All Things Anne Wondra

Positive Music Month

November is Positive Music Month. 

Do you have a favorite positive artist? 

What and who are your favorite Positive Music songs and artists - Songs that inspire and empower you, that bring you up when you need a lift, that shift your perspective, and add to your sense of happiness and confidence and well being?  Here is more on Positive Music from Jana Stanfield.  Below are a couple of my favorites of hers.  Listen and Enjoy.   - Anne :)

 

 

History lessons and the power of art

Did you see the History Detectives show last night?  A former WW II POW had an amazing portrait sketch of himself that had been drawn for him by another prisoner, in exchange for food. The artist had signed the work Rhoden. The former POW had not seen him since, had been unable to locate him after the war, and wanted to know who he was.  The picture and the artist remained a mystery and a memory.  The former POW also had a notebook he had created and also kept all those years.

In the course of tracking down the missing artist, the wisdom piece that connected with me was the detective's statement that in a POW situtation, where all privileges are stripped, the arts - writing, drawing, music, and any artistic expression - were the keys, the outlets, that helped prisoners maintain their humanity, their identity, perhaps their hope.

The irony is that when budgets are cut, funding for the arts is often seen as a luxury, a discretionary expense.

Maybe the wrong history lessons are being studied. 

Knowing when to Leave

There is an uncanny synchroncity in life.  Know When to Leave is the section I'm reading now.  The book: Lean Forward Into Your Life by Maryanne Radmacher. 

I did not know when I started this chapter how timely and relevant it would be, that I would soon be leaving my corporate playground world of 16 years...that the upcoming round of layoffs included me.

It is a peculiar wisdom that alerts us to that moment in time.  That moment when we know it is time for us to leave.  Practice appropriate departure.  Learn to see your own signs and know how to set a thing down. ... Take note of how you feel as you leave....

To my corporate playground colleagues:

I always knew this gig would end one day.  I leave in gratitude for the time here, the people--the great people--I've had the pleasure to know and work with, all that I've learned and the opportunities I've had the privilege to be part of.  Thank you.

I once wrote that all jobs are temporary, even if they last 5, 10, 15, or more years.  Change is nature's way; she has long been my teacher--I live in Wisconsin and grew up on a farm.  Friend, writer, and wisewoman Sandy Tully reminded me last night that young eagles need to be pushed out of the nest when they're developed enough to fly.  How else will they discover where their wings and vision can take them....  It's my time ... And I have to trust it's all good...  And see where my wings and vision can take me.

I have learned and I have grown and I sooo appreciate all who have helped and shared the journey.  You, your friendships and caring, help me fly.  Here's to flying lessons for all of us!   And wings and visions. 

The Right to Die of Natural Causes

Wausau - The defense has rested its case without calling any witnesses in the trial of a rural Weston woman who prayed instead of getting medical care for her dying daughter.

The charge was second degree reckless homicide.  The daughter died of untreated diabetes.

None of us gets out of this world alive.

As great as the human person is, we can not create life, or prevent death.  We can only postpone it. 

And why should postponing death be considered a higher value?

I have witnessed someone I love go through a lot of pain and sufferring while modern medicine took all of its medical care of him at one of the most well-know and respected medical facilities in the country.  He was finally brought home to die...and did so less than a week later. 

I'm the daughter of a man who, when learning what the next step in treatment of his disease would be, said no.  No more.  Enough.   He died several months later, at home, in hospice care. 

Allowing someone to die as they wish, allowing them measures that take the pain away, and allowing their body to take its inevitable course.  The quality, not the quantity, of life matters more.

And the mother chose to use prayer to help her daughter.  Perhaps she was a Christian Science practitioner or maybe that was her church of choice.  Prayer has helped many.  Will it heal and prevent death?  Will modern medicine? 

Just because a condition is given a label, a name, and called a 'disease' and is something the medical community has some treatments and drugs to use for it, is that reason enough to compel or require a mother to use those?  

My answer:  No. 

If it comes to courts and medicine and drug companies over-ruling our right to die of natural causes...or requiring 'medical' practices for conditions they put a label on and create treatments and drugs for...we have a much more serious issue.  Our health freedom to make choices, to handle our conditions as we deem most appropriate for ourselves and those we are responsible for. 

We each have the most vested interest in our own well being. 

No one else does... 

Resources:

Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney

Other healthy body stuff

Reiki, Bishops, and Superstition

The US Catholic Bishops find the practice of reiki to be superstition...dangerous, and not healthy to their catholic spirit....  Isn't that interesting.

I grew up Catholic.  I have a degree in religious studies, and I’ve experienced reiki…and I’ve worked in the church. 

The first thing I did when I heard this was laugh.  This, from an organization that teaches A LOT of stuff many consider superstition.   Faith, God, transubstantiation, immaculate conception, and purgatory, to name a few. 

Have they never read the gifts of the spirit, or heard of laying on of hands?   Reiki is pure channeled divine energy.  Do they not understand that their very breath and life is divine energy coursing through them, allowing them to walk, talk, think, create and be who they are?   (or they would be dead)  Once again, the church of my childhood is showing its lack of understanding and openness to the Spirit at work outside the confines of their rules.  Galileo comes to mind on that one.  How arrogant to think the Spirit of Life is limited to what some men on a Bishops’ Committee can understand….or that spirit is limited to act only in accord with the rules they’ve created.

So, it comes back to your well being.  And YOU have the most vested interest in that.

You have a brain, intelligence, access to a world of information, and a personal internal guidance system, a direct connection with your source.  You make good decisions every day.  You are very capable. 

Who's permission do you need?  Permission to do what you think and believe is healthy to your spirit, body, and well being?

My answer:  Your own.  It's your body, your soul, your life, and your well being.  You have the most vested interest in it.

If you want to learn more about reiki, visit the Kindred Spirit Center and talk to Sue or Susan.  Gather information.  Watch for informational classes.  Experience it for yourself.  Make your own choices. 

In my experience, reiki is a very spiritual practice...and it's a lot bigger, more inclusive, and open, and powerful, than the limits some bishops in a church organization want to put on it. 

Now what do they have a vested interest in, do you think?

 

 

Connections, creating, and surprises

A week of amazing connections and Universal Surprises.  Last Sunday, I stumbled on a  site called EmpoweringLightworkers.com and knew I belonged in one of the groups being offered; and I responded.  I too am on a journey.  Kindred spirits connecting and gathering.   I am a lightworker ... the light is shining brighter. 

An invitation crosses my desk.  Something tells me I am supposed to go.  A class called, The Key to Me and My Money.  My schedule opens up and the money for the class fee shows up in the mail  The class was amazing, so were the other participants and the presenter.  I was definitely supposed to be there.  The class wasn't really all about money; it was so much more.  A powerful, very well-done class.  A book, The Wisdom of our Burdens came with the class.  The author, the place, the people, the focus...more kindred spirits...connecting and gathering.  LifeMark Institute for Greatness.  Watch for the next class.  I will be. 

A Saturday Morning Symposium, invited by Gina Sanchez, director of the Waukesha Wealth Builders Financial Stability Task Force, a Waukesha County United Way initiative.  I do a class segment on employability skills, Help from the Hiring Desk--Interviews, Applications, and Habits that will Help you Advance.  Carol Smith, another coach, does a 5-week program on employment success, a perfect and more in-depth complement to mine.  Felt good to hear the program, appreciate it and meet Carol.  The other surprises: the people I met that morning  interested in what I do.  And the biggest surprise was the speaker from US Cellular, a young man who was inspired by a speaker to turn his attitude around...and his career path.  The presentation was simple, entertaining, and insightful.  Again, the message came through, BE who you are; it's NOT all about the money.  Sometimes the biggest barriers we face to success are the ones between our ears.

To the journey of self-discovery, playing with our strengths, surrounding ourselves with positive inspiration, and living out of appreciation and gratitude for ourselves, our lives, the connections that come our way, our excitement at creative collaborations and possibilities, and enjoyment of the Universal surprises that come our way.

What brings you JOY?

Two quick things today.  

First, think about what brings you JOY and allow your response to guide you.

Follow the muse...and start at Starbucks.  Seriously.  There is a new gift item on their shelves.  It's a small hardcover book with a 5 on it and it's called Where will you be five years from today?   The cover band--that could easily make a bookmark--says the following:

The greatest day

of your life is the one on

which you decide your life

is your own.  The gift of life

is yours--it is an amazing

journey--and you get to

determine the quality of it.

Live the next five years on

purpose.  Now is the time.

Imagine the possibilities.

Go places, have adventures,

make a real difference, do

what you love.  Follow your

dreams, they know the way.

Start the conversation.  The book is a great starting place.  Get a goal partner and help one another.  What's a goal partner?  And how do you find one?  Ask me  and I'll tell you.

I started this business with a five-year plan after a Franklin-Covey class called What Matters Most?   At minimum, the book at Starbucks will get you thinking and PLAYING with joyful possibilities.

The second FUN thing is NEATO PENS!  I love beautiful pens.  Nice Pens bring me JOY.  And I discovered the Colorado Pen Company this week.  If you're like me, you'll enjoy this site like a kid in a candy store.  Check it out.  Talk about a perfect gift playground for pen lovers. 

Take care.  Enjoy!

Anne Wondra - Muse and Life Coach

 

 

 

Intention: Coaching available to Everyday People

Everyday people need coaches too, not just executives.

The  average hourly rate for coaches is $205; For now mine is $75. 

My intention is to make coaching available to everyday people--because I was and am one of those everyday people coaching made a difference for.   In times like now particularly, people need to see possibilities and opportunities and receive support in their strides to appreciate the NOW.

In a world of technology, traffic, and ready information, people still feel alone, energy-drained, unappreciated, and starved for affirmation and support to help them see opportunity, focus on what matters, and ENJOY living.  

And yes, we are tired of being sold to.  We want someone who sees us and what's good about us; the parts we've lost touch with, the essential elements of who we are and why we're here. 

Some have an employer who will fund coaching as a training or professional development investment.  (Never hurts to ask.)  Some prefer not to have their employer involved. 

Coaching is often about the personal side of success--our beliefs and world view about ourselves and those we work with.  We are masters in the roles we play.  And underneath, many still perceive themselves to be frauds and afraid of being found out.  We don't see our natural beauty or the talent we take for granted.  Our spirits are wounded, and we are trying to find our greatness and why we are here.  That's how I help.

I'm a farmer's daughter and I understand that a cost of living increases don't come for everyone each year.  And I have that business, entrepreneurial spirit with a mix of spirit, business, human resources, and education in my background.  And I have a heart, common sense, and a sense of fun.  And I'm a muse--all about art and soul and living well, a playful spirit. 

I choose to work with those who are changing and growing, or ready for a change; desiring to become more sure of themselves, confident, and beautiful in who they are, ready to step forward with intention. 

So no more excuses.  Are you ready for more?   Wellness Incentive coupons  are gifted to each new VIP News Notes member, and  I offer classes, group coaching, and home-study options to fit needs and budgets. 

Properties of Money to remember

Money is meant to flow, like water in a stream.  We exchange money for something of value.  And when we feel the exchange is fair, and we genuinely ENJOY and APPRECIATE the service or item or privilege we've received in exchange for that money, we FEEL GOOD about spending it.  Think about when you've really enjoyed spending money.  What did you buy?  Even paying your bills.  Do you appreciate the electricity you use every day?  How about the use of your phone or car or the internet?  Money is meant to flow.  And it can flow TO us just as easily.

Money likes being paid attention to.  Pay it GOOD attention.  What we resist, persists.  And what we think about, we bring about.  How many ways can you and a friend think of to have more money flowing to you?  Easily, enjoyably.  And spending money?  Easily, enjoyably.

Money is an exchange of value.  Feel good exchanging money for something you value.  Appreciate, and enjoy the benefits of it.  I want learning, personal growth time with a coach to be one of those exchanges you feel really good about. 

A Woman's Worth

Welcome to an amazing 7-week series for women, especially women who desire to lead.  The summer series starts August 13 and uses the classic Marianne Williamson title, A Woman's Worth as a backdrop.  It evolves, as do participants, and includes resources for continued personal growth.  If you or someone you know is looking for a meaningful class, or if you are a woman in transition, reassessing her worth and value, consider this one and join me. 

The series will be offered in the fall as a teleconference starting October 8...meaning your girlfriends in other states and elsewhere can participate by phone.  The beauty of technology.

To growing into, and living out of, our greatness. - Anne :)

Self-discovery is a sacred path.  Life enjoyment, finding JOY in living, is its purpose.

Pennies on the Wall

I work in a magical, sacred space kind of place, of positive energy and kindred spirits, ones I see and ones I can't.  It's a place where pennies stick on the walls, held up only by intention and pure positive energy.  It feels good here; warm, calming, and welcoming.  The pennies on the wall are a daily reminder this is someplace special, a place where people come to feel better. 

It started in May of 2006 when life coach colleague friend Linda Farr held a class on The Secretand the Law of Attraction.  The next day, there were pennies on the wall...with a note explaining that the pennies were put up there during the class, that they were held up only by the power of intention (ask and it is given).  The note asked if we'd mind leaving them (the pennies) up. 

Of course we'd leave them up...and we added a few of our own.  Since then, others have done the same.  And when visitors return to Kindred Spirit Center, guess what they look for first?  Their pennies on the wall, of course.

Anne Wondra - Wellness Coach, Creative Muse