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Emotional Wealth
Emotional wealth is the foundation of a happy, joy-filled, successful life. You can't buy it; it’s not out there, it is an inside job. The most desired emotion people seek is happiness - what they are really seeking is Joy. Happiness is a present moment emotion; joy is a deep internal state of wellbeing. Those who have emotional strength experience joy and lasting success; not as an event but as a journey. Power is an emotional game. Not power over others, real authentic power. If you don’t feel good emotionally, you’re not going to be able to live the life you want to lead. And much of the challenge lies in the fact that we are hardwired to avoid pain, out of a fear of vulnerability and death. "Something is missing!" Do you feel that? Are you at that stage in your life where you’ve worked hard, and smart to acquire, accumulate, advance, obtain; year after year only to be left with the feeling that something is missing? You are not alone. “Yes, I was happy when I got that promotion, when I got married, bought the big house, had children, achieved my ideal body weight, but it didn’t last.” The pursuit of happiness is an elusive dream. Monetary wealth, corporate upward mobility, and the acquisition of things do not bring happiness, meaning or fulfillment. Now What? Emotional wealth can lead to a deep internal state of Joy. Yes, it is available for everyone if you are prepared to cultivate it. Like everything that’s worth having, it takes willingness, commitment, and perseverance but the rewards are well worth the effort. Some people fear that if they start doing the inner work, they will become emotional, they will be vulnerable and weak, they will have to sit in the therapist's chair for endless hours talking about their past or that they will lose everything they have acquired in the external world. No, no, no and no. What actually happens is that you become less “attached” to the material things, more connected to yourself, aligned with your purpose and your truth, and it's like tapping into a superpower. You have a better connection with yourself and others, relationships improve, and you create space to enjoy your success more. I’ll write an article on attachment in the near future. Personal Transformation and Emotional Wealth bring meaning, purpose, fulfillment, and Joy! THAT is what’s missing! Following are common traits of emotionally wealthy people: Everyone can experience emotional wealth. For some, these traits come naturally; for the majority, they are cultivated by developing certain skills they commit to learning and practicing because they know their life satisfaction depends on it. 1. Self-aware Self-awareness is the strongest predictor of overall success; it is the key to emotional wealth. Emotionally wealthy individuals have the capacity for introspection; monitoring thoughts and emotions as they arise, which allows them to act consciously rather than react passively. For this reason, they enjoy a greater depth of life experience. They are more discerning than judgmental and are more likely to be compassionate of others, making them successful leaders. 2. Meditators Emotionally wealthy people meditate regularly. This is how most of them cultivate self-awareness and inner strength. Meditation will move you away from the busyness and negativity of your mind and into a direct experience of your most authentic, powerful Self. In a state of presence you are available to have a direct experience of consciousness; authentic power, freedom and creative brilliance, innovation and joy! 3. Self-Respecting Emotionally wealthy people know their value; they have learned to accept and approve of themselves and do not need the approval of others. They are not attention seekers; they may enjoy the spotlight but they do not need it to boost their self-esteem or prove their worth. They are confident, they command respect and because of their ability to authentically connect with others, they are natural leaders. 4. Emotionally Resilient The emotionally wealthy have a deep inner strength, the result of an unwavering commitment to the truth. They face everything and avoid nothing. They are able to identify, acknowledge, and process the full range of emotions; intense heavy emotions and uplifting positive emotions, knowing that you cannot have one without the other. Stress, challenge, and trauma might play a part in their story but it does not become part of their identity. They know how to be in the present moment without judgment or avoidance; it takes practice, but it is a powerful form of resilience-building. 5. They Let Go Emotionally wealthy individuals know that emotions do not cause pain; resistance causes pain and stagnation. They LET GO of trying to change, fix, avoid, alter or get rid of emotions. They deal with facts and feelings; not stories, interpretations, assumptions or judgments. They experience reality as it is and open to opportunities and possibilities to grow from every challenge they face. Emotionally wealthy individuals have learned to bare their uncomfortable emotions rather than react to them. Sitting with life's uncertainties allows them to reveal valuable and useful insights. They know that happiness is not a given, it is a creation. 6. Own Who They Are Emotionally wealthy individuals honour themselves and their values; they do not compromise who they are or what they believe in for anyone. They do what they do in life because they feel passion. They are not inclined to slow down, change or stop being who they are to please others or avoid conflict. They are not concerned with being liked; self-respect is more important to them and for that reason, they are often respected. They remain true to their values, vision, and purpose. 7. Courageous Emotionally wealthy people are not afraid to go after what they want. They consistently step outside their comfort zone and patiently work through fears and self-doubt. These individuals choose to show up fully and bring their personal best to everything they do, they commit to excellence, not perfection. They know that change is uncomfortable; they do it anyway because exploring their edge makes them feel alive and allows them to evolve, realize more of their potential and make a greater contribution. 8. Keen Observers of People They deliberately keep the company of others who are inspiring, honest, committed and consistently evolving in their lives. They don’t have all the answers, they are more interested in what they do not know because that’s how they evolve. They value the input and wisdom of other intelligent, creative, emotionally wealthy people. They are aware of individuals who may be controlling, manipulative, insincere, playing games or have a personal agenda. They may or may not call them out but they will never tolerate them for long. 9. Authentic Emotionally wealthy people aren't afraid to be transparent, real or vulnerable. They have the courage to show the world who they are. They let people in because they know all good relationships are based on the qualities of openness, honesty, authenticity, and integrity. There are no guessing games with these people. Others know exactly where they stand with them. They are known to speak their truth with kindness. (Truth without kindness can be mean) and they are kind. Emotionally wealthy individuals expect the best from others and give the best of themselves at all times. 10. Good Listeners Emotionally wealthy individuals are good listeners, they know how to listen with the intention to understand, not to react or respond. They know how to be with adversity and when to ask the right questions or offer encouragement. They can draw out the strength in others and support them to solve their own challenges. 11. Humble Emotionally Wealthy individuals are humble. They have a vision that goes beyond their own self-interest, they encourage collaboration over competition, they draw out the best in others and are more likely to express appreciation and acknowledge contribution. They are able to accurately assess their own strengths and weaknesses, they do not view themselves and superior or inferior knowing both are out of balance perceptions that interfere with their power. They ASK: questions when they don’t know; for support, mentoring, or coaching because they are life long learners and committed to being their personal best. If maximum evolution occurs at the border of chaos and order then emotional wealth is a measure of the amount of time it takes to move from chaos to order. Who could you be with the support of a coach? We all have complex lives. You and I are each unique individuals juggling our own set of important priorities. And if you really want to get clarity as to what’s the next right step for YOU - it takes another person - a coach - to understand what’s on the table for you. When you get a coach who understands you, they can really help you select your priorities and find the path of action that's right for YOU. I would like to invite you to a Free 30-Minute Clarity Session, this is not a sales call. It’s an opportunity to get clear about how you can move toward more personal power and emotional wealth. This link will expire December 27th. Book now! https://my.timetrade.com/book/SWYLJ I found an excellent article: “If Humble People Make the Best Leaders Why do We Fall for Charismatic-narcissists?” https://hbr.org/2017/04/if-humble-people-make-the-best-leaders-why-do-we-fall-for-charismatic-narcissists
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10 Tips to Make Your Life Better, Starting TODAY!
Be Grateful for What You Have. Make a list of 5 things you are truly grateful for, and then (this is the most important part) write down WHY you are grateful for them. When you stop to remember what you have instead of worrying about what you may not be getting, it changes your perspective for the better. Gratitude brings you into the present moment and connects you to your heart and soul. Start Your Day the Night Before. Review your day and, without judgment, acknowledge what went well and what didn't go so well. Set an intention to do it differently next time. Make a list of what you will do tomorrow. This allows the subconscious to work on things while you sleep. Be Ready to Grow Up. You can't control what happens but you can control how you handle it. Look at the facts, without judgment and be clear about the approach that will bring you to the best possible outcome. Take Action. Take responsibility for yourself and the way you address the challenges in your life. Handle Change Like a Master! Change Your Mind and Your Attitude. The only thing standing between you and life you truly want is thoughts, beliefs, and blocked emotions. If things are not going your way ask yourself, "What do I believe about myself or this situation that is creating this outcome? What would I need to believe and how would I need to feel to create the outcome I want? Get this right and it will literally blow your MIND how quickly you can turn things around. Don’t Ignore Your Emotions, but remember that feelings aren’t facts. If you want to experience a transformation (if you want your life to be better, you do) you would be wise to learn how to identify, and clear blocked emotions. This step the often overlooked and it is THE PLACE where most progress can be made. Where Real Change can take place. Emotions need to be honored—they don’t have to be justified—but just because you have a feeling doesn’t mean that you are right. Watch Out for Negative Thinking. Sometimes we get into negative feedback loops and don’t even know it. Those negative thoughts are created by beliefs which create negative emotions which cause you to behave in ways that sabotage your success in all areas of life. You can change your mind, you can release those negative emotions, you have the power to get yourself out of a negative feedback loop. Look at the facts, acknowledge how you are feeling, allow yourself to experience the emotion, breathe and be with it - you'll be surprised how it will dissolve. Set Up and Stick to a Routine. We are creatures of habit; and good habits, such as getting regular exercise, make us feel better. Maintaining good habits also helps us feel that we have some control over our lives. Just do it. Focus and work in 90 minute intervals. Take a 15 minute break, get a glass of water, some fresh air, do a few sun salutations, then focus for another 90 minutes. You'll be amazed at how much more you will get done and you'll be more efficient. Let Go of Your Resentments. We all have them and they are a big barrier to your happiness and progress in life. List the five closest people in your life, then list five things you resent about each of them. You'll find them. This is not about them, it's about you. Parents, partners, peers, children, employees, colleagues...resentments take up too much psychic space to allow us to function properly. Set a clear intention that you are ready to release these resentments and set yourself free. Let them Go!! Know Who You Really Are, and learn to honor yourself. What is most important to YOU? What is your Life's Purpose? What are your deepest core values? What brings you joy? What breaks your heart? Never compromise your personal values and always strive to be The Best Version of YOU! Enjoy a Part of Every Day. When you are living your Life's Purpose you will naturally enjoy each day more. You'll create more of those bright moments, every day. Make a point of seeing some good in every day, and you will change your life. Handle Change Like a Master! To Your Brilliant Future! With Gratitude and Grace, Michelle There is, within each of us, an impulse to evolve –- to grow, be more, do more, have more, and experience more. I often hear people say, “I know I’m capable of doing much more, but I’m not sure what I want to do or how to make it happen.” Here is the key:
The way I see it: Life begins where your comfort zone ends. Wanting more out of life is natural. For many people the majority of what they are doing has nothing to do with what is most important to them. So they are exhausted and unfulfilled. Imagine what could be possible for you if you took the time to discover what is truly important to you, prioritized your time and activities and started living up to your full potential. So much of what you are capable of has yet to be discovered and explored — aren’t you curious? So, what’s stopping you? Why don’t you have the life you can picture yourself having? Why aren't you the person you know you can be? Here’s the thing –- we don’t evolve by doing the same things over and over. To realize more of your potential, you will need to step out of your comfort zone and start living on your evolutionary edge. Challenge yourself, take risks, think, feel and do things you have never done before, it can be scary. Most people won’t even step out onto that edge because it is uncomfortable. We are hard-wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. We take the first twinge of discomfort as a sign that we are doing something wrong, or heading in the wrong direction, and will immediately retreat back to the comfort zone. How comfortable is your comfort zone? Think about how many of these words apply to how you are feeling about your life right now: stuck, stagnant, dull, lifeless, uninspired, indifferent, disengaged, isolated, confused, doubtful, struggling, helpless, powerless, insignificant, hopeless, negative, unenthusiastic, incapable, weak, disconnected, unhappy, tired, anxious, depressed, angry, mediocre, surviving, dwelling on the past… Are you feeling comfortable? Staying too long in your comfort zone will create the worst kind of pain. If pain or mediocrity has become your comfort zone, perhaps you have overstayed your welcome. All possibilities exist in what Deepak Chopra calls “the field of pure potentiality” our unexplored potential, the unknown; but in the "unknown" you don’t know what’s going to happen or how, so you choose to go back to the predictability of your comfort zone. You feel safe with the outcome of your actions there because you’ve experienced it before. But inevitably you will meet with failure –- those habitual thoughts, ideas, and actions are only good enough to get us what we already have. What if the challenges you currently face are the map you need to get you back to your inspired, enthusiastic, radiant self. How would your life be different if you made a conscious decision to get up each day and just give it all you’ve got? If you decided to show up for life every day and commit yourself to being as excellent as you can be, how would your life change? It’s OKAY to acknowledge if you are afraid or uncomfortable, but are you willing? If you are willing to “get comfortable being uncomfortable,” to live on the edge of what you know and don’t know, what you have explored and experienced and what is waiting to be experienced and developed, the possibilities are endless. The path to self-discovery may be awkward and scary, but is also exciting! It’s about doing new things, having new experiences, meeting new people, and having fun! So here’s the question: Where is your edge? Where is it in your career?… In your relationships? Your health? Your finances? Your social life? Where is it in your education and mental development? In your spiritual development? The evolutionary edge is where our change and growth occurs –- where we learn about ourselves, progress, and become more flexible mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Imagine feeling courageous, confident, energized, challenged, passionate, adventurous, empowered, creative, vulnerable, willing, committed. When you are living on your edge, you are allowing, thriving, facing your fears, taking chances, speaking your truth, living in the moment, experiencing the experience. You will open yourself up to new opportunities, move in the direction of full self-expression, know yourself and feel comfortable in your skin. You will live your life with conviction, purpose, honesty, integrity, excellence, self-esteem, trust, and gratitude. If you are satisfied with mediocrity, then being your best and living on your edge every once in a while will do just fine. But if you are interested in living a fabulous life, you must live on your edge EVERY DAY. A fabulous life is nothing more than a series of fabulously lived days strung together. Remember, life in the comfort zone is not that comfortable anyway, so you might as well choose to live with the discomfort that will benefit you -– Explore Your Edge! If you are going to OWN who YOU are,
Know Who You ARE and Who You Are NOT! The Way I See It. I know this is a gross simplification of a complicated subject, but I need a starting point. We'll divide YOU into three distinct parts, in reality, you're a combination of all three with one area dominating. You can decide which. We'll label the three parts -1 0 +1 -1 Programmed and Conditioned Self, Ego, aka, Persona, Mask, Self-image; this is who YOU are not! (This is who most people THINK they are.) 0 Natural State of Being, Neutral, who YOU are, aka, presence, ground zero, authentic self, essence, soul connection +1 Highest Future Potential, who YOU can be, everything in 0 and more, beyond what we can imagine. I'll describe all three separately, but before I start, I'll mention that you will probably see yourself as some combination of all three. Most people live 97% of the time in "-1" with the occasional experience of presence in "0" and rare moments of an opening into expanded states of "+1". More people are waking up to "0" and living conscious lives, but still wavering back to "-1" enough to have a significant negative impact on their lives. I encourage and offer gentle but powerful tools that help my clients release "-1" and use "0" as a platform to open up and reach for "+1". Read on. We are all capable of "0" and "+1" states, and there is something inside, a restlessness and a knowing that we are capable of more. We just don't know what that is or how to get there. When you are separate from your authentic power and essence, as most people are, (Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually) you seek symbols of power to demonstrate and validate your worth and compensate for the void you feel inside. Many are seeking money, position, title, toys and control over others to prove their worth. From "-1" you see yourself as inferior or superior, and neither are true. Disconnected from your source of high energy and authentic power, you feel physically drained, tired, exhausted and reach for stimulants to keep your energy up; coffee, sugar, drugs, other chemical stimulants. Instead of deep intimacy and the profound connection we are all capable of, many seek intensity in through negative experiences and activities that create an adrenaline rush; extreme sports, risk taking for the thrill or drama, anger and rage. In business, it's the difference between, success and significance, fast vs. deep, ambition vs. meaning, net worth vs. self-worth, performance vs. discovery, importance vs. impact, accumulation vs. abundance, achievement vs. fulfillment, valuables vs. values, competition vs. connection, making it big vs. making a big difference. The further you move away from who you are, the more uncomfortable your life experience. As a child, your mother, father, teacher, preacher, authority and community contributed to shaping your sense of self. We do not need to make anyone wrong or use this to judge, but it is important to understand how we all got where we are. -1 Programmed and Conditioned, Ego, Persona This is not who you are, but most likely, due to conditioning, wounding and trauma, (primarily mental and emotional), this is the aspect you identify with most. Disconnected from your natural source of empowerment, you often experience fear, self-doubt, uncertainty, stress and anxiety. You may feel stuck, distracted, frustrated, compare yourself to others, thinking they have it together, everyone seems to have it together except you. You have a tendency to hide, isolate, disconnect from emotions, and numb out with food, TV, social media, alcohol, sex. Your thoughts, if you could hear them out loud, are in the past or future, anywhere but here in the present, there is a good reason for this which I will discuss later. You are busy, trying to get it right, working hard to get somewhere you're just not sure exactly where you are supposed to be. You do not trust life to unfold in a way that will work out for you. Opportunities are limited because you are in reaction to the past and focused on trying to create something in the future. You are rarely present, especially when it matters - when there is a challenge. You believe something is wrong with you; you're not good enough, not ready, not smart enough, pretty enough, successful enough, fit enough, just not enough. You judge yourself and others, feel depressed and abandon your needs to take care of others. In the face of challenge, you react rather than respond. You're attached to having things turn out a certain way so you can feel good. You are prone to depression, anger, resentment - blaming your situation on the government, economy, partner, boss, colleagues or family. Dark moods are frequent; you believe this is happening to you, you are the victim. You are an intelligent human being, how can this be your life? In this contracted state, you are not available to "choose," you are in reaction, and you will continue to run your old story and repeat old patterns like the hamster running on the wheel that goes nowhere. You can change this. Are you ready to get off that wheel? 0 - Ground Zero, Your Natural State of Being, The Real YOU, Neutral Given that this is your natural state of being, it is shocking how little time and attention goes here. Connected to an authentic source of internal power, that's been there all along, imagine that we have gently and compassionately removed the old programming and conditioning, stories and wounds. It's all mental and emotional, and we have the power to change it. You are grounded, confident, capable, happy, light, carefree, trusting yourself, trusting life and others. You are open to possibilities and opportunities and often step out of your comfort zone to take advantage of them. You feel alive, energized, enthusiastic and ready for life! You are resilient in the face of life challenges. Connected to your authentic power, you feel alive. When aligned with inner knowing there is desire, connection, and a sense of well-being. It enhances your immune system, releases anti-aging hormones, is responsible for your ability to innovate, create and contribute your gifts with passion. Rational and willing are combined with creative, intuitive, inspired and lively. Now that's a powerful woman! You are awake, aware, conscious, present, in touch with and experiencing the full range of emotions without getting stuck in them. With emotions flowing, you no longer need to shove them down with food, alcohol, shopping or numb out with TV, social media or any other distraction. You are free to make healthy food choices that bring your body to ideal weight, for good. You feel energized and also have the desire to exercise because it feels good and you feel good. You know what you want and being present; know exactly how to choose what's best for you and you do, every time. With the past cleaned up, you are available to focus on the present; you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. You are exploring your edge in all areas of life, and your life is unfolding; you are growing and realizing more of your potential every day. You commit to a daily practice of nourishing your soul; elevating your energy, you experience goodness, truth, and beauty expressing through you. You know yourself, and you know how to connect deeply with others in meaningful, intimate, loving relationship. You are tuned in and turned on by life. You are sensual, creative, powerful and engaged in authentic, intimate relationships. You experience pleasure in many ways; tasting delicious food, sounds of nature, music and laughter, beauty surrounds you. Your intuition which you trust implicitly leads you in the right direction 100% of the time. You have unique gifts, talents and personality traits that you have honed in a way that allow you to live your life on purpose. The focus is on nurturing and strengthening your soul every day while moving forward. This nurturing is the ultimate act of self-love, self-respect and is the most direct route to true self-confidence. +1 Highest Future Potential You are living from the inside out. Inspired, joyful, loving, light, and present you experience communion, connection and collaboration with other highly evolved beings. Gratitude, appreciation, grace, alignment, illumination, peace, beauty, kindness, care, admiration, dignity, clarity, focus are words that describe a lived experience at this level of consciousness. You align with your creative power, live your highest potential, listen to your higher intelligence, trust your intuition and courageously act on it! You live a surrendered life, aligned with your truth, purpose, and essence, you are contributing your unique gifts and experience how creativity expands as you engage with others, collectively. You are a living example for your children, our next generation, your life is a contribution to the elevation of consciousness. In a variety of ways, your soul-centered creativity is expressed through dance, art, writing and verbal communication. You have cultivated relationships in a community that wants what is best for you, that wants you to thrive that will be there to support and encourage you to be the best you can be.  You know that beautiful, aligned, quiet space you experience at the end of your yoga class, I can teach you how to bring that experience into your daily life.
I fell in love with yoga because of that elusive state of presence that I would experience in, and for a shot time after the class. Sadly, I would leave the studio and my to do list would drop down, my mind would start racing, my phone would start ringing, and I would re-engage with all the stress and tension I had before the class. Inner alignment and outer resonance. Deepen your yoga practice and stand in an empowered relationship to life. The purpose of yoga has always been to bring about a transformation in the person through the transcendence of the EGO. All this talk about EGO...if you are going to transcend it, you'll need to know how to identify it, how it is plant out in your life, and then untangle it's grip to experience more FREEDOM. Yoga in service to your ego is shallow and empty, just stretching, exercise and look what I can do, and it must mean that I'm special, better than.... Yoga in service to your authentic self is healing, aligning, alive and will bring you in touch with your passion, purpose and real power, your sexual essence. The practice of yoga has less to do with how flexible you are and more to do with how much you understand and can align with the essence of yoga. Yoga teachers and students will benefit greatly from this information. By putting your attention on the inner alignment, you will change in many ways. You'll be able to differentiate between ego and authentic self which will allow you to make better choices. You'll live life in a more conscious way, aligned with your values and purpose and more present to experience meaning, happiness, joy. You'll be less reactive and more available to respond to life with clarity, certainty, and confidence. You can focus on your highest priorities, and that will lead to you having what you want. You'll start to know yourself in a way you can't even imagine right now. You'll feel all your emotions and have a deeper connection with yourself and others; your relationships will improve. Handle challenges more efficiently and confidently. You won’t depend on outcomes to feel happy or satisfied. You'll gain traction, move forward and live the life you are meant to live. You will be more open to RECEIVE!! Do others expect you to be on fire, happy, filled with joy and love at all times? Are you suffering in silence because you expect that of yourself? I know that I did. My commitment to the physical practice of yoga brought forth all the areas of my life that were not in alignment with my truth, my purpose, and my BEING. My willingness to consistently address those issues has allowed me to develop personally and stay in the flow. A high functioning, aligned human being is physically fit, mentally focused, emotionally balanced and spiritually aligned. The yoga you practice on the mat, if practiced with awareness, will bring you closer to your true nature and will illuminate the aspects of yourself that are no longer serving your highest good. With the right tools, this is great news. I spent many years addressing these issues and would be honored to support you in doing the same. We all have an accumulation of unresolved emotions that interrupt or block the flow of life force and the movement of life. You will understand how to use those emotions to deepen all your relationships, starting with the most important one, the relationship with yourself. There are an estimated 30 to 40 million people on the planet right now practicing yoga. Most of them are practicing in a superficial way; this is an opportunity to take your next step, to go deeper. We are all in this together, as you go deeper in your practice, your presence has a positive impact on everyone in your life. Inherent in every challenge is the POTENTIAL for growth, IF you know how to use the challenge to transform. Most people miss the most important steps in this process and fall back into old habits and patterns. I’m going to show you EXACTLY how to move beyond your edge and open to something greater. I’m going to take you through a simple but powerful process that will allow you to experience for yourself how to turn every challenge into an opportunity for transformation and development. Yoga wakes you up to the connection with your creative intelligence, your most authentic self, and Transformational Life Coaching offers the structure and direction for your development. It is the perfect partnership. How Awake, Alive and Connected are YOU Ready to BE? To Your Brilliant Future! My deepest wound and greatest challenge has been an issue of low self-worth which stood as a barrier to Self-love. I've come to see the lack of self love is at the root of every problem. I know that most people struggle with this. I see it every day. We have a lot of work to do in this area. Where do we start?
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AuthorMichelle Burns 
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