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: 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: Do Something New!

This week has been filled with fun experiences.  Today, for example, I went sledding with my girls.  The weather was perfect for it.  With 12 inches of snow on the ground and a cold (but not freezing) temperature, we visited Valley Forge National Park for an hour of sliding down the slope. 

Yes, I admit it, I LOVED every minute.  I felt like a little girl.  I wiped out in the snow.  I felt the rush as the sled sped down the hill (somewhat out of control).

Saturday night as the snow was just beginning to fall, my husband and I went to an amazing concert at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia.  The artist, Nneka, is a 1/2 German and 1/2 Nigerian woman.  She grew up in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.  This woman's music is REAL.

Nneka opened the concert saying, "I'm not here to entertain you.  I'm here to show you love.  Take it or leave it."  Her message is radical -- that we must learn to love not hate, that we must not overlook the obvious issues around the World.  We must wake up and do something about it.  (Check her videos out on YouTube...you'll get a feel for Nigeria if you watch the scenes...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXMTtOS-oKg  ).

I felt so alive after the concert. I was moved in my soul.  What a fantastic experience to re-fire my spirit and move me to do more with my talents and my love.

I share all this to say, DO SOMETHING NEW!  Get active and out of the routine.  It's just so easy to get comfortable in a daily existence and forget that there is new music to be heard, physical activity to be enjoyed and interesting people to meet. 

If life feels boring, shake up your energy and step out of your comfort zone.

Drive a new route to work.
Talk to people at the office you typically avoid and do so with an open mind.
Choose a new radio station to listen to.
Eat a type of food that would wake up your senses!
Those of you in PA, just fall on the ground in your neighborhood and make a snow angel.

We are here to L-I-V-E ON P-U-R-P-O-S-E. 

I visited my 85 year old grandmother for an hour this week.  There she sits in her chair all day long.  She is content to listen to books on tape.  She has lived her life.  We took time telling stories of the days when she chased us as little grandkids.  Then, when I was in college she would bake me and my Princeton bball teammates plenty of brownies, rice krispy treats and cupcakes (with hershey kisses hidden in the middle).  What a wonderful way she chose to share her love with so many people.

As I left her I realized again that NOW is my moment to live.  There is no reason to postpone happiness or enjoyment anymore. 

Loving life (yes, even these big challenges),
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Live & Love for Today

In light of the recent occurences in Haiti, I have reminded that TODAY truly is the only day we have.  We never know how our lives might change in an instant.  In fact, a family friend died suddenly this week.  She had no idea her time to move on would arrive so quickly.  It did.

I was reminded of a video I created called Life Is a Dash .  It goes by so quickly.  Please watch this and make sure you live with purpose and passion. 

Live for today.  Love with all your heart.  Move beyond judgment and drama and enjoy the people in your life.  Find what you have in common rather than fighting over differences of opinion.  Follow your heart and your dreams.  Don't let fear or self-doubt keep you from doing what you love.  Take steps every day to create a joyful, happy, peaceful life experience.

Observe your thinking.  Choose to focus your thinking time on what you WANT to experience.  Let go of past guilt and shame.  Move into living today.  Let go of future worry.  Move into life today.

I am here to help and support you in living your best life.
I choose to live on purpose.
I choose to find the beauty in each moment.

Will you join me?

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

Harness Your Power: Be In THIS Moment

I just got home from a week at the beach with my family. It was a wonderful break. For me, it was a time to do no writing or work for a full week and just allow myself to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the ocean.

Each morning I indulged in a long walk by the water. The rushing in and out of the waves cleared my head and my heart. The rising sun reminded me of the constant support of the Universe -- never failing us, always on time. The precision of the Universe astounded me as did the power. The ocean waves were so strong the last two days we were there that we were not permitted to enter the water.

The moment I arrived home I felt some resistance. A few of my old thought patterns on career and money emerged. I spent the afternoon observing my mind and noticing the inner storm that was brewing. I was fascinated that I could go from total peace while on vacation to discord.

What was the difference between before coming home from vacation and after? My thoughts. While on vacation I totally surrendered to being away. I went with the flow of each day and did not entertain any negativity, worry or fear. I gave myself a complete break from mental work. I took time to refresh my spirit and play as a child.

Then, back to reality. Or, I began creating a new reality for myself when I walked in the door of my home. It was my thoughts that had changed!

So, after a few hours of old thought patterns, I released the emotions and said a prayer for peace. I was reminded by a friend's post on Facebook that each moment I have a choice between resistance to life or surrender to it's flow.

Today I choose: surrender, peace, well-being, gratitude, happiness. I am determined to focus on the beauty of each moment and bring my vacation attitude into my week. I don't want to miss out on one joyful possibility. So, I open my heart. I embrace this moment, then the next and the next.

Will you join me in THIS moment?

It is rather beautiful when the fear dissolves.

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Follow Your Guidance Fearlessly

This week was an exciting, intense week for me. I did another taping session for the TV segments that I have on STV in Nigeria and on MindTV in Philadelphia. It was fun getting prepared and seeing everything come together. I have a wonderful group of supportive friends and teammates who helped make it possible (a big thanks to each one of them).

*Here is the link to one of the videos we just produced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y06I8D4LJwo . Please rate it and leave your comments after watching it on youtube!

What I am seeing so clearly in my life right now is that it is essential that we follow our inner guidance fearlessly if we want to create the life we long for. If you are guided to do something, take action even if it feels a bit scary or uncomfortable. That is what I've been practicing the past few years as I launched my career as a speaker, life coach and writer. I had my dream. I was unsure of how it could all come together. But, one day at a time, I took my baby steps. The cool thing is that I didn't need to figure it all out in my mind. I just had to be ready to seize the opportunities that presented themselves to me. I had to be willing to step out on faith and do things I might not have done before. As I did, things came together in miraculous ways.

This continues to happen. I'm not worried about the results anymore because the process of living, expanding and exploring this adventure of life is so enjoyable. The journey of life is not about the final destination or about the achievements. It is about allowing ourselves to live fully every step of the way. As we release our past and let go of worry about our future, we are empowered to really, truly, fully live on purpose RIGHT NOW.

Your time is now. Don't delay acting upon your guidance. Quiet your mind so you can hear the Universe guide you. When you understand your next step, don't question it. Follow through. Even if it seems like a stretch or it feels a bit scary, just do it. Learn from each step. Grow. Be willing to do your part and then see how the miracles come together. The people, resources and opportunities you need do appear at the right time. Trust the timing of the Universe...it is always for your best.

In the next few days my new video segments will be ready for viewing. I'll be releasing one each week via my daily email list.

Following My Guidance Fearlessly,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Celebrate to the Fullest!

I had a special week. Thursday was my 35th birthday. I must say that this was one of my best ones ever. It wasn't because of the type of celebration I had. Yes, I had the traditional cake, a nice dinner out with my family, loving cards and even a massage! But, my birthday this year felt more joyful because of the many inner shifts and deep personal healing I have experienced this year.

I've decided that my intention for the upcoming year is to live with freedom and joy. In some dark times recently I saw how my deepest fears caused me to feel terribly worried and upset. I must say that I am tired of personal suffering. I've discovered that I am able to feel peace more of the time. In fact, with the help of teachers (listening to their CD's and reading their books) I have learned techniques that allow me to see the beauty and peace in each moment.

It's not that outer circumstances aren't challenging because they often are. The difference is that I am approaching these challenges in a new way. I question my mind. I examine my thoughts and see when they send me into feeling upset and exhausted. I stop. I make a conscious choice to see the possibility in each and every moment.

I've been practicing pulling myself back to the moment for several years now. Finally, I am able most of the time to live in the present. And, if I slip to the past or the future, I notice it. I come back to All That Is in the moment. It is refreshing to be in the moment. It is invigorating not to be drained by my fears. It feels like a relief to be able to experience joy again.

That's why my birthday felt so different this year. It was different because my inner being has grown and is more at peace. I am able to celebrate in new ways! It is a happier place to be. I can play like a kid now. I can laugh and be silly in a way I've been unable to for many years. It's nice to feel child-like again.

I feel tremendously blessed. I have been using a new technique during my daily walks. I want to share it with you because I feel such positive, hopeful energy when I do this. I recently read the book The Moses Codes by James Twyman. He tells the story from the Bible of Moses and the Burning Bush. Moses asked the Burning Bush, who are you? God answered Moses in a new way with a new name -- I Am That I Am.

When I heard James Twyman speak a week ago, he demonstrated how to use this name as a means to draw into our lives the experiences we want. Let me give you an example of how I use this to raise my energy. Here are the types of affirmations I create in the structure of I Am That I Am.

I am peace, I am.

I am love, I am.

I am abundant, I am.

I am two million dollars, I am!

I am full of faith, I am.

(I go on and on putting in whatever word I want to be or to draw into my life. As I say these phrases --actually, I chant them aloud as I walk-- I feel the energy of the experience of peace, love, abundance etc.)

Then I move on to offer the same thing to the rest of the World.

We are peace, we are.

We are love, we are.

We are free, we are.

We are rich, we are.

We are joyful, we are.

We are creative, we are.

We are amazing, we are.

We are full of gifts and talents, we are.

We are leaders, we are.

So, you get the idea, right? You can do this in your way. I'm sharing mine because when I do this as I walk it truly helps me. Rather than allowing my mind to drift to the seeming problems in my life, I keep focused on what I WANT TO CREATE. I affirm who I am. I see the vision for what can be changed across our planet.

Why not give this a try this week? Try to stay in this activity for as long as you can be focused. Let me know what you feel as you experience this.

I am so grateful to so many people. I am blessed to have caring mentors, friends and family around me. I am delighted by the material blessings I have -- from a warm scarf, to a soft bed to the trees at the park. Life is remarkable when you see it minus the fear and worry blinders.

Have a blessed week. Be present. Stay focused in gratitude. Use affirmations to bring yourself back to this moment. Each moment is truly exquisite. Have a loving week.

With love and gratitude for each one of you,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Check out my videos on YouTube...they were created to help and support you in your journey.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=patricia+omoqui&search_type=&aq=f .

Harness Your Power: Step Forward In Faith

You know what you want to experience in life. In fact, opportunities present themselves. The Universe often sends us opportunities to see if we are willing, in faith, to step forward and seize the moment. "Are you REALLY read for what you want?" asks the Universe.

We can set wonderful intentions of what we want to create. We can believe it to be possible. But if we don't take the guided steps that the Universe whispers (sometimes even shouts) to us, we aren't really ready and fully prepared for the opportunities that present themselves in our lives.

Daily baby steps add up. We must be willing to step out in faith-- even when the bank account is low, the self-doubting thoughts still echo in one's mind and life feels dark. The choice we have is whether we will focus on what seem to be difficult circumstances or will we quiet our mind, and find the light within our hearts. This light shines brightly, especially when life feels particularly dark.

Do you trust? Will you surrender? Will you flow with life or will you worry? We have so many choices each moment of our lives.

Take time this week to observe the opportunities you have each day to step forward in faith towards your dreams. You can do it! Quiet the fears. Stop the self-doubt. Don't worry. You are supported as you move forward. Stay with this moment -- and don't jump to the future.

Deepening my faith,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Release Impatience

I had an amazing experience this week. I was out to lunch for some Mexican food when my intuition whispered to me, "Go to Marshalls." At first I thought, that's silly-- I don't need to buy anything. But again, the whispers came, "Go to Marshalls." I felt the direction so strongly that I knew I needed to follow this guidance even though it made no sense to me at all.

I wandered around the store. I ended up in the home goods section where I found a nice 2009 calendar with inspirational quotes. It was the style I liked and I knew it would be helpful to have my '09 calendar on hand so I headed to the checkout. I wasn't convinced that this calendar was such a big deal.

When I got to the checkout line I noticed a shelf full of books on sale. There were two books that caught my eye. The first was called Peace Angels. It was a coffee table type of book with lots of pictures and very few words. Because of a writing project I'm working on, I knew the book was right for me. Next, I found a book called Mindfulness. One of the daily practices I teach all of my clients is mindfulness. So, I picked the book up and began to look through it. Perfect. It was an amazing find for my own personal learning. It covered the topic of mindfulness in more depth than I knew it could possibly be covered.

I checked out and sat in the car for a few moments in awe of the guidance that led me to these two books. It was as if my guardian angels were directing my every step.

Later that evening I sat down and looked more closely at the book on mindfulness. I opened the book to a chapter on impatience. Again, I got what I needed. Have you ever felt such a strong desire for a dream to become reality that you feel impatient for it to happen? I've experience that feeling on a regular basis lately. "Come on, Universe, I'm ready for this dream to come true now. Can't you see it? Please, bring it on," were the thoughts that often went through my mind.

As I read each word of the chapter I was reminded that each step of my journey is absolutely essential. What I experience today is preparation for my next step... and ultimately, necessary for the dreams I have in my heart to manifest.

So, what is it that keeps me from simply enjoying right where I am in this moment? Why do I want to rush? It's been a week of understanding the importance of keeping my focus fully in the NOW so that I don't miss a gem of wisdom or an ounce of joy.

I challenge us (myself and you) this week to fully enjoy every moment of your life. Why not relax and be patient? If you sense impatience, ask yourself why you feel the need to rush. Then, take a few moments and take stock of the beauty, joy, hope and peace that is already present in your life experience. I bet if you look closely you will see more opportunities for enjoyment and gratitude than you suspected.

Be patient. It's about the journey, not the destination alone.

May your week be full of abundant blessings,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Allowing Your Life to Flow

There is a big difference between allowing your life to flow and trying to "make things happen." In my experience the difference is that allowing life to flow represents a gentle, easy unfolding of life's experience. It means releasing the need to "figure it out" on your own and instead, allow the inner voice of guidance direct you one baby step at a time towards what you truly desire. It means letting go of the inner pressure and timetables and trusting the beauty of the twists and turns our paths take. It means relaxing into life -- enjoying every moment and expecting miracles (big, small, gigantic and minuscule) to appear all the time.

So many of the circumstances of life are NOT in our control. What we can control is the approach we take to our lives -- the thoughts we think about our life experience, about who we are as beautiful beings in this wonderful life experience. We can control the focus of our mind -- thinking upon the passion we have, the dreams that are in our hearts and the wonder of change that we can bring to our World. By focusing on our desires, we open up to allowing life to flow to us.

Life does flow to us. So not only do we need to allow the flow of life, but we need to be able to see that flow coming to us clearly. I realized this weekend that there is so much good flowing into my life all the time -- the question is, how much of this flow can I allow myself to receive? I can only receive that which I am open to and that which I have the eyes to see. Will I receive the beauty of my child's smile in the morning or will I focus on the rush of getting her on the bus? Will I receive the kindness of a friend offering to help me on a project or will I decide I have to do this on my own? Will I enjoy the money in my wallet and buy something my heart desires or will I be afraid that money may not flow to me in the future and hold myself back from buying something that is just right for me?

Will you take a new approach this week and release the need to make things happen? By allowing your life to flow easily from moment to moment, you harness your personal power -- no longer expending your energy and power on worry, the desire to control circumstances and fear. Flow with life moment-by-moment. Then, notice the miracles that come your way in all shapes and sizes. Next, open to enjoy and receive all these wondrous opportunities that flow your way.

Life is as easy or as hard as we make it to be. So, why not allow yourself an easy week this week? Refresh your spirit. Relax into the moment. Celebrate the grandeur of your spirit! Dance in a way that you haven't danced in a year. Be YOU on purpose and enjoy every second of this life experience.

With love, light and all blessings to each one of you,

Trish

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/