Harness Your Power - How to Shine!

Last Friday night, my daughter Skye's elementary school had a dance.  Of course, both Skye (5) and Maggie (8) were determined to attend.  Skye got all dressed up with her princess dress, nails polished and hair perfectly done.  Maggie went in a more comfortable outfit.  They both looked adorable.

The main lights were turned off and the disco lights turned on.  The kids were full of sugary treats and ready to get their groove on.  As a special activity, the organizers had arranged several dance competitions ---for the teachers, the parents, one for the boys and another for the girls.  People were boogying down in these competitions. 

Maggie and Skye both participated in the girls competition.  There were 40 to 50 little girls dancing away to Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies".  To my great surprise, the judges decided that Maggie was the winner of the contest!

Why was I surprised?  Well, Maggie isn't the most skilled dancer and she probably didn't even have the "perfect" dance moves.  But what she brought to the competition was total enthusiasm, fearlesssness and fun.  And boy did she shine.  There is nothing like seeing Maggie Omoafe Omoqui in action.  When she goes for something, she goes all out.

As I thought about the dance this week I realized, it isn't usually the most qualified or the most skilled that get the furthest with their dreams.  Yes, getting the right skills is a component of success.  But more important than the qualifications is the attitude that goes with them. 

If you are ready to shine, to go higher, to achieve your dreams, then I recommend you bring some "Maggie-Moo Shine" to your week.  BE full of enthusiasm when you do something.  Be completely fearless and just go all out.  And, have some fun while you work hard.  If you do those three things, you are sure to SHINE, to STANDOUT amongst your peers.

My daughters keep teaching me to be a better person, and that sure is the case again today.

Working on my shine with you,

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

Harness Your Power: Prioritize Health

It was a long weekend.  My two girls and I were very sick with the flu.  I was literally shaking in my bed Saturday night while caring for my feverish daughters.  It made me realize how grateful I am for what my mom did for me growing up.  Moms rarely get credit for those midnight vigils they keep watching over sick children.  Now it is my turn to do for my girls what my mom did for me.

I value health.  Health is truly the foundation of a successful, satisfying and happy life.  I used to push my body even when sick.  I would rarely allow myself to rest and simply "be".  Yet, the past few years I have come to value quiet times--and I have learned that they are essential to my well-being.

I listen closely to the signals my body gives now rather than "pushing beyond the pain."  I've been intrigued by the aches, the soreness and the pain that has gone along with this flu.  Our bodies are truly remarkable machines, aren't they.  I am thankful that 99.9% of the time I enjoy tremendous health.

In the midst of not feeling well it seems that seeds I've planted for my career keep blossoming.  I started writing a new column for LeVogue Magazine that appears every Saturday in Leadership Newspaper (Abuja).  I did a radio interview yesterday at Ben FM 95.7 here in the Philadelphia area. 

Seeds that we plant do grow over time.  It is hard to wait and wonder...but I've learned to just keep planting and trust the process of growth.

I recommend this week that you make health a core priority.  Listen to your body and give it good rest, healthy foods and some exercise.  The health investment is one of the most essential there is for personal satisfaction--and a healthy body allows you to keep focused on living a life you truly love.

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

Harness Your Power: Be Here Now!

(Maggie & Skye three years ago)

I am continually reminding myself of what is most important.  My health is the foundation of enjoying life.  Being a good mom and raising kids who are loving, respectful and empowered -- that is essential for me.  I also love my work:  coaching people, speaking and writing bring a surge of joy through my body as I do it.

I've learned to schedule the my biggest priorities first.  I allow the rest of my life to happen around them.  I often say, "No" to requests for my involvement.  I want to enjoy each day rather than feeling overburdened and overwhelmed.

I bring this all up because I wrote an article on Time Management this week.  (No, you can't have a sneek peak!)  I was reminded of some of the essential ways to stay organized. 

As I wrote about managing time, I also remembered how essential it is to MAXIMIZE time.  I want to love and enjoy every moment.  I want to feel peace here and now.  I want to bring my best self to the day.  Putting worry aside, and any form of negative thinking allows me to do so.  It is constant work to refocus my mind to the present moment.  But, the effort is worth it.

This afternoon when I sat with my daughter Skye on the couch after she returned from school, I was awake to the moment.  I gave my full attention to how nice it was that she was leaning against me.  I took a deep breath and looked with wonderment at this 5 year old girl who is growing so quickly.  Then, as she jumped up from the couch and started dancing, I smiled. 

I recommend this week that you live fully in the present moment.  Be here now!  Engage those senses.  Take in the fresh air and the beauty of the people in your life.

Working on doing this with you,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Be Patient

I am practicing patience.  Every day, I have a set of intentions and goals.  And, every day turns out differently than I plan it to be.  I am learning that my path unfolds in a way I never expect and in a timing that is far different than I originally planned.  I also see that it is happening in a way that is for the best of me and my family.

The wisdom I continue to gain as I work as a coach, speaker and writer is profound.  And, the more I practice what I teach, the more I realize that  I am still in need of practice!  I am fascinated by this adventure I am on.  It is truly an adventure full of ups and downs, highs and lows. 

Each experience enriches the fiber of my being.  I am stretched farther than I thought I could go.  I am learning to be more surrendered than I ever wanted to be.  It feels good to keep growing and yet stay peaceful in the midst of many challenging circumstances.

I have come to believe that things do happen, the breakthroughs I long for do come, at the RIGHT TIME.  I do not know what that right time is...but God certainly does.

So, this week I encourage you to trust your journey.  Just have fun and enjoy this interesting journey you are on.  Engage with life each day.  Relax.  Don't worry so much.  Allow yourself to be present enough to enjoy the gifts of wisdom being presented to you in the form of HARD CHALLENGES.  Yes, these are truly gifts as are the difficult people who enter your life.

I wish you a patient, peaceful week.
May you find joy in the waiting.

With love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

Harness Your Power: Revamp your morning and evening routines!

This week I will keep it simple and practical.  In working with my life coaching clients I have noticed that many have formed morning and evening routines that often aren't supportive of well-being.

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing that you do?  Do you turn on the TV, radio or computer?  Do you open the newspaper or Internet news and start getting "caught up"?  What do you think about first thing? 

Most of us get the day started by filling our mind with fearful, negative media content.  Or, we start the day worried about what is ahead of us.  Then, by the time we get in the car on our way to work, we already feel drained or even depressed.

There are other great morning routines you could design for yourself.  I'd recommend adding a few minutes of gratitude and deep breathing even before you get out of bed.  In the shower and as you get dressed, be mindful of the amazing body you have.  Experience the water, the smell of the soap, the various beauty products you use.  The morning routine is full of sensation and you could actually enjoy every moment of it if you were more aware.

Now, review your evening routine.  Do you fall asleep every night with the TV and the lights on?  Do you watch endless hours of reality TV or political news?  Just notice what you do without judgment.  See if there might be a happier, more peaceful way to close the day.  Could you make a list of your blessings?  Maybe a great book would relax your mind and open your heart.  Some soft classical music might soothe your spirit.  There are so many new possibilities to consider as you make the end of your day something that opens the door to restful sleep.

You have power to create positive, supportive daily routines.
How might you change yours up?

Keep in mind how short life is.  Just today I was talking to a friend.  Her co-worker was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  There were no warning signs.  And, he may not have long to live.  Enjoy today.  Cherish your time with family and friends.  Value the health you have. 

With great love for you,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Listening...Renewed Focus

I've decided to renew my focus on listening.  I want to be more aware, more present to others.  I see that often the greatest gift I can offer another person is my full attention.  So, with clients, with my family members and with my children -- I am quieting my mind and opening my heart.  I am choosing to engage my listening.

So, in light of all this, I offer a few suggestions that I am practicing this week.


1. Commit to spending at least a minute or two each day in silence. Focus on your breath. Simply notice your mental chatter. Understand the vitality of each thought. You might want to look at them as prowling tigers and appreciate their strength and beauty as they parade across the screen of your mind. Try not to engage them. Simply let them pass. Return your focus to your breath. If you find yourself tempted to play with the tigers, you might be in for a tussle. That’s okay. It’s natural. Just smile and go back to breathing. First practice this silence on your own. Then, when you find yourself in conversation, practice silence again. Quiet your mind and choose to focus on the other person’s words. Let your own thoughts pass by.

2. Observe yourself while in conversation. Are you able to stay focused while someone is talking to you or does your mental activity take over? Just notice. Don’t judge yourself. Become aware of the opportunity you have to grow your listening skills. Set an intention: I desire to become an attentive listener.



3. To increase your self-awareness, do a daily listening review each evening. How many times did you truly listen? How many times were you bored or uneasy? How many times did your mind take over? If your mind took over, where did it go? Here are some possibilities: To your own activities? To the past? To a criticism of the other person? To self-defense? Let this practice of detached self-evaluation help you grow.

I have much practice to do on this topic...and I'm approaching it with a light heart and spirit of adventure.
 
Why not join me?
 
With love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Deal with Past Pain

A theme this week in my life coaching work this past week is the need to deal with past pain and traumas. 

Too many people think they can suppress or ignore past traumas with no implication to their lives.  Clients who have pain and trauma from the past (sometimes as far back as chidhood) who have not taken the time to heal, experience the effects throughout their lives.  Their relationships are impacted by the pain.  They often try to numb the pain with drugs, alcohol or some other form of addiction.  They may feel depressed or get stuck as they try to work on their goals.

The key is to identify the areas of pain that you have been ignoring.  In fact, write a list of the nagging issues from your past.  Then, one by one, open to heal and move through whatever pain and emotion lingers.  Until the past has been dealt with, it is very hard to reach your full potential and live fully today.

Journaling is an excellent way to begin this healing process.  As you write, make sure you come from your heart not from your mind.  Allow the emotions to surface.  Give yoursef permission to write anything that comes up.  Do not worry about punctuation or grammar.  Just put pen to paper and say it like you feel it. 

I wish you a week of healing!
If you need support in doing this, please contact me at thoughtdr@patriciaomoqui.com .

I'm here to support you in living your best life in 2011!

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