Autumn

This is my favorite time of year. A time of change, of looking inward and, for me, of appreciating all the beauty in nature. I love the light, the yellowed grasses, the multicolored trees and the way the autumn air and sun feel on my skin.
It's a great time for introspection, noticing what's up for you. What's working in your life and what might you take another look at.
Noticing has more power than we give it credit for. Pay attention and play with noticing. How are you feeling, what are you wanting right now... an hour from now, before bed.
The outward journey gets more fun when we are in touch with our inner selves. Simply paying attention takes the pressure off having to do something and bumping up against resistance. It allows you the freedom to explore.
Take a walk, have a cup of tea, spend a quiet moment with you!
All the best,
Carol

Self Care Today

What if today you were at your Doctors office and at the end of the visit she happened to mention you had a higher than average risk of getting cancer?
How are you feeling?
What are the first thoughts that come to mind?
I need to eat healthier, I need to spend more time with my children/partner/loved ones.
I need to exercise more, quit drinking, see Paris…
You get the picture.
So… what’s stopping you from doing all of the above NOW?
Aren’t we all at a higher than average risk of getting cancer?
This life, this moment, is your opportunity to be your best.
You can go to my web site and take the free balance assessment or download the behavior change tips to support yourself in getting started.
www.intobalancecoaching.com
Take time for yourself, discover health!
All the best,
Carol

The Art of Giving

This week practice the art of giving. It doesn't have to be a special occasion, or a new or expensive gift.
Allow a car to go in front of you, pick up trash at the park, bring a pot of soup to a sick friend, a favorite snack for your child. Give a gift of your time, your heart, your enthusiasm. Be spontaneous... make it a game. Look for one opportunity every couple of hours. Acknowledge a friend for being supportive, appreciate your neighbor for a beautiful flower garden, recite your favorite blessing.
Commit to giving everyday. You can give to strangers, friends, neighbors, coworkers. Generosity is not just the giving of things but the giving of warmth, affection, love, humor.
Perhaps offering these gifts to others will add moments of joy to your life!
Best,
Carol

Compassionate Times

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
- Dr. Howard Thurman
At times like this I once again feel so grateful for having a venue to support people. With all of the news coming out of Louisiana and Mississippi it’s challenging to stay positive and see a way to support all of those who are suffering.
Balancing your own energies can help you gain more clarity and stay in a positive proactive mode and can even help those who are being directly affected. If you’re interested, below are the links to heart lock and security tool kit, (which is designed to ease stress in children). This is the Heartmath concept I talked about in an earlier post. These techniques can assist you to stay in a positive, compassionate place.
Heart Lock-In Technique:http://www.heartmath.org/heart-lock-in-technique.htmEmotional Security Tool Kit™:http://www.heartmath.org/estk_t/estk_home.html

Can you or your community do something more concrete about helping? Absolutely, I read about one women who called the Superintendent of the Houston Schools and asked what they needed. He asked for 100 backpacks filled with school supplies. A church from Colorado sent a bus down to Houston to take 100 families back to their hometown where they had places for them to live and potential jobs available. A local Brewery here in town matched employee fund raising and wrote a check out to the Red Cross for $21,000. This is a great opportunity to think outside of the box. Stay connected to your heart and do what makes you come alive!
Be your best!
Carol