Relax, Float---No Need to Struggle in Life's Waters!

This Memorial Day weekend in the USA was a beautiful one.  The weather was steamy, hotter than normal.  My children and I enjoyed a weekend with friends camping in Connecticut.  Skye and Maggie for the first time had the chance to catch frogs and fish and roast marshmallows by the camp fire.  Quite exciting it was!

After returning home, we enjoyed the local pool for a few hours.  As I sat on a reclining chair observing the children, I noticed one mother and child.  The mom was trying to teach the little boy how to float on his back. 

The child was resistant.  In spite of being safely supported by his mother's arms, he did not want to lean fully back and relax into the water.  He was braced, tense and afraid of sinking.  The mother assured him, "Just relax, float.  I have you.  I am protecting you and holding you."  Still the child refused to trust the mother and instead, he struggled needlessly, squirming instead of floating.

Isn't that true for us in life as well?  Sometimes it feels as if we are thrown into the "deep end of the pool."  We get frantic.  We are scared to death that we are not going to make it through life's challenges.  Yet, we forget that we are surrounded and protected by the Divine.  Rather than resting in the strong, loving arms of our Heavenly Father, we struggle and splash....we choose to go under the water and almost drown rather than simply leaning back into the safety of Divine support.

I believe we are more loved, surrounded, protected and helped in this life than we realize.  If only we could quiet ourselves enough to perceive the help that is there.  When you relax into the waters of life, you do float!  When you struggle in terror, you lose your energy and you begin to sink.  Sinking does not have to be your choice.

Rest in God this week.  Trust that the waters of Life are carrying you forward gently.  Feel the incredible strength of the Heavenly Father's arms.  And, soon, you may find that you have learned to float easily without needing as much support.

Happy start of summer to each of you.
I am here as needed for anyone needing encouragement or coaching.
Just email me.

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

Quotation to Affirmation - Inspire Yourself Further!

This morning I had the privilege of speaking to about 100 fifth to eight grade students at Camelot School in Philadelphia.  I spoke on the topic, "Stop the Inner Violence."  The kids were inquisitive and I felt full of passion as I shared simple ideas with them on how to empower themselves with new thinking.

As I prepared for the speech, I searched for quotes from some of the pop culture greats like Jay-Z, Will Smith and others.  I chose the thoughts that I felt would inspire these kids to pursue success. 

For each quote, I wrote a personalized affirmation that the kids could begin to practice on a daily basis.  To create a mind full of good thoughts, you must practice good thoughts.  You must learn to replace the negative, self-judgmental thinking with healthy thinking. 

I loved the quotes and the affirmations so I thought I'd share them with you too!

Hope you enjoy them.  I encourage you to print them out.  Read the affirmations at least once a day for thirty days.  Before you know it, you might just choose to have a better view of yourself and your life.

Quotes & Affirmations

“Remind yourself. Nobody built like you, you design yourself.” Jay-Z

Affirm: I design myself. I am valuable.

 

“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Nelson Mandela

Affirm: I am capable of overcoming my circumstances and living a great life.

 

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” Michael Jordan

Affirm: I expect great things of myself. I am willing to try new things.

“I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan

Affirm: I keep trying and trying until I succeed.

“Greatness truly exists in all of us.” Will Smith

Affirm: There is greatness in me.

”The first step before anyone else in the world believes it is that YOU have to believe it.” Will Smith

Affirm: I start to believe in myself.

 

“I don't know what my calling is, but I want to be here for a bigger reason. I strive to be like the greatest people who have ever lived.” Will Smith

Affirm: I am here for a purpose. I learn from the greatest people who have ever lived.

“I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want.” Muhammad Ali

Affirm: I choose to be who I want to be.

“It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” Muhammad Ali

Affirm: I am changing from the inside out. I practice good thoughts day after day.

"Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality." Les Brown

Affirm: Others will have their opinions of me. I define myself.

“It's not your job to like me...it's MINE!” Byron Katie

Affirm: It is my job to like me.

Which one is your favorite?  Mine is:  I design myself.  I am valuable!

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

Fearless Flow

Short, sweet and to the point:  FLOW FEARLESSLY FORWARD. 

Yes, release the hesitation.  Put the incessant thinking away.  Open the heart wide.  Allow passion to arise in tremendous portions.  Then, flow through this week with grace, ease and joy (no matter the circumstances you encounter).

You are a magnificent being.  You are here for a wonderful purpose.  Do not sabotage yourself any longer with self-doubt.  You ARE meant to live a fantastic life. 

Get connected deeply with who you are.  I saw that happen this weekend as I watched the movie A Dolphin's Tale.  A young man, perhaps 10 or 12 years of age, was lost in sadness and depression.  His dad had left the family five years back and he had lost all joy in life.  One day while biking near the ocean on his way to summer school, he found a dolphin stuck on the shore.  He helped untangle it and called to get an emergency crew to rescue the dolphin.

Later that day he snuck into the maritime hospital to check on the dolphin.  Little did he know that he would discover a wonderful purpose -- he was going to be part of nursing that dolphin back to life.  And, he was going to play a vital role in creating an artificial fin that would allow the dolphin to swim normally again.

Finding something to devote himself to awakened something in him.  He was fresh and new.  His mother watched in amazement as the young man transformed.

Open to your purpose this week.  Watch this movie if needed!  Connect to your deepest longings for "something more" and you will see that within you is greatness beckoning you to wake up :)

If you are stuck, I am only ever an email away.

With my love for you,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

The Clues Are There - Find them and Your Purpose becomes Clear!

As I was doing the "Happy Heart Memory" exercise that I introduced in my last blog, something amazing happened!  I came across old pictures, awards and my treasure chest of journals I had written from my teenage years to present day.

For the past few weeks I have been strolling down memory lane, remembering the journey to where I am today and taking stock of who I have become. 

What I found quite fascinating is that at the core, I have always been clear on who I am and what I am made for.

Here is a peek into one of my journals (try to guess how many years ago I wrote this):


"A sense of excitement about living overwhelms me now. It’s as if the clouds I’ve been living under have finally broken and the warmth of the sunshine pours from heaven. This last week especially, I sense an inner peace and a renewed joy in myself. It makes me frantic. Thoughts and ideas rush into my head throughout the day and disturb my sleep at night.


Possibilities in life: Endless


Opportunities: Bombard Me


Appetite to know people: Insatiable


Experimenting: just initiated

This Writer’s conference is just what I needed. Not only has it provided me with the facts I need for writing a book proposal for mom, but it has also exposed me to new ideas and writing and researching—two things that I love.


I’d like to combine my love for learning about people and being involved deeply with their lives with my adventurous side of exploration and travel. I believe that all of these strengths, talents and desires can fit together into an “occupation” or career. I feel as if God is weaving it all together. . .


I feel as if I’m getting a better understanding of HOW I want to live. I am endeavouring to simplify my life and get rid of material excess. . ..


God, I am your creation. Continue to fashion me in your image.

I want my job to be fulfilling. I am fortunate to have come across some types of work that I do find enjoyable. I know I am a gifted teacher (one that needs more training and development). I am a motivator and enabler (I can see into people’s hearts and help them find their passions and then figure a way to go after them.) I like to do some organizing. I am an ideas person—my mind always comes up with new ways to do things, ways to improve on old methods or adapt to new problems."

That dates back to June 7, 1997, when I was a professional basketball player in England. 

I actually laughed when I read it!  I have written similar words in my journals this past year! 

I have always been drawn to helping others, to writing, to speaking, to inspiring and motivating.  That is who I was as a teenager, as a young adult--the clues of my purpose had always been there for me.

I am sharing my intimate journal writing with you for one reason: 

to encourage you to look deep inside yourself, to glance back at yourself over the years.  The clues of what makes you tick, what gets you excited about life are there IF you take the time to look for them.

Here is one of the exercises from my book, Clarify Your Purpose and Live It.  I challenge you to take time this week to write out your answers to these questions:

Begin to Dream Again

This exercise will help you become even clearer about the fulfilling experiences you want to welcome into your life. Be lighthearted as you answer these questions. In fact, let the voice of your Inner Child guide you to a deeper understanding of your desires.

1. Rediscover what brings you joy. Think back to who you were at ages 5, 10 and 15. (If you cannot remember, ask your parents or others who knew you at those points in your life.) Answer these questions to trigger memories of your personal passions and aptitudes.

a. What were your favorite subjects in school?

b. What activities couldn’t you get enough of?

c. What made your heart beat faster?

d. What dominated your thinking?

2. Using any insights you have gained, answer the following question, “If I could do ANYTHING, absolutely ANYTHING, I wanted to do in each area of my life, what would it be?”

Pour your answers out on paper. Start with words. Unleash your creativity. Engage all your senses. Think in bright colors. You can even use crayons, colored pencils and paints. Draw pictures or symbols of your desires. Try to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch your dream. Let your body experience the emotions that would come from living your dreams.

The clues to what will give you joy, satisfaction and success may be more obvious than you realize.  As I look back, mine sure were!

In case you would like to read my book in it's entirety, here is the link to purchase it on Amazon:  Clarify Your Purpose and Live It!

I also want you to know I coach people regularly on finding their life's purpose.  So, I'm here if you need me!  Drop me an email if you'd like to sign up as a client:  info@patriciaomoqui.com

With my love and joy,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

A New Daily Practice: Happy Heart Memories

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December. ~J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922

A friend of mine suggested I try something new.  She said, "Try today to focus on one happy memory.  Re-live it in detail.  Feel the goodness in it.  Let it fill up your heart with joy and delight."

I thought that would be an easy task for me.  It wasn't.  In fact, I learned a tremendous amount about my next area of growth by attempting this exercise.

I grew up in a serious household.  My dad was German to the core.  He embraced philosophies such as:  "Children should be seen and not heard," and "None of that foolishness or messing around. . . stop laughing . . . get to work. . . life is serious not fun."  Thus, as a young girl, I was taught to suppress myself, especially when it came to laughter and silliness. 




I have spent much time and energy healing childhood challenges, putting the pieces inside me back together.


Fast forward thirty years.  I've been focused on my personal growth for many years now.  And, I have come a long way in clearing my mind of fears, wiping out self-doubt and getting past limiting beliefs.  In fact, I have found a way to experience peace most of the time, even in extremely difficult circumstances.

But, what I realized from doing this exercise is that I am ready now to cultivate a joyful heart! 

As I attempted the Happy Heart Memory exercise, I found myself struggling to think of fond memories.  It wasn't because I don't have any to think of, it was because I rarely bring these wonderful delights into my mind.

My heart feels warm and open, deeply satisfied and nourished when I reflect on special times.

I'm getting the hang of it now.  And, I can't believe how many smiles and laughs have been stimulated by thinking of the silly, wonderful, uplifting things that happen. 

Many of these remembrances are of simple moments--rolling on the floor laughing with my children after my husband had jumped out of the closet and scared us all to death!  Thinking of my daughter Maggie as a one year old sitting on the bed with Dad pretending she was reading a newspaper.  Or, when my daughter Skye would pretend to be Hannah Montana and perform songs for me in the living room.

You see, now that I have gotten started with these Happy Memories, something has shifted inside of me.  It is as if there was an unlit candle inside of me waiting to be sparked.  I can tell you that the more I review these fond times, the larger the flame grows within me. 

Why not give this a try with me?  I have decided that every day for the next 30 days, I am going to do this daily practice.  Yesterday I did it after my kids were asleep and in bed. I sat on the couch with some old photos and reminisced.  Today I did it while at the park walking in nature. 

I have also realized that the more I engage my senses throughout the day, I am more likely to create new Happy Memories that I can recall down the road.

Let the flame of joy ignite within you.  It will melt away more of your discomfort and pain.  It will burn away old energy and open the door to all that you desire to move closer to you.

By engaging your heart, you might just grow new wings and fly to higher heights!  That's my plan, how about you?

With great love for you,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

Connecting Others to Their Dreams Helps YOU Grow

Too often, we human beings operate in fear mode.  We hoard our resources--the money we have, the opportunities we get and the network to whom we have access.  We feel so protective because we think, "They will get ahead of me...there aren't enough opportunities for everyone so I have to cling to whatever I have my hands on right now."

I believe there is an alternative way of thinking.  It goes like this, "As I share my resources with others, it helps me to grow.  As I help others rise higher, I naturally rise higher as well."

That is the philosophy I embrace. It is the spirit I attempt to live with each day.  I have found that this lifestyle has great rewards. 

I will share a concrete example, an experience I have had over the past month.

In November 2011 I had the privilege of speaking in Abuja (Nigeria) to a fantastic group of women.  Their organization is called Business Professional Women - Nigeria (BPW).  I delivered a keynote address called The Mindset of the Empowered Woman.  I was inspired by being part of the event and by sharing my address with the group.

Speaking at BPW event, November 2011

While there I mentioned to the President of the group that if they ever came to the U.S., they should let me know.  I expressed my interest in helping them find the connections they need for their personal and professional growth.

Angela Ajala (BPW Nigeria President) and me at the event

Fast forward to February 2012.  I receive an email from the BPW President, Angela Ajala.  She lets me know a group of 25 to 35 women will be attending the UN Conference on the Status of Women.  She takes me up on my offer for connecting the women to opportunities. 

Let me tell you, for years I have had a vision in my heart--to be a bridge between the USA and Nigeria. For those of you who don't know, my husband is Nigerian and I am greatly passionate about Nigeria's development.  In my mind's eyes I could see myself arranging these opportunities.  I had been doing this on a small, informal scale for several years.  But now was my first formal opportunity to do a sizeable project for this aim.

Bridging two cultures - Avon hosted us and took the time to make these amazing centerpieces. I was so happy!

For three weeks I worked furiously to make connections.  My goal was to provide each woman with an experience that would open her eyes to new possibilities and ideas that she could take back to Nigeria and harness for greater success. 

Hour after hour, email after email, a plan took shape.  I found that my American colleagues were eager to have interactions with their Nigerian counterparts.  At last, an all day Mentoring Match-up schedule materialized.  I honestly could not stop smiling as I worked on the project.

February 29th was the big day in New York City.  There were meetings set up with big companies like Avon  and Eileen Fisher as well as younger companies like Snowden Capital.  I had the opportunity to stop by each and every meeting and experience the exchange of information and kindness.  It was delightful to see the spark in the eyes of the women as the day unfolded. 

Group of BPW women visiting Avon Executives

BPW Women at Eileen Fisher learning about fashion design

Snowden Capital hosted a group and shared expertise about Financial Investments

By connecting others to their dreams, I was more fully realizing my own!  My network grew as I set up these meetings.  My understanding of how to plan these trips increased.  I came away with a whole new vision for how I would arrange this type of visit the next time around.  But most of all, my heart expanded so much I felt it was going to explode!  I was so full of joy that I even teared up. (Well, that is my very emotional side for those of you who don't know me well.)

I share all this just to say -- share your connections with others.  As you get to know other people, ask them about their vision.  Share your vision with them too.  As we each offer one another assistance in making our dreams become our realities, we all benefit.  We can all grow together.  There is plenty of success to go around.

I hope you feel inspired to make an impact this way in whatever small or big way is possible.  As we care and share, beautiful ripples of success come about for all of us.

Write down these powerful words of Helen Keller and meditate on them this week:

"I am only one but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

What small things will you do this week to help someone grow?  Remember, as you do, you are guaranteed growth as well.

With a smile of amazing joy!

Patricia Omoqui
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Got a Debilitating Mental Virus?

People have been asking me, "Where is the daily email you send out?" 

My reply, "I got a very ugly computer virus--yes, one that literally shut my computer down for days."  One moment I was working furiously on my book and then suddenly, messages popped up and alarms began to sound.  The screen went blank and everything appeared to be wiped off my computer.

This type of thing is a writer's worst nightmare.  Yes, I may haven even let out a scream!

I was FORCED to slow down, step back and take a break from my work.

Funny thing is that it all happened when I was being attacked by a "mental virus."  Some old fears were haunting me, ones I had thought I had overcome long ago.  I felt sick mentally and emotionally.  The repetitive thoughts of the worrisome future had shut my creativity down. 

"What is happening to me?" I thought.  "I teach people to overcome their fears and self-doubts and here I am struggling with this again!" 

First I sighed.  Then, I cried.  Then, I had to laugh. 

I clearly know that a fear is a thought of the future, one that predicts a bad outcome.  I also am aware that my thoughts need not control me or rob me of my peace today.  I have choice.  My mind is my tool.  I ALWAYS have choice which thoughts I focus upon.  I know how to shift my thinking back to what I want.  That is what I did.

So, after some time studying the fearful mental virus, I cleaned it out. 

I am re-botted and re-loaded.  I am back in the flow of inspiration and peace.  I am SO glad to feel well and be free inside.

I'm also happy to have my computer virus-free.  The book I am writing needs my care and attention!

If you find yourself feeling exhausted and worn-down because of a fear virus, it is okay.  Stop.  Write the fear down.  Examine it.  It is simply a thought about the future.  It is a thought about something you DO NOT want to happen.  Next to the fear write a new thought.  Your new thought can be a statement of what you DO want to happen. 

This little poem says it all:

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.

Frank Herbert

If you get super-stuck and you can't clean the mental virus out, you can always drop me an email.

With a smile,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/