The First Step

As many of you know, I launched PFW 4 years ago (last week!) with no business plan, little research & limited vision. I just knew I had to do this, so I took the first step – not knowing where it would lead. I trusted my intuition and believed in my gut feeling. I have never, ever, looked back!

As we’re starting off a brand-new year, I invite you to listen to your heart and open yourself up to possibilities. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to do, just take that first step. You’ll know if you want to continue on that path, or simply take a step back (it’s totally okay you know). Trust that little voice and let go of the need to have total clarity and complete control. Embrace change, lean into the discomfort and accept ambiguity. It’s scary, but exhilirating!

You don’t have to see the whole staircase – just take that first step. As Mark Twain said, 20 years from now, you’re likely to be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do (even if you failed).

So just do it!!

[Motivation] Brilliant Plans: 3 Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid in 2012

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.” Daniel Burnham

What’s your big game plan for 2012? Have you got your year – your business, your life, your health, or whatever you’re called to uplevel — all mapped out perfectly? You know – are your goals and plans put in your calendar, entered into spreadsheets, glued onto vision boards, added to your “to do” lists and Blackberry yet? Are you feeling on top of your road map to success?

If you are, thanks for stopping by and there’s no need for you to read further. Or perhaps you are feeling behind the eight ball in terms of getting your act together. I’m talking about having a tightness in your chest and a pit In your stomach. It’s that feeling that no matter how fast you run, you’re not entirely sure you’ll get there. Sometimes you forget where you put your finish line anyway. There’s nothing like a New Year to trigger an intense cocktail of fresh optimism and hope, with a dash of overwhelm, fear of failure and confusion about how to make sense of it all. Like a salmon ready to spawn knows it has to get back to the river it was originally born in, we know we’re supposed to create super-duper plans of action at the start of a brand-spanking new year. Planning is a huge topic and I work on this continuously with my clients, but I would like to distill down three key pitfalls you’ll want to avoid in your 2012 planning process.

Mistake #1 – Make Someone Else’s Plan Your Own Plan

One of the biggest pitfalls I see people making is not creating a plan that is congruent with their authentic self. It can make good business sense to learn from some of the marketing gurus or mentors. But please don’t blindly adopt their strategies, plans and schedules thinking that it will be a fast road to success and cash flow. When designing your brilliant business, it must be sourced from a place of deep authenticity and alignment with who YOU truly are. Ensure that your plan reflects your values, priorities and creativity.

Mistake #2 – Leading from Your Head, Not Your Heart

As coaches, we were trained to help our clients develop plans in a pretty systematic way. Make sure the goal feels like a stretch and that it is S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, actionable, reasonable, time-bound). These are all great tools that the head and intellect loves to play with. But the important starting point for your Brilliant Plan must come from your heart. If you were to strip things down to their most essential elements, what would your heart identify as the most important calling or priority you have for 2011? Could you answer that question more clearly if you knew this was your last year in your physical body? Forget about figuring out “how” to make it happen for now. But the first step in successful planning is to have the entire process anchored into a heart-centered, feeling-infused sense of your purpose.

Mistake #3 – Not Leaving Room for Grace and Space

One huge mistake people make (and I still have to check myself on this one too) is overestimating how much we can take on and grossly underestimating how much time it takes to get things done. We plan our schedules so we’re in a time bind right off the starting blocks. Throw in a few unexpected delays or setbacks and there’s nothing like that feeling of drowning in overwhelm to squelch your creativity and inspiration. Remember you are not the Planning Director for the Universe. Leave some breathing space in your plan. Don’t be so rigidly attached to your plan that you are unwilling to take advantage of the grace that is always around us, showing us unexpected opportunities and resources that were never a part of our plan in the first place. Planning is a great tool for sure, but leave room for your brilliance and magic to emerge fully. © 2011 Carolyn B. Ellis All Rights Reserved

Step Into Your Brilliance

Block off 15 minutes this week to create some quiet time. Bearing these 3 mistakes in mind, reflect upon and journal your answers to the following questions.

1. What are my three highest priorities and values?

2. How can I best express them this year? What can that look like? What will that feel like to manifest them fully?

3. What is one activity or priority I know in my heart I need to say good-bye to so I can allow more space and grace into my life?

Carolyn Ellis is the founder of Brilliance Mastery ™, a program that helps women entrepreneurs own their brilliance so the mission of their business can be communicated clearly, powerfully and profitably. Carolyn is a certified Money, Marketing & Soul Coach, the creator of the THRIVE Principles ™, founder of Thrive After Divorce, and the award-winning author of The 7 Pitfalls of Single Parenting: What to Avoid to Help Your Children Thrive after Divorce. For more information, visit www.BrillianceMastery.com

[Inspiration] Being Called to Change (and the 4 Steps to Get There)

“Be the change you wish to see”
- Mahatma Gandhi

Well, it’s been a few days of very palpable shifts in the world around us…changes that we’re only beginning to process. From the dramatic election we just had here in Canada to the death of Osama bin Laden, I’ve been observing with fascination the wide range of reactions to the unfolding of these events…

In a Facebook discussion today, I watched folks getting increasingly snippy with each other as they argued about the lack of civility in this Canadian election…not pausing for a moment to consider how uncivil they were being to each other. Later in the day I caught myself harshly judging those Americans who were gleefully celebrating bin Laden’s death, but then realized it was a brand of harsh judgment between two factions 10 years ago that started this whole tragic cycle of death and war in the first place.

We all long to see positive change in this world of ours, but I think the question that begs asking is: what are the changes I need to make in myself to reflect the world I long to live in? So, you want the world to be more tolerant…how can you be more tolerant in your own workplaces and family units? You want a richer country…how about cultivating true gratitude for the abundance you already have. You want your voice to be heard…consider who you resist hearing and start listening. The world isn’t going to get better until we, as individuals, start channelling the power of change to grow our most magnificent, connected, and alive selves.

So, my lovelies…figure out what part of YOU is calling for change right now and then let me share with you some easy, practical tips for creating this change in your life starting right here, right now…

4 STEPS TO CHANGE

1. Define It – If you don’t define the change you’re looking for clearly and thoughtfully, you can’t set an intention. Not setting intentions is like traveling without a destination…even though it can be pretty interesting to be tossed around and lost for a bit, you might just end up wandering your whole life away without ever feeling quite fulfilled. So, think and feel what change is most calling to you right now (ie. starting your own business, quitting smoking, finding that life partner or leaving that partner, getting more fit, being of service to the world, reducing stress, or bringing more fun and joy into your life) and define it in measurable terms — “I want to start my own business by September”, “I want to be able to do a 10K run”, etc.

2. Declare It - First declare your change intention to yourself. Write it out, read it out loud, make it your screensaver or post your intention on colourful paper around the house. Make it as tangible and fun as possible, like declaring your intention in a voicemail to yourself or carrying an object in your pocket that reminds you of it or even choosing a theme song you play every morning hat reflects your intention. Then, share your intention with those around you and let them know how they can help keep you accountable to this change.

3. Energize It – Consistently generating the positive feelings you would get from achieving your change in advance of achieving it creates the energy that can’t help but attract the right people and opportunities to help make your intention a reality. So, take a few minutes to visualize what life would be like in achieving this change…just imagine what it would look like, sound like, and especially FEEL like. Write your vision down and then read it and feel it every day until the change is complete. Also, try going through a day acting as if this change has already happened…walk and talk as if you have abundant love in your life, dress as if you already have that promotion, relax your posture and soften your eyes as if you’re already Zen.

4. Take Action! – Let’s face it, change ultimately doesn’t happen without ACTION. So, decide one bite-sized manageable action you could take each day toward your desired change for the next week and officially mark them in your calendar. If you want to experience more joy for example…on Monday you could commit to smiling at every person you come into contact with, Tuesday – steal away to a sunny cafe to have a hot chocolate and read a novel, Wednesday – take 10 minutes to play with the next door neighbour’s dog, Thursday – bubble bath in candlelight, etc. Or if it’s more suitable, you could choose the same empowering action for each day. So, if increasing your tranquility is the change you want, make your daily commitment to meditate for 20 minutes each morning. Repeat forming a weekly action plan until your change has taken hold!

Now go out and get ‘em, Tigers!

“How much longer will you go on letting your energy sleep?
How much longer are you going to stay oblivious of the
immensity of yourself?”
- Bhagwan Stree Rajneesh

Kimberly Carroll is a certified Soul Coach and a television host/producer.  She is one of the authors of the award-winning anthology “Soul Whispers” and her popular 6-Week Soul Coaching Program has been transforming lives from the inside out.  Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops, Kimberly lovingly guides women and men in a wild journey to ignite their body, mind, heart, and spirit!  For about Kimberly, please visit www.soulcoaching.org

[Travel] What is Travel?

Travel is actually the gift that keeps on giving with amazing experiences, moments and new memories made.

Travel can be an educator who teaches you about unique cultures, people and places.

Travel allows you to grow into a person who is more compassionate and understanding of others because you understand where they came from.

Travel can teach you about art, architecture and history and the world around you.

Travel awakes your dreams and stimulates your bucket list of. “To dos”, encouraging curiosity.

Travel can bring people together- creating new friendships that last a lifetime.

Travel reaches out to others in need by volunteering and teaching in countries of need.

Travel can be a celebration of life’s victories and milestones.

Travel is an escape from all the junk that holds us down in life- it can save your soul.

Travel can put the important things in life into perspective.

Travel can make us laugh- cry- dig deep down and celebrate life!

Travel  can fulfill a life’s dream lasting a  lifetime.

What is Travel to you?

Adoring mom of two, Darlene is an adventure seeker who is passionate about travel. She believes this is your time to create, learn, and experience the world and its many new moments.  A previous television host & travel writer, Darlene created “Venture Bound Tours and alongside her husband has been creating new memories for her clients overseas for years. She is thrilled to be sharing her lessons learned through travel as well as many humorous stories. Darlene also looks forward to sharing travel insights, assisting you in planning your next journey.

[Money Mindset] 5 Ways Your Money Story May Be Holding You Back From Living Your Most Joyous Path

Isn’t it wonderful that you inherited your beliefs about money, received societal programming, cultural conditioning, and then created experiences to illuminate the illusions that were shared with you?

It’s wonderful because the illusions that you inherited are there to support you in creating healing opportunities so that you can return to the universal truth about money and your divine birthright of infinite wealth and abundance on all levels.

In other words, you were not created to be in discord with money. Just as you are a part of creation, so is money. Any misalignment with this truth is simply illusion and keeps you from being at peace with all of creation, including yourself.

Give yourself a moment to take that in.

The illusions that you may be holding about money keep you from the truth of who you really are, what you are here to share, and what you are here to experience. These illusions keep you playing small, so in healing these illusions you will be free to live as the expansive being of love/light that you are.

Are you ready to BE all that you are and were created to BE?

Money *is* your healing tool.

It is not about the money, it is about how you transform and who you become, to create peace with the energy of money.

Really take a moment to be with that.

One of the keys to healing this relationship is to examine how you are using the excuse of money to protect you from stepping out into the world in a bigger way. Once you are clear on how it is showing up right now, you are then free to choose how you will shift the energy.

Although there are many, here are 5 ways that your money story may be holding you back from living the life of your dreams:

1. Putting your dreams on hold - You find yourself dreaming about all of the things that you wish to do but easily default to the statement, “but I don’t have enough money!”

If you allow yourself to dig deeper, what you may find is that you are afraid of how others may respond if they perceive that you have it all. Or, you may be afraid to outgrow others/leave the tribe behind. You may have a fear of losing it all, so to avoid disappointment, you avoid even trying (only to feel disappointed). These are just some examples to consider. What I do invite you to consider is how you *can* take one step in support of your dreams.

2. Staying stuck in icky situations – You find yourself in a job or a relationship that is not serving you, or may even be abusive in some way, but….you’ve convinced yourself that you need to stay because there’s not enough money or that you need the money.

What I’ve learned over the years, having served thousands of people, is that these situations do not get better….ever! And….. that it’s not about the money. We need to shift inside and declare that we are no longer prepared to settle for less than we are worth. It is only when this happens that the energies shift and opportunities open up. So, healing self-worth and self-esteem are a high priority here. Can you relate?

3. Chronic debt - You find yourself listing all of the things that you can’t do because of debt. Although debt is a complex energy, it ultimately is a protector and keeps us small and from experiencing that which we desire. When are mindset creates limitations about what we can and cannot do, this will always show up in our money story. How are you doing in this and how can you release limitation so that you can expand into all that you are?

4. Not allowing support - When you are not allowing, you are not receiving. When we believe that we need to be the lone ranger, or we don’t trust support that comes to us, our money has a ceiling. The truth is that money wants to provide for us, so it is only when we activate the energy of allowing, and align with the receptive nature of the divine feminine that we can shift our money story. How can you shift your receptivity muscle to support you in this moment?

5. Sabotaging business – This shows up when expenses are not managed, overspending occurs, there is no marketing to sustain the business and attract new clients and customers, actions are not take to support the growth of your business (and so much more). I can’t even tell you how many entrepreneurs that I’ve worked with who set themselves up and reinforce the “I have no money” mantra which only serves to keep repeating more of the same.

It actually pains me to see how many talented souls are out there trying to get their business of the ground or keep their business afloat, but feel like they are failing because their unhealed money story is getting in the way. Believe me when I say that you are not alone.

In fact it pains me so much that all of my coaching programs have this component as an essential module since any business will not succeed if there is an unhealthy money story that is sabotaging it’s success.

The time is now. Giv eyourself the gift of looking money in the eye so that it can partner with you in all that you create rather than being the reason that you don’t!

Jennifer Longmore, Business Energetics Expert, is a leading expert on creating profitable, sustainable, highly-conscious businesses models for healers, visionaries, and spirit-based entrepreneurs. As an internationally-acclaimed radio host, best-selling author, healer, and speaker, she is recognized for creating a 6 figure enterprise within the first 10 months of launching her healing practice and now is best known for teaching others how they can do the same. As founder of the Soul Journeys® Spiritual Leadership and Legacy Program and the Highly-Conscious Business Intensive, Jennifer teaches you how to apply these same principles of business energetics to expand beyond what you thought possible for yourself so that you can anchor your vision through your business and serve more people with your unique gifts and a soul-centred entrepreneur. Through high-level private and group coaching programs, Jennifer’s innate ability to visualize the entirety of your business and find your hidden jackpots that can yield instant returns of more than 1000% is unprecedented. To learn more, visit www.souljourneys.ca

LIVE WELL…..We Have a Choice | Nov 24

The Truly Inspiring Speaker – FREE Teleclass | Dec 1

Do you want to know the secrets to being an amazing public speaker?

I do. And so should you – if you want to be able to have an impact on others and spread your message out in the world.

I want to introduce you to a friend of mine.

He has trained hundreds of people to change lives from the stage, even if they are mortified to speak in public.

You may have heard of him – his name is Steve Lowell. He has spoken to our PFW group several times. He rocks!!!

Well, Steve it at it again, except this time he wants to share with you the most powerful secrets he teaches his clients to influence and inspire audiences!

And, he’s doing it for free in his BRAND-NEW teleclass “The Truly Inspiring Speaker: How to Inspire Any Audience Just by Being Your Natural Self on the Stage” on Thursday, December 1 at 9 PM eastern time. But seating is limited so you’ll need to register fast.

(In a hurry? Grab your seat HERE)

On this ground-breaking call you’ll learn:

1. How to liberate yourself from the imprisonment created by the fear and anxiety of speaking in public
2. The number one secret to being natural and authentic on the stage (This one secret alone could change everything about how you speak, even if you’ve been a pro for years!)
3. How to win over an audience with the wave of your hand…yes, really!
4. The three circles of speaking energy and how being in the wrong one will kill your talk

To reserve your spot in this complimentary teleclass – just click HERE.

I guarantee you tons of helpful insights and nuggets, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to listen to this free call.

ESSENTIAL OILS: Discover the Fragrant Healing Secrets of Nature’s Pharmacy | Dec 3

Essential oils are powerful medicine that can enhance well-being of the body, mind, and spirit!

Join us for this fun, practical, hands-on workshop to discover the fragrant healing secrets of nature’s pharmacy. You will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to use essential oils safely and effectively to improve your health, elevate your well-being and enhance flavours in your kitchen – just in time for the holidays!

Here are just some of the benefits essential oils can provide:

relieve stress and fatigue • shift obsessive thoughts • prevent cancer and repair DNA • improve memory & school grades reduce inflammation • boost your immunce system • kill mold & fungus • help acne, rashes, cellulite • increase energy & alertness • balance hormones & mood • resolve emotional issues • alleviate swelling & pain • flavour drinks & foods

We will sample some oils to demonstrate their medicinal value and their tastiness. Our speaker, Sophia Zoe, will demonstrate how oils can help you cope with daily stressors, how they bring your systems into balance and what effect this has on your functioning. She will show you how you can choose your required oils intuitively, and will also tell you why she avoids all the oils available in stores!

You will fall in love with essential oils!

About Sophia Zoe
Sophia Zoe is a Toronto-based Energy Therapist. She uses various healing methods based on balancing and restoring flow to the body’s energy systems. After a course of treatment, clients most often say they didn’t know they could be so happy. The effects are usually so positive that all areas of a client’s life improve.

Sophia has been immersed in the world of alternative health care since the age of 15, but it wasn’t until after attaining her degrees in Music and Drama that she began an intensive study of energy healing. Soon after, a local Chinese herbalist was referring his patients to her. Sophia prefers the healing systems of BEAM Therapy, EFT, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Aromatherapy and Guided Imagery to heal emotional wounds, lift blockages and help people feel better in every way. What she discovered is that a short-cut to healing is using therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Sophia Zoe is passionate about natural health care and loves to share what she knows. She hand-makes  aromatherapy sprays using the finest quality organic essential oils of plants and flowers.

For those interested, there will be a limited supply of the following sprays for sale at the end of the workshop at a special PFW price. The sprays are $12 each or four for $40. Cash only please.

Lavender Mist, to relax, refresh and cleanse.
Citrus Spirit, to uplift, release and detoxify.
Cinnamon Spice, nostalgic, warming, comforting.
Bugs Away! A safe, effective natural insect repellent.

For more about Sophia & to sign up for her newsletter and receive an instant download of her free e-book, Energy Healing For Absolute Beginners, please go to: www.SophiaZoe.com

Essential Oils Workshop
Date: Saturday December 3, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm-4:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s Bloor Street
Address: 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto
Registration: Early-Bird by Nov 19 22: $15 | Regular Pre-Payment $20 | Cash at the door: $25

Creating Authentic Success in 2012 Networking Mixer | Feb 7

When Positive Fabulous Women and CRAVE Toronto get together to host, you know you’re in for a positively luscious mingler – with just the right amount of swank.

This is THE gathering of the season for Toronto’s women entrepreneurs. We will be meeting at the beautiful Local Company on the Danforth to sip French Martinis or Pink Sangrias (or Perrier, as you prefer) while chatting about business (and other matters).

Bring your business cards –- you will meet other, interesting women you’ll want to keep in touch with. But you won’t have to do all the talking.

We’ve invited four very successful entrepreneurs to dish their very best business advice.

Jennifer Ettinger; Fit Your Style (@FitYourStyle)
Leslie Hughes; Punch Media (@punchmediadotca)
Marcy Berg; Mortgages for Women (@marcyberg)
Melissa Ramos; Sexy Food Therapy (@sexyfoodtherapy)

They will be sharing practical ideas that can be implemented right away to make a REAL DIFFERENCE in your business in 2012.

And then the panel discussion will be opened up for questions.

Not sure whether it’s time to expand or stay the course? Unclear about the best way to use social media? Need pricing advice? Want to hear what marketing ideas have worked for our experts and which have NOT?

Ask. You’ll get answers. And LOTS of inspiration.

This invitation will be going out to Positive Fabulous Women and CRAVE Toronto communities so we’re expecting it to fill up quickly. It would be safest to sign up early if you’re hoping to attend (and maybe even enjoy the early bird pricing!). We wouldn’t want to miss you!

A very special thank you to our sponsors!
Please support the women-owned businesses that support our community:

Because You Said So Promotions + Events & Pink Elephant Creative

Let’s generate buzz! Use hashtag #SUCCESS12 when tweeting about this event.

Creating Authentic Success in 2012 Networking Mingler
Date: Tuesday February 7, 2012
Time: 7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Location: The Local Company
Address: 511 Danforth Avenue, @ Logan, Toronto (click HERE for map)
Registration: Early-Bird until Jan 25: $25 | Regular Pre-Payment $30 | Cash at the door $40

 

 

I AM – The Film | Feb 23

As Seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show!

THIS IS A FILM FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT THE TRUTH

Ever wonder what the root cause of the world’s problems are?
What’s wrong the world and What we can do about it?

Discover the truth of who we really are, the magic and mystery of the human heart…Challenge your beliefs…

Armed with nothing but his innate curiosity and a small crew to film his adventures, filmmaker Tom Shadyac set out on a twenty-first century quest for enlightenment.  Meeting with a variety of thinkers and doers–remarkable men and women from the worlds of science, philosophy, academia, and faith–including such luminaries as David Suzuki, Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lynne McTaggart, Ray Anderson, John Francis, Coleman Barks, and Marc Ian Barasch –  Shadyac appears on-screen as character, commentator, guide, and even, at times, guinea pig. An irrepressible “Everyman” who asks tough questions, but offers no easy answers, he takes the audience to places it has never been before, and presents even familiar phenomena in completely new and different ways.

The result is a fresh, energetic, and life-affirming film that challenges our preconceptions about human behavior while simultaneously celebrating the indomitable human spirit.

This isn’t just a film, it’s an experience!

For more about this film and to see a trailer please visit: http://www.iamthedoc.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I AM: Movie & Discussion
Date: Thursday February 23, 2012
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s Bloor Street
Address: 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto
Admission: Pay-What-U-Can (suggested donation of $10)

LIMITED SEATING – RSVP Today! 

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