The Joy Factor

Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full kind of person?  The truth is the glass is always full!  (This image appeared on my facebook wall recently)

 

Ever have those days where all your best laid plans seem to get way-laid at every turn?  Do you find yourself saying, “The Universe is conspiring against me!”?

Many of us are unhappy because we haven’t cultivated our “joy stamina”.  No matter what life is throwing in our direction: death, divorce, failure, loss of status or income - everyone just wants to be happy and you CAN be by learning to make joy a habit.

Do you let minor things annoy you?  Traffic, disrupted schedules, someone not listening to you?  How do you react?  Are you in control of your emotions or do you tend to be overly dramatic about every little thing?  Have you stopped to consider why? 

The reality of it is that if we believe we are created in divinely we can’t say, “Well I’m just naturally a moody person.”  Find the joy and gratitude in each situation.  Make it a habit.  Cultivate your joy.

Life is not what happens to us.  It’s how we choose to experience it.  It IS a choice.  Practice transcending external conditions.  Tell yourself “All things are working together for good.”   Or “I am a joy filled being centered and calm in the face of adversity.”
 
Life is yours to enjoy.  You CAN make joy a habit!

Back to that glass - It’s half full of water and half full of air.  Are you seeing it as half empty or full of potential - full of life’s learning opportunities to become more of who you are meant to be in this life – Joy in expression?

Need help with that?  Contact Jude for a complimentary consultation.

The Stockings Were Hung

 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

in hopes that Florida relatives soon would be there.

 

Cleaning and scrubbing, and a new roof was put on

after Jude finished teaching and from school had gone.

 

Christmas Eve was spent shopping - buying groceries for:

the vegans, the dog & the omnivores.

 

The Grinch may have stole Christmas from the Whos in that show,

but WE'LL have a great Christmas, though I doubt we’ll have snow.

To All My Virtual Friends and Followers

Have a Blessed Holiday Season if you celebrate and I hope you enjoy family or friends no matter what.

 

Here's to embracing the journey 2012 brings and aligning your vibrational energy with the Cosmos for your Highest and Best Life!

 

I'd be honored to help you embrace the journey & attain your goals!

Are you Allowing for Resistance?

Have you ever had a break up where you knew the relationship was toxic, but you struggled with letting it go?  Whether it was a love relationship or just a friend, your mind keeps going back to why didn't it work out or I miss him so much!  You make a list of good points versus bad. 

It's obvious that the damage from the minus side was taking its toll on you.  This person is not going to change, but your monkey mind is holding on tight making you miserable with wanting what isn't working.  You have an idea of how your life or the world SHOULD be and life just isn't cooperating with you.

How do you handle it?  Do you get upset with yourself for not being able to logically let go & move on?  What's the deal?  You're a bright educated person here.  Why does do you still feel so crappy about this? 

Or do you allow for that resistance to change?  Allow for those human feelings and emotions.  Allow for the grief of unmet hopes & dreams or for loss.  Allow for what is.   

So many of us get stuck in the why didn't it work out?  Why doesn't ___ (s/he, your parents, a friend...) love/treat me the way I need to be loved/treated?  Why do other people do things that hurt me? 

What if for one moment, you gave yourself permission to feel those feelings without judgement?  What could be possible - self acceptance, less pain, even contentment?

The next time the emotional flood gates open and you find yourself saying "Why do I still feel this way?" - Try something new.  Give yourself permission to feel those feelings.  Notice them, give them some attention.  "Oh!  You're back again, hello - How long do you plan to visit?"  They are just like an errant child who isn't getting the attention s/he wants.  These feelings keep yelling and screaming.  Every time you slam the door in their faces, they get louder and louder with each denial that they should still exist.

You might even try scheduling time to invite these thoughts back in.  By giving your mind permission to have these feelings, rational to you or not, it takes away the power they have over you.  You are accepting what is. 

After all - That which we resists, persists!

Have you tried something that works for you? 
I'd love hearing from you.  Feel free to leave a comment.

As always, contact Jude for more information on how to love the skin you're in and live a life you love! 

Hearing the Spirit Within ~ Intuition

"Only when we find the quietness in our own minds can we begin to hear our inner teacher, so that we may receive some intuition. Only when we are ready to recognize and value the wisdom that we carry at the core of our being will we turn our attention inwards and 'listen in'. But it's been a long time since we truly listened, so a little practice and patience will be needed. Sit down, be quiet and listen in at some point today and you might be surprised at what you hear. Then do it again tomorrow. All you need to do is remember that you are the listener and not the noise." ~ Unknown

What is your definition of Intuition? Is it trusting your gut, an instant knowing, or something else? The dictionary says Intuition is a direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process/a keen and quick insight. Do you believe it could be Spirit or the Universe talking to you?

For much of my life I looked to the outside rather than my inside for guidance and validation. Experts must have known better than I. Family and friends’ opinions seemed so important and superseded my own. When asked why I believed what I did, all I could answer was “because I do” and therein was the hint I was missing for so long. A feeling of what was right or wrong for me.

What holds you back? Is it emotions or ways we react to situations based on past experiences?

What moves you forward? Feelings or acting in alignment with your core values or authentic self. Align here and the Universe seems to encourage things in your life to fall into place.

In a recent workshop I did on intuition a participant asked, "How do you know the feeling you get with a new idea is intuition and not fear?" My answer was that you should feel open and energetic about the choice and not constricted or dragged down by it. The very next day another coach I know, Nina East, founder of the Personal Growth Princess.com posted in her blog: "The key distinction is that inner guidance always brings relief (sometimes coupled with excitement), almost always whispers, and never criticizes. If you hear a yelling voice in your head - and you aren't in imminent physical danger - chances are it's your fear talking, not your intuition. If you hear a voice chastising you for not having done something, that's not your inner guidance." (used with permission).

Practice strengthening your intuition muscle! There's no limit to where it can take you. 

How'd I Name My Business?

Explaining how I came up with the name of my coaching business goes back to telling how I came to life coaching. In 2005 I sustained the loss of both parents and my marriage. The following summer I attended a weekend retreat entitled "Moving Onward and Forward with Your Life". The sessions evolved around: What are your core values? What are your deepest fears and limiting beliefs? If nothing stood in your way what would you like to do with your life?

I realized I had no dreams, hope, or goals. My life had revolved around others: how could I please them, be a better person according to their standards, and live up to their expectations. I didn’t know who I was, or what I wanted to do and be.

Our presenter was a life coach who offered a sample session to anyone who was interested. I signed up and CLICK--my inner light had been turned on! It was then and there that I knew what my passion and vision for the future was. I'd always enjoyed listening to and helping others with their problems, and brainstorming with my friends, family. This seemed like a perfect fit. My Spirit within had been stirred immeasurably. A goal and a plan began developing.

When I got home, I immediately hired a coach. Our connection was eerie. We had many of the same beliefs about being whole and capable right now. We had similar spiritual connections that made this seem more than a coincidence. I knew THIS was what I wanted to do too and it felt so right. Things were falling into place. I began to learn about synchronicity.

By stirring my own spirit, by awakening to my inner wisdom and highest self, I began evolving into who I always had been, but had covered up, pushed down, or forgotten about. My perspective on my life began to change. I found a quote by Lao Tzu that said “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” I began to let go of who I thought I had been for so many years as someone’s daughter, wife, and mother. I began accepting that I am strong, have my own wisdom, and am complete without anyone or anything to make it so except the Universal Source of love and light.

So stand in your own light and take back your own power to live your best life by stirring the spirit within you today. I would be honored to help.

My coaching involves -

•Clarifying and distilling your Values-Purpose-Needs-Wants

•Validating & building on your strengths to help you create the life you want

•Finding out what has worked for you in the past and what hasn't

•Uncovering what stands in the way: Fear? Uncertainty? Lack of Knowledge? Self-Sabotage?

•Helping you shift out of a way of thinking that may has kept you stuck with questioning, deep listening, and shared insights

•Co-creating a plan of action

•Challenging you to step into it and move forward

•Helping you create supports to sustain momentum

•Letting you fly...

Jude Eastman M.Ed.~Life & Soul Coach
Thrive where you're planted and grow towards the light~YOUR inner light!

http://stirringthespiritwithin.com/
http://stirringthespiritwithin.blogspot.com
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http://facebook.com/judeeastman
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Master Gardening

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. - Goethe

The easiest way to identify what our heart wants is to examine the feelings that surface when we relate to that subject. Do you find solace when picking up your journal to write a daily reflection? Does time spent with your family thrill you to tears? What feelings arise when you chase down the things that make your heart flutter? True happiness comes when we routinely engage in positive activities that we love. Take a look at your life as a whole. Pursue the things that make you feel alive and fill you with joy and healthy balance." sparkpeople.com

How do I get that you ask? Sometimes we feel like one chapter of life has closed suddenly and unpleasantly. Loss of a relationship, death of a loved one, or the kids flew the coop. These circumstances in life often leave us feeling flat, worn out, and joyless. We have forgotten what brings us joy and who we really are inside. Change can happen when you're ready to let go of feeling that you have no control over life. If you can't change what's going on in life right now, can you change how you view it? Pick up that journal and start a list of what gives you joy. State in positive terms what you want as if it's already happened (I live a life of joy and harmony, I walk daily to maintain my healthy weight, I have many positive friends who support my life's dreams). Start cutting pictures out of magazines that make your mind say ahhh...and your heart glow. Make a vision board that shows pictures of what you'd like to see in your life and start your inner journey toward making that come true. Some very focused people make this happen by themselves. Many of us try and try, but keep slipping back into old ways (old thoughts and habits die hard). It's OK to treat yourself as well as you would your best friend. It's even OK to ask for help. Life Coaches help us learn to help ourselves.

I've been working on ways to talk about coaching and what I do for YOU - the client (This extends a past post "Cultivating Your Inner Garden"). I was trying to come up with a memorable way to introduce myself that will stick in your mind long after that brief 10 minute conversation at the party or networking event. Try this on for size. I'd love your feedback.

Hi I'm Jude Eastman, Master Gardener & Life Coach. Coaching is a bit like gardening. When you haven't been able to get the flowers to bloom by yourself, sometimes you hire a gardener. Think of your life in similar terms. I help you:

Prepare the soil by turning over the earth or examining your life circumstances.

Pull the weeds by up rooting & getting rid of limiting beliefs.

Plan the new garden by envisioning the life you WANT to live.

Plant seeds for change by clarifying your values &
aligning your life with them through focused action.

Fertilize by giving you tools to accelerate your growth.

Add sun by bringing out your strengths and validating your efforts.

Watering to create the momentum that keeps the dream alive.

If you'd like to know how I can help you grow your ideal life--I'd love to discuss my gardening tips with you. E-mail jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

Thrive where you're planted and grow towards the light (Your inner light)
Jude Eastman~Master Gardener & Life Coach
How does your garden grow?

Visit my Coaching site

Would you like help cultivating your own inner garden that makes your heart sing? I'd love to connect with you~message me at jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

Seeing the wonder in the smallest details

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.
- Albert Einstein, physicist


What do you appreciate and what do you ignore? Is a sunrise any less special because its image wouldn't make it on a magazine cover? Is any day less precious because, in your mind, "nothing special" happened? For some reason, it's hard to be impressed with anything these days. Driving a car is a source of strain instead of wonder. The internet is already old news. Quick--when was the last time you paid attention to a space shuttle flight? Remember when that was all people could talk about? Once you take something for granted, you also take the life out of it. When nothing is "special," boredom and gloom aren't far behind. Look around where you're sitting right now, and try to see it for the first time, like a child would. Think about the human potential that created the stuff in the room. Think about the miracles of nature right outside your window. Think about how amazing it is that you're even here to see it. dailyom.com

Even the Grinchi-est of us can stop, smell the spiced cider, the fresh evergreen, (OK-so you don't have a real tree--go outside!), the recent huge full rising moon. For me the little things in life make it all worthwhile. The kiss of my dog when I get home, the sparkle of the lights during this season. Appreciate, really appreciate what you have now. If you don't have the money to buy expensive gifts, give the gift of love. Write letters to those in your life that are there for you. Tell them how much you appreciate all that they do. Even those people who irritate you. Surely there's something about them you can appreciate. It will come back to you ten fold. Be the candle in the mirror--Be the change you wish to see.~Here's my wish for you~Let your heart glow with the light that is of you!

This is the season of light, a time when hearts are aglow. I picture the image of a light that holds my attention. It may be a streetlight with sparkling snow flurries whirling past it. Perhaps I see sunlight creating prisms on a snow's glittering surface or moonlight moving shadows across a meadow dusted in white. My image may be of a single candle lit in the window with an intention of holiness. In this stillness, I reflect upon the light. I breathe and relax. All is tranquil, prayerful.

This is a time of insight, radiance, and joy. I give thanks in advance for love, sharing, and guidance. I realize I can let my own inner light shine out more brightly. With wisdom and kindness, I make a difference in the lives of many.
dailyword.com

If you're not feeling amazed and amazing--the light and the love--what changes do you want to make in your life?

Contact me--Let's stir your spirit within. jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

Leading My First Tele-Conference

I am in several coaching groups online--one at the Co-Active Network where I'm in a niche group for spirituality and coaching. There had been several posts about having a call where we could all get together in a "sacred space" and share our intentions for ourselves and our clients. I had never led a tele-conference, so I offered to organize and lead the first call. What a treat! We started with a few moments of silently aligning our intentions for the call. I then led the group with a guided meditation inward putting us in touch with our higher selves before opening up the cal to a round table of sharing our intentions of what we'd like to see this group do: a monthly call was decided on where we will take turns organizing and leading along with sharing a tool we use with clients (meditations, techniques, etc..), supporting each other in being open with our spirituality when we are led to and to attract clients that are in alignment with this.

I've discovered that one of my strengths is in organizing and leading-something I have to watch when I'm coaching! (the leading part anyway).

Elitism in coaching

Which coaching school did you graduate from? Are you certified? By whom? Man there's a lot of judging going on! I subscribe to a coaching network sponsored by one coaching school. Even though the network is open to everyone, I often see in a post "well they not a XXX graduate. Sometimes I wish this forum was only for those of us who attended XXX coaching school."

Quite frankly, I enjoy reading posts from members who have varied backgrounds/credentials and the like. As a relatively new coach, I love seeing different approaches--sure the lingo may be a bit different here and there, but it's not hard to figure out we're all in the business being curious, to help the client move forward in their lives, and get paid in the process (that's a whole new post).

So business coaching, life purpose coaching, tarot cards, and intuition--Does it matter? Only if you are not being true to your own style. The client will either keep working with you or not.

Training--How much experience--letters behind your name or not--Again, let the client ask those questions, be informed and make a decision. Yes, I'd like to think that being "trained" and "certified" adds a layer of professionalism and credibility to you, but in the long run, clients want what works for them.

Do coaches want to be seen as credible? Most do. But whose governing body should be in charge?

Who am I & How did I get here?

How did I come to life coaching?

2005 was the year that both of my parents passed on and my husband and I separated. The following summer I attended a weekend retreat entitled "Moving Onward and Forward with Your Life". One of the afternoon sessions evolved around: What are your core values? What are your deepest fears and limiting beliefs? If nothing stood in your way what would you like to do in life? At the end of the afternoon, our presenter stated that she was a life coach and was offering a ten minute sample session to anyone who was interested. I signed up and--click--the light bulb went off! It was then and there that I knew what my passion and vision for the future was. I'd always enjoyed discussing problems and brainstorming solutions with my friends, family, and co-workers. This seemed like a perfect fit.

When I got home, I researched coaching & immediately signed up for a complimentary session. Our connection was spooky. We had many of the same beliefs about being whole and capable right now. We had similar spiritual connections that made this seem more than a coincidence. I signed up to work with this coach and knew this is what I wanted to do too.

I grew up in Florida and got my B.A. in education from the University of South Florida. While married, I lived in the Washington, D.C. area, Northern California, and Virginia. I'm a life coach and a teacher. I am currently working on a masters in reading from the University of Virginia and life coach certification through the School of Coaching Mastery.

I was married for thirty-one years and have three grown children. In my life's journey so far, l've learned much about relationships, grief, spiritual wholeness, Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, & learning disabilities.

A few of my pleasures in life are going to the beach or being out in nature, cooking a wide variety of ethnic or vegetarian foods, and reading. I like animals of all kinds and currently have a two year old dog.

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." (Lao Tzu) This quote started me on my way of discovering my core values: honesty, spirituality, connectedness, integrity, communication, collaboration, joy, peace, service, & growth...and of letting go what no longer served me.

Is something telling you to "do" or "be" more? Need help redefining the YOU, who used to be very clear on who you were and what you wanted out of life? Feeling lost in your own chatter? Let's discover what your core values are!

Let's stir the spirit within--all the wisdom, power and grace are within you now to make changes and discoveries in your life. http://www.stirringthespiritwithin.com/