What are you hanging on to?

What are you hanging on to? Maybe it's time to purge...declutter.

I've been in a purging mode lately.

I'm in the "in between" right now...in between the lull and the next thing and for some reason, I feel really compelled to declutter. As I do, I can't help but notice the things that I've hung on to for many years.

Evidence of who I used to be. The person I'm not anymore. 

The rediscovery of the previous versions of me who have culminated in the current version of me. I say current version because I fully intend on evolving and growing as long as I have breath in my body.

I open one drawer and find a handful of running medals from my half marathons and I smile. I think, wow, that's not who I am anymore. They went into the pile.

It made me stop and think...

Why do we hang on to things that no longer represent "us"? Nostalgia perhaps. Seeing those running medals brought me back, that's for sure...but do I miss that time or wish I could go back? Nope. Not even for a second.

And of course, you know me, it's never about the "things" is it? It's much more than that. It's about your mindset, or the ideas you have about yourself or, the identities you put on other people that might have been true at one time...or at least you thought they were. But now, they're not. You've outgrown them, you've changed and maybe...quite possibly...so have they? Yet, for some reason, you hang on.

I get it. Letting go is hard...purging is hard...and  the funny thing about purging is...it feels so cathartic. It feels good to let go of those things that no longer represent who you are anymore.

So this is about you (and me!) touching base with the "things" that we're hanging on to. The things that need to be released. The clutter.

Maybe for you it's that drawer of old socks that you need to go through. Were those socks really lucky?

Or, is it something more significant? The way you're holding on to an idea, a story you've created in your head about something...possibly a mindset that's holding you back?

Is it time to declutter?

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Are you ready to declutter? Remember it doesn't have to be a "big thing".

It could be literal purging, going through drawers and cupboards and closets...we're in between seasons after all. Getting rid of those things that you no longer use or the things you've kept for years, because you thought, "one day I might wear this again"...even though the last time you wore it was 10 years ago.

If it's not time to do the physical purge, maybe for you it's a way of thinking where you could use a "decluttering" exercise.

Assessing a current situation where your mindset doesn't seem to be useful anymore and asking these two questions:

• Does this way of thinking still represent who I am?

  • Checking in because sometimes the mindset you have has been influenced by someone else.

• Does this way of thinking represent how I want to move forward?

  • Once you identify whose mindset you've been carrying around, making the decision to keep it or "bin" it.

Let those questions guide you because the answers that pop-up for you aren't random. They're clues for you to let you know what you're next best step is. Even if it's tossing something in the bin. It's symbolic. It's cathartic.

And if it's your mindset that could use a shift...reach out...I'm really good at what I do.

Need some help figuring it out? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

What are you hanging on to?

You really liked this one too!

You really liked this one too...so here it is with some updates.

Don't take things so seriously...no one gets out of here alive!

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day "stuff" especially when you have responsibilities, jobs, families, pets...things that feel really important.

The thing that you can lose track of is that there are a lot of other things outside of "the stuff" that aren't just equally important, but maybe more important? The things that you tuck away to the side, because they don't seem as pressing and so you don't prioritize them...your family, friends, your interests, heck yourself! And...like it or not, the fact that none of us can avoid is...none of us is getting out of here alive.

It was just last year when I was slapped in the face with this reality. Losing a dear friend. Nothing puts things into perspective more instantly than an experience like that.

As time moves forward, I challenge myself to keep this perspective and... it's so easy to fall back into old behaviours.

What can you do to balance things?

Take the things you need to take seriously, seriously, and then draw a line somewhere, set some boundaries.

Remember - Unless you're a paramedic, nurse, or some sort of physician... you most likely aren't actually saving lives...and at the end of the day...paramedics, nurses and physicians also need to draw a line...have boundaries.


What can this look like?

• Incorporating more of what's important to you that's not work into your daily life.

• Finding space for your hobbies, quiet time, spending time with people you love.

• Doing more things that energize you...things that fulfill you.

It can be a tall order. Especially when it feels like what you're doing is important...you can get caught up in the "doing". Pulling away from that can feel difficult.  I want to remind you...there's so much more out there for you.

So now, what?

How about you do a check in with your boundaries?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Not sure you have boundaries?

Start here by answering the following questions... 

• What are my boundaries?

  • At work? At home? Elsewhere?

• Why do they feel important for me?

  • You may find there's a theme across all areas of your life.

• How do I put myself first without being concerned about letting others down?

  • Maybe this resonates for you, maybe not.

Are you in need of some sort of reality check? 

• Take stock, now.

  • Maybe for you, everything is aligned. You're doing all the things you want to do, including the things you love and all is well...bravo! 

  • Maybe you're in a position where things aren't where you want them to be, you're wishing you had more time for the things that recharge and energize you...this is a chance for you to check-in. Perhaps to set some much needed boundaries.

• Knowing it is key.

It's never too late to learn to set boundaries. Having boundaries ensures that you leave space for recharging and participating in activities that energize you...you know, living.

Need some help figuring it out? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

You really liked this one too!

You really liked this one...

You really liked this one...so here it is again...with a few tweaks...Enjoy!

When everything's important...nothing's important.

It's like being in the middle of the forest and trying to distinguish the trees. It's hard to do when this warp speed world that we live in demands that we assign equal importance to everything. This can be tricky, especially if you're trying to determine what truly matters versus, what's just noise...and there's a lot of noise out there.

How do you know what to put on the back burner versus what really needs attention? 

Where do you take a gamble and drop a ball and hope for the best?

You hope that the balls you've dropped are balls that were safe to drop...that the impact won't be too serious. And let's face it...It matters more in some places in your life than others. But the weight of this can feel quite heavy if you don't know which ball to keep juggling, and which ball is safe to drop...and you usually don't find out until after it's happened.

Ugh.

It's only through 20/20 hindsight, that you get the lesson...understand the purpose...see the dots connecting. Notice which balls you should've held on to... and which ones were safe to drop.

That's just how it works.

Being willing to gamble a bit. You win some and you're gonna lose some. Hopefully with time, experience and wisdom, you become an expert...you're a better gambler.

And in the meantime?

Remembering that every expert was once a beginner, they dropped balls and sometimes the important ones.That's where wisdom comes from...the mistakes, not the successes.

Whether you're a beginner in some area of your life right now,  or a seasoned expert in something...it's always a good idea to take some time to reflect and maybe learn something...



Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...


Pick an experience to check in on...because when you were in the middle of that forest it was almost impossible to recognize the particular trees you needed to pay attention to. You gambled and hoped that you made the right choice. I'm going to suggest that you probably did...based on who you were then and the information you had. 

• Reflect.

  • Looking back now with a different perspective, how would you describe the choices you made?

• Reframe.
  

  • Assess the meaning you gave to the situation. What would describe it more accurately now?

• Restart.

  • From this place of wisdom...what would be your first step.

Take it. Trust it. 

Ready to start? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

You really liked this one…

It's the perfect time to let something go...

It's the perfect time to let something go...

What are you hanging on to?

We collect so many things along our way, sometimes they're things that don't even belong to us...and still...we cling tightly to them. It takes time and intention to determine whether or not something is ours to hold.

This is why "the fall" is the perfect metaphor for examining your current status. To make an assessment…to be intentional and check in if you want to continue on your path...the one intended for YOU.

Nature is a natural at letting go, releasing what it doesn’t need anymore. Just take a look around, most trees are shedding their leaves. There's a whole symbiotic relationship between trees and their leaves. In fact, there are several reasons why deciduous trees lose their leaves: 

• The tree will expend less energy through the harsh winter

• It conserves moisture within the trunk and keeps it from drying out

• It allows wind to blow through the branches, putting less strain on the tree.

In other words, it becomes more about the tree then the leaves, and the tree naturally lets them go. It’s not selfish...it’s survival. Doing what's best for itself.

Then why is it so hard for humans? Mostly because: You’re full of emotions that come into play when you’re ready to move forward with a decision or choice that's in your best interest.

What keeps you hanging on?

Do you have something hanging around in the back of your mind that's holding you back, weighing you down, or getting in the way of you moving on?

Here are some things that you may want to consider letting go of:

• Beliefs.

  • Maybe you have some beliefs that you're hanging on to that aren't actually yours? Considering that most of your beliefs have been formed through time,starting with your parents, moving to teachers and other early influencers and then, friend groups, professional groups etc. it's quite likely that they may not serve your purpose anymore. So before you listen to that little voice in your head, just make sure it's yours. Pay attention...is there a belief you've been carrying around that isn't even yours? Let it go...

• Other people's opinions.

  • Are you worrying about what others may be thinking about the decisions you're making? Newsflash... they're too busy worrying about their own stuff! As humans we are wired for connection and belonging. It's part of our biology and it feels safe. If you feel like you're going against the pack it can feel scary, even if it's for very good reasons. That's why you can put too much importance on what others think. Let that sh*t go!

• Expectations.

  • Maybe it's an expectation you have of yourself? It's easy to cut others some slack, however, when it comes to yourself...often, the bar gets set in a different place, and it's usually higher. Let go of those unreasonable expectations.

By letting something go, you open up space for something else to come in. Maybe something that's been at the back of your mind that you've been ruling out, an idea or a perspective that you haven’t considered in a while or perhaps, it's opening up space to explore something completely new.

Where in your life right now are you clinging to something because at one time you needed it, or it benefited you?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Take some time in the upcoming weeks as we move through the fall to examine something you've been holding on to that your starting to feel like it's time to let it go. It doesn't have to be something big, just something that's been "niggling" at you and perhaps taking up a little more bandwidth then you'd like it to. 


Consider which of the scenarios may be at play here:

• Your beliefs.

  • Is it a way of thinking that's getting in your way?

• Other People's Opinions

  • Are you giving too much weight to someone else's opinion?

• Expectations.

  • Are the expectations you're putting on yourself realistic?
    
    

Maybe for you it's something else entirely at play. Just notice what comes up for you.

Really ponder these questions...and then make the decision...is it time to let this go?

Trust the answer you get.

Ready to let something go?  Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

It’s the perfect time to let something go…

Sometimes it's worth it...until it isn't.

Sometimes it's worth it...until it isn't. 

But how do you know?

You'll never know it unless you stop and assess, and that takes planning and intention...and who has time for that? 

Whether you realize it or not, you are constantly making this assessment: Is the "cost" of this (you fill in the blank) "worth" it.

Worth what?

• Your time.

• Your energy.

• Your commitment.

• Something else?

You are always making this assessment. Whether you're doing it consciously or unconsciously...you're constantly making the cost/worth assessment.

• Do you walk or take the car.

• Do you really want to get on that roller-coaster?

• Chocolate or vanilla?

In those moments you decide. These are relatively low ticket decisions.

And then there's the bigger ticket items where surprisingly, you can head in, not even considering what it may cost you.

Let me use an example that maybe you can relate to... relationships. I'm guessing most of you know someone who has stayed in a relationship because there seemed to be good reasons at the time. Maybe it was a relationship where the cost was literally financial...getting out of the relationship was not feasible because of  the  financial  implications. So you were willing to put up with the other things that went along with that that weren't ideal. Perhaps it was because the kids weren't old enough. Or maybe you just thought it would get better. Regardless, you made a decision that was right at the time.

The fact is, whether you thought about it or not, you were assessing in that moment...that the cost of staying in the situation was worth it...until it wasn't. A few years passed and you made the decision that it was no longer worth it.

You reached a tipping point.

We're bargaining with this all of the time. The cost could be your energy, your willpower, your time, or actual money.

There are costs involved in every decision we make. We just don't think about it that way and what I'd like to do is to suggest that rather than unconsciously going through life and letting things creep up on you...let's make a conscious effort every now and then to check in and assess.

How do you know when the cost has become more than the worth?

This is a really tricky one that I still haven't perfected, mostly because I will keep telling myself, give it some time. Keep going, give it some time.

And then all of a sudden, I have that moment where the cost is exceeding the worth...and I'm paying for it. Ugh.

The good news...I'm getting better at it and so can you!

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

We all know that there are costs involved in everything. Whether it's your willpower, literal financial costs, time, or things you can't do because of it. There's a cost to doing the things that we want to do...and the things that we think we have to do.

I guess you could call it the price of admission and that's okay...just be aware. And also know that it's a good idea to check-in every now and then to check that balance. Because you'll never know it unless you stop and assess, and that takes planning and intention...

Let's start by asking yourself these questions. Write down the answers.

What is this situation costing me right now?

• Time.

• Energy.

• Health.

• What else?

Be honest with yourself.

Then, read those answers over and ask this one final question:  Is the cost still worth it?

Let that be your guide. If the answer is yes...brilliant...keep doing what you're doing. If it's no, maybe it's time to dig a little deeper.


Ready to do some digging?  Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

Sometimes it’s worth it…until it isn’t.

Ready to turn back?

Ready to turn back?  Hold on a second...

No matter how far along the path you go, you can always turn back. It's always an option.

Turning back on the path can be interpreted as failure...giving up...settling. I want to suggest that having the courage to turn back on the path is actually brave.

And...there's a caveat:

• When you turn back, do not expect things to be the same.
  

  • Depending on how long it's been, the more you've traveled, the more things may look different. That's to be expected. Things aren't supposed to be the same...look for the familiar, but expect different.

If there was an uphill climb to get where you are, then remember that's now going to be a downhill trek.  You'd think this would be easier...and if you do any hiking you know it can also be a bit wobbly.

You may be surprised to find yourself tripping in places where you didn't before, and also easing through things that might have been previously difficult.

The point is...going backwards is not failure...it's a decision and it's one that's available to you anytime you choose.

The stones that were stepping stones on the way out are still stepping stones...and on the way back they'll have a different purpose.

Remember that the view will be different. You're looking at it from a new angle, the perspective has altered. Pretty much everything is different.



Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Are you looking to turnaround on your path? No matter what "path" comes to mind...remember the caveat...
 
Don't be looking to go backwards if you're looking for the thing you had before...because it's not going to be there...because you're not the same, you've changed. You've shifted, things will never be the same.

And...you'll be bringing this newer, wiser version of yourself back with you.That's probably the best part.


Ready to go?!  Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

Ready to turn back?

Not feeling it? I get it and...

Not feeling it? I get it and...

You're not always going to feel like doing it.

Whatever "it" is for you...

Staying consistent when you don't feel like it is probably the toughest thing to do. It would be easier to phone it in sometimes wouldn't it?

I'm just coming off a week of vacation and quite frankly, I could take another week and very easily enjoy a few more campfires...a few more days at the beach...maybe a couple more days kayaking in the river...you get my drift.

And yet, that's not what's in store for me.

What's in store for me? Probably 100's of emails, many of which I probably don't need to receive...but  they'll be there to sift through..and sift through them I will...because that's what I signed up for...

What have you signed up for that sometimes feels difficult?

Maybe we both need a reminder!

Everything is temporary.

When things are going well...enjoy it. Like when you're on vacation or doing something you love...savour every moment.

And when things aren't going well? Remember...it's temporary...and look for the bright spots...the glimmers...because you're always going to find them if you look hard enough.

This just may be one of the things that  separates people...the ability to recognize the temporariness of situations.

The people who don't feel like doing it and somehow are able to dig deep during those times and find at least one thing to do to keep going...one small action.



Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

I'm keeping this short and sweet because I've got some stuff to do...stuff I don't feel like doing!  

I want to remind you that if you're experiencing a "challenging part" right now... it's temporary. It will pass...and that doesn't mean you don't have to do something.

It means that you have to recognize that digging deep and doing the thing is what's going to get you to the other side.

I see you.  We've got this...one small but firm step at a time.  

Ready to go?!  Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

Not feeling it? I get it and…

You're not a machine...

You’re not a machine…you're a human being and...human beings need to unplug to recharge.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”. Ferris Bueller.

It’s rapidly approaching fall, have you taken a break yet? There's still some time to take a pause, recharge, and reset.

• Pausing to check in with yourself.

  • When you’re on the constant treadmill of life, it can be easy to forget about taking time for yourself.

• What can a pause look like? 

  • From taking a vacation,to finding moments in your day; a pause is a chance to step back, catch your breath, and reset.

Why does making time to pause matter? There are so many benefits:

• By stepping away from something you can get a new perspective on it.

  • Something as simple as getting up and going for a walk can be enough to provide you with fresh insights. 

• It can recharge your batteries.

  • When you charge an actual battery, you plug it in. But you’re not a battery! In order to recharge your human batteries you need to take a break... 
    They say everything works better if you unplug it. Yourself included. 

  • You can actually gain momentum by slowing down. New ideas come in those moments when you’re doing something else.

• If nothing else, taking a break can serve as a reset. A new baseline to move from.

So what can you do?

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Short on time but still need a refresh?

Reconnect with:

• A hobby you never find time to do.

• Nature. 

• Your partner, dog, cat, or an old friend.

• Yourself.

You may just find that by slowing down, you discover something new.

It's still summertime...barely... Every now and then, stop and take a look around, take in the scenery. Check-in with all of your senses.Track through your body, and notice your breath or balance. Listen to the sounds around you, near and far. Notice your surroundings and take in the details. All of it. Savour it. 

Just like Ferris Bueller said…"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”.  And, you don't want to miss it!

Ready for  a reset?  Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

You’re not a machine…

Can we talk about fear?

Can we talk about fear?

We act as if the people that achieve many things...seem to be "on it"...take chances, and move through the world with apparent ease...feel no fear. 
.
Feel no fear?!

That's probably one of the the biggest lies out there. We all feel fear. Maybe it's more about our interpretation of it and how we manage it when it comes along. I don't know. What do you think?

I bucket fear into two categories, or maybe not the fear itself...but rather...the way we can manage it.

The first bucket?

Probably pretty common, is to feel fear and treat it like a "stop sign". "It must be bad to do this thing" if you're feeling fear, and yet we know that fear is a natural response. When you want to do something different, when you want to do something new, when you decide to make a change...fear will normally come up...because that's how we're manufactured. Our brain wants to keep us safe. When you want to do something new, the alarm bells go off. Let's face it...it's not very convenient at all. When we normalize this and understand that that's just a process that everyone goes through, it can totally open the door to new opportunities, to mobilize fear differently.


The second bucket?

To look at fear as if it's a gateway. When you look at it that way, it suddenly becomes very different. My approach to it shifts, and I'm able to see the opportunity behind the fear. It takes practice because it's working against nature. I try to remember this and reframe fear when it comes along because let's face it, if we back off every time we feel fear how boring would our lives be?  

Just to be clear...you do know that I don't have it all figured out. I'm just a person like you. Maybe all of this is obvious to you, but not so obvious to people around you. So while I juggle some fear right now, knowing that it really will be okay, I'm telling my brain to do the work, do the preparation and it'll work out. I will still get that feeling in my chest and stomach...and I will choose to look at that as a reminder... a reminder that this is a gateway...not a stop sign.

How about you? How do you manage your fear? What tricks and tips can you share? I'd love to hear from you. It's nice to know you're out there!


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Like I said, I'm no expert, I just know the things that work for me and I'm here to share. Take it or leave it. 

So for this week, I want you to explore:

• What is your first response when you feel fear?

  • The stop sign?

  • The gateway?

  • Your thing?

When you reframe the way you respond to fear, you may find that it works for you...not against you. 

Have a wonderful week.

Ready to grow your confidence? Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

Can we talk about fear?

How long is a decade?

How long is a decade? 10 years...521.429 weeks...3650 days...87,600 hours... 5,256,000 minutes...315,360,000 seconds...

Long ago...and just like yesterday. That's how long a decade is.

10 years ago, this very day, I stepped away from my life in the corporate world to start my own business. To say it's been rewarding is an understatement.

In these past 10 years, I've redefined so many things about my world and also grown a skill set that I never imagined I would carry back into the very place I left.

Earlier this year, I was invited to step back into an amazing company.  I'm leading a team with the purpose of elevating each member and ultimately...the team. To say it's been rewarding is nothing short of an understatement. The gratitude I have for being able to bring all of these skills that I've developed in the last 10 years into the organization that I loved, was it truly a pinch me moment. Now, after almost five months, I can see that the decision to modify my business temporarily was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I get to bring all of the skills that I've developed in the last 10 years to the forefront, to use them literally...daily. Being able to witness in real-time, the growth that's happening right around me has been a pleasure to witness. How lucky am I?

What an unusual and amazing opportunity as a coach. So while this is a temporary situation, I am cherishing each and every lesson along the way. Knowing that it's going to make me an even better coach, a stronger coach, a more aware coach.

Here's to the next 10 years! 

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

I invite you to consider what you want to look back on 10 years from now.  Every single adventure starts with the willingness to say yes and then taking the first step.

"Nothing ventured...nothing gained."

Thank you for being here! I appreciate you.

Curious about what coaching can do for you? Contact me 

Cheers,

Ann

How long is a decade?