Harness Your Power: Enjoy the Boring

(Maggie, Skye and two friends at summer camp)

My daughter Skye suggested we go see a movie this weekend. We went to see UP! , one of the recent Disney releases. I must confess to you, I love kid’s movies. In the childish antics and humor always appears a hidden message for my soul.

My favorite scene in UP! is when the young scout tells the elderly man how much he loved going to the ice cream store with his father. After getting their cones, the boy and his father would sit on the curb and play a game – the dad counted the blue cars driving by and the boy counted the red ones.

As the scout finishes telling his story he says, “You know, it’s the boring things I seem to remember the most.”

This one line summed up much of my learning the past year. Most of my adult life I’ve had a sense that my life was only meaningful if I was approaching or having a big, exciting moment. I assumed that the small, ordinary, routine moments were unimportant. In fact, I often rushed through them.

I was missing out on so much beauty in life!

Listening to my children giggle in the living room while I do the dishes is joyful. Scrubbing the floors with Skye "helping" me is an adventure. Tucking the little angels in bed each night is something I wouldn't want to miss. Waking up in the early morning hours to make my morning cup of coffee and spend some quiet time in peace is wonderful. Sitting on the couch with my husband after a long day and having a quiet conversation is relaxing.

Little, daily moments like this are full of deep meaning when you are open to experience them. Notice any dread you feel with the ordinary, the routine or the mundane.

Consider stepping back this week and looking at life with fresh eyes. What might you be missing out on?

Loving the ordinary and the extraordinary too,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Enjoy This Big World

Every day I go on a walk. With summer here, I forgo the gym and instead take a tour of my neighborhood. I like walking through residential areas and following a similar route because I get a sense of people's lives.

One morning this past week around 8:00 am. I noticed two ambulances parked in front a house. A police car pulled up as did several other cars. Out on the lawn was an African-American man holding his heads in his hands in shock. A white woman was on her cell phone, visibly distressed with tears rolling down her cheeks. Two doors down there were some older people gathered on the front lawn greeting a woman coming out of her car. It seemed apparent that someone had died and they were giving her the news.

I was a very quiet observer. I walked lightly as I moved through the scene trying to be respectful of the deep emotions that emanated from the group. I said a prayer for these people who were beginning the grieving process. I opened to the Spirit of Life, asking that I use each day to be a vessel of love, not wasting a moment on worry or doubt. Life moves so quickly and you just never know when it will be time to move on to the eternal realm.

As I neared the corner, I passed a huge bush. I heard, "BZZZ. BZZZZ. BZZZZ." I can't describe how loud this buzzing was! I immediately walked onto the street as I rounded the sidewalk and kept a distance from what appeared to be a huge bee's nest. It reminded me to follow my intuition and give space to people (or bees) who need it. Sometimes it is best to be an invisible walker. Just observing. Aware. Tuned in to one's surroundings.

Since I was a teenager, I have exercised almost every day -- either running (when my knees were in better shape) or taking long walks. I had the joy of traveling the world and everywhere I went, I found a way to integrate my morning routine into my daily life.

In Haiti when I was a counselor at a children's camp, I rose with the roosters, walked to a local field and ran in circles in the morning humidity until I worked up a good sweat. In Brazil, before going out to the schools to teach kids basketball (and about self-esteem) I would run around two ponds right near the house I was staying. In England, I'd go to a nearby forest and run like a free spirit through the forest, no trail, dodging trees along the way.

Last night, my husband and I had a date. After a meal of Mexican food, we took a stroll along the Schukyill river. In the fresh evening air I had memories of my walks flood into my mind. I was poignantly reminded that I love other cultures and I love walking. There are so many places to see in this beautiful World! There is so much to experience. Yet, so many people get stuck in their comfort zones, with a sense that life is boring. They get into a rut of doing the same thing every day, with the same people, in the same area.

There are so many activities to try! Have you ever painted? Created a video? Experienced yoga? Gone to the theatre or the opera? Gone for a hike or to watch birds? Visited a country you know very little about simply to open your mind and explore? There are so many places (locally and internationally) to experience. There are countless ways to spend our time and energy. So, why do we get stuck in the familiar?

Even though I've been a World explorer, I've experienced these ruts too. This week I've been reminded of the possibilities of breaking free and going back to being a kid again. My daughters will try anything and they will do it with all their energy and enthusiasm. They embrace new people like they've known them for years. I'm continually inspired by them.

This week I challenge you to notice the routines in your life. Become aware of which ones feel really supportive and helpful to you. For me, my time for physical exercise is one which I adore: it raises my energy and calms my mind.

Then, notice the routines that you are stuck in--the ones that you do habitually but always feel a sense you should change. Open to see the possibilities of using your time and energy in adventuresome ways.

Life is an adventure or a bore -- it all depends on your approach.

I sense a new chapter emerging in my life. I've been in a nesting phase since 2000. Never thought I would have lived in the area I'm in for this long. It's served an important purpose for me -- had 2 kids, got clear on my career, gained wisdom I never knew was possible. Yet, my inner yearning for adventure and exploration is calling me.

You just never know what the next year might bring!

What would you like to experience?

You have power to open and create something fantastic!

A big hug,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Stop Comparing!

It's so interesting how Facebook, MySpace and other sites have the power to connect us with people we haven't seen in ages! For some it's fun to reconnect, for others, it brings up some interesting issues.

Recently a young man approached me online via instant message telling me that he had reconnected with some of his schoolmates online. He then said, "That my problem." I wondered what he meant so I asked a few more questions. Come to find out he had begun feeling really bad about himself because he felt he wasn't doing as well as his friends. He felt intense pressure to figure out how to catch up!

Do we really need to "keep up" with our friends and family members? Does it matter if they appear to be more successful or further along in their journey than we are? Why can't we feel inspired when we see what others have achieved rather than thinking there is something wrong with us?

These are good questions to ponder this week. After much consideration, I've concluded that I'm happy for anyone who gets great results in their lives! Yes, I certainly am. If they can do it, then I certainly can. And, I believe there is plenty of success available to all!

When we feel unsure of ourselves and are looking outside for approval, it stirs up even more self-doubt when we come across people who appear to have their act together.

This week I challenge you to look at how often you compare yourself with others. Would it be possible to turn this negative, judgmental energy into something positive?

Here's a challenge. When you begin to do this comparison, stop. Then, instead, open your heart and mind to what you desire to experience in your life in the next six months. Focus on your dream. Affirm to yourself that you have the gifts, creativity and energy to create what you desire. Then, rather than thinking about "how far behind you seem," take some steps forward in your own journey!

We waste so much emotional energy worrying about an artificial hierarchy that society tells us we need to fit into. Let this go! Be YOUR BEST! Cheer others on as they become THEIR best.

Keep your personal power intact by stopping the comparison game.

Blessings to you,

If you feel stuck in any way with this, drop me an email at thoughtdr@patriciaomoqui.com .

Patricia Omoqui

Check out my recent article on Self-Esteem...it might be just what you need to remember how valuable you are! http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/07/11/do-your-part-end-the-epidemic-of-low-self-esteem/

Harness Your Power: Observe Communication

Ever since I was a little child I have been a take-charge leader. My mom has told me (and I do remember these days as a 3 and 4 year old) that I would get all the kids in the neighborhood together, organize them and set the course for the games for the day. Pretty amusing how we are born with certain innate gifts and tendencies. But, our greatest strengths can also be our greatest challenges.

The past few years I've been practicing stepping back and allowing others to take the lead. I'm getting better at it. It feels good to follow and participate.

Even harder for me has been to not step up to lead things when nobody else is willing to do it. Usually if there is a need for someone to lead, I'd jump right on it. Now,instead, I trust that the right leader will show up at the right time so that I don't' overload myself with responsibility like I used to.

Life is learning. I'm also closely observing my communication (verbal and non-verbal) with others -- family, friends, clients and strangers. I've been reading some excellent books the past few weeks about listening so I figured I'd check myself out to see how I measure up in the listening skills area.

I'm noticing opportunities for improvement. How often do I really allow someone to fully finish what they are saying before I jump in and give my thoughts? I invite you to observe yourself -- see if you allow there to be a moment of quiet before you respond to another person. Do you really allow them to say all they need to say before offering your own thoughts?

I have also been checking out whether I am preoccupied with my own thinking while another person is talking. Am I planning my response or am I really listening to what they have to say? It's wonderful self-learning to become aware of this.

Another aspect of communication I've been monitoring is the way I say things to other. I have always been a direct person. I speak my truth freely to others. Situations I've experienced with people close to me this year showed me that I can learn more finesse and become more gentle in sharing my viewpoints. I'm working on this!

We all have room to improve our communication skills, don't we? It starts with becoming aware. It would be interesting if we could watch a video of a few days of our lives. It would be fascinating, maybe even painful, to see how we come across to others in what we say and do.

The challenge I offer to all of us this week is to observe ourselves closely. (You could even seek feedback from people around you, soliciting their observations. Beware if you do. Don't be defensive if you ask for their perspectives. The truth can be tough to take.)

At the least, take time to notice yourself in conversations with others. What are you saying? How are you saying it? Are you interrupting them mid-sentence? Do you finish their sentence assuming you know what they want to say? Are you harsh in your words and tone? Could you be more gentle and kind in sharing from your heart?

I love life. There are constant opportunities for introspection, growth and personal expansion.

I'm joining you in this challenge. Actually, I've been doing this observation constantly for the past few days. I am letting people close to me know that I'm practicing communication skills. I want to get better and better, to be able to show love more fully through what I say and what I do.

By learning better communication skills I will be more capable at developing deeper, more loving, trusting relationships. That is most certainly what I desire! Don't you?

Learning and growing with you,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: What's On Your Mind?

There are times when I just don't know what to write. Today is a day like that. You might find that hard to believe given how much I write (a daily email, a weekly blog and a weekly column).

Most of the time words gush from my soul. Yet, sometimes an inner silence grows inside me and I just need to sit and listen until something more arises. Or, I wait and then I receive an email from a reader of my column or a client or a friend and it stimulates fresh ideas.

So, today, I ask you to share your perspectives with me. What is on your mind and in your heart? Are there struggles? Is there excitement? Are you making progress in a way that you never imagined? Tell me about you. Tell me what topics you need to hear more about.

The one thing I can tell you is that change is constant. When I sat down to write my weekly column yesterday, here is what came out:

Change

There is tension in the space between where I am and where I am going. It is a mixture of excitement for the new chapter and a sadness to let go of my current one. At the darkest points, in times of greatest uncertainty of what is to come, the dawn is closest. The sun rises promising something fresh and new, yet there is a hesitation – a fear of what comes next.

Then the words stopped. That was as far as I could go. I moved on to edit an article I already drafted. At some point more words will come to finish that article.

I am in the midst of many life changes. I know that something new is coming but I don't even know what that means yet. I found out yesterday that some of my closest family members are moving to another state. I found myself feeling sadness. It's always hard to say goodbye yet I trust that the Universe aligns our lives in the most amazing ways. So, I forced myself over and over to come back to the present moment, breathing deeply and opening to peace. My constant affirmation lately has been: I rest in the peace of the Universe.

That's where I am today, in peace. Living right now. Opening to the beauty of What Is. Resting. Trusting that my life unfolds miraculously moment by moment. I open to Life.

I look forward to hearing from you this week via email or comments on this blog. Take the time to write. I value your perspectives. I learn from your thoughts and your life story.

With great love for you,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

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Harness Your Power: Love What You Do!

I've spent quite a deal of time with Maggie and Skye this week since they are now on summer break. It's such a pleasure to have this luxury (something I now considered a necessity). As we drove to some of our favorite places (the park, the zoo, the library, the pool) I was continually reminded that not too long ago, I would never have the freedom to spend this time with them. For many years I did not have this flexibility.

Let's rewind to 2004: I was sitting in an office with a nice title, a good paycheck and feeling BORED out of my mind. To honor my employer I did my best every day. I must admit, though, that my mind often wandered to the question, "What do I REALLY want to do with my life?"

I struggled for a long time and could only answer, "I don't know." Even though I couldn't pinpoint the type of position or title I wanted to have, I began writing down the things I wanted: flexibility, more time with my kids, to feel happy every day, to have freedom to travel and work whenever and wherever I wanted...the list grew over time. This clarification process went on for over a year and then suddenly, the light bulb came on. I spent two days at a Terri Levine seminar called The Learning Spa and within the first few minutes of being there, I KNEW! Many attendees were life coaches and they began explaining their job to me. What? I could get paid to help people improve their lives and feel better about themselves???

I instantly realized coaching was for me. Not more than five minutes later the first speaker got on stage. I sat in my seat wondering, "Why am I not up there speaking?" I had done public speaking in junior high, high school, college and as a professional basketball player. I knew that I wanted to be on stage again.

At that point I already was producing my daily email list, Food For Thought (you can sign up at my website http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/ ). So, I finally concluded with my affirmative statement: I am an internationally recognized speaker, life coach and writer. Wow. I had my vision. It was finally clear.

The road forward was not always easy as I got launched but I kept taking small steps each day: printed business cards, set up a blog, a website, took coaching classes, did speaking gigs for free -- I started where I was with the resources I had and before I knew it, I had a paid speaking engagement and a paying coaching client! Those were exciting times for me and I certainly celebrated. There were often challenges and there still are many that I face. However, I LOVE what I do.

A friend commented on my Facebook site the other day, "Trish, you are really good at this." Yes, I am. I am good at it because it is what I am passionate about and it fits who I am as a person. My growing success has to do with my hunger to learn more, to help more people and to be the best ME that I can be.

If you are sitting in a boring job wondering how you can stomach another day of work, please begin to affirm this several times an hour through your day: I open to doing something I love to do for my work. Open to the possibility that there IS another option and you CAN find it! Just starting to believe that you won't be stuck doing work you tolerate (or even hate) will give you some fresh energy. Then begin to imagine waking up and feeling truly excited about the day ahead rather than dreading it! How different would that be?

I challenge you this week to spend at least 10 minutes each day thinking about what you would really love to do. If you already have a job you enjoy, then spend the time dreaming about personal endeavors that get your juices flowing -- is there a book waiting to emerge from your soul? Are you longing to travel to every country on the Globe by age 55? Do you want to fly in a hot air balloon? Let your heart open and allow any suppressed desires to come up for exploration.

When you do what you love and love what you do, life begins to feel much like heaven. Yes, there are still difficulties, road bumps and detours in life, but you have a lighter spirit and more energy to deal with them.

What would you really, really, really love to do? How do you really want to feel about life? Who do you desire to be? Some wonderful questions to ponder this week!

If you need any support in answering these questions, please email me. In my work, I help people get clear on what they truly want in life and then give them the support they need in moving one baby step at a time towards it.

Loving life,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Accept the Moment

I find myself in a different set of circumstances this week. My husband is off to Nigeria doing business and the kids are both finished school. Thus, I am a full-time mom for the week with a few spaces to get my professional work done. There is part of me that, in the past, resisted times like this. I love writing, speaking and coaching so much that it is often challenging for me to let my working time go. I am passionate and focused -- sometimes to a fault!

So, the Universe likes to throw me some twists and turns to help me remember to relax, play and be a kid again. I know that if I resist the role I'm assigned this week, I will feel frustrated, as if I'm being held back from what I want. Rather than pushing against the stream of life and where it is guiding me this week, I want to relax into my assignment and celebrate it.

What is there not to love about a week with my two little angels. They want me to be involved in everything they do. They invite me to snuggle with them on the couch as we watch a movie. They want me to chase them around the pool and they shriek with delight as I sneak up on them to surprise them. They want to sing fun songs in the car. They like to indulge in icecream, chew gum with their mouths open and let out bodily sounds that crack us all up. Why would I ever think that I should be doing something else when I am being given a precious week of intimate moments with Maggie and Skye?

Thus, I watch my mind again and again. I observe that I judge my time and create an artificial hierarchy of what are "important" ways to spend my time and what are "less important" ways to spend my time. I have to laugh at myself and the way I've been conditioned. Yet, it is wonderful to know that I need not buy - in to old belief systems and conditioning. I break these patterns of thinking and embrace each moment in new ways.

So, my assignment this week is to have fun. To enjoy each moment of not working. To be focused in the hours that I am able to work and then to let it all go and be open to the miracle of love that I share with these little, earth angels who chose to grace my life with their presence.

What more could I ask for? I am blessed. I see the perfection of the circumstances the Universe brings me. I know I am being asked to flow with life and trust in a way that I couldn't have fathomed even a year ago. Life is truly an adventure, a joyful one, when we accept the idea that each moment happens in the way it does for the purpose of our soul's evolution.

I choose to celebrate this week and find more of my inner child. My children will guide me in this process and are my best teachers.

What are you resisting? Do you feel that you should be doing something else than what you are doing? How do you feel when you judge where you are as "not good"? Just notice. The interesting thing is that when we release the judgment and accept where we are, then it all changes anyway. It's as if the Universe wants us to come to peace with the current set of circumstances and just as we do, the floodgates open and we rush forward to the next chapter of our lives.

I'm here for you to listen, to love you and to share my experience as honestly as I can. I will be availalbe this week so don't hesitate to be in touch:)

Would love to hear from you!

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

visit my listening forum on my new website for some soothing, inspiration...the Observe Your Mind tele-seminar can help you learn to see your mental patterns in a whole new way....