Find Yourself, By Taking Time For Yourself

  “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, Author of The Woman’s Comfort Book

  “No Boys Allowed!”  I recall being 9 or 10, and creating a girls-only club with my best girlfriends.  We created our exclusive clubhouse out of sheets and dining-room chairs, and we hung our sign, No Boys Allowed!  Did we always know, even back then, how important it would be for us women to retreat?  And, what exactly does it mean to retreat?

  According to Jennifer Louden, in “The Women’s Retreat Book,”    “A woman’s retreat springs from and is guided by a woman’s inner knowing.”  Perhaps we did have this internal knowing when we were 9 that it was important for us, at least for a period of time, to shut ourselves off from the noise and distractions of our outer world.  So, if this is true, what is this woman’s innate guidance trying to tell us?  Louden goes on to say, “A woman’s retreat is about stepping out of your ordinary existence to listen to and attune to your truest, most authentic self.  It is about being self-referenced to become self-restored.”  Somehow I know that I did always know that particular truth.  And that is the reason I have been doing mini-retreats with girlfriends and clients my entire life.  

  Recently, I have partnered with a brilliant life coach, Jeannie Anderson, author of the Women’s W.E.A.L.T.H. program.  Together, Jeannie and I have co-created our own women’s club; “Abundant Young Women Over 40.”  This club is for women who want more for themselves and are ready to step into their biggest game yet.  We will host a live experiential retreat in October, in the secluded mountainous area in the heart of Arizona , for a small group of women committed to going deeper into their own existence and reclaiming their dreams.  Jeannie and I will be releasing more information about “Abundant Young Woman Over 40” in the near future.  

  Last week, I hosted a free teleclass called “Discover the Energy of Success.”  I am so excited to say that we had an overwhelming positive response to this teleclass!  Thank you all for your kind and supportive comments and feedback, it is sincerely appreciated.  This 6-week teleseries, “Journey for the Best of Your Life,” begins on June 24^th and I am thrilled to have many of you joining me!  If you missed it, you can find out more here: “Journey for the Best of Your Life.”

  There is a definite power in self-discovery.  A power that comes from being in total integrity with who you were born to be.  A power that arises only from being deeply connected with your true passion and purpose.  And a power in being of service to yourself, your family, friends, community and the world, in the way that only you, through your own unique purpose and brilliance can serve. 

  Make sure you take the time to do your own mini-retreats to deeply connect with your true self.  When you are connected with your authentic nature, you become centered in your own personal power.  You are in total integrity with who you were born to be.

Here are 5 simple ways you can take yourself on instant mini-retreats: 

 Remember to be selfish at least once every day.  As Louden said, “ … 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.”

 You are unique in this Universe.  There is only one of you, and you have a special place and purpose in this world to fulfill which no one else can.  This purpose is already within you.  It has been with you since before the day you were born, and will be with you until the day you leave this earth.

 Do you know what your unique purpose is?  Have you discovered what it is that is so special about you that no one else possesses the same gifts, strengths and passions that you possess?  Do you have a knowing, deep within your heart, that you are here to serve in a bigger way?

 Henry David Thoreau said:  “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”  Of course, that quote was written in 1854.  Today, I’d be willing to rephrase it and say that “Most people lead lives of quiet desperation.”  And, according to Dr. Sherry Buffington, author of the book, “The Law of Abundance,” as many as 84% of the people she did her studies and research with were unable to articulate what gave their life meaning, or what they were passionate about.  Dr. Buffington also comments that, “almost everyone reported a strong desire to have meaning and passion in their life.”

 So, the question is, if the majority of people have a strong desire for purpose, passion and to live a meaningful life, then why are so many of the people unclear on what the purpose and meaning is for them?  And, if this is true, that so many are unclear on their purpose and meaning, is this the reason for Thoreau’s observations of the pain that seems to afflict the human race?

 I spent more than 40 years of my life searching for something to fill a hole in my soul.  By all practical standards I lived a healthy, happy and abundant life.  But there was still something missing.  I could feel it in my heart.  There was more that I needed to do, be and express but I lived in overwhelming frustration because I didn’t know what that “more” was!  Thus, my search to find what was missing.  I call it “looking for me in all the wrong places.”

 I thought I would find that magic, that purpose and passion in the right job.  I went from job to job, hoping that the next job, the next boss would inspire the unique brilliance within me.  I think I kept waiting to be discovered, but it never happened in any job I had had.  I also studied everything I could on spirituality, self-help and metaphysics.  I think I kept waiting to be enlightened, but that hasn’t happened either.

 I almost gave up my search, and decided I should settle and be content with what I had.  After all, I had more than a lot of people, so shouldn’t I just be satisfied and live out my life…in quiet desperation?

 Fortunately, I am among the few who finally do find their way, and it was actually much easier than I had ever imagined it to be.  The key to living a full, satisfying life with meaning and purpose does not lie outside of oneself, i.e., a job, books, and self-help courses.  It doesn’t even lie in the next relationship, or in a bigger house or higher title on the corporate ladder.  The key to true joy and fulfillment is right here, inside, where it has been all along.  

 When you unearth and connect with your true nature you are suddenly freed up from the “mask” of who you believed yourself to be.  The search is over, and you take a quantum leap forward by claiming your authentic, joyous self.  You easily step into your unique purpose and begin to create a truly meaningful and fulfilling life. 

To your joyful and inspired success~

Namaste,

~Laurie

1)  Give some serious thought to what differentiates you from the competition.  We’ve all heard that we need our “elevator speech”–the 30-second infomercial that quickly tells people who you are and what you do.  Your elevator speech should answer the question:  “Why should I work with you instead of any of the others?”

-         How do you get clear on what you can offer?

-         Do you offer a product or service that others don’t?

-         Do you have special training or certification that others don’t have?

-         Do you understand what you are truly expert at that sets you apart?

-         What core values do you have, or does your business reflect?

  Once you know the answers to these questions, you will have the basis for your elevator speech. Stick with it—that is your story.  That story is the one that will stick in customers’ minds and, if it sounds authentic, they will repeat your story to others.

2)  Start a word-of-mouth campaign.

    Word-of-mouth is free and can be your most effective form of advertising as long as your message is authentic to who you are, what you offer and how you help people.

3)  Do you have a membership or club that offers discounts or other incentives to your loyal, repeat clients?

This gives clients incentive to continue coming back to you instead of trying a competitor.

  Remember, though, almost no discount or incentive will be enough if your client is not satisfied with your service.  Again, this is where your message must match what you deliver.

4)  Give your clients incentives or discounts for referrals.

  Create some kind of reward for your clients who share your message with others.  For example, you might have special cards printed for your clients to give to friends and when their friends use your services, both your referring client and the new client receive a discount or incentive.

  Be sure your branding and authentic message is clear on whatever card or piece you use so that your existing customer doesn’t have to do the work of trying to communicate who you are, what you do and why their friend should go to you.

5)  Make sure you have good marketing materials to give to potential clients.

  Your brochures, fliers, website and any other marketing materials must reflect your authentic branding so that people quickly and easily understand who you are, how you can help them and why they should choose you.

  Some of these suggestions may cost a little money, but when you have the right branding message–one that is truly authentic to who you are and what you are an expert at delivering–it will be the catalyst to what makes you stand out in a crowded field.

  With the right branding message—one that is authentic to who you are and what you are an expert at delivering—these inexpensive advertising suggestions will be the catalyst to what makes you stand out in a jam-packed market.

Laurie Polinski
Spinning Gold Marketing

 An Organized Office Means Freedom For You

  When it comes to productivity, creativity and inspiration, having an organized workspace to complete your daily tasks efficiently and without distractions is crucial to your success. Unbury yourself today by following these easy yet effective organizational tips.

Keep Office Supplies Nearby

Keeping the supplies that you use most frequently—such as pens, staplers and your stress management tools(stress balls)—close-at-hand and storing the ones that you don’t in designate spaces will play a big role in keeping your desk and your office clutter-free, and will make finding items all the easier which will save you precious time.

Create a Comprehensive Filing System

Make documents easy to find by creating a well-organized filing system. A great way to do this is by creating categories for your paperwork, and storing them appropriately. It will also be helpful for you to review your filing cabinet regularly so that you may discard of papers no longer needed. Keeping paperwork scattered on your desk. his is a distraction as well as a thief in that it robs you of your time, energy and creativity.

Organize and Prioritize Your Snail Mail

Just like your e-mail service, equip your office with an inbox for hard-copy mail that you have yet to read. As you immediately open your mail each day, prioritize and discard! Separate your bills, payments on invoices and letters that need responses and shred the rest.  This little tool will keep your workspace clear of mountains of unopened envelopes, and will make it much more difficult to lose important mail pieces.

Start Tomorrow off With a Clean Slate

We all know how important it is to start each day off right and in order to build the needed momentum first thing in the morning, you have to be without distraction. It will be helpful for you to clear your office of its clutter at the end of each work day. Filing the papers that you will need, throwing away the ones that you will not and storing supplies in their designated areas will allow you to begin the next day dynamically; instead of spending your morning sorting through the mess you made yesterday. Don’t procrastinate on organizing; you’ll thank yourself in the morning.

 Organization Leads to a Happy Life

  As you can see, these four steps are very simple for anyone to accomplish and can make a huge impact on the productivity of your day. It amazes me how many offices I walk into that are in total chaos and surprisingly the people who own these offices can’t understand why they cannot complete their tasks in a timely manner.

  Get yourself in a routine of keeping your office space clean and organized and you’ll surprise yourself at how much you can accomplish in a day with increased creativity and still have time for yourself.

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  In Business, Is It Luck Or Opportunity?

  I attended a conference last weekend and while I was listening to the presenter and taking notes, I overheard someone say: “How lucky can she be? She is always in the right place at the right time.” I have heard that type of comment many times before so I just ignored it and turned my attention back to the presentation. Later that evening that comment popped back into my mind and for some reason, it just did not sit right with me and I just couldn’t put my finger on why. As I was driving home that night I had that “AHA” moment that gave me the clarity I was seeking.

Entrepreneurs, Are You Ready When Your Time Comes

  The thought that became so clear to me that night was this: “How many entrepreneurs and small business owners are in the right place at the right time and never no it!” That place and time is not just reserved for one person so how is it some capitalize on the opportunity while others let it slip by? The concept of being in the right place at the right time is just not enough, there is more to the equation.

The Right Formula For Success

  Yes, being in the right place at the right time is not enough and if you are not prepared in your business your time will escape you. This is the formula I believe will prepare the entrepreneur for success and put them in the right place and time. This is what you need:

• The right YOU: Do you have the right mindset when opportunities unveil themselves to you or will you hesitate and let them slip by?
• The right KNOWLEDGE: Have you done all you can to prepare yourself? Do you have the proper systems and tools in place? Are you constantly up to date on your changing industry or field? Have you had the proper mentoring and coaching in your niche?

   In business I believe there are opportunities and not luck. Having in place, the right knowledge and the right mindset will put you in the right vehicle at the right time(opportunity) to drive your business into success.

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Spiritual RockStar talk radio show host, Dan Hanneman, did an Energy Scan on me, live on his show!  How cool is that?

Dan asked me to be a guest on his show because his work and mine are very complimentary. We both have a deep passon and desire to help Spiritually-Minded Entrepreneurs, who are ready to step into their true power, move forward and take their businesses out into the world in a much bigger way.

While my coaching with brilliant heart-based business owners is based on helping them develop and grow their businesses and define their unique branding message around who they authentically are, Dan works with entrepreneurs who are ready to move forward but may feel somehow stuck or blocked.

Since I was a guest on Dan’s live radio show, he did not do a full “clearing” on me, but he did do the Energy Scan, which took only about 12 minutes! I must admit that I felt vulnerable. Even though the Energy Scan was done over the phone, Dan in his office, and me in mine, I didn’t know what to expect! And I had no idea what Dan might find and report… live on talk radio for all to “see!”

As you know, I am all about helping people awaken to and understand the importance of Transforming Back to Who You Are Born to Be.  I have been helping entrepreneurs transform the way they do business, literally on-the-spot! Once you unearth who you were born to be, your entire persona illuminates ~ radiates ~ It can’t not!

Dan’s unique gift is to “scan” a person’s body, energetically, and identify where they may be experiencing blocks, and “read” what is holding them back from moving into their fullest potential. It is amazing! You really must listen to Dan do a live scan on his radio show to realize the deep benefits of Dan’s work!

Unearth Your Authentic Being

We all have that deeply buried ache within, perhaps it is a tiny voice.  For me, it was a tiny fairy-like personality I named “Gracie.”  When we allow our deepest truth to come fully into the world, everything begins to align beautifully! I encourage you to unearth your “Gracie,” or whomever/whatever is deep in your heart, and allow the real You to shine with glory and radiance!

Imagine a silver dollar buried in the mud for years. It is unearth and someone runs pure water over it, gently takes a cloth and wipes it clean, and…. its true brilliance is allowed to shine! You see, its the same with us; When we unearth the deepest part of ourselves which has been buried under so many years of “shoulds,” “ought to’s,” other people’s definition of what’s good and right, and other people’s expectations of us, our best, brightest internal Being radiates! This truly is the most freeing and joyful experience one can have!

I’d like to thank Dan Hanneman for inviting me on the show and doing his Energy Scan.  He helped unearth some parts of me that have been buried and now need to be looked at.  When we know what our shadows are we can face and overcome the challenges they may present.  Then we are able to more easily and freely move toward the brilliant person we know we can be.

Act 2 Reinvent, founded by visionary, Leah Young, and co-owned by a Dream Team of gifted coaches, is a new on-line reality show committed to helping women over 40 step back into their authentic life  and move forward with power and purpose. 

Act 2 Reinvent is still in the filming stages, and the first episodes will air this fall.  Viewers will be able to watch the Dream Team coach each one-on-one with these women, and will follow the brilliant transformation that occurs.  Viewers will also have an opportunity, through an on-line community, to have access to the tools and techniques these women were given so that viewers can transform their own lives right along with the participants!

Dream Team Coach, Laurie Polinski, walks Leah Young through the Personal Branding Wheel

Get acquainted with the Dream Team Coaches and the fabulous, courageous show participants, by visiting www.act2reinvent.com.  Go there now to learn about the Dream Team coaches, the participants, and how you can become part of the transformation!

We have all had that one single, seemingly simple event, thought or idea transform our lives in an instant.

I remember when I was still working in the corporate sector; you know, Monday through Friday, 8a to 6p, plus commute time!  I had little, or no creative input into my work.  Deep within I had a “knowing,” although it was not a conscious awareness, but that knowing that patiently, yet consistently aches in your soul.  I knew the deeply authentic ”who” of me, the wisdom of my own soul, was aching for more than these less-than inspiring days which I had created for myself.

One day, I came across words spoken ‘many moons’ ago by Chief White Eagle.  I cut out the quote and pinned it to my cubicle wall.  I read that quote every day, many times a day.  But my life literally transformed at the moment I understood the enlightening truth of his message.  It was Chief White Eagle’s inspiration, and vision for all of us, that inspired me to shift my perception and open up to see a never-ending stream of possibility.  

Five months later I left the corporation to create, what turned out to be the 1st of my businesses.   My dream-come-true was not so much in owning my own business, but the freedom, creativity and priceless self-expression that comes from creating my life from the very depth of my own personal wisdom.

If you have felt that aching deep within, and know there is more for you and your purpose here, I hope Chief White Eagle’s wisdom inspires you to awaken to the mysteries of your own soul.  It is my pleasure and honor to share with you, the spirit of this visionary, Chief White Eagle:

“When you are in doubt, be still, and wait. When doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.  So long as mists envelop you, be still.  Be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists — as it surely will. Then act with courage.”  ~White Eagle (Chief of the Poncas in 1877, also the Medicine Man and Religious Leader to the Tribe).

The self-development / self-improvement aisles at the Barnes & Noble are overflowing with books by new authors and new subjects every day.  Admittedly, many of those books have found a place in my own ever-expanding personal library.  For me, it has been a passion for years, to read as much as I could on these self-improvement subjects. I love attending workshops and having deep discussions with like-minded friends about life’s purpose.

One of my friends recently commented, “Laurie, you should be perfect by now with all of the self-improvement books you have and workshops you’ve attend!” 

My friend was right; I have spent tons of time and money on learning to develop and improve myself.  So why, after years of reading, studying and practicing self-improvement was I not yet perfect?  Why did I feel as far away from perfect as one can possibly be?  Why was I still buying books thinking, “Ah, this is the one that will change everything for me!”?

What I finally discovered is that I already am, and always was perfect!  The only thing I had to do, before I could develop or improve, was to discover and uncover my unique life’s purpose.  And so I did!  Through two deeply insightful tools, CORE MAP®, by Dr. Sherry Buffington, and Branding With Archetypes®, by Kendall SummerHawk, I have discovered the perfect child I was born to be.

Once I “met” myself it was like Disney’s Tinkerbell in Peter Pan being let out of the box that Captain Hook kept her in.  The transformation from who I was trying to be, into who I was born to be, was amazing both personally and professionally!  My light was free to shine and I was free to fly!

Does that mean that I now do everything perfectly?  Absolutely not!  Just ask my husband, children and friends; they’ll assure you that I still have a lot of development and improvement to do.  (It’s a good thing my bookshelves are full of books for this work.)  But it does mean that everything I do, the decisions and choices I make are all in perfect alignment with who I truly am.  Everything is flowing in one direction.  All of my energy goes into fully and joyfully expressing my unique gifts and passions.  My physical and spiritual goals are in line with who I am from the deepest part of my being.

The freedom to be my authentic self, and the joy of sharing my treasury of gifts with the world are like nothing I had ever imagined possible.  Once you “remember” who you are you can create your world with purpose and allow your unique energy to fully express itself.  You are inspired to transcend helplessness and step into the perfectness of You.

You say you want it, and yet, your actions (or lack thereof) take you in a completely different direction.  Then you say the Universe doesn’t work for you; that you never get what you want.  And you let yourself believe that is the truth.

I believe you know the real truth.  And, I believe you are ready to let yourself  know that truth.  I believe that the pain of hiding your soul in the shadows is no longer tolerable.  I believe YOU are ready to live your authentic life and be YOU!

          “God has given me multiple talents and I’m simply utilizing them.”  Sabrina Thompson, Kuu Consulting

Now you are ready to discover your authenticity, act in your power, and everything begins to open up and flow abundantly.  You are now free and joyful.  You easily attract the right people, events and things into your life.

The shadows are gone.  You are You; and that’s the best you can be!

Please follow me at Spinning Gold.  I will take you on a journey where the very act of stepping into your power ~ all ways ~ Becomes your power!

Spin your gold now~

~Laurie