the healing power of G R A C E

to move beyond the dilemma of needing to ask why? and instead focus on our personal transformation - that is the restorative, rejuvenating, enduring path to wholeness & completion

the key to attracting Grace lies in the practice of Gratitude - it is in giving thanks that we consciously acknowledge what is going on in our life - without judgment, accepting what is as it is

it is a Lightness of Being - without the weight or denseness of being burdened or righteous

TO DO :

Step 1 - DETOXIFY - rid yourself of all toxins - physical, mental & emotional

the human being is a complex blend of systems, constantly working on a delicate balance; what are we doing to nourish & nurture body, mind, heart & spirit?

Step 2 - WIPE YOUR SLATE CLEAN - be present in the now! Now! NOW! be alert & aware

all we have is the present moment - where we are now & what we are doing here; yet all too often we make decisions & take action based on what has happened to us in the past or how we feel about the unknown future

Step 3 - BE CLEAR - declutter your mind & heart; stop mental chatter & emotional aberration

suffering is optional - we cannot reason our way out of trauma, crisis or dis-ease/ suffering/ illness - try as we do; life is unreasonable, we live untenable lives; ours is a mystical, magical, miraculous existence - way beyond reason & what's reasonable!

TIPS :

PRACTICE SELF-INQUIRY - without judgment & self-pity, take a long, honest look at who you are, what you do, the motivations & reasons that drive you; drop any issues or entitlements

BE COMPASSIONATE - practice loving kindness on yourself & others, always; with respect & reverence

STAY IN THE GAME - whether you feel like it or not, to the best of your ability, in each moment - do what it takes that serves you & the greater good - as much as you can, as consistently as possible

the legacy of a leader

The ability to inspire & motivate others to excellence ranks topmost among the 15 specific competencies effective leaders share, according to leading institutions like Harvard & Stanford.

In the past, it was believed that inspiring others was a skill you need to be born with to possess but new research has determined that it is a skill anyone can & should learn.

Leader attributes such as leading by example, being a change catalyst, building connection - can all be learned & acquired.

TO DOs :

Step 1 - IDENTIFY YOUR KEY STRENGTHS - in your own personality & in your leadership approach

keep it honest & real - this is neither the time to crow about nor downplay your abilities - create an itemized fact sheet & strictly stick to the unadorned facts

Step 2 - IDENTIFY YOUR AVENUES OF GROWTH - what areas can you improve on?

key to this process of self-inquiry is gratitude & compassion - judgement, upset or regret only add to lack of clarity - your job is to, once again, create an itemized fact sheet

Step 3 - CONNECT THE DOTS - make connection by building relationship

passion is not generated externally, it exists within or not - if you live in a ME-centered Universe, where everything & anything revolves around your wants & needs, you have boxed yourself into a very small world indeed - transform your life by literally getting out of your own way!

Things You'll Need : vigilance, perseverance, discipline

TIPS :

• WRITE IT DOWN - take a notebook with you at all times & systematically list what you do have today that you are grateful for
• BE SELFLESS NOT SELFISH - find something bigger & better, something that serves the greater good of many more than just your selfish desires
• BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT - this will lead you from a life of frantic doing to a person of calm being

Notes:

• Form A Support Group - a group of 3 or 5 would be ideal
• Meditate Daily - find some time each day to quiet your mind & put an end to its eternal mental chatter

Optimize Your Brain Power

The prefrontal cortex (3) is the region of the brain in charge of executive functions. The integral link between our personality and the functions of the prefrontal cortex - alertness, emotional links with deeper brain structures related to control of our fight-flight-freeze responses - pleasure, pain, anger, rage, panic, aggression, sexual and other desires.

It is the part of our brain that regulates judgment, planning, problem solving, decision making, moral reasoning - our sense of self. When it is out of whack, we are unable to plan ahead or make far-reaching decisions - unable to see the big picture. Our thoughts affect us - our body & how we perceive our self - internally & externally, on the surface & deeply, in all areas & at all levels.

Step 1: MAKE CHANGES - change your attitude, change your energy, change your life If you don't already do so, practice an attitude of gratitude. Many mistakenly believe that when "good" things come to pass that is the time to express gratitude. In truth, whatever the circumstance, if we are not open, appreciative or paying attention, how can we attract to us what is best for us?

Step 2: WAKE UP - be alert, be aware, be on purposeBe fully present in your life - it is important though to keep your vigilance relaxed, maintaining a wakeful mindfulness about you at all times. No need to be rigid or uptight about it - as that just creates blocks & cuts you off from being in harmony & in the flow. Balance is the key to making this work for you. Your consciousness & awareness need to be alert & aware to any possibility or opportunity that may present itself. At the same time, be open & allow this to unfold - let things bloom to fruition. Take the time to nurture & nourish, to inspect what you expect - rather than orchestrating or forcing an outcome.

Step 3: BE PASSIONATE - increase your zest for lifeFirst & foremost, acknowledge the power in you - never diminish yourself by arguing for your limitations. We are already experts at what does not work about us - now it's time to honor & bless ourselves - warts & all! Our thoughts affect us in our cells & our energy level - we must embrace ALL of who we are in all our humanity - unconditionally. Then we can see ourself more clearly & honestly - without judgement or blame - so our passion is fully engaged, untainted & free. Leaving us to live a life fully energized, rejuvenated, relieved & vitalized!

TIPS:
* keep a journal - each day write down a minimum of 3 things you are grateful for
* fake it til you make it - on days when nothing can seem to work, imagine you are someone else that you admire & do what they would instead
* in every situation, always ask yourself - am I being a contribution or an aggravation?

Things You'll Need: self-awareness, vigilance, clarity, discipline

tapping into creative thought

IT ALL STARTS WITH A THOUGHT OR AN IDEA - Are you vigilantly watching what you are thinking? Not so much the thoughts you already recognize and are familiar with. The most dangerous thoughts are the ones we are not even aware we are thinking.

Whether theoretical or tangible, a thought can work for us or against us. There's a famous saying that goes -
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

EXPRESSING A THOUGHT OR IDEA - No matter how grand, important or brilliant an idea is, it is of little use unless it is put to use.

Expressing efficiently is not just about spinning an interesting tale but about getting an idea across in a thoughtful way. Effective communication goes beyond how well an idea gets put across, it also needs to be understood first, then either accepted, adopted or applied.

THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS - No matter what, to succeed, work needs to get done. If you do not take any action, it’s just not going to happen. Every action creates motion and motion builds momentum.

The myth of just sitting by yourself and getting some great idea and having it become your success story may work for the really rare and lucky few but, in general, creative thought is the deliberate result of a life plan that includes stuff you have to do along the way. For some, these may even be things that are enjoyable and have relevance.

TIPS:
* Keep a daily TO DO list and update it every day.
* Keep a notepad always handy - you never know when you'll get an aha!
* Do not waste time or effort feeling bad - look at it, learn from it, let it go.

Notes:
- Steer clear of labels and labeling.
- Everyone has an opinion - be allowing and accepting without being a doormat.
- Be open to change for it is constant and ceaseless.

How to Optimize & Empower You

Step 1 PICK YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE - What do you do best? Where is your wealth of know-how? How best can you contribute?

Everyone has their own priorities. You can best be of service by matching what you have to what others are looking for. Because competition is prevalent and your reputation defines you, be sure to deliver on your claims. We are after all only as good as our word.

Step 2 DECIDE WHAT YOR LEARNING STYLE IS - Do you prefer to learn or to teach? Do you - listen? follow instructions? do it your way? participate fully? Do you - watch & learn? apply trial & error? cite the experts?

We are told repeatedly that one can not be a good leader if they have not been a good follower first. It is in learning each step that you get intimate knowledge and hands-on experience that reveals where improvements or adjustments may be necessary.

Step 3 DEFINE WHAT MOTIVATES YOU - What are your driving needs & wants? Are you pragmatic or practiced? Do you prefer what is useful or what is usable? Is your bottom line best practices or end results?

Check to see if you want to be right or would you rather be a contribution. It's more beneficial to have input that expands, rather than restricts. Do you often ask yourself why you are doing whatever it is you are doing?

Tips :

* THOUGHT & REFLECTION - clarify your process; be thorough in your research & data gathering; what drives you in your personality? environment? circumstance? belief?

* ISSUES & CHALLENGES - face them honestly & embrace all their aspects; step away from your attachments & allow different perspectives to unfold for you

* practice, Practice, PRACTICE PERFECT - learn from everything and everyone; acknowledge wins, losses & mistakes; do a lot, do it often, do it well

Notes:

- No thing & no one needs fixing.

- Practice gratitude - it's the key to fulfillment and joy.