Glow Living

Category: Personal Growth

  • How to Find Your True Calling

    How to Find Your True Calling

    Discovering one’s true calling in midlife can be a transformative and fulfilling journey. Here are some steps that can help you uncover your purpose and find your true calling:

    1. Self-Reflection: Set aside dedicated time for introspection and self-reflection. Reflect on your passions, interests, values, and what brings you joy. Consider the activities or areas where you feel most alive and fulfilled.
    2. Identify Strengths and Skills: Take inventory of your strengths, talents, and skills. Consider the things that come naturally to you or that you excel in. Identify the areas where you feel confident and empowered.
    3. Explore New Interests: Step out of your comfort zone and explore new interests and activities. Take classes, attend workshops, or engage in hobbies that pique your curiosity. This exploration can help you uncover hidden passions and talents.
    4. Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with inspiring and supportive people. Engage in conversations with mentors, coaches, or individuals who are living their purpose. Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries that feature stories of individuals who have found their calling.
    5. Reflect on Life Experiences: Consider the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout your life. Reflect on the moments when you felt the most fulfilled, impactful, or in alignment with your values. Look for patterns or common themes that emerge.
    6. Embrace Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset and be open to new possibilities. Embrace the idea that personal growth and discovery can happen at any age. Release any self-limiting beliefs or fears that may hold you back from pursuing your true calling.
    7. Experiment and Take Action: Take small steps towards your interests and passions. Experiment with different avenues, projects, or volunteer opportunities that align with your values and bring you joy. Allow yourself to explore and evolve without the pressure of immediate clarity.
    8. Seek Support and Guidance: Consider working with a career or life coach who specializes in midlife transitions. They can provide guidance, tools, and techniques to help you navigate the journey of discovering your true calling.

    Remember, discovering your true calling is a personal and evolving process. Be patient and kind to yourself as you embark on this journey. Trust your instincts, follow your heart, and embrace the path that unfolds before you.

    To learn more about yourself and what drives you, take our free quiz!

    If you’re ready for a real deep dive into yourself and to accelerate your personal growth, take our online course Root-to-Rise.

  • How to Get “In the Flow”

    How to Get “In the Flow”

    I was not “in the flow” when I first showed up to my biggest trade show of the year, The NAMM Show, where I juggle multiple client demands as well as being hired as a professional speaker. I felt my body in a fight/flight mode with constricted breathing and an anxious tummy. While hundreds of people zoomed past me, I stopped in my tracks to get into the flow fast..and boy did it work! Here’s the awesome turnout at one of my panels…

    By flow, I mean finding ease, relaxing, and allowing things to happen as they’re meant to. Instead of focusing on the anxiousness that comes from uncertainty about how it was going to go, I turned myself around and had a great experience after using these tactics:

    1. Stop – Scan your body for tension, holding, anxiousness.
    2. Ground – Root into you feet, close your eyes, and begin belly breathing with deep inhales and controlled exhales.
    3. Validate – Acknowledge what is making you anxious and tell yourself it’s okay to have these feelings. For me, I was flooded with questions like “Will everyone show up?” “Am I prepared enough?” “Will people like it?” “Will people judge me?” “Am I good enough?”
    4. Focus –  Instead of pummeling myself with questions that I couldn’t answer, I changed my focus to a conscious desire to get in the flow, allowing for whatever happened.
    5. Meaning – Figure out what it all means to you. Sometimes stress comes from caring too much and worrying about the outcome because it’s important to you.
    6. Allow – Remind yourself that everything will be alright, and not to make the situation worse than it actually is.
    7. Trust – Remember to trust yourself to be resourceful and have your own back.
    8. Ask – If you are overly upset, overwhelmed, frustrated or angry, consider asking for support from a loved one or trained resource. We all need each other some times, and you may need some reassurance or help with something you’re not able to do alone.
    9. Align – Simply do the best you can and adjust your expectations to be as reasonable as possible considering the circumstances. Where is the pressure or stress coming from…internal or external forces? What can you do to align with your personal power and let go of unreasonable expectations?
    10. Surrender – Sometimes we just need to let go of having expectations for specific outcomes. This can involve trusting in yourself and that everything will work out in the end.
    11. Open – Keep your heart and mind open to possibilities, and that things will improved with an attitude adjustment, realigned expectations, calling in new resources, etc.

    Lastly, breathe.

    You have the power to get into the flow if you decide to. I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to fighting against the way things are. I often have good intentions because I am ambitious and so deeply want to succeed in life. Some times though, all I can do is breathe and let some time pass.

    What are your techniques for getting into the flow so I can add to this list? How amazing would it be if we could shift ourselves back into the flow anytime we want because we have all the necessary tools and life skills?! We can.

  • Top 10 Ways to Become Financially Secure

    Top 10 Ways to Become Financially Secure

    If you’re a woman in midlife, becoming financially secure may be top of mind. It’s an important goal so that you can create a life you love. Here are ten ways you can work towards empowering yourself with financial stability:

    1. Create a Budget: Start by assessing your income and expenses. Develop a budget that outlines your monthly spending and identifies areas where you can cut back or save more.
    2. Set Financial Goals: Define your short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether it’s saving for retirement, paying off debt, or buying a home, setting clear objectives helps guide your financial decisions.
    3. Save and Invest: Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save a percentage of your income regularly. Consider investing in retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, to benefit from long-term growth.
    4. Manage Debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debts like credit cards. Explore debt consolidation or refinancing options to lower interest rates and streamline payments.
    5. Boost Income: Explore ways to increase your income, such as pursuing additional education or certifications, starting a side business, or seeking career advancement opportunities.
    6. Seek Financial Advice: Consult with a financial advisor who specializes in midlife planning. They can help create a personalized financial strategy, provide guidance on investments, and assist in developing a retirement plan.
    7. Protect Yourself: Review your insurance coverage, including health, life, and property insurance. Ensure you have appropriate coverage to protect your financial well-being in case of unforeseen circumstances.
    8. Plan for Retirement: Assess your retirement savings and determine if you’re on track. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive retirement plan that aligns with your goals.
    9. Educate Yourself: Take advantage of educational resources and workshops that focus on financial literacy, retirement planning, and investment strategies. Enhancing your knowledge will empower you to make informed financial decisions.
    10. Seek Support: Join women’s financial empowerment groups or communities where you can learn from and connect with others who share similar financial goals. Sharing experiences and knowledge can provide valuable insights and support.

    Remember, achieving financial security is a journey that requires consistency, discipline, and adaptability. By implementing these strategies and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can work towards a secure financial future.

    To learn more about yourself and what drives you – including your financial decisions – take our free quiz!

    If you’re ready for a real deep dive into yourself and to accelerate your personal growth and rate of success, take our online course Root-to-Rise.

  • FB Live Video: Time to Rebalance & Lead Positively

    FB Live Video: Time to Rebalance & Lead Positively

    BALANCE. Join me as a positive force to rebalance the energy that flows through everything. Negative forces are always present. Resist becoming one by taking great care with every thought, word and intention. Summon your positivity for this important mission to restore and foster balance. Your energy makes a difference, and you are needed! 💙

    The 2016 election caused a lot of stress and negativity with people voting for both sides. Now that its over, join me to rebalance the energy. Here are my thoughts about it from a Facebook Live video:

    https://youtu.be/R0jHZX45imE?list=PLtonrHcQeHqUXNHngwL7dQaUTNTsWF7SI

  • Lessons Learned with Grammy-winning Producer/Engineer Dave Isaac

    Lessons Learned with Grammy-winning Producer/Engineer Dave Isaac

    Grammy-Winning Producer/Engineer Dave Isaac talks about growing up in Motown and how he knew music was his calling, and how his father’s early work with James Brown helped inspire him to become the award-winning music industry professional he is today. He also shares how to believe in yourself during the ups and downs on the synewave of life; how to stay in balance with a creative lifestyle; and how much he gets from giving to others. Check out this five-part video series:

    Watch

    Listen to Making It In Motown

     

  • Steve Vai Shares How To Unlock Your Unique Creative Potential

    Steve Vai Shares How To Unlock Your Unique Creative Potential

    Steve Vai Shares How To Unlock Your Unique Creative Potential

    You and your creative desires are unique! Guitar legend Steve Vai shares how to unlock your unique creative expression and overcome egoic fears.

    WATCH

    LISTEN

     

  • Recommitting to What’s Meaningful

    Recommitting to What’s Meaningful

    January brought huge change in our community. One of our member’s lost his wife; another member landed a huge music endorsement deal; my biggest marketing client went from a secure retainer to occasional projects; and many more stories of radical change are being relayed every day. Some changes are good and some are hard to see the gifts they bring in the moment.

    What I am taking away is how important (now more than ever) that we recommit to what is meaningful to us. We can’t take anything for granted. In one day, our whole entire life can change, and bring uncertainty which can lead to fear or excitement.

    Two of our human needs are certainty and uncertainty. Things that cause uncertainty are often feared, however we actually need it to add excitement, spice and growth to our life. If you are a someone that craves a lot of certainty and security, you may not welcome change despite its blessings. I’ve found that the more uncertainty we can handle, the happier we are. Stability is comfortable but it can also cause rigidity and lack of growth. Its important to balance certainty and uncertainty with uncertainty and variety.

    When in uncertain times, which we are most certainly in, I invite you too look closely at your need for certainty and any fears that come up without it. Then consider all of the things you actually do have in your life that are certain and stable. Root down by putting your focus, attention and energy into those things.

    For example, I once coached a man through a divorce and he was at a point where he was only able to focus on how much things were changing, loss and fear. I was able to show him areas of certainty such as his stable job and income, child that still wanted his love, friends and family that were there for him, and other things he could count on. Once he brought his focus back to these areas, he felt infinitely more secure and was able to take the necessary actions to dissolve a bad relationship in an amicable way. He is now thriving and recently expressed his gratitude because he just got a promotion and is happy with his new path.

    Currently, I have no idea where my next dollar is coming from. And, I know it will come. I believe in abundance and have already seen new opportunities arise in a matter of days. I’m seeing this transitionary time as an opportunity to evaluate what I want and create a renewed commitment to attracting the right things. I’ve never once lost interest in Glow Living, but I have feared that it will not be able to sustain me financially. I don’t know if I will ever monetize my efforts, but when I put my focus on it, I feel like I’m being true to myself. I have also experienced enough confirmations to know I’m on the right path and to stay the course. So here I am. Here we are.

    Let’s do this…uncertainty, excitement, fear and all!!

  • Re-ignite Your Passion!

    Re-ignite Your Passion!

    Written by Glow Circles Member Kelli Richards

    A topic has been brewing in my mind over the past couple of weeks that I wanted to touch on today; and that is the power of enthusiasm, energy and vitality. I think what sparked it was going to a couple of concerts during the past couple of weeks — Rick Springfield and Earth, Wind & Fire — both of whom have been performing for over 45 years each (and the lead members all in their mid-to-late sixties). Same thing when I saw Herb Alpert and Lani Hall play a show last Fall (he was 80 at the time).

    None of these guys has to work or tour any more. But all of them exuded passion, vibrancy, energy and vitality. They love what they’re doing, they get high on the interaction with their audiences, and clearly they’re still having a great time performing and entertaining. It’s inspiring and infectious to watch…

    But you don’t have to be an artist to experience the same level of energy and enthusiasm; you can cultivate it for yourself. And when you do, it creates an upward spiral that fuels you, makes you feel alive and is contagious; others want to be around you and engage/collaborate with you in whatever ways make sense. It comes down to your attitude about yourself and about your life. If you want to feel this energy boost (and experience all of these benefits), here are some things you can do to encourage it:

    • Do the things you want to do, not because you have to do them (as my mentor Alan Cohen says, “if it’s not fun, hire it done”).
    • Get plenty of rest and eat whole food daily to give yourself more energy and allow your body to work its magic on your behalf (rest, renew, restore).
    • Get off the couch and out of your chair — and get more exercise — on a daily basis; whatever it is that you enjoy and that gets your body moving (something you’re enthused to do, make it fun vs. a drudge).
    • Get more actively involved with your family, friends and community — and/or volunteer for something you’re passionate about.
    • Do things for others just because if feels good — and for no other reason; giving it its own reward.
    • Find or rekindle a passion; something that lights you up, brings you joy and just makes you feel alive.
    • What do you love to do? If you know then make time for it in your schedule on a regular basis. If you don’t know, then have fun exploring and discovering what that could be. May be something you left on the shelf when you were younger with fewer responsibilities, worries and cares.

    Try these on for size and let me know how you do; life’s too short to go from day-to-day, paying bills, doing chores, running errands, and just getting by. Re-ignite your passion and do what lights you up!!

    Screen Shot 2016-08-18 at 9.29.55 PMAbout Kelli Richards
    CEO of All Access Group  & Trusted Advisor/KelliRichards.com
    Kelli is a music industry colleague and friend who has bloomed into a trusted advisor, coach, and author known for helping entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives. She’s especially fond of those who have a bent for changing the world. She has a rich history including many years of working at Apple, and her long-term relationships with key players in Silicon Valley and Hollywood make her a respected resource around the world.

  • Why am I here?

    Why am I here?

     By Ravisankar Nadiyam
    A Student of Life (and Glow Circles Member)

    raviIs there a purpose to life? I used to think that I am here for something and finding that out is my journey. This thought started off when I observed the differences between people and thought to myself – Why does one person have two healthy feet while one is lame? Why does one person travel in a car while the other sits by the roadside and begs? Why are we all different?

    Since I could not find that out, I thought of finding out why I was the way I was. My mother is religious and my dad is spiritual. I spent a lot of my childhood with my maternal family who were all religious. My Dad never objected to anyone going to a temple though he did ask why one had to go to the temple. His rules for living are (1) do not hurt anyone intentionally (2) do good to others if you can and are able (3) do what your heart tells you to do (4) take responsibility for all your actions and it’s results. Come to think of it, I did not get it until a few years back. I spent a lot of my childhood with my grandmother and the maternal family in general and the answer to any question that I had was the same – it was god. But I could not accept that god will make a person unhappy or punish a person for doing something wrong. I was told that god is everything and in all of us. So I questioned why I was being reprimanded for something I did ‘wrong’ according to the elders if it was in fact god that was doing this. If god is in me and in everyone, how can something someone does be wrong? Well, my grandmother thought that I was weird. So you see, my search for the answers and to know the purpose of life started early.

    Later on, a thought crossed my mind, my constantly day dreaming mind! Since we always consider anything that we do as a means to an end or as the process to achieve something, that is why I wanted to know the purpose – the end – the destination. That’s the time I started reading or meeting people who were talking things like ‘living in the moment’, ‘enjoy the journey’ etc. This is something that I did notice – that my though process would draw me to people or books that are related to the thoughts of that time. Is that manifestation?

    During a period in my journey, I was introduced to the concept of nirvana and related to that was also the concept of re-birth or reincarnation. I was told about the journey of the soul and that made sense to me at that time and answered my question about why we are all different and some seem to be happier than others. (Journey of the Soul is addressed as a separate blog) Then, for a while, I got hooked on the concept of nirvana – that the purpose of the life here is to find nirvana, to go back to the bliss where one came from. It also tied in with karma, reincarnation, keeping accounts of the deeds done over several births etc. This was also the time that I got back in touch with meditation. I had felt right from my childhood that what I need to do is to meditate. And then it was frustrating that I was not doing that. It really was. Something like people wanting to exercise and then feeling bad that they are not doing any exercise. It became even more frustrating as this was what I was to do to attain nirvana fast, right?! Anyway, I got into meditating regularly early in ’10. (My Meditation experiences are in a separate blog.)

    This was the period that I also got introduced to what is generally called ‘new age spiritualism’. I was going berserk looking for the purpose as more and more angles, let us call it dimensions (as it is a better sounding new agey word!) started to appear. The galactic federation, plaeidians, syrians (not from the Country by that name but from the star sirus) , rainbow children, Enki, Enlil, Nibiru, etc were everyday terms at that time. This went on for many years. I met many people around the globe who thought on the same lines. Some of these people had all these thoughts in their head and had not had anyone to talk to. They felt good to know that there were others who believed them as they had never read or seen any videos or had any other exposure other than having these thoughts in their head. Now, that I found really interesting and gave my beliefs a great level of legitimacy. The more I researched into Atlantis, the pyramids, ancient cultures of the Incas and the Mayans; and add to that my existing belief in life outside of Earth and that there was more than what our brains can perceive, this was becoming hugely complex and truly mind-boggling. So much so that at one point I said to myself that I need to accept that there is no way I will get to the bottom of all this and that I need to simplify my existence to what the human brain can fathom. I decided that indeed there is a great design and probably a designer in action but that I need to dig deeper into myself and not look externally.

    About Ravisankar Nadiyam

    Having started the search to find answers from a very early age, Ravisankar – Ravi to friends – now says, “I don’t want to know all the answers as I am the answer and the questioner”. His self-exploratory journey inwards was helped by his travels to over 40 Countries. He loves connecting with as many people and places as possible. With a keen eye for photography, this ex-sales manager of an American corporation loves writing and feels that he connects energetically with whoever reads what he writes. He understands that his is not the only perspective on any subject and is curious to know what your take on the subject is. Write to him at inhalexhale2012@gmail.com.

    For more posts by Ravi, visit https://ravisankardotin.wordpress.com/

  • Chandra Lynn on This Is It TV with Cheldin

    Chandra Lynn on This Is It TV with Cheldin

  • When You Feel Pulled to the Dark Side

    When You Feel Pulled to the Dark Side

    When You Feel Pulled to the Dark Side
    By Chandra Lynn

    I remember a time when I was having a particularly difficult time processing a breakup and I went to see a therapist. I went in telling him all the things I did to make the relationship work and all the things I was going to do to heal myself. And in the way that therapists do, he looked at me and asked “what would happen if you just stopped and did nothing?” The prospect of not doing anything didn’t feel comfortable at all and the question actually infuriated me. I was looking for answers and solutions, not to not do anything! depression

    Decades later, I became friends with my yoga teacher and she said she noticed I was fidgety in the mediation part of the class and I acknowledged that it wasn’t my favorite part. I suppose I’m a “doer”. Well I’ve come to the conclusion now that I don’t like how it feels when I just sit with myself. My thoughts aren’t always empowering and my emotions can turn dark like a storm that blows in unexpectedly. The dark side has always had a magnetic pull that I’ve tried to resist.

    Today, someone asked if its possible that I’ve been silently or unknowingly battling depression all of my life. Looking back, I suppose its possible. And its possible that I am still reckoning with it, but its been such a familiar state that I don’t know the difference. My life has been a quest for tools and strategies to manage this state as positively as possible. I have not mastered it entirely, but if you can relate, I have some very powerful tools to share with you that can certainly help without prescription drugs. Boy do I wish I could just pop a pill every day and feel like this is the most amazing life ever lived, but I’m resistant to doing that because of the chemical dependency and side effects.

    Through Glow Living, I will describe all the things that have worked for me and that I’ve learned from others about emotional mastery, managing thoughts, self-love, and being the best person you can be in relationships with others. Join me on this journey by following my posts and sharing your experiences.

  • Master Your Emotional Health & Master Your Life

    Master Your Emotional Health & Master Your Life

    thetriad-300x258Emotional mastery is the key to living a life that you direct. The capacity to have absolute direct power over what you feel in every single moment—no matter what happens around you—is one of the most important skill sets you can have.

    There are three forces in the world that determine what you feel. These forces are called the Triad. Together, these three patterns create any—and every—emotional state.

    Whatever you feel, you’re not feeling it because you have to feel it. You’re feeling it because you’ve chosen from the Triad. In order to master your emotions and consciously choose the emotions you want to live in, you need to understand these three forces and how to use them to your advantage.

    The Triad consists of 1) Physiology, 2) Language and 3) Focus.

    Click here to read more about this on Tony Robbins’ site.