Are You Ready to Enter Your Future?

Are you?  Are you really ready to enter your future?  It is a good question to think on. There is often more preparation involved in manifesting our dreams than we anticipate. 

I am going to be speaking on this topic in Abuja (Nigeria) on July 29th at Holyhill Church.  The morning service at 9 a.m. will be titled, "Your Vision Will Be Fulfilled IF..."  The evening service at 5:30 p.m. is designed as an "Enter Your Future" experience (loads of participation) and is bound to be full of incredible breakthrough moments for everyone who attends.

Anytime I begin preparing a new topic to speak on, I find, of course, that the preparation has to do with my own growth and development.  It's been a deeply introspective time for me and I feel delighted to share the insights I have come to with many audiences in Nigeria.

The irony of Entering Your Future is that you have to be the absolute best you can be in each and every present moment.


There is no better time than now to do WHATEVER IS NECESSARY to be ready to live more and more of your vision.  Often, the toughest preparation is the INNER work required.  To allow more and more of your True Self to emerge, it takes facing your fears head on.  Who would you be without the fearful thoughts you still allow to deter you?  Imagine a fear-free version of yourself.  What steps would you be taking today if you had total inner freedom?  (I challenge you to write down your answer to these questions).

I will also be speaking on August 1st at Trinity House (Victoria Island, Lagos) at 6 p.m.  My topic will be "Renew Your Mind."  If you are stuck in fear, self-doubt or a painful past, this message will give you the clues to transform your thinking so you can transform your entire life.

Face your fears this week...you are so much bigger and more powerful than these little thoughts that haunt you...

Sending you a smile,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

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: Allow Your Dreams to Mature!

Last night I attended a family barbecue.  One of my cousins is pregnant, in her seventh month.  She is UNCOMFORTABLE!  Sleeping is difficult, walking is challenging--she is READY for this baby to be delivered.  Yet, she does NOT want the baby to come early.  Why?  Because in the last few months of the pregnancy, the baby develops and grows in important ways.  The entire nine months is crucial for the baby to be born vibrant and healthy. 

So, she patiently waits day by day until the baby is ready to emerge.

It is the same with our dreams.  Our dreams need development.  The ideas we have at the outset of our journey must go through the entire process of developing and maturing.  If born to early, they may not survive.  That is why we must trust the process of our personal and professional growth.

 Each stage, each step, each moment is essential on our path of progress. 

As an entrpreneur and visionary, I have BIG dreams and visions for life.  I've had them for years now.  I wanted them all to materialize rapidly.  But, I've found that I can't skip steps in my self development or the maturity of my vision.  I'm glad that it takes as long as it does.  I'm more prepared than ever for new phases of living my life vision AND my vision gets clearer and fuller by the day.

I have clients who are entrpreneurial and they have incredible plans for business and life pursuits.   Too often, they seem in a rush.  They want it to happen NOW.  In pushing for results, they often miss crucial opportunities to fully embrace and develop themselves in the stage they are in.  I encourage them to be patient, persistent and persevere. 

They will realize their potential and actualize their visions--but it happens over a period of time.

Don't be in too much of a rush o!  Be diligent today, where you are.  Take the key next steps with the resources you have right now.  If you stay focused on a consistent basis, you will achieve things you never imagined you could.  Just because you don't see the results yet, doesn't mean you should give up.  You are developing as a person.  You are learning important life and business lessons to help you get to the next stage of your plan. 

Open to the entire experience.  It is rich if you do.

Savoring the tiny steps of progress with you,

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

Harness Your Power: Break Your Vision into Chapters

The genie had been let out of the bottle.  It was stuck inside for years.  When my fear moved out of the way, something magical came about.  I discovered incredible passion inside me.  The more I kept the self-doubt out of the way, the more the genie emerged.  It grew bigger, wider, taller than I had ever imagined.

The part of myself that is made for greatness had emerged.  It was READY for life, ready to work hard, committed to achieving my dream.  My dream was to help people reach their full potential.  I could see myself standing on a stage speaking, working with groups and individuals and writing about topics that could transform people's lives.  I could see myself working all over the world.

Once my vision emerged, the challenge was that my dreams were INCREDIBLY VAST.  Idea after idea rose up from my soul.   I could see the way my skills, personality and passion could be combined to make an incredible difference in the world. 

So, where would I start?

I needed to start where I was.  What was that one next step I could take on the road to my destiny?  Many times I felt overwhelmed --there were so many things I wanted to work on, so many projects I could start -- so which one would I begin?

I discovered something important:  I had many years ahead of me!  So, I could break my dreams into "chapters" and get started.  I began by giving my next chapter a title: "Getting Started."  I needed to build the infrastructure.  It was time to create business cards, take needed training courses, get up on stage and build my network.  I needed a website, a blog.  I could take time to write on a daily basis and hone my skill.

One chapter led me to the next chapter.  It has been and continues to be a personal evolution.  The adventure is in the personal growth.  It overjoys me to see that with consistent effort, results do come. 

There are not enough hours in the day to work on all aspects of my vision so I take it one stage at a time.

If you feel overwhelmed and are unsure of where to start, try breaking things down into 90 day time periods.  Of all the dreams you have, which one could you best progress on in the next 90 days? 

Don't get stuck in over-analysis.  Listen to your inner voice.  Then, act on the guidance you receive.  One small step leads you to the next and the next and the next.  When you do this day after day, you make tremendous forward movement!

Use this motto:  I take the next step forward from where I am with the resources I have today.

If you need support, I'm here as a coach to help you clarify the next chapter so you can get started!

With a smile,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

Harness Your Power: Keep Your Focus

I have been reminded this week through my own life experience and watching people arond me that we have more power and choice in our destiny than we realize. 

It is essential to clarify what we want to experience in all aspects of life (spiritual, relational, financial, professional, physical well-being etc.)  When we lack clarity we spin in circles and go on rabbit trails.  We allow whatever life presents to us to become our focus rather than consciously choosing our direction.

Each of us is constantly bombarded with a myriad of people, places and opportunities.  Those with clear vision maximize life by walking with their eyes open and seizing the empowered, positive possibilities presented.  Those without clear vision often (consciously or unconsciously) accept negative, self-defeating possibilities and become derailed. 

Here is a specific example.  I know a young person who has issues with drug use.  God has placed in his life positive people who want to help him to his goals.  Yet also on his life path are those who still partake and offer him drugs.  When focused on his vision of being drug free, he is able to avoid those people and / or be clear in stating he is not interested in engaging in drugs.  When he is not clear, he spends time with people who are doing drugs and gets sucked into his old habits.

What do you want?  What are you focused on?  Are you allowing yourself to unconsciously spin in old patterns?  Are you ready to break free and move swiftly to what your heart desires?

Take time this week to write down a clear statement of what you desire to experience in life in the next three months. 

Keep your list in front of you.  Read it every day. 

Then, as people, places and possibilities come your way, evaluate whether or not they support you in reaching your vision. 

If they don't, then make conscious choices to use your energy powerfully and purposefully instead.

I'm doing this with you!  I'm actively focusing my energy and staying distraction free:)

It is a daily choice to do so.


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

Harness Your Power: Thanks to Pioneers

Last night I watched the movie "The Secret Life of Bees." The movie was set in the 1960s in the South of America. What touched me most deeply was a scene where a teenage African American boy went to the movies with a white girl his age. The two were clearly falling for each other. When they arrived at the movie theater, the young man had to go through the "coloured" door and the girl went through the "whites only" entry of the theatre. Rather than sitting in separate areas like they were supposed to, they decided to sit next to each other and share the snacks they had purchased.

Angry white racist men stormed into the theatre and began to beat the young man. The girl screamed, begging them to stop their violence. They continued their violence anyway and took the boy away in a car. Nobody knew if the boy would ever be seen again. (You'll have to rent the movie to see what happens...)

As I sat with my husband watching the movie I began to think of how often I take for granted that I am in an inter-racial marriage and my children are of mixed race. Look how far the United States (and other parts of the World) has come in regards to race relations in the course of 50 years. Of course, there is still racism, but much has changed!

Today, I take time to celebrate pioneers--people who have stood up for their vision of what is right. When confronted with violence, anger and hatred from those who want things to stay the same, they don't back down. Pioneers see beyond where the culture is and know that we can evolve further. Martin Luther King Jr reminds us, "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better." That is the type of minority I want to be counted in.

I thank the leaders of the women's rights movement and the civil rights movement for the progress they made and for the groundwork they laid to allow me and my family the lives we live today. I am truly grateful that they stayed focus and never gave up.

It also caused me to consider whether I have the type of courage to stand for my truth. I want to be so committed to progress and to helping others live their best lives that I never let up in my pursuit for what I believe in. I pray that in moments of trial I will be able to stay the course and be strong as those who have gone before me.

Don't give up on what you believe in. Follow your passion. Live your vision no matter what anyone around you tells you. There will be plenty of naysayers and many cowards. Martin Luther King Jr. also said, "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." Don't stick with the crowd. Stay true to your heart. Pave the way. Create the future.

Be the pioneer that opens the way for future generations to enjoy an even better, more peaceful and secure World than we have today.

with sincere desire to make our World a better place,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Love this Moment!

I'm back from an amazing 9 days at Byron Katie's School for The Work. It was one of the most intense experiences I've ever had. There was time for silence, for meditation and for delving into our inner most beings to become aware of fears and judgments that cause suffering.

I met so many wonderful people. If you are ready for excavating your "underworld", I'd highly recommend this experience.

One thing I'm experiencing in a more profound way than before is relaxing into the moment -- really loving the moment for what it is. I see more clearly how supported I am -- there is always ground beneath my feet to support me as I walk. My breath continues whether I focus on it or not. My heart beats and my blood flows. The more I calm my mind, the more clear my vision becomes. I see plentiful blessings surrounding me even in the midst of daily life challenges.

I invite you this week to take time to breathe deeply and become one with the moment. Why not love where you are right now? What if you just fully let go of your worries and your desire for control and experienced for a few moments how supported you are? There is relief when we drop our stories of the past and let go of our fears of the future. How much energy are you wasting on needless shame or worry?

I also had the opportunity to have a 10 minute video-taped interview with Byron Katie. In about a month's time it will be edited and should be airing on Nigerian TV and will be available on my website. Katie is a delightful, enlightened, peaceful woman. Please check out her website: http://www.thework.com/ . The process she teaches called The Work is a way to expand your perspective and release deep-seated fear.

I'm here to love and support each of you.

If I can be of any help, just drop me an email.

With love, peace and joy,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Belief, Hope and Courage

What a momentous week this was for our country. Whether you supported Obama or McCain, it was truly amazing to watch this election unfold. We saw the seemingly impossible become possible. What allows for these types of things to happen? Three of the key elements that brings a vision to reality are belief, hope and courage.

I am challenging myself to stay focused on these words in the weeks to come. There are many visions in my heart. It is easy for me to fret and wonder how these grand ideas could become a reality. It all boils down to a moment-by-moment choice for me to make -- will I believe or will I doubt? Will I worry or will I be filled with hope? Will I give up or will I walk courageously forward into the unknown?

I can choose. I will choose. I am determined to choose -- to walk by faith, rather than by sight. I have seen miraculous changes in my life in 2008. Things that seemed impossible to me have come about. Opportunities I never could have dreamed of dropped out of thin air and landed in my lap. The miraculous is wonderful to experience. We are surrounded by miracles.

I've been taking the time to recognize my miracles no matter how big or how small. My body is healthy and strong. My daughter Maggie is doing fantastically well given the challenges she faces. Skye shows such spirit and excitement for life. My husband is supportive, caring and courageous. I appreciate every small pleasure from a cup of hot cocoa to a spontaneous hug from my daughters. I am blessed. I am so grateful for all that I have.

Could I choose fear right now? Sure, I could. I believe that suffering is totally overrated. Fear leads me into deep suffering. I know the familiar pattern all too well. To be quite honest, I am tired of fear. So, I've replaced it with belief, hope and courage.

Let's encourage one another this week to stay focused in positive, loving energy. We can do this. It is a choice. If you feel doubt creep into your heart, just stop. Take a deep breath. Then refocus. Remember that the Universe supports you in this amazingly rich journey of learning.

A big hug to each of you.

"Yes, We Can!"

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Focus On the Light!

As typical in my life, this week was full of wonderful learning. I'm excited to share an important idea with you, one that is helping me make good choices and is also enabling my life coaching clients to do the same!

I had a life coaching call with a wonderful client this week. We will call him John for the sake of this blog. Over the past few months, John has taken the time to clarify in detail what his heart desires! It's been a fun process to go through with him! He has written it all down on paper. He has created a vision board depicting what he desires. He has connected to what is important to him, what he loves and what he is passionate about creating. By looking into his heart, John has found light in his life.

Now the challenge comes. John knows what he wants in his life, but he doesn't yet have it! When he looks at his life right now, he sees that he doesn't yet have what he wants. When he thinks about this, it makes him feel down and depressed. John isn't enjoying the job that he has. So, he feels discouraged that he doesn't have a new job yet. When he feels this, it drains his energy and keeps him from being inspired to take steps towards his vision for his new job. It keeps him from moving towards his vision for what he wants to create in his career.

It all boils down to a choice: In each moment, will I focus on what I don't want or will I focus on what I do want for my life? In each thought, will I focus on the vision I have for my life or will I focus on the darkness I feel about my current circumstances?

When you focus on the darkness, it feels really dark. You lose sight of the light. You curl up in a ball and feel bad inside. You get depressed. You forget the possibility of what you can create.

When you focus on the light, it feels bright. The darkness fades away into the background. You feel energized as you look at the light. Your intuition begins whispering to you your next steps of how to move closer to the light. You start moving in the direction of the light one step at a time. You feel the warmth of the light. You get closer and closer to it. You feel great, alive and ready to step into your vision!

Wow. What a difference our focus makes. Life is really simple and easy if we have the right focus.

So, if you notice yourself sitting in the dark, feeling upset and lonely, STOP. Stop yourself right away. Then, refocus on the vision you have for what you desire to create in your life. Look at it in detail. Let your emotions move towards the excitement of what you desire. Then, move towards the light.

Will you choose darkness or light this week?

Your choice makes all the difference in how you feel about life!

Basking in the light,

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

If you need help in clarifying your vision for life, let me know! I enjoy working with people to support them in creating their vision for life. It is a delightful process to work on!

If you feel stuck in the darkness, I would love to help you learn to focus more on the light -- sometimes you might think a light doesn't exist. . .but, it does. . .and I would be glad to guide you towards it until you can see it for yourself.

Drop me an email at thoughtdr@patriciaomoqui.com