Lamisha Serf-Walls

Transformation, Growth, & Group Coaching for YOU!

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photo credit: wetribe via photopin cc
photo credit: wetribe via photopin cc

If you would have told me 5 or 10 years ago that I would be a business owner with no other full-time income other than my business, I certainly wouldn’t have believed you.  I never really wanted or thought about being my own boss as much as I really wanted to love what I do and have the freedom and flexibility in my life to do more of what I love.  Seems obvious that being my own boss would provide all of that, but I didn’t put the two together until I realized life coaching was my calling.

Since then, I have found this path to be one of the most amazing and life transforming experiences.  I have learned (and continue to learn) a ton about myself, my life, my preferences, and how I work best.  I am learning to let go of the old story of success and what that means in traditional society and am stepping into my power more and more every day.  I am reaching beyond my previously set boundaries and am expanding my reach, my knowledge, and my faith in the Universe that all things are working out exactly as they are meant to.

I am also stepping into a bit of a new direction business wise that is causing me to learn, grow, and evolve even more quickly.  It’s a process and a journey that I wouldn’t give up for the world and I am so grateful for the opportunity to stand in my power helping other business owners and freedom-seekers do the same.

What is a freedom-seeker you ask?

Simply put, it is a person who desires to walk their own path and find (and live) their true calling.  They wish to do what they love, stand in that power, and live the life of their dreams…as they see fit.  Whether it’s a mansion by the beach or a life of travel, they want to create a life that allows them to do as they please.  They want to grow, learn, evolve, and become more of who they are and be comfortable and confident in themselves.  These are people who are similar to the ‘purple people‘ in that they feel the call to follow their inspiration and intuition as opposed to logic and reality.  Crystal Davis (an amazing, talented, and very creative woman and friend) owner of Poetic Empire posted on Facebook yesterday that “Reality is irrelevant.”(I love that quote!) and freedom-seekers know this on some level and the more they live it, the more they feel their calling and truth.

These are the people I know I am meant to work with because I am one of them.  I am proud to say I had the courage to step out on faith and step into my calling, my purpose, and my passion.  I have learned a lot on this path and my hope is that I can pass a bit of that knowledge to others who are doing the same.

That is why I have created a program specifically for heart-centered business owners (and soon to be business owners) that are doing work they love.  This 3-month group coaching program(beginning in June) provides you the coaching, support, community, and practical tips to break through the blocks and barriers you may be experiencing in your business life.  It will help you grow stronger in your confidence for your craft, provide tools for dealing with fear, self-sabotage, abundance issues, address self-care and anything else holding you back.  This is an opportunity for 20 people to connect, commune, and grow together with a common goal to stand more fully in their power, passion, and purpose.  

I will be providing more information about how to get signed up for this program and the nitty-gritty details about what it entails in the next week or so.  So, if you are looking to get your business started or are looking to expand, grow, and stand more fully in your purpose and this is something that you want to take advantage of, please sign-up for my VIP List today so you don’t miss any of the details and deadlines to sign up.  I know that this program is going to bring like minds and hearts together to create powerful change and collaborations that will make your business flourish, so if your heart is telling you to sign up, respond to the call and don’t miss this amazing opportunity to grow, evolve, and become the free-flowing business owner I know you can be!

May you all have a magnificently magical Monday!

P.S. Don’t forget Friday is the last day to contact me if you are interested in individual coaching sessions at my current rate for a period of 2 months.  That is 4 individual sessions for $300 which is an amazing value!  If you are interested please contact me to get your 30-minute consultation scheduled as soon as possible.  Remember, you must contact me by Friday in order to be eligible for this limited-time offer.  Rates are doubling on Saturday May 3rd. 

Dream Changer featuring K.S. Takagaki

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***It’s time for another inspiring and beautiful Dream Changer piece.  This story is remarkable and will leave you to wonder about what synchronistic moments are waiting to shape the rest of your life.  For K.S. Takagaki it was a simple stroll around town that led her to a home that would change the rest of her life.  Read, enjoy, and be inspired!***

A meeting of souls

K.S. Takagaki, Ebisu’s Kyoto International House

When I first came to Kyoto, I walked everywhere. Kyoto is an amazing city for walking because of the huge number of temples and shrines, some large and some tiny, scattered across the city. It is interesting just to watch people rushing to work, cleaning the road in front of their houses, hanging futon out the windows to dry, or cycling to the shops with kids strapped into the child seats of their bicycles. Not to mention seeing the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Momoyama Castle, the university campuses, the changes wrought by the seasons, the different styles of houses and gardens, the Kamo River, the mountains, and the Yoshida hillside. It was an experience to be savored because I had come to Japan on a working holiday and, I thought, would be leaving after one year. Even though it felt like “home” to me.

One day, I decided to walk around Yoshida, the shrine, neighborhood, and hill just to the east of Kyoto University. Heading into a maze of impossibly narrow streets, I spied a set of stone steps leading up the hill. Of course I climbed them just to see where they went.

Then I saw it. On a small landing almost at the top of the hill was an old, abandoned house. Some paper had been blown against the front by the wind, the garden was overgrown, and the windows were dusty. It seemed somehow sad and alone. For all of that, I was really drawn to it. There was something promising in it and I felt my fate was intertwined with that house. I even talked to it! I said, “You are a beautiful house. You won’t be empty for much longer. I have a feeling that you will be my house.” I really didn’t know how this could be possible since I was due to leave the country in less than a year.

Fifteen years later, I was married. We had been looking around for a house we might be able to buy to live in, but we hadn’t found anything that we liked. One day, walking past the real estate agency, we saw a new listing for an old house on the mountain. It was on an enormous (for Japan) parcel of land, but there were no details about the house itself. We went in to ask about it, and the real estate agent said that the open house would be the next day and he could take uskimkim there then. We asked for the location, and he gave us a general idea. We walked up just to look at the outside. I was wondering even then if this was the same house. It turned out that it was! Another realtor was having a showing, so we walked through. We loved it, even though it was too big for two people. It had eleven rooms plus the kitchen and two toilets. The bath area was outside and obviously needed a more modern (and indoors) solution. It was really run down. But it was obviously the house we wanted to buy.

On the walk home, we did the math to see if we could afford to buy and fix it up. We realized that it would be a wonderful group house or guesthouse. We went directly to the real estate agent and told him we were interested, and made an offer. The deal was completed, the repairs done, the house outfitted with everything it needed to make our guests welcome, and Ebisu’s Kyoto International Guesthouse was opened for guests who are visiting Kyoto for a month or more.

Over the years, the people we’ve met through the house have enriched our lives more than we can say. Now there are babies being born from relationships that started in Kyoto. We get emails, cards, and letters with their precious photographs and updates on their growth. We hear about everyone’s lives and careers. Our old guests come back and stay with us when they are in town. The Ebisu’s Kyoto family keeps expanding. And the house is no longer lonely or sad.

I really had no idea when I first saw the house that this would be the result of our meeting. This house, although built long before I was born, was meant to be ours. If feel that very strongly each and every day.

Some people need to follow their passion. Some people need to follow their hearts. I needed to listen to my soul.

For more information about this beautiful space you can check out the Ebisu’s Kyoto website.

 

Faith, Fun, & the Experience of Bliss and How You Can Have It Too

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Happy Monday Dreamers!

Here we are in the first full week of the New Year and it’s going to be a big one for Life Once Dreamt.  I not only have a guest post to share with you, but also a wonderful podcast interview that I will share as soon as it is ready for anyone who is interested in knowing more about the coaching process.  

Before we get into all that this week, I wanted to share with you a little bit about my last few weeks.  I was going to send this to my newsletter subscribers only, but decided to share it with all of my blog followers as well.  If you aren’t on my VIP/Newsletter list, hop on over here to get signed up.  I have some new services that I am offering and will be opening them up to my VIP list first along with some special pricing for my VIP list only, so you don’t want to miss out.  

As you may recall in December I was officially laid off from my full-time day job.  I initially had this feeling that it was a sign that I was ready to dive head first into my business and that I would immediately reap the benefits of overflowing creativity, tons of clients, and would easily make up the income I was missing from the day job.  While it didn’t exactly happen that way, this morning I found myself feeling full of gratitude and peace for all that is going on right this very moment.

You see, while the last three weeks may not have unfolded the way I thought they would, I am at peace.  I don’t have a full-time job, yet I am not worried about finances, bills, or when I will get another job.  I do not have that needy-anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach that I would have gotten 2 years ago in this same situation because I don’t know what is going to happen next.  In fact, I am perfectly ok not knowing what lies ahead as it helps me to focus fully on the moment.  It has taken me many years to get to this place of full faith and trust that it is all going to unfold perfectly…for me and that might not be the way I thought it would be, but it will be perfect nonetheless.

What changed?

Well aside from the lessons I have learned personally over the years and what I have learned in building my business, I recently read a post by Michelle Ward that gave me a bit of insight into what it is like for her to run her business in a week.  I was touched and inspired to utilize the next several weeks putting energy, focus, and love into my business.  I wanted to create the necessary space for my ideas to flow, my creativity to run wild, and for me to experience what it might be like for me when I am running my business full-time and I have to admit, so far it has been amazing.

I am enjoying every moment I have to imagine, envision, and create amazing programs for my clients.  I have ideas coming to me almost daily now that the excess stuff is out-of-the-way and I am living my purpose by coaching clients, co-hosting a workshop, writing, and meeting with potential clients.  And the best part?  I am having fun! Bliss

It struck me that as many people head back to work after time off for the holidays, I am loving what I do, while so many others are dreading the week ahead.  I remember that feeling and while I have accepted the fact that I might have to find another full-time job until my business can sustain me financially, I know that as long as I am doing what I love, everything will fall into place.

Are you one of those people who is heading back to work today with dread and anxiety?  Stressing over a job that pays the bills, but doesn’t energize and fuel your passion for life?  If so, I encourage you to take some time this week to consider what you would do if were going to follow your passion. Don’t worry about if it’s possible or realistic.  Instead, see it, feel it, and imagine what it would be like to actually do it.  Now, not later.  

purposeWant to know how to make that a reality?  I want more people to feel what I have felt over the last few weeks and I would love to chat with you about where your passion lies.  What is the thing (or things) that makes your eyes light up and energizes your soul?  Contact me to find out how you can get a free session to chat more about your dream and to come up with a plan to do more of what you love.  Life is short, shouldn’t you spend it doing the things you enjoy?  

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!

Got Time?

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My, how quickly things change.  I went from being less than motivated to a fast and furious flurry of activity in a matter of 24 hours!  Not only was my inspiration sparked, but I was able to dig in and get busy on my list of things to be done and boy did it feel great…that is until time began to feel restrictive.Time

I know I am not alone in this.  It seems over the years we have spent more time adding things to our schedule because we just want to do it all right now!  I am very guilty of that being a “yes” person and all.  I find myself quickly saying yes to new projects, responsibilities, events etc., only to find I am a bit stressed at the thought of doing it all.  Especially if some of those things don’t necessarily line up with what I want for the moment.

It seems the more we pack our schedule full of “stuff”, the less time we have for doing the things we love.  For exploring new ventures or taking time for our dreams.  In fact, the second highest answer I got for why people aren’t living the life of their dreams is that they don’t have the time…or better yet they can’t find it.

Time is not meant to be found.  You can’t go looking in nooks and crannies of the sofa for more time to do something.  It’s not exactly how that works.  I have heard the saying “carve out the time” as if you were carving a pumpkin.  It sounds a bit labor intensive to me, but it is how we live these days.

Like lack of money, lack of time for some people is a major challenge when it comes to moving forward with their dreams.  Some people feel that they have so many responsibilities that it might be selfish to take time away from those things to do something that they want to do.  While I understand where those thoughts might come from, I respectfully disagree.

I think it is much more harmful for us to not do the things we love and the things that are important for us.  I decided to follow my dreams for a variety of reasons, but one of them was so I could teach my son that he can and should do it too.  Whatever he decides is his life’s calling and passion, he should find a way to do that.  Does it mean I have to “find time” to do it?

Not exactly.

Here are a few tips in making time for your dreams.  Some of these are things I implement and others I have taken from working with various clients.

  • Sent an intention to do things you love to do, even if you don’t specifically plan for this time, the intention itself can open doors to more time
  • Get a clear vision of what you would do with the given time.  If you don’t know what you would do with it, chances are you aren’t going to be able to make time.
  • Be okay saying “No” sometimes.  I know this is a big one for me.  Saying “No” to things that don’t resonate with you or that don’t add value to your life is not only ok to do, but it is a must if you are going to be moving forward with your dreams.  Remember you can’t just dig up a bunch of free time.
  • Say “Yes” to your dreams.  This is a big one too.  Know that your dreams are important to you.  Feel the pull and the inspiration to do them.  Allow that pull to grab you and take you where it may because it just might create the exact amount of time you need to do it.
  • Hire a coach.  Working through some of the other challenges that may hold you back can help you see where you can make the time to do the things you love.
  • Take note of what you are doing with your time.  Are you spending a ton of time on Facebook and other social media sites that can suck the life right out of you? Perhaps you want to try a bit of 15-Minute Magic to help limit your social media time.
  • Ask yourself what you want to do often.  I know there are many of us that don’t necessarily want to go to work everyday, but if that is true, take a small step forward to change that.  Being mindful of what you really want to do as opposed to doing things because you have to do them can make all the difference in the world.
  • Spend some time away to visualize, dream big, and immerse yourself in inspirational surroundings.  This gives your mind a break and allows you to loosely focus on your goals.  You can often allow that lovely, easy, inspired feeling to carry you back to your daily life and you might find that you are more able to let some things go.
  • Hire help.  In addition to hiring a coach, you might think about hiring a babysitter, a maid, or someone else to come in and assist you every now and again to provide you the uninterrupted time you need to follow through with your inspired action.

The biggest thing to remember here is to take responsibility for your dreams.  Give them a chance to grow into something truly beautiful for you.  I always say we dream for a reason and that reason is not to make us feel badly about our circumstances.  Our dreams are the precursor to change in our lives.  They cause us to make some much-needed changes, to think outside the box, and to enjoy this thing called life.

Don’t allow your dreams to lie dormant anymore.  No more excuses about why you can’t do it, because you most certainly can and once you make that declaration, watch as the pieces, signs, contacts, money, time, and everything else you may need begin to fall into place.

What are you waiting for???