Masterful Mindsets

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.”  ~Proverb

Living in Colorado we have a saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes, it’ll change.” And springtime here is certainly guaranteed to make that statement ring true. It’s this time of the year when one day it can be a beautiful warm, sunny, spring day and the next - a huge storm bringing freezing temps and several inches of snow. It’s during this time that we start to feel like winter will never end. But, just like this week’s quote, no matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

So, what does this have to do with Masterful Mindsets and more importantly, life?

Well, it is a sign of hope! And not just hope for warmer days. But hope for new beginnings. It’s a reminder that in the dark, dreary, cold spaces of your life, you can still have hope that no matter how long that period lasts, a new season of life will come and with it, new growth, promises of warmth and renewed beauty in your lif...

“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay.” ~ Maya Angelou

In my last Masterful Mindset, I wrote about choosing courage over comfort. So now, I want to focus on another choice we have. This is the choice between hope and fear. So before you read on, ask yourself, if hope or fear is dictating the path you’re taking to your future? Which one do you want guiding you into the next chapter of your life?

With each passing year, both of my daughters consistently and joyfully embark on new chapters in their lives. (This year, my oldest will be graduating college and my youngest will be leaving for college) at I want for them but at the same time, letting them go… not so easy.

I have such great hope for their futures. And yet, if I’m not careful, I can easily find myself overcome with fear about their futures too. The uncertainty, the risks, the fact that I truly cannot be there to protect them every step of the way nor am I in control of everything...

“The secret of happiness is freedom... The secret of freedom is courage.” - Thucydides

Independence Day is one of the greatest American holidays, both for what we celebrate and how we celebrate it. I mean, who doesn't love a good barbecue, a festive parade and spectacular fireworks? But as our whole world knows, freedom is not something to be taken for granted. A few years ago COVID quickly taught us that lesson. And yet, I still encounter people who readily give their freedom away by being trapped within the walls of their own beliefs and fears.

What about you? Are you trapped by your own fears and limiting beliefs, or do you feel truly free to live your best life? I know one thing; our forefathers certainly didn't fight for our freedom so that we could be imprisoned by our own limitations. So do you have the courage to set yourself free?

Take some time this week and into the coming holiday weekend to reflect on why we celebrate. There are some in this world who only wish they ...

"I’m proud of the scars in my soul. They remind me that I have an intense life." – Paulo Coelho

Have you allowed the scars of your past to haunt you and hold you back from living full out in your life? Or do you see the beauty and strength that can be found in those scars as reminders of an intense life?

Last Monday was Memorial Day here in the US. It is traditionally a time to honor those who’ve lost their lives while serving our country in the military. But it’s also become a time when we honor all who have passed on before us. For me that brings to mind one of the biggest scars in my soul.

I’ve been through some things in life that most would see as difficult and heartbreaking experiences. Of course, nothing as tragic or horrific as what those who serve in the military might experience or that someone who has grown up in an abusive home might know. But none the less, losing my mother at age seven and then later in life, spending eight years struggling with infertility are amo...

“Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.” ~ Elmer G. Letterman

This week we’re talking about personality types and owning who you are but also showing up however you want to be.

In the early 70’s Carl Jung developed a theory about personality types. Maybe you remember taking a personality test somewhere throughout your life, to identify your personality types. Perhaps you were an ISFP or an EITJ or somewhere in between… it doesn’t matter. They are all good in their own way. No one personality type is better than the other. Unless of course you perceive it that way. So, if there’s something about your personality type you don’t like, then let me tell you how to change the character traits that go with your personality so you can show up as your best self.

Many believe strongly that personality types can’t be changed, yet some theories say they can. I’m not here to argue that… But I do want to say that I believe that although a personality test may put y...

“The freedom to be yourself is a gift only you can give yourself. But once you do, no one can take it away.” – Doe Zantamata

"Definition of Insanity - Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." ~ Albert Einstein

"Strength of character isn’t always about how much you can handle before you break, it’s also about how much you can handle after you’ve broken." – unknown

"The truth of your character is expressed through the choice of your actions." ~ Steve Maraboli

Father’s Day is coming up so of course, it always makes me think about my dad. He passed away a few years ago and I miss him dearly. He was a man of great character and his actions always reflected that character. He had integrity. He was honest, hardworking, fair, reliable, responsible, loved his family deeply and he always showed resilience, perseverance and humility in the face of adversity.

Thinking about him, inspired me to share a new Masterful Mindset Series with you on Character. So for the next few weeks, please come along with me and invite others to join us, as we will be focusing on character. Because truly, I think we can all use a little tune-up in this area from time to time.

Character Traits are all the aspects of a person's behavior and attitudes that make up that person's personality. (Think “descriptive adjectives” here.) Everyone has character traits, both good and...

“You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” ~ Scott Adams

If you were to think about the people who have been role models to you in your life, I would be willing to bet that the majority of them never really knew they were your role model. So now ponder that for a minute… How many people then, have you likely been a role model to that you have no idea you’ve influenced? Kind of gives you chills, right? I mean, think about how you show up every single day of your life. What are you modeling to others? What energy are you giving out that others are absorbing? What habits or behaviors do you model that someone else is likely learning from you? What mindset or beliefs is someone picking up from you that are becoming their own? And maybe the most important question… Is the model you are being worth modeling?

You might think that no one is watching but I ca...