lessons Archives - Page 4 of 8 - Lamisha Serf-Walls

Lessons Learned in Attitude, Faith, and Signs

September 3, 2013 by Lamisha

I don’t know about you, but this week has offered me many opportunities for growth which also means it has had it’s fair share of challenges…and by fair share I mean A LOT. However, I would like to think I have taken each one in stride and learned a little along the way.

Lesson: Attitude is everything.

In the last week my family and I have been in a car accident (everyone is ok thank goodness), I found out the company I work for full-time is eliminating my position in the next 3 months, and our washer died-all of which happened before we were heading out-of-town for a nice relaxing weekend away. While any one of these occurrences could have sent me into an anxiety-ridden-tizzy, I took each one as it came and tried to focus on the good. I couldn’t change the fact that we had tons of paperwork to deal with due to the accident, but I could be grateful we were all safe. I couldn’t beg to stay with my current company, but I am able to be grateful that they gave me 3 months notice. I can’t fix the washer on my own, but we can figure out a way to make it work. Did it seem like the Universe was delivering a huge storm of gloom this past week, yes, but in changing my attitude even just a little, I was able to see the bright side. Did I get there immediately? No. After a little bit of shock and some tears I decided the only thing I could change was my attitude and that is just what I did.

Lesson: If you have faith that everything will work out for the best, nothing can stop you.

Moments after I received the news about my full-time job, I broke down into tears. There was a distinct feeling of “what am I going to do?” coupled with a feeling of overwhelming calm. It sounds weird I know, but it was almost as if, part of me knew without a shadow of a doubt that this moment was the beginning of something far greater than the job I had. I gave myself a few minutes to feel the worry for the future and afterwards, I felt the faith and trust in my heart that all would be just fine. And while I have had moments of “I wonder how, or when, or what…”, my faith is there keeping me moving in the right direction.

Lessons: If you are open, the Universe will deliver signs that let you know you are on the right track.

I have talked about inspirational nuggets that serve as gentle nudges leading us to the next step in our journey and while I didn’t receive any specific signs of where to turn next, I did receive (what I believe to be) signs that everything is going to be just fine.

Right after hearing the news about my full-time position being eliminated, I had an appointment to go to. On the way I was talking to a friend about my faith in the process and how I just knew this was opening my world to something far greater than I could imagine. As I was going on about what may be in my future, I saw a field of probably 100 white birds that I had never seen before. There were so many, I had to take notice and as I did, I saw one was perched on the fence close to the street. He seemed to be watching my car drive by. I told my friend about what I had just seen and she said this was my confirmation that all was going to be ok and I had a feeling she was right. A bit later when I drove by again the bird was still perched on the fence and he caught my eye again. At this point I was convinced there was some sort of message or sign.

Now I am all about symbolic meaning, synchronicities, no coincidences etc. and this felt like one of those moments so I was eager to know what type of bird it was and any symbolic meaning behind it.

I found that the bird was either an Egret or a Heron and they symbolize peace, going with the flow, patience, prosperity, good luck, self-reliance etc. I was amazed and comforted, but most of all excited for what the future holds for me. As it unfolds, I will continue to be open to the signs, symbols, and inspirational nuggets that will guide the way.

So, that is what I have learned this week. What have you learned?

Lessons Learned: Be Brave, Tiny Steps, & Fun Is Important

August 23, 2013 by Lamisha

Friday posts are generally my Gratitude posts and while I will maintain my gratitude practice outside of the blog, I wanted to begin a new series titled: Lessons Learned.

With each new step in my business and life changes overall, I feel like I am continually evolving and growing. And while some weeks feel more like growing pains, my hope is to reflect on the lessons I have learned each week so I am more aware of what I am learning in the moment. I hope you will join me in reflecting on your week as I am sure we all are learning new lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of our dreams.

This week has included a plethora of opportunities for me to engage my bravery skills to do some things that sort of scared me. My intuition was telling me I needed to send two emails in order to not only grow as a person, but also to get more comfortable with various aspects of the business world. I listened to my inner guidance and hit send and even before I received any correspondence back, I knew I had done the right thing regardless of the outcome. I also had to make a big decision regarding my business logo. I had so many options to choose from and after momentarily feeling like I was going to select the “wrong” one, I listened to my own advice (imagine that) and followed my gut. I can’t wait to share it with you when it is complete because it is gonna be gorgeous!!

Lesson: Follow your intuition and be brave in spite of your fear. You will be glad you did.

I have also been working on brainstorming some ideas for other services and products I want to create and offer to my clients. I found my inspiration well a bit dry, however I realized I hadn’t really taken the time to sit down and think about it. Until last night. In a matter of 20 minutes by simply reviewing old notes, ideas, and doing a little research I had a light bulb moment! Once the idea hit, I was off and writing and am even more inspired now about how I can implement this new idea. Again I can’t wait to get this project under way and share it with you!

Lesson: You don’t need to make quantum leaps to achieve your dreams. Tiny steps make a huge difference.

My last lesson is one I just learned today. As the summer has flown by, I found myself yearning for just a little getaway. Not a huge vacation or anything too extravagant, but something easy to end the summer. After thoughts like “I should really wait,” or “We really shouldn’t spend the money,” etc. I decided I wanted to find a way to have an affordable end of the summer trip and I am proud to say it is in the works.

Lesson: Business is important, but fun is too. The work will be there when you get back so when you find yourself questioning whether you should or shouldn’t remember fun is important.

From Faith To Fear And Back Again

August 19, 2013 by Lamisha

I know I typically begin the week with either my Inspiration Round-up or Dreamer Highlight, but in light of keeping it real with you lovely readers, I decided to start the week this post instead. It is something I have been dealing with in the past few weeks and I am sure many of you have (or will) go through it as well.

I spent most of June and July imagining, envisioning, and creating my coaching framework as well as figuring out how I would present the information to potential clients. The process was very easy-going and high-flying as everything was so exciting. I didn’t feel a sense of urgency to get things completed by a certain date because I was simply following my inspiration to the very next step. I had this intuitive knowing that August 1st would be when I open practice up to take new clients. I had an idea that once I did, clients would come to me and would immediately want to get started. I even went so far as to set a goal for how many new clients I wanted to book by the end of the month.

We are halfway through the month and I am not anywhere near my goal.

Bummer.

Actually it hit me much harder than just a “bummer” moment. In fact, I have found myself deep in the throes of doubtful thinking, fear, and disbelief. My self-talk was running rampant as I condescendingly asked myself “How could you actually believe it would take off so easily?”

This was an admittedly ugly place to be for sure.

As I began moving through the muck of self-doubt, I realized I had allowed fear to take the place of the light, easy-going faith I had as I created my coaching model seemingly effortlessly. Through that process I kept reassuring myself (read my Ego) that I didn’t have to have it mapped out as to how, when, and who would want to work with me. I just knew that as long as I do what I love and stay true to myself the people who are meant to work with me will.

While I might have doubted how quickly I would book clients, I never once questioned that life coaching is what I am meant to do.

This weekend I did some thinking about my client goal for this month and couldn’t help but wonder if I had made a mistake by having a number I wanted to hit for the month. Instead of focusing on writing blog posts, working with my current awesome clients, and creating resources for my readers, I found myself keeping score of how many clients I had (or didn’t have). And while we are taught in the traditional/logical business world to set goals, map out a plan, and execute, I am beginning to see that might not be the best tactic for me. My philosophy does center around following my inspiration and the general goal setting is not all that inspirational for me.

So, I am happy to say I have moved through the muck and am moving back into trusting this process. I honestly believe and know that if you do what you love, the rest will fall into place, so that is exactly what I plan on doing.

In the past two weeks I have moved from a place of faith in the process to fear and back again and I must say it feels so much better.

Do I think I will always be high-flying and trust the process? Probably not, but I now know it is not where I have to stay. I can allow my Ego to have her say before I kindly tell her to relax and trust the process. And what is even better than that? I can use my personal experience to help my clients who may be struggling with the same thing.

Where do you have doubts in your life? I am interested to know how you deal with your own doubts, please feel free to share below!

Surprise Speed Bumps

May 14, 2013 by Lamisha

Recently I have been on a super positivity kick. I have been focusing on the positive that surrounds me daily, making lists of things I am grateful for, and staying focused on the things I want to create and cultivate in my life. For the most part things are running smoothly. I am feeling good about where I am headed and am confident in the process and while some things seem to be moving slower than I want, I continue to bring my focus back to the present. I know all is well and all will be well. No worries.

Well almost no worries. While I have spent most of my time focusing on the positive, there have been moments (or many moments) when some negative thoughts creep in. I do my best to send them on their way by thinking more positive thoughts with the intention of staying in my positive frame of mind more and more each day. Naturally I thought my manifestation process would get easier and then today I hit a surprise speed bump.

Long story short, I had an “accidental” financial oversight that resulted in me being in the red by several thousand dollars. YIKES! I quickly called all necessary parties to get this matter resolved as quickly as possible, however in the back of my mind I kept thinking “What a dumb thing to do.” and “I can’t believe I did that!”. Needless to say my self-talk wasn’t all that great. I made a mistake and I was ok with it to some degree (provided it could be fixed), but the interesting part was the lack of emotional reaction I had.

In the past if something like this would have happened, I would likely have broken down into tears while anxiety took over my body. My mind would have been racing while my stomach twisted into knots and I would be in the throes of a serious reaction.

As I took a moment to step back from the situation, I realized even though this mistake does require some rearranging of resources and phone calls to hopefully get it all worked out, I have grown. I took the situation and responded accordingly without reacting to it negatively. Sure I was concerned about the mistake, but I was able to take it in stride. Something I would not have been able to do a year ago.

I suppose this “accident” was a way for me to realize I am making progress in my personal growth and though all of the manifestations are not here right now, I am becoming an overall more positive person.

So the next time you hit a surprise speed bump on your journey to your dreams, take a step back and see what it is telling you. Is it evidence of changes you are making along the way, or is it a warning to focus more on the happiness you have now? Either way I think you will find there is an underlying lesson.

He’s Got It All Figured Out…

March 12, 2013 by Lamisha

I once thought that no one had life all figured out. I thought we were all living the best we knew how, doing the best we could while still growing and evolving into better versions of ourselves. Yet no matter how evolved we get or how much we grow, we never have it figured out. That is, until I thought about my son.

Yesterday I was thinking about life and how sometimes it feels like a struggle as we muddle through the challenges and other times it is simply euphoric. The good times make you feel like everything is running smoothly and nothing can tear you down. I was wondering how we could live more in the space of goodness and less in the mindset of challenges. I wondered if that was even possible. Then it hit me! My soon to be 3-year-old has it all figured out.

Sound crazy? I don’t think so. The other day my some came home from daycare with the biggest smile on his face and I could feel the joy flowing so easily from him. It’s not just when he comes home either, it seems to be all the time. At any given moment I can look at him and he is singing as loud as possible, dancing, bouncing around the room, or his new favorite thing is singing into his microphone or banging on his drum set. He has found joy, better yet, he lives it in everything he does. From the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed he has spent approximately 90-95% of his day in happy mode. Sure he doesn’t have everyday problems to deal with like us adults, but it got me thinking about how we can all spend that much time in happy mode.

Is it as simple as thinking happy thoughts or turning your thoughts to the good in your life? Maybe. Maybe it is a combination of focusing on the good things in life, but also taking the time to be playful. Taking time to sing, dance, and let loose. In a world where it often feels like there is never enough time or money, the simple things in life mean so much.

So, for today I will let loose and smile while thinking of the little boy who has not only stolen my heart, but has taught me a very valuable lesson about life. And the next time he is bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm and his natural zest for life, instead of trying to calm him down, I will simply join in his joy.

We could all use a little more joy in our lives right?