Taking A Break…
I am having idea overload.
Does that ever happen to you? So many ideas, so many good things to read, so many people to connect with and awesome stuff to learn about. That is what is happening with me. I keep finding myself diving in to one thought or idea and then I go digging around to learn more, which takes me down a few more paths of exquisite knowledge.
But the thing that always happens to me is all of these awesome ideas get confused in my mind and I stop trusting what it is I have to say. It gets jumbled. And I start to question who I am and what I am doing here in this space. I start to question my own voice and my own vision.
So, I need a break. A week or so (maybe more) of just being with my thoughts, my own ideas. Away from the computer and the self imposed need of mine to come up with new ideas, of my need to know more.
I really want this space here to be valuable and a treasure of useful information for YOU! But, I can’t do that if I am feeling lost and unable to connect with MY OWN truth, you know?
So, hang tight and I we will back. I think I need to go enjoy some of this summer time happening around here, be with my kiddos a bit more, connect, nurture, restore. See you soon.
xo~Lisa
Edited to Add: I am still working with coaching clients, just not taking the time to blog for bit. SO, if you are interested in doing an e-coaching session with me or grabbing yourself some one on one phone coaching, please don’t let my blogging break stop you!! I am still around. 
And don’t forget to sign up for the FREE ecourse starting at the end of the month!
(photo credit) and WOW! some amazing work there…. go check out her entire set!!
Leave a CommentIt’s Time!! A Free eCourse
I know that one of the biggest challenges we have as mother’s is finding the time to do all of the things that we want to do. Life with kids can be overwhelming and exhausting. Being able to find the time to pursue our own dreams and passions so often (too often) falls into the “someday” pile.
Well not anymore!
I have put together an awesome e-course to help you experience having more time.
- Have you ever noticed that the more overwhelmed, busy and task driven you get – the less you actually get done?
- Do you spend a ton of time thinking about stuff to do but not actually doing any of it?
- Do you somehow manage to get a day all to yourself only to feel disappointed because you wound up wasting it away?
- Is your to-do list a mile long and things just keep moving from one day to the next, never getting checked off?
- When you do finally have time to yourself are you too exhausted to actually do some of the things you were hoping to do with that time?
Yup. Been there. I totally get it. This is the life of a mother. What about all the wishes and dreams you have swimming in your mind but you never get going on them because you know that you just won’t have time to give those ideas the attention they deserve?
Well, it’s time. Time to do something. Time to take your time back!
The truth is that there are 24 hours in a day. Only 24. No more, no less.
But, what you do with those 24 hours is what will make all the difference in the world. And, even more importantly, how you experience those 24 hours is what will have you be productive, confident, happy and fulfilled.
That is what we are going to work on during these 8 weeks. Shifting your experience of time. Getting it to slow down. So you can use more of it in ways that will make you happy. So you CAN get working on those dreams, whatever they may be.
And how much are these 8 weeks going to cost you? Nothing. It’s FREE!!! Yup, that’s what I said – free. You don’t even need to sign up or anything. All the coaching/lessons/thoughts/actions to take will be shared right here on the blog.
Here are the details:
- Bookmark this page so you can access the weekly assignments whenever you are ready for them.
Week One ~ Why Do You Want More Time?
Week Two ~ The Great Mind Dump and Tracking Your Time
Week Three ~ Perceptions and What Has Your Attention
Week Four ~ Find 2 Hours for Your Dreams
Week Five ~ When Was The Last Time You Asked For Help?
Week Six ~ What Are You Grateful For?
Week Seven ~ Making Changes That Become Habits
Week Eight ~ It’s All In Your Mind, A Little Pep Talk
- Each week there is a theme along with my thoughts/coaching, and some actions for you to take.
- I am available via email if you have any questions along the way. lisa [at] visionarymom [dot] com.
- You can “sign up” by adding your blog link to the little linky tool below. This is a great way to connect with other awesome mama’s who have taken the course. You don’t have to, but I hope you will.
And that’s it. It won’t be hard and it won’t take you a ton of time each week (none of us needs more stuff to do). You can participate in as much or as little as you like. There are no tests and no grades. You can do the weekly exercises at whatever pace you like. This course is FOR YOU to get some power back, to get some control, to feel like you can do anything!
So.. who’s in???
You can sign up here:
Leave a Comment
Salida Retreat is ON!!!
Oh my gosh, I am just gushing at the seems with excitement! The Salida Retreat is now open for registration!!!
This has been brewing in my mind.. one of my own dreams… something I have been wising for. To gather a group of woman who are mothers, dreamers, visionaries, hopers, wishers, seekers.. to come together to nurture and inspire and empower each other in ways that only us moms can.
The weekend is designed to give you so very, very much..
- Relaxation
- Love
- Support
- Rest
- Fun
- Power
- Freedom
- Breakthroughs
- SoulFULLness
- Discovery
- Friendship
- and so much more…
We will be joined for the weekend by the lovely and talented Anna Marie Still, who will be offering workshops on creative, soulful, art journaling. Seriously what she has to offer is worth the price of admission alone.
And, I will be doing a “Live Your Dreams” workshop where you get to discover new ways to live your dreams and move beyond all that stops you and gets in your way. Blissful dreaming awaits you…
Plus, we get to stay in yurts! ( I love yurts, don’t you? ) Surrounded by mountains and beauty and space to just be. And we have access to some of the very best hot springs in the state of Colorado. Not to mention the yummy food, the fabulous sunshine, some awesome yoga, a good dose of quiet – yes ~ quiet, amazing company, fun surprises and exhilarating Colorado fresh air!
Yes, I want YOU to come!! Of course I do! It is going to be amazing. Even more so if YOU are there…
There are only 12 spots available… so hurry up and grab your spot today!
Click here for more information and to register.
Ok, enough gushing for one day.. see you tomorrow!
xo~Lisa
A Sneak Peak…
More details coming later this week, but this is what I have been working on JUST FOR YOU!
The First Visionary Mom Retreat will be held outside of beautiful Salida, Colorado on:
July 30, 31 and August 1st, 2010
The cost for the retreat will be $499 (lodging and meals included) with an early bird discount of $50 for those of you who register by May 31st.
There are only 12 spots available!! Registration will open on Friday, May 14th at noon.
You can sign up for the retreats mailing list to be notified when registration opens here.
I am so excited for this weekend! It is going to be magical….
Last Day to Register for Make a Plan
Today is the last day to register for The Make a Plan Course. It starts on Monday.
So, here is my last call to action. Sometimes we need a little nudge to get us to step into what it is we are dreaming about. So, this is my nudge to you.
This course is awesome! Seriously. As I’ve been putting together all the final touches, I am really inspired by what has become of this little idea. It far surpasses what I had originally envisioned and is guaranteed to get to you clear about how to make your dream – whatever it is – come true.
The course is only $45 and will have you – no kidding – in action, fulfilling your dreams.
Included in the course are weekly assignments delivered in both written and email format, worksheets to help you MAP out your plan, 2 live conference calls to get coaching and support and whatever you need, and unlimited email support from me over the four weeks.
Plus, I am working on an ebook that will pretty much summarize everything we will be working on. The book will be sold down the road here on Visionary Mom and I will make sure you get a free copy when it is ready to go.
At the end of the course, you will have a clear path for getting from where you are today to where you want to be. Planning will occur for you in a new way, it will become your best friend. And, it will be fun!
How awesome to be dreaming along with other moms, just like you, who also have something in their heart that is dying to be heard?
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time. Your BIG dream is waiting…
And, the winner of the giveaway is Kendra! Yay Kendra! I am really enjoying getting to know you a bit, so this chance to discover more of who you are is going to be great.
I hope others of you out there will be joining us. The course closes today and kicks off on Monday morning.
Have a great weekend!!! I am off on a Birthday Adventure with my beautiful family… I will see you on Monday.
xo~Lisa
It’s My Birthday – A Present for YOU!
My birthday is this Saturday. I love being an April baby… signs of spring are finally showing up here in Colorado, things feel new and fresh, and winter is finally starting to melt away.
I just really love birthdays in general (especially my own!), they remind me that life is short. Which gives me energy and motivation to get cranking on making my dreams come true.
So, in honor of one of us not getting any younger, and in honor of making our dreams come true, I am hosting a giveaway!!!
I am giving away one spot in the Make a Plan course that starts in one week from today!
This course is for anyone, whether you are knee deep in your big dream or you have no idea what your big dream is. It is for those of you that are super great at planning and for those of you who are scared to death about planning. It is for those of you who have not focused on your dreams in a long time or for those of you who are dreaming every day. Really, it is a chance for you to be with other moms, to talk ab out what it takes to make your dreams come true and get really clear on what you can do to not waste another day.
A little hello from me talking more about the course: (complete with my kids running around with my husband in the background )
Here is how to enter:
1. Leave a comment here with why you want to be in the Make a Plan Course.
2. For an additional entry – tweet about the giveaway and leave another comment here letting me know you did.
3. Another additional entry – share about the contest on Facebook and leave one more comment here letting me know that you did.
4. And, yes, you can get 4 entries! Go ahead and register for the course. If you win, I will refund you your course fee. That way you make sure to be in the course, no matter what.
Comments will close on Friday@ midnight MST. I will pick a winner randomly on my birthday, April 17th.
I am really looking forward to the course and seeing YOU get started on your BIG dream!
comments are now closed.
My Truth About Planning
I love planning. It is my thing.
Give me an idea and a pad of paper and I am in heaven!
Now, I know planning may not seem very exciting to you, but here is what I love about plans…
Really, not much happens in life without a good plan. Yes, miracles and good luck and cool things DO happen sometimes. But, you don’t have much control over all of that do you? So, what about those things you WANT to make happen? Waiting for a miracle or good luck just is not going to carry the day in most cases.
Most people fall into one of 2 camps about planning:
The planning lovers and the avoiders/haters/anti-planners.
The avoider/hater/anti-planning camp breaks down even further. There is a whole spectrum of people who don’t plan and they all have their own reasons why they don’t. From not wanting to be “boxed in” and needing to feel spontaneous to those that get overwhelmed about planning to those who want to plan but don’t really know how.
Well, planning is NOT a scary evil that should be avoided at all costs.
Planning = Freedom!
Can you tell that I fall into the pro-planning group of peeps? That’s because I have seen planning work with hundreds and hundreds of people. Even those who feel like they can’t plan or avoid it all costs.
Planning, and planning well, gives you access to making things happen faster and easier than working without a plan. In fact, planning will give you MORE time and MORE freedom.
Yes, that’s right… more time and more freedom. We all want that, right?
Here is why planning makes such a big difference…
You know how it is when you have something important you want to accomplish, something big? And you have all these details and all these things you want to make happen, you know how FULL your mind is? And when your mind is full, have you ever noticed how it is more difficult to focus?
When you sit down to work on some aspect of your project, you think of tons of other things that need to be done and it is super easy to bounce from one idea to another, never really getting any thing done. So the time you spend working on your project ends up being unproductive.
If, however, you have a really good plan that leaves you knowing that you have every piece of the puzzle accounted for, then when you sit down to get some work done, your mind is free! You can be focused on the task at hand – your mind is not all over the place – so you can work efficiently and with focus. Your time spent working is productive.
This usually leaves you with MORE TIME on your hands because you can get things done so much faster.
I used to plan weddings and if you have ever planned a wedding, you know that there are a million little pieces that need to be done for the whole thing to come together. My job, as a wedding planner, was to plan out the whole process so the bride and groom could focus on the little pieces without being too overwhelmed by the big picture.
The last couple I worked with often said to me how freaked out everyone around them was because they were so calm, totally not frantic. The whole process was easy and smooth, even when we ran into situations that were “not in the plan” – we were able to focus and get all the little hiccups resolved with ease.
That is why having a good plan is such a good idea.. it helps you enjoy the ride and the process vs. being worried about the end result.
I was recently totally not following my own advice about planning.
I was working “off the top of my head” here at Visionary Mom. I have SO MANY ideas and things I want to do here, that every time I would sit down to work.. overwhelm.
I would jump from writing one thing to another and nothing was getting completed. Well, not nothing, but for sure things were not getting done as quickly or as easily as I want them to. I had a loose plan of when I wanted to roll things out, but no clear path of how to get there.
I was noticing myself feeling overwhelmed. So, I sat down and made a plan. A thorough, complete plan for everything I want to do between now and the end of the summer. This was less than a week ago and already, I have way more power and freedom. Already, I have completed a bunch of work that has been hanging out unfinished for a good month or longer. I do not feel overwhelmed. At all. I feel excited and jazzed by all that I am doing here again. And things are happening… And I am not stressed about it all.
So, why am I rambling on about all this planning stuff?
Because this is one of the new things I have been working on.. an e-course, designed for moms, to help them get organized, to help YOU get a plan going for whatever it is you are wanting to make happen. Whatever it is.
Make a Plan for Your Dreams: an e-Course to help you Get Started
So, whether you are wanting to start a new business, start making art again, redo your living room, make a difference in your community.. whatever it is YOU are dreaming about – this course will help you get started.
This course is not just for newbie planners, either.. it is also for those of you who are seasoned planners . I know that I am great at planning, but sometimes I need that support, especially when something really matters to me.. I get scared and nervous and that can cloud my ability to come up with a good plan.
And, if planning is something that totally stops you dead before you even get started, this course will help make the whole process easy. Super easy. This is what I am good at. I’ve worked with literally hundreds of people to get from where ever they are to where they want to be. And they do it. And, it’s not hard.
This is the first time that I will be putting on a group e-course and I am super excited about it. The chance to be with other moms, who are up to something, who have dreams and ideas, who want to make those dreams come true, is one of the coolest things about being together as a group. We all get to learn from each other, share ideas and get that awesome support you can only get when you are doing something in a community.
Want more details about the course?
You can read more about the Make a Plan e-course here.
The course starts on April 19th and will run for 4 weeks. I hope you can join us. It will be lots of fun and extremely productive!
It’s time to get started on your big dream, dontcha think?
The Visionary Mom Manifesto
Whew! It has been a busy week..
On the home front, if all goes to plan, we will be purchasing our RV this week! We found one that is perfect for us, super clean, the right layout and in great condition.
We have been packing and getting rid of ALL OUR STUFF! Which is so fun and kind of terrifying. Are we REALLY doing this? Yes we are. Having nowhere to put our clothes (all our dressers have been sold) makes us realize that, yes indeed, it is happening.
My husband and I are like giddy little school children. I don’t think I have been this excited about something in a looong time! Our dream to live on the road is finally, really coming true! We are doing it – now! Not later, but right here in this moment.
It’s thrilling.
Also, I was on the radio the other day talking about Visionary Mom, moving into an RV and the importance of taking the time to retreat.
You can listen to the podcast here. Just click the one dated 2/18/10. I don’t think I will ever get used to the sound of my own voice, but it was pretty fun to go back and listen to what I had to say ~ my heart and dreams laid out for all the world to hear.
Which brings me to what I am most excited about right this moment:
The Visionary Mom Manifesto!
I have been working on this for weeks now and it is finally ready to share with you.
35 pages of pure inspiration, just for you. This is the why I created this website, what I want to accomplish here and why this project of mine matters so much to me.
I hope that spending a few minutes reading through it will inspire you to live your life full of creativity and passion. To pursue your dreams. To do it. Whatever IT is.
You can grab yourself a copy here.
Oh and you should totally go read Kat’s post about why she is putting together a retreat for herself. I loved this so much! Honest, powerful words.
(anyone else doing something like this that I should know about?)
Have a great weekend everyone!
Next week, I’ve got some pretty awesome inspiration for you ~ the first of many, super powerful interviews with moms that are making their dreams come true.
See you then,
xo~Lisa
Why It’s Important to Retreat
Do you ever feel like you need to get away?
I’ve been thinking alot about this lately ~ Retreats. Retreating.
The dictionary definition of retreat is “a place of privacy or safety.” It also says “an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable.”
That, to me is interesting. As mothers, yes, often times things are difficult or disagreeable. But dangerous?
Hopefully, as a mom, you are not under any real danger, and if you are this article is not speaking about that.
What I do want to talk about is the kind of danger we face that doesn’t usually get talked about or addressed.
It is the danger of loosing ourselves, or giving up on our dreams.
The role of mommy is demanding and takes alot out of us. I often find myself talking to other moms about how they don’t have time to pursue their own passions, or they are just too dang tired. That is where mothering can become dangerous.
Our lives are not in danger, but our spirits, our ALIVENESS and our own self expression IS.
That is, of course, what this whole website it about. Tapping back into ourselves, digging our passions out, living our dreams and teaching our children to be dreamers.
The magic of retreats.
Retreats give us a chance to step away, to find “a place of privacy or safety” that will allow us to reconnect and express what lies deep in our own hearts. Retreats give us a safe space to explore what is inside us, longing to get out.
Mothers rarely take time to nurture themselves. Like really going inward and feeding ourselves power and love kind of nurturing.
Instead, we just go. go. go. Taking care of everyone else.
Grabbing time for yourself is not always easy. Besides all the logistical stuff (who will watch the kids?), there is also the giving yourself permission side of things. Taking some time and allowing yourself to just be, to feel and express. How often do you actually let yourself do that?
I know, for me, yes~ I take some time by myself. But, if I’m honest, only about 90% of that time is spent doing things that are truly, unquestionable empowering.
Just being alone, or being without the kids does not guarantee you will feel restored, uplifted, and nurtured.
As a mom, it takes something for me to fully disconnect, to let go, to get in my element. There are even times when I set out to “retreat” – to nurture and refresh myself. I will take an afternoon away where my husband watches the kids. I will go meet a friend, or hang out in the book store, or wander around and take pictures. This time is nice, for sure.
But, have I altered something in myself? Have I created some new space for me to express myself? Do I feel more connect to who I really am?
Sadly, the answer is often no. Yes, I feel more relaxed, more calm, more present. All of which is good, but do I feel more ALIVE, more FREE to express myself, more CONNECTED to who I really am?
This is why it’s important to retreat.
When you take the time to retreat, you are carving out a specific amount of time intended to empower and nurture you self, you true Self. Bringing this intention in is what makes all the difference.
There are a number of ways to retreat.
The most obvious and easiest way is to sign up for a retreat. There are lots of different types of retreats out there that address all kinds of different needs. There are artist retreats, yoga retreats, etc. You can find something that addresses what it is you are craving and is designed just for that.
This website has listings of all kinds of different types of retreats available in the world. Costa Rica anyone?
Shameless Plug ~
If you didn’t already know, I am developing some pretty dang awesome retreats designed just for moms. They will FOR SURE leave you feeling empowered to not only live your dreams, with passion and joy, but they will also address the specific needs we have as mothers – finding that balance between taking care of our children and taking car of ourselves.
Be sure to get on the retreat mailing list so you can know when these get rolled out and so you can recieve special discounts available only to my mailing list peeps.
(end of shameless plug ~ thanks for endulging me )
You can also create your own mini-retreat.
Gather some friends and do something together, or you can retreat solo. There are lots of ways to do this.
Check in here tomorrow. I will be sharing ways that you can create your own mini-retreat. See you then!
xo~Lisa
Why Do YOU need a retreat? What is your soul calling for?
Gratitude is a Powerful Force
You are a mama with big dreams.
You have things you want for your life and things you want for your children.
Often when we start talking about dreams, wants, and desires, the focus can quickly shift from what is possible to what we don’t have right now.
Does that ever happen to you?
You dream up something big and exciting, and then suddenly everything you have in your life right now doesn’t seem so hot.
That longing for the dream starts to feel like a burden that sucks our energy and passion because we are so focused on what we don’t have.
It is easy to feel dissatisfied with what is happening right now. That is the human condition. Phrases like “the grass is always greener” and “enjoy the journey” didn’t become popular by accident.
For us to truly “enjoy the journey” we have to find ways to focus on the here and now, to stay in the present moment. Ever notice how peaceful and empowered you feel when you are here enjoying the moment?
Enter a powerful little tool called Gratitude.
One thing that I have found that really helps me enjoy the journey vs. being impatient about getting to the “grand finale” is to ~stop~ and appreciate all that is around me and all that I have right in this moment. Taking time for gratitude helps me to feel grounded and present.
I just finished reading a report that highlights some interesting results of a study that 2 doctors did about gratitude. Some of the things they found:
- “Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals.”
- Participants experienced “greater amounts of high energy, positive moods, a greater sense of feeling connected to others.”
- “Children who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes toward school and their families.”
You can read the study results here if you would like.
Gratitude is a powerful force.
I know that when I take the time to acknowledge what I am grateful for life just seems easier and I feel satisfied and content. This then gives me some space to work on my dreams without trying to force them to happen, or feel frustrated about how things are right now. I really am enjoying the journey.
I just found this awesome website, called Gratitude Log that works a bit like twitter, but you post and share what you are grateful for. I totally signed up, because I firmly believe that gratitude makes a huge difference in me making my dreams come true. (I am LisaDelzer on there if you want to find me).
I love this! They even email you once a day if you forget to update. Nothing like little reminders to help us stay focused on what really matters!
What are YOU grateful for today?
