Passionate Theme of the Day: Fear

“Never fear shadows. They simply mean there is a light shining somewhere nearby.” ~ Anonymous

This quote seemed appropriate for this Halloween “holiday”. It’s weird. Halloween used to be one of my favorites. I’d totally get into dressing up and becoming “someone else” for the day. But this year, I really haven’t given it much thought. Wondering if because I am more accepting of myself, and all my many colored ways, if dressing up and “pretending” has lost a little of it’s appeal.

I’m really happy expressing myself, AS myself. No need to wear a mask. Or lots of phony makeup. Or express my dark and dangerous side through devilish costumes. Because I AM doing that in my real life. Everyday, I get to show up as whoever it is I feel like that day. Some days that’s happy-go-lucky, shiny, Kam-a-lic-ious. Other days it’s quiet and mysterious. Some days I’m just a total freak!

So the fear I used to have of the “shadow side” isn’t quite as intense as it once was. Perhaps that’s why wearing fake blood and a dark wig isn’t as appealing as it used to be. I still “get” the appeal of the day. It’s fun to pretend. But lately reality is more interesting than pretending. The “fear factor” isn’t as scary as it used to be. By putting myself out there as me…I get to face fear head-on each day and open a can of whoop-ass on it!

What’s scares the be-jeezus out of you so much that you’re still wearing a mask? What might life be like if you let yourself off the hook and could take it off? What might the first step be to peeling back that first sticky layer?

Let’s take today and name one fear that we’re ready to face and shout out a big fat BOO to!

Facing the fear and doing it anyway,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Moodling

“Moodling, a combination of musing and mental doodling, can lead to floating over any number of obstacles...” ~Jane Champagne

I’ve got a case of the Monday’s. Can’t quite focus (again). Not quite funky, but a little off kilter. I feel like a caged animal. Like I need to see something new. Like I need a vacation or at least a quick road trip. Need new art. New architecture. New visual stimuli. New people. New experiences. New input.

I know that’s when I should get really present and see my current situation with new eyes. Yeah, I get all that. But sometimes the muses aren’t speaking to me. I need a dash of creative inspiration and that’s when I know I need to shake things up a bit. Fortuantely for me, I got a head start this weekend.

Went to the Mat Kearney show Saturday night. Mat is one of my new musical crushes these days. He is too amazing. He had this really cool musician open for him named Griffin House. Griffin is a little bit Johnny Cash a lotta Griffin House. He’s definintely got the whole singer/songwriter intensity down pat, along with the sweetest smile and warmest stage presence. His songs make you feel like you’re having a few beers with a friend swapping road warrior stories. Connie and I especially dug "The Guy That Says Goodbye to You is Out of His Mind”...we know he wrote that one just for us...(yeah, so did every woman in the room!).

Music definitely helps me tune back in. I also love art, photography, conversation and learning about new things. I’m really lucky this week. I’ll probably be bitchin’ about being on information/inspiration overload by the end of the week!

Wednesday, I’m going to a seminar with multiple streams of income coach & internet marketing guru, Andrea J. Lee. Can’t wait to listen to her live and soak up all the latest goodies to help market my business online. Then Thursday starts the International Coach Federation national convention. Luckily it’s here in the STL, so I saved a pretty penny on hotel and airfare.

My good friend Pam is flying in Wed. evening and we’re gonna have a girls night before the conference. OK, I’m gonna kick my case of the Monday’s right on outta here! I asked for inspiration, creativity, and joy and the Universe is answering my wishes yet again. I’m curious though…

What do you do when your creative juices dry up? What do you do when it’s time to step outside of yourself and see things with fresh eyes? How do you shake things up and take a look at the same things in a different way? What ways do you seek and find inspiration, cultivate creativity and evoke joy? What gets you all fired up? Let me know how you evoke the muses when they’re giving you the silent treatment.

Joy & creativity to you,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Vision

What’s got me buzzing today (on yet another rainy, wet STL October morn)? A little nibble from Steve Pavlina.com and his post, Purpose = Permanent Message + Temporary Medium. Here’s what I’m chewing on:

“Once you discover and embrace your life purpose, are you set for the rest of your life?  Do you keep fulfilling that same purpose until you die?  Or can your purpose change over time?”

Steve and I agree on the fact that it could be a little bit of both. His post goes into greater detail about the difference between medium and message and how we play with our purpose in this world.

“In a way you have two purposes then:  your message and your medium.  Your message is the primary contribution you’re here to make.  Your message is who you are.  If you can connect with your higher self, you know your message.  Your message doesn’t really change, but your depth of understanding will change over time.

…Your medium is the specific expression of your message.  This is how you express your contribution to the world.  You can have a really wonderful and empowering message, but if you choose a lousy form of expression, you won’t have much impact.”

I loved this article. If you’re curious, go check it out for yourself and follow that thread of thought. For now, I’m gonna hop off on another related track, and that’s taking a closer look at vision. I think Steve makes some great points in his article. But what about the people that still aren’t clear what their purpose is?

When I work with clients who are seeking their purpose, I encourage them to really step back and look at the bigger picture of their lives. Some coaches are all about goals. Checklists and crossing things off to-do lists. That’s not quite how I operate. Yes, I’m all about writing things down and getting things done. But what about the bigger vision?

If we get too attached to our goals and crossing these finish line, then we’re sort of up/down up/down, aren’t we? If we have a long term vision for our lives, doesn’t it become more like surfing? More of riding the ebb and flow of it all? Can’t we actually arrive at each “checkpoint” with more ease because it becomes a more organic process and not just “Check, I scratched another one off the list! Next “thing” please!”

Think of a blank canvas. Say that’s your life. It’s an ever-evolving work of art. What do you want it to look like? Maybe today I want my “medium” to be blogging and writing articles and coaching individuals and groups. Perhaps in time, it’ll look more like public speaking, book tours, radio or TV.

My medium can change, but my message remains the same (which is helping others to fall in love with life). But if I don’t have a clear vision of what that might look like, I might be stifling my success. If I’m only focused on arriving at the next goal marker, can’t there be major let downs if things don’t go according to plan?

Holding my vision and aligning that vision with my values (I’ll have a rant on that one soon), keeps me adding colors and textures and mixed media all over my canvas. Holding my vision allows me to have a framework for my life vs. handcuffing myself to a goal and getting swept up in emotions if I can’t quite “check something off my list” in the allotted amount of time.

It can be dangerous getting too attached to the outcome of HOW we’ll arrive at accomplishing each goal. Instead of letting go, surrendering to the co-creative process and allowing the magnificence of the Universe to play along with us.

Vision allows us to design our lives with the big picture and mental image to hold in our minds eye. I’m not saying the details don’t need to be checked of lists and “things” don’t need to get done. But when I start DOing more and BEing less, I find myself frazzled, unmotivated, uninspired, frustrated and bored.

How can you get crystal clear about your vision for your life? Many people know what they don’t want (usually more of the same of what they’re already getting). So how can you get clear about what you DO want?

Get out some paper and a pen. Or markers. Or crayons. Or colored pencils. Or a bunch of magazines and a glue stick. Rip and shred and cut and glue and color your way thru your page. Fill that page with words, images, colors, postcards, pictures, logos, slogans, and sound-bites that resonate with you. Hell, if a piece of paper is too small, go get a scrap book page or even a bulletin board.

I upgraded from making collages on scrap paper to collaging an entire bulletin board. Now I have a vision board of beautiful and amazing pictures, places and things I want to attract into my reality. I try and look at my vision board each night before I go to bed. It’s sending a message to my subconscious that the pictures on that board ARE my life…I just haven’t quite “gotten” there yet.

Each time I look at it, I KNOW that I WILL get there (or somewhere better). And I begin to FEEL as if I already AM there. Which allows me to vibrate at a higher frequency, thus attracting to me the people, places and experiences that will soon draw those exact desires into my reality.

Take some time this weekend to consider what your vision is. If it’s been a while since you’ve thought about it, take a pause for the cause and reflect back on what it is you want your life to look like. If you have never done such a thing as a vision board, why not start now?

Elvis Costello said, “Everyday I write the book”. What book are you writing? A tragedy? A comedy of horrors? A romance? The great American novel? This is your life people. If you’ve hesitated on taking action up until now, why wait? Don’t feel guilty that you’ve waited. Let the guilt GO. J

ust get clear about what you want your life to look like and take the baby steps required to move forward. You can’t be there AND be here. If you want to BE there (wherever you desire) you have to MOVE. Focus your vision and watch the magic begin to unfold!

Pretty pictures of you,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Ask-n-Action

"Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it."- Jack Canfield

It’s no secret that I adore Jack Canfield’s work. The Success Principles is genius. But another of Canfield’s book’s that rocks my world is The Aladdin Factor. Canfield along with his abundance accomplice, Mark Victor Hansen, share the classic tale of the genie and the lamp along with case studies, quotes, and real life examples of how learning how to ASK for what you want is critical for major success.

My favorite part of that quote is, “Everything you want also wants you.” Are you really wrapping your head around that? Take a minute and read that line again. “Everything you want also wants you.” How freakin’ cool IS that? Our dreams, desires, and biggest wants are out there, just waiting for us to ASK for it to manifest in our lives. But until we get crystal clear on what it is we DO want, and shift our focus off of that which we DON’T want, our desires won’t be set into motion.

What action can you take today to ask for what you want? Do you even know what it is that you want? If you don’t, get out a pen and a piece of paper and start writing it down. Sit down at your computer and start punching it out. Until you get it out of your head and onto the page, it will simply remain a pipe dream.

Are you content to keep dreaming? Or are you ready to rub that lamp and ask away? Remember, “Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask.” It’s ALL out there just waiting for you to be clear about what you really want, for you to ask for it, and then WAIT while the universe lines up the people, places and experiences it’ll take to safely deliver you to your desired destination.

Ask and ye shall receive,
Kammie K. genie lover

Passionate Theme of the Day: Focus

Kirsten at ipopin.com’s affirmation of the day was an inspirational tap on the shoulder from the universe. It said “Get your booty in gear and get your head out of the clouds.”

Today is one of those days. Lack of focus. Thoughts all over the place. A co-worker mentioned the words “vacation” and “Aruba”. So I skipped on over to the Aruba tourism site and fantasized a minute (or 10) about hanging on the beach. Chillin’ with a frosty cool libation. Imagined soaking up the sun and maxin’ and relaxin’ to an ultra-cool soundtrack.

This “lack of focus” has been lingering since last Wednesday. Why do I remember the day? Here’s what happened. 1st I received an e-mail from a friend that I perceived as not so good. Got swept up in thoughts of frustration and emotions of general pissed-off-ness. Slipping into a downward spiral of near doom and gloom. (OK, not doom & gloom, but not good stuff either).

Later that day, another friend randomly sent me a link with the listing of a gorgeous historical home for sale in the area. Now mind you, I am NOT on the market for a home. That hasn’t even been on my radar screen. But one look at the pictures and I was like, “YES! I’ve GOT to see this house!” Called my agent and got her to set up an appointment for Friday.

The house was just as adorable inside as it was in the pics. The yard was too cute; the paint colors were Kammie-move-in-ready. My thoughts began to look like this: It would be perfect! It could be grand! My stuff already matches! It has hardwood floors! It has a fenced in yard - perfect for the dogs! It has a big patio! And on and on it went.

I even went to see it a second time on Sunday. All the while wondering why this house just “appeared” out of no where and seemingly “fell” into my lap. After dinner at my sister’s, I walked my mom to her car. I’d asked to borrow a pair of her shoes, and she opened up the trunk to get them. As she did, I noticed an overflowing bag of clothes from a local discount store with tags still on them.

(My mom’s going through some financial “restructuring” and shopping for “fun” or not “necessary” items isn’t part of her new financial “diet”.) I got kind of ticed and said, “What is that! How can you even think about buying clothes with the state of affairs you’re in?” Or something otherwise righteous and judgmental like that.

She told me she was taking the whole bag back and that she knew better, but sometimes shop therapy feels better than dealing with her reality. As I was driving home I had an epiphany. I was doing the EXACT same thing, only I was looking at buying a house!! OMG!! Once I stopped fantasizing about curtains and throw rugs, I was able to step back and see the situation for what it was.

Let’s recap. I’d received an e-mail that sent me into a bit of a funk. I have several MAJOR commitments with deadlines of Dec. 31st (which aren’t close to completion). I have at least 2-3 major projects that I am beginning just after the 1st of the year. So who’s trying to avoid and numb their reality now? ME!!!! Holy crap!! I immediately called my mom and told her the story. She laughed her head off!! (She knows me pretty well).

I am hereby acknowledging my lack of focus and re-committing to what’s really important. The “house-capade” was just a way to distract myself from dealing with my current reality. My life is a wonderful and amazing journey. This was just a temporary de-railment.

I have a BIG vision for 2007 and years to come. With that comes responsibility. Projects need to get completed. Emotions need to be observed and dealt with, not escaped from. Each little step I take the next 69 days till the end of 2006 is a little step towards continuing to live my dreams AS my reality. Goal - NOT get sucked up into fantasy land! Because honestly, my reality is pretty freakin’ cool.

10 things I commit to DOing before Dec. 31, 2006:
~Chapter for Success & Happiness anthology
~Revise web copy & update site w/Reese
~Update web pictures (I’ve lost 20 lbs!)
~2-4 posts per month at Coachamatic & 1 per week at SBB
~3 posts and 2 quotes per week at PMP
~Book proposal for MY book
~Outline for Jason & my blogging/internet marketing workshop
~Finalize details with Pam for our 2007 group coaching project
~Speak my truth in all matters

10 things I commit to BEing while I complete above projects:
~Present!!!
~Focused
~Joyful
~Playful
~Creative
~Inspired
~Rested
~Honest
~Excited
~Grateful

I’ve got lots do BE and DO these next 69 days. What about you? Have you found yourself getting a distracted lately? What distracts you? What do you do when you become aware of getting distracted? How do you pull yourself back into focus?

Let’s hold ourselves REALLY accountable for what it is we say we want from our lives. Please leave a comment and commit to 3 things that YOU want to accomplish by Dec. 31, 2006. What can you focus your commitment on so that you can ring in 2007 with peace of mind, joy, and a sense of fulfillment?

I am focused and committed,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: SOB

BIG shout out to Liz at Successful Blog for tagging me with the badge of SOB. What’s a SOB you ask? Careful there..it’s not what you might think. For those of you not yet fluent in blogese - SOB, stands for Successful Outstanding Blogger.

It’s such a cool thing to be dubbed SOB by Liz. I raved on about her just this Friday (no I wasn’t sucking up!) I truly enjoy Liz’s work and her blog. If you didn’t get a chance to swing by her blog after Friday’s post of inspirational blogs, swing by today and take a gander at this week’s other SOB’s. It’s always an eclectic and interesting mix. Get on it.

Hope everyone is having a successful Monday!

Kam

Passionate Quote of the Day: S&%T Happens!

"Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans."~ John Lennon

Hello loyal PMP’ers, just wanted to say OOPPPpsss! My server crashed on Friday night and I had to re-store some content from this week. So if you posted a comment between Tuesday and Friday, it’s proably gone. Likewise if you e-mailed, it might have bounced. I was able to restore the Wed. and Friday longer posts, but can’t find the quotes I used on Tuesday and Thursday. I’m trying to get them back. If anyone still has those e-mails, feel free to forward them on!

This was just a little lesson to remind me that sometimes stuff just “happens”. Life throws us a curve-ball from time to time (GO CARDS!). It’s how we respond to the stuff that really makes a difference. Sometimes I handle stuff with grace and calmness, other times I freak a little. But we’re all human and the random “crashes” keep us grounded!

Have a relaxing Sunday everyone and see you tomorrow.

Cleanin’ up my stuff,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Inspiration

This week has been an interesting one. Lessons learned. Life lived. Opportunities presented themselves as if out of the blue. Emotions ran amuck but was able to focus on the present moment and reel those rambling thoughts back to a place that brings me inner peace and joy. Whew!

That being said, I wanted to take today to send some link-love out to blogs that bring me JOY and inspiration!! Blogging is an amazing way to connect with some of the coolest people on this planet. Here’s some of my favs…

Mucho luv-o to Phil Gerbyshak at Make it Great! The name says it all. If you haven’t visited MIG, shake your booty on over and grab a nibble to nosh on! From business to motivation, from strategy to innovation, MIG’s got ya covered.

Liz at Successful Blog is the regal queen of the blogosphere. Her eloquent writing tips, blogging tips, unique ideas for creativity and just all around warm personality draws readers in. It’s like the Cheers of the b-sphere. Pull up a bar stool and settle in for a chat. Liz offers up a welcome smile and wisdom in a way that you know she’s talking to you not at you.

Terry Starbucker at Ramblings from a Glass Half Full just makes me smile. Being a music enthusiast I LOVE that he’s doing a soundtrack for his life. Drop on in and see for yourself why Starbucker is one of the dashing gentlemen of the blogosphere. And who can resist Troy Worman’s enthusiasm at Orbit Now? His Og Mandino quotes alone are enough for a daily drive by. Skooch on over!

I recently discovered Dontoearth. Check out Don’s wikipedia entry! At 92 he’s one of the world’s oldest (and wisest) bloggers. If I end up with half the sass and fire this guy’s got when I’m 92, I’ll die a happy gal! Check out his post, My Experience with Lung Cancer & TB, which as it turned out…he didn’t have lung cancer, so had been operated on for NO reason! Read on to find out how Don turned the experience into a positive one. An amazingly spunky, engagingly human storyteller. You better go listen in!

While you’re at it, Gather Round over at Dick Richards ongenius.com and check out his Top 12 posts. Although the one I recently tagged was the Purpose Prescription.  Dick’s genius is definitely at work! Do yourself a favor, go get schooled by the genius himself.

Blogging buddy Holly, at Holly’s Corner talks all things family, kiddos, work/life balance (is there such a thing?) and does it all with a style and flair I hope to have when I arrive in the mommy-hood (if that is where my path takes me).

You’ve probably heard me mention my pal Kirsten from Think Positive blog, but just incase, here’s another chance to link on over and get a fix! Kirsten’s loaded up the space with positive affirmations, gratitude’s, and musings on how to increase your mind, body, spirit connection and general greatness. Just yesterday she was even expressed gratitude for being my blogging buddy. Thanks Kirsten!

And the list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my two favorite coach buddies. First there’s Pam with her dynamic duo of blogs Make the Most of U and Walking My Own Walk . If you’re looking for great insights or questions to make you really think, check out make the most of you. And watch Pam as she’s walks her talk and shares her ups, downs and everything in between. Pam is my rock!

Speaking of rocks, next up is my girl Katie over at Morning Monologue. Katie is my rock climbing’ role model and is always stretching her limits. She inspires me to keep reaching for new heights and always expect the BEST!

Wrapping things up, I am finally able to officially announce that I am contributing over at Andy Wibbels coachamatic.com. Click on over for instant access to greatness from about 30 of the most diverse and amazing coaches I have had the pleasure of getting to know. I learn something new each time I’m over there, so get in gear and get on over.

There ya have it folks. A list of some truly inspiring blogs and some of the coolest people you’ll come across…all wearing the title “blogger”.  Grab a beverage, shut the office door and spend the rest of the afternoon making a mad dash around the blogosphere. You won’t be disappointed! Have a great weekend and stay passionate.

I blog therefore I am,
Kammie K.

ps...the list wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to my uber-cool, all things law of attraction friend JT Chandler at jtchandler.com. He’s a true Kam-bassador and his site is ALL good! Check it out.

Passionate Theme of the Day: Perception

Inspiration jolted me this wet and misty morning, as my all time favorite, musical crush - Jason Mraz, crooned melodic melodies for me all the way into the office. Funny thing, I’ve listened to his songs so many times, the lyrics are basically engraved on my brain. So it was interesting that a verse I’ve heard (and sang) too many times to count, struck a cord and got my wheels spinning so early.

The song Did you Get My Message, got me thinking. On the surface it sounds like Jason’s just checking in with a friend to see if they received a message that he left them. But take a closer look and you’ll see that Jason really wants to know if his recipient “got” his message.

Did you get my message, the one I left
While I was trying to condense everything that I meant
In a minute or less when I called to confess
And make all of my stresses go bye-bye

Did you get my message, you didn’t I guess
‘cuz if you did you would have called me with your sweet intent
and we could give it a rest
‘stead of beating my breast
making all of the pressure go sky-high

Do you ever wonder what happens to the words that we send
Do they bend, do they break from the flight that they take
And come back together again with a whole new meaning
In a brand new sense, completely unrelated to the one I sent

Did you get my message, oooh oooh ooooh
~Jason Mraz

The italicized part is what I’m really chewing on.

When we speak, send an e-mail, write a blog post, a memo, a letter – give a presentation, speak to a small group or talk on the phone – any time we communicate (or try to) with another person(s), aren’t we coming from our own perception? Do the words really twist and turn and “bend and break” as they leave our mouths (or fingertips) and enter the recipient’s reality?

I recently had an argument with a friend. It wasn’t a very good day and I was quick to jump on this person when she pushed a hot button. It went something like this: Me – “How come you’re SO quick to play the XYZ role?” Her – “Kammie that’s YOUR perception! That’s how YOU see the situation.” WOW!! She was right. I was judging her. They always say when someone is hitting one of your hot buttons, it’s because something in them is reflecting back at you about yourself.

Upon further reflection I was able to see that I too can play this XYZ role. The very thing I was judging this person about is a quality that I too display. For as much as I hate to admit it, it’s true.

Coach U’s Guiding Principle #7 is “People live from their perception”. So when we’re communicating with others, are we REALLY getting what they are saying, or are we merely filtering it through our often fuzzy, sometimes hazy, somewhat judgmental perception? Suze from brightcopperkettles blog share this insight about perception:

“Truth is filtered through many perceptions. For example, someone could perceive a “truth”, filter it, process it, then communicate their version of it to someone else, who in turn perceives/filters and processes the “truth’ with their different perceptions and cognitive system. They might even get the wrong end of the stick. And that’s completely disregarding egos and emotions, which tend to confuse things and result in the truth being completely mangled up.”

Now, if we were all wired with high speed, extra sensory perception, perhaps communication might be easier. Or if we could visualize the flow of communication like these beautifully animated images (be sure and scroll down) from doorsofperception.com maybe then we might be sure, our message was “gotten”.

Until then, how might we try to perceive the messages that are sent, and not just the message we think we heard thru our funky filters? If something feels hurtful or “off” about what someone is saying are they really trying to hurt you? Or is that just fear talking? If someone says something that pushes a hot buttons, is that really about the other person or is that more about you? Can we step outside of our own perception (reality), using patience and compassion and really try and see things from the other person’s perspective?

This reminds me of another song I’ve been spinnin’ lately, Gomez’s How We Operate. Here’s the relevant part:

“Turn me inside out and upside down
And try to see things my way
Turn a new page, tear the old one out
And I’ll try to see things your way”

How much of our perception and filters is really just old “stuff”? Unresolved emotions or experiences that form a lens over our little bubble of reality and shift the messages coming thru? How might we be more tolerant of others perceptions and practice more patience and discernment when receiving? How might we as the messenger be more aware that others might not perceive our message as we intended it? Just some random ramblings brought on by triggers of musical muses.

How do you perceive your world today? What filters are you looking thru? How might you buff and polish those filters so that you can clearly hear more of the truth?

Trying to perceive with patience,
Kam

Passionate Quote of the Day: Fear

“Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive—the risk to be alive and express what we really are.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz

I have been inspired by many blogs out there posting quotes and sharing nuggets of wisdom. I thought on my off days - the days when I don’t have a random - long-winded tangent buring to escape my mind and enter the page, that I would post a quote.

Fear has been a topic of conversation lately. Fear of success. Fear of failure. Fear of loving. Fear of not loving. Fear of change. Fear of not changing. It’s a tricky one. A demon I face daily and try to look square in the eye and bust a bad-ass, kung-fu, Billy Blanks - Tae-Bo, roundhouse kick on!!

Go on passionate people, express what you really are today. Kick fear in the ass. Be bold. Be passionate.

Fear ain’t nothin’ but a shadow that needs a lil’ light,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Witness

The weather matches my mood. 50 degrees, cloudy and raining. Not the cool thunderstorm kinda rain I love, but an ever present slow shower. I find myself a little funky. I tried to shift my focus on what is beautiful about a funky day. As I looked out my car window, I noticed the trees blowing in the wind and it almost looked like a dance. The colors are gorgeous this time of year and I was able to witness the beauty on this gray and cloudy day.

That got me thinking about the ever powerful practice of remaining present and in the here and now. It was a great weekend. Time spent with friends & family, saw a great film, (The Peaceful Warrior, go see it!), excellent dinner at a cool restaurant with a great vibe, fabulous music by Javier Mendoza (my new friend and musical crush, shhh don’t tell Jason Mraz).

So I went out looking for some posts related to focusing our thoughts on the present moment. My friend Kirsten over at the Think Positive blog wrote, It’s 10:00, do you know where your thoughts are?, earlier this summer.

I tend to get really excited about the future and when good things are on the horizon, I focus on the goal. Yet, when we’ve got our “eye on the prize”, doesn’t that rob us of the beauty of this moment as well? Like when fantasizing about future scenarios – be it business, romantic or health & wellness goals.

Then I stumbled across Jennifer at selfcreation.com and she reflected similar thoughts: “What amazed me was the amount of time I was not fully in the present. It seemed like I was always thinking about what was next, or thinking about some event in my past.”

But it’s easy (easier) to stay present when things are going well. When we’re having fun and enjoying our moments consciously. It’s when stuff get a little uncomfortable, irrational, or heated - that things get tricky. I find it challenging when in a disagreement, waiting to hear from a friend or loved one or when curious about news of a promotion, business opportunity or a pending raise.

What’s coming up when we “wonder” harmlessly (is it harmless?) about the future? Doesn’t this sometimes bring up stuff from our past? Like past doubts and insecurities or behavioral patterns we’re trying to change? Don’t we often become afraid, insecure, anxious, agitated, impatient, edgy, cranky, zoned-out, selfish, needy, less confident, low energy? So does wondering about the future, inevitably bring us back to the past?

We then miss ALL that IS happening in our present moment. We’re not as connected to those we’re conversing with. Not savoring the taste of our food. Not hearing the lovely sounds of nature (today – wind, tress, birds, windshield wipers, rain on the window, dogs shaking off rain, footsteps in puddles). Not fully present to those that seek our guidance, light, smile, or positive feedback. We’re not as open to others. We vibrate at a lower frequency, thus don’t attract as many positive opportunities as when we’re fully present and in the moment.

I came across this poem at 43things.com

“Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now,
Peace is all around us-
in the world and in nature-
in our bodies and our spirits
Once we learn to touch this peace,
we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith;
it is a matter of practice.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

SO true about the miracles that are available to us in each and every moment if we only open our eyes and witness them. Today I am really in need of my own message! To BE where I AM and not get over-anxious about the future. My here and now is where I AM. As if I needed any further confirmation of this, I found yet another little sign re-affirming the Power of Now. It’s a spiritual message from Osho, the Zen master at cybernoon.com

“Everything is available, has been available always; you have never missed it. But just because of your seeking of the future, of the goal, you cannot look. The truth surrounds you, you exist in it. These trees, these winds blowing, these clouds moving, the sky, you, and I - that is what God is.”

Soooo let’s BE here NOW (Ram Dass knew what he was talking about!). Let’s focus on the gifts we’re given each and every moment. The opportunity to learn, grow, & expand our consciousness and awareness is available to us NOW. Let’s not rush it. Let’s relax and tune-in. Let’s not reflect on days gone by. The past is over and we’re able to write the script new each and every day. The future will take care of itself based on the choices we choose consciously in the present.

What are you witnessing in this moment? What do you do to re-connect with the present?

The present is perfect,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Dog Karma

Every time I get the yoga mat out and set up for my Yoga-Booty-Ballet sessions, my dog – Trixie “Tru-Love” goes berserk! She jumps up and down trying to get on the mat. Then as soon as I hit downward dog pose, she does too! I thought it was a fluke at first. But I swear it happens every time I do yoga. She LOVES it. When she’s not hangin’ in down dog, she tries to kiss me and lick my sweaty arms or face or neck, whichever happens to be closest.

I started observing both my dogs. Know what? Even on the days that I don’t shake my butt outta bed and stretch, the first thing they do each morning is downward and upward dog. I’m envious of my other dog - Chance, “Don’t call me Chuck”…he can go from down dog to up dog in one flowy, seamless motion. Sometimes I think Trixie is a master yogi reincarnated into a dog. She trips me out.

The other thing I love about my dogs is that they “get” what life is all about. They eat when hungry. Play when they feel like playing. Sleep when tired. Are constant cuddler’s, kissers and lovers. They are pure, unconditional love wrapped up in furry little packages. This got me thinking about the guidance that animals give us, if only we’re open to receiving their messages.

I stumbled back upon an article I’d saved from Lance Secretan’s website (it’s no longer a live link). Here’s what wisdom he found from his dog, appropriately named – Spirit:

~Be happy.
~Love what you do so much that there is no difference between Monday and Saturday.
~Run, romp and play daily.
~Be in the moment when going for a joyride.
~Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
~Never pass up the opportunity to explore new areas.
~Leave room in your schedule for regular naps and stretch before rising.
~A stick is not just a stick - if you play with me and make it fun, it will be a joyful and transcending thing.
~When meeting new friends for the first time - make it very clear how glad you are to make their acquaintance.
~Give people lots of attention and welcome their affection.
~Always be ready to learn something new. The rewards can be handsome.
~When it feels right, make lots of noise.
~Forgiveness is a wonderful thing - don’t hold grudges for more than two minutes.
~Harbor no hidden agendas.
~No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout - run right back and make friends.
~Directness is a wonderful thing. If you want something, just make your desire very clear.
~It can never be said enough: If you told me each time you thought “I love you”, I would love you more.
~Speaking of love - just give it unconditionally.
~Let others know when they are invading your boundaries.
~When you make a mistake (farting for example) just carry on like nothing happened, or make it cute, and everyone will think you are lovable.
~If you ever feel angry, remember these three words of advice: get over it.
~If what you want what lies buried, dig until you find it.
~Remember the Law of Dog Karma: What you give is what you get.
~Your Personal Mission should be: “To be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.”

Wanted to share this lovely dog wisdom. I dig hanging out with my dogs and watching them be REAL. The just get it don’t they? Go with the flow and own their moods. If they feel funky…roll out the funky red carpet. If they are excited, there’s no doubt about it. They are ever the empathetic listeners; in fact, they use their 6th sense and seem to just “know” when you feel sad or blue.

Let’s observe our furry friends. Let’s be unconditional with our love. Let’s sit with a friend when they’re funky. Let’s BE excited to see family and friends. Let’s sleep when we need it. Play everyday just because it’s a good thing. And eat when we’re hungry. Let’s own our emotions and ask (or beg if needed) for what we want.

Which dog qualities will you own today? What lessons have you learned from your furry friends?

Bow to the wow,
Kam

ps...for more info on furry friends as spirit guides check this out

Passionate Theme of the Day: Accountability

I wouldn’t be a coach living in integrity if I weren’t being coached as well. I am proud to say that I am part of an amazing group embarking on a 12-month journey in the Success and Inner Peace Boot camp led by Coach Mary Allen Cole.

Talk about inspiring and passionate people! My fellow boot campers are some of the most incredible people I’ve come to know. Along with our ups, downs and all arounds - we share one-year visions, the emotional muscles we’re flexing and which daily inspired actions we’re committed to. We’re truly living the Power of Inner Choice.

A recent conversation revolved around taking responsibility and being accountable for our own “piece” in communications with others. Whether it’s a significant other, a co-worker, friend or family member - business or personal - we can often become defensive and shut down in communications. When we feel attacked, we start to point fingers and place blame. Closing ourselves off and jumping to a place of being “right”.

A fellow boot camper shared this, “A friend used to tell me that if there is any issue with anyone at all, each person has a piece, even if your piece is 1% and the other person’s piece is 99%.” Which spurred on an entire dialogue around accepting your piece.

That got me thinking about the play on the words piece and peace. Shouldn’t the resolution we’re actually seeking in any discussion be peace? As synchronicity would have it, I then stumbled upon, Ways to Distinguish Yourself #166 - Get People to Respond; not React! by Rajesh Setty at Life Beyond Code.

Rajesh asks us to: “Think about some of your recent “difficult” conversations with people. When the other person made an inappropriate comment, was it a reaction or a response?”

He adds to the piece vs. peace dialogue by shifting us from reaction mode to response mode.

“Since you have only one person that you can truly control - YOU, maybe you should take the larger responsibility of ensuring that you say things in a manner that will elicit a response rather than a reaction.”

Here are a couple examples:

Instead of saying: You NEVER return my phone calls on time.
How about: You seem to be extremely busy as I don’t hear back from you quickly.

Instead of saying: You ALWAYS mess up things
How about: You didn’t pay attention to this job. Where you pre-occupied with something else or were my instructions not clear?

Next time you’re in a difficult conversation, remember to “own” your piece of it and seek peace as your final resolution. How can you respond instead of react? What piece of the conversation are you responsible for? What part of the other person’s reaction are you accountable for?

How can you go into your next discussion armed with tools for peace and response vs. weapons for reaction?

Playing full out means accepting your piece…

Peace & love,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Gratitude

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." ~Brian Tracy

Everybody has bad days. It’s only human. Sleep through the alarm. Dog pees on your shoes. Trip your way out the door. Get to work late. The boss is mad as hell and what are you gonna do about it?

Chief Happiness Office, Alex Kjerulf at positivesharing.com, shares his top 6 tricks to get over it already! I was inspired by the CHO’s positive vibes and wrote a little ditty myself over at coachamatic.com called I Heart my Gratitude Problem. In it I share 7 tips for copping a better ‘tude.

Here’s 3 to nibble on and then you better hustle up, head on over to coachamatic.com and read the rest for yourself!

1. Say thank you for your breath as you transition from sleep to consciousness for 5 minutes before your feet hit the floor each day.
2. Stop and really look at your food before you eat it. Notice the way it smells and think about all the people it took to get that food on your plate.
3. Look into your pet’s eyes as you pet them. Show them you are grateful for their furry spirit and guidance they share.

Also found this juicy article called How an Attitude of Gratitude Can Help Us. It’s ALL about how we attract that which we focus on. Simply stated - you focus on, “This day sucks”, you’re gonna keep eating sucky stew. But turn that frown upside down and reframe that language into, “So XYZ kinda sucked, but this day is great! I can’t wait to meet ABC for lunch so we can present the TPS report to the big wigs, their gonna love it!”

OK, there was an extra side of cheese in there, but you get my drift. We need to remember that WE are responsible for OUR behavior. Our attitude makes or breaks our day. We CHOOSE to live positively or we CHOOSE to wallow in funk. (Remember, after my recent battle with the funk’s, I’m boycotting all Funky Funkerstien’s.)

So next time you feel like Debbie downer, remember to cop a serious gratitude! You have everything you need to succeed. In fact, you already ARE a success. No matter where you are on your journey, you can cop a gratitude attitude and achieve peace over the “monkey mind” at any given moment.

Be conscious of your ‘tude and notice when there are moments you could stop and express gratitude instead of spreading verbal vomit or negative vibes. We are magnets and attract to us more of what we focus on. What do you want to attract? Health, wealth and wisdom? Or drama, negative people and bad mojo?

Today, I am grateful for creativity, freedom, truth, beauty, spirit and love.

What kind of ‘tude are you copping today? What things are you grateful for?

Rockin’ my gratitude,
Kam

“Saying thank you is more than good manners. It’s good spirituality.” ~ Alfred Painter

Passionate Theme of the Day: Possibility

“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

I think someone’s got a crush on me. Every morning as I walk the dogs (somewhere between 5:10 & 5:30) I look up into the sky and who do I see? The fearless hunter Orion looking back at me.

I’ve been wondering why he keeps crashing into my awareness lately? Curious if there was a hidden message in the Orion myth for me, I did a lap around the net and here’s what I found:

According to KD1973 over at 43things.com,

“The Greek myths of Orion’s death and subsequent placement in the sky may also be connected to legends from other ancient cultures. In one myth, Artemis fell in love with him and was tricked by her brother Apollo into killing Orion with an arrow. Artemis then set Orion’s image in the stars.”

In another version of the story I found legend has it that Orion stepped on a scorpion and that’s what killed him. Either way, Orion got the raw end of the stick. So what is it about this celestial suitor that so captivates me every morning?

I believe he represents possibility. He looms over the sky with such regal stature and strength. As a hunter, each day presented a new opportunity to hunt the BIG game. Orion was no fraidy cat. He was into playing FULL out. He showed up each day and LIVED. Orion took risks. He looked forward to each new day as the day he’d score the BIGGEST game!

So I’m gonna smile now, when I walk the dogs and notice Orion hangin’ with me. He’s hanging out as a reminder of the possibility each new day holds. We’ve all got Orion watching our backs. If you’re ever in need of inspiration, just take a gander up in the sky. The BIG game hunter is twinkling and shining bright, just waiting for you to notice him winking back at you.

Let’s all take a page out of the BIG game hunter’s playbook, and remember to revel in the possibility each new day has in store for us. Let’s boldly and courageously step up and step forward to play full out. Let’s not hide our magic. Let’s shine our lights brightly and light up this dizzy lil’ planet called Earth. Maybe if we shine bright enough, Orion will be looking to US for inspiration!

How can you step up, play FULL out, and shine your celestial self today? What inspires you to hunt the BIG game each day?

“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.”~ George Bernard Shaw

Shine on passionate people…shine on,
Kam

Passionate Theme of the Day: Purpose

Cruised the blogosphere a bit and found a juicy little nibble to nosh on. Being that my biz is called Passion Meets Purpose, I’m often asked “How do I find my purpose?” Sorry to report there is NO magic bullet. No Life Purpose Protein Shake. No Mega-Ultra-Slim-Fast or Life Purpose Quick Fix pill.

But I did stumble upon Dick Richards; author of Is Your Genius At Work? 4 Key Questions to Ask Before Your Next Career Move. Talk about a guy who is passionate about purpose! Yeowwzzaa! He recently penned a four part series revolving around these two powerful questions at his Ongenius Blog:

“Why does knowledge of purpose arrive for some but not for others? What determines when it will arrive?” What brilliance and wisdom was Dick able to surmise regarding this too hot topic?

Here’s what caught my eye in Part 1:“While I cannot say with any certainty exactly when awareness of purpose will arrive for any one person, I do now believe this statement to be true: knowledge of purpose will arrive only after the demands of ego have been transcended enough to allow that knowledge to enter awareness.”

Which then led him to ponder in Part 2:
“Maybe the entire task is transcending self-centeredness, fear, and other ego-trappings, and then one cannot escape purpose. Maybe then purpose seeks you, or maybe then you are your purpose.”

That led him to toss this morsel into Part 3:
“Every person I have known who held a deep sense of purpose found it through a process that was experiential and spiritual rather than intellectual. In other words, they had some life experience that provided them with a call that they could not refuse.

Finding purpose is neither a quest to pursue nor a puzzle to solve. Purpose will arrive on its own, sometimes subtly and sometimes obviously, dawning slowly or in a bright sudden flash, when the bonds of both ego and intellect have been transcended enough to allow you to heed its call.”

Rounding out the series, Dick closes with this:
“When will I know my purpose?” The answer is simple but not easy: you will find your purpose when you become the kind of person to whom purpose calls.”

WOW! Can I get an Amen!?!! I don’t know about you, but I’ve been chewing on this all weekend. If you’re interested in the rest of the dialogue, head on over to ongenius.com – you won’t be sorry.

I completely relate to Dick’s final words, “You will find your purpose when you become the kind of person to whom purpose calls”.  If you’d met me just about a year and a half ago, you would have stumbled upon someone quite different than the person writing these words today.

Thank God I wasn’t down and out or addicted to drugs, but I did spend a lot of time “working on me”. I was on a diet of hard-core coaching sessions, mixed with spiritual reading, a sprinkle of contemplative journaling, a dash of therapy and a side order of workshops for good measure. Let’s just say Kammie had to get her own house clean before she could run around the blogosphere showing other people how to more efficiently clean their houses. Ya with me? Essentially I had to walk my talk. I had to align myself with the vision of who I wanted to be.

So I get what Dick is saying. Sometimes we’re so focused on getting there, that we completely miss that WE are here and here is where the work is. Each and everyday we are afforded opportunities to show up and BE who we are. Each day is another new beginning to become the person we were born to be. Not to sound “woo woo” about it. It just IS.

Take this weekend for example. My mom and I watched my niece so my sister and her husband could go out of town for their anniversary. My purpose this weekend? To BE the best aunt “ammie” (Alyssa can’t quite say the K in Kammie yet) I could be. When she was feeling funky and hot with a little fever and crying her big ol’ crocodile tears cuz she wasn’t comfortable, my only purpose was to help fix it. When she looked at me and said “pee” my only purpose was to sit on the bathroom floor and read her a book as we waited for the drops to hit the bowl.

Was any of that on my weekend agenda? Nope. Tuning into our purpose means realizing that we are not the biggest factor in the equation. When we can step outside of ourselves and realize that we are a channel for whatever message needs to move through us, in whatever form or fashion that is, that’s when our purpose will reveal itself.

Are you an artist? Do you build homes? Are you in a service industry? Do you make widgets that help make our lives easier? Do you stay home and raise children of character and integrity? Do you make people laugh?  How can we live ON purpose each day? When we are authentic, living in integrity, doing what we say we’ll do, we move one step closer to fulfilling that purpose. Our purpose can change from day to day.

Today my purpose was to hold a hand. Wipe a snotty nose. Kiss a boo-boo. Read a book on the bathroom floor.  Tomorrow it will be something else. Maybe to share a smile with a stranger. Perhaps a student will need a shoulder to lean on, or a faculty member a chair to sit in and an ear to bend. Whatever the case, I am here to serve something beyond me. Beyond my wants and wishes and desires. The more I surrender myself to that power, that energy, that creative source and let it guide me– the more goodness and peace and happiness and light continue to flow my way.

Take a moment and think about how you can become the kind of person that purpose calls. What little steps can you take each day to walk more in alignment with your bigger vision. How does that person talk? How does that person walk? How does that person treat their neighbors? How does that person speak to customers on the phone? Interact with co-workers? Connect with the clerk at the grocery store? Treat their subordinates?

How does a person of purpose show up in this world? How might YOU show up today so that your purpose can find you tomorrow?

Diggin’ my passion & purpose,
Kam

Ps…shout out to Phil G. who blog tipped the PMP over at Make it Great! Thanks Phil for living passionately and on purpose each day…you are truly an inspiration!