Harness Your Power: Focus on Progress

There have been times on the path to my dreams that I didn't see major progress.  I have wondered, "Am I headed in the right direction?"  Yet, when I would look a bit closer, I could see bits of progress.  Small ones--but I could count it as progress nonetheless.

Take my coaching practice.  I met some coaches and knew in an instant that I wanted to be a life coach.  It started with taking a course in California.  Coming home, I created my business card.  I began telling people that I was a life coach.  A few people expressed interest and I took them on as unpaid clients. 

I'd coach in my lunch break and in the evening.  I coached in my car so I could have privacy.  (My clients didn't know because I was on the phone and highly professional).  I did whatever it was I needed to do to get myself launched.  After months of free coaching, I realized I had a gift.  Clients were expressing delight at the inner and outer changes they experienced.  I determined a fee.  The next client came along and I charged them some money for my work. 

At last, after months and months of focus, I was a paid life coach.  But, I was just at the beginning of building a coaching practice. 

It was a slow start.  It took patience--patience with myself and with life.  Yet, day by day, as I kept my focus, progress did come about.  There were many days that felt like literally nothing was happening.  But in the days with no visible developments, I was making inner strides forward.  I gained confidence and clarity about my calling.  I researched so I was prepared to have an intake form and a way to keep track of the sessions.

I share this to encourage you.  Go for your dreams.  Stay focused on your heart's calling.  You know what your passion is and you should never give up on it.  Don't get discouraged if you aren't moving as quickly forward as you thought you would.  Everything grows and unfolds in the perfect time.  Your part in the process is to be dedicated, disciplined and enjoy each step of the way.  Give yourself credit for every sign of progress and growth. 

Delight in the smallest movements forward.  Track them and smile.

My new book, Clarify Your Purpose and Live It, makes an excellent and reasonably priced Christmas Gift for the ones you love.  It is a "life-changing" book as someone told me today.  It can literally help you find a whole new level of purpose and meaning to your life if you read it and do the exercises.

Here's the link if you want to buy it on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Clarify-Your-Purpose-Patricia-Omoqui/dp/0982912900/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291144319&sr=8-2
With love,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power - Gratitude and Reflection

I have been counting my blessings lately.  Each night as I put my children to sleep I say a short prayer aloud with them listing the many gifts we experienced during the day --from food to a comfy bed to our health and safety.  In this Thanksgiving season I am consciously looking around my life and taking stock of all the positives.  I am even giving thanks for the challenges.

My older daughter, Maggie, is such a special person.  I celebrate her today because her diagnosis of Prader Willi Syndrome has given her a challenging life path.  As her mom, I walk through each of these difficulties with her.  She amazes me.  She is fearless, confident and full of love.  She does her best each day.  She is a happy human being who only wishes good for others. 

Being the mom of a special needs child is a rich experience.  There is a sweetness to seeing Maggie develop. She has to work so hard to do some of the basic things most children do with ease.  I see that there is a big difference in her life journey than in the journey of her peers.  I constantly remind myself that there is no "normal." 

Each human is here for a particular purpose.  We come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of challenges.  We are here to learn and grow into our personal best.  And, most importantly, we are here to join with one another in love and connection.  Maggie's special gift is connection.  She has charm.  People adore her immediately.  Her rosey, soft cheeks glow when she smiles.

I have an angel in my family and her name is Maggie.
I thank God for this angel and for her sister angel Skye.

May we each find the goodness and beauty in our greatest challenges,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/ 

Harness Your Power: Enjoy the simple things

It is easy to get caught up in striving to achieve the big title, more money and the recognition of others.  In doing so we often load our schedules to the maximum, pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion.

These days I am finding such joy in the little, simple things in life.  From moments of snuggling with one of my daughters to enjoying a hot cup of tea -- these small gifts add richness to life IF we notice and relish the moment.

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday times approach, I recommend that you incorporate relaxation and quiet into the mix.  You don't have to rush around.  You don't have to be in an over-scheduled frenzy.  You have a choice to move at a slower pace if you wish, and as you do, take in the feel of the cold air on your cheek, the smile of a child sledding down a hill or the aroma of the turkey coming from the oven. 

The gifts of life abound.  How many of these marvels are you taking the time to experience?

I challenge you this week to slow down and breathe.  Stop for a moment and take in your surroundings.  Engage all of your senses and unite with the moment of life you are in.  You may find your life is filled with treasures you have been overlooking.

Slowing my pace with you,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: From Judgment to Understanding

The last week I have been observing the hurt and pain that is caused when human beings judge one another. 

The woman being judged is one of the kindest, most accepting people I have met.  Yet, several people in her life have judged her as "inadequate" and "incapable" of achieving her dream.  They don't see the countless hours she is alone in her office working.  They don't know and can't see the growth she has experienced through life's difficulties the past few years.  All they see is that from their perspectitve, she hasn't "made progress" in the way they think she should.

Here is what the woman expressed to me, her words fuelled by anger and said in a frustrated shout, "I don't understand.  I could judge them too.  I could find all their faults and shortcomings.  But I don't do this.  I look for their best.  I know they can change in the areas of their lives where they aren't doing well.  I don't dictate their future by focusing on their past.  I listen to them when they speak and try to understand their concerns.  I offer encouragement rather than judgment.  Why can't they do this for me too?" 

So the story goes -- judgment creates misunderstanding causes pain and hurt, destroys relationships and in the end, does nothing good for anyone involved in the situation.

I sat last night and imagined the situation differently.

What if each person in the situation were willing to expand their point of view, to look at the good in each other?  Couldn't they actively seek to understand their differences of perception?  Wouldn't the variety of cultures and ideas that each person has bring a richness of creativity if they were all able to talk calmly and lovingly to one another?

I know this could be possible.  The key shift needed would be for each person to move from judgment to a desire to understand. 

Instead, there is silence right now from the hurt each person feels.

My suggestion this week is to notice if you are judging people in your life.  Who do you see as inadequate?  Who do you think just isn't doing well enough?  Who has shortcomings?  Write the names of the people that have come to mind down on paper. 

For each of the people you have listed, answer this question, "What good can I find in this person?  In what ways is this person a fantastic human being?"  Jot your answers down.  Notice that you can find good anywhere you choose to.  The focus you have is always a choice.

Let's create a world where we offer understanding rather than harsh judgment.
After all, isn't that what you desire to receive from others in your life.
Give to others that which you long to receive.

With understanding,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/