This summer has been a time of reflection for me. Bub and I didn't, for the first time in 4 years, leave the brutal Tucson summer heat and head to cooler dives and I've spent much of the summer going through Daddy's stuff and fixing that condo to sell . Being at home has  also given me the time to enjoy my  own little nest with Lily and Bub and even garden a bit.  As the pace slowed I noticed on how nice it feels to be relaxed and centered. In questioning what elements were contributing to this relaxation, I saw certain habits, when practiced regularly, help keep me balanced and even more in tune with my inner callings.

I am reading a great book, called "Callings" about finding your true calling. The author, Gregg Levoy, says that he had noticed when he meditated or prayed regularly, the synchronicities that led him to his desired intentions dramatically increased. Hmmm...I thought, my meditation has been hit and miss for months now. I know from past experience meditation centers me. I wonder what would happen if I did it every day?

My rebellious self immediately had a bunch of "yeah, buts" about why I couldn't, having to do with time. How funny!  "Whose in charge of my schedule?" I replied. My other block to meditating is the difficulty I have sitting still that long, but I have found that it gets easier the more often I practice it. It finally dawned on me that this is having control over my mind rather than letting the monkey mind jump from tree to tree!

At the same time, I am doing a 9-Day Cleanse to rid my body of toxins, flood it with nutrients and set it up to lose 20 pounds (which I have committed to do by October 1). I have lost 6 pounds already and am eating a very restricted but high, natural nutrient diet. I do not believe in deprivation, for good food is one of the indulgences I love, but I can do ANYTHING for a short period of time and it is time to get that 20 pounds gone. I wonder what will happen if I consistently follow the plan until that goal is met?

Once again, that Gremlin voice is not supporting me.  "Discipline," it whispers ,"is no fun...aren't you about joy and fun? Live for today, girl!"  Well, thank you for sharing, but I believe that I am seeing another way to approach it.  I'm inquiring into the distinction between discipline and practice. With discipline, there is struggle trying to make myself do something I am resisting in many ways, especially mentally. With practice, I am implementing some repetitive actions that can just be part of keeping this old body and mind healthy and sharp. With discipline, I feel deprived and taking action I feel I "should". With practice, I am allowing that I may need to regularly support my mind and body to continue to perform at peak performance.  I don't know about you, but this Baby Boomer is perplexed many days at how I got to be this old.....I certainly don't feel old in my head but the body seems to be doing this aging thing whether my mind is along for the ride or not.

So, I've pulled out my coaching tool, The Ten Delicious Daily Habits and have written up 10 for the next 30 Days. Some of  the habits I will be doing daily are meditating for 100 breaths, eating according to the plan, drinking 120 ounces of water, reading, writing and gardening (and cuddling with Bub). Doesn't that sound like a nice day? I'll let you know how it goes. Meanwhile, I invite you to create your own 10 Delicious Daily Habits.  What practices would REALLY give you the feeling of bringing your best self out ?  What do you need to do to nourish, delight and support you being your best self, filled with energy to make a kick-ass impact on the world?

If you are up to play this game with me, send me an and let me know you are playing. I'll respond with a weekly update and email, and everyone who makes it to the end of the 30 days, taking all 10 actions every day, will receive a gift from me!

A nice write-up in the newspaper on Sunday featured the play with no way to buy tickets other than at the door. We got there early but they were sold out with a waiting list. We decided to wait. I told Lily to visualize Glenda the Good Witch finding us a seat. We did our best intending, but all for naught. We didn't make it to the top of the list before they cut off seating as per fire regulations. Lily cried, she said awful things about Glenda, the good witch, and I decided it was a good opportunity for a life lesson.

So, I told her when she was disappointed and was not going to be able to change the result, she needed to say, "Oh well, what's next?" We practiced and decided the Playground at McDonald's with a meal and a toy would cheer her up. But, she said to me, "I still want to see the Wizard of OZ !" It's hard to let go when we have expectations, but I am going to continue to foster the resilience and remind her "What's next" is a better reaction than frustration over something that can not be changed.

Now, if I can just remember this for next time I have unfulfilled expectations.

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PEAK PERFORMANCE:  The story of Lance Armstrong  has certainly gotten lots of press. How can you not be impressed with the challenges he's overcome? His mental attitude and innate competitiveness present an inspiring example.

The story included the studies of how his body is somewhat of an anomaly: being able to efficiently process fuel, in the muscles, 3-5% more efficiently than the pro riding next to him and 8% better than the average fit man allows him to perform better on the same amount of carbs.  It makes me wonder about the chicken and the egg dilemma: which came first? Everything I have read has suggested, he was born with these advantages, but I wonder if someone so good at the mental intention side couldn't have kept visualizing until his body mirrored his picture of perfect fitness.

Either way, it's something to think about:

If it is inherent strengths that he was born with, it certainly shows the power of knowing what strengths you have and leveraging them (something I've been advocating with my clients for years!). Those who acknowledge and use the core values and natural gifts that are unique to them seem to just attract success.

If his clear vision, intentions and work created the changes his body need to excel at his chosen sport, it is a powerful reminder that we have more power over what happens within our bodies than we think.

RELAXATION: To be in top form, full of energy and focus, athletes take days off from training because their muscles can not be most effective without the recovery time. Unfortunately, many agents I meet are trying so hard to excel, they do not plan for recovery time. 

Studies have found that when you work in excess of 40 hours a week, your effectiveness begins to wane. Overworking can knock your ability to focus and make good decisions down to 50%-60% of your potential.

COACHES CHALLENGE:

• What  natural strengths do you have? Make a list of them and then think about how you can leverage them more fully.
• Create a mental picture of what it is you really want. See it happening. Create an affirmation that you will use for the next 30 days to support your dream and intention. Write it on 4-5 stickies and post by your computer, on your bathroom mirror, car visor, etc. Read it out loud 3 times in the morning and 3 times before you go to bed.
• Watch for synchronicities.
• Do you have at least one 24 hour period of relaxation/play time on next week's calendar? If not, make it a habit to block and schedule it every week.

It may seem too soon to even think about next year, but we all know pre-planning is what separates the extraordinary for the average salesperson. Each year I meet with a small group of agents to support them in hitting the ground running when the new year begins.

This is for you if:

• You are ready to take your business to the next level and want to do some strategic thinking!
• You want a business plan to work from in 2006 that will help you achieve your potential!
• You want to work smarter not harder in 2006 and feel relaxed!
• You need a time and place to get away and DO this! 

Three locations are in the planning stages right now and I am offering an early bird discount if you register in August.

Investment:   $795   includes DISC Report, lunches, all materials and coaching calls before and after.  $250 deposit is required upon registration.

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for more information. The full details will be posted on the web site after August 15th.

Each retreat is limited to 25 people.

In response to everyone's email overload, I realize that an on-line, easy, quicker read is what's needed. So I'm in the process of revamping  this monthly e-zine  into a shorter format and will be adding a BLOG!