Lamisha Serf-Walls

Your Dream Is Ready…Are You?

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Many times in coaching, I come across people who might need my help, but they just aren’t ready to take action.  Some of them have absolutely no clue about what they want to achieve and are merely moving from one day to the next trying to survive (and not just financially either).  These people are going through their days doing the things they are “supposed” to do (ya know working, paying bills, taking care of their family etc.) and while they feel like something might be missing, they have done very little to figure out what that is.  They might be fearful of what is waiting on the other side or simply have forgotten what it feels like to dream again.  These are the people who do such a magnificent job living in the moment for what it has to offer, while not thinking too far ahead.

Then there are the dreamers, the visionaries, and the self-development seekers.  These are the people who are always working toward something.  They have an idea of what they want but may not know how to get there.  They are excited for what the future may hold, but they are stuck in fear, anxiety, or lack the confidence to move forward.  These are also people who feel that something is missing and are ready to find out what that is.  They dream, they envision, they imagine, and more often than not they have stars in their eyes for that moment when they finally feel like they are living their purpose and enjoying the journey of growth and evolution.

image from www.searchquotes.com
image from www.searchquotes.com

Both of these groups are stuck in one form or another, but the latter group feels the pull to move forward into the unknown.  They are willing to risk leaving their comfort zone in order to see what else is out there.  They are ready for that first step and many times that first step begins when they reach out to me to find out how this coaching thing works.  Their interest was sparked just enough to make them wonder and imagine what they can accomplish with a little help.

Have you ever thought about what category you fall into?  Both groups have their strengths and regardless of where you may fall, you too have a wealth of potential that you can use in this life.

The question is, when you feel that pull and you wonder what might be missing…are you willing to take the steps to figure it out?

Here is what I have learned since taking the leap of faith into my dreams.

  • If you feel like you were meant to do something more than what you are currently doing…you are probably right.
  • Taking the leap is far more exciting than scary
  • All it takes is a simple, tiny step to get the momentum rolling
  • Once you are on the path, the pull gets stronger and the inspiration that follows will remind you to just keep going

Will you take that step?  Are you ready to drop the excuses, let go of the fear, and dive into your heart’s desire?  If so, I would love to chat with you.  I am still offering a free full-length 60-minute session to get a jump-start on 2014.  Not only is this an amazing opportunity to make progress on your plans for 2014, but it is also a great way for you to see what it is like to work with me with no obligation on your part other than an open mind.  Sign-up by contacting me here and we can get your session scheduled ASAP.  Seriously, what do you have to lose???

From “Meant To Be” to “Maybe Not”

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I had a realization today and it is one that I have been struggling with for a while now.  You see, when I found out I only had 3 months left of my full-time job, I took it as a sign from the Universe that my coaching business was ready to take off.  I thought I was going to have some amazing space and time to create, write, and build an ever-growing business that would sustain me.  I had stars in my eyes, a heart full of hope, and no one could tell me otherwise.

from www.liketoquote.com
from www.liketoquote.com

I absolutely believed that this was happening and that the reason my job was ending was so I could move into my purpose more fully.  But then, after 2 months passed and business didn’t explode I began questioning things.  I hadn’t even thought of getting another full-time gig.  I thought it was working out perfectly and that it was meant to be for me to work from home, building, creating, and expanding my ever-growing business.

But, that’s not how it has happened thus far.  To be honest with you, my month of giving has really become my month of offering what I believe to be a great deal, but with no takers.

Bummer.Big Bummer.

Not only did I not want to entertain the idea of taking a full-time gig (because hello why else would I be losing my job just as I was starting my own business-terrible logic), but I was also dealing with a dwindling dream.  I had gotten excited about something that I thought was meant to be, even though it might not work out that way.  The funny thing is had you asked me a month before I found out my full-time job would be ending when I planned on taking my new coaching business full-time, I would have most certainly told you that I wouldn’t consider it until I had built a solid foundation.  And yet after I found out about position being eliminated, I thought it was a sign just to jump!  Funny how we see things so differently in varying circumstances huh?

So, what’s my point?

My point is that things happen for a reason and while we might think we know what that reason is while it is happening, we may not ever really know until the dust settles later.  So instead of wishing, hoping, and standing on the belief that we always know why things work out the way they do, why not stand in a place of faith.  Faith that things are working out exactly how they should without placing constraints on the situation trying to make it fit into a logical stream of thinking.  If I know anything about my journey to coaching, I know that the path isn’t always logical and it is very rarely linear.  My path has been more about following the inspirational nuggets along the way.  Being inspired to do one thing that leads to another etc.  That is how things have worked out for me and many of my clients and I know that is how it will continue to work out.

In this case that means not discounting another full-time gig or feeling badly about services and offers that go no where.  Not only am I allowing myself to be open to what comes, but I am also following my own coaching advice and going where my inspiration takes me.  I am readjusting my focus and seeing the bigger picture.  I may not know what is next for me, but I am sure that it is going to be great.

In the mean time I am going to continue working on my business ideas, tweaking my website, and creating content that is inspiring, useful, and uplifting for you lovely readers.  I am also going to continue to build a solid foundation for my business.  I am learning, growing, and evolving every day as a business woman and that will never stop.  So as I work on my services, offerings etc. my focus is on providing the best services I can for my clients.  It also means being open to where, how, and how my next clients will be and trusting the process.

As for the job front, I’m not sure what will happen.  I am following my inspiration and going where it leads me, if that means I end up in another full-time job, so be it.

As one of my dear friends has reminded me over and over again…I am letting it flow, letting it flow, letting it flow. 🙂

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!

🙂

A Little About Me and Why I Do What I Do

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When I was younger I remember growing up watching my mother struggle to take care of myself, my sister, and my little brother.  At the time I knew it was hard, but I had no idea how strong she had to be to get through the many trials and tribulations she did until I was much older.

I remember watching her work whatever job she needed to in order to make ends meet and no matter how tough it got, she always found a way.  I became a bit of a worrier during those years.  Sad that my mom had to work as hard as she did and always wondering what I could do to help out.  It was then I became an avid problem-solver.  I can remember watching my mom want something bigger and better for herself and for my siblings and I. The something bigger was to pursue a career in the medical field.

Several times she attempted to go back to school, but as you can imagine, juggling kids, full-time work, and life all on your own can be tough.  There never seemed to be enough time or money to do what she had always dreamt of doing, yet she didn’t stop.

Each time she tried the same things stopped her from moving forward.  Simply put things just got too hard.  She had to let go of her dream because her reality was calling to her so loud she couldn’t ignore it.  It’s hard to ignore bills, multiple jobs, and children.

As I watched this play out, I decided the answer would be for me to go to college, get a degree, and get a good job.  I didn’t even know what that meant, but I suppose as long as I had enough money to pay the bills and could care for myself that is what mattered most.

I never thought about what my passion was or even what I would really like to do.  In fact, it wasn’t until I had changed my major to Exercise Science with an emphasis in Fitness did I see how a person could have such passion for their field.  I had an instructor who loved fitness.  She was more than your typical fitness enthusiast, she was a fitness educator.  She loved her job and it showed when she spoke.  Her face would light up, her eyes would twinkle, and she would be full of so much energy I couldn’t help but think maybe she had too much caffeine.  Turns out she just really loved what she did.

I finally decided to drop the emphasis part of my degree, because I simply didn’t feel the same passion as my instructor.  In fact, the day I told her that I didn’t love it as much as she did, I think she was a little taken back.  While surprised she understood that I didn’t feel the same way about her beloved career, but when asked what I was truly passionate about, I didn’t have an answer.  And instead of trying to figure it out, I simply finished the program I was in without the emphasis and graduated on time.  Soon after I found an administrative assistant position with a great company which would become the first “just a job” with many more to follow.

Meanwhile, my mom made her way back to school.  She moved through her nursing program and the challenges it presented.  I watched as she worked a full-time job and studied all while taking care of my little brother who was still at home.

She worked hard.  She worked a lot.  But a few years ago she finally achieved her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse and enjoys each and every patient she has because this is her passion.  This is her calling.

As for me, I realized after a few too many “just a jobs” that the little part of me that was interested by life coaching in college (while I was listening to a lecture for my exercise instructor class) was really the beginning of knowing what my calling would be.

Through all of that here is what I learned:

  • I learned that we each have a passion and a purpose, something that really gets us excited about life and whatever that thing is for you, is what you should be doing.
  • I learned that it is never too late to do what you want to do in this world.  Life may be short, but this very moment is the most time you will ever have to accomplish your dreams.  So start now.
  • I learned that job=money and passion=purpose and that if you follow your heart, the money will come.
  • I learned that no matter how big, how crazy, how wild, or how unattainable a dream may seem it is ALWAYS possible.  You just have to take the first tiny step and watch how the Universe supports you in your plight.
  • And finally, I learned that no matter who you are, where you came from, or how stuck you may feel in your current reality, there is always a way to make your dreams a reality.

And because of all of those things I learned, I am living a life I once dreamt, helping you to do the same and for me that is a dream come true.

You know who I really love to help?  Women who may fall into the “just a job” rut and are looking to find work that they truly enjoy.  Work that makes them smile, gives them purpose, and energizes them because it is the work they were meant to do.  I also love working with women who are going through one of life’s big transitions, you know the ones that leave you asking the question: So what’s next?  Whether you are newly retired, an empty-nester, or you just feel like your life is in a rut, I can help you get unstuck and on your way to making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life.

Do you want to know more about how we can work together?  Contact me to sign-up for your free coaching session.  I am so ready to help you create an amazing life with passion and purpose!

Inspiration From Monsters and Cavemen…Who Knew?!

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Generally my family and I implement “family movie night” at least once a week as a way to relax and regroup after a long week.  This week we had a bit of a movie marathon and watched Monster University and The Croods, both of which I highly recommend (especially if you have children).  For the most part, family movie night is a chance to get away from whatever may be on my mind from the week before, yet there are times when the movies hit a chord within me so strongly that it sends my mind into a flutter of inspiration.

This Saturday was one of those nights.

Inspiration #1

While watching Monster University I was inspired by the message that we can each use our unique gifts and perspectives to do similar work and it is our unique experiences that make that work not only different, but amazing.

What does that really mean?

Regardless of how many people we feel are doing exactly the same thing that we want to do (only in our mind much better), we each bring our own set of talents, gifts, and experiences to the table.  No one else is better or worse than us, they are just different and different is ok.  In fact, it’s better than ok, it’s great!  Different means we can extend our reach to a group of people others can’t reach simply because of who we are.

This comes up a lot with my clients.  So many people, (myself included) view what other people are doing in the same genre as ourselves as doing it bigger and better that we find ourselves comparing apples to oranges.  Sure you can have two writers who have a similar style, but the truth is each is unique and amazing in their own way.  The same goes for two business owners, coaches, stylists, or whatever your dream might entail. Don’t let the success of another put a damper on your amazing gift.

YOU have a gift that can reach people that the other person can’t, so stand in your power and celebrate the wonderful things you bring to the table!

So the next time you start questioning your dream because you feel like you couldn’t possibly live up to someone you believe is doing it better, remember the little lesson from Monster University.  Better yet, watch the movie and see if you experience the same inspiration I did.

Inspiration #2

I expected the next movie to be more entertaining than insightful, but I couldn’t help but notice some interesting themes.

The first theme is one I have heard and dealt with several times in my lifetime.  Fear of the unknown.  When we fear what we do not know and allow it to stop us from stepping outside of our comfort zone, we become caged birds (or in this case caged cavemen).  We become too fearful of taking risks that we don’t really live and experience the precious gift of life.

One quote that stood out to me came from the teenage daughter as she was talking about her dad’s philosophy on staying safe:

“That wasn’t living!  That was just…not dying!  There’s a difference!”

How many of us have lived in this way before?  Merely surviving a life that may be uncomfortable and not all that great, but too fearful of what could go wrong in the future to take that step to do something bigger.

Surviving isn’t thriving.  Living a life with your dreams tucked down in your soul never to see the light of day isn’t living life to it’s fullest and I assure you it is not what you were given this precious time to do.

You were meant to love life, explore, and experience it.  Feel it, devour the juicy tidbits of amazingness.  To identify your gifts and share them with the world.  You were meant to be happy!  So if you aren’t happy right now, is it because you are fearful of stepping outside your comfort zone?  Fearful that the next thing might be worse than now?

What if it isn’t?  What if it is bigger, better, and more amazing than you ever dreamed?  Would one single, scarey step be worth it?

Another theme that came up was the idea of “following the light to tomorrow”.  Essentially it means to just keep going.Light

When things get tough as they sometimes do, remembering your dreams and why you started to begin with can help you just keep going.  Continue moving forward toward the light of tomorrow with your dreams alive and you can do anything.  Just keep going.

So, if you aren’t living the life of your dreams and you are too worried about others doing something better than you, are you ready to take the step to move forward?  Ready to live your gifts and share them with the world? Ready to do more that just merely survive?

If so, contact me to find out more information on getting ready to make 2014 the best year yet!  I want to offer you a chance to get a head start on your dreams and to make some big things happen next year.  If you are ready, I have a special treat for you!!! Send me an email today to find out more information on your FREE session and if you choose to work with me after our free session and get started this month, I am offering packages at a discounted rate (to go along with my gratitude and giving theme).  You don’t want to miss this!!!