It is said that nothing ever dies – it simply changes.  Maybe that’s true – but then what? Change???? Most people struggle deeply with the idea of change.  Companies have entire departments devoted to “managing change” so that employees can deal with it effectively. 

Resistance to change comes from a fear of the unknown or an expectation of loss. The first aspect of a person’s resistance to change is how they perceive the change. The second aspect is how well they are equipped to deal with the change they expect.

How much a person resists change is determined by whether they perceive the change as good or bad, and their expectations of how severe they expect the impact of the change to be on them. In order to ultimately accept change, we need to have adequate resilience and excellent coping skills.

However, not only is change inevitable, but it is required if you are to be successful in business and in life.  How can you ensure that when change is required, you handle it skillfully and with grace? Here are four tips for dealing with change when (not “if”) it comes into your life:

Ensure that you have a quality support system
It is so important during times of transition that you have a good support system around you. This could be family and friends, or a business mastermind group. Depending on the type of transition you are going through, different types of groups might prove to be more effective than others. It is imperative that you have some sort of mentor.

Look for the silver lining in the situation
Every cloud has a silver lining, as they say. Even if it appears that the world is falling down around your ears. Take some time and look at the situation. See what can be found that is positive. For example, even if you lose a job, perhaps that job wasn’t the best fit for you and now you are free to pursue a long-lost dream or some other opportunity that will make you much happier.

Continue your spiritual practice
This is not the time to quit praying, meditating, journaling or doing whatever it is that centers you and brings you peace and serenity. If you don’t already have a daily spiritual practice, then please start something before you find that you need it! It could be something as simple as taking five minutes each morning before you get out of bed to quiet your mind, breathe deeply and review your plan for the day; or write whatever comes to mind in your journal for 10 or 15 minutes each morning or evening. Just five to ten minutes each day will provide you enough peace of mind to get through any of these obstacles, with at least some amount of grace.

Create a structure to support you
When all else is failing or seemingly In chaos around you, it is important to have a structure to cling to. This can mean having a simple daily routine that you keep to each day. For example, getting up, meditating, having breakfast, etc. at the same time each morning. In the evening, spend a few minutes relaxing before eating dinner and settling in for bed. Whatever your routine is, stick to it! This will provide an important framework and touchstone amidst the change and confusion that may be going on externally.

As you can see, while change may be inevitable, it doesn’t have to be traumatic. Keep your life as simple and structured as possible, with downtime and spiritual connection included and you will find that “This too shall pass” – you will soon be acclimated to the change that has occurred and it will be smooth sailing from here on out!

This article was written by Patricia Selmo, an ordained Interfaith Minister, certified life coach, spiritual healer, teacher and guide. She is the co-founder of the International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders: www.iawsl.com.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and include the following byline: The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download-as our GIFT to you-the 5 Secrets to Creating Abundance Through Your Purpose. You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of information and tips for supporting you in your calling. Just click here: www.iawsl.com

• Bookmark on Delicious
• Digg this post
• Recommend on Facebook
• share via Reddit
• Share with Stumblers
• Tweet about it
• Subscribe to the comments on this post

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day in many parts of the world. As I sit and think about the idea of honoring mothers, it comes to my mind that this could be a pretty complex topic. For some the idea is inconceivable – perhaps they never had a mother or they had an abusive or negligent mother. Even if you fall into this category, I would hope that you at the very least have someone that represented for you the energy of The Mother.

What is the Mother archetype energy? Often it is associated with Compassion (Quan Yin) or with Peace and Love (Mother Mary)… it is these things and so much more. 

A Mother’s love is:
Selfless – a mother will do anything for her child
Kind – she whispers tender words in your ear when you fall down
Supportive – she will help you attain your dreams in any way she can
Optimistic – she knows that you can do anything you set your mind to; she can be your biggest cheerleader,
Knowledgeable – who else know what you should do when the guy you have a crush on doesn’t call back?
Wise – She knows that chicken soup and ginger ale will cure everything
Healing – her kisses magically make the “boo-boos” go away
Comforting – she can make you feel that any problem is surmountable
Eternal – this is a love that never dies from the moment it is born
Fierce – like the mamma bear, she will go up against anyone who threatens her offspring
Sustaining – a mother’s love can carry you through all the rough times in your life
I think this poem by Helen Steiner Rice sums it up nicely.

A Mother’s Love

A Mother’s love is something

that no one can explain,

It is made of deep devotion

and of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish

and enduring come what may

For nothing can destroy it

or take that love away . . .

It is patient and forgiving

when all others are forsaking,

And it never fails or falters

even though the heart is breaking . . .

It believes beyond believing

when the world around condemns,

And it glows with all the beauty

of the rarest, brightest gems . . .

It is far beyond defining,

it defies all explanation,

And it still remains a secret

like the mysteries of creation . . .

A many splendoured miracle

man cannot understand

And another wondrous evidence

of God’s tender guiding hand.
Love and Blessings to all the wonderful mothers out there! And remember to bring the energy of the Mother to your business or practice – it is your child!

This article was written by Patricia Selmo, an Interfaith seminarian, certified life coach, spiritual healer, teacher and guide. She is the co-founder of the International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders: www.iawsl.com.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and include the following byline: The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download-as our GIFT to you-the 5 Secrets to Creating Abundance Through Your Calling. You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of information and tips for supporting you in your calling. Just click here: www.iawsl.com

• Bookmark on Delicious
• Digg this post
• Recommend on Facebook
• share via Reddit
• Share with Stumblers
• Tweet about it
• Subscribe to the comments on this post

Two weeks ago, I posted the article; “5 Actions for the Woman Spiritual Leader to Ensure Financial Success”.  In the introduction, I addressed some of the issues women who are doing “spiritual work” seem to have around money.  Here are some excerpts from that article:

“How many times have you stopped short of telling a client what you thought your services were worth?  How often have you given your services away because it was considered to be the ‘spiritual’ thing to do?  We who deal with services that are considered to be spiritual in nature, it seems to me, have mind-sets to deal with; those of the people we serve, and … our own!  When we begin to deal with our own ideas, misconceptions, and beliefs around what our services are worth, we will then be able to better deal with those of the people we serve.”

Being women, we usually think about and handle money differently than men do.  Men seem to have an easier time asking for what they think they’re worth.  This likely is driven by a man’s need to provide and to ‘accumulate’.  Women, on the other hand, have a need for security, their family, their home, and their community.  Historically, women also have not been the ‘breadwinners’.

How much we have seen this change in the last few decades!  While women are still not compensated at the rate that men in the same positions are, in many instances they have become the ‘breadwinner’; the main, or often, only source of income.

We women who are spiritual leaders doing “spiritual work”, it seems to me, have a double whammy to deal with.  I think we would agree that as women our mindsets around money are different from the mindsets from men.  And secondly, we have to deal with the mindsets we have brought to our work.

While much of this mindset has been borne of our culture’s view that anything of a ‘spiritual nature’ should not have monetary value (never the twain shall meet!! – Heaven forbid!) as women we have not been encouraged to change our own individual values around the services we provide.

In order to begin to build an awareness around any issues you may have around money and the services you provide, I invite you to take a notebook and respond to the following:

1.    Identify your own mindset around money and what money means to you

View your “monetary history”.  Take a look at your check register, credit card statements, investment records, and spending habits.  It would also be helpful to look at records of your reimbursements from individual clients, work-shops, and other sources of income.  What does this data have to do with your mind-set around money?

2.    Write down some phrases, edicts, shoulds, etc. that you may remember from your childhood around the subject of money

We all have grown up with probably hundreds of those that now form the hodge-podge of the way we view money and how we value what we do.  And so much of it is unconscious.  And what is “unconscious” will begin to surface once you have set your intent around making it so, and commit to being aware.  You may be surprised by what emerges…

3.     Try to recall situations where you have been involved in conversations around money, and your emotional reactions to what was being discussed

This is also a good exercise to do in the present.  Other people’s remarks, an article that you may read, or something you may view or listen to in the media, may trigger emotions in you that you may not have been aware of.  It is helpful to have a small note book in your purse or small recorder to document your reactions.

4.    Identify areas in your life where you would like to have more confidence

Building confidence in yourself and what you do is one of the key ingredients to becoming more financially successful.  Write those down, and don’t be bashful… no-one is looking over your shoulder, and, after all, this is your life!

5.    Seek support

It is not easy to roll back years of brain washing, acculturation, habit, and mindsets by yourself.  Women, by nature, love relating.  Find that group, person, program, or community that will best serve your needs.

To your financial success!

Ruth

Ruth Reiner, President and Co-Founder of the International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Spiritual Counselor, Certified Life Coach, and successful business woman.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, PUBLICATION, OR ON YOUR WEB-SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leaving the entire article intact, do not alter it in any way, and include the following: “THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS” was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download – as a gift to you- THE 5 SECRETS TO CREATING ABUNDANCE THROUGH YOUR CALLING.
You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of tips and information for supporting you in your mission or quest.

• Bookmark on Delicious
• Digg this post
• Recommend on Facebook
• share via Reddit
• Share with Stumblers
• Tweet about it
• Subscribe to the comments on this post

This is a beautiful article from a wonderful friend about the importance of nurturing yourself…

It’s in the quiet that we hear the answers. It’s in the moment of silence that we feel the knowing.

Are you able to sit down, quiet your mind and listen to your truth?

Today I turned off the stereo, ignored the phone. I sat down to find the stillness. A project needing to be finished, grabbed my attention. Another excuse not to silence my mind. Yet, the lack of outside noise did allow me to focus, to concentrate, to make serious progress toward the completion of a task at hand.

But, the truth is, I need to find time to listen to the quiet. I know I do. What about you?

Apparently, the Universe will find a way to get you to listen, even when you say you will, but don’t. In my life it always shows up the same way. I usually have to end up in the hospital, attached to tubes, plugs, machines…none of which are connected to my computer or my iPhone. I have no choice but to stay still. I even have to ask for a nurse or someone to help me go to the bathroom. Wow! Can you believe I’d manifest all of this to make room for quiet in my life?

This past week, I found a lump under my arm. It was 3:50 in the morning on February 3rd. I looked at the clock, and said out loud, “Are you kidding me?” My life shifted in an instant. In the stillness of the early morning, I stood, alone, in my kitchen and knew why this was happening. It was time for me to slow down and reflect.
What is most important to me? What is my soul’s purpose? What really matters? What am I doing with my life?

I’ve been hearing whispers for months, but keep choosing to ignore them. I tell myself, “I’ll start painting and writing as soon as I finish this next project, the next event, the next, the next, the next.” But, I haven’t.

My heart has been telling me to focus on my writing, my art, enjoy my time with my husband and kids, but I refuse to listen. I’m afraid to give up everything I’ve been creating and the business I’ve been building. I don’t want to look like I’m quitting. I find work harder, push more, in hopes that the more time I put in, the faster I’ll reach the finish line. And, then, I will have time for my writing, my art, my family.

I’m not trusting myself and my inner knowing of what is right for me. I’m letting other people’s whispers influence me, when I know, with all my heart and soul, their way is right for them, but not my authentic way. I honor their space, but must trust my intuition and my journey.

I love talking makeup, hair, and style. It’s what I’ve done for 25 years. But I know, none of it matters in the long run. It’s not just about the makeup, it never has been. It’s always been about so much more. Of course, there is a time and place for lip gloss, hairspray and shoes. But, they are not what make a beautiful life.

I’ve been gone too long….headed in the wrong direction. Or, maybe, the right direction, wrong road. It’s time for me to get back to what’s real. It’s time for me to get back to the core, to my authenticity. The woman who cries when she’s scared, the woman who knows she’s meant to paint and write, the woman who adores her children and is watching them grow up too quickly. The woman, who dearly loves and appreciates having a wonderful friend for more than 24 years and has been blessed to be able to call him “my husband” for 20 of those years.

I realized that I needed to listen to what I know I am meant to do. I see the potential in others, with or without makeup. I inspire others to follow their dreams, in high heels or sneakers. There is so much talk today about authenticity, personal branding, and personal style. I’ve created an entire business which helps women see their real beauty, so that they can reach their dreams. But, in the midst of creating what I knew I could, a business about image and style, I set my dreams on the bookcase next to my desk.

Dozens of books on writing, art, creativity, inspiration, beauty and style stacked just inches away from me everyday. Thirty plus, years of journals, filled with writings, musings, sketches, quotes, images I want to paint. It seems like it would be easier to do what you’re comfortable doing. Just stick to what you know and all will be okay. Not so! In fact, it’s harder, and more difficult not follow your heart.

The Universe wants to get my attention. Tomorrow, I will head to the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. I know that no matter what happens, I will do what I must. I will do only what matters. I will listen to my heart. I am done pushing. I AM WRITING. And, I’m letting go of the outcome. I’m letting go of whether it will be good, or whether it will matter, or whether it will make me money.

Clarity. Reality. Authenticity.

This is my new direction. We can create whatever we want or need in this lifetime. It’s up to us to make up our mind to listen and follow the whispers of intuition guiding us forth.

Living a beautiful life means taking care of yourself. Being true to what you believe. Living a beautiful life means trusting yourself and listening to your body. Living a beautiful life means following your heart.

Have you been setting a part of you on a shelf? What are you rescheduling, setting aside, deferring, or putting on the back burner?

I will do whatever I need to do to bring congruency into my life. I know I will march forth into the fear of the unknown, the uncertain, and embrace every moment, every smile, every whisper, every tear, every hug. And every little bit of laughter.

I hope you’ll do the same.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR ON YOUR WEBSITE? Please do and be sure to include
the complete little bio below.

Hollywood Makeup Artist, Writer, and Style Consultant, Tamara Gold publishes publishes
the “Red Lipstick Report” e-zine. Style for Real Women. Real Life. Real Beauty.
Information, Inspiration, How-To Videos and Spotlight Interviews with Industry Experts
to keep you feeling and looking your best…in all areas of your life and your business.
If you want to create your own authentic personal style in your life, creative endeavor
or business, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription
to The Red Lipstick Report at www.TamaraGold.com

WANT TO SEE MORE?
Check out Tamara’s blog- Live Your Beautiful Life – at TamaraGold.com/blog
Follow Tamara Gold on Twitter
Follow The Red Lipstick Report on Twitter
Become a Red Lipstick Report Fan on Facebook

• Bookmark on Delicious
• Digg this post
• Recommend on Facebook
• share via Reddit
• Share with Stumblers
• Tweet about it
• Subscribe to the comments on this post

We join our Jewish friends from all over the world on December 11th when the “Festival of Lights” commemorating the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, begins at sundown.  For those who need refreshing, this holiday was born in the century just  “BCE” or “BC” when a renegade band of Jews led by Judah Maccabee pursued their goal of regaining the holy temple in Jerusalem.

According to history, the Temple had been desecrated; its revered artifacts and icons, including a Menorah (a candelabra) made of gold; broken and ruined.  The reigns of Pompey and then Antiochus IV, Epiphanes were responsible for the allowing the Temple to fall into disrepair.

When the Maccabees succeeded in regaining the Temple, they set about, and I imagine lovingly; dusting, scrubbing, and polishing the entire Temple including the artifacts.  One of the more important of these was the golden menorah just waiting to be rekindled to its former glory of lighting the alter.

The Maccabees focused on celebrating with a rededication of the Temple, and they ran into what I am sure may have been one of many problems putting together a commemoration of that size.  They found only enough oil to light the menorah for one day, and they had planned a lengthy celebration.

To the wonder of all of the celebrants, the menorah continued to shed its light for eight days and nights.  The center candle, or “shamash” meaning “servant” or “guard”, is used to light the other candles, one for each night of Hanukkah.  Traditionally, a blessing is said as the candle for that particular night is lit.

Hanukkah is a time of joyous celebration and rededication, commemorating an important series of events in the history of Judaism.

THE 8 WAYS THAT WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS MAY REDEDICATE AND CELEBRATE…

1.    Identify what needs rededicating in your life

2.    Strategize

3.    Set out to pursue your goal

4.    Surround yourself with support (perhaps a renegade band of troops who will help you ‘recapture the Temple’)

5.    Dust, scrub and polish in order to:

6.    Lovingly restore what that is to its Brilliance

7.    Light a Candle to commemorate what you have rededicated and offer a blessing

8.    Celebrate!

This article was written by Rev. Ruth Reiner, who is an ordained Interfaith Minister, spiritual counselor, coach, nurse, former wife, mother, grandmother, and entrepreneur.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, PUBLICATION, OR ON YOUR WEB-SITE?  You may, as long as you commit to leaving the entire article intact, do not alter it in any way, and include the following: “THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS” was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions.  We invite you to download – as a gift to you- THE 5 SECRETS TO CREATING ABUDANCE THROUGH YOUR CALLING.
You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of tips and information for supporting you in your mission or quest.

• Bookmark on Delicious
• Digg this post
• Recommend on Facebook
• share via Reddit
• Share with Stumblers
• Tweet about it
• Subscribe to the comments on this post