DEEP: Body Love's Theme Shadow Muse Part 2

Welcome to blog 2 which continues the theme of Shadow Muse featured in Phinspiration Newsletter:November 2014 Shadow Muse and DEEP: Body Love's Theme Shadow Muse

Here is a little story about Shadow:

I looked out my window and saw shadow.  It was dark and scary and I was afraid.  

I immediately noticed that I was afraid because I could not see what was in there and was frightened that I would be hurt.  I also realized that I assumed I had to go right into the shadow without a light and I did not.  

Shadow then opened its doors wide and invited me to bring a lantern in and just to take a few steps.  Shadow suggested that I do not come all the way in yet as I might become lost.  

I finally realized that I was quite surprised at how considerate shadow was and felt relieved and more inclined to visit.  
I knew my next step was to revisit shadow with a little step at a time and I found myself actually looking forward to it. 

Now, you try it:

I looked out my window and saw shadow. It was _________

I immediate noticed___________

Shadow then ____________________

I finally realized ______________

I knew my next step was _____________

What does your story show you?

Enjoy

Liz 

DEEP: Body Love's Theme Glorious Audacity part 2

Welcome to part 2 which continues the theme of audacity as featured in September’s 2014 Newsletter: Glorious Audacity and Blog 1 - DEEP:Body Love's Theme Glorious Audacity

Tips from Audacity

Day dream for 30 seconds if I felt good enough what would I do next? 

• Add some really bright colours to your doodles.
• Wear that very bright, bold piece of jewellery you bought when you were feeling audacious. 
• Wear the lovely hat or shoes or clothing you thought was a good purchase.  
• Where it around the house for a while and keep looking in the mirror and tell yourself you love it, even if that is hard to do.  Have fun with how you say it.
• Take your hat, shoes, clothing out for a date, adventure, taking on the personae of them! 
• Doodle, draw an audacious character, personae and name her/him/it. 
• Text yourself or put a reminder on the computer and ask what if you were audacious what would you do?
• Create, send yourself a permission slip to be audacious.  
• Send yourself a love note telling you how loved you are.
• Send yourself an invitation for an audacious date with you, a friend, a colleague, some you love or someone you don’t. 
• Gift yourself the really crazy cup and saucer perhaps that you have always wanted!
• Change the meal you usually have planned to something completing different without telling anyone and have fun watching their reactions! 
• Say no to cooking, someone else can do it, you are going to have a candle lit bath with candles or going to play for 30 minutes!!!

 What are 3 things that you love doing?

1. 
   
2. 
   
3.  

If you were A u d a c i o u s, choose one of your things you love doing and set yourself a small challenge of doing just one small step and enjoy the bliss.  Reminder yourself what it feels like to be connected and having fun.  Would love to hear what you have come up with. 

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation" 50 secs of pure inspiration.  

Beautiful audaciousness blossoming!   

Enjoy.

Liz 

DEEP: Body Love's Theme Glorious Audacity

Welcome to this blog which continues the theme of Audacity as featured in September’s 2014 Newsletter: Glorious Audacity  

“When we are completely ourselves, we grace the world with a uniqueness that colours it with the interest and the variety brilliantly possible for us as humans.  We live a more fulfilling and energetic life because we are not using all the energy it requires to constantly please others.” Jill Badonsky, The Nine Modern Day Muses and A Bodyguard. 

I love this, because, well its true!!  It really is! I have seen countless people transform when they start to get just how much they are being guided by ‘shoulds’, other people’s opinion, living life from the outside.   It is an epidemic and so are the transformations, yay!!!

This is a mantra of mine.  “If I didn't care what other’s thought, what would I do?” This comes from a compassionate place and is always a curious inquiry  I have lost count of how many times I have thought “oh S***” this means I need to do it then.  It has not always worked out as I hoped, in fact a lot times it has not but because it was authentic, coming from my passion from what brings me joy I did not use it as a measure of failure, personally!  I really was proud of myself for giving it go and continue with curiosity, excitement, fear, fun (I love fun) and a feeling of being alive.  I am human and so this does not happen all the time but mostly.

Marney Makridakis from Artellaland shared this prompt:

If Audacity was an animal, maybe it might be a …

My response

If Audacity was an animal, maybe it might be a beautiful vibrant dolphin who allows itself to be.  It swims, dives, plays knows that whoever loves dolphins will enjoy and share in the absolute pleasure of its being and those who don’t, it does not matter.  It would not even have that thought!  It also knows that there are like minded species and it is part of something much bigger.

When I come from this energy, this space, I am so inspired and can take on the energy of this wonderful species to inspire me.  How cool is that!

Surfing Dolphins @ Jeffreys Bay- BBC Dolphins: Deep Thinkers Share in the fun!

Now your turn

If Audacity was an animal maybe it might be a …

Would love to hear what you came up with.  

Enjoy.

Liz 

DEEP: Body Love's Theme Reframing Mistakes

Welcome to this blog which continues with the theme of mistakes and practice as featured in August's newsletter: Reframing Mistakes August 2014

Just like everything, becoming comfortable with mistakes is something that comes with practice.  Practicing taking our mistakes, and framing them with kindness and compassion, that can guide us to what next. 

Mistakes are a portal to the unknown and wonderful world of discovery.  They also tell us what does not work for us and teach us to discern. 

Here are some ways to practice making mistakes:

If you have paper, fold it in half and literally spill some liquid on one side, could be coffee, paint, indian ink and then fold the paper in half to get a mirror image.

Draw and image of a spill, a splash and decorate it.  Play with it, there is no expectation of an outcome and have the intention that you are going to do it really badly.

Write a poem, a haiku really badly, allowing what ever to appear to appear, dont cross anything out and if you do use a coloured pen or doodle the cross out, whilst enjoying the process.

Create a persona of a wonderful mistakes and consult with it.

What else could you try?

Enjoy

Liz

Today's Theme from DEEP is Discover

DEEP – Phinspire's motto - means "Discover Empower Emerge Play". Here is March’s weekly coaching/blog series which continues from the DEEP Truth of the Month for March: Paying attention reveals opportunities.

Week One of Four

We are continuing with the wonderful wisdom and energy from Aha-phrodite Muse from Jill Badonsky’s Nine Modern Day Muses and a Body Guard.  

Here is an ARTsignment™ to try: If you choose, try completing the writing prompts, without too much thinking, judging or analyzing, just doing and see what happens.

I looked out the window and saw what worked, it was …

I immediately noticed …

What worked then …

What I realised was that what worked was …

Now read it out loud, and one more time.  What are you noticing?  What is ‘sticking out’ for you?  Are there any surprises? 

Just notice what you notice.

Congratulations on your discovery. 

Finally, I invite you to leave a comment to answer this question, how will you celebrate your discovery?

Love

Liz

Reflections 2012 - no New Year's Resolutions - just wonderful intentions to continue to be fulfilled

That time of year already, reflections of 2012.  I asked myself the following questions in my journal this morning and wondered if they would be useful to you.

1. What are you most proud of?  I have so many things and I am grateful for that.  One of them is that I have allowed myself to take time out and have fun.  Do things 'small and crappy' (thank you Rae Warde - Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach extraordinaire), which has allowed me to achieve way more than I could ever have imagined.   I certainly have felt the fear and done it anyway in so many ways. 

2. What has been  most meaningful to you?  I guess doing the ARTbundance Coach training this year and finally everything I have ever done in my coach training, experiences, life etc have all come together in a way that I can truly express and use it creatively.  I feel as if I have truly arrived, especially with now doing the post grad diploma in counselling - narrative therapy.  I feel I will have so much to offer others and keep them safe.  I want to work with others who hurt and undermine themselves with food as a way of surviving. 

What has been really meaningful has been the love, support from the amazing people who are part of Artella, ARTbundance, MMM - Mapping and Mentoring with Marney, Kaizen Muse Creativity Coaches, people who have believed in me when I have not believed in myself at times.  They truly have inspired me and literally carried me through some small steps.  The power of like minded people is tremendous as are people who think differently because they open up a whole plethora of questions, considerations etc which can be just as valuable.  I am so blessed with the people around me. 

I asked many questions and I like this little formula here.  (If anyone would like further prompts for reflections, please do not hesitate to let me know).

Traffic Light Formula - I cannot remember where I saw it first, do not think I came up with it myself and would like to thank that person or people.

For 2013

Red - what would be 1 - 3 things that you could stop doing, that no longer serves you.  Can be a tiny, small thing. 

Yellow - what are 1 - 3 things that would be worth you continuing with?  It could be something really minor but actually works for you or it may be something that you started in 2012 and have decided that you like it so much you are going to continue with.

Green - what are 1 - 3 things that you would like to start doing that would bring you pleasure, be all about you?  Could be starting with 2 - 5 minutes of what you love to do and if you do not know, finding it out.  If you have fun and play in your life I promise you, with all my heart that if you start to do this you will be amazed at the ripple effects. 

You may decide to make a time just for you.  Have a lunch break at least 3 times a week.  Play with the kids more.  Have someone play with the kids so you can play.  Plant something you love.  Start a new class. Stop doing so many classes.  Do something you love to do and have not done for a while.

Now as a coach, I feel like I am supposed to say that you could sign up with me etc but honestly, you can start so small and I promise you it will impact on everything.  If you follow your bliss, your energy, your passion and start challenging the 'shoulds' you will notice the difference.  Compassion and patience are key.  Try it you have nothing to lose.

So my answers:

Red - stop believing the inner critic.  No that is unrealistic, I can raise my awareness to the messages and at the same time think of a compassionate comeback, anchor KMCC (TM), like Phinspire (my new business  name - launch February), what kind of name is that, it's stupid, no one is going to know what that means - comeback AND anchor, um, I guess not all will but I just love it and it feels so right so there we have it!  And so it is, as Louise Hay would say.  I honestly have been working with that particular message for a few days. 

Yellow - I am definitely going to keep on trusting my intuition and strengthening it through creativity and mindful, balance - knowing my choices, creating the belief I need/want to follow through on my decisions that work for me.

Green - be bolder in my practice, develop workshops and coaching using creativity, utilising the dolphin energy, diving deep to truths and bursting through life's waves - my tag line and I believe in it 100%.   Haha, is that bold or what? 

So here's to you for 2013.  I would encourage you to play with how it would feel if you chose intentions for 2013 just for you, acting as if you did not care what others thought.  I know it sounds radical but as long as you are not hurting anyone you will be surprised just how much this will support you creating the life you deserve and makes you way more fun to be with others too.  It only needs to be a small, small step consistently practiced.  You end up being of 'service' if you like in an incredible, healthy, wellbeing kind of way.  You have nothing to lose by giving it a go and just playing, see what happens.  Have fun.

Wishing you a New Year where you get to be you.  Happy New Year!

Road Trip - Visual Journalling

First of all I would like to thank Jill Allison Bryan from Creative Oasis Coaching.  www.creativeoasiscoaching.com.

In her last newsletter she inspired me to write this blog, in a way that I could give myself permission for it to be good enough and have the courage to do that.  I am pretty busy at the moment, not too overwhelmed (articles coming about that soon) and wanted to write at least something that was short but ok, so here goes.

I have just received the Visual Journalling - Going Deeper than Words, Barbara Ganim & Susan Fox and have started a 6 week 'road trip' with this and wow, already.  I have been journalling for some time in different ways and this is the next stage for me.   I have much to say and my timer tells me I have 10 minutes left. 

Quote from the book - "Traditional methods of prayer and  meditation have been elusive for me in the past ... For me; painting in my meditation.  It is my gift from Spirit, a tool to help me as I journey down all the roadways in this life ... toward the joyful discovery of who I am really am." - Jeanne Prom.

I feel that this resonates with me.  I am not a writer, a painter, a sculpture, an artist but we are all absolutely creative in many ways.  My creativity I believe is through my passions of occupational therapy, creativity coaching and soon counselling, supporting others to connect to who they are, give themselves permission to be and soar.  I do this more and more through creativity, creativity coaching and narrative.

I have been exploring myself more many, many years for lots of reasons.  In latter years to get to play with creative modalities.  Just love, in heaven for me.  I am so curious and intrigued what this road trip will reveal. 

I wondered if you noticed anything in the quote that sparked a thought for you.  How would it feel to write about it, draw it, create symbols or not and just notice how you feel.

A writing prompt if you wish ...
If I was planning for a road trip, what 3 things would I take and why.  Have fun. 

High Five!

Dont Waste Energy Changing A Habit - Create New Habits Instead Part 1

"When you refrain from habitual thoughts and behavior, the uncomfortable feelings will still be there. They don't magically disappear. Over the years, I've come to call resting with the discomfort "the detox period,"

because when you don't act on your habitual patterns, it's like giving up an addiction. You're left with the feelings you were trying to escape.

The practice is to make a wholehearted relationship with that."  Pema Chodren

   This was posted on a Kaizen Muse Creativity Coaching group site where, which part of the training.  Thanks very much to Nina.  As I journey through this training again, this time as an intern to be a Master Coach, trainee mentor at the same time as studying as a Post Grad in Counselling - narrative therapy, I notice more and more about blocks, obstacles, behaviours, what holds us back. 

Both in the coaching and counselling we are reminded just how much of what we believe and our behaviours can come down to habitually thinking and could be argued feeling, if we are reacting to the thoughts.  We really do have habitual behaviours.  I am gaining more clarity from the amazing teachers, lecturers regarding how we can be more comfortable with disappointment and the discomfort of that because we are use to that.  

I know for myself I have sat in the discomfort of the known and have not been so willing to sit in the discomfort of unknown because of fear, not wanting to feel and yet I am still in discomfort regardless.  Habit is so powerful, could you imagine creating new habits, small step, by small step and which could actually develop into a wonderful new habit that serves us. 

If you think about it but not for too long, we know what discomfort feels like and we will handle it, so how would it be to use that tenacity to be in discomfort for a short period of time, knowing that it can develop a new habit that eventually will allow us to enjoy aspects of ourselves that are really pretty cool.  Of course, this sounds easy and sure the strategy can be simple but it is not easy.

I would agree whole heartedly that when you stop one thing, a habit, there is a space, a gap and so creating a new habit could be supportive.  How would it be to consider the things that you do not normally have time for.  Could you learn to sit with feelings with compassion and small glimpses of what it feels like, talking, journalling, drawing, sketching about it.  Even just trying it for 30 secs at a time and then distract yourself with something else.  Please know that there is of course much more to it than this but we can start some where. 

What if we recruited both our right brain and left brain into creating new habits.  Using creativity and activity to support us with the next small beautiful step to move more forward to perhaps day dream of ways that we could play before trying to create a new habit to help us live the life we are meant to,  create habits that serve us. 

What if - I just so love that question.  What if we considered things that may bring us pleasure.  Checking in with what worked for us before?  What did you enjoy doing and just have not had time for, given yourself permission for.  When is the last time you played.  There is so much to having the motivation to changing, although to be honest I would agree with others to not even try to change a habit. 

I would support creating a new one, by starting with even a small question, like what would be one small fun step that I could take and not trying to answer it.  Just putting it out there and see what happens.  If you do get an answer, go for it.  Right now I am in the middle creating a new habit and my values and who I want to be motivates me, has taken me a while to get here I have to say.  What would motivate you to choose a new habit that serves you and how you do things differently?  After the first 3 answers, trying adding another 5 and see what happens.   

"No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it."

Albert Einstein, Swiss-German-American physicist

Transition - one life to another

"Well cannot believe it I submitted my final piece of home work for my ARTbundance Certification Training - wahoo. Did my presentation and 2 coaching sessions. Needs evaluating first. Cannot believe 20 weeks of learning a wonderful coaching approach that for me has been the missing link. I feel so blessed."

Wow, I cannot believe this.  I wrote this before the 26th June 2012, which was my last day as an Occupational Therapist with the District Health Board.  So much has happened since.   It is my 50th year and my husband's 60th year.  We have been celebrating a friend's 40th and 70th.  Honestly, we have been celebrating so much this year.  I could write so many blogs just about that. 

On the 27th at 2 am we left for the Airport.  Spent 4 amazing days in Sydney, love Darling Harbour and The Rocks and then boarded a 10 day cruise, which was so cheap - 70% off and spent most of the time at sea with 4 days on South Caledonian or Fijian Islands.  We only got of for 2 days.  Lazy I know and this was our whole purpose to experience what 10 days of 'chilling' would actually feel like.   Honestly I cannot believe how quick a day goes when you are doing nothing. 

It was incredible, I did so much journalling, reading and doing various exercises from the books I read.  There was so much transition that occurred on that trip never mind in my life.  I finally wrote all the things that I was embarrassed about, ashamed about and have never told a soul.  Nothing major in the scheme of things but enough to use as a 'beaty up stick' when needed.  I wrote about the things that traumatised me, angered me, frustrated me, saddened me (have to say I have been working on personal development for about oh lets see now 22 years - haha).

I torn up the paper I wrote them on into small pieces like confetti (bio degradable), which I then set free at the back of the ship.  Honestly it was amazing just how gracefully and beautifully it seemed to play in the wind, in the spray and on top of the waves.  What a great feeling.  So transition there. 

The ripple effects have been interesting and not as I expected.  I feel so much 'lighter' and funny that a person I met up with the other day actually used those words, when talking about my energy.  It is amazing just how hard it is to take time out but truly the space in priceless for what occurs.  And we can so create time, which I will blog about soon.

So transition in life.  At the age of 50 I feel as if I am starting out and I am.  I am now certified as an ARTbundance Coach and cannot imagine coaching any other way.  I use Results Coaching Systems and Kaizen Muse Creativity Coaching and honestly with Occupational Therapy what a package.  I am amazed how it all just works together.  Ok, Liz having said that I have been working towards this since 2005 and perhaps did not give it the attention it deserved.  Great excuses - sabotage, procrastination, too busy, not being good enough, fear of failure, fear of success and finally I am here - wahoo.

Up until May this year working for the YWCA was not even in my vocabulary and now I facilitate 3 groups for girls between the ages of 11 - 13 at 2 different schools.  Me Liz, who does not have children, who has never worked with children and  now this is my second week of a 10 week programme, which is about empowerment, self esteem, confidence, positive body image, communication skills.  I am creating stuff, activities to do with the girls.  Have to say the lady before me had done this programme and taught me and it is an established programme with the Y that I am tweaking. 

On Friday I had the first lesson of the Post Grad in Counselling, predominantly in narrative therapy.  Me Liz, doing this at 50.  For those that know me this is the 3rd time I have allowed myself to be here and actually do this and the approach I so love because it is similar to coaching in terms of belief in the client, that they have the resources etc.  It is an 18 month course and I cannot believe I am actually doing it.  Have to do 200 hours counselling next year and looking at placements  now.  My dream and the reason I am doing this is because I want to work with people who have experienced disordered eating. 

I figure that with all this experience and counselling to keep clients safe I can offer one to one stuff and group stuff in a creative way.  Telling the story, metaphors, etc.  As I write my fingers move too fast with excitement.  I have also implemented a plan for where I am taking more time out.  It seems as if this looks challenging and it is but I cannot believe that I truly have made time.  I am less on face book although value this tremendously and time myself more. 

I have time out for so many different things and am just having a ball.  When the home work starts, which it already has and I get busier, perhaps it may be a different thing.  I am also going to be training as a Master Coach with KMCC next week so wow.  Phew,  need to stop now.  My bed times now are 8.30 pm to read, 9.30 pm sleep.  Not quite managing it but not far off. 

At 50 and I guess it has been a gradual transition to an amazing life in my book.  This I could never have envisaged, not ever, ever which as a coach is challenging when we set goals with clients.  It so reinforces how important it is to check out what it is that you want to feel, what will make you feel the way you want to feel and where does it happen already.  Also, trying things on for size and just giving things a go.  Sometimes I have done that with clothes, If I choose one item I think ok well what would I not wear and take that in with me too.  Great fun.  Have bought a couple of things that I would not have but don't do that much shopping - haha.  

I love my life so much and it feels as if this is just the beginning.  I love my age, my stage when I am so much more settled in my own skin and content with who I am.  It has taken some time to get here and is a working progress but I think this age group has so much to offer.  A freedom somehow, an excuse to be a little bit out there.   Who knows and I would advise though is not to wait until 50 and give things ago way before now.  It truly is worth it.  I so promise you that.  It is magic when you listen to you and allow you to be you as a whole, embracing the darker parts as well as the lighter parts. 

Definitely time to go.  Listen to your passion.  What makes you smile, laugh?  What makes time pass by so quickly that you do not even notice?  When, where with whom are you most content, at your  best in terms of being be you, feeling easy in the company you are in.  Definitely time to go - haha. 

Love this from Kate Robertson's Face book

from Gun Gazing's Photos

 

Dear Time Travelers
When something really intriguing and exciting comes my way, I feel compelled to share it. And this is one of those cases. I'm totally inspired by The Creating Time Mega Event...three FREE weeks of inspiration as people all over the world will come together and welcome the ending of time as we know it...and the beginning of an exhilarating new life!


The Creating Time Mega Event celebrates the release of the new book, Creating Time: Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by ArtellaLand.com founder Marney K. Makridakis and features 25 amazing luminaries inviting us to "time travel" as a collective community to create a new paradigm of time.

Have you noticed that time is moving faster than ever these days? That it's virtually impossible to engage in or observe any conversation that doesn't somehow bring up "time" in a negative context? That "time" is the one thing that seems to hold most of us back from living the lives we were born to live? I see this all the time in my work, and I imagine that you do, too!

Now is the time for a new time! The Creating Time Mega Event and this exciting movement can change the way we see and experience time forever.

The Creating Time Mega Event is FREE and it all starts April 2, 2012 and runs for three amazing, life-changing weeks. You'll get inspiring live webinars, daily email inspiration, dynamic time-shifting games and challenges, a lively interactive community of fellow time-travelers, and so much more.

I am excited for the ways that this ongoing flow of innovative tools, techniques and ideas explored in this event will shift our experience of time forever. I've signed up...will you join me?

Learn more and sign up here!

Small & Crappy - Reality Check

This is my amazing husband, John, who really at times is so wise and ALWAYS honest.  I have to say that truly we laugh like this a lot.  I have to admit that on this particular occasion it was encouraged by alcohol and a birthday celebration. 

I wanted to write a blog and this week it was about personal life coaching.  I was struggling because I have one hour and could have done this 2 days ago when I planned.  I thought about Rae Wardes' gorgeous statement that is well know in the Kaizen Muse Creativity Coaching community - 'make it small & crappy' it will be good enough.  Ok I will, I think. Then what about, so I approach John.  "What would be something you would like to read that would inspire you around personal stuff?".  (He really could be a coach himself and an OT for that matter - haha), he could not really think of anything.  Ok then, "What is something that you are struggling with just now?"  He still could not think of anything.

I was beginning to feel as if he was not trying hard enough (cheeky eh! For sure!)and with that thought it hit me.  He was outside in the middle of sweeping the path.  It is a lovely sunny day, I had interrupted him to ask these questions because I could not answer them myself.  He explained that all he could think of was the garden, he had noticed plants growing that were new, wanted to transplant something to see if it would work and discovered 3 pots that he wanted to use in some way, and I wanted to take him away from this.  He looked so content and relaxed.

He was so in the present and enjoying every moment of it and thank goodness that he allowed himself to be, stay there.  What a wonderful reminder of how to just be and you know sometimes, we just need to stop figuring it all out.  I have done a lot of that again just recently and really hearing that there so needs to be a 'time of just being of taking a break, taking stock of what is already working with the power of gratitude which will create new inspiration without even trying.'  This is from Lull Muse - KMCC, what fab advice. 

Get It
I was struggling with something and trying to get someone else to help me.  Absolutely nothing wrong in that what so ever, unless you are taking them to a place where they really don't want to go or need to go.  I was thinking that I really wanted to write an inspiring, useful blog where 'small & crappy' would have been just fine and ok to do.  Had I done this then I would not have approached John, on saying that I am so pleased that I did.  Great role model.

Got It
Now I know that what was really occurring for me is the need to want to write a blog in a hurry.  What I got out of this is so much in terms of learning. However it still was about writing a blog and it being good enough.

Great - options/choices

• remember small & crappy
• good enough is good enough
• make notes along the way of ideas
• take risks with blogs

Ta Da! - Credit report - acknowledgment

• I stopped myself in my tracks when I noticed where John was
• I recognised that it is up to me to create what I want and take responsibility of that instead of trying to take someone out of their place into mine
• I wrote this blog and enjoyed its integrity
• I love small & crappy - it is so freeing
• I am letting myself of the hook for being late with it
• I actually  like writing blogs, don't know why, don't need to know
• I learned from this in a loving, compassionate way, nice lessons

How will I celebrate

• Post this blog
• Read it again - haha
• Go out and enjoy lunch with friends
• Relax and have the rest of the day off

Don't Make Life Weight - Launch

Finally I am launching this coaching programme on Thursday 23rd September 2011 by doing an introductory workshop. It is has been developing over the last 5 – 6 years. I guess though really it has been developing even longer than that. You could say I have been researching it for many years in a sense.

There will be 4 follow up coaching sessions either for small groups or on a one to one basis. I truly feel that this coaching programme can make a difference. There is no quick fix for sure but truly, no one needs to be dieting or trying to change the outside of themselves. Often we have been doing this for years and is it working?

We all have what it takes inside of us to learn to accept ourselves for who we are and know that we are good enough. I am convinced the more we connect with our bodies, listen to ourselves, not the head bit but truly ourselves, do things that matter to us because of our values, because it brings pleasure, laughter, use ourselves as a guide not do what we think people want us to do, the happier we will be and the ripple affects are amazing. I have witnessed it so many times since in my role as an Occupational Therapist and a Life Coach.

This workshop will explore influences on body image, body trust, health at any size, focus on a goal, an aspect of life other than ‘ideal’ weight or changing the outside of you. I have taken this journey in so many ways and know that we are all different and that is what makes us unique.

I am so passionate to share what I have learned and know that only you can create what the life that you deserve but there is a much kinder way of doing it, so simple and challenging but all possible and real. This approach is about you being independent and not having to rely on anybody or product. We can live a more happy, which means experiencing our full range of emotions, fulfilling life according to who we are. I am so excited about this and hope you join me on this exciting journey.

OT Rocks - Occupational Therapy Coach - OTcoach

OT rocks!

The pieces are finally coming together. I feel as if I have come full circle with occupational therapy. Having practiced in various roles for 15 years and therefore meeting so many different people, not only clients, but carers, staff, agencies etc., I have learned so much about life and really get that we are all different!! I had not always appreciated that and I did not treat people differently, especially in the earlier years I was so focused on trying to help the client and on occasions was led by diagnosis. I know this is all part of learning. My first role was in mental health and I must admit to this day I believe it is a great grounding and training for interpersonal skills and seeing the person despite the diagnosis.


When I first came to coaching I loved it and it took some time to know what exactly it was that I loved. I know I left feeling enthused about OT again and started to use the enablement and communication skills in all I did, which was noticeable with clients, colleagues, in supervision and generally. This still was not enough though I really still could not grasp exactly what was happening, one day it clicked, well after being part of an international OTcoach SIG, noticing and journalling.


The coaching approach comes from a strengths based model. Much of my training with Results Coaching Systems covered aspects that we covered in our training. I started to also see that I was no longer treating people as if they were sick and needed fixed, which I know is a bit of challenge in our field, that is why we are there!!! I also noticed that in actual fact the type of questions that a coach uses are designed to elicit answers from the person. How would you like to see it? What brings you pleasure? What makes you smile? What matters to you? These were on top of looking at function and purposeful activity, meaningful perhaps in terms of well I need to cook, clean, dress, drive etc but not meaningful in terms of self and here’s the thing. I can honestly say that I have only just really grasped that over the last say 3 – 4 years.


I am also a Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach, we have many tools that I use all the time but one of the biggest aha moments of my life (I have had many!!) was just how much connecting to the self is the key to everything. We are encouraged to explore with a client ways of using creativity, could be aspect at all, gardening, cooking, painting, drawing, writing, sewing, does not matter as you know but for me some how I had this profound aha moment of realising that purposeful and meaningful did not necessary mean functional in terms of ADLs, work, etc. These are of course hugely important to a person’s life but for me I had forgotten the creativity in me.


I then started to change my approach with clients asking them the above type questions. It was clearly obvious at times that dressing independently was definitely a goal or driving etc but I sometimes don’t start there. I start with a leisure activity, an interest, something that is not so focused on functional stuff. What I have found is that a person often, not always can connect to who they are and still are despite a disability, the barriers, once this occurs it seems to have made the rest of rehab more tolerable for a client. They have a balance and can experience pleasure in other ways. One client had a dense stroke and his spark was that he could still love his grandchildren, he was still granddad and they were a part of his rehab – amazing.


Part of our role is to focus on deficits because we are there to facilitate change and/or compensatory methods, adaptations etc, so coming from strengths based model, such as focusing and reminding them what is working, is much more of a balance. It is of course not that simple or easy at but our training lends us to look at the client as a whole, fantastic.


I have also used both coaching approaches in supervision, particularly the questions and balance, checking in with supervisees about what they do for fun, for pleasure, how do they look after themselves in and outside of work. It certainly makes a difference.


The other day I had another huge aha moment, only about 3 weeks ago. I know that I am passionate about OT and kept wondering if I am that passionate how come I want to finish clinically, which will be August 2012 but continue in supervision, supporting students that are not in DHB environments, be part of OT. Through a coaching session with the amazing Jeanette Isaacs Young I realised that everything I do is informed by Occupational Therapy, everything, especially my coaching.


My coaching is all about the person, really getting to know their values, who they are to then support exploration of meaningful, purposeful activities because with out a doubt it leads to meaningful and purposeful lives. I have been working like this as a coach since being certified with RCS but had not really appreciated that I was coming from this angle so much until I did KMCC and after receiving coaching (various coaches), being mentored and mentoring. I also encourage greatly balance, taking time out even for 5 minutes, experiencing all emotions, recognise what cannot be changed, change what can and really know the difference.


If this is not OT then what is? Honestly this was quite a revelation. I shared this with my husband, guess what I said everything I do in coaching is actually occupational therapy in the ‘well’ world. Far out! Well to be honest I used different language but how fantastic. I had just accepted what we do and it is so ingrained now. I love that I have this and have embraced it. I just think that coaching is such an awesome modality for OT but OT rocks, truly it does.

So I emailed our Professional Advisor and told her that I did want to finish clinically but I would be dedicating some of my coach practice to OT. That I am passionate about OT and believe in the profession. It was no surprise to her or the OTcoach SIG of my desire to support others to reignite their passion, their creativity in what they do, find balance, build resilience and live a life according to who they are. To do this for clients and themselves. I will develop a couple of packages re coaching approach but also about balance, small steps, dealing with overwhelm, perhaps bring some creative tools for OTs. I definitely want to create a one day re-treat.

So this may or may not work, it really almost does not matter, what matters is how I feel about it and to share it if I can but if not to live it and know that I am so grateful for what I have. I feel so blessed to be able to supervise and will always do this. I have over the years gained amazing stories and inspirations from the clients I have worked with. There have been so many that have changed my life. They are people just like you and I. I want to always remember I have a person in front of me.

Well what a beginning blog for OTcoach!

What's In A Name 2 - Fitting In. Get it, Got it, Great ... GIGIG

I was looking for puzzle pieces to depict 'fitting in' and then looked at my own logo!!

I did not expect to be here so soon but realised as I did the mind maps what I love is my passion.  I also started to realise that I was just trying to fit in with my peers, my profession, what I value, wondering how can I develop a business from my passion, so many things were affecting me and I was losing my way.  I have no doubt that the above will have some impact on what I do, however I am trying to make the pieces fit, when they dont necessarily do so at this time and may never. 

My tag line is living life from the inside out and why let life be a puzzle, together we can make the pieces fit and that has always been about identifying the right pieces in the first place.  Our pieces, what matters to us from the inside not the outside and with every essence of me I believe, truly only then can we really be living the life we are meant to be living.

I also strongly believe that we have to do and be in the doing and learning to 'be' we learn about ourselves and experience what works for us and what we no longer need.  Interesting that it is so much easier to support some body else through this.

So - Get It

I Get that what is most important at this time is I remind myself of what matters, what my values are.  What inspired  me to want to be here.

Got It

Now I have more insight I have some options; I can do another MM of who I want to be in coaching.  How I want to spend my life from here on in, nearly being a 50 year old.  Explore my values again.  Act as if the whole world was my oyster, which it incidentally is.  MM as if it was a blank sheet. 

Great ..  My Get To List

Ok, I am going to do values exercise purely because it is fun and light hearted, ok then it will bring me back to me.  I will then look at a blank sheet and act as if I could not fail. 

My Ta Da List

• I allowed myself not to be perfect and edit that last post to include a Ta Da List.
• I am here pondering.
• I am open to learning.

What worked

Trusting and giving in a little to having to have the answers now.

Celebrate

Picnic by the beach, even though it is pretty cool. 

What's In A Name - Get It, Got It, Great - GIGIG

This is driving me crazy.  I am keen to be a life coach and at the same time coach in Occupational Therapy.  I have tried to amalgamate the two names which is really not describing what I do.  I knew this would be a challenge but honestly I did not realise just how hard it would be.  What I am beginning to realise is that there is so much in a name.  Your identity, what you stand for, who you stand for, your values, etc, especially if you are trying to explain what kind of work you do, and if you want to attract the right kind of person and what I  mean by this is that when I have a name and/or describe what I do a person will understand that and expect that when they contact me.  I still do not have the answer and right now feel paralyzed so I have decided to leave it right now and perhaps this is highlighting for me, not what I really want to be called but what is it that I really want to commit to and be known for that. 

Get It

What I get right now, is that I dont get it and that is frustrating and I am surprised that I feel so stuck.

Got It

I Got that I Get that I dont know.  So where to from here?  Ok options are to explore.  I dont think exploring the name is what I need to do.  Mind map what it is that I really love about coaching.  What is it that I hope for from coaching. How do I see this integrating in Occupational Therapy as a coach supporting other Therapists, the Profession.  I know that I want to be amongst people who want change.  I am also very strongly interested in working with people with disordered eating but wonder if I have the capacity for that. 

Great ..

So now need to make a call and choose just one small step or several but I think one small step.  I choose to start with a mind map about what I love about coaching, actually and will do one about my passions.  What am I really passionate about.