Mind Your Body: It Might Be Telling You Something!

Very early last year, I found myself in the hospital for three days with stomache pains that had me doubled over, unable even to lift my purse or get around by myself. The doctors couldn’t figure out what it was, we had all kinds of infectious disease experts involved, and it remained a mystery until a diagnosis was finally reached: a pneumonia-like lung infection. I ended up spending most of January recuperating.

I’d started the New Year with great intentions, big plans. I’d even signed up for a major, weeklong workshop that involved all kinds of mindset breakthroughs. I thought I was really psyched up for it, and had paid a lot of money to go to it.

But looking back, I realized some things. First, I hadn’t been working with a coach when I became ill – instead, I was intent on doing it all myself. Second, the workshop had seemed to be very masculine-oriented: lots of talk about “busting through” in a way that was really forceful. And I think that deep down, I knew this wasn’t my path. It just took a total revolt from my body for my mind to get the message!

After my health improved, I found and hired my ideal coach. With her help, I soon realized that my true path involved the blending of the masculine and the feminine energies. This burst of clarity allowed me to start looking at what it was that I really wanted, and asking myself, what do I really want?

I quickly stepped into what I call my “big vision” – and things started shifting for me immediately. Within two weeks I got two of my highest-paying clients, and the ball hasn’t stopped rolling since!

While I sure don’t recommend a hospital stay, I do hope you’ll start to tune into your body’s signals, and notice what it is saying to you. When do you feel most tense, and what are you doing when that happens? Does your stomach act up, or do your shoulders get tight? Do you get tension headaches? Are you breathing deeply, and feeling calm and relaxed – or do you feel short of breath, or even dizzy?

When you are aware of your body’s signals, take a step back from what you’re doing, breathe and evaluate. Is there something else bubbling under the surface that you need to deal with? What’s distracting you, and why?

Take some time to clear your head. Write in a journal, take a walk or a nap, talk to a friend (or coach), do a little yoga. Whatever it takes to help you step back and find clarity before you move forward yet again.

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

Who is in YOUR Support Tribe?

Have you heard the saying, "You are as successful as the 5 people closest to you?" Many business owners wonder why they aren't more financially successful or are having a tough time keeping a positive mindset when it comes to growing their business. Ask yourself, Do you have the right "Support Tribe" to champion you and your vision? If not, it's no wonder you are frustrated or feeling alone with your dreams and business vision.

In order to flourish with ease, grace and fun ..and a whole lot quicker...you need to have "Support Tribes" in several areas:

• Positive mindset
• Lifestyle
• Business
• Money & wealth

Notice those people closest to you in your business and among your family and friends. Do they support a positive and creative mindset? I hear from creative entrepreneurs, especially women business owners, that those closest to them don't always support their view on life. It can be very frustrating and even depressing if you are focused on possibilities and creating a positive impact on the world through your business and those around you are coming from scarcity and dash your dreams! In the first couple of years in my business my dad consistently asked me every time he saw me, "Are you making any money yet"? No questions about my marketing strategies, my systems, my teams, or how the creation of my new product was coming along. He just focused on the money because that is what he knew to ask...and he didn't realize that comes after you get some of the other pieces in place.

I am asked frequently - "do I have to ditch my friends and family? That's not what I want to do!" Of course not. What you want to do is put your focus on what you want more of...people who are supporting your dreams and looking at the world from a "yes" perspective! You will start to attract more of them into your life. And, remember you don't have to share your most sacred dreams with those who may not understand and be able to support them - that's why you consciously want to attract a positive Support Tribe.

What about a Support Tribe for your lifestyle choices and values? Who are those 5 closest people who you share your lifestyle with? This is about who you are being in your life and what you are doing with your time. Have you grown out of some of your friends? Maybe as you've grown, matured, or your life has changed you no longer want to live your life like you used to and want to make some changes. It could be anything from how you spend your time, wanting to party less or "partying" looks different than 10 years ago, wanting to travel more often, the way you choose to raise your children, or it could be making healthy choices. You want people to support you in those choices and not pull you back into your "old ways" of living. Again, this isn't about judging others...it's about being conscious of who is around you impacting your energy and dreams.

Who is in your circle of business girlfriends? (or guy friends) I find I rely heavily on my close business girlfriends to talk over marketing strategies, building a team, making decisions and most of all, I need their support as I step into my vision in a bigger, and more visible way. Not many people at the bus stop or the gym might understand this, so you want to look for a mastermind group or a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who understand how exciting it is when you make a big sale or get a big client and they get what it means to put your first video on YouTube! They will celebrate with you and be there to help you move to the next level. So much more is possible with business girlfriends who get you!

Next, look at your Money & Wealth Support Tribe. Among the 5 people closest to you - do you ever talk about money? Is it from an abundance perspective or is it with an edge of scarcity and the sky is always getting ready to fall? If you have hit a ceiling in your financial growth in your business then you need to purposely surround yourself with people who will help you grow in the areas of abundance, success mindset, and tangible business strategies and revenue models. This is one of the biggest areas that most women entrepreneurs lack - any real conversation about money, sales, revenue and profit. If you aren't having these conversations regularly and openly then it's time to find a community where you can and do! It will do more to open your mind, shift your intentions and support inspired actions that will directly impact your bottom line.

One last note, your Support Tribes are not just about what you get from them. The circle of life is about "giving and receiving." The most supportive and powerful tribes are those where you can give freely and without attachment and you are expected to receive. You need the flow of both energies to really have a tribe that is sustainable and successful. If one person is always giving and never receiving then it makes the energy & flow of the tribe unbalanced and it will fall apart soon. And vice versa...

Now, what are you noticing in your life and business as far as your Support Tribes? What type of supportive tribe member would you like to attract? Write down one intention for who you want to attract and in what area. Then note what would be possible for you - what would be different. Notice who comes into your life!

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

"Step Into The Spotlight" 5-part Teleseries by Laurie Mandato

I want to introduce you to one of my Magic & Miracles Platinum clients, Laurie Mandato, of Imaging Joy.  She has been experiencing amazing growth and opportunities in her business this year.

The reason I wanted to tell you more about Laurie is that she is an image and style consultant for “Spotlighters” – that’s what I call those of us who have a mission in our business which includes getting in front of the spotlight to speak and be seen.

It’s one thing to finally have crafted your message, you’ve got this great opportunity to speak in front of your most ideal amazing potential clients…you’re feeling great about what you are up and then you start thinking about what you’re going to wear…

All that powerful inner work you’ve done and outer marketing work….comes falling down as you wonder….what really looks good on me…what’s appropriate for my audience and feels authentic?  This is where Laurie comes in. She understands this journey and in fact has put together a 5 part Teleseries specially for you, as someone in the spotlight.

DETAILS:

Register now for the "Step Into The Spotlight" 5-part Teleseries by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, May 22, and you'll receive a free *signed* copy of Fashion Feng Shui®: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore (a $24.95 value).

If you are ready to step into the spotlight with confidence and style, sign up now at http://www.imagingjoy.com/teleseries.

En-JOY!

Laura

Change on the Horizon: Feeling the Fear?

I recently hosted a teleclass in which a participant shared a story about how, after running her own successful small business for many years, was joining forces with a peer she admired. While she felt excited and positive about the change overall, she was wrestling with feelings of fear and sadness at the same time. She even apologized for crying on the call.

After reassuring her that crying was more than okay (after all, you are releasing energy), we talked about how, when we are facing big changes – like when you’re shifting your small business (or letting a piece of it go, like my caller was) – it can feel like you’re letting a piece of yourself go. And that can feel a little scary.

To work through that fear, I’ve found it’s helpful first to grieve for what you’re leaving behind – because even though you know the impending change will bring you good things, it helps to acknowledge the passing of what will no longer be. And whether you grieve by crying or some other method, I think that sometimes we just cry because there is a yearning inside that is so strong that it creates energy. That energy vibrates on a level that we label as the emotion of sadness. It’s healthy to let the energy move.

The other invaluable tool for dealing with fear and change is to work with a coach or a mastermind group. Everyone deals with fear on some level – even when the change you are creating in your business is overdue, or you’re positive it’s right on target. At some point, those little fears can start to creep in – and that’s a sure sign that you could benefit from some belief work with a coach or mastermind, to help you work through it. Remember, doing it alone is the hard way!

Now this is what I love about our interactive teleclasses: much later in the call, another woman piped up with some wonderful words for the first woman whose time as a solopreneur was coming to an end. She said, “Think of it as your child going off to college. You’re moving to another place in your life, which is wonderful. But letting go of your child is scary.”

Then came the kicker: “But you will be you wherever you go, and you’ll bring your gifts with you,” she said. I love it!

Bottom line, we all have fears to overcome. And rather than keeping your head down and trying to blast through it, it can be helpful to stop and “acknowledge and release” the energy behind your fears. Remind yourself of why you’re in business, and of the unique gifts you bring to the world. Remember that the world needs you!

Have you been putting off making a necessary change in your small business? Do you think fear is playing a role in that decision? Are you ready to let go of what was, and embrace what will be?

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

“Celebrity with Integrity” Style in Action

To be successful in your business you have to be willing to step up and be a leader.  Many people call this being a “celebrity” or a “rock star”…I fondly call it “Celebrity with Integrity.”

I know as a heart-centered entrepreneur you may not be comfortable with the idea of being a “celebrity” (and some of you are very comfortable so you’ve got that going for you!).  Many of us received messages when we were younger about “not hogging the spotlight”, “who do you think you are” and “being too big for your britches”. These were meant in kindness but now as a growing business owner holding on to those messages can keep you small and definitely keep your business from growing.

You see to attract more clients, who want what you have to offer – you have to be willing to step into the spotlight and be seen.  You have to believe in what you offer and know without a doubt that your services/products/program will help change someone’s life or business for the better.  That takes stepping into your authentic power, creating a powerful and authentic presence and embracing being seen as a successful leader – ie:  a bit of celebrity.

Embracing “Celebrity with Integrity” means that you allow yourself to shine brightly with your expertise, your passion and experience knowing that it will give others permission to do the same.

I’d like to share a great example of “Celebrity with Integrity” through one of my Platinum clients.  Ginger Burr, www.TotalImageConsultants.com, is a successful Image Consultant and a passionate vegan.  She is adding her vegan passion to her business to help vegans dress beautifully while honoring animals.

Here is a great example of authentically sharing her beautiful celebrity self in VegNews Magazine website featuring her vegan style wedding.

What makes this work to well: It’s personal, shares that she “lives this lifestyle and walks her talk,” it’s fun, and it highlights her special event and you get that she is dedicated without having to yell “expert” all over the place.  You have no doubt about her credibility and passion for this lifestyle.

What authentic ways can you share your expertise and highlight your passion for your unique work in the world?

En-JOY!

Laura

Are you choking off your flow of money?

Are you choking off the flow of money to you? Are you so immersed in "where is the money" and the panic, insecurity and frustration that goes with it?

This will shut down the cycle of flow into your business for certain. This negative swirl of energy will have you do one of two things - 1. Reach out with a lot of desperate actions. These actions are destined to fail because they come with desperate energy and your potential clients can smell desperation a mile away. 2. You shut down. You do nothing and sit in stuck-ness - feeling the frustration and doubt. This closes off your flow as sure as if you turned off a faucet of flowing water - and gave it an extra twist just to make sure it's off!

What do you do to open up your flow to money?

It's simpler (although not always easier) than you think.

Pause.

Pause, reconnect and then take inspired action.

Take a breath and carve out some time to reconnect with yourself, with others and with spirit. To connect with yourself spend some reflection time on your business. This will be the most important and business-changing thing you do all day. You want to remind yourself of your bigger vision and why you are really in your business which is to help clients have a better life or business. You want to remind yourself of your special and unique gifts that no one else on this planet has exactly like you do. And to remember that there are people waiting for you to show up in their life - they are waiting on YOU to show up. Reconnect to your power center - that place that knows you are on the right path.

Second, open up the connection with others. If you are like me, when you get into this place of doubt you may shut down with others. Instead it's the time to open up the connection with others. This may look like calling a business girlfriend (or guy friend) who believes in you and what you are up to. They will remind you of your brilliance in these moments. Don't call someone who is going to doubt you and question your business even if they are a well meaning family member. They just aren't practiced at the faith that you need.

You want to reach out to someone who believes in you. I just had this type of call from one of my business girlfriends. She is hosting a very big telesummit and its a few days away from launch and she's in panic mode. She was focusing on what isn't happening - why isn't the money coming? I asked her to create a JoyFlow List. This is a list of signs of joy flowing into your business. Just on the phone she was into two pages of amazing things happening but it just wasn't taking on the form she expected. This is the letting go part. You don't always know the form that your purpose (or your expression of your joy) will take. Let go and appreciate the joy that is flowing.

Third, is to reconnect to spirit. Spirit works through you and expresses itself in your business. It is one of the highest opportunities for the expression of your spirit. When you are choking on the lack of money, clients or opportunities, then it's a sign that you aren't letting the flow of spirit into your business. You might think that the thing to do is to "hunker down and do more" but what you really want to do is to "let go and let flow" through who you are "being" in your business. The "being" comes before the "doing." Allow your greatest and brilliant self to show up and THEN take inspired action. This will open up the flow. This can happen through journaling, walking in nature, listening to a meditation CD or talking with a spiritually minded coach.

From this place of pausing, letting go and reconnecting comes the inspired actions. You still may not be clear on all the "hows" of what to do but from this place of connection you will be guided to the next step. When you commit to the next step of inspired action then the next step will appear. It won't appear and be clear to you from a place of worry and doubt - only from that feeling and state of connection.

The action is an important part of the process. Your business won't grow without it. It needs to start first with your connecting, grounding in your "being" a powerful, audaciously savvy CEO of your company and allowing spirit to move through you. From this place you take inspired actions of smart marketing and business growth actions.

What will you do to open up the connection?

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

Joyful Business Podcast #27: How to Get it All Done!

Don't miss another episode - subscribe today and be the first to know when a new podcast comes out  - Join our "Creating Your Joyful Business" newsletter - http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/subscribe.html

Here is the latest episode of the Joyful Business Podcast featuring interviews with some of the most talented and joyful entrepreneurs on the Internet. Each interview is full of nuggets of wisdom about how being joyful and mindful in your business brings you the success you deserve. You'll find tips, stories, and real life ideas for keeping the joy, passion and creativity alive.

Join us every two weeks in The Joyful Business Blog for a new interview.

In episode #27, Kim DeYoung, The Metromom gives us incredible insight into how we can use intuition and quick decision making skills to get it ALL done! She brings great tips and her own personal stories, making this episode a must listen.  

Kim DeYoung is the original Metromom—a driven, evolving woman committed to caring for her family, nurturing her career and achieving success on her own terms. Dynamic, creative and eminently entrepreneurial Kim is the founder of Metromom.com and The Metromom Entrepreneurs Association. Kim left a career in the fashion industry to design a work/life balance on her own terms and now helps other women do the same.

Listen Now:

If you enjoy this Joyful Business Podcast then you'll love our bi-weekly newsletter, Creating Your Joyful Business, filled with resources and how-to's for creating a financially successful business while honoring your lifestyle, your relationships and your creative expression!  Subscribe at: www.JoyfulBusiness.com  and receive your Free Business Attraction Success Kit!

En-JOY!

Laura

The "I Wonder" Game - Joyful Business Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmvPQAJMju8

Hello!

I am excited to unveil my first video for Joyful Business Tools and Strategies for the solo-entrepreneur & small business owner who wants to infuse your business with spirit, joy, creativity and smart business strategies!

Today's video is about the "I Wonder" game.  I just played it with a colleague today and it opens up all sorts of possibility energy - which is a great place to create from!

Please let me know what you think!

En-Joy!

Laura

Joyful Business Podcast #26: Finding Your Wisdom Within

Don't miss another episode - subscribe today and be the first to know when a new podcast comes out  - Join our "Creating Your Joyful Business" newsletter - http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/subscribe.html

Here is the latest episode of the Joyful Business Podcast featuring interviews with some of the most talented and joyful entrepreneurs on the Internet. Each interview is full of nuggets of wisdom about how being joyful and mindful in your business brings you the success you deserve. You'll find tips, stories, and real life ideas for keeping the joy, passion and creativity alive.

Join us every two weeks in The Joyful Business Blog for a new interview.

In episode #26, Rue Hass talks about what an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is and how we can use EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) as a tool to achieve our goals and find your own voice.

 

Rue Hass is an EFT Master (Emotional Freedom Techniques). She fits the temperament profile of Highly Sensitive Person, or “Idealist/Healer.” She has extensive training in psycho-spiritual philosophy and Energy Psychology therapies, and has been in private practice for 23 years as a counselor and Intuitive Mentor.   She works with chronic physical and emotional pain and spiritual life path choices.
 
Her background includes seven years of university teaching, seven years as a staff member of the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland (an international non-denominational spiritual community and educational foundation), being a wife and a mother of two young women now in their twenties. Her teaching style is open, welcoming, clear, grounded, intuitive and flexible.

Listen Now:

If you enjoy this Joyful Business Podcast then you'll love our bi-weekly newsletter, Creating Your Joyful Business, filled with resources and how-to's for creating a financially successful business while honoring your lifestyle, your relationships and your creative expression!  Subscribe at: www.JoyfulBusiness.com  and receive your Free Business Attraction Success Kit!

En-JOY!

Laura