It’s been a busy 2010 so far for me, as I’ve been Manifesting many new Possibilities in my business so that I have even more to offer you. Read on to learn more. Also, I will have a brand new version of my website to unveil in March, and I’m anxious to get it launched.

I wish you all a February filled with love, especially the most important kind of love of all, Self Love.

All the best to you,

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach
Yoga Instructor

Looking for a Whole Person Assessment?

I’ve just completed training for The Wellness Inventory, which is a “whole person” assessment and lifestyle program designed to help you gain personal insight into your state of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. The program offers guidance and tools to transform this new awareness into lasting changes in your life, and a renewed sense of health and wellbeing.

Click the wheel to learn more and contact me if you’d like to experience the assessment.

NEXT WOMEN’S RETREAT
February 19-21, 2010

Please join me for my second women’s retreat, held in a lake-front private home where you can draw upon the serenity of natural surroundings to connect deeply with yourself and other like- minded women.

During this retreat, you will experience:
Reconnection with your body, mind and spirit through gentle Yoga classes, journaling or reading by the fire.
Pampering for yourself with the opportunity to schedule private life coaching or massage sessions.
Sisterhood and connection through sharing and movement.
Provacative workshops to enhance your life experience.
Rejuvenation from the stresses and pressures of your world.
To learn more and register, click here. Only 1 spot left!!!

Dear Maripat,

Happy 2010 (almost!),

The New Year is a pivotal time for us all.  What is 2010 going to mean for you? Time to create something new? Time to stop a way of thinking or being that no longer serves you?

I’ve created a process where you can acknowledge and learn from all that has occurred for you in 2009, as well as create intentions for 2010. Contact me if you’d like to set an appointment to develop your unique plan.  This is a fun, yet powerful, process that will help ensure that your intentions are realized.  Whether you partner with me or not, I’d really like to see all of you take time to focus on what you’d like to see happen in 2010.

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach

New Year’s Resolutions: How to Make Them So You Can Keep Them

This will be the fourth year in a row Katie L. has made a New Year’s Resolution to exercise more. She’s also vowed to lose weight (an annual resolution since 2006), and to finally start that novel (this one goes all the way back to the 90s.) Like two out of every five Americans, Katie begins every new year with stout resolve and good intentions. But like most who make New Year’s Resolutions, by the time the spring fashions hit the shop windows, all that resolve has gone the way of last year’s colors. No exercise program. No weight loss and, sadly, no novel. Not even a beginning chapter. What goes wrong? Katie’s problem, and the difficulty most people face in keeping their resolutions, is that changing behavior involves more than simply vowing to do so. A lot more. So, whether you want to do more or less of something, quit something altogether or start something new, here are a few tips that can help. Be sure the change you vow to make is something you really want, not just something you think you should do or something you’re doing for someone else. Altering habits is hard work; if you’re not going after something you really want, you set yourself up for failure. Be specific. Instead of vowing to “lose weight,” be specific: five pounds by March 15. Vague words like “more,” “better” or “less” don’t give you a toehold to measure against. State your goal in incremental, measurable, specific terms. Be certain it’s attainable, too. To go from a sitting position to running a marathon in six weeks may be too long a distance to travel in that short a time. Accentuate the positive. When you just say no, you’re reminding yourself of what you can’t have or can’t do. Instead of saying “no fatty foods,” say “nonfat milk and fruits for dessert.” Instead of saying “I can’t smoke,” try “I’m choosing a smoke-free lifestyle.” Believe in yourself. Positive self-talk, affirmations and encouragement really do help. Even if you fail the first time that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to failure. Like the song says, “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.” Be easy on yourself if you lapse. Change is often a two steps forward, one step back process. Easy does it. Set your goals in short, manageable steps rather than one giant leap. Start off slowly: go to the gym twice a week instead of four times; walk a block instead of a mile; begin with a low-fat breakfast, in a few weeks you can tackle lunch, after that, dinner. As for Katie and her novel, at last report, she committed to a page a day, four days a week. At that rate, by the end of 2010, she’ll have more than 200 pages completed – two-thirds of her way to a good-sized novel. How about you?  What are you looking to create for 2010?

Here they come, ready or not! The holidays are here, and you swore it would all be different this year. Take heart. It’s not too late. With intention, it really can be different this year. First thing to remember - take good care of yourself: Eat healthfully, get plenty of rest, exercise, drink lots of water. Breathe deeply. Relax and have fun.

I wish you, and all those important to you, my best during this season. May you be graced with the warmth of love and peace.

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach

Ten Tips for Holiday Ease

Put yourself on your holiday “do” list.Take as much time for yourself as you give to others.  Find ways to be quiet and restful.  Take a walk, a yoga class, some deep breaths.  Rather than spending time baking sugary items, cut up fresh vegetables and fruit to have on hand when faced with temptations.  Treat yourself to healthy snacks you don’t normally buy. Make decisions only after asking, “Will this add or subtract to my holiday?”You don’t have to accept every invitation, or be the first to volunteer to host an event.  If you don’t enjoy sending holiday cards, dare to skip the tradition.  Perhaps giving in another way to the folks on your card list will provide more joy to you and the recipient. Ask for help.Decorating, wrapping, and coming up with creative ideas are more fun to do together.  Ask for support in finishing your projects. Plan for the 2010 holiday season.Right now, set up a holiday savings plan for next year.  Just think, if you saved $100 a month between now and next December, you’d have $1200 to spend next year. Give the gift of YOU.Do something for someone that makes you feel incredible and doesn’t cost much.  Write a long letter to a distant relative; deliver a vegetable tray to a health conscious friend; offer to drive someone less fortunate to an event.  Or simply listen without an agenda. Embrace the law of circulation.If possible, hire someone to clean your house, wrap your presents, or do any task that stresses you. If you hate to cook, order some prepared foods.  Now is the time to do it.  Give the gift of supporting someone else’s income, while relieving yourself of the stress that is involved in doing things you dread. Get curious.Ask your family and friends what most lights them up at the holidays.  You may feel obligated to bake your signature cookies, when in fact, they only make the recipients feel lousy!  Check in and find out which holiday traditions should stay and which should get the boot. Simplify gift giving.Can you get the men on your list one gift, and the women another; or all of your nieces the same item? Can you purchase gift certificates?  Can you order all items online? Stay Present.Don’t miss the many gifts of your surroundings because you are too busy checking things off your list.  Connecting with your breath will help you remain present. Honor yourself, even with houseguests. If you enjoy a daily run, time for meditation or an early bedtime, don’t skip it because guests are with you.  Stay true to the routines that nourish you, and everyone will be happier.

Happy Halloween!

As we approach the holidays, I have a few questions for you:

• How would you like to treat your physical self during the holiday season?
• How would you like to treat your emotional self during the holiday season?
• What intentions do you need to put into place now to ensure that you meet your goals?

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach

Listening to Our Bodies. They Know More than We Do!

The body holds much of the information we need to function at our best, but too often we ignore its messages and plow ahead with what our minds tell us. Perhaps because we’re not taught from early on to pay attention to internal messages as well as external demands, we frequently ignore our body’s communications. So we take another extra-strength aspirin rather than investigating what’s causing our head to ache. We use more caffeine or sugar to give us a lift when we feel tired, rather than hearing our body’s message about needing rest or recognizing our fatigue as an early symptom of burnout we’d do well to heed. A look at our pets may be all the message we need about the value of naps. We fail to take into account the thousand little messages communicated to us by how we’re holding ourselves: the mouth that’s pinched and tight rather than relaxed. The fact that our shoulders are up around our ears, the knot of tension in our stomach as we promise to do something when closer consideration might tell us we are already over-extended. These days we’re notorious for putting deadlines ahead of the protests of aching bones or inadequately nourished bellies. (Is there hidden wisdom in calling a due date a deadline in the first place?) Instead of asking our body what it wants, we go for the quick fill-up or the comfort food that may be the last thing we really need. So what to do to give your body an equal say in how you use it? Start with the breath. Breathing consciously is a major part of body awareness. Turn off thoughts and just let yourself experience the inflow and outflow of breath. Label them, “In. Out. In. Out.” Note how and where you are breathing or failing to, a clear sign something important is going on. Allow yourself quiet time. Sit for ten minutes just observing yourself, even (especially!) in the middle of a busy day. Meditate. Take a walk or a nap. Allow time to do nothing. Soak in a hot tub rather than taking a quick shower. Get a massage. It’s not self-indulgence to be massaged; it wakes up the whole nervous system and helps you tune in. Use your journal to dialogue with your body. Ask your body how it’s feeling, what it wants, what’s going on. Give that sore wrist or stiff lower back a voice and let it tell you what its message is. Eat when hungry, sleep when tired. Take a week and really pay attention to your body’s most basic needs. Do your real rhythms for eating and sleeping conform to the habits you’ve established? If they don’t, change them! Do a body inventory to relax. Start with your toes and work upwards. Scan your body from the inside. Or try tensing each part slightly, then relaxing it to release residual tension. Practice mindfulness. Get used to tuning in to your physical self, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. And if your body suggests rolling down a grassy hillside, taking flight on a playground swing, or skipping down a winding path, why resist? Its impulses hold the key to our well-being!

Happy September. I trust you are enjoying the change of the season.

I appreciate all of you, and hope you enjoy this edition.

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach

BASKING IN THE GLOW

...of Our Women’s Retreat Weekend Nourishing Enlightening Rejuvenating Fabulous! Those are just a few of the words participants used to describe our first ever Women’s Retreat. I’ve just returned and am still basking in the glow of the experience. Although I knew the weekend would be amazing, I had no concept of just HOW amazing it would be. During our closing circle, many of the participants named this weekend as “the best weekend of my summer.” Wow. It doesn’t get any better than that. One of my intentions as facilitator was to TRUST, let go, and allow for things to unfold naturally. This was a new way of being for me. While of course I had all the materials and plans in place, normally I tend to over-prepare to the point where I am exhausted at the start of any event I am leading! I did not do that this time, and I believe that my letting go is what allowed the unexpected gifts of the weekend to unfold. And there were many such surprises that I could never had imagined or planned….from Poi (fire dancing) under the stars to the sheer depth of connection that was created between us. Special thanks to my magnificent co-facilitators that gifted participants with education, relaxation and connection: Debbie Berg, whose skilled reflexology and gentle spirit relaxed toes and feet. If you are in the Illinois area, you must treat yourself to her magic hands. Visit her website at: www.dbreflexology.com Beth Rieke, who guided us brilliantly through “The Work” of Byron Katie. She offers a free half-hour session of “The Work,” which I’d highly recommend you try. Visit her website at: www.yogacoachbeth.com Jen Stanley, N.D., who taught us about the benefits of a raw food diet, while preparing the delicious and healthy recipes that we enjoyed. Jen is available for naturopathic phone consultations or in-person appointments in the Illinois area. Contact her by: Phone: 224-715-0663 Email: fromscratchbaker@aol.com Here are some of the key insights that participants are taking back into the life after the retreat: “That I need to throw some of life’s baggage into the lake.” “That I still have everything I need within me; I just have to tap back into the source.” “How tired and stressed out I really was.” “It is ok to take care of just me sometimes and that I can’t control everything that happens in life.” “I value myself more as a wise woman with much to give to life.” “I have a focus as to where my life is going – career, health, body, and have more clarity – greater authenticity over the long haul.” And these particularly kind words: “Maripat, you give me inspiration for the kind of woman and life coach I want to become. It seems that you do everything with care.” Something magical happened on this retreat, as nine women stepped out of their daily routine and into a peaceful, safe environment, each ready and willing to learn more about themselves, connect and refuel. I will definitely be offering future retreats – so stay tuned for details. And I am always open to your ideas on this, and any of my offerings, so please feel free to email me. Perhaps the best endorsement for this first Women’s Retreat Weekend came during our closing circle, when each participant ended by saying, “Same time next year?”

Wishing you a wonderful August, Maripat Abbott, CPCC Life Coach Certified Yoga Instructor

Rejuvenation, Relaxation, Reconnection, RETREAT

“The myth is, when you focus on yourself you are being selfish. The reality is, if you don’t know your true self and cultivate an ongoing relationship with her, you can’t truly be with or give to anyone else.” ~ Jennifer Louden, The Woman’s Retreat Book I attended my first retreat about 13 years ago, on the advice of a wise mentor. My daughter was three at the time, and leaving my family behind was not an easy decision. In fact, it involved a lot of letting go: letting go of the belief that I was the only one qualified to care for her, letting go of the notion that I was selfish to take time away from my family, letting go of my belief that there wasn’t enough time, letting go of the feeling that as a stay-at-home mom, I hadn’t “earned” time away, and the list goes on. I wanted a retreat that would allow me to connect more fully with my body, and ended up at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Since that time I’ve been on many vacations, but not one has remained “in my bones” like this very first retreat. I remember almost all of the nuances of this experience – the way the trees bent as the storm rolled in over the mountains, the way my full, deep, resonant breathing unlocked my nervous system, even the taste of the apple cinnamon tea I drank in the cafeteria alone at night. I even remember vividly the content of a few of my dreams. This time alone was my first taste of yoga and deep relaxation…my desire to instruct yoga was born then. I wonder now if I ever would have slowed down enough to hear the call to teach had I not chosen this retreat. I definitely needed the jumpstart of a five-night retreat in order to fully realize my desire. And not only did my family fare incredibly well without me, my husband fully supported additional trips. He could see that the woman who returned was calmer and more grounded…far more enjoyable to have around! As I stand on the precipice of hosting my very first women’s retreat, I feel humbled – leading women more deeply into themselves is an honor. As I excitedly prepare the materials for the weekend, I feel abundant with ideas that will contribute to the ideal environment for nurturance and fun. There are still four spaces left. Check in with yourself and ask, is this retreat for me? If so, join the group – you are most welcome. Click here for details. If the timing is not right for this particular retreat, perhaps you will join us next time. Meanwhile, please see below for ideas on how to create your own retreat, right where you are.

A WOMEN’S RETREAT ~ AUGUST 21-23

Please join me for my first women’s retreat, held in a lake-front private home where you can draw upon the serenity of natural surroundings to connect deeply with yourself and other like-minded women. During this retreat, you will experience: Reconnection with your body, mind and spirit through gentle Yoga classes, journaling or scenic walks. Pampering for yourself with the opportunity to schedule private life coaching, massage or reflexology sessions. Provacative workshops to enhance your life experience. Sisterhood and connection through sharing by beach-front evening bonfires and interactive workshops. Rejuvenation from the stresses and pressures of your world. Space is limited to ensure deep connection. Click here to register and learn more.

Rejuvenate your spirit with an at-home retreat

When it’s simply not possible to jet away to an exotic retreat center, with a little creativity you can create a beautiful retreat experience at home. Here are some general guidelines: Use rituals to open and close your retreat so that the time is set apart from your regular life – for example, you may light a candle, play special music, decorate your space or wear a particular outfit. Put boundaries in place to protect your time and retreat space – for example, hire a babysitter or explain carefully to your family that you will be unavailable, just as if you had actually gone away. Set an intention for the retreat, without planning the outcome – for example, you may want to be open to guidance about a problem you are having, or clarity about a new venture you are embarking on, or healing and recovery after a busy or painful time. Now that you have the basics handled, it’s time for the details. Mix and match from this list of retreat ingredients for your own perfect recipe: Cultivate your creativity – Gather colored pencils, sketchpads, magazines, instruments, notepaper, music, etc. and open yourself up to your creative muse. Luxuriate in the bath – Sink into oil-laden water, surrounded by, candles, music and incense. Journal - Have pen and paper ready at your fingertips to capture insights, reflections, visions, intentions and other thoughts and ideas. – Consider starting a “mini-retreat journal” to record your intentions and visions. Be in your body – Full, deep, resonant breath is one of the quickest paths to relaxation. Try abdominal breaths while reciting a favorite mantra. An at-home retreat does not have to be limited to a special event that takes lots of planning and time. You can do this monthly, weekly or even daily. Even 30 minutes of focused “me time” will enable you to reenter the world feeling rejuvenated, grounded and more at peace.

Life Lessons from

A WOMEN’S RETREAT ~ AUGUST 21-23

Please join me for my first women’s retreat, held in a lake-front private home where you can draw upon the serenity of natural surroundings to connect deeply with yourself and other like- minded women. During this retreat, you will experience: Reconnection with your body, mind and spirit through gentle Yoga classes, journaling or scenic walks. Pampering for yourself with the opportunity to schedule private life coaching, massage or reflexology sessions. Provacative workshops to enhance your life experience. Sisterhood and connection through sharing by beach-front evening bonfires and interactive workshops. Rejuvenation from the stresses and pressures of your world. Space is limited to ensure deep connection. Click here to register and learn more.

Prosperity Tele-seminar

Overcoming Underearning Tele-seminar Would you like to recession-proof your mind? If so, then I invite you to join me for a tele-seminar based on Barbara Stanny’s book, Overcoming Underearning®: A 5 Step Plan to A Richer Life. This 5 session series will help you become proactive during these uncertain economic times rather than reactive, by diving into the inner and outer work necessary to achieve prosperity. There’s no better time to move into a place of power, not fear, around your financial future. Imagine joining with a community of fellow prosperity seekers from the comfort of your own home. The only equipment you need is a telephone, a copy of the Overcoming Underearning® book, and a journal for notes. You’ll find more details about the class experience here. A graduate of the series had this to say: “I am so grateful that Maripat offered a tele-class to accompany reading this book. I had read parts of the book on my own but it didn’t really become relevant to me until I took the class. It was great to have some accountability. There is something about having a group of people also checking in each week that makes it easier to keep your commitments to yourself. I’ve done many workshops and read many books regarding personal finance and this feels like THE one that we’ll be talking about years from now as a turning point for our family. I highly recommend that you take the tele-class. Reading the book on your own doesn’t even compare!” S.L. OR

Life Lessons from the Garden

Consider the dandelion. Reviled by many as an insistent, bothersome weed, it nevertheless continues to proudly display its pert, bright yellow self in lawns and gardens everywhere, thriving in the face of adversity. Where, in our own lives, do we face adversity? How do we carry ourselves through it: head down, beating ourselves up or feeling defensive and resentful? Or head up and face open, like the dandelion, sure of our intrinsic worthiness, knowing the gifts we offer to the world? For those who know how to look and wait, the garden teems with other such life lessons. As spring awakens this year, turn your awareness to the wise teachings of your garden. If you don’t have a conventional garden, a container garden on your porch or potted plants in your home still offer valuable lessons. Here are a few: It’s OK to be imperfect. Trying to grow the perfect rose, or the perfect cabbage, is an exhausting, never-ending quest for flawlessness. “Imperfect” roses are still beautiful and “imperfect” cabbages still burst with flavor, just like we humans. With our myriad imperfections, we still contribute our own beauty and zest to the world. Pruning improves growth. Removing old habits that don’t serve us opens new possibilities for growth in areas that do serve us. Pay more attention to your health than your appearance. As author William Longgood wrote, “Over fertilized plants may be beautiful but are otherwise useless, like people whose energies are devoted so completely to their appearance that there is no other development.” Regular maintenance is important. Isn’t it so much harder to clear an overgrown jungle of a garden than to regularly pull encroaching weeds? Think of the clutter that can accumulate in our houses or the overwhelm or illness that can result from too little self-care. Have faith. Plant a seed, water it, and trust that it will grow. Similarly, believe that the shifts you make in your life, the dreams you hold dear, will fully blossom if you nourish and protect them. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches. The garden is an incredible laboratory for experimentation. What new approaches do those old problems in your life need? Trial and error is one of life’s best teachers. Not trying is the domain of hopelessness. Take care with predators. It doesn’t take long for predators to damage the result of your careful cultivation, in the garden and in life. What toxic relationships, substances and emotions are feeding on your energy and taking away from what you have to give to others? Eliminate them. Transform your trash. The compost heap turns rotting plant waste into a treasure pile of rich, organic fertilizer. What negative patterns in your life can you work to transform? When we do the hard work of breaking these patterns down, the results are often rich and beneficial. Everyone is unique and needed. Everything in nature has a function that is interdependent. As famous naturalist John Muir said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”Rock, plant, bird, bee-even bacteria in the soil-all occupy a vital place in life. What is your purpose, your gift to the world? Who do you depend on; who depends on you? Take the time to notice the little everyday miracles in your gardens and in your life.

the Garden

A WOMEN’S RETREAT ~ AUGUST 21-23

Please join me for my first women’s retreat, held in a lake-front private home where you can draw upon the serenity of natural surroundings to connect deeply with yourself and other like- minded women. During this retreat, you will experience: Reconnection with your body, mind and spirit through gentle Yoga classes, journaling or scenic walks. Pampering for yourself with the opportunity to schedule private life coaching, massage or reflexology sessions. Sisterhood and connection through sharing by beach-front evening bonfires and interactive workshops. Rejuvenation from the stresses and pressures of your world. Space is limited to ensure deep connection. Click here to register and learn more.

ACCESSING THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

The practice of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery. But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it still can be difficult to sustain. So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives. And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just a Thanksgiving word. We have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit. And that can take some time. That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing. Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope. There are many things to be grateful for: the lush green trees, legs that work, friends who listen and really hear, chocolate, fine wine, flip flops, tomatoes, the ability to read, our health, cats. What’s on your list? Some Ways to Practice Gratitude ·  Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way. ·  Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures. ·  Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine. ·  Find the hidden blessing in a challenging situation. ·  When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel. ·  Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, express thanks for gratitude. As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work. Check out this Gratitude Dance Video, it’s sure to make you smile.

May greetings to you!

There’s been a common thread among my coaching clients lately – the value of adding a new community to their lives. It’s even become a theme in my own life.

Last month, I was invited to join a book club. I haven’t been in a book club for over 10 years. What took me so long to join another book club; me, an English Lit major, a lover of books and thoughtful novel discussions? Why such a long lag time?

It could be that I hadn’t taken time to remember how this kind of interaction lights me up. It could be that I’ve told myself, “I’m too busy,” or some other excuse. That’s not really important; what counts is that I’ve finally come back to it.

Community is re-connecting me with a lost passion.

From the first few minutes of our book clubs first organization meeting, I knew I was in the right place; I resonated with the women in the room, especially around our shared love of books. See recommended reading for this month’s book.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been the fact that the group was initiated by one of my clients. She had come to discover – through the coaching process – that one thing missing in her life was a community of like-minded women. With great intention, she set forth to attract this group, and as a result, she has added great value to her life (and mine!).

Community surrounds her with kindred spirits.

Another client of mine is training for a triathlon, and just found two training partners with whom she meets weekly. The addition of this training partnership has been incredibly rewarding to her. “Without the accountability of meeting my partners,” she said, “I would never get out of bed at 6:00 a.m. to run!”

Community inspires her to achieve new heights.

And yet another client made a pact with her friend to meet six days a week to go to the health club. No matter what, she is in her friend’s parking lot by 8:00 a.m. Their friendship has been strengthened as they work toward their common goal of greater health.

Community keeps her focused on her goal.

So, what communities are missing from your life? Think back to what groups you were involved in when you were young. What activities meant the world to you? Are they still a part of your life, and if not, how would your life be enhanced with the activity added back in?

If you can’t find an existing group to join, consider starting one of your own. Brush aside any fears and focus on the gifts that group leadership will bring you. If it’s the right choice, then the time, skills and resources that you need will show up at exactly the right time.

Or, if you’d prefer, let me create a group for you. Consider the support, structure and additional resources that I could bring as the facilitator. You provide the idea, and I will help you gather the group – locally in the Chicago area, or by telephone anywhere else.

Let’s talk! Send me an email with your ideas for a group.

Wishing you a great month of May.

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach

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Ignite your prosperity mindset…

Would you like to recession-proof your mind? If so, then I invite you to join me for a tele-seminar based on Barbara Stanny’s book, Overcoming Underearning®: A 5 Step Plan to A Richer Life, which begins on May 20th.

This 5 session series will help you become proactive during these uncertain economic times rather than reactive, by diving into the inner and outer work necessary to achieve prosperity. There’s no better time to move into a place of power, not fear, around your financial future.

I’ve been personally trained by money expert, Barbara Stanny, to offer this tele-seminar. Your participation in this series will help ensure that the balance of 2009 is prosperous for you.

Imagine joining with a community of fellow prosperity seekers from the comfort of your own home. The only equipment you need is a telephone, a copy of the Overcoming Underearning® book*, and a journal for notes.

In just 5 sessions you will:

• Shift your relationship with money by examining old, limiting beliefs and embracing empowering new ones
• Experience the five-step plan that when followed, has been proven to increase income
• Be guided to create your own personal action plan to earn more
• Tease apart the difference between your truth versus economic truth
• Have email access to Maripat throughout the seminar to deepen your learning

Overcoming Underearning®: A Five-Step Plan to a Richer Life

*Visit Barbara Stanny’s website to order the Overcoming Underearning® book at www.BarbaraStanny.com

**A link to access recordings of all calls arrives in your email inbox after each session, so no worries if you have to miss a class.

As spring arrives, I’ve led my Yoga students to stand in Tadasana (mountain pose) and imagine their feet planted on exceptionally fertile ground.

Mountain pose is the most grounding pose there is in Yoga, and it feels especially important to remain grounded in these interesting economic times (I’m choosing the word “interesting” as an alternative to the language we hear in the media).

Hearing the media reports, how can we all remain grounded in the belief that we are standing on fertile soil, when they would have us believe that we are standing on soil that is destined to remain barren, and teetering at the edge of a cliff of economic ruin? How can we remain calm despite what is happening to our investment portfolios and credit balances?

For starters, you can settle your body into a rooted place of connection; a feeling of being safe and fully present. Let’s try this version of the Tadasana pose right now:

1. In a seated position, place your feet firmly on the floor, pressing equally into the four corners of both feet.
2. Sense the deep connection between your feet and the carpet, and then deeper below the carpet to the floor, and then deeper below the floor to the foundation, and then deeper still to the earth itself.
3. Simultaneously press into your feet as you lengthen your spine, lifting through the crown of your head.
4. Now, become mindfully aware of your breath and allow it to become deeper, fuller, quieter and more regular.
5. Invite the image of a mountain into your body. Feel your power; feel your strength.

It’s nearly impossible to feel anything but abundant in this posture. Try this periodically throughout your day, especially when you feel focused on a sense of lack, versus a sense of abundance.

There are other ways to recognize and honor this very special time of year. Walk barefoot; feel the sun on your face; breathe in the air after a spring rain.

This is the time of year when the earth is getting ripe and ready to fully bloom. Very soon we will see seeds that have been planted rise up to be admired.

How is your financial garden blooming? If it doesn’t seem very fertile or prosperous, perhaps it’s because the soil is laced with limiting beliefs, old patterns, cluttered thinking or shame.

Would you like to ensure that the seeds you’re planting in your financial garden will yield greater income? Then join me for the upcoming Overcoming Underearning® tele-seminar series, which is based on Barbara Stanny’s book of the same name.

Together, we will sift through your seeds (thoughts, beliefs and unhealthy history with money) and release those that will not bear fruit. Then, we will rebuild a healthier relationship with money and plant only the most lucrative seeds.

Previous participants in the Overcoming Underearning® tele-seminars have consistently reported that their relationship with money has become far healthier; in many cases, they have even experienced weight loss and improved overall health, in addition to increased income.

I have two Overcoming Underearning® tele-seminar series beginning in April; one on a Monday and one on a Wednesday. Please visit www.manifestingpossibilities.com/teleseminar-overcoming-underearning.html for more details and to sign up.

If these dates and times do not work for you, please contact me to create a custom class according to your schedule (a minimum of four participants is required).

Not sure if this class is for you? The following quiz from author Barbara Stanny will reveal if you are an underearner. If you are, I would love to have you join one of our sessions in April.

To your prosperity,

Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach

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1.

I often give away my services (volunteering, working more hours than I’m actually paid, etc.).

2.

It’s so hard to ask for a raise (or to raise my fees) that I just don’t do it.

3.

I actually dislike money and/or people who have it.

4.

I am proud of my ability to make do with little. There’s nobility in being poor.

5.

I blame someone or something else for my financial situation (IRS, ex-husband, etc.).

6.

I find ways to avoid dealing with money (thru bartering, etc.).

7.

I tend to sabotage myself at work (apply for jobs not qualified for, or low-paying jobs, stop short of reaching goals, change jobs a lot…).

8.

I work very, very hard (long hours, multiple jobs), or I go to excess and then collapse.

9.

I fill my free time with endless chores and tasks.

10.

I am in debt, with little savings, and no idea where my money is going.

11.

I have a family history of debt and/or underearning.

12.

I am vague about my earnings (overestimate or underestimate my income; see gross, not net).

13.

I continually put other’s needs before my own.

14.

I am frequently in financial pain or stress.

15.

Recognition and praise are more important to me than money.

16.

I am confident in my ability to make money.

17.

I always live below my means.

18.

I love money and appreciate what it does for me.

19.

I am very optimistic about my financial future.

20.

I experience very little fear or insecurity around money.

21.

I am determined to get paid what I am worth.

22.

I am passionate about my work.

23.

I have very supportive, nuturing relationships (including spouse).

24.

I like wealthy people.

25.

I have little or no credit card debt.

26.

I get myself into situations beyond my ability and then rise to them.

27.

I am resilient and able to bounce back when I fall.

28.

I am filled with gratitude for the success I’ve achieved.

29.

I work very hard, but I know I don’t have to do everything myself, and I know how to delegate and set limits.

30.

I am tenacious in achieving my goals.

Did you check 2 or more statements between 1 and 15?  If so, you may be experiencing an unhealthy relationship with money.

However, checking 2 or more statements between 16 and 30 indicates that you have a healthy relationship with money.

If you’d like to soar even higher in the realm of income, join Maripat for the Overcoming Underearning® tele-seminar series. Click here to learn more.