave you with a sneer that made you feel guilty for the entire day. Fast forward a few dozen years and we now have the easy pain-free process which can take just a matter of seconds if handled properly.

Now this idea of sending things back from hence they came could really fit into some other areas of our lives…

As you head into this New Year, take notice of items you might be better off returning. Maybe you have a group of friends that are negative and full of criticism - they aren’t your style anymore. Trade them in for more positive models. Or, how do you spend your free time? If it’s in front of the TV watching drivel hour after hour – sounds like that might be damaged? You might need to return it for a few more productive habits like reading, journaling, or taking a walk. Let’s try one more… how are your goals and dreams coming along? If haven’t had any time or energy to focus on them – you probably don’t feel good about it! You should really consider exchanging some of your time and focus on a few things for yourself. Now, I think you’re getting the picture.

How many of us would keep a sweater that is too large or a set of towels that don’t match our bathroom? If we have the receipt we’d be the first in the return line. We do not need to hang on to those other things in our lives that just don’t fit right. And the best part about that is some returns don’t need receipts.

Jenny,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the week:

"I exchange the habits and beliefs that I have outgrown for new and empowering ones that fit with the new vision for my life."

The Most Wonderful Time of Year?

We’ve made it! It’s the day after Christmas and I hope you were able to spend at least some of your day relaxing in your PJ’s. It is a great time of year; full of memories, family, and friends…but it sure takes a lot out of a person!

So how’d you do? They say this is the most wonderful time of year after all…you know, “with the kids jingle-belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer”. So was it the most wonderful time of year for you?

I have to admit, I absolutely love Christmas; even more so these last couple years while I’ve been enjoying my time as a stay-at-home mom. But I’ve heard the signs loud and clear from a few women I know. While Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of year, we find ourselves being over-stressed and over-stretched. Where did all this hype come from? I’m sure we can all look back at our Christmases growing up and think, “They were all such quaint little gatherings back then.”

So we hear the advice time and time again, “streamline your schedules, do only what’s important, delegate, etc., etc.” but we obviously aren’t listening. Every year the bar is placed higher and higher. We definitely aren’t enjoying the holidays as much as we once did.

So here’s another approach we could take. Wouldn’t we enjoy the holidays more if we weren’t trying to jam so much into one month? Instead of Christmas being the social climax of the year, why don’t we celebrate year-round? If you think I just fell off my rocker, stick with me here…

Whoever said that holiday greetings and gay happy meetings could only happen during the Christmas holidays? I’m pretty sure 4th of July cookies would taste just as good, and I’m sure extra kindness to strangers would always be welcome.

I’m not saying forfeit the Christmas season and its traditions altogether. I’m just proposing we all take a step back, and spread it out a little more; carry it beyond the end of the year. Instead of trying to run the marathon that is Christmas, why not visit some family at Christmas, some at Thanksgiving, and some in…June? Perhaps send your donation to the Salvation Army in August instead of trying to remember your change jar in December? And couldn’t we send greeting cards in the spring?

So here it is, December 26. Are you going to plummet off the Christmas high, or are you going to carry the magic of the season into 2011? Now that I think about it, February would be the perfect time for hearts to be glowing!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
"Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.” ~Francis C. Farley

Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?

Pardon my rant but I get so messed up by daylight saving time. I know it’s just an hour twice a year but for some reason my body and mind have a hard time adapting. So this morning, as my husband and I were going around checking all the time-keeping devices in the house, and repeatedly asking, “What time is it again?” it hit me.

Does anyone really know what time it is?

Oh, we think that just because we wear a watch or have a clock in view we know the time. But the hour of the day doesn’t really mean much in the grand scheme of things does it? It might give us a measure of security and assurance that we won’t be late for an appointment or forget about an important meal (heaven forbid we lose track of time and forget to eat supper!). But when it comes to time, isn’t “timing” more important?

I venture to bet that your days are probably a lot like mine; long to-do lists and the compulsive need to stay on time, remain on task, and get things done. How many time-management workshops have you attended or books have you read? Too many to count? I thought so.

Time is the great equalizer; gender, age, race, and creed make no difference. When it comes to time we all get 24 hours each day; no more, no less. So then, there is no managing of time, only managing of ourselves.

What if instead of relying on the clock on the wall, we relied on our intuition and our own internal sense of timing? I wonder how different my day would look if instead of focusing on my long task list I focused internally instead. Would I instinctively know my priorities? Would I hear the whisper of my inner voice telling me a friend needs to hear from me now? Would the anxiety I sometimes feel as a deadline looms, give way to a sense of peace and inner knowing that things will all come together in due time?

Just considering the alternative to the typical daily time-crunch makes me want to explore the concept further! Have you ever felt a desire to shift from a time-on-the-wall existence to one of “internal timing”? Or maybe you’ve already made that transition in your life? Please share your thoughts, tips, and experience. I for one would love to hear your story!

Soul Sister,
Kim

Soulspiration of the Week:
“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.” ~Harvey MacKay

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