Empoword Community

By Michelle Stimpson, Guest Blogger

“What do you love?”

Such a simple question, but would you believe that this is a difficult one for many of us to answer? As a Professional Coach, I work with my clients to get clear on what it is that brings them joy, jazzes them, makes them come alive, and turns them on…and then how to get more of that in their lives. And it’s all about the fundamental question of: “What do you love?”

We hear the phrase over and over, all around us: “Just say no!” Well, we can’t say “no” to anything in life if we don’t know what it is that we want to say a resounding “YES!” to. Clarifying what you love makes it easier to say “no” to the things that are less important; the things that distract you from what matters most in your life.

When we aren’t sure what we want to say “yes” to, we end up floating through life and reacting to whatever’s in front of us or what seems most urgent, never really feeling ‘on purpose.’

A good way to get in touch with the things you love is to take a few moments to print out and complete this worksheet. I use this in my workshops and in my coaching to help clients slow down and tap in to what’s most important. As an example, in this exercise one of my clients identified that every time she relaxed in a calming bath, it nurtured her spirit. But what she realized then, is that she had been putting off spending that indulgent time on herself…for the sake of getting wrapped up in the “busy-ness” of life around her.

Every time you say “no” to one thing, you’re saying “yes” to something else. So when I asked my client what might happen if she said “no” to the distractions in which she easily allowed herself to get swept up…she quietly said that it would allow her to say a bigger “yes” to taking care of herself and trying out that peaceful bath she so longed for.

You’re probably familiar with the flight attendant announcing pre-flight that in the event of cabin pressure loss: “Secure your own mask first before assisting others.” Same principle applies in all real-life situations.

So, where do you need to say “no”…so that you can say an emphatic “YES!” to life and to what you love?

My blessings to you in your journey.

Michelle Stimpson works with professional women who want to create positive change and live a happy, balanced life…following their joy and living more ‘on purpose.’ Ready to step up? Try out her Ultimate Living Jump-Start phone coaching session at www.lifeshinecoaching.com to start living your life by design, rather than by default.

Watch the magic unfold when you follow the things in life that make you come alive and bring you joy! Michelle’s “Following Your Joy” blog: www.followingyourjoy.com.