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August 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”

John Powell

Today I’ve been thinking about the implications of failing forward…or not.  This quote says so much.  Where is the learning if we put so much pressure on ourselves to perform that we leave no room to breathe let alone learn?  What is the value in that approach? What about others and their expectations of us?  How do we manage those and yet still maintain a healthy approach to learning? 

Creating a safe environment for both ourselves and others so that we may trust the process of learning is so critical to moving forward.  Surround yourself with people who care about you and support your intentions. Be open to feedback…and breathe deeply…

Why be a shoulda, coulda, woulda person when you can live a be, do, have life? I vote for making mistakes in life and learning from them. It sure beats never trying anything new!

(C) – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Life Tagged With: ,

like daughter like mother

August 18, 2011 By 6 Comments

You may have thought at first glance that the title of this post was backwards.  In this case, it is definitely a “like daughter like mother” scenario and this is why.  My sister, Deborah (left), is an afol which stands for adult fan of LEGO.  She builds some really cool things out of LEGO like beautiful villas with roofs that are removable to display her LEGO designed furniture (see below).  Deborah belongs to an amazing global community of like minded LEGO loving peeps.  They support each other, bounce ideas off of one another and go to shows all over the place to strut their stuff! 

Deborah was always the most naturally creative one in our family in terms of the arts.  Although she loved playing with LEGO as a child, she really started to get into it as an adult.  I invite you to check more of her amazing work out here on her flickr site:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/buildingsblockd/

My Mom, Mary (right), is the new kid on the block.  Literally!  She is new to building with LEGO however, she is already a pro builder!  Deborah has recently awakened the passion within our Mom to build.  LEGO has these nifty box sets which provides the builder with an instruction booklet and 3 choices of designs.  This is a great way to get familiar with the blocks and create something cool.  An added bonus is that LEGO is an excellent way to keep your cognitive functioning in check. 

Our Mom says she was fascinated by LEGO when we were kids but never really played with it much.  Mom has now completed 3 box sets and is presently working on a Harry Potter bank to add to her collection.  The picture below is her just this past weekend showing off her most recent accomplishment, a lighthouse.  At 80 years of age, she is thoroughly enjoying her new hobby and the challenge of putting the pieces of the puzzle together.  Sidenote: I think she looks so pretty in pink! 

This is a great reminder that we’re never too old to try something new.  Your mind will love the challenge.  You may be nervous at first and you may be one to dive right in.  You may get frustrated when you hit a roadblock and there are sure to be some.  But do yourself a favour and believe.  Believe in all that you are and all that you can be, do and have.  I believe in YOU!

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” ~ Henry Ford

Cheers, Glo

(C) 2011- True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Life, Making Changes Tagged With: , , ,

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…

July 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Meet Sandi, our 12 year old maltese shih-tzu. Part dog, part human…lives the good life!!!

I have a cute summertime story for you.  This afternoon my door bell rang and standing there was a young guy.  My guess is that he was about 12 or so.  I could see over his shoulder into the driveway.  A lawn mower, weed wacker and two young children on bicycles (a boy and a girl).  He politely handed me a few of his “business cards” and asked if he could cut my lawn.  Without missing a beat he said “$15 for the front and back and I do all the weed wacking too.”  I hesitated for about 10 seconds and thought sure, why not! 

When I asked him about his sidekicks he said “Oh that’s my little brother and sister.  I pay them 25¢ for each weed they pull out.”  With that, off he went to start up his mower and cut my lawn, front and back.  I don’t know about you but when I think of the things I spend $15 on, this was a good deal.  In fact, this was awesome.  Marc was busy building a deck, the timing was perfect.  I was supporting a budding entrepreneur and his young helpers.  I was going to have a freshly cut lawn in exchange for $15 and a few gatorades for the crew.  

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This reminded me of my summer jobs.  I started out babysitting in the neighbourhood and even got a job with a friend walking someones dogs.  My first “real” job was working at K Mart in the toy department.  I was 15.  What a serious nightmare!  The place was a zoo.  After 6 weeks I was “promoted” to cash.  The only problem was that I was too short for the cash so I had to stand on a stool.  Yes, I am serious.  Too funny, looking back…childhood memories. 

I truly love summer.  I love everything about it.  The warmth of the sun on my skin.  The freedom to wear sandals and leave the house without a coat.  The long days and long nights.  The way our dog sticks her head out the car window to soak in the breeze.  Somehow, it seems like everything is easier in the summer.   Life is so good! 

I would love to hear from you!  Please leave me a comment.  What was your first summer job?  What is your favorite thing about summer?   

Wishing you an amazing summer!

Glo

(C) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

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Cottage Life

July 3, 2011 By 4 Comments

 

The early morning sun peeking through the fog is absolutely breathtaking. The calm of the water is  mesmerizing. I am in a trance. After an overnight rainfall, the fog is just starting to lift. It’s misty and I am in complete awe of the sheer beauty surrounding me in every possible direction.  I see a small boat pass with fishing rods hanging loosely over the side. Coffee has never tasted quite as good as it does at this very minute. After an evening of eating well, learning how to play backgammon, a bonfire complete with smores and fireworks, everyone is still sound asleep.  Even the birds are quiet…I love the early morning…

I have a funny relationship with water. I love to be near it but not in it. I am as enthralled when staring at rough ocean waves as I am with a serene cottage lake. Water, it seems, is powerful yet humble. It has a calming force. I can feel my blood pressure dropping just looking out at the lake which seems to run for miles. I love to write here. I’m inspired by the expanse of the water and the beauty that the day holds. I’m thinking of everything and nothing all at the same time. Time is a blur and I am at peace. Amid the morning ripples, the suns reflection is bouncing off the water and through the trees. This is better than a Claude Monet painting. It’s real and it’s right here in front of me.  

Summer is my season. I soak it all in. The heat, the blue sky, and the still of a cottage morning.  Where is your favorite summer time place?

Cheers, Glo

(c) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Life Tagged With: , ,

Sounds and looks like it…it must be leadership!

June 30, 2011 By 8 Comments

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Leadership, leaders, leading…the big buzzwords on the street these days.

There is certainly no shortage of literature on leadership.  It seems that everywhere we turn someone is talking or writing about leadership.  Schools, organizations, communities, hospitals, governments…the list goes on and on.  There are as many definitions of what leadership is as there are of what it isn’t.  The media promotes some pretty high flying leaders and often times society buys into it.  Some people view these leaders as extraordinary people working all alone ”at the top” to instigate change.  I don’t really buy that view, sorry.  I’d like to share with you what leadership sounds and looks like to me. 

It looks like this photo of my classmates. We’re not leaders because we’re in a program called M.A. Leadership nor are we leaders because of our professional titles. We are leaders because we’ve created a community to support and encourage one another to grow,  change and stretch a million ways til Sunday. To help one another to look at the big picture when we’re drowning in the details of the moment. To lend an ear and close our mouths. To open our hearts as much when one of us has experienced personal losses as when we’ve experienced personal wins. We’re sounding boards. We set goals. We inspire one another. We’re forward thinking.  We’re all in different places and stages in our lives and our careers.  We create change and we move mountains but we don’t do it alone.  We’re like a flock of geese.  We take turns leading and following.  We are, with all due respect, average Joes… 

You see, leadership is not reserved for a few at the top with the best parking spot.  Leadership is bottom up, top down and everything in between.  Leadership isn’t some mystery.  It’s available to all of us…all of us who want it and are willing to go for it!

What does leadership mean to you?  I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers,  Glo

(c) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Leadership, Life, Making Changes Tagged With: , ,

A new phase and a blank canvas

May 29, 2011 By 2 Comments

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Truth be told if I had read this statement earlier in life it wouldn’t have meant much to me.  I never really gave much thought as to who I was, who I could be, why things did or did not happen in my life or how I had the power to grow and evolve as an individual.  I was too busy just living and enjoying life.  There were a few constants in my life however.  I’ve always cared about and connected with people.  I find people so interesting.  What they think, what they do, what they feel, what they say and even how and why they say it.  I also truly love life.  I find such tremendous joy in the smallest of things.  This sense of inner happiness and joy has made my life so rich.  It has helped me even during some difficult times.  This has not changed for me… 

What has changed for me over the years are my priorities, my view on how I can shape my life to be whatever I want it to be and my view of who I am in relation to everything and everyone around me.  I suppose I’ve entered a new phase in life.  I don’t tend to categorize it by age although I guess that is a factor.  It’s a life shift.  My life is like a blank canvas in many respects.  There are so many opportunities for adding color if and when I want.  Without question, the palette is more easily accessible at some times than others but it’s always there with a brush just waiting for a first stroke of color.  Although the canvas may be a different shape or size,  your canvas and palette are awaiting you too! 

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There is a wonderful energy that comes with this openness to possibility and change.  The passion and sheer excitement that fuels us to try new things, to be curious and to allow ourselves to evolve, brings with it a sense of freedom.  Freedom to find meaning.  Freedom to create.  Freedom to open the doors and see what is on the other side.

Wishing you love and light,

Glo

(c) 2011- True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Life, Making Changes Tagged With: , ,

The Courage to Act

April 29, 2011 By 2 Comments

In many aspects of our lives both personal and professional, we are faced with situations requiring courage.  Courage to act when needed.  Courage to move on when needed. Courage to step out of our comfort zone and take risks.  Courage to reach out to others.  Courage to say no when we mean no and yes when we mean yes.  Courage to dive in even when the water looks icy cold! 

Having courage isn’t only about taking action.  Depending on the circumstances, sometimes it requires courage to sit back, listen and reflect.  Acting with courage can appear lonely.  Sometimes it is lonely.  Sometimes others will join you.  Having courage does not necessarily make us heroes.  It can however, provide us with a deep and fulfilling sense of satisfaction.  Anyone can do the easy thing but it takes tremendous courage to do the right thing.  If the right thing includes instigating change, we can start by putting our big toe out there.  Everything we have ever learned, we started with taking a first step.  By moving forward, we are moving toward what we believe in.  We are acting with personal integrity.

If you want things to change, you must believe in yourself and your vision.  Ask questions that help to bring clarity.  Be open to learning and discovering.  Request the support of those who are close to you and who believe in you.  Consider working with a Professional Coach.  Discover your inner wisdom and new found strength.  I think you’ll find the water is pretty warm!

“Believe in yourself and all that you are.  Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle” ~ Christian D. Larson

Wishing you continued success in all that you do!

Glo

(c) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Coaching Services, Leadership, Life Tagged With: , , ,

Is it Palm Tree Time Yet?

January 31, 2011 By 4 Comments

According to the Weather Network it’s -23C today in Ottawa, Canada but it feels like -33C with the windchill.  Geez, that really makes me want to get up and get going!  Get going to the beach that is!  One of my life goals is to be in a position where I can spend my winters somewhere warm.  I love the warmth of the sun on my skin.  I love the smells of being down south, coconut and tropical oils.  The beautifully colored fruits.  The slower pace of life.  The mix of the calm and yet at times very powerful ocean waves.  Beauty…at it’s absolute finest…

You have to admit, this winter wonderland photo is pretty appealing too!   I have friends who love to ski and skate and all of those wonderful things.  I’m not a major fan of Winter and yet I live in a city that has extreme seasons.  I prefer to use Winter as an opportunity to curl  up in front of the fire and read or watch movies.  I have to admit that I do think the snow is very pretty, when I’m on the inside looking out that is!  Freshly fallen snow almost has an innocence about it.  I’m talking before there are foot prints in it of course.  We’ve had quite a bit of snow in the last few days so I’m going to use my imagination to visualize the snow as if it were soft white sand under my feet.  It’s going to take a lot of energy to master that one but I’m up for the challenge.  I’d better run, there is a fruity drink calling my name!

Are you a winter person or a summer person or do you see the beauty in both?  Care to share some of your secrets for making the most of the different seasons? 

Cheers,  Glo

(C) 2011 - True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Goals, Life

How Clear Is Your Vision for 2011?

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Well here we are…it’s the last day of the year and also the day when many people set and declare goals for the New Year!  Whether they are big or small, short or long term, personal, professional and or spiritual, what will you be doing to ensure that you are committed to achieving yours? It’s been my experience that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.  We are unique and we all have different values systems and perspectives.  Learn what works for you and be like Nike and Just Do It!

One thing which I have done and I find works well for me especially if I’m setting significant goals is that I break them down into small steps which are more manageagable.  Another thing I find helps is to celebrate at every milestone or step by setting up a reward system.  Presently I’m at year 2 of a 3 year plan making this goal of a career change a fairly substancial one however when I chunk it down, it’s really just a series of smaller actions which are of benefit to my life in general and also to the big picture.  To help stay on track I created a map broken down by year and then month.  Pretty simple to follow and as you can see green is complete and red is yet to come…the rewards are also built right in!

The important thing to remember is not what it looks, feels or sounds like to me.  The important thing is what it means to you!  The goals that are truly yours should come from within, they should be on your agenda and not what someone else expects of you.  Be a part of creating your future and you will own it!  I encourage you to celebrate at every step you reach, big or small celebrate them all.  Hey, that rhymes!

And lastly stay the course…make sure your vision is crystal clear.  If times get tough or if circumstances beyond your control become obstacles, do whatever works for you to keep your vision in your mind, in your heart or wherever it means the most to you.  I’m a visual person so I have this picture of Arizona with me heart, mind and soul.  I love the big blue sky in Arizona and the magnificent red rock against it.  This particular photo with the reflection in the water is a reminder of my vision.  A change in careers for me has been truly life altering and yet, there is nothing special about what I’ve done.  I’ve created a long term goal and broken it down into small and manageable steps.  This is something we all have the ability to do.  Coaching is one of those professions where people ask all the time, what does a Coach do?  Coaching is about you, not me.  If you’re looking for advice, ask a family member or a friend.  They love giving advice!  If you’re looking for someone to challenge you to come up with your own reality and your own agenda from deep within, ask a Coach!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year filled with love and light and all things bright!

Cheers,  Glo

(c) 2010 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Coaching Services, Goals, Life, Making Changes Tagged With: , , , ,

Time to Put A Bullet in Sugar…

October 27, 2010 By 2 Comments

…at least temporarily.  Perhaps permanently, who knows! 

Last week I received blood test results confirming that I have low blood sugar.  This isn’t surprising because I’ve had this for years.  What was surprising was how low it was even after having just eaten not once but twice!  For me, low blood sugar causes headaches and mood swings amongst other things if I eat too late or miss a meal.  Ask anyone who knows me well, this is no secret.  I always carry some type of food in my purse, most often it is raw almonds.  It isn’t exactly convenient but it is what it is.  So I do my best to avoid skipping meals or eating too late. 

What I haven’t been avoiding is simple sugars themselves.  One would think that if I am diagnosed with low blood sugar, that I need more right?  Wrong.  The sad truth about sugar is that it causes spikes in our blood sugar levels and ideally what we’re looking for is to regulate our blood sugar.  The best way to do this is to either minimize simple sugars or eliminiate them entirely.  I’ve been inspired by a local family who also cut sugar out of their diet for a one week period.  Given that sugar is in so many of the products we eat today, this is no easy task.  But hey, I’m up for the challenge so on November 1st I’m going to start with a commitment to eliminate sugar from my diet for one week. 

I have 5 days to do some research on what I need to eliminate from my diet and what I need to add.  These changes may sound simple (no pun intended!) but given that sugar is in so many of the things we eat and that I am a chocoholic, I don’t expect it will be easy.  I fully expect to feel better though!  I will keep you posted on my progress…and if you want to join me, that would be great. 

Wish me luck! 

Cheers,  Glo

(C) 2010 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Goals, Life, Making Changes
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