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/

Harness Your Power: Just Dive In!

Last night was a surprise. I took the kids to their last day of swimming lessons. Little did any of us know that they were going to give each child a chance to go off the diving board. As I watched the children in the pool I could see a wave of excitement move through their bodies.

Skye's group headed to the pool and Maggie's followed very soon after. I quickly gathered my things so I could get a glimpse of the action.

Skye was fearless. She walked right to the edge of the diving board and took a big leap forward with no hesitation! Her instructor, Mr. Mike, was waiting down below with arms extended to help her in any way she needed it. She was so proud of herself and eager to get back on the diving board and do it again!

Maggie was full of courage. She marched 1/2 way down the board and then suddenly, hesitation set in. Her teacher got on the board with her and helped her to the end. With toes on the edge, Maggie stood at the end for a minute unsure of whether to jump or not. Then, to my delight (and hers) she jumped right in. Again, Mr. Mike was there to help her make it to the ladder at the side of the pool.

For the next hour there was constant chatter, "Mom, I went off the diving board!" Even total strangers were given the good news, "I just went off the diving board!" As I put the girls to bed there was still a sparkle in their eye and they asked me, "When can we go off the diving board again, Mom?"

Watching them last night got me thinking deeply. First off, I am always refreshed to see my children's excitement for life. Going to the pool is as exciting to them sometimes as going on a major international trip. The littlest daily accomplishments bring them a deep feeling of pride and self-satisfaction. Their bubbly approach to each day makes me realize that it is way more fun to approach life like a child does. (I'm trying to regress in age rather than get older...I want to be as child-like as possible!)

I then began to consider the diving board experience. What I loved most about it was the tremendous support each of them were offered. Their success was guaranteed if they just jumped into the water. A teacher was behind them and a teacher was waiting for them in the water to ensure they were safe and given whatever level of support they needed. I believe this is a perfect example of the way the Universe works with each of us. We are surrounded by help. Yet, few of us recognize the constant kindness and support we are offered as we walk our path and find ourselves in uncertain circumstances.

Is there a place in your life that you are feeling ready to take the plunge and ready to try something new? Dont' let your fear hold you back. Support is there even if you can't perceive it. The Universe surrounds us and cheers us on when we follow the longings of our heart. There was a book title that popped into my mind -- Leap and the Net Will Appear. That's the truth, isn't it?

There have been moments the past few years as I left the security of the corporate world and dove head first into my own business that I wondered if I'd be okay. Each step of the way has provided me with new challenges. I've found myself on the edge of the diving board time after time wanting to jump forward, feeling excitement rush through my body. I've had to JUST DIVE IN. There has not been one time I've taken the dive that I haven't received all the help I needed.

I can look back over my life and find countless examples of how I've taken the leap and the next has always appeared!

What are you waiting for? Now is your time to dive in and experience the life you truly want to live.

Joining you on the diving board of life,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: THE KEY

I have been constantly reminded this week of THE KEY to peace and joy during times of change and uncertainty. It is simple. It holds open a space of all possibility and total power. You can even find wonder and beauty at all times in your life if you remember THE KEY.

THE KEY is the present moment. In a sessions with a dear life coaching client this week, we talked at length about the importance of being determined to live in the NOW. This client has his mom and step-father in the hospital, has a job that deals with the volatility of the stock market and a dog who has a torn ACL and needs surgery. Talk about stressful circumstances!

In our conversation we discussed a few helpful questions to use when the future seems overwhelming or the past brings us a feeling of shame. I want to share these with you in hopes that they will assist you in staying connected with THE KEY--living life one moment at a time, fully present and open to the miracles available in each moment of life.

Question #1: Do I have everything I need in this moment? Anytime I consider this question I come to the conclusion, "YES. I do have what I need in THIS moment." I am always provided for. Did I have enough food to eat today? Yes. Did I have a place to lay my head? Yes. Are there clothes on my back? Yep. Am I breathing? Certainly. Can I find peace right now? If I stay present, I sure can.

Question #2: What good am I missing in this moment? We often get so focused on the things we feel are wrong in our lives. We become so preoccupied with the additional money we want to give us greater ease in paying our bills, the new clothes we'd enjoy, the bigger house that would feel nice...our focus goes away from what we DO HAVE to what we DON'T HAVE. When we pose this question, it brings us back to take a fresh look at what good we already have in our lives. This question is also great in challenging situations -- there is always something good to focus on even when life feels difficult. Will you open to find the good? If you do, I am sure you will begin to notice it!

Question #3: When do I have personal power? There is only one answer to this question -- it is the NOW. In each moment if you will keep your mind fully focused, you open to divine wisdom, phenomenal strength and inspired hope. In the present moment we receive all the guidance we need to navigate difficult situations and make progress towards creating what we want to experience in our lives. It is our preoccupation with the future, our self-doubts and limiting thoughts (based upon our past experiences) that cut us off from the step-by-step guidance we need to move rapidly and supernaturally through our life circumstances.

I find in my life coaching work that whatever I share with my clients ends up being wisdom that I need to apply to my own life. So, all week long I found myself using these questions to focus my energy in the Now. It is refreshing to live in the present moment. There is such joy, peace, hope, wonder and love when we live life one moment at a time. Trust each moment of life. You are safe and secure. You are not alone -- Spirit surrounds you, fills you and infuses your life with all you need. Just open. Simply open to THE KEY -- to each present moment of your life.

Trust the moment. We each have THE KEY -- will you begin to use it? It will open the door to countless blessings if you do.

With great love for each of you,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Speak Your Truth

This week was one of the most difficult weeks I have experienced in years. It also brought the most personal transformation I've experienced in years.

We all have deeply entrenched personal patterns of behavior and expression. As we understand our personal patterns and get to the "why," or the underlying beliefs, that are causing us to repeat them, we can then make more conscious choices for ourselves.

Let me explain on a simple, personal level. Growing up I lived in a situation where our family had to walk on eggshells all the time. My Dad was very unhappy and even threatened to commit suicide because he was in so much personal despair. My mom, brother and I would do our best "to make everything ok," so that we wouldn't cause my Dad to reaching a tipping point and move forward with his threat. We avoided conflict, keeping quiet at great personal cost.

I lived in fear that if I spoke my mind, something awful might happen.

We left my dad when I was 16 years old hoping that he would seek professional help. However, my Dad chose to remain angry and decided to be absent from my life. In fact, for almost 16 years, my Dad remained distant from my brother and me even though we both reached out to him, inviting him, asking him to be part of our lives.

Through this experience I developed the fear that men in my life would abandon me.

In every serious relationship I have had with a man, these underlying fears led me to repeat certain patterns. It looked something like this: Trish is in a relationship. She tries to keep peace at all costs. No matter how much something bothers her, she keeps her mouth shut. She hopes it will get better. She doesn't ask for what she wants. She doesn't even say what she needs. She holds too much fear that she will be abandoned.

Wow. I repeated this pattern over and over and carried it with me into my marriage. Even though my husband would ask me to tell him what I felt and to share what I really thought, my fear of being abandoned and my fear of receiving anger if I spoke my mind kept me in silence. Rather than asking for help in sharing responsibilities, I would take them on myself thinking I should be able to do it all. Change began a few years ago. I finally reached a point where I became so overwhelmed that I asked my husband to help. He gladly responded and gave me more assistance. Deep change began within me.

Yet, even though I was beginning to speak up more often, there were still many unspoken feelings in my heart because I still felt a great deal of fear.

The interesting thing is that in EVERY other relationship -- with my family, with my friends, with colleagues, with acquaintances, I am outspoken; I share my feelings freely.

This week was the first time I finally said everything I had in my heart to my husband. Don't get me wrong, my husband and I did communicate over the years -- but much was left unsaid between us because of our fear. My husband wasn't sharing many of his concerns with me because he was afraid of upsetting me. So, the two of us were operating in fear. This kept us from full honesty and openness.

Lack of communication in a marriage relationship causes difficulty. Lack of communication in any relationship causes misunderstanding.

I can't tell you how terrified I was this week to share everything in my heart with my husband. It's funny because he is a loving, caring man. There was no reason for me to hold back for so long. I faced some major fears this week. I looked them right in the eye. I looked at my fear of abandonment and said, "No matter what happens, I will be fine." I looked at my fear of conflict and said, "I am no longer afraid of an angry response, I must be honest and speak my truth."

This was a week of speaking my truth completely. My heart pounded as I did it. But, I did it anyway. I am determined to break my old, limiting patterns. I am determined to discover the parts of me that are still wounded and take the steps to heal. I want to experience a life where I can harness all of my power. I want a life so rich, joyful and full of love that I will never look back with regret.

I shed more tears this week than I have in years. The tears were beautiful -- they washed up deep layers of fear and self-doubt, that I didn't even know were there. By becoming conscious of my issues, I was able to sit with them and make deeper peace inside myself.

My husband and I have agreed that in order to create the relationship we both desire, we must speak the truth to each other. That is what loves does. It is new territory that we are walking together. These conversations have brought us deeper understanding and unity than I ever thought possible.

Are there areas of your life where you aren't speaking your truth? Look closely at these areas this week. As you do, you may find deep fears inside you causing you to hold back. These fears hinder you from becoming fully expanded and powerful. These fears keep you from experiencing the beauty and magnificence in life possible when you speak your truth from your heart.

Relief comes when we understand our patterns.

Joy comes when we see our underlying beliefs and realize there is a better approach we can take.

Beauty develops when we choose the belief we WANT to have and begin practicing it so that it becomes a new habit.

Excitement comes when we see that we can create EVERYTHING, literally EVERYTHING that our heart desires by moving beyond our fears, by releasing our self-doubt and by knowing that we are love embodied.

I am relieved. I am joyful. I feel beauty developing in areas of my life I never thought possible. I am excited for this journey. I anticipate all of my dreams coming true in the perfect timing of the Universe. I choose to know that love can be integrated into every aspect of who I am and every aspect of how I express myself in the World.

Part of me hesitated to share this with you because it is so personal. Yet, if just one of you reading this blog begins to speak your truth and move beyond your fears, I know it is worth it to have spoken my truth from the deepest part of my Soul.

With all my love and all my prayers that we finally begin to uncover and move beyond all our fearful beliefs,

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

If you are ready to move beyond some of your personal patterns, please contact me for life coaching. I have become an expert at helping people see their patterns. I can provide you a supportive, loving space to work through these patterns so that you can begin to live the life your heart longs for. Please stop suffering in silence -- I did this for years and it is NOT worth it. You are ready for joy now. You are ready for peace now. . .so, if you would like my help, drop me an email at thoughtdr@patriciaomoqui.com .

What Sets Your Heart On Fire?

One important aspect of Harnessing Your Personal Power is to know what you are passionate about. If someone were to ask you, “What sets your heart on fire? What gets you excited about life?” How would you answer that question?

It is so easy to get lost in the day-to-day routine of life and get bogged down with the drudgery of our daily schedules. Yet, when we begin to connect with our passions, it totally transforms our lives – not to mention the way it can transform the World!

Several years ago when I was in my deepest personal despair, I would not have been able to tell you what I was passionate about. I knew what had made me excited in the past – traveling the World, learning about new cultures, working with kids, coaching. . .But, for several years I got so caught up in my personal misery, my worry and my fear, that I lost sight of how to incorporate these passions into my life.

In the past few years I have reconnected to my passion again. I wake up every day flooded with ideas, creativity and joy for the work I’m doing and for the volunteer work I am involved in. Now I can’t imagine what my life would feel like without doing those things that make my heart beat faster, my blood flow more quickly and get me smiling non-stop throughout the day.
If you are stuck in a rut in life, the beginning of 2008 is a great time to ask some new questions – if you probe your heart deeply and look for the answers, they will emerge. Please consider the following this week (pull our your journal and spend some quiet time with yourself):

• What do I absolutely love to do (or what have I loved to do in the past)?


• Have I ever felt my heart start pounding when I was about to do something I loved? If so, what was it?


• As a teenager, what causes or issues was I passionate about?


• Have I ever done volunteer work that brought me joy and great satisfaction?


• Is there an activity that I do or have done in the past that helped me feel “in the flow?”

While I was still in corporate America I began my quest to find more meaning. I got trained by the Montgomery County Mediation Association in transformative mediation so that I could mediate neighborhood disputes and other conflict situations. After that, they trained me on how to mediate Victim Offender Conferences. Each time I had the opportunity to do a mediation, I felt excited, purposeful and full of delight. It was a way I could use my talents to touch lives. It was also an opportunity for me to find meaning when I felt bored with my corporate work.

I have the pleasure now of working with some passionate people at the Book Bank Foundation (www.thebbf.org). One night last week from 10 pm – midnight we were on the phone strategizing about how to raise funds, find donors and do an even better job in 2008 serving the homeless. Though I am typically not a late night person, I didn’t feel tired at all during the call because I love talking about the ideas of helping others and because I was surrounded by people who are on fire with love and desire to bring about change in our World!

We can never truly be stuck in life – we are always a question away from finding something that excites us. Take the time this week to consider these questions and ideas. Jump out of the routine. Instead of watching TV, call an organization that you might want to volunteer for in 2008. Or, find a book that excites you so you can expand your mind and heart. Shake up your life in 2008! Why not do things that are out of the ordinary? Why not spend time and energy bringing joy to your own life?

The more of us who have our hearts set on fire for life, the more beautiful our World will become – for we will bring smiles, new energy and fresh creativity to each day! You will Harness Your Personal Power in a way you can hardly imagine if you connect to your passion this year.
Let’s BE THE CHANGE that we want to see in the World.

If you are smiling more, happier, more peaceful and joyful, you are sure to create that in your World.

Please email me with your thoughts and ideas on this subject! patricia@patriciaomoqui.com
If you are interested in helping raise funds, or get donations for the homeless, please email me and I can give you some ideas on how to help the Book Bank Foundation. Check out their website at http://www.thebbf.org/.

• Do you knit blankets? Would you like to knit some for the homeless?


• Do you bake? Want to set up a bake sale to raise some funds?


• Do you have extra sweaters, pants, coats and long sleeved shirts hanging around your closet? If you want to donate, please let me know.


• Do you have friends who would donate all their change (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters) towards helping the homeless?
  

If so, let me know!

My heart is on fire with love for you, for life and for bringing transformation to the World!

Trish

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/