Category Archives: Business

Is Clutter Wreaking Havoc on Your Health?

If it seems overboard to ask if clutter is wreaking havoc on your health, bear with me. I have my reasons.

Clutter? What is it? Good ‘ol Merrian-Webster describes it as a large amount of things that are not arranged in a neat or orderly way: a crowded or disordered collection of things; a confused mass or collection.

Continuing in my highly trained academic background, I quote the Urban Dictionary. “Clutter is useless trash that is lying around that takes up space.” I tend to disagree that all clutter is useless or is even trash, however, it does take up space– physically or in our thoughts and emotions.

I simply refer to clutter as stress.

Clutter is anything that robs our peace.

Clutter causes stress. Stress has been linked to all the leading causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, accidents and suicide. Almost 90 percent of all visits to primary health care providers are due to stress-related problems. Nearly 50 percent of all adults suffer adverse effects from stress.

Why do we magnificent Earthlings need to add to the stress?

Clutter

Here’s my suggestion as a holistic business and health coach. Take inventory. Size up how you feel when you walk into your home. Does it feel like a refuge or that a cyclone hit? Do you regret or feel shame walking past certain areas? Are you holding onto something that you don’t love, use or need?

Is it time to de-clutter your physical space so you may regain some peace in your mind and heart?

I’m speaking from first-hand experience. I’m that girl who for years held onto things. I wouldn’t say I’d become a hoarder but possibly a boarder hoarder. I planned a personal intervention. I read multiple books and articles around de-cluttering. I planned to whip myself into submission and take action.

Then a fabulous opportunity arose. Squirrel!

My husband said let’s go to Cancun for 4 months during the winter. So we set out to conduct some business while also enjoying the warmth. I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to swim with whale shark, puffer fish, and dolphins. Can you really blame me?

Did I mention that prior to leaving for Cancun we began remodeling. Yes, remodeling. It can be stressful­– banging and tearing stuff up.

Two rooms were left completely remodeled. The only thing missing were pictures hanging on the wall and replacing some baseboards. Then there was the master bathroom. It was left in disarray. It was a long, arduous process because my husband literally wanted to raise the roof! Instead he settled for raising the ceilings to where the attic had been. Now we have the highest ceilings that any master bathroom has ever seen.

I made some poor decisions and decided to move some things and made things worse. Long story short, we were in over our heads. We bit off more than we could chew.

We moved into the guest room. More stuff ended up out of place. I felt as if I were sinking in confusion, disillusion and chaos.

I’ve never been a person who craves stuff. How did it all  get here?

This trinket was given to me by one of my gypsy students when I taught in Moldova. It was so thoughtful of her to think of me. This plush sheep toy was given to me as a thank you gift for flying to New Zealand to give a business training. It was so kind for them to think of me. This scarf was given to me by a high school friend. I never wore it but I did use it as décor in a room before I repainted it. How could I not keep it?

Then I had an epiphany. The gift givers would be horrified if they knew I was stressing over what to do with these gifts? They wouldn’t want me in bondage to this thing. The gifts were tokens to show love or gratitude. Seriously what if I’d been given flowers? They’d already died. And chocolate? Well, I’m not going to tell you how long that would last.

So why obsess over keeping something so long? Why not enjoy it and take a picture of it and then release it to someone who will enjoy it? It’s what I read in those de-clutter books. It made sense and I’ve decided follow the advice.

It’s not about going Spartan or so Minimalist that there’s no warmth or color. De-cluttering is about feeling balanced and not all out of sorts when walking through the halls wondering what’s lurking or where to find it.

It’s about defining what we really, really need to live healthy, happy and peacefully. It’s deciding what you don’t need by deciding what you DO need.

If it’s taking up our time, emotional, spiritual or physical energy perhaps we can recycle or release it? If it hogs up space, and destroys our serenity a choice needs to be made to do something and do it quick!

This can come in the form of ill-fitting clothes, obsolete papers, broken gadgets, unused gifts, even unfulfilled relationships. We need to develop some consciousness around what bogs us down.

Recently, a client told me that she had realized the clutter in her pantry was keeping her from realizing her health goals. It was an amazing notice. She explained that her mother often brings lots of cans and boxed goods that she and her family simply won’t eat. Clutter was stacking up. Stress was mounting.

She decided to clean things out and donate all these goods to her church’s food pantry. She felt the load lighten. It was empowering. And, then there was the courageous talk she had with her mom. The honesty that says I appreciate your kindness and efforts, but please don’t continue giving us something we don’t use. Gulp. I’m sure you can empathize.

On a personal note, I began seeing clutter spill over into my vehicle. The desktop on my computer was (and sometimes still is) a hot mess! I wanted to run away as I felt I was making such few advancements.

And guess what? Another incredible opportunity arose! This time we could go live and work on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Would you say no to fresh avocados in the middle of winter? Lush garden? Fresh citrus? Tress that bloom like a full blown symphony? Would you bypass perpetual sunshine and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy?

 

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Is-clutter-wreaking-havoc-on-your-health

Who in there right mind would stay present in the “Neverending Story” of remodel and clutter? Dont’ we all need a break? And so, I fell for it– again. I embraced my sanctuary, a clean, uncluttered condo. I thrived living with only the basics in this refuge of simplistic living nestled inside of austere natural surroundings.

I only missed my fur babies even though I knew our friends back home were spoiling and enjoying them. All this was happening while our dirty little secret was locked up. The master bedroom and bathroom was in limbo lockdown, overflowing with clutter and unfinished construction.

What we resist, persist.

I once heard that phrase in a leadership development course. It stuck. And now it was showing me the err of my ways. The time to finish remodeling and de-cluttering was past due!

I could resist no more. I had to face it head on. I am choosing to persist! I will conquer clutter and continue the ongoing battle. I’ve learned it’s one we all face.

I’m leaving some tips in battling clutter– not as an expert, but rather an imperfect human being who is learning and applying the lessons. Utilize a de-cluttering system that works for you. I use the “three boxes de-clutter system” to guide me. I constantly defer to these valuable three questions as I hack away to relief and peace.

  • Do I love this?
  • Do I use this?
  • Would I buy it or want to receive it again?

If the answer is no, it’s time to release it where it will be loved or utilized.

And sorry, but I cannot resist. Let’s not be those people. You know, the ones who donate to a charity all their broken-down, or stained crap. Let’s give good stuff and throw away or recycle junk that no one would want. It cost charities time and money to sift through crap. So let’s be better than that (and dismount from soapbox).

The “three box de-clutter system”

Avoid overwhelm. Take my friend, Kristi’s advice. Take one room at a time. Break it down. Take on a drawer, a cabinet or one bookshelf. Remain steadfast. You’ll get there.

Pat yourself on the back. By choosing to take on clutter, you’re doing something great for your health in every aspect. Deal with every item once. Here’s how you do it using the ‘ol boxing method.

Box 1- I’ll put you in your place, Darling.

I suppose you’ve never found a pair of swimming goggles in the laundry basket, have you?

Box 2- I bless and release you.

It’s the notion of blessing and releasing stuff to its highest potential. Box it as give away or sell.

Box 3- Hit the road Jack!

This box is about dealing with things that feel entitled yet haven’t earned the right to even be recycled yet high hopes remain that it will find its way to a plasma-burning trash incinerator that creates clean gasoline.

There you have it friend. It’s the simple, effective way to de-clutter. Embrace it! Don’t follow my all-around-the-mulberry-bush bad example. Take action now before you travel the world only to come back to piles of stuff that still stresses you out.

Oh! And if you are the clean freak that has no idea what this article is addressing, I salute you. I yearn to be like you. You are all that and a bag o’ chips. Please remember, however, you still have some sort of weakness and you need me as much as I need you, but perhaps not stashed  away in some well-organized cupboard. 😉

Dear reader, tell us what you’re thinking in the comments below. We want to know your clutter or de-cluttering story. Is it even fair to correlate clutter and stress?

Learn 3 Business Tips from 2 Wise Horses and 1 Smart Ass

Before you say “neigh” to the idea of accepting business tips from friendly equine, consider the concept of “Edutainment”. At the intersection of education and entertainment forces come together to make your life enjoyable. Keep in mind, wisdom can be found in some of the most unceremonious of places. I’ve never personally sought out business advice from animals. However, as of late, business tips have been flowing while I’m spending time with these mighty mentors. Stay with me, will ya?

1) Our Leadership Affects Actions

We’ve all heard about the proverbial carrot or stick motivators. I’ve been experiencing this first hand as I work two horses in our round pen. There’s many lessons these two wises horses are sharing. Let’s focus on the greatest current standouts. My leadership and energy affects their trust. Their past experiences precondition certain reactions. It’s my responsibility to guide us toward a happy desired outcome.

Learn business tips from a horse

I want to liken the two horse to possible clients or employees. Let’s take Bear for example. He was born on the ranch property. We met the day he was born. I’ve fed, cared for and loved him. When I suggest he do something, he does it with the desire to please. My leadership has been established because of a developed relationship. He’s grown to know, like and trust me. When we get into the ring he’s ready to conduct “business”. After business we revel in the accomplishment– usually with snuggles and extra scratches.

Then there’s Bentley. He’s a sturdy, no-nonsense horse. He likes to move his feet. He works because he’s super smart, came into my life well-trained and is task-oriented. Don’t let him fool you though, he’s highly inclined toward grazing on grass. If I don’t lead him, he will lead me. In the round pen he’s taught me to anticipate what to do next, how to do it, and to do it well.

I must be consistent in my messaging with Bentley. I cannot slack off. He’s really an incredible consultant! Good clients or employees do just that. Like Bentley, they keep us on our toes. Their abilities and direction causes us to rise up and become better. As we stay tuned into developing our own skills, character and vision, we gain their respect. It may take some time to establish this respect, yet I believe it’s worth it.

Learn business tips from a horse

2) Dedication and patience bring satisfaction

In the round pen, skill and understanding is acquired. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for the trainer and the horse to grasp the work. It requires a step-by-step process.

At times it is clumsy. What’s not working well is magnified in the round pen. When corrections are made and things are running smoothly there’s a sense of satisfaction. It may not be total success, but there’s satisfaction in the progress.

The concept rings true in business. Although we have yet to experience a complete windfall of cash flow we can smile about gaining traction. This satisfaction gives us the drive to stay dedicated to the work. Patience and personal development blossoms as we continue to grow our skill. Two very wise horses have taught me that it’s better to focus on gratifying work rather than instant gratification.

As an entrepreneur I’ve learned to stay the course until breakthrough happens. I’ve learned to lean in and listen to what my customers need, want or desire. I don’t always hit the nail on the head. In fact, sometime I miss it all together. What I have come to relish is that the process– the pursuit of happiness is as delightful as listening to thundering hooves racing across a wild open field.

3) The Looking Zone

Looking Zone business tips from Dr Paige Hunter

We have a real character who lives on the ranch. He’s a miniature rescue donkey. We named him Don Quixote after Spanish author, Miguel’s Cervantes’ famous book, Don Quixote de La Mancha.

You see the character in this book is much like our own donkey. He doesn’t necessarily see the world for what it is. He prefers to pine away for taller, unreachable mares. He prefers to imagine that he is living out a knightly story when in fact he’s a witty, yet wise simpleton. Suffice it to say I admire his zest of adventure.

At times, Don Quixote comes across as finicky and non-committal. Let me explain. Recently we needed to change his food because our local feed store explained the food we had been serving him had recently come into question. Immediately we changed the food to protect our noble little steed.

Stubbornly, he rejected the change. He dug his hooves in and backed away from higher quality food all because it looked and smelled different. At first I was furious with little ingrate but then I looked for the lesson. 🙂

What this vertically challenged wise ass taught me is that he was not in the looking zone. He wasn’t ready for change. And so he munched on knee high sweet grass for five days straight. For five days he sulked and wagged his sorry little tail like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. He wanted different results but wasn’t ready to take the risk on trying something different.

On the sixth day Don Quixote approached the fence braying as I began feeding the horses. He was looking through the fence. He was telling me “I’m NOW in the looking zone.” I interpreted that he’d decided to try out his new grains and minerals. And what do you know? He seized the opportunity. He even gave the happy tail wave of approval.

Timing is everything!

Don Quixote leaves us with an insightful business tip. Understand some customers simply aren’t in the looking zone– yet. Perhaps it’s because they are resistant or challenged with change. Perhaps they are just needing to work up their appetite for a little something different. The important tip is to be consistent with what you are offering. We never know when the offer will be enthusiastically accepted.

Business tips from Donkey and Dr Paige

What’s on your mind? In the comments below share with us any excellent business tips you’ve received– from man, woman or beast. 🙂

Savor the Now: Dog Gone Good Advice for Living in the Present

Ever find yourself speeding through life wondering when you could slow down to savor the here and now? You know, to fully live in the present without a care in the world?

I challenge you to stop in your tracks (just keep reading). 😉 Fully engage in a short adventure.

Savor the now.

Please stop and smell the proverbial roses. It’s just plain good to practice this in our life and business in general.

Hope you don’t mind, but I’m sharing a personal story to convey some insights. As an outdoor aficionado, when it’s sunny I love to lie in the grass– it’s how I slow down and soak up the beauty of life. My beloved, Happy, an aging Labrador usually hunts me down and makes my bed of grass even more special. Here’s our selfie to prove it.

Advice for Living in the Present

Recently during a google search of how to best care of my aging furbaby, I came across a website. Something spectacular caught my attention. It was a response to a blog post and this is what I’m so inspired to share with you. I believe it offers oodles of insight.

Friends, this is where the “savor the now” lesson bubbles to the surface! Please, enjoy.

Wisdom from a six-year-old and his dog

Dr. Paula wrote, “Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,

”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

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On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

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If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.”

Source: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/caring-for-an-older-labrador/

Advice to Living in the Present

I’m grateful for you in this present moment.

Thanks for joining me for a bit to savor the now. It’s all we really ever have. Let’s be more like that Irish wolfhound providing our loved ones with lessons in living in the present, and fully enjoying life.

When circumstances call, let’s remember to avoid biting when a simple growl will do. Oh! And let’s go for more joy rides and naps.

Over to you! In the comments below share with us what you like to do to savor the now? Think about it, you may provide us with some of the best advice for enjoying the roses.

How I Stopped Talking and Started Doing

Ever find yourself sitting on the sidelines of life?

That was me about three years ago. Don’t get me wrong. I was in a very good place. We had paid off our home on 28 acres, I was enjoying my life and work, but there still something felt off. It was a cold December and CHF was hosting a special dinner and fundraiser. Speakers from all over flew in to share how hard earned dollars are spent to make a lasting difference.

That night I learned from a powerful woman how CHF played an integral part in helping their mission of rescuing children from human trafficking in Thailand. As I listened I knew this would also play a part in my life mission.

Her words hit the bull’s-eye of my heart. I wept. I rejoiced because there are courageous people who live with such compassion and vision.

I believe we’re given moments when we catch a glimpse or flash into our future. It resonates with our core on such a deep level we can’t even explain it. This was that kind of moment. Sometimes those glimpses and flashes of insights filter down through deep desires we don’t fully know how to articulate – yet.

Here’s what I mean. I always wanted to be a cross between a “world traveling social entrepreneur” and a “Wild West Outdoorswoman”. I know it’s sounds funny, right? Go ahead and laugh. It makes me laugh too. You do understand that holding a PhD gives me the liberty to pontificate such professional creativity. And yes, it’s completely en vogue to do what you enjoy doing. I just happen to love teaching health and entrepreneurship. I hope you love what you do too! If not, send word. Write in the subject line: SOS. 🙂

Of course, it would be easier if I straddled two simple categories like Computer Engineer and Exotic Coin Collector. Oh and on a very serious note, I’m going to run with the title “world traveling Social Entrepreneur” and “Wild West Outdoorswoman” no matter how delightfully odd it seems. Why should we live within self-constraining limits?

If Martha Stewart can hold the titles of convicted felon and DIY food & home decorating maven, then I most certainly have wiggle room. Right?

It excites me to know the world offers up opportunities we’re willing to work for! It may not come on a platter but given time, planning and action we can create a life we love.

I’m living proof that you can rise from a mountain of financial debt and physical woes and embrace financial liberation and a healthy body. Yes! You can gallivant the globe and enjoy your own backyard. Everyone else’s story is NOT your story.

This leads me to the next developments of my story. A little over twelve months I carefully crafted a list of work, play and contribution ideas I wanted to tackle in 2014. One included a rescheduled horse trip to South Dakota. The other included an upcoming trip to Thailand the end of THIS month. Super Yay! And, eeeeeek this is really happening!

Here’s the secret. It’s all in the decision we make.

I decided. Pure and simple. It’s when I stopped talking and started doing. The “doing” didn’t really feel like I was doing so much as it was making baby steps to achieve the bigger goals. Sometimes it was a mind shift. Other times, it was planning and action and more planning and action.

It’s one thing to make a list and talk about it. It’s life changing to actually do something about it.

It’s as if we’re all sailboats out to sea. The decisions we make guide the direction of our sails. Along the way we may sail a bit off course. That’s where much of the adventure lies. Decision-making defines our future.

When we decide to stop talking and start doing we’ll find we can live inside of our dreams.

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Making a specific decision helped me stop talking and start doing.

You see up to that point I was okay with thinking or talking about how and who I wanted to be and become. It wasn’t until I made the decision to ride in the mountains nonstop for days on end that the other wonderful circumstances began to happen.

The unexpected part of this decision brought on a fantastical adventure. My enthusiasm even got the buy in and encouragement from many. My husband supported me in this goal. Dear Mexican business friends supported me. It felt incredible because the only way to reach this goal was to obtain hours in the saddle. And so it became a fairy-tale like Wild West adventure.

I rode new trails with my husband and friends around the mountains, old haciendas, and sugar cane fields. This of course, fed into my Wild West theme. It’s as if the world was conspiring with me to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Mostly I try to contain my joy unspeakable because I couldn’t explain why it’s meant so much –but that’s perhaps for another time or when my new webdesign and copy comes out.
How to get the motivation to stop talking and start doing.

Here’s the point, I rode four days with my friend, Liz who happens to be the female version of John Wayne. We rode hours at a time breathing in the beauty, soaking up the visual feast of Fall’s foliage, and sounds of babbling brooks. On the last day, we rode up to Mount Rushmore weaving in and out of the mountains’ fallen trees. I’m grateful for the moments when God brings schedules, weather and family timing together so life can be thoroughly enjoyed– outdoors…on the back of a horse.

I benefitted so much from taking the South Dakota riding trip in ways I am still counting. It taught me that making a powerful a decision can provide endless possibilities. It grew the courage I needed to say yes to this upcoming “Wild East” adventure.

And now I look forward to sharing with you what the next decision offers up. How working, playing and contributing while I’m on the road expands new horizons and nourishes my desire to hold up to the world traveling social entrepreneur title. I’ll be sharing some insights with you as I continue to do that which I’ve only talked about and am now seizing.

Enough about me, how about you? Tell me in the comments below, has there been a decision you’ve made that really set things in motion for you?

Is there a decision you realized you need to make now so you can stop talking and start doing?

Share with us!

Ever tried following your own advice? Here’s 3 tips to pull you through.

Following advice can be invaluable

Entrepreneurs usually magnetize and form friendships with fellow entrepreneurs. Often times what happens is an interchange of sage advice, encouragement and celebration.

I’m very close to three entrepreneurs. Two work in different fields than me. They provide an incredible amount of perspective outside of my area of expertise. The other entrepreneur feels as comfortable as an old shoe. We share similar experiences, talk “shop” and challenge the other.

The mutual interchange between us is priceless. We ask advice, we share funny stories, we get feedback and encouragement from each other. We stand up for each other. We walk one another through storms and tragedies.

The best part about entrepreneurial interchanges is that we know we stand together- not alone.

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Whether you are an entrepreneur or not, this type of interaction is valuable. Ninety nine percent of us thrive, interact and respond with support. We show up to receive or give words of advice. When we honestly desire the best for each other, that advice is worth pure gold.

3 tips for following advice from Dr. Paige Hunter

So here’s a question for you. When you feel stuck, need to make a quick business decision, or wonder if what you said to a client was the right thing, please do this:

1) Imagine.

Yes! Imagine yourself having a conversation with one of your friends. Remember that advice you need? Good! Let’s continue.

 2) Talk to your imaginary friend.

This friend knows what type of entrepreneur you are. They understand your strengths, weakness, dream clients. They get you and your business.

3) Follow your own advice.

What do you think this fellow entrepreneur would tell you to do? Better yet, if the roles were reversed, what would you tell them to do? What advice would you give this friend had they brought up a similar situation?

There it is friend! You’ve struck gold. Most likely you reached a great answer by giving yourself your own best advice. Now you’ve got me wondering. What did you say? “Knock it off already”, “It’s time to change CPA’s!” Or is it? “Have you thought about how much time you are wasting on ineffective social media?” I’d really love to be a fly on the wall but I’m not nosy. 😉

When it’s all said and done, our imaginations can help us arrive at actionable advice for moving forward. Understand I’m not saying ditch those friends or go it alone. I’m inviting you to try something else just in case they opt out for a holiday hula in Hawaii or a whitewater expedition in Costa Rica.

In the comments below, chime in! Share with us what some good, solid advice you’ve given to yourself? Did you follow it? 🙂

 

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