 Coincidence: A situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that isn’t planned or expected. The Miracle of Coincidence You've most likely heard of coincidence and may have had your own amazing experiences that have left you saying, ”How'd that happen?” In the book When God Winks, author SQuire Rushnell describes these coincidences, or signposts, as “God Winks.” He also talks about how coincidences in your life often increase when you’re going through change. A Personal Story Gradually emerging from quicksand-like grief triggered by personal and work losses, I’d faced the pain head on and hoped I’d managed to pull out every life lesson I could. Then began the huge task of how and what to do with what was left of my life. An overwhelming To Do list defined days as I tried to figure out which way to go. About the only thing that became clear was that trying to grab some kind, any kind, of lifeline from the past wasn’t going to work. Reaching the point that losing myself in a grocery store tabloid seemed like a worthy intellectual pursuit, I finally sat — just sat. Quieting down mind chatter to a dull roar, I asked my inner Self for guidance about what to do next. Frustrated and scared, I was open to listening. The First Message When I eventually heard on an inner level “empty yourself of your personal agenda,” there was relief. Then the feeling that I was rushing head-first over a cliff. Really? I knew a quiet walk in the woods would help the message anchor in. Mentally scanning a handful of possible places to walk, one destination felt right. The "Coincidence" A rustic path wound through ravines through a primeval woods of beech trees that were naked in mid-December light. Rounding a turn, I saw a tiny red spot in the distance somewhat veiled by the grey leafless saplings lining the forest floor. Huh? Drawing closer, I realized a bright red holiday ornament was hanging from one of the spindly branches! As I continued walking, there was another, another, then several others, marking a path that led out of the woods. I'd walked that path in different seasons for years, never having seen anything other than, uhm, trees. This was a charming “signpost" showing that, with the guidance received, I was heading in the right direction. 3 Ways to Read the Signs 1. Coincidences or “God Winks” are signposts that help you know you're on track with your life path and purpose. 2. Remembering coincidences you've experienced in the past can help you prime yourself to recognize new signposts as they appear in your life. 3. Opening your awareness to these little miracles helps you know you're right where you need to be. Takeaway: Life changes aren’t always easy. Give yourself the gift of being open to your inner Guidance while increasing your awareness to recognize the meaning of coincidences in your life. _____ Exercise: Can you remember a coincidence in your life (could be someone you met, something you heard, saw, or felt that impacted you) that helped you through a life change? To beautiful signposts lighting your way!  Photo by Erika Cristina
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Finally! The video and Toolkit are here! It's pretty self-explanatory, so sit back for about a minute and enjoy. If there's someone you know who this can bring a smile to, pass it on! Catherine's SOS Need it Now! Emotional Feel Better Toolkit. Thanks :)  and Daisy
 What type of leader are you for your own life? __________ In the book Leadership in Turbulent Times, author Doris Kearns Goodwin talks about transactional and transformational leadership. The book brings to light the lows and highs of 4 iconic U.S. presidents: Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Johnson. What's the difference in these 2 leadership styles? Easy:
While these definitions are most often applied to organizations or companies, it can be helpful to bring these ideas to yourself. As you're going about your day-to-day stuff, often with a big "to do" list, have you paused long enough to reflect on the overall vision you have for your own life or your family life apart from the nuts-and-bolts of Your List? Is your style:
Why does it matter? Keeping your eye on the birdie of your greater vision not only influences at home leadership (even if that means you alone or you and your dog or cat), but helps you reframe when you're feeling bogged down with the nuts-and-bolts. ________ My Gift to you, the Life Empowerment Fast Tracks Self-Discovery Map helps you get clarity and perspective on your life. Free access with no sign-up necessary. Many Unexpected Blessings and Cheers to you!  Photo Credit (sign): Jens Johnsson Composite with blue birdie of happiness: Catherine  Have you ever experienced something unusual as you go about your everyday life that lets you know there's something much bigger going on than you're usually aware of? __________ I've been working on the audio portion of my SOS Need it Now Emotional Feel Better Toolkit for a long time. Delays have been rampant from tweaking the recording software settings, losing my voice, and finding somewhere quiet enough to do the work. Despite best efforts, it's been an extremely slow process. I finally resorted to working in a closet. Not a convenient closet, like my own (too much street noise), but that of a friend, which meant becoming very mobile with setting up and breaking down a "recording studio" to work among her carefully folded blankets and pillows. Having a relatively good voice day, I was rolling along with recording. Suddenly (through ear buds), I heard the faint clank and spin of something that hit the ground. Huh? I looked down. It was a penny. Now, I hadn't moved myself or anything in that closet for fear of disrupting anything that could affect recording. It just "dropped," did a spin, and landed next to me. When family members suddenly passed about ten years ago, every once in a while, pennies would appear in the most obvious and ridiculous of places. Being tuned in that this is a known phenomena sometimes experienced by those who have lost loved ones, it became a source of wonder and comfort. So, there it was again. In the least likely of places. Reminding, that despite the illusion – you and me – we're never really alone. I stopped what I was doing to have a good laugh.  Note: This post happened to be published on November 1. The day after Halloween is known as All Souls Day in Christianity. It's a day of remembering loved ones who have passed on.  You're Invited: Bring your cup of coffee, grab a chair, and join me on October 6th for an informal group chat about Suicide Prevention Awareness + Emotional Well-Being. You just might save a life.   People who take their lives don't want to die– World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is globally observed on September 10th each year in order to provide worldwide awareness, commitment, and action to prevent suicides. Here are some facts:
In the United States, National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) is an annual week-long campaign (September 9 - 15) in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. It's purpose is also to reduce the stigma and encourage seeking mental health help. According to Major David Reynolds, chief of Clinical Health Psychology at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, "The vast majority of people don't commit suicide because they want to kill themselves, but as a way to end the torment of not being able to cope with their problem." While your world can feel temporarily black and like it will never change, remember, your viewpoint can change, and there are those who want to, and will help you, get through it. You're not alone. What to do if you're feeling suicidal or need help for someone you care about? Call Now (it's free): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) US NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE More Help: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org International: http://iasp.info/resources Also, a comprehensive article for what to do for yourself or someone you know. Pass it on . . .  Photo Credit: dmgreen44 pixabay  "Expanding your perspective can help you reframe your life." One of the ways you can empower yourself toward life change is by expanding (changing) your viewpoint. I recently had the opportunity to expand my viewpoint (photo). Some simple ways we can all do this are through: • Reading a book or watching a YouTube video on a subject that's new for you • Taking a different route when doing your errands • Asking someone you don't know how their day's going and really listen When you work at s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your boundaries, it not only helps you look at yourself from a different perspective, but makes room for all kinds of wonderful new possibilities to emerge. What's your stretch today? Go for it!   "It's faith when we believe in things with absolutely no evidence [yet] of their existence. That is one of the great gifts of life – to sustain that faith against all odds, against critics and skeptics, against our own self-doubt." Kimberly Clark Sharp  Photo Credit: Simon Migaj
 As a new positive phase of life is gradually unfolding, some familiar not-so-great thoughts came up that masked underlying fears related to moving forward. Because I've been there and understand the process of getting beyond this when it rears up, empowering others to do the same is part of my passion. I've been reading the book Educated by Tara Westover. It's about a young woman who has the courage to walk away from her dysfunctional extremist family. I'm including the following passage from the book because it provides interesting thoughts about fear. She's talking about the roof of Cambridge University's cavernous Gothic chapel: "Finally the staircase opened onto the roof, which was heavily slanted, an inverted 'V' enclosed by stone parapets [a low protective wall along a roofline]. The wind was gusting, rolling clouds across the sky; the view was spectacular, the city miniaturized, utterly dwarfed by the chapel. I forgot myself and climbed the slope, then walked along the [roof] ridge, letting the wind take me as I stared out at the expanse of crooked trees and stone courtyards. 'You're not afraid of falling?' a voice said . . . I turned. It was Dr. Kerry. He had followed me, but he seemed unsteady on his feet, nearly pitching with every gust of wind . . . . . . I had to think before I could answer. 'I can stand in this wind, because I'm not trying to stand in it,' I said. 'The wind is just wind. You could withstand these gusts on the ground, so you can withstand them in the air. There is no difference. Except the difference you make in your head.' He stared at me blankly. He hadn't understood. 'I'm just standing,' I said . . . 'If you could just control your panic, this wind would be nothing.' " T A K E A W A Y Your fears can hide behind difficult emotions that can stop you in your tracks. It's possible to manage the fears that are holding you back so you can get on with your life. And all the wonderful experiences that are waiting for you on the other side of those fears. Developing the awareness that (as Ms. Westover said above), "knowing the difference you make in your head" is an important factor that can be a simple place to start.  Photo Credit: Curry Popeck Mountain
 Reading a somewhat technical book by the Dalai Lama about the nature of the universe as related to science and spirituality sparked an interest to learn more about him. A google search yielded a very relatable article by Douglas Preston that described a visit by the Dalai Lama to the Santa Fe, New Mexico ski basin in the days when he traveled with only a handful of wing-tip-shoe-and-suit-clad monks. A young server who brought him cookies and hot chocolate after a chairlift tour of the area asked him about the meaning of life. While this article is an entertaining read, if you're short on time, you can scroll down to its last few paragraphs to get the Dalai Lama's surprisingly simple response. Enjoy!  Photo: Bob Shaw |
Hi, I'm Catherine! This website was started because after a whole lot of trauma and adversity (groan) and a lifetime of trial and error, I wanted to make it easier for you to empower yourself to move beyond change, stress, and fears that hold you back while discovering how to create positive change in your life!
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