A conversation with a dear friend yesterday reminded me of the courage it takes to walk away from what you’re doing now in order to allow what’s meant to happen next to awaken and unfold.

Kevin (not his real name) realized six months ago that the banking career he loved for 30 years was no longer fun and was causing increasing levels of stress and physical issues he could not ignore.  A conversation with his brother got him thinking about what mattered to him and what he wanted his legacy to be.

I’m not sure where he found the courage, but deep within something called to Kevin to take an inspired leap and leave his job at the end of June. He’s now taking time off to relax, reconnect with friends and family, and regain his health.

Walking away from a steady paycheck, even when you have enough in savings to handle it, is not an easy thing to do– especially when you have no idea what you’re walking towards. Sometimes a long vacation is all that’s needed. But, if like Kevin, you’ve taken those kind of vacations and still have lost your zest for work and witnessed your stress skyrocket, your soul could be calling you towards more.

Do you need to pause before deciding which direction to go in your life?

Are you being called to take a new road in your life’s journey? Consider taking time off to discern what’s right for you. Kevin knew he needed some serious down time and had the savings to leave his job to give himself that gift. If you can’t do that, can you create a series of pauses via weekend retreats, a day or more of solitude, sessions with a spiritual director, or meetings with a life coach?

Give yourself permission to rest and reflect on what you might be called to in the next phase of your life. The new path doesn’t have to be walked on immediately. Perhaps a pause…a rest is all that’s needed now.

Kevin experienced a profound gift in confirmation that he was on the right track. When he arrived home after his last day at work, Kevin’s neighbor and his neighbor’s brother were waiting for him with a few beers to celebrate. That led to the creation of a wonderful 4th of July gathering and many opportunities for storytelling and connections with this neighbor and his brother that week. Last Friday, at the end of the week, Kevin’s neighbor’s brother went in for some serious surgery. He didn’t come out of it and died at the age of 49.

Hearing this story brought tears to my eyes, as Kevin relayed what he received from this intense week and the support and friendship he is now able to offer his neighbor and his family during this time. We never know what will unfold when we take a big inspired leap. Often the gifts are more profound than we can even imagine.

What treasures await you from heeding the inner voice that’s calling you toward a time out or a new path? Take an inspired pause this summer to discern what’s next for you.

Rich conversations over the past few weeks have all had a common thread: the transformational gifts that space brings. Whether you call it ‘breathing space,’ ‘holding space for another,’ or ‘making space’ for the new in your life, magic begins to happen in our lives, our relationships, and our communities when we acknowledge the need for space.

Where is your favorite place to allow breathing space in your life?

Space to hear, see, or feel on a deep level what someone else is trying to communicate to us might come in the form of a pause before responding, or a short break before resuming a discussion. It might also involve a walk in nature or sitting on a park bench to shift perspectives and allow hearts to engage as well as heads.

Giving yourself space to ‘hear yourself think’ is really allocating time free from distractions, so you can allow your heart, mind, and spirit to discern what’s right for you. A ‘time out,’ can be the most profound and priceless gift when you’re in the midst of making important decisions.

Then, there’s the sacred gift we give others of holding space for them to expand into their next stage of greatness when they’re not able to see or sense it right now.

And, of course, there’s the physical creation of space that clearing clutter brings and the benefits to your body that giving yourself space away from others or space to move that can open up new possibilities for you too.

I think the secret to the magic that spaciousness creates is that it allows room and time for your powerful heart to work its magic in reaching out and connecting and then sending or receiving intuitive wisdom.

How do you create space in your life? Are you in need of more spaciousness in some areas of your life and work?

I’ve experienced so many blessings these past few weeks from acknowledging the power and gifts of the simple act of creating space physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for myself and others.

What gifts do you receive when you allow more space in your days and conversations? What can you do today to bring moments of spaciousness into your life and the lives of those you love?

Have you ever read a book everyone has been raving about and wondered, “What do they see in this?” Or, have you listened to a speaker feeling nothing while everyone around you was taking copious notes and then running out to implement exactly what the speaker said?

If these experiences resonate with you, the next question is, “Did you honor what your gut – your intuition – was telling you?” If not, you probably have a story of frustration or worse to tell about the ensuing experiences resulting from your focusing on something that wasn’t right for you.

To avoid those painful experiences as much as possible, I remind myself to feel for that spark of recognition or resonance. If I don’t have it, I set aside the book or the ideas being shared, for now.

Trust your own gut or intuition to generate a spark of recognition or the opposite sick feeling in your gut if something is right for you or not a good fit. Don’t let others drown out the voice of your inner wisdom, especially when they’re using fear tactics like, “You’ll be left behind if you don’t join my bandwagon.”

You don’t have to make others wrong by making a different choice. In fact, their ideas might be perfect for you later, just not now.

Simply feel for that spark of recognition and if it’s not there now, stay open to it arriving later (or never), with no judgment either way.

This same process can be followed when making big decisions. I wrote about trusting your gut in discerning whether or not the entrepreneurial experience is right for you in the March issue of Austin Woman Magazine. You can read it HERE.

Or, if you’d like some support in developing more trust in your intuition and using it to take inspired action, then consider joining me on April 16^th for the Jump Start to Inspired Action program (early bird pricing ends March 31^st). Find out more HERE.

Wherever you are on your journey to trusting your intuition, start challenging yourself to pay attention to how you feel about ideas being shared before you make the decision to incorporate them as your own.

Make a commitment to not abandon yourself – your inner wisdom – regardless of how many others are trying to convince you to do so. Feel for your spark of recognition and honor it or the lack of it, then move on to the next great idea.

I received a precious gift of an inspiring story from a guest at the Lake Austin Spa last week. I recognized her and was honored that she showed up to hear me speak a second time. She could hardly wait until the end of the program to let me know how my work had made a difference in her life. May her story remind you, as you jump into this new year, that you really can’t miss the important messages about your life – - you can’t get it wrong.

About a year ago, Lisa (not her real name) participated in my weekly talk at the Lake Austin Spa. When it came time to do my aha-generating activity of asking a question and pulling one of 60 images to intuit what that image has to tell you about your question, Lisa didn’t hesitate. She’d lost her father three months earlier and was still deeply grieving his absence from her life. Her question was about how she could heal and positively maintain her closeness to her father.

The image she selected was of a puppy looking into her eyes (the viewer of the photo). Lisa’s immediate reaction was a complete rejection of the value of the image, as she disliked dogs, had experienced allergic reactions to them, and didn’t want the responsibility of one. Needless to say, her overwhelming response was “This is clearly a mistake and NOT the answer to my question.” Her daughter and mother, who were with her at the time, laughed and got it, as they knew about her dislike of dogs.

What gift or Aha! Moment have you resisted receiving?

Weeks later, Lisa was volunteering at a large community event when her teenage son interrupted her and asked for $5.00. She thought he was asking for it to buy some food and handed over the money. Less than an hour later, her son raced up to her screaming “Can we keep it? Can we keep it?” Completely flustered, Lisa had no idea what he was talking about, but saw many eyes focused on her and heard an announcer’s voice over the public address system asking what her son’s decision was about the dog!”

“What dog?” Lisa asked. It turns out her son used that $5.00 to buy five chances to win a dog. With over 1000 entries to compete with, Lisa’s son was the lucky winner of a puppy! Pressured by her son and the people around her, Lisa caved in and said, “Yes, you can keep the dog.”

After bringing this darling beagle home, Lisa’s mother told her stories she’d never heard about her father’s beagle. Apparently he’d had a beagle he was crazy about before he married her mom, and she shared how much he loved that dog. Then, her mother reminded Lisa of the image she’d selected during my talk weeks before!

Each time Lisa tells this story, she says she gets tears in her eyes because it reminds her how much she is loved by her father and how she is truly guided every step of the way. And, yes, her beloved beagle is now Lisa’s best friend…and her son gets to enjoy the dog too!

Sometimes the biggest Aha! Moments come days, weeks, or months later after we miss the first one. And, then — when we remember — we begin know on a deep level that we can’t get it wrong. If something is important and for our greatest benefit, we’ll be reminded of it again and again until we get ‘it.’ Or, we’ll be led directly to what we need.

Aha Moments Book Facebook Wall

One of my passions is helping people step into their greatness by reminding them how to access their intuition and generate more Aha! Moments. I’ve got two exciting group coaching programs beginning on January 31st to help you do this, so 2012 will be your best year yet. Check them out and trust your gut to lead you to the program that’s right for you!

If you live in the Austin area and would like to take part in the next in-person Aha! Austin Coaching Circle, Click Here.

To find out more about and to register for the next tele-conference version of the Aha! Coaching Circle,  Click Here.

On Monday I shared a Martha Graham quote with friends in a mastermind group, as it felt appropriate for all of us. On Tuesday my coaching clients’ reluctance to trust what they’re being called to express reminded me of the rich wisdom within the late Martha Graham’s words. They’ve inspired me repeatedly in the past few years (so much so that I quoted her in my book).

In this time of transition from one year to the next, it behooves all of us to be reminded to trust our intuition and not to wait for permission, perfection, or expertise before unleashing what’s yearning to be expressed within each of us:

Take an inspired leap and allow your creative expression to flow.

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this creative expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost.

The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable, nor how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” —Martha Graham (emphasis added)

I love how Graham said “the world will not have it.” Feel the power and the stomping of the feet of the world in that statement. We must keep expressing, no matter how imperfect that expression may be. We have no idea who will be touched, changed, and served by what we’re called to share.

Your inner critic and doubter can serve a vital purpose to slow you down in order to wait for the synchronicities or the support, but it should never block you from beginning to express your creativity.

Be assured that anyone who steps in to judge and criticize your creative expression is either: a) throwing up their own inner demons that have blocked them from expressing themselves; b) acting as a mirror for you to come to terms with the harsh judge within; or c) providing guidance (perhaps a bit clumsily, but with loving intent) to simply evolve your creative expression into something that will be even better. It’s up to you to discern which it is, glean from that criticism what you need to, and continue expressing yourself.

What have you been yearning to creatively express? Keep in mind that ‘creatively’ doesn’t mean artistically. It can be a form of artistic expression, but your creative expression might be to fully step into being the leader, manager, or entrepreneur you know yourself capable of being.

How will you give yourself more space to create, express, and evolve in 2012?

Will you do what it takes to keep your creative channels open? The world needs you – - fully expressing and sharing your gifts. Just say “YES!” to whatever your inspired to create and watch how you begin to thrive and to inspire others. Aha!

Join me for my Winter Solstice One-Day Retreat in Driftwood, Texas on Thursday, December 22nd to reclaim your light and re-open your creative channels! www.inspiredleap.com/retreats

Or, join me in January for a Visioning 2012 Webinar or Half-Day Workshop:

http://www.inspiredleap.com/classes/visioning.html

*Photo courtesy of Big Stock Photo

After an inspiring, challenging, and fun Nia dance class my friend Dr. Deb Kern leads ( http://drdebkern.com/daring-diva-dance/ ), I ‘floated’ to the grocery store to pick up some needed items. As I walked in, a cacaphony of construction and remodeling sounds greeted me.

What small act of self-care can you do for yourself today?

I initially ignored my reaction to the noise and picked up a shopping basket. As harsh sounds continued to reverberate throughout the store, I stopped and asked myself if I really needed any of the items on my list immediately. After a clear no, I honored myself and my energy, dropped the basket back where I found it, and walked out of the store.

Yes, I’ll need to go back (to a different store) later today or tomorrow, but that slight inconvenience was so worth it. My body feels like it’s smiling in deep appreciation for my willingness to stand up for and take good care of it. I feel empowered and loved.

The queen of self-care, my friend Renee Trudeau, will be happy to know her message is getting through to me even when I’m temporarily inconvenienced by honoring my need for self-care.  ( www.reneetrudeau.com)

Self-Care. Self-Compassion. Self-Acceptance. Self-Kindness. Self-Love. Whatever you call treating yourself the way you’d treat a much-loved, much-respected, and honored guest, my sense is none of us care for ourselves the way we deserve often enough. What small act of self-care can you do for yourself today? Perhaps it’s simply giving yourself a hug, blowing a kiss to yourself in the mirror, grabbing a few moments for a walk in nature, or mindfully and with great love rubbing hand lotion into your beautiful hands.

Whatever pops into your mind, take the time to do that act of self-care or self-love. Then, take one extra minute to notice how you feel afterwards. Let that wonderful feeling inspire you to moments of self-care more often and witness the positive changes that result. Aha!

**Image courtesy of Big Stock Photo & Elena Ray

Last week, I declared today “Fresh Start Day.” With all of the fires in and around Austin these past few days, I had no idea how devastatingly real that would be for those who have lost their homes.

A fresh start requires room to breathe and expand into your dreams. What can you let go of in order to create wide open spaces for your dreams to expand into??

I pray that your fresh start is more like mine — a psychological shift or small physical shift — rather than a dramatic start over. And, may those who find themselves rebuilding their lives in a new space receive all of the love and practical support they need.

If you’re able to contemplate creating a positive fresh start, take a moment to consider what you’re ready to let go of physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually in order to make room for and experience the life you desire.

Contemplate a worst case scenario like some around Austin and other parts of Texas are dealing with:  if you had 15-30 minutes to pack a car with your most treasured possessions, what would you take? What if that car could only take the most treasured parts of your personality, your skills, your memories, your habits, and so on?

What would you consciously choose to leave behind? Why not start to leave it behind or let it go now? Why not forgive yourself or others for ‘stuff’ that is just taking up space and energy?

Make room for your dreams. Embrace your chance for a fresh start.

If you’d like support with your fresh start and feel you’re ready for a powerful transformation, join the next Aha! Coaching Circle. We begin on Tuesday, September 13th. Are you being called to complete this circle?

*Picture courtesy of Big Stock Photo

With a recent move into my new home in south Austin and Labor Day Weekend approaching (Yes! The kick-off of college football!!), I feel as if I’ve been given a chance for a fresh start.

Where do you want your fresh start to take you? What can you let go of to speed you on your way?

Just like back-to-school, it’s a time to let go of what no longer serves us, keep what works, and allow for the new to come in. In this week of transition from August to September,  is there anything you need to let go of in order to bring in all that you desire this fall?

Imagine a move — a shift — taking place at home, at work, and inside. What no longer serves you or is useful? Can files be cleared? Clothes and other stuff taken to Goodwill or sold online? How about any old habits that you intuitively know aren’t helping you go where you long to go?

Leaving the past behind, every moment is obviously an opportunity for a fresh start. But, let’s keep it simple. In honor of the Labor Day weekend here in the U.S., I’d like to declare Tuesday, September 6th as “Fresh Start Day.”

If you knew you had one week to clear out inner and outer clutter, what immediately comes to mind as what you’d let go of? That’s it! I bet that’s all you need to focus on releasing this week in order to facilitate a positive shift forward this fall. Why not try it?

Take an inspired leap this week. What are you inspired to let go of in order to embark upon a fantastic fresh start on September 6th?

P.S. And if you’d like to take your fresh start this fall even further, please join me for the next Aha! Coaching Circle. We start on Tuesday, September 13th.  http://www.inspiredleap.com/ahacircle

**Photo courtesy of BigStockPhoto

Last week I was inspired to pick up a book I’d read back in 2008 — a book that had such a powerful impact on me that I sought permission to quote it in my own book, Aha! Moments: When Intellect & Intuition Collide.

Summer is the perfect time to re-read a book that has inspired you in the past.

I’m not sure what the source of the inspiration was, but within the pages of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s book, My Stroke of Insight, I realized my right brain had something to do with it. Dr. Taylor reminded me that it’s our right brain that brings “new insight in this moment so I can update old files that contain outdated information.” (p. 140)

With the unique perspective of a brain scientist who experienced a severe stroke at the young age of 37 and spent almost ten years regaining the ability to use the left hemisphere of her brain, Dr. Taylor makes a strong case for honoring and more consciously using the gifts of the right hemisphere of the brain.

She points out that our left brain tends to get locked into beliefs and decisions and without prodding is unwilling to revisit them: “Many of us make judgments with our left hemisphere and then are not willing to step to the right (that is, into the consciousness of our right hemisphere) for a file update.” (p. 140, My Stroke of Insight).

I’m not the same person I was back in 2008 and am now finding new insights from Dr. Taylor’s book ‘jumping off the page’ and into my awareness. Despite my left brain’s hesitation, I was clearly ready for a “file update.”

Is there a book that you intuitively feel inspired to re-view, or an old belief or decision that needs to be revisited? If so, trust the wisdom of your right brain to shift your perspective and enable you to experience that ‘old’ information in a brand new way.

And, if you feel called to go deeper to discern what needs to shift within you, consider joining me for the July Aha! Tele-Retreat on Tuesday evening, July 12th at 8:00pm Central.

http://www.inspiredleap.com/classes/teleretreat.html

*Photo courtesy of Big Stock Photo