“It’s always darkest before the dawn.”—Proverb quote

As our days are getting physically lighter, I have noticed people’s moods improving as well.  My spirits continue to rise as I take time to notice all the angels who have appeared in my life.

These angels have come in many forms, and expressed themselves in unique ways.  I have met many of mine—or perhaps was most open to receiving them—when I hit a wall, or what looked like rock bottom at the time.

One who was even named Angel appeared in the middle of the night following a torrential wind and rain storm that blew out the power.  No kidding. Angel arrived as the water level in my flooded basement was approaching dangerously high levels close to the boiler.  I had just called ServiceMaster, a disaster recovery firm, and chatted with a kind man on the other end of the phone who spoke broken English.  This man assured me he would be there within minutes.  He arrived with a smile, calming the panic in me and respecting my maternal instincts of not wanting my son to wade in water with me to empty the water.

After pumping out the basement, humming as he took control, Angel left with that same smile in which he entered my home.  He took no payment for his 2 a.m. emergency call to my house.  That incident was two years ago.

A few years before that, on a day after a snowstorm when my mother was being hospitalized for the umpteenth time and my nerves were totally frazzled, a friend appeared at my doorstep, shovel in hand.  Mind you, this friend is probably all of 5’2’.  She shoveled away with a grace and determination that reminded me in every cell of my body what love entails: being there for another through thick and thin.

Many of us, me included, have had many more “thin” times these last several years.  I particularly respect other single mothers who are often called to be stronger than they ever imagined they would have to be.  House maintenance issues sometimes bring us to what feels like the breaking point, after taking care of so much else solo, particularly the well-being of our children.

I have since learned that those breaking points were my wake-up calls to reach out and ask for help.  We are not supposed to do this journey alone, feeling separated from others.  We are all connected, part of a greater whole, and we all have gifts to share.  Giving AND receiving are part of the flow of life.

The man who loved me through downsizing and physically moving my home was given in return my coaching insights and spiritual depth.  The exchange was “equal” although not contracted that way, except by the divine plan of the Universe for us to be there for one another during that time in our lives.  I landed in a new home, and he said he became a better person for having known me, that I taught him how to love.

The woman from my business networking group who reached out eight years ago when I was feeling fragile in my newly single state after a long-term marriage,  gave me an angel on a chain which still hangs in my home office.  I later became her coach, and today we are dear friends.

My list of other angels is expansive, from my mentor coach who so willingly and consistently gave of her time, to the many friends who contributed in their own generous ways from cooking talents, computer help and listening skills to anonymous monetary gifts, client referrals and other significant contacts.

It is often through our vulnerability, or what feels like dark moments in our lives, that we open our hearts to these others, who become our angels.

The ways I have been “fed” by all these angels has lifted me to new levels of service, where I want to spread my own light in greater and more focused ways.

 I welcome roots and an anchor from which to continue soaring, healthy collaborations with like-minded others, stability amidst change and a new flock of prosperity angels who help me up the ante as I give back so much of what has been given to me.

 BELIEF TIPS OF THE WEEK:

 1.  I allow myself to let in angels of support, knowing receiving is part of the flow of life.

 2.  I allow myself to be an angel of giving, sharing my unique gifts so others can prosper under my wings.

 Beth Shedd’s photo of the light shining through the darkness represents the rays of hope that come from giving and receiving support from the angels among us.

 “Limitations live only in our minds.  But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.”

 —Jamie Paolinetti, one of the most experienced journeymen in American cycling. 

I have entered a new zone of late, both on a spin bike and in reclaiming a quiet space for my soul to allow and receive in new outcomes.

Initially hesitant to raise my heart rate through more intense aerobic activity, I took on the challenge of spinning to find new ways to bond with my teenage children.  Plus, I had all those extra holiday calories to burn off as quickly as possible.  Working the front desk of a health club as I do part-time, I now feel more compelled to be a model for fitness.

 The first try at spinning was hard, and I thought I would never make it through the 45-minute class.  The next time I took a 55-minute class.  By the third class, I was addicted, feeling connected to my fellow exercise buddies (both my children and other “spinners”) in very powerful ways.  There is camaraderie to working independently towards similar health goals. I imagine marathon runners and other athletes feel that same surge of connection that keeps them motivated to reach new milestones they may not have attained on their own.

Spinning at my health club is done in a dark room, led by a personal trainer, with loud music that is carefully selected to set the pace and keep the participants motivated to push through any resistance of losing momentum or completing the class. 

In that darkened space, connected and focused on my body, the “I” of me disappears, and I have not a care in the world—sort of like reaching a Zen state in meditation.  Looking over at my children during separate workouts with each of them, I feel a deepened sense of love for them, watching them expand in life by pushing their bodies to new heights.  I also value the uniqueness of how they each approach the challenge differently. One is more cautious, carefully pacing the workout.  The other is full-speed ahead, pushing the body to the maximum.

By relishing the care-free, worry-free space within my mind that comes from spinning, I stay in longer periods of wonderment throughout my days.   When required, I still push through mental challenges as I would in climbing a steep hill on a bike. 

Increasingly, however, I am learning to accept that the newness of each day of life, and the outcomes I desire, come as much from letting go as in pushing forward– in the same way my body is relaxed and operating more efficiently after a demanding workout.

Spinning for me is an action-based way to achieve the stillness of a meditative state—and to expand with the company of others while honoring my own needs for solitude. 

Equally important, getting out of my head and into the wisdom my body has become a quick way to help shift perspective and open my life to new possibilities.

When in doubt or frustrated about any circumstance now, I head to the gym—and cheerfully mount a spin bike, ready to be led through new mental and physical terrain while fondly recalling bonding moments with my children at my side.

BELIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:

I allow myself to keep a space in my life (and in my mind) for new possibilities.

 Beth Shedd’s magnificent photo of the Ferris wheel spinning shows the majestic possibilities of staying open amidst the turns of life.

WINTER INDULGENCE

Learn how to instill ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL BELIEFS  for personal and financial success.   

Sign up now for a A SPECIAL THREE-SESSION COACHING PACKAGE 

around this other belief to jump- start your new year.

 Call 978-887-1911 or email GailJones@SupportMatters.com to learn more or register for this perfect winter activity.  Snuggle up by a fire or with a cup of tea in the comfort of your home while being coached by phone using breakthrough techniques. 

Gus, a former banker, is recreating his life as an inspirational writer following his “spiritual awakening” through recovering from addiction. Living and working from the heart, he is also a CFO for an organization called Wise Widowed Parents (WWP), Inc.

Beyond the tangible benefits Gus offers WWP, he empathizes deeply with those in the widowed community, particularly the surviving dependent children. His own mother died in a tragic accident on the family farm when he was a young boy. He uses the blessings from his grief journey to be a positive influence on others. Please join me in welcoming a new voice.

20 Words To Change Your Life
By Gusto
www.gustoramblings.com

As I BEGIN this latest chapter of Ramblings, I want you to IMAGINE your life being transformed into something totally new, fascinating, and liberating. As you follow along, feel free to LAUGH at yourself, for laughter truly is Mother Nature’s best medicine!

Now before you go any further, there is one thing you should always remember about life: BELIEVE that you’re capable of greatness, in fact, you already have it inside of you! It is there, just waiting. All the answers you SEEK to your life’s questions you already possess. The mind is a vast PLAYground, just ready for you to explore it, if you would only TRUST your instincts and LISTEN to your heart. You have the power to CREATE your world as you wish. Once you CONNECT with this awareness inside of you, you will then be able to reach out and TOUCH those around you in a profound way. Your family, friends, and co-workers will be drawn to your magnetic personality!

As I’ve reached middle age, I have come to several conclusions about life, both past, present, and the future. Most of us at this stage in our lives have made mistakes, sometimes causing harm to those we love or to ourselves. And in spite of this knowledge, we must each understand we’re not infallible. After all, we are human and we will continue to make mistakes, which is all part of the process. We never stop learning, right up until the end.

If you feel the same way, one of the biggest lessons I’d like to pass along is this: always choose to FORGIVE yourself first, and then ask it of others. And when others seek you forgiveness, gladly accept their amends. No conditions. No questions. The moment a thing seems wrong to you, or another person’s actions are not what you think they should be, begins your responsibility to PRAY that a change can come through your influence. Above all, hang on to your faith with everything you have, because it too is one of the few things in life that gives us HOPE for a better future–for ourselves, our families, our friends, for everyone.

There is so much of our lives that we can not control. In reality, the only power we have been given is free will; the power to CHOOSE good over evil, right over wrong, up or down, that’s all we can do. Learn to APPRECIATE who you are, those around you, what you have, not what you don’t. Above all, GIVE of yourself freely to others, including your material possessions and the one thing all of us crave for from others–someone who will lend an ear with the gift of time.

Finally, get back to the basics. READ books, articles, and news that provide you a source of inspiration, strength, and comfort. And when your day is done, do what Ben Franklin did daily, by asking yourself just one question; “What good have I done today?” And then WRITE it down. That’s all there is to it. Life isn’t that complicated; it’s really quite simple. We only make it that way with our magical magnifying minds. Once you’ve become aware of this simple concept, you’ll feel a sense of RELEASE that will astound you!

Here are the 20 words you can post for inspiration in 2012: 20 words to change your life.  Happy New Year! Gus.

Gail’s own writing will appear again next week.

Unwinding from the holidays, this limbo week between Christmas and New Year’s, I am breathing a contented sigh of relief that 2011 is coming to a close. Settled happily into the home of my soul after a tenacious year of being on the line, feeling increasingly comfortable in my new skin, I am pulling in—just as nature prompts its animals to do in winter.

With gratitude, I sense a new hope in this time of integrating between the old and new. This past year, more than many others, I have watched as a friend and coach some of the kindest, smartest, highly motivated and most loving people persist through relentless challenges.

In effect, most were scaling new mountains, and the results of reaching for new heights within their lives are just starting to become visible.

These are some of the ways I have been blessed to observe others “scaling the mountain”:

 • Acquiring patience to wait for right opportunities versus settling in a moment of panic.

• Moving cross country to embrace a climate more conducive to emotional and possibly financial well-being.

• Stepping bravely into unfamiliar territory by changing careers mid-life, and following a new path that is more in alignment with one’s authenticity and life purpose.

 • Confronting health challenges with a joyous attitude despite chronic daily pain.

 • Falling in love with a new type of person than one has been conditioned from the past to accept, by risking keeping one’s heart open to another whom courageously, honestly, lovingly, willingly and consistently shows up in relationship.

• Learning exquisite self-care first to better tend to those who are sick or elderly.

• Claiming and standing in one’s value by requiring to be paid well for one’s gifts, skills and talents.

• Setting boundaries and saying “no” to those who take too much.

• Welcoming reciprocity and appreciation.

• Instilling fun, relaxation and downtime into a previously workaholic lifestyle.

• Delegating responsibility versus managing solo.

 • Surrounding oneself with thoughtful, considerate and passionate people and letting go of those who cannot cherish, support and be there in emotionally healthy ways.

• Accepting help, knowing it is a sign of strength to know we are all connected and have unique contributions to share.

Most of these “mountain climbers” learned that sometimes they needed to come apart before coming together in new ways, or allow themselves to be redirected from the plan they carefully crafted for their lives. The career or lover they thought would serve them may only have been a stepping stone, or a distraction, from a more fulfilling destiny.

For all who engage in new climbs to the top in 2012—whether it is an internal shift in thinking or an external event like a new job–my wish for you is to remember to appreciate the wildflowers along the way, and the people who share the journey with you.

 Happy New Year.

With delightful anticipation,

Gail

A special thanks to the generosity of Justine Shedd Shaffner, who provided today’s mountain photo. Justine and her family love hiking, especially during the prime wildflower season (7/15-8/15) in the high country of Colorado.

And all through the house, I longed to be calmly centered, cherishing a few quiet moments to truly embrace the gifts of the season.”

 Forcing myself to listen to the inner need for peace, I stopped the frantic shopping and racing around to hear what is truly important.   I also am grateful to my client, who serendipitously postponed our meeting today, so he could join me later in the week when we both feel more present to our work together.

In silence, this is the holiday wish that came to me, to share with you :

A New Season of Life

 May the edges be softened, whether they involved harsh financial challenges or hearts hardened by fear and rejection.

 May the family before you be inclusive, accepting each person’s uniqueness, flaws and all.

 May forgiveness be given generously, to others and ourselves, as we learn each day how to love a bit better.

 May the present moment be embraced for its purity and the chance to create anew.

 May new possibilities for greater joy, prosperity, health and love arrive daily.

 And, as a romantic who loves the thought of a white Christmas, my last quick wish:  May the first snowfall be gentle, and ideally arrive on Christmas Eve after everyone has arrived safely home.

 With love and blessings,

 Gail

PS–and these wise words are the quote I’ve  chosen for today:

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. “  ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

The berries in Beth Shedd’s photo represent to me a new season of life, where nature blesses us with another round of bounty.

 –Mary Ann Brussat

A personal note from Gail:  My apologies to all who patiently tried to open, and then re-open, last week’s blog post or visit my website, www.SupportMatters.com, which was intermittently disconnected. 

Like the name of my first book, To Hell and Back (…Healing Your Way Through Transition), I felt like I revisited some fiery times and came back with new perspective this Thanksgiving.  The four days of planned rest turned into being a nightmare of technical challenges, where I thought I lost a good deal of my writing, website content, and all of my subscribers, a database that has taken nine years to build.

To distract myself after working nearly 20 hours on the website server problems, I went to yoga, walked hours on Crane’s Beach enjoying unseasonably warm weather under gorgeous pink skies, played tennis and cried to a few friends, showing some of my deepest vulnerabilities. 

 Not only did I pamper myself, but I learned a lot about what feels comforting from others, and who can really be there emotionally (if not physically) through sharing my sense of despair and less-than-perfect self.  Those who offered kind follow-up calls or email check-ins touched me deeply.

 Additionally, the contrasts of challenges in others’  lives put my own angst in perspective.  As I was fretting over losing a good portion of my work, I learned a sweet neighbor had just given birth to a Down’s syndrome child who was on a respirator.  My “problems” suddenly seemed small. 

And, in truth, the professional gift I gained was new perspective on my time. I am now choosing to write my blog twice monthly versus every week.    Rather than whittle down the quality and eliminate the coaching I provide within my writing, I am opting to keep the depth but offer my blogs less frequently.

 Below is last week’s post again, for those who could not open it.  Little did I know then, that one of the people I thanked within– Donato Dandreo of www.startcompeting.com– was the person who “saved” my website, blog and subscriber data base, when all others who tried could not.

 Enjoy (again or for the first time)! I’ll be back in two weeks.

 THANKSGIVING BLOG POST:

Gathering in for the holidays

…with gratitude in sharing my journey

 “Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.”

 –Katherine Dunham

 After sharing so much of my life through writing and the increased visibility I have received as a coach, I am drawing within this Thanksgiving.

 Rather than giving and sharing from the heart, which are the ways I feel most comfortable communicating, I am standing back for a while and listening, observing and accepting each moment before me—whether it’s a quiet walk on the beach or sitting in a roomful of friends toasting with gratitude our blessings of the year.

 I thank my children, clients, readers, friends and dates for their patience with me as I grew new wings, this past year in particular when I put myself on the line in many new ways. 

 And I am grateful for the support of those who technically made this dream blog of mine come true—Nancy Wolff Leary, Donato Dandreo, Marj Elliott, Beth Shedd and Beth Scanzani.  They say it takes a village to raise a child.  Well, this blog has become my baby, and it has taken a community to bring it to life.

 Happy Thanksgiving to all.  May you feel the blessings of your loved ones–and be grateful and show appreciation to those who touched your life. 

 Or, in the words, of John F. Kennedy: “As we express gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

(Author Unknown)

With gratitude,

Gail

 Beth Shedd’s photo of the candles on her Thanksgiving table reminds us to find soothing places where our light can shine and allow us to express our gratitude.

“Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.” –Katherine Dunham

After sharing so much of my life through writing and the increased visibility I have received as a coach, I am drawing within this Thanksgiving.

Rather than giving and sharing from the heart, which are the ways I feel most comfortable communicating, I am standing back for a while and listening, observing and accepting each moment before me—whether it’s a quiet walk on the beach or sitting in a roomful of friends toasting with gratitude our blessings of the year.

I thank my children, clients, readers, friends and dates for their patience with me as I grew new wings, this past year in particular when I put myself on the line in many new ways.

And I am grateful for the support of those who technically made this dream blog of mine come true—Nancy Wolff Leary, Donato Dandreo, Marj Elliott, Beth Shedd and Beth Scanzani. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, this blog has become my baby, and it has taken a community to bring it to life.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. May you feel the blessings of your loved ones–and be grateful and show appreciation to those who touched your life.

Or, in the words, of John F. Kennedy: “As we express gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary

Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

(Author Unknown)

With gratitude,

Gail

Beth Shedd’s photo of the candles on her Thanksgiving table reminds us to find soothing places where our light can shine and allow us to express our gratitude.

“Tsze-Kung asked, ‘Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life?’ The Master said, “Is not Reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.’”—Confucius

Accustomed to sharing with a high degree of give and take, I was recently disappointed by a few people who let me down.

“Lower your expectations and don’t take any of it personally,” were the words of advice I received from a few friends. We all slip up, and have times when we cannot follow through on commitments as we hoped. Life circumstances sometimes thwart our best laid plans.

The type of disappointment I am feeling here is deeper as it involves the hurt at discovering someone is not who they said they were, or sadly, who I believed them to be.

In continuing to dig deeper, I am mostly disappointed in myself for once again trusting too easily in the goodness of another– a flaw of mine that goes way back to when I was a little girl and naively believed that like Santa Clause, everyone would bestow their best gifts on me.

Sometimes, people want to TAKE our best gifts—whether it is our business expertise or our caring nature–without giving too much in return. In these cases, we owe it to ourselves and our sense of self-esteem to set boundaries—or disengage altogether from someone who does not show up for us with integrity, by consistently failing to do what they say they will do.

The “givers gain” slogan of a business networking group to which I belonged, designed to inspire group members to get referrals for one another, may sound inspiring.

Yet, it has been my experience that innately generous people do not need to be told to give. Rather, some of us (women in particular who have been conditioned in early life to consistently put others’ needs ahead of their own) are fine-tuning our discernment skills and choosing more balanced relationships. We also are searching for the right balance in the ways we give.

To give to get back lacks authenticity, as it has a built-in expectation that operates like an ultimatum. The underpinnings of the “I’ll scratch your back, if you scratch mine” mentality feels more like a business deal than a genuinely caring relationship where the scales of who does what for whom often fluctuate.

Yet, if we give too much of ourselves without being replenished by those with whom we share, we can end up feeling burned out, exhausted and resentful—or worse, used.

Choosing to surround ourselves with people of character, which often takes time upfront to discern, is one of the best ways to ensure we will be met halfway in mutually beneficial relationships. The attached list of six character traits to look for in a man from author Barbara DeAngelis could easily apply to both genders (Six Important Character Traits).

Living on a two-way street of give and take also requires we consistently fill ourselves up so we come to others in our fullness and integrity, without ulterior motives. Allowing ourselves to receive the gifts of another is one more essential ingredient to experiencing more mutually balanced relationships.

BELIEF TIPS OF THE WEEK:

1. I allow myself to give and receive from integrity.

2. I allow myself to discern the character of those with whom I associate.

The series of fountains in Beth Shedd’s photo remind us of the balance between replenishing ourselves and sharing our gifts. We must be filled with what we wish to share, and remain open to receiving genuine care from another.

 WRITING SERVICES OFFERED:  Based on 30 years of journalism and PR expertise, Gail is frequently asked to write bios, new releases, website  content and blog copy for her coaching clients.  She is now offering these services on a consulting basis to the public.  If you would like help with any of your writing needs, contact Gail at 978-887-1911 or email her at gailjones@supportmatters.com

“Imperfect action is better than perfect procrastination.” –Author Unknown

Many of my friends and clients (and me included) have been in what seems like an interminable holding pattern, waiting for something “big” to break.

Suspended, we are acquiring new levels of faith and learning to fulfill ourselves with positive words, nurturing support, and huge doses of self-love. Changing our internal mindset is critical to creating new outcomes in our lives.

However, we also need to take risks outside of our comfort zones into something physically new to shift our energy when we feel stuck. The “new economy” is thrusting many out of familiar territory. Creating multiple income streams is becoming the norm for entrepreneurs—as is finding diverse ways to express ourselves beyond “the-one-size-fits-all” structure of traditional 9 to 5 jobs.

Many of my clients are experimenting with shifting from blue-collar to white-collar work and vice versa. One friend, a former millionaire contractor, now dabbles in law. Another man, who once worked in a prestigious, high-six figure job, is contemplating manual labor.

Instead of resisting new avenues, we can view them as opportunities to find a fuller or more authentic expression of ourselves.

For example, I recently accepted a dream part-time job, working the front desk of a health club. In exchange for working at slightly above minimum wage, I get a free health club membership and unlimited tennis. The job is not exclusively about the perks or “the money” (although an upcoming college tuition bill is an incentive to earn extra income). Rather it is in alignment with my own vision board, where I imagined working in “a fun, social job” to offset the solitary challenges of the entrepreneurial life.

I also am using my skills as a former high tech PR executive to promote a band’s gig this weekend (PV AFTER DARK-11-12-11) which is a fun, new expression of an old way of marketing. I opted into this project because the band leader shares my dream of raising funds to extend self-esteem coaching to kids.

Increasingly, I expect we will see more people like the highly gifted, creative client of mine who defines herself as “a master of all trades.” Originally “stuck” because she could not pinpoint one job that would satisfy her professional needs, she is now experimenting with packaging her breadth of expertise to many entrepreneurs who could use all of her skill sets.

Experimenting and taking even a small action step towards “the new” helps us get unstuck. Online job or dating sites are only one method for reaching out. Physically leaving the house and being with real people in many different situations enlivens us even further.

The next job, opportunity or even date does not have to be “the one.” Yet, by exposing ourselves to new situations with positive expectations, we move forward energetically, gaining fresh perspective.

Today, and especially any time you feel stuck, do something new, without attachment to the outcome. Enjoy the diversity of people and tasks. Allow for possibilities to emerge beyond what you “think” is your direction. Trust in a bigger plan for your life. Your only job is to keep stepping to the plate, and saying “yes” to that which makes you feel alive—even when it presents itself as a smattering of options.

BELIEF TIPS OF THE WEEK:

1. I allow myself to try a diversity of options for building a career.

2. I allow myself to be open to multiple ways of expressing my talents.

3. I allow myself physically to be out in the world in new ways.

“He is who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.” –Danish proverb

In our journeys towards independence, self-actualization and fulfillment, many of us forgot (or did not learn how) to ask for help.

I find that the times when I feel most stuck in creating anew, I am often trying to do too much on my own, from my own perspective.

When I get out of my own head and engage in the expertise of others, I feel lighter and more expansive, particularly as I intuitively discern which pieces of information are most helpful.

Listening with appreciation and respect, yet also honoring my own feelings of “rightness,” I gain valuable ideas. I also acknowledge more frequently when I resist feedback because it is not “my way”—or the ego insisting only I know best.

If I can allow myself to stay vulnerable, and really hear what is being said even if I do not like the message, I stretch in new ways. (The same loosening up works for intimate relationships—so much is gained when we let go of control and open to what is before us versus what we would prefer to direct.)

We do not have to do success alone, nor must we know all the answers. Our not knowing, in fact, opens us to wonder and even greater possibilities.

If you poll highly successful people, you often will discover that someone along the way mentored them, gave them a break or helped them affiliate with the right person or opportunity.

Right now, to bring about my dream for creating a market niche within my business, I know I need help. More specifically, I need a team to include:

• technical people who can build the systems to deliver in new ways the content I am creating.

• financial people who can guide me in creating a solid business plan or find grant money as a woman-owned business.

• mentors who can keep me on track and inspired to go the next level up.

• friends, and ideally a life partner, who believe in my dream and how it will serve the world in unique ways.

Each week, I set up new informational interviews and conduct more research, creating a part-time commitment to my dream so I do not lose my inspiration to serve in new ways. 

 A client of mine learned to say the following from an acquaintance in Sandler Sales Training: “I really need your help and truly respect and value your opinion. I could use a favor. Could we meet for coffee?” She said by approaching others with respect, and complimenting them on their expertise, she has had numerous people willingly and enthusiastically help her extend her network.

Being curious about and learning from others adds life to our dreams. Feeling supported helps us thrive and stay committed.

 BELIEF TIPS OF THE WEEK:

1. I allow myself to ask for help in bringing forth my dreams.

2. I allow myself to enjoy hearing another’s expertise, choosing which thoughts most resonate with my needs and intuition.

3. I allow myself to build teams of support around me so I can more easily thrive in success.

Beth Shedd’s photo of the joining of hands symbolically shows the strength we can feel when we reach out for support, which is particularly helpful when ushering in a new dream.

COACHING YOU INTO A NEW LIFE DREAM:

Work one-on-one with Gail clarifying your new dreams, instilling new thoughts, and creating a customized vision board that helps move you forward. For more information, call Gail at 978-887-1911 or email GailJones@SupportMatters.com.