In this issue:
You are what you think you are"Those who believe they can do something are probably right — and so are those who believe they can’t." Unknown
I think I'm not a morning person and I'm not good at
maths; these are just two examples of self limiting beliefs I have
had. Notice the use of the past tense. Whilst I am still challenged
by both thoughts I have been practising changing my So what are some of the self limiting beliefs you have about yourself? We all say things like, ‘I’m no good at remembering names, or ‘I need eight hours sleep a night.’ Have you ever thought that any limiting things you say about yourself may not be true? You may have picked up some erroneous ideas about yourself from your parents, teachers, and the media? IF that is the case then might it be possible to change the way you think? I think it is! When we change our thought patterns we make way for changes in our lives. Everything starts with a thought, an idea. Goals and ambitions for example are well formulated thoughts. Goals, ambitions and dreams are signposts pointing us towards our future. Some people write their goals down, others harness their imaginations and create visualisations. Prayer is another way of asking for what we want. Being human we have a tendency to make life complicated for ourselves. I spent many years feeling I didn’t deserve to be happy and successful. Of course I didn’t see it like that at the time. Subconsciously though I would throw a spanner in the works and sabotage any impending success (fail an exam, stumble over a presentation). I am learning to kick the sabotaging habit. Through paying daily attention to my ‘inner conversations’ and concentrating my attention on the positive thoughts that it is possible to harness the positive thoughts and create my life the way I want it to be, rather than listening to that inner critic which in coaching we call the gremlin. It is as if we have a genie and a gremlin in our brains and both respond to our instructions. If you want to be happy and at peace with yourself; notice that gremlin voice then replace the negative, critical or self limiting belief with an affirming thought and give clear instructions to your genie. Here’s an example from one of my well worn internal conversations: Gremlin ‘I have too much to do today, I can’t possibly fit any exercise, and it’s raining! Genie; ‘I know exercising helps keep my body supple and I feel great when I keep my commitments. I will go for a walk before lunch.’ What we tell ourselves (positive and negative) becomes true for us. So be careful what you think! What I’ve noticed is following a thought through and acting upon it is when the magic happens. I would like to share three of my magic moments (MMM). MMM no.1. In 1993 I had a goal to live in France with my spiritual teacher. I wrote out a detailed description of what I wanted my life to be like there and what I wanted to do and the reasons why. I set a date of 2000 by which I would achieve my dream. I had no idea how it was going to happen, especially as my plan included my then partner John (now my husband). We packed our bags, and went to live in the Dordogne in 1995! MMM no.2. I was at a conference recently. The keynote speaker was charismatic and spoke with passion and clarity. I thought it would be great to have a chat with him after lunch rather than attend any of the breakout sessions on offer. I was told that he had left the conference. Making my way back into the hotel after lunch I saw him entering the foyer. Without hesitating I approached him and asked if he could spare me some time. He said ‘sure’ and we spent the next hour having a great conversation that has already made an impact on me. I went back into the seminar feeling energised, invigorated and alive. MMM no.3. My youngest son walked out of our family a couple of years ago (then aged 30, old enough to make his own choices). I wanted to keep the door open for him to come back so I wrote little notes and cards which I now know he never received. I thought about my son everyday, I sent him loving thoughts and kept my heart open. In my thoughts I wished him well and safe. A few days ago he called out of the blue. He said that he was fine and that he would like to see me. He came to stay with us last week. We spent a few days together. It was wonderful to reconnect with him, to tell him I love him. I feel relieved to know where he is, that he is well and that we are back in touch. These three events are what I call creating magic through thought. Magic happens when we are clear about what we want and we ask for it. We can have what we want (so long as it does not hurt anyone else). Sometimes we have to be patient and we have to take appropriate action along the way. In all the examples I have given I had the thought then I took action: I kept in touch with my spiritual teacher so I was on hand when he needed a couple to live in and help. In the second example I took action as soon as I saw the keynote speaker I wished to talk with, I had little idea what I was going to say, I trusted that being myself, telling the truth simply, would be fine, and it was. In the third example not only did I keep my heart open to my son, I also kept in contact with his ex wife and let her know that he was welcome to contact me when he was ready. It is possible to change our thinking, change old worn out habits and ideas that no longer serve us. We can create new habits. They take time to practise and ‘bed in.’ In Over To You I will give you some practical tips to help you create some good new habits. For more information on goal setting click here.
Do You Splurge?Now I’m writing a monthly newsletter I’m aware of the time it takes me! I tend to splurge my thoughts onto the word processor. I use loads of words (a typically female thing to do anyway) then I go back and edit like mad. At the moment I don’t know if any of this will stay… The dictionary definition of splurge is: What is splurging? I would love to hear about splurges you’ve had/done recently. Have you splurged out and bought something you’ve been promising yourself for ages? Did you save up to buy it, or are you an impulse buyer who then feels guilty at indulging in some retail therapy? I’d love to hear your thoughts about splurging. Why not email me at maria@creating-results.co.uk
Quotations to InspireThe quotes this month are all connected with how we think and how our thinking affects our lives. This selection connects us to that part of us which is bigger and that is what I find truly inspiring. What inspires you? I’d love to hear your favourite inspirational quotes. "The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt, American stateswoman, First Lady (1884-1962)
"What is important is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us." Jean-Paul Sartre, French existentialist writer (1905-1980)
"It is with the heart that one sees rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French aviator and author (1900-1944), from The Little Prince Magic link For more inspiring quotes click on www.change.net
Over To You…If you are at all sceptical about just how powerful you are you
might like to Self CoachingTo change negative self talk: To book a free consultation with me click here
Good BooksA very good book on helping you notice the negative self talk is ‘Taming Your Gremlin’ by Rick Carson - details can be found here. An
inspiring book I’m reading at the moment about women who
have made their dreams come true is ‘Inspiration To Realization’ compiled
by Christine Kloser. It tells the stories of 41 women who have
made their dreams come true, personally, Join the Coaching GymFlexible coaching sessions when you want them.
What do you get for your membership?
To find out more and to book your place simply email me.
Be magical and shine!
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