It Just Makes Sense Blog

May the Odds be ever in your Favor

Webmaster — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As I drove home from an afternoon at the movie theaters, watching a now-outdated Hunger Games, recent audio clips of the president’s views about our country played through the surround sound of the car. His philosophy, although I might not have him quoted perfectly, was along the lines of this:

“We have to keep moving forward as a nation.

And it’s the other party that is preventing us from doing so.”

Stick with me, here, because this post is not meant to be political in nature. We’re all heard rhetoric over the years from both political parties about their own goals, agendas, and visions for the future of the great United States of America. Instead, the president’s quote stood out to me because often we find ourselves in the same line of beliefs.

We feel that we should keep moving forward toward our goals, and we blame someone or something for standing in our way. However, there are times when that forward momentum is best put to a halt to explore the current situation, and perhaps even take a step back to look at the bigger picture and re-assess a route forward.

The evidence of this was perfectly clear in the Hunger Games when Katniss, the lead female, was first placed in the competition arena. Her instructions were to get away from the pack as soon as possible. After snagging a backpack from the ground, she did just that. She ran. She engaged her forward momentum to accomplish the task of getting to safety.

At some point, instead of continuing to run into the forest without direction, Katniss stopped. She sat down and opened her backpack. It was a time to discover what assets she had within the hunger games. It was a chance to catch her breath and decide her next move.

I think there are numerous times in our own lives where it would be in our best good to do the same thing. In a culture where more is portrayed as valuable, and stillness is overlooked, it can seem counterintuitive to stop yourself from moving forward. Nothing could really be further from the truth. Nothing could be more opposite from our own Divine nature.

We’re human beings, not human doings.

Thus, when we take the time to be—be still, be silent, and be observing—we have access to wisdom and insights about our lives that extend far beyond our limited scope of perception. We open ourselves up to receive information about where we’re at in the moment, and reflect on where we really want to go in the future. We become capable of viewing alternatives for our path… and a sense of flexibility that comes when some changes might need to occur. And, we are often more willing to take responsibility for our actions as we move forward.

Life does ebb and flow. There are times to move full speed ahead with creativity, passion, and determination. Other times, it’s best to sit still and consider the direction in which you’re headed. Today, consider an area of your life where you might need to take some time out. It might be regarding a relationship or even a project at work. In any case, ask yourself the following questions:

What do I hope to achieve when I accomplish this goal?
Can I schedule time in my day, from 10 minutes to an hour, where I stop my forward progress and reflect on what is happening in this part of my journey?
What vales or personal traits do you possess, such as creativity or intelligence, that serve you well as you move towards this goal?
Do I have more energy or less as I move toward it? If less, then how can I make changes in my life so that I feel more energized and excited to move forward again?

Live your Legendary Life, Part 4

Kym — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Now that we're under way with the components of living a legendary life, this week's concept is actually the foundational principle that I work with in my business and my life.

1. I am self-actualized.

2. I am legendary everyday.

3. I write my goals and see them everywhere.

4. I have a context that aligns with my goals and visions.

As you can tell by my website, or you can read in my book, I believe that your attitudes, values, and internal beliefs are what make the achievement of your goals possible. This set of ideas is what Chris Lochhead, of Play Bigger, calls your context.

Think about this. Have you ever overheard someone telling a story and you try to but in, but realize your pre-conceived notions about the conversation are entirely out of context. Well, your own beliefs, attitudes, and values filter how you experience life around you. And everyone has their own context based on their past.

When you have beliefs that align with your legendary goals, you are able to move forward seamlessly and joyfully. When you find the road to your goals challenging, you might be living with a context that counteracts your end destination. Consider some of the following beliefs that are necessary to own in your subconscious mind to make your visions attainable:

I am worthy of the best that love and life have to offer.
I love myself unconditionally.
I am content and blessed being me.
I learn from my experiences, including the challenging ones.
I am in charge of my own life.
I do my best and my best is good enough.
I am able to accomplish anything I choose.
I have all the resources I need to achieve success.
I have a vibrant spirit and I share that spirit in everything I do.
I welcome new changes in my life.
Achieving my goals and dreams is easy.
I trust my future, even though I can't see it clearly.

When you take time each day to align your beliefs with your goals, just like you would practice a sport to achieve mastery, you are setting yourself up for success. You can add these beliefs to your context through such actions as meditation, using a whole-brain state, tapping, and many other energy-based modalities that focus on aligning your internal state with your fabulous external experience.

Or, you might simply ask myself: Do I take time daily to be still? Do I take time to listen to my Higher Self, to God, or to a source larger than myself? If not, where can I add this space into my regular routine to make a powerful difference in my life's outcome?

Enjoy taking time today, and this week, to align your powerful beliefs (your creative context) with your legendary goals and visions. Then watch the magic unfold in your life.

Cheers for today, Kym

Live your Legendary Life, Part 3

Kym — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Today is another wonderful day to be legendary! Do you feel that way?

As we move into the third component of being legendary, I'd like to add a few insights about the concept of being legendary. When I think of most legends, they expand beyond the limits of our known world. They exceed our senses, our our ability to perceive what's possible.

And that's what this week's component of being legendary relates to--setting goals that exceed your own limits or expectations. Often we decide to take the next step in our future based on what others perceive to be a sound step, or it could have even been an action done by successful ones before you. Yet, your heart can many times reveal what your life purpose is, and it might be beyond the belief of anyone you know. And, that's okay.

I am very quiet person, by nature. True, I can be sociable and I enjoy laughing and spending time with friends. But when it comes to manifesting my goals and moving towards my dreams, i keep much of it to myself. In fact, if you look at many of the visionaries in the world, they are mocked or looked at with disbelief when sharing their ideas with others. Instead, they go about their divinely guided actions to make their dreams possible. Then, when they succeed, they offer huge gifts to the world.

And, we're all capable of achieving our visions of greatness, no matter what form that takes in our lives.

This week's component for living your legendary life is:

1. I am self-actualized.

2. I am legendary everyday.

3. I write my goals and see them everywhere.

By choosing to focus on your goals--and your dreams--you can begin to move step-by-step towards them. Now, you might have grandiose ideas. Great! Write them down and put them in a place that you can see then regularly. You could put them on your bathroom mirror or in a journal that you look at each morning. If you are embarrassed to show others, keep them in a private place (but one you view often).

Ask yourself,

What characteristics would I like to enhance in the next few years?
How would I like others to describe me at my funeral?
What would I like to accomplish in my business life?
What would I spiritually like to achieve?
What relationships would I like to have in my life?
Where do I see myself in 1, 3 or 5 years?

The more clear we can get about our visions, and the more we can detach from the knowing of how they are going to come into play, can open the gateway to success beyond our wildest imaginations (and often the imagination of others). So, enjoy your quiet side. Enjoy your secret fantasies for your future. Enjoy writing down the goals you have and feeling the success of them now! Your mind doesn't know the difference in time, so feeling it now is like having it and being it now!

Thus, being legendary now is possible. And living the feeling of those legendary dreams (as you write them and see them everywhere) allows those dreams to manifest into reality!

Then, enjoy the mystery of how they begin to arrive in your legendary life!

Kym

Live your Legendary Life, Part 2

Kym — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

It’s Wednesday, October 12^th. Do you feel legendary today?

As we finish up the final weeks of 2011, I’d like you to feel like you are doing it in a legendary way. When I say this, I mean that you are being the remarkable you— following your passions, living life to its fullest, and knowing you are making a positive difference in the world each and every day.

Well, that leads me right into the second component of living a legendary life.

I am self-actualized.
I am legendary everyday.

One of my good friends, Kristen Moeller, wrote a book entitled Waiting for Jack. In a humorous and heart-felt way, she delves into the reasons many of us wait for the next step in life to be great. Whether we’re waiting to have more money, to have the perfect relationship, to have the perfect house, the perfect family, the perfect whatever… the feeling of being incomplete now only holds you at a distance from being your legendary self.

Instead of waiting to be legendary in the future, the moment of power is NOW. Only when we fully accept who we are—with our strengths and our limitations—can we move forward to the greater good that awaits us. If we wait until the future to act, we’ll be in an ongoing state of want that leaves us separate from our deepest desires.

Instead, we want to know—in our hearts and minds—that we have what it takes right now to accomplish our goals and dreams. And, when we talk about being legendary NOW, it means knowing that you are great… and can only improve on your greatness.

Here are my instant brainstorms about what it takes to be Legendary NOW:

I give from the heart. When I give without the expectation of receiving, I know that I am sharing from the heart. This could simply be a smile to someone on the street or it could be a physical gift of money or valuables. In either case, a willing spirit to share our best with those around use only brightens the entire world we live in.
I do my best and my best is good enough. Our best is constantly changing. When I give my best, I consider all of the factors that are playing into my current state of being. I am forgiving when I have low energy and I capitalize on my own energetic highs. Regardless of the outcome, I can be satisfied knowing I have done my best.
I am willing to step out of my comfort zone. When we stay in the same place—the space of security and comfort—we can miss out on the opportunities life presents for our own growth. I am willing to take the risks necessary to expand my knowledge and my sense of self through challenges. By facing all circumstances head-on, I become and stronger and more well-rounded human being.
I am open to learning. I’m talking about an insatiable curiosity for life. I am open to new ideas in my personal life, in my business realm, and my own spirituality. With room to grow, I can do so in a way that feels comfortable to me. And, when I’m open to learn, I take a dip in the fountain of youth.
I find success in all I do. There is a saying that goes, “energy flows where our attention goes.” When I focus on my success, I invite the law of attraction to meet that intention. So, when I focus on success, I draw in more success. It helps to observe the success in others, and compliment ourselves in our own accomplishments—big or small—throughout the day.
I have an attitude of gratitude. Just like success, an attitude of appreciation is contagious. It sparks a fire in the heart that is recognizable by others, and creates a magnet of positive experiences for your future. I am grateful for myself. I am grateful for those that surround me with love. I am grateful for my opportunities for growth and my willingness to be legendary.

So, smile, and enjoy the legendary life you are living today. Notice all of the ways you are making a difference in your world just with your attitude. Then, observe how that perspective sends out positive ripples into the environment around you.

For you are, in fact, Legendary Today and Everyday!! Enjoy a fantastic week.

Kym

Live your Legendary Life, Part 1

Kym — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

After attending the 1 Life Fully Lived Conference last weekend, I have been inspired to share some of the information I gleaned from the keynote speaker, Chris Lochhead. Chris is co-founder of Play Bigger—a consulting firm that helps companies live up to their legendary potential. He also sits on the board of 1 Life Fully Lived—a non-profit aimed at encouraging and teaching others to live their passion. My support goes out to both organizations as the align with my own personal values and goals in life.

As we have 13 more weeks in the year, I would like to look at the concepts to create a legendary life—as proposed by Chris—and dissect them one by one in a way that can be meaningful and applicable. So here we go.

To live a legendary life, I choose to be self-actualized.

Now, we could go into Maslow’s hierarchy or needs to explain this fancy term. Instead, I’d like to put the concept into my own words. If I am self-actualized, I am:

Aware, of myself and my surroundings: I observe the fluctuations in my own sense of being, and am open to change the areas that don’t serve my best good. I am also aware of the environment around me, and can change it if it doesn’t align with my values or goals in life.
Intuitive: I listen to my higher self. I trust messages that I can’t necessarily explain to others, but I know that I have a sixth sense that guides and protects me.
Sensitive to the feelings of others: Instead of being self-absorbed, I am aware of how others are feeling around me. I express compassion to those individuals and serve to uplift humanity in any way I can.
Able to tap into the Source of the Universe: Whether you call this God, or Source Energy, or anything else, you know that there is a higher power than you. Not only do I know about this source, but I choose to tap into it regularly for guidance, support, and inspiration. When I am aligned with this power, I am able to create miraculous changes in my life.
Making an impact in the lives of others: Simply by my powerful and loving presence, I am making a difference in the lives of others. I know that by giving, I am honoring the best part of me, and holding the space for others to live up to their highest potential.
Confident in who I am: I know my personality, talents, and purpose in life is different than any other person on this planet. I honor this uniqueness by being confident in myself. I do my very best each and every day and I know that my best is good enough.
Able to rest and nurture myself: With the busy-ness of life around us, it seems as though there is a prize being offered for the most activities done each day. I am able to recognize when I need to re-charge and I take time to do so regularly.

If you recognize these admirable traits in yourself, congratulations! You’re well on your way to living your legendary life. If you observe places for improvement, give yourself a pat on the back. We always have room to grow. In fact, choose one area this week that you would like to have shine, and focus there. As the holidays approach, how can you share your powerful, legendary self with those around you through these simple components of self-actualization?

Enjoy a week being the legendary you!

Kym

Manifestation in Mysterious Ways

Kym — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I have a new neighbor.

Now, that might not seem like exciting, much less interesting, news.

However, I must mention that this new neighbor is 14-20” tall, weighs about 20 pounds, and is furry all over. That’s right. My new neighbor is a yellow Labrador retriever puppy.

You might still be wondering why this is worth sharing in the first place. Well, the story really begins about six months ago when my sister—who lives in Colorado—had a roommate who was breeding a Labrador of their own. I heard updates during the pregnancy. I was given countdown days to the expected due date. And, I was provided countless pictures once the miniature puppies actually arrived.

For those dog-lovers out there, you can understand my enthusiasm for puppies. In fact, when I was in high school, my best friend bred their own Labrador and ended up housing ten puppies for almost two months. During those glorious days, I rolled around with those tiny puppies, and lavished every minute in their presence. Their sounds, their smells, and their mere awkward movements were enough to make me squeal.

The same reaction happens to me now. It’s as though my own heart swells exponentially and I can hardly keep it in my own body.

So, with this new information about puppies for sale in Colorado, I approach my husband with the prospect of making one of them part of our family.

His answer was simple. No.

Now, Steve is a dog-lover, too. Only, he had his practical mind far outweighing his emotions. Deep down, I knew he was right. We travel all of the time for work. We don’t have a sufficient yard for a large dog. And, we’re in enough transition in our life as it is.

Whether it was my maternal instinct kicking in, or my childlike response to hearing the words “no”, I often cried myself to sleep. For a few weeks, I was an emotional rollercoaster. I really wanted to take care of a puppy, but I logically knew it made no sense to do so right now.

So, to get my puppy fix, I started to visit the Butte Humane Society every week. They had puppies up for adoption who were adorable and playful. They were excited to see me when I arrived, and thrilled to entertain me with their cute puppy ways.

About a month or so after my weekly visitations began, I found eight new Labrador puppies in cages. Needless to say, I was in love instantaneously.

Except, my whole world changed when I got home that evening. As I stripped down for my evening shower, I noticed black fleas on the floor near my recently-shed clothing. What? Fleas? How could this have happened? My puppy love shifted to disbelief and frustration. I was over getting a dog of my own. I don’t have time to deal with fleas—especially ones that take three weeks to die off.

So, I settled back into my working ways and let the vision of a puppy escape my mind.

Little did I know that two months later the neighbors would get a Labrador of their own. She looks just like the one I envisioned for myself. She’s mild-mannered with the sweetest brown eyes you’ve ever seen. And, the bonus is, I get to see her when I feel like it. I pass her on morning and evening walks and still get the stoke I would as if she was living in my own home (only with a lot less stress)

My overall point is this: manifestation works.

While I didn’t know the timing or the outlook of my puppy desires, they arrived at my doorstep in a far better way than I could have imagined. By establishing my internal alignment, and focusing on the things that brought me joy, I now have been able to receive the wonderful gift of my new neighbor.

And, I can surely say that manifestation does work in mysterious ways.

The Times they are a Changin'

Kym — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Change is inevitable. In fact, it’s an inherent part of life.

We’re told this consciously, over and over again. And, we’re okay with it, if the change means my schedule after after work, or the food I’m cooking for dinner, or even the friends I’m meeting for the weekend. Yet, until a dramatic life change comes into play, it’s easy to forget the attitude necessary to make such transitions successful.

As I drove out to the lake over the weekend, I passed thousands of college students ready to float the Sacramento river. They were bronzed, barefoot, and bearing flotation devices of all shapes and sizes. Their afternoon drift down the waterway would no doubt involve copious amounts of alcohol and a lot of laughs.

This float down the river reminded me of how the changes of life really work—as well as the mindset that makes the journey enjoyable.

The river represents the flow of life energy. It’s powerful and always moving—whether you’re ready or not. The rafts are our wonderful vehicles of travel. They keep your head above water and allow you to feel the ebb and flow of the current. And, our perspective is the direction we’re heading in our rafts.

When we resist the change at our doorstep, it’s like riding our raft backwards. Even if the greatest opportunities of life were to be down the river, we wouldn’t even be able to see them. The problem gets further compounded if you add disassociation habits—like drugs and alcohol. Then, it would be damn near impossible to receive the good that awaits you in the next step of life.

Instead, when we’re open to change, open to the newness that awaits us down the river, it points our raft and gaze downstream. It’s that premise of going with the flow. And the best tactic to keep you facing the next rapid is a good-feeling emotion.

For some, that might be a sense of excitement. For others, that might be a calm that is found through meditating. And for others still, that might be the experience of relief.

Even if you can’t see the change that is around the turn in your river of life, you have the power and control over your emotions.

So, take time today to focus on what brings you relief, what elicits peace, or what inspires passion. That’s what I’m doing by writing this, and in doing so, I know that I am doing the best I can to enjoy my own life journey. And, in the process, I can be open to the times that are always a changin’.

Happy Birthday to Me

Kym — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I always am amazed at how quickly my birthday rolls around each year. Seemingly so much has happened in a 12 month period that I can hardly believe another august is here already.

And, somehow I’m really caught off-guard by people asking me what I would like for my birthday. I realize that we have been trained in our society to expect gifts from others on our special day. Even looking back at my childhood photos, I was surrounded by lots of other kids and a whole mound of presents waiting to be opened.

So, this year, I decided to do reverse-giving for my birthday. It was unintentional, at first, but soon because a huge joy over the past week.

As many of you know, I have a sweet spot in my heart, and mouth, for pastries. In fact, if you travel with me to any new location around the globe, you can count on me to find two things—the best yoga studio and the best bakery.

The latter is what drives this year’s birthday surprise.

Last week, I stopped at Upper Crust Bakery and ordered by beautiful nine-inch birthday cake. It stood four layers high, alternating chocolate and white cakes, and was topped with swirls of vanilla butter-cream frosting. The bright colors formed and edible, floral paradise. The cake even had waves on the side, which made me think fondly of surfing in warm tropical waters. (You get an up close and personal view with the picture above)

As my sister said, “that thing is f---ing huge!"

She was right.

There was no way on Earth that just Stephen and I could eat that cake over the course of our weekend together up at the lake.

Thus began the giveaway process.

On Friday, we befriended three sisters at the house to the south. They were visiting from all parts of the state, and joined us for an afternoon boat ride. When they confirmed that they also enjoyed cake, I cut a huge piece and dropped it off next door.

On Saturday, we had four friends join us for some wakeboarding, swimming, and relaxing on the dock. The day ended with a BBQ, a game of croquet, and—you guessed it—cake! Another chunk was consumed immediately, while yet another large piece was sliced and saved for their later enjoyment.

Then, Sunday was a new surprise. The resident neighbors to the north came out of hiding, and I walked over to introduce myself. After receiving a full tour of their newly-remodeled cabin, and chatting with the elderly owner for 30 minutes, I offered them some cake as well.

The size of my cake rapidly dwindled over the four days at Lake Almanor. I was just as excited to share this wondrous treat with others, as I was to consume it myself. It felt great to see the child in everyone jump out when they saw the gigantic beauty… and realize that it tasted just as good as it looked, if not better.

Now, as I sit and write this a day before my birthday, I’ve had a whole week of celebration already. I’ve shared laughter and smiles with strangers and friends alike. And, I’ve done so through giving and sharing, which is what I feel is what our lives are all about anyway.

Thanks to all of you who have brought much joy to my life, and I look forward to sharing more love with you in this fabulous year to come. Happy Birthday to me!

In the Land of Giants

Kym — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Trees. They are all around us. They provide shade on a sunny day. They’re the home for many creatures, insects, and bugs. And, they can be some of the greatest teachers we have at our disposal.

One of those master teachers is the redwood trees. Usually Steve and I try to make an annual to the Jedidiah Smith National Park, home of the mighty redwoods, just south of the Oregon border. This year was no exception and my past weekend in the land of giants reminded me of some important life lessons.

First, there are a few things you should know about Redwoods. They can grow close to 400 feet high and have a diameter of 10-15 feet. They can also live to see their 2,000^th birthday. Can you imagine what you’d see over a couple thousand years?

Nestled amidst giant sequoias, ferns, and foliage, the redwoods continually take me by surprise each time I enter the region. Their presence is awe-inspiring. Their grace is magnificent. And, their sheer size and numbers is humbling.

Stepping into the silence of the Redwood forest immediately speaks to my heart. The silence connects to that ever-present stillness that is at the core of my being—that tranquility of my soul that surpasses time and space. I am instantly reminded to cease action and simply be.

It’s inevitable to feel reverent around these majestic trees. They’re stable, powerful, and amazingly beautiful—just like me. But, when I leave their company, when and how do I take time to be still? When I move, do I act with reverence for the greatest and highest good that is within me? And when I’m surrounded by busy-ness, can I keep calm and collected?

Take time today to connect with the attributes that you share in common with the Redwoods. Remember your stillness, peace, expansion, purpose, and grace. Then, smile—take a deep breath—and take those qualities with you as you move with awareness in the rest of your day.

I Am

Kym — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I'm always curious about who creates the advertising slogans for various companies. Some are absolutely brilliant, while others leave me questioning their meaning.

As I sat at Tuscany, a lovely, open-air restaurant in downtown Napa on Sunday evening, my attention was frequently diverted from my husband to a sign across the street. A bright pink Nike banner claimed most of the running store's window.

The sign read, "I run to be."

At first, it seemed like a warm message that encouraged each runner to connect to their center. Yet, I kept thinking of how it actually causes an initial distraction.

The same message is really universal from our environment. "I (fill in the blank) to be." Instead of running, it could be any given action. I could give, play, or pray my way into being.

But this philosophy to tap into our essence of being seems a bit backwards to me. Instead of trying to act our way into our core, why not just simply be? Why not draw from our own Divine nature of love, abundance, and freedom before we take various movements in our busy lives?

From this place, you can say, "I Am."

And from that place of power--and joy--you can take bold steps towards your dreams.

So, pause. Take a deep breath. Connect with the wonderful being-ness that abounds in you right now. Maybe bring a smile to your lips and enjoy your grace, beauty, and strength as you simply are in this present moment.

Finding Zen in Sake Bombs?

Kym — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Whenever Steve and I take a trip down to Santa Cruz, ca, a stop at our favorite sushi restaurant, Mobo’s, is a must. Since my sister requested dinner there with us Friday night, we bypassed our usual lunch routine. At first, I found it difficult to wait for such amazing food. But, in the end, it turned out to be an amazing decision.

It turns out that every Friday and Saturday night Mobo’s creates a sake bomb domino’s show for the entire restaurant. The three of us finished our meal a bit early, but decided to stay for the event. Around 7:30 pm, we watched waitresses begin pouring saki into large pitchers. Another staff member unloaded about a hundred glasses from numerous cardboard boxes. The manager strategically aligned the glasses into two lines and methodically poured them full of beer. Others helped put napkins around the entire bar and filled double-shot glasses with the saki.

After about an hour of dedicated labor, the final set-up was complete. One hundred beer-filled glasses snaked up and down the entire bar. And balanced perfectly atop the glasses were the saki shots. Excitement filled the air as the games were about to begin.

We had the best seat in the house, although we couldn’t contain our curiosity to a seat. We joined the rest of the crowd to stand, watch, and cheer. The manager proudly announced the rules—one saki bomb per person with ID, even if you’re 70 years old, and we must wait to be handed a drink by a Mobo member. Cool.

Five. Four. Three. Two. One.

The first domino shot glass tips into the second and the crowd goes silent. We all stand in stun as saki shots gracefully tumble into one another and then into their assigned beer glass. Simply amazing! And the drinks were pretty good, too.

What really caught my attention was the life lesson demonstrated by such a fun event. Often times it takes a lot of attention and methodical preparation to enjoy a final result. This sake bomb domino demonstration took over an hour to set-up, with many helping hands, and only 30 seconds to watch.

It’s tempting to skip the steps before a final result. But, manifesting and receiving your dreams comes with much attention to detail on your part beforehand. It requires that you enjoy what you’re doing. It calls for your energy and focus along each step of the way. And, it might even require a longer time frame than you expect.

But, the end is worth the wait.

SO, what are you building today? What set-up do you have in play for the next phase of your life? What dreams do you have for your future and how are you placing your energy and focus on those goals now? Then, sit back and enjoy as the process unfolds perfectly.

To watch the Mobo domino's show in action, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbVhxmI4j0I

A Day to Remember

Kym — Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"Part of embracing a limitless perspective in life means changing the way you view your own current experience."

On this memorial day, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the wonderful things that our soldiers do to protect our country. It is also a great time to observe your own internal state of being. Through the simple act of understanding your own current experience, you can become aware of what actions are supporting you and which ones are hindering you.

Ask yourself the following questions today to begin changing your perspective from limited, where only certain things are possible, to unlimited, where you have unbound potential.

What am I grateful for right now?
What am I committed to right now?
Who do I love? Who loves me?
If I could improve my life today, what one thing could I do?

Happy Memorial Day!

It's all about me

Kym — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"One of the best ways to become an assertive communicator is to do so with yourself first."

Ask yourself the following questions:

Am I able to use openness and honesty as a way to respect myself and others?
Do I accept myself being tired just as much as energized?
Do I understand when others refuse my request?
Am I able to say "no" without feeling guilty?

These are just a few aspects of being an assertive communicator. When you start with honesty, integrity, and kindness when you speak to yourself, it makes it that much easier to communicate in the same manner with others.

Take time today to observe your internal dialogue. Where are you being understanding with yourself? Where can you cut yourself some slack? And where can you find internal joy?

Smarter than an elephant?

Kym — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

We, like the elephant, often impose constraints on our own minds."

Your mind is incredibly powerful! You are able to take in so much information from your environment and focus your attention to create what you experience. Yet, sometimes, we focus our minds on our limitations. These beliefs begin to hold us back, drain our energy bank, and short-change our possibilities.

Instead, use the power of awareness to change all of that! Notice where you are feeling negative emotion today. Observe where you hear limited self-talk. Take note of when you find it hard to breathe. Then, in that moment where you are aware of what is going on, you can pause and make a conscious choice to focus on something new--like how strong, amazing, and powerful you really are! Celebrate your natural gifts today, knowing that:

"you are a unique and beautiful person and the world is blessed by your presence".

The Powerful Subconscious

Kym — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"The subconscious mind is a million times more powerful than the self-conscious mind."

Yes, you have two minds--the conscious and subconscious. The conscious allows you to make choices, assess your environment, and reflect on your actions. 95% of your decisions, actions, and behaviors result from your subconscious.

Your subconscious is amazing. It can respond to over 40 million nerve impulses per second. It takes in all sensory input in any given circumstance, records it, stores it, and plays it back when necessary. Once you have learned a particular behavior pattern, such as riding a bike or driving a vehicle, the subconscious takes over so that such complex actions can take place without such demanding concentration.

Take time today to thank your subconscious for all it does to make your life possible.

The Power of Beliefs

Kym — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"You have the power to change beliefs and set yourself free from any limiting perspectives you have adopted over the years."

Beliefs are our values and perspectives about life. Sometimes beliefes are evident. Other times, they are tucked away in the subconscious mind, running as hidden programs that are directly determining your behaviors and experiences.

More importantly, beliefs fall into two basic categories--ones that support you and others that limit you. The good news is that the limiting beliefs can easily be changed so that you can create a new future.

One of the easiest ways to identify your beliefs about a person, place, or situation is to look at your emotional response to them. Today, notice what emotions arise. When you feel positive emotions, such as joy, love or compassion, celebrate. When you notice constricting ones, such as frustration, impatience, or anger, take time to pause, acknowledge the feeling, and then choose to change your focus to something positive. Just this simple act can begin to lay the foundation of change for your beliefs.

The Fountain of Youth

Kym — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"When you are very young and impressionable, your senses—eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and skin—pick up important information from your environment."

The mystical fountain of youth has the ability to keep you vibrant, young, and energized. Isn't that why we all seek it? It's really because we are looking for more joy in our lives now?

Well, the senses have powerful abilities to take in information from your environment and create the potential for change in your body today. As a child, you absorbed life around you before speaking a word. Beliefs and ideas were formed that helped you transition into walking, talking, and every action that has helped you become the person you are now.

The senses still hold that very same power to create your experience now--for the better or for the worse. Take time today to notice what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. What stimuli in your environment bring you joy? Focus there and allow your positive attention begin to create a brighter, more joyful experience for you now and in the future.

Life with a Broader Perspective

Kym — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"If You were put in someone else's shoes, no matter how far down the chain of events created by your decision, would there be any negative consequences?"

This common sense question requires an in-depth look at the decisions that you make. When you act from integrity with a bigger picture in mind, you are not only lifting your own vibration, but you're creating a more harmonious place for everyone else.

What decisions are you making today? What are the long-term effects of that decision? Can you whole-heartedly feel good about moving forward, knowing your decision "just makes sense" on all levels?

1,2,3 Smile

Kym — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"While it’s not necessary to dedicate several hours of your life to others—or to focus so much on others that your own Energy Bank Account gets drained—there are some simple things that can be done to enhance goodwill and friendship."

Part of the benefit of living with a strong foundation of values is that you enhance goodwill and friendship with those around you. Simple gifts, such as a smile or genuine compliment to another, can increase your own energy levels (which are stored in your Life Energy Bank Account) and boost theirs.

Take time today to consider how friendliness, trust, and helpfulness can be at the core of your decisions.

Ready, Set, Action

Kym — Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"By taking the time to think about everyone involved in, or affected by, your decisions, you’ll be able to slow down and see the bigger picture."

Everyday we are faced with many choices. When we actually make a decision, there are rippling effects that touch our lives and the lives of those around us. Some decisions are big, others small.

By looking at your own values, then checking in to see how others will be affected by your decisions, you gain a broader perspective of your actions. Then, with that insight and understanding, you can move forward confidently.

What decisions are you making today? How are others affected by those decisions? Can you utilize clear communication and enhace the well-being of all when you do take action?

Feelin' Good

Kym — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"Any choice or movement that you make which is backed by positive emotions increases your personal energy."

It's all about feeling good! When you focus on what is going right in life and you experience positive emotion, your whole being responds to amplify it. What choices do you have to make today? Before you make them, check in with how you feel about it, as well as how you feel about the outcome.

It's a terrific Thursday, so make feeling good your top priority today.

Common Sense Living

Kym — Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"Common sense is the capability of putting all of [your] innate gifts to useso that you can make confident decisions that support your goals."

This simple statement is loaded with so many questions. Aside for your body's natural capability to understand your environment with the help of your skin and your personal energy filed, what other gifts do you have that make you unique? You have a sixth sense, or gut instinct? But, what about your other talents? Where do you shine?

Then, with your toolbox of gifts, where are you going with them? And what decisions need to be made to help you get there?

Have fun today celebrating the unique YOU and enjoy the process of getting to your goals. This is an ongoing journey, so have FUN along the way!

An Expanded Definition of Awakening

Kym — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Spiritual awakening. It’s a term I hear from many people to describe their new insights about Spirit, energy, and how the two intertwine to create the world we experience. Often this awakening involves an entire paradigm shift. It includes a new perspective on reality, one in which there is far more to life than reaches the eye.

Beyond the aspects of quantum physics or new science to demonstrate such interconnectedness in the world, there is usually a far simpler change. This involves an understanding that you, alone, are in charge of creating your own reality. You are all powerful. You are a magnet, attracting your relationships and circumstances. And you co-creating your reality with God, in this moment and laying the foundation for a future that is far more wonderful than you could imagine.

This is all possible due to the understanding of spiritual principles, such as love, integrity, compassion, honesty, joy, and bliss.

What I have also noticed is that many spiritual individuals turn a blind eye to the world around them so they can solely focus on creating a better life for themselves.

In my opinion, awakening involves much more than an understanding of spiritual principles. It expands to include an awareness of what is occurring in the present moment, nationally and globally, and an implementation of such values into the world around you.

I’ve recently been reading a book called The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve. This book uncovers many of the lies perpetuated in our society, due to the Federal Reserve and the banking system as a whole.

Instead of ignoring a problem that seems too daunting to grasp, or staying away due to fear of attracting negativity, I choose to use my awareness and spiritual insight to make a difference in my immediate world. I asked myself the following questions and I challenge you to do the same:

· Am I honest with myself and others?

· Am I responsible with my money, my energy, and my relationships?

· Do other people recognize me as honorable, honest, and loving?

· How can I increase my awareness to make a positive difference in my community?

· How can I be a leader, by living a life backed by strong values?

You are all-powerful. Your beliefs and choices are magnetic, creating more of the same for you in the future. And, you are co-creating this world experience, just like everyone else. So, how can you use these strengths to make this nation, and this world, as positive and honest a place to live in—both for today and for the generations to come.

Riled up in Rio

Kym — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Movies are designed to be enjoyable, easy-going, and entertaining . Most of the time they are--with the smell of popcorn filling the lobby air, the whisper of excited voices filling the theater, and the comfort of over-sized chairs supporting your viewing experience.

Personally, I like to stroll into a theater 10 minutes after the scheduled movie time to avoid unnecessary previews. I also like to attend after the movie has been out for a few weeks, which makes the entire experience less crowded. Yet, on Monday, I surpassed all of my usual movie-going tendencies in order to see the new animated feature, Rio. My "little sister" and I stopped at a local deli before arriving early to our show. And, with school out for an Easter travel day, the place was packed! Squealing kids and babbling parents filled the entire stadium seating section above the walkway. And this was all BEFORE the movie previews even began!! As we approached the seats, everything was taken.

I scoped the scene for even one or two empty spaces. Lo and behold, the front row--the one with teh railing footrest--had two empty seats separated only by a mother and daughter. My quick eye noticed this, so I approached the middle-aged mother.

"Are you saving either of these seats?" I kindly asked.

"No," she replied.

"Would you be willing to move one seat to the right or left so we could sit together?" To my surprise, she became angry and cursed at my request. Begrudgingly, she moved over. Instead of matching her anger with mine, I took a deep breath and asked another question.

"Have you seen how crowded the theater is right now?"

"No." She actually responded.

"It's very full. There are only a few seats left at all, and none of them are together."

I guided my young friend to take her seat while I used the restroom before the film began. As I walked down the red, gold, and purple hallway, I had to calm down. I couldn't believe someone could be so rude, at a kid's movie of all places! This afternoon was a treat and I didn't want it to be ruined by a crabby mom. I knew I chose to sit next to them for the next two hours, so I took a few deep breaths to gain a fresh perspective on the situation.

When I returned to my seat, the same lady reached over and apologized for snapping at me. I thanked her with a sincere apology and enjoyed the next two hours flying above the Rio with two Blue Macaws.

So, what does this mean for me? This enounter reminded me of what I teach my students everyday about communication. When a positive energy meets a negative energy, which ever is stronger prevails 100% of the time. By holding myself in love and integrity, I was able to honor everyone in the conversation with my words and actions.

What does this mean for you? Take time today to notice how you respond to people that challenge you or push your buttons. They are often our greatest teachers about ourselves, giving us so many great opportunities to personally grow and love.

Life on the Flying Trapeze

Kym — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Imagine that life is like a series of trapeze swings with no safety net below. We’re either swinging on one trapeze bar, with a confident grip, or for a few moments in time, we’re hurtling in space before grabbing on to another one.

Most of the time, we spend life hanging on for dear life to the trapeze bar of the moment. We are comfortable with the steady rate of the swing and have the feeling of being in control of life. It feels like we even know most of the answers to life’s questions that are going to be thrown our way.

There are other times where we’re hanging on to the trapeze bar of the moment, terrified of where we are, but even more scared of letting go.

Whether enjoying our current trapeze bar or not, there are transition points in life when we can see another trapeze bar swinging our direction. It’s empty and it has our name written all over it. This bar is our next step on the path towards personal growth or the realization of our dreams.

Sometimes we hope, other times we pray, that we don’t have to grab the new trapeze bar. But we know in our heart of hearts, that in order to take this leap of faith, we have to release our grip on the present, well-known bar, and move into the unknown.

Just before releasing our grip, a myriad of emotions—including some fear—can take over. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve done this before. We can tell ourselves it’s just a simple process of releasing and grabbing again. Sometimes, out of the dark places in the mind, we fear that we’ll miss the next bar and tumble into the bottomless chasm between bars. Once we let go, there are no guarantees, no nets, and no insurance policies.

Once we muster up the courage to let go, we are in transition.

We are in the instant of eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes. We’re in that sacred space where the past is gone and the future is not quite here. And it’s the only place where real change can occur.

This sense of flying can be looking upon as scary, confusing, disorienting space that needs to be passed as quickly and as unconsciously as possible.

However, this can be an exciting time, full of adrenaline, where you are intensely focused. With confidence, clarity, and awareness, we can enjoy the richness of the transition. We can honor these special times, even savor them. And even with the wide range of emotions that can accompany these transitions, they can be the most alive, passionate, and expansive moments of our lives.

In fact, the transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making our fear disappear entirely. But rather, it’s the ability to give ourselves permission to “hang out” in the transitions between trapeze bars. By transforming our natural tendency to grab at the new bar quickly, we allow ourselves to dwell in the place where change really happens. It can be terrifying, and as mentioned before, it can be enlightening.

In those transitions where we hurtle through the void, we may just learn to fly.

So, what transitions are you going through as we enter 2011? How are you feeling in the process--scared, accepting, or exhilirated?

See if you can find some enjoyment in your transitions today.

Pride, Passion, Power

Kym — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

While in Redondo Beach for the Christmas holiday, my family and I headed into downtown Los Angeles to watch the Kings play their So Cal rivals, the Anaheim Ducks. The enthusiastic crowd only added to the enormity of the Staples Center itself.

It's been a year since watching my home team play live and I was impressed with their change in uniform design and logo. Included in their transformation was a new slogan--Pride, Passion, Power.

These words perfectly describe intense players skating up and down the ice, using their power to dominate whoever dares enter their territory. The Kings use overmasking passion to create defeat, thus enhancing the sataisfaction of each performance. And, when the players succeed, fans tag along with heartfelt pride.

However, the words Pride, Passion, and Power are not solely reserved for those on the LA Kings team. In fact, they are attributes that we all possess. We can daily express these characteristics in the following ways:

Pride: We are all unique and have the choice to celebrate our value and self-worth continually. We are capable of creating the life of our dreams, learning from our experiences, and moving forward with our head held high.
Passion: While our society often encourages us to live from a logical, brain-centered perspective, passion is an intense sensation driven by the heart. Passion invokes enthusiasm, joy, and love. It's the intense, driving emotions that offer meaning and purpose to each action we take and to each relationship we form.
Power: This is our ability to have strength and courage as we move through all of our life experiences. With our power, we can influence others. Yet, with that capability comes great responsibility to consider what is in the greatest and higest good for all.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What am I proud of in my life right now? What aspect of myself am I proud of?
What am I passionate about in my life right now? How can I add passion to my activities and relationships today?
How do I acknowledge my own power? How do I use that power to better my life and the lives of others

Even if you're not a hockey fan or LA Kings aficionado, I encourage you to adopt their motto for 2011! Uncover your Pride. Encourage your Passion. And embrace your Power in the year to come.

Many blessings to you all,

Kym

'Tis the Season

Kym — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

With the Thanksgiving holiday festivities coming to a close, a whole month of Christmas ones await. Thankfully, my mom and sister we up visiting over the long weekend and we could combine some of the best events of both holidays in just a few short days.

Friday was a day of rest, mainly from the turkey cooking and mass pumpkin-pie eating on Thanksgiving Thursday. So, we decided to put off our Christmas tree cutting adventure to Saturday.

However, when the rainy morning of the weekend arrived, our spirits were dampened by the weather. Should we still go up into the mountains, knowing a snow storm was under way? Could we bear the wet cold for a few hours while we hunted down the perfect living room centerpiece?

Despite our hesitation, and reservations, we decided to go.

Yes, there were complications with the sawzaw. And, we need to pick up a back-up pruning saw at the hardware store just in case the power one failed. Finally, after an hour of preparation and with enough food, water, and warm clothing to last us a winter, we made our way up to Butte Meadows for our Christmas tree hunt.

The peacefully falling snow immediately faded out any concerns we initially had about the trip. Even the snowballs aimed at my head as I exited the truck seemed playful enough in this winter wonderland.

I would like to say that the actual discovering, cutting, and loading of the tree itself had some unexpected element of surprise. Yet, thankfully, it was just an hour of laughter and teamwork to get our tree back down into our home in Chico.

But, reflecting on the snow day made me think of the many times we actually go through the festive season dreading the events to come. Many times we get frustrated with crowds, annoyed at the same family or co-workers, and stressed with the extra demands on our schedule.

So, as you start this often busy month of December—celebrating your holiday of choice—take a moment to consider how much fun, joy, and companionship you can create for yourself and others. By simply changing your perspective, and opening up to the unexpected blessings that may arrive, you just might have a bit more JOY as you move gracefully through the month.

Happy Holidays!