Are you focused and fully present with what's right in front of you?

Whatever you do, do it with your full, focused attention.
~Charlon Bobo

We live in busy times and yet precious moments are slipping past with us engaged in most activities with our half-attention, or less. Here are only a few recent examples:

1. I see children with their parents completely distracted by technology (cell phone, iPhone, etc.) instead of engaging in conversation, and yet we have the audacity to demand that those same children snap to attention when we want it!
   
2. In restaurants I see couples sharing a meal with both people obviously distracted by private thoughts instead of enjoying the moment of now fully engaged with each other.
   
3. I responded to a request from a prospect and in those 10 minutes of trying to connect and give her something of value, she took two other calls. (Needless to say, this is all the information I needed to decide she is not my next new client. When we cannot give our full attention to someone who genuinely wants to help us, our priorities need a major adjustment.)

I see the inefficiency of fragmentation. Checking and responding to emails as they come in; acting on every mental impulse to do something other than what you're currently doing; telling others you can focus on them while you're doing two or three other tasks (and believing the lie, because if you called a bullshit on yourself, you'd have to actually take responsibility and change your behavior).

I'm not exempt. Believe me, I get distracted by the next shiny object as much or more than anyone else on the planet. And I pride myself on efficiency and my ability to manage many tasks at one time. BTW, when did that become an admirable trait?! (It's the perfect recipe for fragmentation at its best and insanity at its worst.)

However, when it comes to engaging with others in a meaningful way--whether in person, via telephone or via email--I am committed to consistently being fully present; giving those in front of me my very best... now that's a present!

You can never give your kid another childhood. You can never re-do an evening out with your beloved. You never get another chance to make a first impression on someone who can help you thrive in business.

Whatever you do, do it with your full, focused attention.

A Manifesto for Conscious Men

Blessed by knowing--and having intimate relationships with--extraordinary, conscious men over the past 20 years, there is NOTHING like being the object of their affection and focus.

However, women must understand that serving humanity in this capacity (modeling the empowered feminine) is a great responsibility, not a one-way love-fest in which the worshiper is treated as "less-than." Quite the contrary; in this process men are elevated as never before, but in completely different ways than they are now.

We are their teachers of those characteristics labeled "feminine" by societal standards: compassion, collaboration, community-building, communication, etc.

As awakened women we must do our part in nourishing the finest of both masculine and feminine traits in our men (and in ourselves). For when we do, the finest in them is revealed. They will step up to be our companions on this journey in brand new ways. We were never intended to do this alone. We genuinely need conscious men to celebrate and assist us as we rise up to collectively shift this planet.

Hey, give me back my wrinkle!

These were my words to the photographer who touched-up my recent business headshots. She did a beautiful job editing out my wrinkle and had no idea that with a few strokes of her mouse, she was erasing something I value. Assuming I would want it removed, I was adamant about having her start over again, making any other changes she wanted, but leaving my adored wrinkle.

You see, that wrinkle represents something... something important: It represents the 45 years I have invested in understanding who I am and how to make a positive contribution to this planet, and leave her inhabitants better for my being here. I EARNED that wrinkle!

With so much emphasis in our society on youth and flawless, external beauty, I stand for something else: a more graceful, peaceful journey to embrace and adore the many indicators of aging. I may be bald, but I have gray hair. My skin is thinner. Hair is sprouting in the strangest places and is sparse in others. And what happened to my upper arms? My Pilates teacher says it's changing hormones. Whatever the explanation, it's kinda weird.

Committed to being an excellent steward of my precious life resources, it just makes sense to invest my time, money and effort in celebrating the work-in-progress that is I. Honestly, even the thought of how much energy it would require to struggle and fight the process of maturing leaves me yearning for a nap. Yes, there are changes and adjustments, but looking back, no stage of life was free of the necessity to be flexible, so why should this one be any different? Life is, after all, in perpetual motion. Change is inevitable and the more willingly I bask in the truth of what is, the more free I am to be the most glorious and free version of myself.

Besides, removing the inevitable indicators of our age with technology changes nothing. As time goes by, it only reflects our inability to embrace what's real and true, and prevents us from loving what is so lovely about ourselves when we love ourselves without condition. When you think about it, can you expect others to love you when you don't?

I am leaving a legacy and sometimes that is represented in the most peculiar ways. For me, it's reflected by my forehead wrinkle. So, lady, give me back my wrinkle!

(BTW, she did.)

As an awakening or awakened woman, what information would be helpful to you RIGHT NOW to educate you, and ignite and fuel your journey?

As women, it’s our time in history to stand.
Not for anything. Not against anything.
But to simply stand in our power.
Power is not our birthright.
Power is our nature; our very essence.

~ Charlon Bobo

With expertise in the handmade beauty industry, female entrepreneurship & leadership, conscious entrepreneurship and the women's empowerment paradigm shift, I am developing a series of real-world, real-time, real-benefit teleclasses. And I want to hear from you so I can deliver content that has true value and meaning.

From your personal experience and of the women in your circles, what message do you think women most need to hear? Is it about relationships? Health & wellness? Finances? Career? Overall happiness? Obliterating self-imposed barriers to confident living? Tangible skills during this shift? The hows of standing in power? Let me know your thoughts.

I thank you in advance, Sisters. We are a powerful collective and can accomplish anything our hearts desire in conscious collaboration.

This is why women rock this planet!

I just asked a dear colleague, friend and confidant for her help in spreading the word via social media channels about an inspired project that is rocking my world. It is the work-of-a-lifetime and not only does it have me fully engaged and captivated, it is blossoming with a life of its own as the message travels worldwide. Anyway...

Her response? on it! That's it, just, "on it!"

It doesn't take much to support the women in our lives who assume the many diverse roles in shape-shifting the existing paradigm. Sometimes the fullness of support is contained in 4 letters, 2 words and 1 exclamation point. Thank you, dear friend.

Right now, think of one thing you can do to encourage, inspire or support a smart, savvy, strong woman in your life and go do it! Yes, now. Sense the urgency? It's that important.

Transform Adversity Into Personal Triumph

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Pete Winiarski of the Institute of Success and Goal Achievement. Listen to the 60-minute interview now. Enjoy!

Following is the marketing content authored by Pete to promote the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Is there a traumatic event in your past holding you back in some way? Here are common examples:

1. You just received a pink slip and lost your job.
2. You had a parent, child, sibling, or close friend die unexpectedly.
3. You just ended a long-term relationship or got divorced.
4. You were abused as a child and have been carrying that around with you for years.
5. You lost your life savings due to poor investment choices.
6. Your favorite car was totaled in an accident.
7. You have a permanent physical disability.

And the list goes on. The bottom line is: you've been impacted by something traumatic at some point in your life. We all have.

First, know that you're not alone.

Second, realize that your personal adversity is likely impacting you and your performance in other areas of your life.

For many of us, past events created wounds that we unconsciously carry around, impacting every area of our lives. For some of us, these events may have occurred in childhood.

Would you like to learn how to overcome this adversity and turn your traumatic experience into a personal triumph?

Our guest this week, Charlon Bobo, is an empowermentor and entrepreneurial visionary, as well as a copywriter, editor and best-selling author. She's here to share with us her raw and very personal story of overcoming and the 5 key insights she uses often as her life guide. You, too, will be able to overcome your personal adversity.

I promise: you will be shocked by what Charlon went through, and amazed at the power of her decision to work through it. You will learn how to manage and overcome your personal adversity, and learn to incorporate her "Whole Life Approach" for everyday peace and success.

You, too, can learn to live a life of ease. Listen to this 60-minute interview to find out how.

Do you heart you?

Do you know that it's impossible to heart yourself too much? Yep, not even possible. So, how about giving yourself a BIG DOSE right now in the way that means the most to you.

Whether you relish quiet time, indulge in the luxury of sitting on the beach or in your favorite chair with a good book, finish that painting masterpiece, take a break from work to enjoy a cool glass of tea/lemonade, you are deserved of self-love. Hey, what about standing in front of a mirror and watching you hug yourself? Powerful.

There's no reason to wait for someone else to heart you. Give yourself a gift; heart yourself.

Celebrating You In Sisterhood, Light & Love,

Mother God Azna has a gift of physical healing just for YOU

Rebecca Marina is a cherished friend, trusted mentor, masterful online marketer and valued copywriting client. From my many personal interactions with her, she is the REAL DEAL. No one is more genuine--or more committed to serving others--than Rebecca.

As a Channel/Energy healer, she receives powerful guidance from Spirit so you can reach out and grab success... the easy, joyful way. The necessity of "growth through suffering" is no longer necessary!

I am continually amazed at the content Rebecca delivers. It is like NOTHING else on the planet; the information is downloaded and immediately disseminated in real-time via her life-changing f*r*e*e and low-cost teleseminars.

My success resources are of the highest caliber, but when something especially remarkable--and truly miraculous--crosses my path, I am compelled to share it with you.

Rebecca's inspired Heart Point Technique (HPT) for physical healing is directly from the Feminine Divine. As the very first recipient of this healing modality, I can personally attest to its power to mend the physical body and eliminate pain. Hear my session during this 90-minute audio that completely details the 4 Protocols so you can perform the technique on yourself and your loved ones. It's simple and most importantly IT WORKS.

Physical healing with Azna's Heart Point Technique

Life’s Experiences Go Deeper Than The Surface: What An Overweight Personal Trainer Taught Me Today

On my daily walk/run today, I noticed an overweight personal trainer. She was teaching a group of moms with strollers how to exercise with stretch resistance bands. I wondered what each of them thought the first time they saw her. Could it have been something like What can *she* teach me about physical wellness, strengthening, toning, etc.? She doesn’t even have a masterful grasp on it herself!

And yet, this trainer obviously has some expertise because this isn’t the first time I’ve seen her with what I assume are clients. As the babies watch their Mommas stretch, grunt and bend, laughing often and enjoying the camaraderie, the Moms are focused on following the instructions from their trainer. They know there’s more to this experience—and their trainer—than how it appears. There’s more; so much more.

I’ve started to say, “It’s never the thing.”

What I mean is: regardless of the situations in which you find yourself, it’s never about what you initially think it’s about. It’s about something much bigger than the current circumstance. It’s about attracting yet another experience so you can exercise the muscle of self-mastery.

For those women, this experience may be about setting aside prejudices, or taking the most positive benefit from everyone who crosses their path. It may even be about being a teacher themselves… of compassion and acceptance. And that may be the biggest gift that trainer receives all week.

No matter what you see in front of you, consider that there’s so much more going on if you’ll take even a moment to look and simply wonder about that possibility. Approach every circumstance by posing this question: If this isn’t what it seems, what IS it… what IS it about?

With this question, you lift the veil that conceals the energetic component behind or beneath experiences to discover the delightfully unexpected; what you could never have anticipated! As a usual practice, it’s fun and a true delight because you see that which is rarely seen by others; they just don’t take the time. You experience a rich fullness that is always there, but often goes unrecognized because most of us think that what’s on the surface is all there is.

And what happens when you see the true energy (the purpose, the value, the dynamic, etc.) behind what is?

When you honor the energy of what is with your attention, it responds in recognition. Because you acknowledged its presence, it wants to continue the conversation. In response to it, your gratitude floods and infuses it with your unique vibrance. Then what? With your genuine curiosity, you have established an invisible yet powerful connection to duplicate the process again and again! Essentially, you are inviting it to guide you to refining this skill through more opportunities to practice. Just like practicing anything, the more you do it, the easier it is and the better you become. With practice, this can become your first-nature. This insider knowledge can be yours instantaneously.

The better you are at this technique, the quicker you will know in any situation what’s really going on and can immediately attune yourself to bringing in the highest benefit for all parties. Whether it’s saying something, taking an action or powerfully focusing your thoughts, you are a catalyst for change in-the-moment; where and when it’s needed most.

Thank you, personal trainer. You inspired me today.

The 'Aligned Female' Shape-Shifts Business Based on Innate Feminine Gifts

Entrepreneurship is shifting dramatically and the aligned female influence cannot be ignored. The feminine:

• brings a sense of community to business
• is cooperative because we know that is the road to thriving
• achieves results by nurturing others
• wants all members of our tribe to succeed
• encourages others
• challenges others with love
• champions others with kind accountability methods
• celebrates milestones and goal attainment

There is no doubt—with the shifting business paradigm in full swing—women have made a powerful impression and will continue to do so. Our innate gifts as birthers of new ideology will change the face of entrepreneurship so much that soon the old façade won’t be recognizable. It’s the dawning of a new age and we’re the luminaries.

Allowing intuition, spirituality and pure intent to guide us, we’re in a very powerful position to creative positive and lasting change. The way business is conducted will never be the same.

Now, let's return to the reference of 'aligned female' and elaborate for the fullest understanding.

Being born female (a gender identification) does not an empowered woman make!

It’s vital to understand that being strong, allowing the feminine divine to be honored in our words, thoughts and actions, referring to ourselves as “conscious,” embracing our roles as leaders and visionaries, and intentionally creating our lives, is a journey… the journey of a lifetime.

The aligned woman is so much more than female. She:

• has a vested interest in bringing her best to everything she does
• willingly surrenders her plan to the wisdom of the Universe, when it's appropriate for her to do so
• commits on every level to the ever-unfolding process of life
• pushes on with courage, no matter how hard the task
• walks with herself, if necessary, so as not to dilute her efforts and energy with anything/anyone that might take her off-course
• graciously serves others in accordance with her inner wisdom guiding her to choose if, when, and how to use her innate talents and gifts
• models integrity because it’s the core of who she is and how she conducts the business of her life
• celebrates her unique talents—removing all hindrances to shining brilliantly—because she understands this world benefits from her exceptional contribution
• is bold in her approach to life because there’s no value in standing for nothing
• accepts herself as-is, always

Modeling empowered divine femininity has many rewards and it also comprises great responsibility; to whom much is given, much is required. Wielding power with benevolence requires a solid understanding that true power never attempts to manipulate, dominate or control (or even influence or persuade); only insecurity behaves that way. We are actively defining the future of business with our actions. We are creating something dynamically different.

What is your unique role in this shift and what are the innate gifts you bring to business as an 'aligned female'?

Y: The Question and The Funnel

The Question

We often ask ourselves “Why?” Why this? Why that? Why now? Why me?

These wonderings usually involve extreme impact of some kind:

• Why did I lose my job?
• Why did my child get sick?
• Why didn’t I foresee losing my retirement money in the stock market?
• Why was the timing of the auto accident so soon after the death of my father?
• Why does my longtime acquaintance seem disinterested in continuing our friendship?
• Why have there been a string of circumstances that have evaporated the solid foundation of my life?
• Why has my business so completely changed that I have no reliable monthly income?

Although it’s common to wonder about the whys of life, this exploration is the ultimate distraction. In the end, if you had the answer to the question, would it matter? Does knowing change anything? Maybe yes, maybe no.

Why is it a distraction? Because it only prolongs the inevitable: taking the next step toward regaining your soulful stability; your groundedness; the conscious creation of that which positions you securely in your personal power.

I submit that the only why question worthy of your attention is: Why not?

That leads me to…

The Funnel

If you go outside, turn your face toward the heavens and lift your arms, your body forms a Y.

This is the ultimate representation of surrender, willingness, openness or welcoming, depending on your mindset and heartset.

Do you realize that this is also the shape of a funnel? From this position, the Universe can pour its very essence directly into you: all that is goodness, abundance, opportunity, joy, etc. Amassing in the ether and narrowing into a direct stream, if you are open and allow this influx directly from Source, you can be transformed.

When you look at the vastness of the sky, and allow yourself to be engulfed, you are too transfixed by the magnitude to wonder why this? or why that? You don’t have answers to the questions of why me? or why now?, but you don’t need them. When you really think about it, all of that is irrelevant in the grand scope of all that is. Besides, you may never know anyway, so why even pose the question? Why invest the time and energy in something that simply is? Instead, allow whatever isas-is. to be okay

The next time your mind naturally goes to the question of why?, consciously shift it to why not?:

• Why not embrace what is?
• Why not allow myself to surrender to my current circumstances?
• Why not operate from a position of knowing that all is well, regardless of external situations?
• Why not pursue my biggest dreams?
• Why not give myself the gift of all that is accessible?
• Why not be grateful for the events in my life, especially when I don’t understand why?
• Why not try something new?
• Why not completely change my perspective to view life as a process?
• Why not admit I don’t know everything?
• Why not treat myself with the kindness I gladly give to others?

Why not, indeed!

Fearful, Forceful or Fierceful: Which Is Your Approach To Life and Why Does It Matter?

Admittedly, fierceful isn't a word, but for the integrity of the headline, it stays. Word or no word, it doesn't change the message of this exploration.

Definition of Fearful: Feeling fear, dread, apprehension, anxiety or concern
Definition of Forceful: Acting or driven with force
Definition of Fierce(ful): Extremely intense or ardent

If you're fearful, there is something--usually something BIG--underlying that feeling. Maybe it's conscious, maybe it's subconscious, but either way your actions are steeped in this overpowering and often paralyzing feeling, often to the point that you are incapable of making wise choices. Fear only begets more fear. It festers. It grows. And feeding the monster of fear with your words, thoughts and actions only makes you feel worse. If you're a worrier, you know exactly what it's like. Day in, day out, it is your constant companion and yet you may have an inkling that because of the grief it causes, it's no way to run your business or your life.

If you're forceful, you are constantly pushing people, events and circumstances, to respond to your sheer will that they comply with your vision. You cannot be bothered with how people perceive you or the impact on them of your words, thoughts and actions. After all, you have a vision and it is a driving force! You feel absolutely justified in your approach, regardless of external signs that something is amiss. Sometimes, you and your agenda are literally a force to be reckoned with, making even minor issues, very big ones. You are unapproachable. Life lacks anything resembling effortless flow. You are in charge and it's up to you to make everything work... at the greatest expense imaginable: your peace-of-mind and of those around you. You shoulder the weight of the world and the cracks in the fortress are beginning to split wide open. At it's core, force is fear. It's an attempt to control, driven by the need for safety or security, which never actually manifests peace or flow, but only creates more of the same: fear.

Let's move beyond the many limitations of fearful and forceful living to a whole-life approach based in healthy, powerful resolve: fierceful living.

Using the brief definition above of fierce, notice the word ardent. The definition of ardent includes words like intense feeling, passionate, fervent, intensely devoted, eager, zealous, burning, fiery and hot.

All these words or terms are powerful and positive. They motivate and inspire. They propel and energize. They excite and prompt. They contain the juice that positively moves us from where we are to where we'd rather be.

Neither fear nor force motivates, inspires, propels, energizes, excites or drives. Fear and force are old patterns based in pain. They are our deeply ingrained habits, developed long ago as coping mechanisms. And the truth is they no longer serve us.

So, it's time to let them go. It's the perfect time to step into our fierceness-of-being. It's time to release debilitating habits and create ourselves anew.

What is fierceful living?

1. In its wisdom, it recognizes injustice in its many forms and stands up to say, "No more," regardless of the consequences.
2. It is courage, to the core, no matter how things actually feel inside.
3. It sets personal agendas aside and puts people first, always.
4. It has an unshakable and undeniable clarity guiding its every strategic move.
5. It assumes full responsibility for all outcomes.
6. It continually creates room for more fullness, variety, color, grandness and opportunity.
7. It stands for something, instead of nothing.

You cannot create from fear or force, for they do not contain the elements to deliver such an outcome. With either, you can only create more of the same.

Be fierce. Be bold. Be you. Now is the time.

---

Bringing Consciousness To How We Treat Others

"Treat others as if they are always worthy of the best of you. What you'll discover is that the best of them appears to match that vibration."

---

Building Relationships: Service-based Businesses Go Above-and-Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Email Responses

If you offer services vs. products, you may require much more information from prospects before providing pricing, turnaround time or other specifications.

In the interest of time (don't we all want it now?) potential clients usually want an immediate answer, but you know it's not that simple. And it's best to remain true to the process that works best for you so, in the end, the information you provide is accurate and thorough. To do that, you want to find out more about them, their offerings, their target market and their short- and long-term visions for the business.

"I own two companies with a partner. How can we utilize your services?"

It's a great question; and one that deserves your full attention. Respond immediately with an email to acknowledge receipt and invite them to set up a telephone or video appointment to discuss their specific requirements. Here's an example:

"At XYZ Company we are committed to customized solutions for each client. One-size-fits-all just doesn't work: there are too many variables. We know your time and efforts are valuable and that's precisely why we don't want to waste them. You see, if we don't understand your business, we may not be fully maximizing our contribution to your success. During our comprehensive and complimentary 30-minute consult, we discover how we can best serve you. We want you to experience excellence. Follow this link to our online calendar and set up your appointment today."

Email is limited in its ability to fully communicate either their needs or your ability to meet those needs. During the fact-finding mission (the call), you are able to discern much more than you can by simply submitting your standard price sheet or a link to your prices page. After all, you are building a relationship. That doesn't happen in one email interaction or even one telephone call, but you're much closer to really understanding how your services can benefit them after speaking directly. A personal appointment gives both participants a chance to connect on many other levels.

When you are in a service business, there are no homogenous answers to what you can provide. Fundamentally, what you can provide is based on client requirements. Services can be customized in so many ways and that's where an open dialogue is incredibly helpful.

You take pride in flexibility. You have worked hard to offer value-based services. You owe it to yourself and your potential customers to construct a customized solution and effectively maximize your contribution to their success.

An initial 30-minute consultation saves much time, effort and aggravation in the future. You understand exactly what they need and they know you understand their business. You can provide specs based on that clear understanding. And what better way to begin establishing your connection than to be crystalline-clear from the very beginning. Should they hire you, with mutual understanding, the outcome can only be superior.

---

An Editorial

I read this article and was reminded of how much we reveal about ourselves in our writing, if readers are truly paying attention. My OMG moments within this article are indicated in bold.

Author's point #1 was omitted intentionally. It's not nearly as juicy as the following four points.

Author's point #2: "Love your business more than your family. Put business first. Always! If you're not fully focused--if family, friends, community and church fill up your busy weekly schedule--you are probably failing to deliver real profits for your company. Your cell phone is for taking orders from clients, not storing grocery lists. Weekends are for work. Pray at your desk if you must. Your business is not a part-time job. Be there or be broke!"

Author's point #3: "The best family business has one member. Face it, blood and business don't mix. Profits will always be better when you're not keeping an extra sibling, spouse, child or in-law on the payroll. More than 60 percent of the small businesses we work with are family-owned, and that's where most of their problems start. Fire 'em! Cancel your kid's membership to the lucky sperm club. Keep your family squabbles at home, even if you have to pay relatives not to be there. Then change the locks on the office door. You'll save money in the end."

Author's point #4: "Don't treat sales like your mother-in-law. Don't view sales as an unwanted guest. Focusing on sales is the easiest way to grow your business in good times and sustain profits in bad. Get out from behind your desk and shill. Take names. Build a customer database. Breathe down the necks of your sales team. Go out on sales calls. Foster your own relationship with top customers. The era of easy sales may be over, but there's plenty you can and should be doing. Stop being fat, dumb and happy."

And finally, the author's point #5 (and it's a doozy!): "Give up golf, retreats, off-sites and trade shows. Golf is the biggest waste of time. Trade shows and retreats are just an excuse to goof off and schmooze on the boss's dime. Ban any activities that take you away from the office or a sales call. Business owners kid themselves that hitting the fairway is an opportunity to network, but they're wasting thousands in country club dues and missing important phone calls that could lead to more sales. Eliminate these distractions from your life. Let the competition play golf while you steal their customers."

---

Can I just say a big, "WOW"?

There are so many layers here, but to make this succinct, here's my commentary:

In direct conflict with the author's sentiments, succeeding in business often involves establishing a vital support system including family, friends, social engagements and FUN!

I do agree with the last sentence of the article: "Commit to doing whatever it takes to make your business a success, and everything else will take care of itself." Our ways of accomplishing this task are obviously vastly different, but as the headline above says, "Empowerment comes In ALL colors."

---

A Bright Alternative for Holiday Gift-Giving

With the holidays quickly approaching, I am inundated with holiday gift guides. No doubt you are as well.

The emphasis on purchasing consumer goods as a means to show appreciation or honor connection is a peculiar notion to me. I don’t ‘get’ it. I purchase no gifts; not because I stand on any principle, but because what I have to give is something more valuable than anything I have ever seen offered for sale.

My present to others is my presence, whether or not it’s the holidays. That is the greatest gift I can give. Full presentness is precious. It is rare. And it is something only I can give to those in my life circle.

I understand why people buy gifts. It’s easy. Digging deep, listening attentively, setting aside time to really connect, allowing someone to share their life and inner thoughts, making a memory, and being nowhere but in the moment is a treasure, a true gift with merit and meaning.

Our lives are so frantic that we often miss the many moments of life that bring the greatest satisfaction; the moment of now, here, connecting, time suspended until the experience has served its full purpose.

Give the gift of yourself this season; fully present.

Happy holidays!

---

An Impression In The Ether

Randomly opening a book I found while unpacking, I read this:

"Sometimes we must go on living longer than we'd like with the choices we made before we knew better."

While it's true our outer circumstances don't change the moment our words, thoughts and actions change, the energetic shift is immediate. There is an instant resonance in the ether, with manifestation on the physical plane soon to follow.

---

The Feminine Divine ~ How It Shows Up In Business

Entrepreneurship is shifting dramatically and the aligned female influence cannot be ignored. The feminine:

• brings a sense of community to business
• is cooperative because we know that is the road to thriving
• achieves results by nurturing others
• wants all members of our tribe to succeed
• encourages others
• challenges others with love
• champions others with kind accountability methods
• celebrates milestones and goal attainment

There is no doubt--with the shifting business paradigm in full swing--women have made a powerful impression and will continue to do so. Our innate gifts as birthers of new ideology will change the face of entrepreneurship so much that soon the old façade won't be recognizable. It's the dawning of a new age and we're the luminaries.

Allowing intuition, spirituality and pure intent to guide us, we're in a very powerful position to creative positive and lasting change. The way business is conducted will never be the same.

Let me go back to my reference of "aligned female" and elaborate for the fullest understanding.

Being born female (a gender identification) does not an empowered woman make!

It's vital to understand that being strong, allowing the feminine divine to be honored in our words, thoughts and actions, referring to ourselves as "conscious," embracing our roles as leaders and visionaries, and intentionally creating our lives, is a journey... the journey of a lifetime.

The aligned woman is so much more than female. She:

• has a vested interest in bringing her best to everything she does
• willingly surrenders her plan to the wisdom of the Universe
• commits on every level to the ever-unfolding process of life
• pushes on with courage, no matter how hard the task
• walks with herself, if necessary, so as not to dilute her efforts and energy with anything/anyone that might take her off-course
• graciously serves others in accordance with her innate talents and gifts
• models integrity because it's the core of who she is and how she conducts the business of her life
• celebrates her unique talents-removing all hindrances to shining brilliantly-because she understands this world benefits from her exceptional contribution
• is bold in her approach to life because there's no value in standing for nothing
• accepts herself as-is, always

Modeling empowered divine femininity has many rewards; and it also comprises great responsibility; to whom much is given, much is required. Wielding power with benevolence requires a solid understanding that true power never attempts to manipulate, dominate or control. Only insecurity behaves that way. We are actively defining the future of business with our actions. We are creating something uniquely feminine.

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Dare To Dream

Overcomers, Inc: True stories of Hope, Courage, and Inspiration had a magnificent launch day on October 22nd, hitting #1 best-seller status in 3 categories (motivational, inspirational and spiritual) on Amazon.com and #43 in the Amazon top 100. This remarkable success was engineered by a huge team lead by brilliant online marketer Kathleen Gage of Street Smarts Marketing and Lynne Klippel of Love Your Life Publishing.

Reaching published author status was a dream come true. Reaching best-selling author status was beyond my wildest dreams. It hadn't even occurred to me to dream this big and it happened anyway.

Less than a week after Overcomers, Inc. hit best-seller status, a publisher in China contacted the publisher to inquire about purchasing the rights to print it there.

I share my experience to make this point: Dare to dream your wildest dreams. As best you can, release all limitations. Take strategic action steps EVERY DAY toward your goal; you'll get there. If you imagine, it (whatever 'it' is) can be yours.

In my personal experience, I just kept the image alive and took the appropriate actions so it would eventually have a place to manifest. It took years. But finally all circumstances, people and events were aligned to bring this book to life.

I wish for you the courage to dream big. And then dream even bigger!

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An Author's Perspective On Realizing a Dream

This is better than a childhood Christmas morning!

Today, October 22, 2009 my 37 co-authors and I will have achieved our personal goals of becoming published authors. Personally, the deep sense of satisfaction I'm feeling comes from so much more. To have my first published book be of such extraordinary caliber is way beyond what I ever allowed myself to dream. The blessings and benefits just keep coming.

Overcomers, Inc: True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration is the perfect book to read not only when you need a lift, but when you're in a good place and want to connect to the power of the human spirit. Filled with gripping stories from all walks of lie, Overcomers, Inc. will make you smile, move you to tears, fill you with the strength you need to face life's challenges, and equip you with time-tested tools to empowerment.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch