Kym Coco Blog

Live your Legendary Life, Part 12

Kym — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

I have fun in everything I do.

This is the last component of our living a legendary life series, and almost the most important.

As I lay by the fireplace last night, watching the flames and smoke twirl in an exotic, playful dance, a huge smile broke out across my face. This is fun! Steve and I have taken the mattress from the bedroom and placed it right in front of the fire, just like we used to do with our sleeping bags while camping in our childhood. We’ve snuck away from the world, to sit in solitude, commune with nature, and enjoy each other’s company. Well, that, and to do a little work in preparation for the new year to come.

And, the best part is that it’s fun! Every action we’re taking, from every step of planning to every meal on the BBQ, is pleasurable.

That’s what legendary individuals understand. Life doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t have to be boring. It doesn’t have to be infused with drama, sadness, or uncertainty. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Life is designed to be exhilarating. It’s designed to be met with an eagerness about what’s to come and an appreciation of what is along each step of the journey.

So, in this last week of 2011, reflect on the legendary components you already possess. Celebrate your uniqueness. And, observe where you might want to be more legendary in 2012. There are so many ways to continue your path of personal and spiritual growth—being legendary is just part of the entire equation.

Take Action Step:

Step 1: Review the list of legendary components below. Check which beliefs and actions you already participate in regularly. What do those statements look like in your life? How do they take shape in tangible ways for you? Maybe even make a list of things you appreciate as part of your legendary life.

Step 2: Pick one aspect of living a legendary life that you feel is lacking in your life now. Focus on what that means to you, and how you can focus on that in this next week. As often said, your focus determines your reality. Have fun as you take this new awareness into each day and explore how you feel as a result of including that legendary component in your decisions, relationships, and perspectives.

I am self-actualized.
I am legendary everyday.
I write my goals and see them everywhere.
I have a context (set of beliefs) that align with my goals.
I have great coaches in all areas of life.
I am legendary now.
I am willing to do the necessary work to create my success.
I am willing to fail in the right direction (learn from challenges as I reach for my goals)
I have legendary friends.
I love life and I love what I do.
I keep my commitments.
My commitments create paths to freedom.
I have fun in everything I do.

Live your Legendary Life, Part 11

Kym — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

With the end of 2011 approaching, it's the time of year to reflect on the past twelve months as well as decide which of our attributes we want to take with us into the year to come.

Consider the legendary components of yourself that have been discussed thus far:

I am self-actualized.
I am legendary everyday.
I write my goals and see them everywhere.
I have a context (set of beliefs) that align with my goals.
I have great coaches in all areas of life.
I am legendary now.
I am willing to do the necessary work to create my success.
I am willing to fail in the right direction (learn from challenges as I reach for my goals)
I have legendary friends.
I love life and I love what I do.
I keep my commitments.

and, now,

My commitments create paths to freedom.

When you approach your commitments with a sense of responsibility, an attitude of joy, and an integrity that matches your words with your actions, you set seen, and unseen, motions into play. People become excited about your involvement. They recognize that you're reliable. They admire your courage, dedication, and passion.

In addition, the law of attraction begins to draw towards you people, circumstances, and possibilities that match your energy. With this magnetism, you begin to create pathways of freedom. And, this liberty, this sense of expansion, exists far beyond your scope of expectations and imagination.

What do I mean by that?

Even your imagination is limited. It's based on your past experiences and understanding of what's possible for your future. True freedom is beyond those confines. When you keep your commitments with a joy, zest, and excitement, you open the door to receive opportunities that are bigger and better than anything you could concoct with your mind.

There are far larger forces involved in the creation of each and every moment we experience. Tap into your legendary self, and the power that lies within, by:

acknowledging the unique gifts and attributes of others
addressing your commitments with a positive perspective
taking time to reflect on and cultivate those characteristics that make you great
and, accepting each moment as it adds to the quality of your life experience

Who knows, the freedom that you get to experience--in the body, mind, and spirit--as a result of your commitments can far outstretch the scope of your imagination... and the potential you have to be legendary!

Live your Legendary Life, Part 10

Kym — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

I keep my commitments.

This is today's legendary quality, which, when cultivated, leads to a legendary life.

With the holiday season in full swing, it's one of the most event-packed times of the year. That being said, our commitments can increase exponentially. Our businesses have dinners. Our friends throw parties. Our families get together for various reasons.

It's easy to say 'yes', anticipating more merry with each acceptance. Only, when the evening arises, it's easy to want to back out. After a long day of work, perhaps you can only think of taking a hot bath or enjoying a cold beer on the couch. Living a legendary life involves having a match between your words and your actions. So, when you say yes, being legendary includes following-through.

The rub: that you want your heart to match the other two.

When your entire being can find something positive to focus on, a powerful life-enhancing aspect to enjoy, then each gathering can add energy to your life. You can find similarities between yourself and others. You can be excited to hear about the joy experienced by others. You can show compassion for others who might not be in the same emotional space.

And, with this broader perspective--with an alignment of heart, words, and action--you awaken the legend within. You are a gift to yourself and a gift to others around you. And, doing this in the busy month of December is just another opportunity to practice living legendary in the other months of the year.

Take legendary action:

Ask yourself,

What commitments have you made this week?
What makes you excited about them?
Who are you grateful to interact with at these events?
What values do you hold within that create alignment with your heart, words, and actions?

Then, show up and notice how you expand your own personal joy by being present and sharing your gifts with others.

Live your Legendary Life, Part 9

Kym — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Living a legendary life is about living extraordinary. While we were often taught as children that ordinary is acceptable, we were all designed--at a soul level--to live extraordinary... beyond what seems possible, beyond what even our imagination can formulate.

While there are larger-than-life components to being a legend, there are choices we can make everyday that contribute to our overall capability to expand into our fullest potential! Some of the ideas we've covered thus far include:

I am self-actualized (aware, intuitive, keeping a bigger picture in mind)
I am legendary everyday (doing my best, and trusting my best is good enough)
I write my goals and see them everywhere
I have a context (beliefs and values) that align with my goals.
I have great coaches in all areas of my life (in my personal, business, and spiritual areas)
I am a coach or teacher for others.
I do the necessary work to create my success.
I am willing to make mistakes as I pursue my dreams.
I live legendary now.

Today's legendary concept is: I accept others as they are, without trying to change them.

This is something I was reminded of during this Thanksgiving holiday. Like many of you, I spent it with my close family. We are all unique, with our own strengths, personalities, and life goals. While it may be easy to offer advice or insight to others (ideas that might help them live their legendary life), it's not our place to take responsibility for the decisions of others.

In fact, while living a legendary life means being entirely confident in who you are, understanding your beliefs and taking action now, it also includes accepting yourself entirely. It means assessing your own state of being, your own choices, and your capability to move forward. It also means stepping out of the role of rescuer and into the role of a lover.

This doesn't refer to love in a romantic sense, although it can encompass that. Instead, stepping into love refers to meeting people where they're at, understanding them without judgment, and doing what you can without enabling others. When you know who you are, and you live from the heart to build relationships with those around you, It increases the ability for others to trust you, to believe in you, and to come to you when they really do need some insight. You stand as a strong beacon of light, shining the possibility for others to live their legendary life just like you are living yours. Only, the way each legendary life unfolds is entirely unique.

So, ask yourself today:

What qualities do I enjoy in those around me?
How am I being content and honest around others?
Am I utilizing good listening skills to really hear what others have to say?
Do I look for the legendary qualities in others, because they are already there?

Live your Legendary Life, Part 8

Kym — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

If you've been following this series, there are so many facets of living a legendary life. Today's component involves living legendary now.

What do I mean by that?

Well, you're probably heard people say, "I'll be happy when..." or "I'll be on my path when..." or "I'll be ready to when..." All you need to do is fill in the blank with whatever excuse comes to mind. It could be we're waiting for more money, more confidence, more time, or more freedom. In any case, our subconscious--the ruling force of our beings, which allows us to drive a car from memory and maintain an effortless walking gate--doesn't recognize the future.

Your subconscious only lives in the now. This is why visual imagery works, from helping professional athletes achieve success to working moms finding some relaxation. Your mind utilizes sensory input from the past, or imagined future, and processes that information NOW. It's only in this present moment that the subconscious functions.

This is why it's all too important to LIVE LEGENDARY NOW. It's the small steps you take, the small decisions you make on a daily basis that add up to a legendary existence. The future can wait. Now is the moment of power... the time when you have control in affecting your future, in creating circumstances, relationships and goals you desire.

It's really the character you have now that makes you legendary. As one of my favorite quote says,

"You can have big plans, but it's the smallest choices that have the greatest power." --Robert Cooper

If you find yourself waiting (or "Waiting for Jack" as Kristen Moeller says), your mind will believe it needs more time, talent, or whatever to make your dreams a reality. Instead, focus on how to use your creative, pro-active, and powerful self in this moment. You have all the wisdom within you NOW to be living a legendary life.

As a result, notice what you can do today to make a difference:

Take one small action where you feel like you have control
Relax and remind yourself that you are doing your very best, and your best is good enough (even though that changes on a daily basis)
Smile. It seems much easier to make a positive difference in your own life, and the lives of others, with a smile on your face

Live your Legendary Life, Part 7

Kym — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

So far, we've covered so many aspects of living a legendary life:

I am self-actualized (aware, intuitive, keeping a bigger picture in mind)
I am legendary everyday (doing my best, and trusting my best is good enough)
I write my goals and see them everywhere
I have a context (beliefs and values) that align with my goals.
I have great coaches in all areas of my life (in my personal, business, and spiritual areas)
I am a coach or teacher for others.

This week, I do the necessary work to create my success. As this list is inspired by Chris Lochhead of Play Bigger, I'm going to take the liberty and combine this concept with another one: I am willing to fail in the right direction.

It seems that many of us buy into the fears that keep us from living our true, authentic, legendary lives. And, to cover that fear, we use simple excuses. In the case of not doing the work, we think we don;t have enough time, or we're too tired, or we're not even sure if our idea will work out.

The last of these excuses (although I'm sure you can think of many more that keep you from taking positive action towards your dreams) is what made me think of our fear of failure.

Sometimes we just need to get to work, so that energy of forward progress and inspiration (without attachment to the outcome) can lead us to the next actions that will best suit our progress. When we take the time, and energy, to move in the direction of our dreams, we demonstrate our commitment to living as a legend. We also show our trust in the purpose of our lives (even if the whole picture might not be totally clear at this moment).

And, when we remove the fear of failure, or, put another way, when we're willing to risk failing as we head in the direction of our dreams, a whole new perspective emerges. We can use each experience, no matter how challenging it may be, as a lesson for our future. We can see the value in the our effort and then make positive changes in the future.

Which reminds me of a quote:

"Many think success is getting everything I want. [Instead]... success is not being done, not being complete. Success is still dreaming and feeling positive in the unfolding." --Abraham

So, what work are you doing today, what steps are you taking in the direction of your dreams? And are you willing to take the risks necessary to live your legendary life to its fullest?

Live your Legendary Life, Part 6

Kym — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Last week focused on receiving wisdom from others in the form of coaches--in your personal, business, and spiritual spheres of life. This week, it's the flip side of the coin. This week, it's about being a coach and giving of yourself to others.

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace... a soul generated by love." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thus, to live a legendary life, it's essential to have this component: I am a teacher/coach for others.

I believe that each of use has been given unique talents, life circumstances, and abilities to help us make the most out of life. And, it's not just making the most out of our lives, it's about positively influencing the lives of those around us as well. And, when we give of ourselves, we are acknowledging our ability and responsibility to be a force for good in the world.

There are many who have taken the occupation as teacher or coach. But, that's not necessarily a prerequisite for living a legendary life. In fact, it's often in those times where we least expect it that we can give of ourselves. Maybe it's offering food to those who don't have it. Or it could be helping rebuild a town after a devastating storm. Perhaps, it's giving a hug to someone you love.

Those one-time giving opportunities can add a huge boost to your life. Taking on the role of a coach or teacher in the lives of others is what truly makes you legendary. How are you affecting those you see on a regular basis? Are your words and actions providing a positive role model to someone you love or people you work with? How are you sharing your own life wisdom and experiences on a regular basis with others?

The best part about being legendary is not only found in the ways your own life miraculously abounds, but in the ways that you can positively impact the legendary lives of others around you.

Live your Legendary Life, Part 5

Kym — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

As I return from Oz, it's nice to return with a new perspective on life. One insight that has made me smile is that people all over the world are living legendary lives. The question is: are you?

The previous blogs talk about these components:

I am self-actualized.
I am legendary everyday.
I write my goals and see them everywhere.
I have a context (beliefs and values) that align with my goals.

Today's concept: I have great coaches in all areas of my life.

Now, you might find it very easy to have role models that you admire. You might even have close relationships with some of those people who help guide you in a direction that continually improves yourself and your life performance continually.

Yet, for the purposes of today, I'd like to talk about three broad areas of life in which it helps to have guidance. Coaches offer us support. They let us know when we're off track and encourage us to improve. Thus, it's nice to have this input in these life categories--your personal sphere, your business sphere, and your spiritual sphere.

Your personal realm refers to your family, your hobbies, and anything that you do that brings you personal satisfaction. A coach in this area could be a grandparent or parent that has lots of wisdom in relationships. It could also be an instructor who teaches you how to play an instrument or rebuild your classic car. Can you think of someone who you can turn to for advice when it comes to a personal matter?

Second, your business sphere involves your money management, your life at the office, and all of the tasks you have to do on a regular basis to keep your life in logistical order (putting gas in your car, grocery shopping, or paying bills). Who do you know that offers practical, common-sense insight around your business? Or, who can provide support for your financial decisions? Who do you know that can coach you in keeping your business sphere running smoothly?

Third, your spiritual sphere is your connection to the wise part of yourself, as well as your connection to God, Source, or the Universe as a whole. Your spiritual self is comprised of your unique abilities, your values, your beliefs, and your ability to be still and hear the insight from a broader perspective. Do you have someone who mentors you in your faith? Do you know someone who has a high vibration or spiritual wisdom that align with your own beliefs and can offer support?

When you have coaches and mentors in all areas of your life, you can feel more balanced and expand in more ways than you ever thought possible. And with this guidance, you can more easily live your legendary life.

Live your Legendary Life, Part 4

Kym — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Now that we're under way with the components of living a legendary life, this week's concept is actually the foundational principle that I work with in my business and my life.

1. I am self-actualized.

2. I am legendary everyday.

3. I write my goals and see them everywhere.

4. I have a context that aligns with my goals and visions.

As you can tell by my website, or you can read in my book, I believe that your attitudes, values, and internal beliefs are what make the achievement of your goals possible. This set of ideas is what Chris Lochhead, of Play Bigger, calls your context.

Think about this. Have you ever overheard someone telling a story and you try to but in, but realize your pre-conceived notions about the conversation are entirely out of context. Well, your own beliefs, attitudes, and values filter how you experience life around you. And everyone has their own context based on their past.

When you have beliefs that align with your legendary goals, you are able to move forward seamlessly and joyfully. When you find the road to your goals challenging, you might be living with a context that counteracts your end destination. Consider some of the following beliefs that are necessary to own in your subconscious mind to make your visions attainable:

I am worthy of the best that love and life have to offer.
I love myself unconditionally.
I am content and blessed being me.
I learn from my experiences, including the challenging ones.
I am in charge of my own life.
I do my best and my best is good enough.
I am able to accomplish anything I choose.
I have all the resources I need to achieve success.
I have a vibrant spirit and I share that spirit in everything I do.
I welcome new changes in my life.
Achieving my goals and dreams is easy.
I trust my future, even though I can't see it clearly.

When you take time each day to align your beliefs with your goals, just like you would practice a sport to achieve mastery, you are setting yourself up for success. You can add these beliefs to your context through such actions as meditation, using a whole-brain state, tapping, and many other energy-based modalities that focus on aligning your internal state with your fabulous external experience.

Or, you might simply ask myself: Do I take time daily to be still? Do I take time to listen to my Higher Self, to God, or to a source larger than myself? If not, where can I add this space into my regular routine to make a powerful difference in my life's outcome?

Enjoy taking time today, and this week, to align your powerful beliefs (your creative context) with your legendary goals and visions. Then watch the magic unfold in your life.

Cheers for today, Kym

Live your Legendary Life, Part 3

Kym — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Today is another wonderful day to be legendary! Do you feel that way?

As we move into the third component of being legendary, I'd like to add a few insights about the concept of being legendary. When I think of most legends, they expand beyond the limits of our known world. They exceed our senses, our our ability to perceive what's possible.

And that's what this week's component of being legendary relates to--setting goals that exceed your own limits or expectations. Often we decide to take the next step in our future based on what others perceive to be a sound step, or it could have even been an action done by successful ones before you. Yet, your heart can many times reveal what your life purpose is, and it might be beyond the belief of anyone you know. And, that's okay.

I am very quiet person, by nature. True, I can be sociable and I enjoy laughing and spending time with friends. But when it comes to manifesting my goals and moving towards my dreams, i keep much of it to myself. In fact, if you look at many of the visionaries in the world, they are mocked or looked at with disbelief when sharing their ideas with others. Instead, they go about their divinely guided actions to make their dreams possible. Then, when they succeed, they offer huge gifts to the world.

And, we're all capable of achieving our visions of greatness, no matter what form that takes in our lives.

This week's component for living your legendary life is:

1. I am self-actualized.

2. I am legendary everyday.

3. I write my goals and see them everywhere.

By choosing to focus on your goals--and your dreams--you can begin to move step-by-step towards them. Now, you might have grandiose ideas. Great! Write them down and put them in a place that you can see then regularly. You could put them on your bathroom mirror or in a journal that you look at each morning. If you are embarrassed to show others, keep them in a private place (but one you view often).

Ask yourself,

What characteristics would I like to enhance in the next few years?
How would I like others to describe me at my funeral?
What would I like to accomplish in my business life?
What would I spiritually like to achieve?
What relationships would I like to have in my life?
Where do I see myself in 1, 3 or 5 years?

The more clear we can get about our visions, and the more we can detach from the knowing of how they are going to come into play, can open the gateway to success beyond our wildest imaginations (and often the imagination of others). So, enjoy your quiet side. Enjoy your secret fantasies for your future. Enjoy writing down the goals you have and feeling the success of them now! Your mind doesn't know the difference in time, so feeling it now is like having it and being it now!

Thus, being legendary now is possible. And living the feeling of those legendary dreams (as you write them and see them everywhere) allows those dreams to manifest into reality!

Then, enjoy the mystery of how they begin to arrive in your legendary life!

Kym

Live your Legendary Life, Part 2

Kym — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

It’s Wednesday, October 12^th. Do you feel legendary today?

As we finish up the final weeks of 2011, I’d like you to feel like you are doing it in a legendary way. When I say this, I mean that you are being the remarkable you— following your passions, living life to its fullest, and knowing you are making a positive difference in the world each and every day.

Well, that leads me right into the second component of living a legendary life.

I am self-actualized.
I am legendary everyday.

One of my good friends, Kristen Moeller, wrote a book entitled Waiting for Jack. In a humorous and heart-felt way, she delves into the reasons many of us wait for the next step in life to be great. Whether we’re waiting to have more money, to have the perfect relationship, to have the perfect house, the perfect family, the perfect whatever… the feeling of being incomplete now only holds you at a distance from being your legendary self.

Instead of waiting to be legendary in the future, the moment of power is NOW. Only when we fully accept who we are—with our strengths and our limitations—can we move forward to the greater good that awaits us. If we wait until the future to act, we’ll be in an ongoing state of want that leaves us separate from our deepest desires.

Instead, we want to know—in our hearts and minds—that we have what it takes right now to accomplish our goals and dreams. And, when we talk about being legendary NOW, it means knowing that you are great… and can only improve on your greatness.

Here are my instant brainstorms about what it takes to be Legendary NOW:

I give from the heart. When I give without the expectation of receiving, I know that I am sharing from the heart. This could simply be a smile to someone on the street or it could be a physical gift of money or valuables. In either case, a willing spirit to share our best with those around use only brightens the entire world we live in.
I do my best and my best is good enough. Our best is constantly changing. When I give my best, I consider all of the factors that are playing into my current state of being. I am forgiving when I have low energy and I capitalize on my own energetic highs. Regardless of the outcome, I can be satisfied knowing I have done my best.
I am willing to step out of my comfort zone. When we stay in the same place—the space of security and comfort—we can miss out on the opportunities life presents for our own growth. I am willing to take the risks necessary to expand my knowledge and my sense of self through challenges. By facing all circumstances head-on, I become and stronger and more well-rounded human being.
I am open to learning. I’m talking about an insatiable curiosity for life. I am open to new ideas in my personal life, in my business realm, and my own spirituality. With room to grow, I can do so in a way that feels comfortable to me. And, when I’m open to learn, I take a dip in the fountain of youth.
I find success in all I do. There is a saying that goes, “energy flows where our attention goes.” When I focus on my success, I invite the law of attraction to meet that intention. So, when I focus on success, I draw in more success. It helps to observe the success in others, and compliment ourselves in our own accomplishments—big or small—throughout the day.
I have an attitude of gratitude. Just like success, an attitude of appreciation is contagious. It sparks a fire in the heart that is recognizable by others, and creates a magnet of positive experiences for your future. I am grateful for myself. I am grateful for those that surround me with love. I am grateful for my opportunities for growth and my willingness to be legendary.

So, smile, and enjoy the legendary life you are living today. Notice all of the ways you are making a difference in your world just with your attitude. Then, observe how that perspective sends out positive ripples into the environment around you.

For you are, in fact, Legendary Today and Everyday!! Enjoy a fantastic week.

Kym

Live your Legendary Life, Part 1

Kym — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

After attending the 1 Life Fully Lived Conference last weekend, I have been inspired to share some of the information I gleaned from the keynote speaker, Chris Lochhead. Chris is co-founder of Play Bigger—a consulting firm that helps companies live up to their legendary potential. He also sits on the board of 1 Life Fully Lived—a non-profit aimed at encouraging and teaching others to live their passion. My support goes out to both organizations as the align with my own personal values and goals in life.

As we have 13 more weeks in the year, I would like to look at the concepts to create a legendary life—as proposed by Chris—and dissect them one by one in a way that can be meaningful and applicable. So here we go.

To live a legendary life, I choose to be self-actualized.

Now, we could go into Maslow’s hierarchy or needs to explain this fancy term. Instead, I’d like to put the concept into my own words. If I am self-actualized, I am:

Aware, of myself and my surroundings: I observe the fluctuations in my own sense of being, and am open to change the areas that don’t serve my best good. I am also aware of the environment around me, and can change it if it doesn’t align with my values or goals in life.
Intuitive: I listen to my higher self. I trust messages that I can’t necessarily explain to others, but I know that I have a sixth sense that guides and protects me.
Sensitive to the feelings of others: Instead of being self-absorbed, I am aware of how others are feeling around me. I express compassion to those individuals and serve to uplift humanity in any way I can.
Able to tap into the Source of the Universe: Whether you call this God, or Source Energy, or anything else, you know that there is a higher power than you. Not only do I know about this source, but I choose to tap into it regularly for guidance, support, and inspiration. When I am aligned with this power, I am able to create miraculous changes in my life.
Making an impact in the lives of others: Simply by my powerful and loving presence, I am making a difference in the lives of others. I know that by giving, I am honoring the best part of me, and holding the space for others to live up to their highest potential.
Confident in who I am: I know my personality, talents, and purpose in life is different than any other person on this planet. I honor this uniqueness by being confident in myself. I do my very best each and every day and I know that my best is good enough.
Able to rest and nurture myself: With the busy-ness of life around us, it seems as though there is a prize being offered for the most activities done each day. I am able to recognize when I need to re-charge and I take time to do so regularly.

If you recognize these admirable traits in yourself, congratulations! You’re well on your way to living your legendary life. If you observe places for improvement, give yourself a pat on the back. We always have room to grow. In fact, choose one area this week that you would like to have shine, and focus there. As the holidays approach, how can you share your powerful, legendary self with those around you through these simple components of self-actualization?

Enjoy a week being the legendary you!

Kym

Manifestation in Mysterious Ways

Kym — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

I have a new neighbor.

Now, that might not seem like exciting, much less interesting, news.

However, I must mention that this new neighbor is 14-20” tall, weighs about 20 pounds, and is furry all over. That’s right. My new neighbor is a yellow Labrador retriever puppy.

You might still be wondering why this is worth sharing in the first place. Well, the story really begins about six months ago when my sister—who lives in Colorado—had a roommate who was breeding a Labrador of their own. I heard updates during the pregnancy. I was given countdown days to the expected due date. And, I was provided countless pictures once the miniature puppies actually arrived.

For those dog-lovers out there, you can understand my enthusiasm for puppies. In fact, when I was in high school, my best friend bred their own Labrador and ended up housing ten puppies for almost two months. During those glorious days, I rolled around with those tiny puppies, and lavished every minute in their presence. Their sounds, their smells, and their mere awkward movements were enough to make me squeal.

The same reaction happens to me now. It’s as though my own heart swells exponentially and I can hardly keep it in my own body.

So, with this new information about puppies for sale in Colorado, I approach my husband with the prospect of making one of them part of our family.

His answer was simple. No.

Now, Steve is a dog-lover, too. Only, he had his practical mind far outweighing his emotions. Deep down, I knew he was right. We travel all of the time for work. We don’t have a sufficient yard for a large dog. And, we’re in enough transition in our life as it is.

Whether it was my maternal instinct kicking in, or my childlike response to hearing the words “no”, I often cried myself to sleep. For a few weeks, I was an emotional rollercoaster. I really wanted to take care of a puppy, but I logically knew it made no sense to do so right now.

So, to get my puppy fix, I started to visit the Butte Humane Society every week. They had puppies up for adoption who were adorable and playful. They were excited to see me when I arrived, and thrilled to entertain me with their cute puppy ways.

About a month or so after my weekly visitations began, I found eight new Labrador puppies in cages. Needless to say, I was in love instantaneously.

Except, my whole world changed when I got home that evening. As I stripped down for my evening shower, I noticed black fleas on the floor near my recently-shed clothing. What? Fleas? How could this have happened? My puppy love shifted to disbelief and frustration. I was over getting a dog of my own. I don’t have time to deal with fleas—especially ones that take three weeks to die off.

So, I settled back into my working ways and let the vision of a puppy escape my mind.

Little did I know that two months later the neighbors would get a Labrador of their own. She looks just like the one I envisioned for myself. She’s mild-mannered with the sweetest brown eyes you’ve ever seen. And, the bonus is, I get to see her when I feel like it. I pass her on morning and evening walks and still get the stoke I would as if she was living in my own home (only with a lot less stress)

My overall point is this: manifestation works.

While I didn’t know the timing or the outlook of my puppy desires, they arrived at my doorstep in a far better way than I could have imagined. By establishing my internal alignment, and focusing on the things that brought me joy, I now have been able to receive the wonderful gift of my new neighbor.

And, I can surely say that manifestation does work in mysterious ways.

The Times they are a Changin'

Kym — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Change is inevitable. In fact, it’s an inherent part of life.

We’re told this consciously, over and over again. And, we’re okay with it, if the change means my schedule after after work, or the food I’m cooking for dinner, or even the friends I’m meeting for the weekend. Yet, until a dramatic life change comes into play, it’s easy to forget the attitude necessary to make such transitions successful.

As I drove out to the lake over the weekend, I passed thousands of college students ready to float the Sacramento river. They were bronzed, barefoot, and bearing flotation devices of all shapes and sizes. Their afternoon drift down the waterway would no doubt involve copious amounts of alcohol and a lot of laughs.

This float down the river reminded me of how the changes of life really work—as well as the mindset that makes the journey enjoyable.

The river represents the flow of life energy. It’s powerful and always moving—whether you’re ready or not. The rafts are our wonderful vehicles of travel. They keep your head above water and allow you to feel the ebb and flow of the current. And, our perspective is the direction we’re heading in our rafts.

When we resist the change at our doorstep, it’s like riding our raft backwards. Even if the greatest opportunities of life were to be down the river, we wouldn’t even be able to see them. The problem gets further compounded if you add disassociation habits—like drugs and alcohol. Then, it would be damn near impossible to receive the good that awaits you in the next step of life.

Instead, when we’re open to change, open to the newness that awaits us down the river, it points our raft and gaze downstream. It’s that premise of going with the flow. And the best tactic to keep you facing the next rapid is a good-feeling emotion.

For some, that might be a sense of excitement. For others, that might be a calm that is found through meditating. And for others still, that might be the experience of relief.

Even if you can’t see the change that is around the turn in your river of life, you have the power and control over your emotions.

So, take time today to focus on what brings you relief, what elicits peace, or what inspires passion. That’s what I’m doing by writing this, and in doing so, I know that I am doing the best I can to enjoy my own life journey. And, in the process, I can be open to the times that are always a changin’.

Happy Birthday to Me

Kym — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

I always am amazed at how quickly my birthday rolls around each year. Seemingly so much has happened in a 12 month period that I can hardly believe another august is here already.

And, somehow I’m really caught off-guard by people asking me what I would like for my birthday. I realize that we have been trained in our society to expect gifts from others on our special day. Even looking back at my childhood photos, I was surrounded by lots of other kids and a whole mound of presents waiting to be opened.

So, this year, I decided to do reverse-giving for my birthday. It was unintentional, at first, but soon because a huge joy over the past week.

As many of you know, I have a sweet spot in my heart, and mouth, for pastries. In fact, if you travel with me to any new location around the globe, you can count on me to find two things—the best yoga studio and the best bakery.

The latter is what drives this year’s birthday surprise.

Last week, I stopped at Upper Crust Bakery and ordered by beautiful nine-inch birthday cake. It stood four layers high, alternating chocolate and white cakes, and was topped with swirls of vanilla butter-cream frosting. The bright colors formed and edible, floral paradise. The cake even had waves on the side, which made me think fondly of surfing in warm tropical waters. (You get an up close and personal view with the picture above)

As my sister said, “that thing is f---ing huge!"

She was right.

There was no way on Earth that just Stephen and I could eat that cake over the course of our weekend together up at the lake.

Thus began the giveaway process.

On Friday, we befriended three sisters at the house to the south. They were visiting from all parts of the state, and joined us for an afternoon boat ride. When they confirmed that they also enjoyed cake, I cut a huge piece and dropped it off next door.

On Saturday, we had four friends join us for some wakeboarding, swimming, and relaxing on the dock. The day ended with a BBQ, a game of croquet, and—you guessed it—cake! Another chunk was consumed immediately, while yet another large piece was sliced and saved for their later enjoyment.

Then, Sunday was a new surprise. The resident neighbors to the north came out of hiding, and I walked over to introduce myself. After receiving a full tour of their newly-remodeled cabin, and chatting with the elderly owner for 30 minutes, I offered them some cake as well.

The size of my cake rapidly dwindled over the four days at Lake Almanor. I was just as excited to share this wondrous treat with others, as I was to consume it myself. It felt great to see the child in everyone jump out when they saw the gigantic beauty… and realize that it tasted just as good as it looked, if not better.

Now, as I sit and write this a day before my birthday, I’ve had a whole week of celebration already. I’ve shared laughter and smiles with strangers and friends alike. And, I’ve done so through giving and sharing, which is what I feel is what our lives are all about anyway.

Thanks to all of you who have brought much joy to my life, and I look forward to sharing more love with you in this fabulous year to come. Happy Birthday to me!

In the Land of Giants

Kym — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Trees. They are all around us. They provide shade on a sunny day. They’re the home for many creatures, insects, and bugs. And, they can be some of the greatest teachers we have at our disposal.

One of those master teachers is the redwood trees. Usually Steve and I try to make an annual to the Jedidiah Smith National Park, home of the mighty redwoods, just south of the Oregon border. This year was no exception and my past weekend in the land of giants reminded me of some important life lessons.

First, there are a few things you should know about Redwoods. They can grow close to 400 feet high and have a diameter of 10-15 feet. They can also live to see their 2,000^th birthday. Can you imagine what you’d see over a couple thousand years?

Nestled amidst giant sequoias, ferns, and foliage, the redwoods continually take me by surprise each time I enter the region. Their presence is awe-inspiring. Their grace is magnificent. And, their sheer size and numbers is humbling.

Stepping into the silence of the Redwood forest immediately speaks to my heart. The silence connects to that ever-present stillness that is at the core of my being—that tranquility of my soul that surpasses time and space. I am instantly reminded to cease action and simply be.

It’s inevitable to feel reverent around these majestic trees. They’re stable, powerful, and amazingly beautiful—just like me. But, when I leave their company, when and how do I take time to be still? When I move, do I act with reverence for the greatest and highest good that is within me? And when I’m surrounded by busy-ness, can I keep calm and collected?

Take time today to connect with the attributes that you share in common with the Redwoods. Remember your stillness, peace, expansion, purpose, and grace. Then, smile—take a deep breath—and take those qualities with you as you move with awareness in the rest of your day.

I Am

Kym — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

I'm always curious about who creates the advertising slogans for various companies. Some are absolutely brilliant, while others leave me questioning their meaning.

As I sat at Tuscany, a lovely, open-air restaurant in downtown Napa on Sunday evening, my attention was frequently diverted from my husband to a sign across the street. A bright pink Nike banner claimed most of the running store's window.

The sign read, "I run to be."

At first, it seemed like a warm message that encouraged each runner to connect to their center. Yet, I kept thinking of how it actually causes an initial distraction.

The same message is really universal from our environment. "I (fill in the blank) to be." Instead of running, it could be any given action. I could give, play, or pray my way into being.

But this philosophy to tap into our essence of being seems a bit backwards to me. Instead of trying to act our way into our core, why not just simply be? Why not draw from our own Divine nature of love, abundance, and freedom before we take various movements in our busy lives?

From this place, you can say, "I Am."

And from that place of power--and joy--you can take bold steps towards your dreams.

So, pause. Take a deep breath. Connect with the wonderful being-ness that abounds in you right now. Maybe bring a smile to your lips and enjoy your grace, beauty, and strength as you simply are in this present moment.

Finding Zen in Sake Bombs?

Kym — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Whenever Steve and I take a trip down to Santa Cruz, ca, a stop at our favorite sushi restaurant, Mobo’s, is a must. Since my sister requested dinner there with us Friday night, we bypassed our usual lunch routine. At first, I found it difficult to wait for such amazing food. But, in the end, it turned out to be an amazing decision.

It turns out that every Friday and Saturday night Mobo’s creates a sake bomb domino’s show for the entire restaurant. The three of us finished our meal a bit early, but decided to stay for the event. Around 7:30 pm, we watched waitresses begin pouring saki into large pitchers. Another staff member unloaded about a hundred glasses from numerous cardboard boxes. The manager strategically aligned the glasses into two lines and methodically poured them full of beer. Others helped put napkins around the entire bar and filled double-shot glasses with the saki.

After about an hour of dedicated labor, the final set-up was complete. One hundred beer-filled glasses snaked up and down the entire bar. And balanced perfectly atop the glasses were the saki shots. Excitement filled the air as the games were about to begin.

We had the best seat in the house, although we couldn’t contain our curiosity to a seat. We joined the rest of the crowd to stand, watch, and cheer. The manager proudly announced the rules—one saki bomb per person with ID, even if you’re 70 years old, and we must wait to be handed a drink by a Mobo member. Cool.

Five. Four. Three. Two. One.

The first domino shot glass tips into the second and the crowd goes silent. We all stand in stun as saki shots gracefully tumble into one another and then into their assigned beer glass. Simply amazing! And the drinks were pretty good, too.

What really caught my attention was the life lesson demonstrated by such a fun event. Often times it takes a lot of attention and methodical preparation to enjoy a final result. This sake bomb domino demonstration took over an hour to set-up, with many helping hands, and only 30 seconds to watch.

It’s tempting to skip the steps before a final result. But, manifesting and receiving your dreams comes with much attention to detail on your part beforehand. It requires that you enjoy what you’re doing. It calls for your energy and focus along each step of the way. And, it might even require a longer time frame than you expect.

But, the end is worth the wait.

SO, what are you building today? What set-up do you have in play for the next phase of your life? What dreams do you have for your future and how are you placing your energy and focus on those goals now? Then, sit back and enjoy as the process unfolds perfectly.

To watch the Mobo domino's show in action, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbVhxmI4j0I

A Day to Remember

Kym — Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"Part of embracing a limitless perspective in life means changing the way you view your own current experience."

On this memorial day, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the wonderful things that our soldiers do to protect our country. It is also a great time to observe your own internal state of being. Through the simple act of understanding your own current experience, you can become aware of what actions are supporting you and which ones are hindering you.

Ask yourself the following questions today to begin changing your perspective from limited, where only certain things are possible, to unlimited, where you have unbound potential.

What am I grateful for right now?
What am I committed to right now?
Who do I love? Who loves me?
If I could improve my life today, what one thing could I do?

Happy Memorial Day!

It's all about me

Kym — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"One of the best ways to become an assertive communicator is to do so with yourself first."

Ask yourself the following questions:

Am I able to use openness and honesty as a way to respect myself and others?
Do I accept myself being tired just as much as energized?
Do I understand when others refuse my request?
Am I able to say "no" without feeling guilty?

These are just a few aspects of being an assertive communicator. When you start with honesty, integrity, and kindness when you speak to yourself, it makes it that much easier to communicate in the same manner with others.

Take time today to observe your internal dialogue. Where are you being understanding with yourself? Where can you cut yourself some slack? And where can you find internal joy?

Smarter than an elephant?

Kym — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We, like the elephant, often impose constraints on our own minds."

Your mind is incredibly powerful! You are able to take in so much information from your environment and focus your attention to create what you experience. Yet, sometimes, we focus our minds on our limitations. These beliefs begin to hold us back, drain our energy bank, and short-change our possibilities.

Instead, use the power of awareness to change all of that! Notice where you are feeling negative emotion today. Observe where you hear limited self-talk. Take note of when you find it hard to breathe. Then, in that moment where you are aware of what is going on, you can pause and make a conscious choice to focus on something new--like how strong, amazing, and powerful you really are! Celebrate your natural gifts today, knowing that:

"you are a unique and beautiful person and the world is blessed by your presence".

The Powerful Subconscious

Kym — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"The subconscious mind is a million times more powerful than the self-conscious mind."

Yes, you have two minds--the conscious and subconscious. The conscious allows you to make choices, assess your environment, and reflect on your actions. 95% of your decisions, actions, and behaviors result from your subconscious.

Your subconscious is amazing. It can respond to over 40 million nerve impulses per second. It takes in all sensory input in any given circumstance, records it, stores it, and plays it back when necessary. Once you have learned a particular behavior pattern, such as riding a bike or driving a vehicle, the subconscious takes over so that such complex actions can take place without such demanding concentration.

Take time today to thank your subconscious for all it does to make your life possible.

The Power of Beliefs

Kym — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"You have the power to change beliefs and set yourself free from any limiting perspectives you have adopted over the years."

Beliefs are our values and perspectives about life. Sometimes beliefes are evident. Other times, they are tucked away in the subconscious mind, running as hidden programs that are directly determining your behaviors and experiences.

More importantly, beliefs fall into two basic categories--ones that support you and others that limit you. The good news is that the limiting beliefs can easily be changed so that you can create a new future.

One of the easiest ways to identify your beliefs about a person, place, or situation is to look at your emotional response to them. Today, notice what emotions arise. When you feel positive emotions, such as joy, love or compassion, celebrate. When you notice constricting ones, such as frustration, impatience, or anger, take time to pause, acknowledge the feeling, and then choose to change your focus to something positive. Just this simple act can begin to lay the foundation of change for your beliefs.

The Fountain of Youth

Kym — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"When you are very young and impressionable, your senses—eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and skin—pick up important information from your environment."

The mystical fountain of youth has the ability to keep you vibrant, young, and energized. Isn't that why we all seek it? It's really because we are looking for more joy in our lives now?

Well, the senses have powerful abilities to take in information from your environment and create the potential for change in your body today. As a child, you absorbed life around you before speaking a word. Beliefs and ideas were formed that helped you transition into walking, talking, and every action that has helped you become the person you are now.

The senses still hold that very same power to create your experience now--for the better or for the worse. Take time today to notice what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. What stimuli in your environment bring you joy? Focus there and allow your positive attention begin to create a brighter, more joyful experience for you now and in the future.

Life with a Broader Perspective

Kym — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"If You were put in someone else's shoes, no matter how far down the chain of events created by your decision, would there be any negative consequences?"

This common sense question requires an in-depth look at the decisions that you make. When you act from integrity with a bigger picture in mind, you are not only lifting your own vibration, but you're creating a more harmonious place for everyone else.

What decisions are you making today? What are the long-term effects of that decision? Can you whole-heartedly feel good about moving forward, knowing your decision "just makes sense" on all levels?

1,2,3 Smile

Kym — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"While it’s not necessary to dedicate several hours of your life to others—or to focus so much on others that your own Energy Bank Account gets drained—there are some simple things that can be done to enhance goodwill and friendship."

Part of the benefit of living with a strong foundation of values is that you enhance goodwill and friendship with those around you. Simple gifts, such as a smile or genuine compliment to another, can increase your own energy levels (which are stored in your Life Energy Bank Account) and boost theirs.

Take time today to consider how friendliness, trust, and helpfulness can be at the core of your decisions.

Ready, Set, Action

Kym — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"By taking the time to think about everyone involved in, or affected by, your decisions, you’ll be able to slow down and see the bigger picture."

Everyday we are faced with many choices. When we actually make a decision, there are rippling effects that touch our lives and the lives of those around us. Some decisions are big, others small.

By looking at your own values, then checking in to see how others will be affected by your decisions, you gain a broader perspective of your actions. Then, with that insight and understanding, you can move forward confidently.

What decisions are you making today? How are others affected by those decisions? Can you utilize clear communication and enhace the well-being of all when you do take action?

Feelin' Good

Kym — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"Any choice or movement that you make which is backed by positive emotions increases your personal energy."

It's all about feeling good! When you focus on what is going right in life and you experience positive emotion, your whole being responds to amplify it. What choices do you have to make today? Before you make them, check in with how you feel about it, as well as how you feel about the outcome.

It's a terrific Thursday, so make feeling good your top priority today.

Common Sense Living

Kym — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"Common sense is the capability of putting all of [your] innate gifts to useso that you can make confident decisions that support your goals."

This simple statement is loaded with so many questions. Aside for your body's natural capability to understand your environment with the help of your skin and your personal energy filed, what other gifts do you have that make you unique? You have a sixth sense, or gut instinct? But, what about your other talents? Where do you shine?

Then, with your toolbox of gifts, where are you going with them? And what decisions need to be made to help you get there?

Have fun today celebrating the unique YOU and enjoy the process of getting to your goals. This is an ongoing journey, so have FUN along the way!

An Expanded Definition of Awakening

Kym — Sat, 07 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Spiritual awakening. It’s a term I hear from many people to describe their new insights about Spirit, energy, and how the two intertwine to create the world we experience. Often this awakening involves an entire paradigm shift. It includes a new perspective on reality, one in which there is far more to life than reaches the eye.

Beyond the aspects of quantum physics or new science to demonstrate such interconnectedness in the world, there is usually a far simpler change. This involves an understanding that you, alone, are in charge of creating your own reality. You are all powerful. You are a magnet, attracting your relationships and circumstances. And you co-creating your reality with God, in this moment and laying the foundation for a future that is far more wonderful than you could imagine.

This is all possible due to the understanding of spiritual principles, such as love, integrity, compassion, honesty, joy, and bliss.

What I have also noticed is that many spiritual individuals turn a blind eye to the world around them so they can solely focus on creating a better life for themselves.

In my opinion, awakening involves much more than an understanding of spiritual principles. It expands to include an awareness of what is occurring in the present moment, nationally and globally, and an implementation of such values into the world around you.

I’ve recently been reading a book called The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve. This book uncovers many of the lies perpetuated in our society, due to the Federal Reserve and the banking system as a whole.

Instead of ignoring a problem that seems too daunting to grasp, or staying away due to fear of attracting negativity, I choose to use my awareness and spiritual insight to make a difference in my immediate world. I asked myself the following questions and I challenge you to do the same:

· Am I honest with myself and others?

· Am I responsible with my money, my energy, and my relationships?

· Do other people recognize me as honorable, honest, and loving?

· How can I increase my awareness to make a positive difference in my community?

· How can I be a leader, by living a life backed by strong values?

You are all-powerful. Your beliefs and choices are magnetic, creating more of the same for you in the future. And, you are co-creating this world experience, just like everyone else. So, how can you use these strengths to make this nation, and this world, as positive and honest a place to live in—both for today and for the generations to come.