Stepping into the unexplored can require a level of courage.
Letting go of old defined ways takes solid commitment.

To allow a vision to unfold demands a steadfast self-belief. All of which I discovered in the firehouses of FDNY. Fewer than 30 women serve among the 12,000 firefighters in New York City ,the first to achieve the distinction in the 117-year history of FDNY.

Who are these women?

- Determined trailblazers, certainly.   – Bold risk-takers, absolutely. When given the opportunity to investigate the actions and attitudes of these women, I jumped at the chance. But, what I didn’t know at the time is that what I would encounter is an empowered approach to success: an openness to envision, experience and engage life like never before.

If you want to find the courage to step outside your comfort zone and go for your highest vision – maybe do a bit of trailblazing in your own life – the first best thing you can do for yourself is to cultivate the essentials of empowered success:

Be willing to grow beyond the defined. Each moment you have the opportunity to be more of who you are. Make a solid commitment to deepen your relationship with yourself and align with your truest nature. Instead of defining yourself with a list of negatives
- what you don’t do, what you don’t like, any failings, anxieties and losses
- you can begin to reflect toward the positives in who you are now, what you value most and what you desire to create.
Look for the ‘yes’ in all things. It is up to us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Know that every thought and feeling is empowering you.  And, that every action is pulling you towards the ultimate fulfillment of your life vision.
Ignite the power of possibilities. Clarity of intention is rooted in the depth by which we believe something is possible – or, impossible.  Ignite the power from deep inside that’s challenging you to lead a life by your own unique design.  Then, say yes. Saying yes may take you to unexpected places, meeting new people, trying new skills and unanticipated positive outcomes.
Play with fresh curiosity. Look towards every situation with fresh new eyes. Explore with a sense of wonder.  Be inquisitive.  Ask questions.  And then listen deeply to hear the answers.  Remember, new discovery can be sparked through the smallest of apertures – a chance meeting, an overheard conversation, by asking the right question at the right time or simply allowing ourselves to notice the unexpected. Collaborate with sheer trust. Real empowered success comes from a willingness to make an empowered choice. Say yes to new actions and allow yourself to experience new results. Find your way back to your creative, spontaneous self.
Embrace your creative brilliance. Forge a genuine relationship between what you do and what you love.  Your greatest, most empowered success can only come from being true to yourself, true to others and true to the life you live.

The fact is life is full.  Period.

Yes, there are days we feel like we are pulled in a million directions.   Family, friends, community, work – some days the “to do” list is more like the ‘way too much to ever get done list”.  But, here’s the thing:  We have a tendency to keep this list running over and over and OVER in our heads.  Like the refrain of an old worn out song, we constantly remind ourselves of what we think we need to get done.   What happens?  Big distraction, increased stress and maximum overload!    Most importantly, we simply can’t FOCUS.   But after all, how could we?   How can we stay focused on our real vision when our mind reminds us a thousand times a day that we can’t forget to respond to email, follow-up with that new potential client, change the oil in the car, remember our son’s school open house, and oh yeah, what’s for dinner?   Now, try multiplying this a thousand times and you have the picture of what our mind does each day.

What’s the solution?  This week, try experimenting with the 4 ‘R’s’ of rekindling your creativity, igniting fresh inspiration and creating a life you absolutely love!

#1 – Respond Now.   What’s on your list that is a quick and easy get it done now task? 

If it’s something that will take only 15-20 minutes, why wait?  Do it now.    Save yourself the investment of energy that it takes to remind your self of the task.  Feel the freedom of completion and allow it to propel and motivate you forward.

#2 – Re-Assign It.   Everyone needs a support team.  Whether we are a dedicated stay-at home mom or CEO of a growing enterprise, when it comes to living our vision, support is not only necessary, it’s vital!    Who are the members of your team?  Look around and then ask for help.  Let go of the “I can do it all myself” mindset and become a team player.

#3 – Relinquish It.   Remember that stack of magazines and newspapers in the corner?  Let’s be honest, will you ever get around to reading them?   Take a close look at your list.  My sense is there are some things – maybe many things – that you can simply release and let go of.   Lighten the load, really prioritize and recapture boundless creative energy for what really matters most to you.

#4 – Re-Prioritize It.   Remember, this is YOUR life.  So really consider what is most important to you.  Take a look at your ‘to do’ list and closely consider your investment of time in a purposeful way.   Create a vision.  Then, one by one consider each step and when it can be accomplished.  Set a date in the future and enjoy the journey of creating.  The best part of this exercise is that your mind will immediately become opened and relaxed.  And, that relaxed state creates a spectacular atmosphere for more authentic, spontaneous success – where you can discover new possibilities, say YES to the life YOU desire, and live by your own unique design!

Looking for ways to celebrate your most amazing life now? 

Here a list of 25 ways to ignite fresh possibilities and optimize creative flow!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day.   And while you walk, smile – it’s the direct path to feeling more connected with yourself, with others and with your surroundings.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.   The benefits are priceless!
3. Like late night shows?  No worry, record them and get to bed early.  The next morning you’ll bounce out of bed vibrant, rested and ready to embrace life!
4. Start your day with success in mind.  When you wake up in the morning, make it part of your routine to speak aloud a statement of intention:  “Today I am 100% committed to ___________.”
5. Live the six essentials — Vision, Focus, Intention, Interest, Action, Purpose.
6. Make it a point to have more fun today than you did yesterday.  Read poetry, engage in an intriguing conversation, challenge yourself with a favorite crossword puzzle, take time in nature, explore a new subject you’ve yet to explore.  Whatever fun is to you, commit to experience more of it, now!
7. Dedicate time to strengthening your spiritual practice:  Meditation, yoga, tai chi, chanting, prayer. This is the ultimate fuel for a full, rich, prosperous life.
8. Invest more time with people who are motivated, inspiring, uplifting, encouraging, insightful, fun and funny.
9. Play with fresh curiosity!  Create a practice of exploring and investigating.  Ask lots of questions.  And, listen deeply for the answers.
10. Place nutrition high on your list of priorities.   Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
12. De-clutter your home, your car and your desk.  Let go of the old.  Let in the new!  It’s all about allowing a fresh flow of energy into your life.
13. Value the power of your spoken word.  Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, long conversations about the past or things you cannot control.   Rather invest your energy in empowered thoughts, solutions and focused outcomes.
14.  Look for the yes in all things.  Focus on the ways that every experience is expanding your connection with yourself, with others and with life. 
15.  Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be your very best.  Allow yourself to receive the wisdom of mentors, the know-how of teachers and the lessons of role models.   You are here to learn.
16. Value your talents and share them relentlessly with others.
17. Make peace with your past and empower your present.
18. Remember comparison compromises self worth.  Don’t fall into the habit of comparing yourself or your life to others’.  We each have a journey defined by our own unique design.
19. Light candles, treat yourself to nice linens, listen to music.  Make it a point to surround yourself with beauty.  You are worth it right now!
20. The best part is:  No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
21. Waste not one moment!  Forgive yourself and forgive everyone for everything.
22. Fortunately, what other people think of you is none of your business.  Fully express your greatness.  Hold nothing back!
23.  Life can change in a heartbeat!  However the situation, one thing is certain:   It will change!
24. Your most amazing life is unfolding now.  The best is yet to come!
25. Each night, before you go to bed, reflect upon your day.   Look for what you’ve discovered and ways you’ve accomplished more than you could have imagined.   Allow yourself to be in awe of the outcomes.  Then, set the tone for your next day by speaking aloud the following statement:  “I am grateful for _______.”  In other words:  Celebrate your most amazing life now!

About Marsh Engle

For over a decade Marsh Engle has facilitated hundreds of hours of coaching – especially to women – helping them to discover their unique talents while empowering their ability to bring forth their creative vision and entrepreneurial success.   Her organization, Envision Network, serves as a central uniting place for feminine leaders and their organizations.  In February 2009 she launched Envision Circles, a specialized mentorship program designed to provide women one of the most creative, empowering and transformative periods of their life.

www.MarshEngle.com

I woke up this morning with an email from my good friend, Dr. Sharron Stroud.
Her words: “Being in Fear removes you from the Flow of Life.   The natural flow of life is easy and light.
Being in fear creates a dense, heavy energy in your body so you can’t connect with the lighter flow of life.”

What does it feel like to be in the flow?

For me, it comes in a continuous stream of fresh insights …. a deep connect with my intuition and creative solutions to the the situations and experiences at hand. And best yet, ENTHUSIASM, joy and appreciation come easy. CONNECTION, happiness and seeing the best first, effortless. Dancing in the possibilities, ever present. Yes, I’m a big fan of living in the flow of life!

Here what I know: When I’m in the denser energy of fear, I’m cutting myself off from life and all of the insights, solutions, answers, opportunities and new directions that are here for me now.

So, I’m making friends with fear like never before!
My mantra for today …. “Be Willing To Grow Beyond The Defined.”
I’m stepping outside of ALL perceived limitations and jumping into the flow and it feels GREAT!

Will you join me?