Tim Kelley promises 12 Strategies for Discovering the Difference You Are Meant to Make and he delivers.

I could not agree more with Helen Palmer, the author of The Enneagram who says:

“Tim Kelley’s work is of the highest caliber. His insight, precision and skill shine out from a field that is typically hazy. If you are called to explore the realm of purpose, I know of no better guide than Tim.”

What I really like about this work is that Tim starts where many others leave you lost:

He is not only talking about the importance or the impact that finding your purpose can have on your life, he shows you how to do it.

I appreciate that while showing how to discover your trusted source, the author does offer suggestions but leaves it up to the reader where to find it, which means that whether or not you belong to any kind of religion, you will be able to talk to an entity that you can refer to.

Although initially I found it very challenging to read the book chapter wise and work through each one before moving to the next as my coach had instructed, this seems to be the most valuable approach.

The guidance from my coach Shiona Long from Authentic Success, who is an accredited facilitator for Tim Kelley’s purpose work, has been absolutely incredible to make this a book that will always be close to my heart as the one that provides me with invaluable insights about myself, discovering who I truly am and the difference I am here to make.

If discipline is challenging you or you have never had any kind of coaching before, I recommend finding a facilitator to guide you through the book, so that you get the most out of it. However, if you are familiar with conversations (like prayer) to a higher entity (God, angels, Buddha…) or meditation, you will get a lot from this book by working through it yourself too.

A must for anyone who wants to take their life back in their hands, discover what their blessing and mission is and how to make a powerful statement about the difference you are meant to make.

If you are looking for a parenting handbook, look no further. The Family Virtues Guide written by Linda Kavelin Popov offers you a manual that delivers the best foundation possible of how to raise a child in any culture or society.

Her ‘Simple Ways to Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves’ contain valuable insights in who our children really are, parenting principles and practices and how to apply The Family Virtues Guide in your family.

A description of 52 ‘Gifts Within’  helps to understand each virtue, why to practice it, how to practice it, how to recognise when a virtue is practised and when it needs more attention as well as an affirmation and a drawing to visualise an example.

It is a book that should be given or at least recommended to each new parent – the earlier the better.

Have a look inside and find out why The Family Virtues Guide is one of those books that have the potential to make the world a better place – one person at a time!

A personalized 4-step guide to looking and feeling great from the inside out

If you want to make an informed decision how to eat healthy, move better and as a result increase your fitness and overall health, you may find this the book you have been waiting for.

The four steps in Paul Chek‘s guide cover

1. Questionnaire to self-assess the area of your health that needs most of the initial attention. The results help you to choose the chapter you want to read next:

2. Nutrition – Explained is the “No-diet” Diet, the scientific foundations the eating suggestions are built on and a graphic that helps you to choose the food that will nurture your body and deliver the energy it is asking for. For the one interested in facts and scientific backgrounds of food, this book offers may offer some interesting surprises.

There are no recipes on offer, which might be a bit disappointing for those who like to follow suggestions. This guide is not suitable for you if you prefer to be told what to do and what not, but offers enough information to make better choices when choosing what you eat (and when you eat).

The consideration of ‘Biochemical Individuality’ and ‘Metabolic Typing’ will give you reference and encouragement how to create a diet that suits your personal needs.

3. Exercise – Described the different types of movement, which is regarded as ‘the path to optimal health’.

Considered are exercises to increase flexibility and energy and conditioning your core, as well as ‘FUN-ctional exercises’, all beautifully documented with step-by-step explanations and visually supported with self-explaining pictures.

Chek mentions special considerations and how to put it all together to make it your personal exercise program that you can easily incorporate in your daily life and adjust to your level of fitness and commitment.

4. Relaxation – Explains how stress, lack of or too much sleep, cutting calories can affect your health and – in a really funny way – the causes and effects of poor digestion and what to do about it.

Overall a wonderful holistic look at living healthy, highly recommendable.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Simplification is a skill that needs commitment, practice and a plan.

Elaine St. James‘ book Simplify Your Life suggest ’100 Ways to Slow Down And Enjoy The Things That Really Matter’.  From household via lifestlye, finances, and job to special issues for women, Simplify Your Life covers the basic areas of life that are often particularly effected by stress.

It is a great ‘beginners guide’ for those who are just getting warm with the idea of making small changes in their lives and are looking for suggestions what to do and how to do it.

A great tool to start any physical or mental de-cluttering process.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy

How is Gratitude related to the relief, management or prevention of stress?

It has been a big challenge for me to be grateful when I was younger and when things happened that either made no sense at that time, that confused me or that I did not like/want to be an experience in my life.

When I was challenged I tended to get upset either with myself, others or the situation.

As you can imagine neither of this was very effective in terms of moving on. The worst experience was when I found out that my (then) husband had an affair with my best friend. That moment I felt like drawn into a black hole, spiraling downwards.

I went through the whole spectrum of negative emotions: anger, sadness, frustration, self-pity, fear, grief, aggression and once through started all over again. Only a few friends who really cared about me dared to be physically and mentally close when the ‘fire horse’ in me came out and the volcano was braking loose.

Today I have the deepest respect for these friends – I really wasn’t a pleasure to be around.

Fast forward 10 years. A few months ago I reconnected with ‘the adulteress’. To be honest, I was very surprised myself when I felt the need to get in contact with her. Even more as she tried to apologise for what happened and there was no way I would have even listened.

It feels really odd now to use the word adulteress, because this is not how I see her any more. Today I can see the pain that she went through herself. I no longer feel any kind of stress calling her name, while before I almost felt physical pain when I even only thought of her.

Besides time of course, there is one virtue that helped me to see this event differently now:

Gratitude

By practising Nuad Thai – Traditional Thai Massage and studying its roots in Buddhist tradition as well as becoming a life coach I learned to take responsibility for my actions and my non-actions.

Instead of blaming others, I rather look for the gift in the situation and ask myself better questions:

What can I learn to avoid/do better next time?
How does this help me to grow?
How can I use this to become a better person?

By establishing some resources like a trusted source, a coach I can share insights with, journaling and meditation it is now easy and almost effortless to tap onto the power of Gratitude.

A heartfelt Thank-You to whoever you pray to invites harmony and instant relief to your life. The answer is often a knowing deep inside, that once you have accepted the gift of the situation as an opportunity for learning and growth, it will no longer cause any physical or mental stress.

How to practice Gratitude

Practising Gratitude is very easy. To start with, ask yourself a simple question:

What happened today that you could choose to be grateful for?

Maybe a you got a smile from a stranger, someone picked up your bag when it fell down, you got a nice call from a friend…

Even the simplest things can be a great source to experience Gratitude: the song of a bird, the beauty of a tree, the blue of the sky, a raindrop on a leaf…

Once you get in the habit of practising Gratitude for the small things, you will find it easier see the hidden presents in a situation that is more challenging.

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. – Albert Schweitzer

Every person has a story and we are all connected.

The story of ‘The Little Soul And The Sun‘ by Neale Donald Walsh gives an insight of how each of us is a shining light and why sometimes the ones that bring us the biggest pain are those we need to show our deepest appreciation. (A review and summary will be available soon).

The Gift Of Gratitude

By practising Gratitude you will connect with your higher spirit. This is one of the most powerful resources to increase the balance of your body, mind & spirit and will help you to stay much more relaxed when the road of life gets a bit bumpy and challenging.

I would like to share my gratitude for the organiser of the eco fiesta and lifestyle expo, who put together a wonderful event that enabled me to connect with new prospective and re-connect with existing friends.

My deepest appreciation goes to my husband Thomas and my son Noah, who support me unconditionally in everything that I do and who enrich my life beyond words.

To all my existing clients: your appreciation for my work makes my days. You are all precious to me and I cherish our relationship no matter how often or seldom we see each other.

Without the people who read this, I would just be talking to myself, so my Gratitude includes you as well.

And before this starts to sound like the acknowledgements in the foreword of a book, I stop here – curious to hear what you are grateful for today, tomorrow and the day after. Please share your thoughts and insights below. Thank you.

Lots of stalls where present who showed ideas, strategies or products that support a healthy lifestyle and at the same time live in tune with nature, reduce or avoid waste and overall be more sustainable.

Transition Guidance was represented through the Nuad Thai Academy – providing FREE Foot Massage during the whole duration of the festival.

Almost 100 people put their name down to get in the draw and win the Introductory Offer, the signature Package that gives an overview and an impression of the Nuad Thai Academy‘s specialty:

Nuad Thai – Traditional Thai Yoga Massage
Head Over Heels - Hand, Feet and Head Massage
Nuad Thai Aroma Oil Massage and a
Personal Energy Assessment

All together 2 hours of relaxation and balance, valued at $125!

The lucky winner is announced here.

My personal lessons almost always come in three. Yesterday my lesson was about Respect.

First I was reminded how important it is to Respect our body. Visiting a client in a nursing home brought memories back when my Grandmother had a stroke and needed care. Living in the same little village, my mother saw her three times a day to do the daily tasks like washing and feeding her, cleaning the house, giving her comfort and company.

We lived across the road from my Grandma’s place, but having three little children at that time and studying Architecture, I did not always find or take the time to visit her. However, when my mother needed a break, I took over her duties.

Grandma always loved gardening. Before she moved to the village where my Mum lived and I grew up, she had her own house with a garden that was huge (at least that’s what it seemed to me as a child). It was big enough to be almost self-sustainable, anyway with fruit and vegetables.

I owe my Grandma many wonderful memories of us together in the garden, eating fresh carrots, just simply wiping off the dirt or raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, apples, apricots, directly from bush or tree to mouth and standing in the kitchen cooking the world’s best vegetable soups.

She always had those rosy cheeks and the strong and healthy body that you would expect from a woman who has survived a war and managed an immaculate garden, which she loved keeping in perfect shape and knew everything about how to do it.

Seeing how my Grandma’s body changed made me appreciate even more that I was healthy and fit and that I could do the things I love to do like dance, work out, go for a walk…

My client and ‘Anna-Oma’ (that’s how I called Grandma) reminded me how important it is to

Respect Your BODY

Respect the signs your body is giving you. Typically, your body will tell you what you need to do.

If you are tired, rest and find out why you are tired.
Have you eaten too much food that does not deliver enough energy? Did you drink enough? Did you have enough sleep? Does your body get enough exercise to feel refreshed? Do you get enough fresh air? Do you breath deeply to get lots of oxygen in your system to sustain your brain and other organ to function at their best?

Respect your MIND

If you experience symptoms of discomfort or dis-ease, where do you feel them in your body?
Every body part is related to a topic in life. For example the throat, thyroids and shoulder area is related to truth and communication. A hoarse voice, a tenacious cough or a cold could be a sign that it is time to speak up, to speak your own truth or to find your truth, to learn how to communicate what bothers you or what would make you happy.

It also works the other way around: if your mind (conscious and unconscious) feels neglected, ignored or misunderstood, it will cause blockages in your body. If you are not congruent living your values, your mind will find ways to avoid those situations.

For example when someone highly values Health and works in a fast food restaurant (where they get paid to provide the customers with food they would not eat themselves), the value system would ‘go nuts’. Everything inside would be screaming “This is WRONG!” In order to avoid the situation the mind would cause blockages in the body that causes the person to feel sick, get heavy headaches, feel ill in the stomach – just about anything that will do the trick to avoid going back to work.

By knowing and respecting your values, you can take a lot of stress out of work. They will find ways to make you uncomfortable until you do anyway. For peace of mind it would be a great idea to get clear on your values (or virtues) and align them with work that is meaningful to you.

I am reading The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
again (the original from Irving Stone from 1963!), one of my favourite artists from the Renaissance. At the moment I am at the part where he is conducting dissections to explore and get an understanding how the body works, how muscles and bones are connected.

He respected the human body so much that he was even prepared to carry the burden and guilt of desecrating the dead in order to be able to honour the beauty of the ones alive.

Respect the Moment

The second reminder for Respect came through a documentary about a chef who explores the preparation of food and creation of dishes in the kitchens of Asia. On his journey he focuses rather on the ‘basic’ meals than the haute cuisine. Meals prepared from the people who prepare the food they grow locally or catch fresh.

In the sequel yesterday he was in Bali, where he spoke to a Swiss immigrant who explained why he would never ever leave the island again. He said what fascinates him most there is that the Bali people ‘live in the moment’.

“Look at them, they come from a fishing trip and may have caught five fish, but they are happy because it is enough for today. A young man had a bad car accident, broke his leg – but he is alive. That’s reason enough to be happy, because ‘it could have been worse’.”

He also said that the people are very respectful and very friendly towards visitors of their country. They look at other without judgement, take them as they come. They respect that you may have another religion, another skin colour or other interests.

A very typical scene in Bali is to see someone pray for guidance and protection and the sacrifice of food. Every feast will start with a ‘Thank You’ to the Gods in form of a plate of food that is brought to a shrine. The Respect for their Gods and their traditions is part of daily life in Bali.

From this respect for the moment, for others and for traditions comes a deep sense of calmness and peace.

Communities support each other, they fish together and share their catch, they live in big families while still respecting each other’s space (a family may share the same property and live close to each other, but each generation might have a separate ‘building’ and just share the amenities and the (outdoor) kitchen).

There would hardly be any reason for stress, because in Bali the elements that cause stress in a typical Western country are turned around into resources for a mind that is at peace with itself, with the community and with nature.

Respect your SPIRIT

And thirdly I shouldn’t have been surprised when I looked at my calendar and found this quote from Wayne Dyer:

Respect your oneness, and resist any pressure to be a conformist – be the being you came here to be.

You are unique and special and it is my personal belief that we are all here to serve a purpose. We come from one light and we are the light.

When we are out of alignment with ourselves, that’s when we feel overwhelmed or bored, but when we respect that we have a purpose and are willing to fulfill it, when we surrender to our purpose, that’s when true magic happens.

Respect your Purpose

Living on and with purpose and taking your life in your own hands can be challenging, because not everybody will be supportive if you step up to live to that standard. It may even be your own ego that is sabotaging you to find what you are meant to do and who you are meant to be in the first place.

From my own experience I would like to share that despite (or maybe even more because) of all the challenges, living an authentic life is extremely rewarding.

It is simple to change your life and sometimes it’s not easy. That’s why it is my aim to help you live the life you were born to live, to live on and with purpose, to show you how you can take your life back in your own hands and to offer you guidance during that transition.

Do you already live on and with purpose?

Please share your insights:

How did you find what you are meant to do? What did it take to become who you are meant to be? What is your mission to the world?

I’d love to hear your story. And if you think yours is nothing special, remember Amanda Marshall’s song: ‘Everybody’s Got A Story‘ and it may be yours that is inspiring another person who reads this.

Out of twelve only one interpretation comes close to a meaning of Surrender that I prefer most:

To give up in favour of another

The question is: of another What?

Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice. Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results, because there follows immediate peace. – Bhagavad Gita

The Meaning of Surrender

I found that the mainstream belief about Surrender is that you have to give up something that you like or would like to have, like winning an argument for example. But what if the true meaning of Surrender is to attain something?

What if instead of insisting on ‘being right’ in a discussion you would surrender to the other person(s) point of view and gain insights that you otherwise would have missed?

Change is the essence of life. Be willing to Surrender what you are for what you could become. – Author unknown

Surrender goes hand in hand with Faith. They work best together and to embrace one fully, it is essential to accept the other too.

Once you can Surrender to Faith, the power of this combination will start to reveal itself to you in almost miraculous ways.

If you choose to accept the interpretation above for Surrender,  you can tap into the secret of true and lasting change that separates the ones who `try´ from the ones that actually achieve a permanent transformation.

Faith and Surrender – A Power Team

Change is mainly a two step process with a presupposition:

The assumption that needs to be accepted is that change is possible at all and can be done by yourself.

1. First you identify the  behaviour or belief  you want to change,
2. then you replace it with a new one.

If you give yourself permission to have Faith and to Surrender, you will feel a kind of acceptance and peace.

It was when I surrendered and trusted that I have every resource I need within me, when I was able to do things that took me a lot of courage to do like

• my first jump from a boat into the open sea (quite a big thing when you are as afraid of sharks as I am)
• leading a night dive
• Bungee Jumping

or that seem to be impossible like

• braking a wooden board without even touching it
• pricking a straw through an apple or
• breaking an arrow (that was put with its tip on my throat and was broken by leaning against it)

It was in the moment of making the conscious decision to Surrender my fears in exchange for Trust when I felt connected to the mighty power that is within everybody who dares to take that step and I know that Surrender will be my secret shield when I do a fire walk with Anthony Robbins. (More about these “Out with old excuses. In with new goals.”- events here )

The power of Surrender

Maybe you have experienced a similar moment. Maybe you did even scarier things like a sky dive or jumping out of a plane. Maybe you had really scary or life threatening moments when you thought you would die and when you then Surrendered to that possibility you have been given a second chance to live…

If you have, you will agree that the ‘Team Faith/Surrender‘ was there to support you and you will be able to remember how it felt to ‘be in the moment’ when everything around you happens like in slow motion.

Do you remember how radiant, vibrant, alive, excited, vivid and energetic you felt afterwards? How would you have completed this sentence:

“If I can do/survive this,…..  “?

If you haven’t had this kind of experience yet, when would be a good time to get out of your comfort zone and try something new (of course I am not talking about causing an accident here, right?)?
What would be one thing that you have put of until now, knowing that if you finally did it, it would make the difference in moving forward in your career, relationship or somehow else in your life?

What would it take to make that step?

Surrender – it will set yourself free.

What a powerful word, don’t you think?

What is Faith?

According to the dictionary it is a…

…confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

or a

strong or unshakeable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence.

Descriptions of Faith also include:

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny;
(as in: “he lost his faith but not his morality”)

A belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

Loyalty or even allegiance to a person, dogma, principle, cause or thing.

secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God’s will

a set of principles or beliefs

the body of dogma of a religion

How Faith works

Keep the Faith

Believe in yourself no matter what it willl take
You can be a winner but you got to keep the Faith!

If You Call Out Loud – Will It Get Inside
Through The Heart Of Your Surrender – To Your Alibis

And You Can Say The Words – Like You Understand
But The Power’s In Believing  So Give Yourself A Chance

‘Cause You Can Climb The Highest Mountain -  Swim The Deepest Sea, Hee
All You Need Is The Will To Want It
And a little Self-Esteem

So Keep The Faith
Don’t Let Nobody Turn You ‘Round
You Gotta Know When It’s Good To Go
To Get Your Dreams Up Off The Ground

Keep The Faith, Baby, Yeah
Because It’s Just A Matter Of Time
Before Your Confidence Will Win Out

Believe In Yourself No Matter What It Will’ Take
You Can Be A Winner But You Got To Keep The Faith

…Go Keep It Brother You Got It

And When You Think Of Trust -  Does It Lead You Home
To A Place That You Only Dream Of – When You’re All Alone

And You Can Learn By Feel – ‘Stead Of Circumstance
But The Power’s In Beliving – So Give Yourself A Chance

I Know That You Can Sail Across The Water
Float Above The Sky, High

Any Road That You Take Will Get You There
If You Only Try

So Keep The Faith, Ow
Don’t Let Nobody Take You Down, Brother
Just Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
And Your Feet Flat On The Ground

Keep The Faith, Baby, Yeah
Because It’s Just A Matter Of Time
Before Your Confidence Will Win Out

I Told My Brother How To Do The Thing Right
Lift Up Your Head And Show The World You Got Pride
Go For What You Want
Don’t Let ‘Em Get In Your Way
You Can Be A Winner
But You Got To Keep The Faith

Go Keep It Brother
You Got It

I Know That Keepin’ The Faith
Means Never Givin’ Up On Love
But The Power That Love Has To Make It Right
Makes It Makes It Right

Keep The Faith
Don’t Let Nobody Turn You ‘Round Brother
You Got To KnowWhen It’s Good To Go
To Get Your Dreams Up ‘N Off The Ground

Keep The Faith Baby, Yea
Because It’s Just A Matter Of Time
Before Your Confidence Will Win Out

Better Stand Up And Act Like You Wanna Do Right
Don’t Play The Fool For The Rest Of Your Life

Work On It Brother And You’ll Make It Someday
Go For What You Want And Don’t Forget The Faith

Look At Yourself And What You Doin’ Right Now
Stand Back A Minute Just To Check Yourself Out

Straighten Out Your Life And How You’re Livin’ Each Day
Get Yourself Together ‘Cause You Got To Keep The Faith

Don’t Let Nobody Take You Down, Brother
Just Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
And Your Feet Flat On The Ground

Keep The Faith, Baby, Yeah
Because It’s Just A Matter Of Time
Before Your Confidence Will Win Out

Lift Up Your Mind Before Your Mind Gets Blown
Some Things In Life You Best Just Leave Them Alone

Go For What You Want Don’t Let It Get In Your Way
You Can Make It Happen But You Got To Keep The Faith

Go Keep It Brother
You Got To Keep The Faith
Yeah Keep The Faith
Go Keep It Sister
You Got To Keep The Faith
Now, Now

I’ll Show My Brotha How To Do The Thing Right
Lift Up Your Head And Show The World You Got Pride

Go For What You Want
Don’t Let ‘Em Get In Your Way
You Can Be A Winner
If You’re Keeping The Faith

Straighten Out Yourself And Get Your Mind On Track
Dust Off Your Butt And Get Your Self-Respect Back

You’ve Known Me Long Enough
To Know That I Don’t Play
Take It Like You Want It
But You Got To Keep The Faith Go

Don’t Let Nobody Take You Down
Just Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
And Get Your Feet Back On The Ground

Keep The Faith, Baby, Yeah
Because It’s Just A Matter Of Time

Before Your Confidence Will Win Out
But Till That Day I Said You’ve Got To Keep The Faith!