Lamisha Serf-Walls

November Gift #2-Getting Clear For The New Year

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Earlier this month I decided the theme of November would be Gratitude and Giving.  On my personal Facebook page I am doing the 30 days of gratitude and focusing on the many things I have and experience that I am grateful for.  On my blog, I wanted to focus a bit more on the giving aspect of the month.

So if you weren’t here for the post, hop over here and find out how you can sign up for my newsletter and snag your first free gift.

Today, I want to share with you the opportunity for you to receive your second free gift.  This one is a big one too!

But, before I get there let me share with you where I came up with the idea and why I am gifting this to you.

First of all, I know there are many of you who have thought about working with me and you just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.  Maybe you don’t know if it’s the right thing for you right now or you are unclear about what I can help you with.  Maybe it’s a financial thing, a fear thing, or a just plain I’m not ready thing, but I want to offer you a deal you just can’t refuse…for FREE!!

Second, I have made quite a few changes to my site (with more to come in the near future) and as a thank you for hanging in there with me while I make some much-needed changes and adding a lots of new information, I wanted to offer you something as a token of my appreciation.

We all know 2014 is quickly approaching and I want to help you get started on the right foot.  So, for the rest of November 2013 I am offering a full-length 60-minute Getting Clear For The New Year session for anyone who is interested.  In this session we will discuss the top 3 goals/dreams you have for 2014, figure out the sticky stuff that is leaving you stuck (and how to get out of it), and create simple action steps (key word here is simple) you can do now that will open up a world of opportunities for you.  That’s right in 60-minutes we will define your dream, get you unstuck, and create simple steps to get you moving toward your dream.

Not only do you get to see how I work, you can actually make some serious progress toward your dreams absolutely free.  And if you take advantage of this amazing planning power session, you will also get 25% off the price of regular packages if you sign-up to work with me before the end of the year (sessions don’t have to be used this year to qualify).

To sign up all you have to do is contact me and let me know you are interested in your Getting Clear For The New Year session and brief description of what you want to work on.  I will email you back as soon as possible and get you on the schedule.  I can’t wait to get started!  Do you know someone who might be interested?  Feel free to send them a link to this post and share the love.  I want to help as many people as possible get clear on their dreams for 2014!!

Let me help you re-imagine your dreams for 2014 and help you find and follow your inspiration to get you moving in the right direction.  Let me thank you for following me on my journey, by helping you get jump started on yours.  Aren’t you ready to realize your dreams and enjoy every juicy tidbit that comes along the way?  Let’s get started together!

It’s All Working Out…

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My Dear Dreamers,

I wanted to take this moment to let you know that you are on your way to the most amazing future you could ever imagine.  It may not be obvious right now, but believe me when I say all the pieces are fitting together perfectly and your journey is unfolding in the best way possible.

Can you feel that spark of inspiration?  It will be undeniable and you will be whisked away in a flurry of inspired action as you move along to the very next step of your dream.  When you find yourself falling into the dungeon of doubt, remember the last surge of inspiration you had.  Do you remember how it felt to jump into action as if your soul was on fire?  Do you remember all the amazing ideas that came to you at that time?  Do you remember how sure of yourself you were and how confident you were in creating the life of your dreams? No one could tell you otherwise.

Remember that time.  Feel it.  Embrace it and allow it to take you into other moments just like it where you know without a shadow of a doubt that you will see your dream meet reality and far sooner than you believe.

Trust that while you may not have all the pieces right now that they will come in exactly the time you need them.  The contacts you need, the time, the money, the lessons, all of it will appear at exactly the right moment.  Just know that to be true and enjoy each and every step of the process.

Your dream life is so much more that the manifested reality you are creating now.  It is the goodness, the positive experiences, the lessons, the joy, and the amazing journey you experience on your way to your dream life.  That is what it’s all about because just as soon as your dream is complete, another one takes it’s place and you will once again meander your way through a path of awesome unknowns to a place of incredible insight.

So what is your inspiration telling you now?  What do you just have to do right this minute?  Whatever it is, don’t waste anymore time reading this post, go do it!

🙂

When You Just Want To Give Up…And A Free Gift

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For some people, a life coach is thought of as a personal cheerleader who is always happy, always inspiring, and always pushing you to turn that frown upside down even when things feel difficult.  The thing is, life can feel difficult sometimes and if life can feel that way, so can your dreams.

While I like to think I am in some ways a motivator and an inspirational voice to my clients, sometimes things just feel impossible.  I know that.  I get it.  I have experienced it.

Who hasn’t been in that space where you doubt why you started this journey to begin with.  When life keeps throwing curve balls your way and you aren’t sure which side is up, how can you do anything other than lose faith in your dreams???

It happens.  It sucks, but it happens.givingup

Our current reality is what we see and feel every day.  Each time we punch the clock, check our account balance, or ponder how to find time to do that thing we really need to do to make progress, reality is staring us in the eye.  Heck, sometimes it’s jumping up and down saying, “You can’t get rid of me!!!” And it is during those times that our inspiration hits rock bottom.  The Dream Crusher starts in on us telling us things that just aren’t true.

“You’re a fraud!”

“You will never write that book.”

“You just aren’t meant to do that.”

“You aren’t smart enough, strong enough, pretty enough, clear enough, professional enough…”

You get the idea.

It is in that moment you want to just give up altogether.  You think about throwing in the towel and raising your white flag because it all just seems too hard!!!

If you are in that place right now, I want you to know that you are not alone.

Every successful person in the world has at one time or another (likely many times), felt like they were never going to get there.  They have had their Dream Crusher sweep in and steal their dreams, leading them to believe it just isn’t meant to be.  They have heard the same voices and wanted to throw in the flag.  They have wondered why they keep going and have thought about just quitting altogether.

Only they don’t.

Instead, they take a step back.  Breathe a little, regroup, revise, revisit plans, and allow their inspiration to return.  They meet with friends who believe in their vision.  They sleep.  They go for walks.  They get some exercise and by golly they get back up and keep going.

They remember why they had this dream to begin with.  They remember how far they have come to make it happen.  They remember the passion and drive that brought them to where they are today.  But most of all, they remember the faith they had to get started in the first place and remind themselves that while they don’t have the answers now, they don’t have to have it all figured out at once.  It’s going to happen.  In fact, it already is happening before their very eyes.  They are learning what kind of strength and fortitude they truly have.

And so can you.

So if you are ever find yourself just wanting to give up, just breathe, relax, and remember why you started to begin with.  Your vision, your power, your purpose, your passion is why you started and those are the things that will keep you going.

For those of you looking for some concrete practices on keeping your dream alive, sign up for my mailing list (so you get first dibs on product launches, new offerings, and free stuff) and snag your free copy of 20 Ways To Keep Your Dream Alive.  I promise you won’t be sorry you did!

What To Do With In-Between Time

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When you set out on your journey to create the life of your dreams, it isn’t abnormal to feel a slow withdraw from the reality you have been living.  Everyday responsibilities and commitments may not feel the same as they once did and though you are working on your dream in your spare time, it can seem like it just isn’t enough.  It can get to a point where you feel like you are in limbo, teetering between two worlds, yet not fully engaged in either.

I get it, in fact I more than just “get” it.  I’m living it, this very moment.

If you are like me, you might be used to fully engaging in whatever activity you have set forth to accomplish and it can feel unnatural to withdraw your energy.  If you aren’t quite sure how the future is going to unfold (and let’s be honest we don’t always know what lies ahead), it can make this in-between time feel even more unstable and often scary.  Not being fully aware of what is next on your path can easily create doubt, worry, and a loss of faith in your dreams.

So, what do you do?  If you aren’t here or there and are struggling to find your footing between worlds, what can you possibly do???

The answer is very simple and is one I have heard over and over again (and I am sure you have too.)

Be here now.

Image from bepresentproject.com
Image from bepresentproject.com

As humans we are very good at reflecting on the past and planning for the future, but most of us generally stink at being IN the moment.  We are so busy planning our next moment and reflecting on past mistakes and misgivings, that our entire lives are focused on planning on what is to come while not making the same mistakes and we miss this moment.

I am no Eckhart Tolle or Ram Dass, but I know that being in the moment is an incredible lesson to be learned and is one of my own personal quests in this life.  In fact, it is one I think I am just beginning to get a handle on.

If you are like me you are probably thinking “Yeah, I get it, focus on the present, but what can I DO to do that??”

The specific steps may be a little different for everyone, but I have outlined a few of the things that work for me.  Try them out and see if they help you too.

  • Meditate- Meditation is the act of being present.  For constant planners and doers, this can be challenging at first, but with consistent practice it gets much easier.  This practice is by far one of the best ways for me to focus on the moment and has a very powerful effect on my mindfulness throughout the rest of the day.
  • Stop Multi-tasking– Say what?? Multi-tasking is a way of life for many, but while we are trying to 10 things at once, we are robbing ourselves (and our work, family, health etc.) of operating on all cylinders.  Splitting your energy and focus can result in mistakes, frustration, anxiety, and worry.  So the next time you find yourself doing one thing, thinking about another, and planning your next steps, stop and take a deep breath.  Move into the next moment with a singular focus and take it one thing at a time.
  • Practice Gratitude-This has been another paramount practice for me during my time of transition.  Instead of focusing on the things that haven’t yet happened or worrying about what the future may bring, take a step back.  Look around you and become aware of the beautiful blessings that surround you daily.  On your drive to work how many times have you been aware of the flaming sunrise before you?  What about the crisp fall air that reminds you, you are alive?  There are always amazing things going on around you and if you can settle into the present and become mindful of them, the future will not only be incredible, but you will be able to enjoy the beauty when you encounter it.
  • Trust- While worry can creep in during moments of overwhelm, it is important to trust the process and unfolding.  Things are working out for you just as they did when you began your dream journey.  The pieces fall into your path at exactly the right moment and while you are moving toward your ultimate dream, remember to trust in the process.  You might find it helpful to create a mantra or two that remind you that all is well and everything is working out.

While the above practices appear to be much less doing and more being, it is important to continue to follow your inspiration along the way.  What is interesting is that the more you become aware of the present moment, the more you are able to recognize those inspirational nuggets.  You might enjoy a nice conversation with a stranger in line at the coffee shop or become aware of the beautiful surroundings when you hear about an incredible connection that will help you on your journey.

Life is full of those little miracles that will lead you down your beautiful path of your dreams.  You just have to be mindful of them.

My wish for you today is to enjoy the start of your week by slowing down, becoming mindful, and being fully present in the moment.

I Got The Message, “Let Go and It Will Grow”

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In light of being completely and 100% authentic with you lovely readers I wanted to share something that happened a few weeks ago.  It is something that I have only shared with 2 people for fear others might think I’m crazy and while the “crazy” part is likely true,  I think it’s an important message to share with you.

A few weeks ago I was dealing with some major fear, anxiety, and frustration around what was or wasn’t happening in my business.  I created my business Facebook page, I set up a pay what you can offer and created my mailing list sign-up and they were going nowhere.  Add to that the anxiety of what may or may not be coming next for me job-wise and you can imagine I was a mess.  Even as a life coach, I still find myself fighting back the doubt sometimes.

So there I was, trying desperately through anxious-action to make things happen.  (When will I ever learn??) I was researching, reading, writing, and trying to come up with a plan.  A solid, no-nonsense, fool-proof plan to bring in the right clients.  I could feel the stress building and my Dream Crusher was coming in loud and clear.

I heard her say, “You have NO idea what you are doing.”, “You don’t know anything about business.”, “You should really just find another job and be done with it.”, “You have a family to help take care of for goodness sake.” “You are a fraud!”

She wasn’t being very nice and while I could have continued to let that voice take over my thoughts and cause me to give up, I didn’t.  Instead I meditated.

I knew I had to quiet the fearful thoughts that were flowing through my mind so I sat down, closed my eyes, and let them go.

My 15 minute meditation felt much longer and much deeper than what I am used to and I was not at all prepared for what happened next.  Just as my thoughts floated away, I saw a beautiful butterfly in my mind’s eye with two fingers holding onto one of the wings.  The other wing was furiously flapping as the butterfly was trying to get away.  In that moment I heard “Let go and it will grow.”

What?!butterfly

I meditate at least 5 times a week, sometimes more and during my morning meditations, I very rarely hear or see anything.  I have heard experiences where some people get great inspiration and insight from their meditations, but I don’t experience it quite as clear.  That is until that moment.

A few days later, after hearing the message 2-3 more times (not in meditation), I really felt the significance.

The fluttering and frantic butterfly was me and the fingers holding one of the butterflies wings was also me.  I was the one holding myself back.  Instead of following my intuition and inspiration and allowing that to lead me to the next thing (the way I coach others), I was trying too hard to make something happen.  I was acting out of fear instead of inspiration.  I allowed the doubt, fear, and frustration to send me into a tizzy that resulted in a lot of needy action.

I wasn’t thinking clearly.

I wasn’t following my own advice.

I wasn’t listening to my intuition.

Until that moment.

The message “Let go and it will grow.” has come back to me time and time again.  When I find myself struggling to find a solution or plan right this moment, I know I am trying too hard.  When I am trying to force things to work a very specific way, I know I have lost my faith.  When I am too focused on what I feel is going wrong instead of seeing what is going right, I have lost my way.  When I am too focused on blog views, new followers, new likes on Facebook, and the lack of clients, I am forgetting what is important.

My intuition tells me that letting go of the outcome and detaching from whatever I believe should be the end result is going to help things along.  When I let go of the butterfly and allow it the freedom to fly, I free up energy that can be used for other things.  I know this to be true because I have seen it happen over and over again in other areas of my life.

With a strong vision, belief in myself, and my work, things will keep moving forward. 

Do you have something you need to be easy about instead of trying so damn hard?  Take a step back for a while and do things you truly enjoy.  You just might be amazed at what happens next.