Embrace Your Gifts and Soar!

Empowering Words

Here's a neat way to create and customize an empowering message for yourself.

I found these cardboard letters at Michaels and couldn't resist buying them even though I did not know what I would do with them. After a sudden jolt of inspiration, I used Elmer's Glitter Glue Pens to cover the surface of the letters. Next, I applied fun, positive words that I cut out of magazines.

I'm sure there are many other ways to decorate the letters and make them look great. The idea for jazzing up the letters popped into my mind when I made my latest vision board a few weeks ago. I wanted to include the word SOAR on my board in a big way. All it took was a little Elmer's glue to attach the letters to my sturdy vision board.

What is your favorite, empowering word? How would you decorate it?

Would you like to create your own vision board? Check the Embrace Your Gifts and Soar! website for upcoming dates. I offer collage circles almost every month.

Beverly

PS: Click here to read more about SOAR!

PPS: Only two days until the drawing for The Book of Druthers. Click here to see details.

What I Know About Women's Coaching Circles

"What's a Coaching Circle?" I hear that question a lot and sometimes I just want to say, "oh, it's a place where women can get a good dose of oxytocin and walk away feeling inspired, uplifted and motivated to make positive changes in their lives." (For more on oxytocin, see Women Need Women!)

Do you want more? Ok, here is what I know about my coaching circles. I create a space where a small group of women join together to support and inspire each other to move forward. We often have productive group conversations that allow women to be heard and seen in a setting that is safe and supportive. Occasionally we do fun activities that spark creativity or promote experiential learning. Other times, we focus on an empowering book.

As the leader of a coaching circle, I listen for coachable moments and toss out appropriate questions that deepen reflection, growth and learning. Guess what? I'm not the only one who tosses out powerful questions! The women in the group ask them too. Each woman is respectfully viewed as a participant AND leader in my coaching circles. The feeling of equality surely adds to the sacredness of the circle. 

Anything that serves one woman in the group serves everyone to some extent. We are all connected and we all experience similar challenges in life even though the challenges might show up in different forms. While the circle is supportive, this is not a place to come to "be fixed." Why? Because you are not viewed as broken. The circle is a place for you to get in touch with your inner wisdom. This happens because you are in the presence of other women who are also connecting with that sacred place inside themselves. Group energy is powerful! The benefits of a coaching circle last well beyond the two hours that you sit in the circle. Synchronicity and miracles multiply. Why? Because you are expecting them too! The circle promotes the perspective of unlimited possiblities!

Now, here is something you can't put a price tag on. One of the most satisfying parts of leading a coaching circle is witnessing the close friendships that women develop with each other. A women's coaching circle is a great way to meet new friends who are dedicated to living a life filled with meaning and joy. Some of the best friends I have are women that I have met in coaching circles. 

There you have it. This is what I know for sure about my women's coaching circles! Join us! You've got very little to lose and everything to gain. Why not go for it?

See a schedule of my latest women's coaching circles here.

Onward!

Beverly Keaton Smith, CPCC

PS: The above photo of a sacred women's circle was taken on August 6th, 2007 on the Gunnison River in Colorado while on a river retreat with Coach Helene Van Manen. That's me in the red pants!

Transform Your Shell!

"What are you going to do with all of those shells?"

my husband asked as I lovingly placed my freshly collected seashells on the carpeted floor to admire them. My answer was short. "I have no idea! I just like them."

After spending 5-1/2 glorious hours walking on Old Orchard Beach in Maine, I managed to collect a lot of shells. It was not my intention to go for such a long walk or to collect so many shells. It just happened.

As I collected the shells, I thought about how wonderful it must have been for the creatures that once lived inside the shells to break free and discover the vastness of the ocean and all that it offers them. Of course, it was cozy and safe in that shell but how boring it would be to live day after day trapped in a hard shell that doesn’t even have a window! Breaking free of a shell is surely a moment of triumph and celebration.

I decided to attach meaning to my shells. They symbolize playing BIG! Yes, that’s right! No more playing small or hiding in a shell. The shells are a reminder to show your Big self to the world by being Inspired to Grow into your dreams!

Would you like to have a shell setting on your desk right now to remind you of such a powerful message? And...what if that shell was customized by you? Decorated with your choice of words or images that empower you to live BIG?

Guess what?

I want to share my shells with you!

You are invited to a "Transform Your Shell" Workshop/Party!

You will decorate a shell with words and images from magazines. Afterwards, everyone will oooh and ahhh as each participant shows off her new creation. Doesn’t this sound like fun?

Attend this workshop and get...

• An opportunity to be creative in a new way
• Quality play time with like-minded women
• Inspiration to guide you on your path
• A structure that will remind you to play BIG!
• Delightful feelings of renewal from focusing on YOU!

Feel like Playing?

We will be meeting in Clinton, Mississippi on September 8^th from 9:30 am until Noon. Cost is $30. (Bring a friend and you and your friend get $5 off!) Register by September 6^th to secure your spot. Space is limited. Contact Beverly to register. Bev@Embraceyourgifts.com

Unique Approach To Life Coaching in Jackson, Mississippi

Exciting New Coaching Opportunity from Beverly Keaton Smith, CPCC

The Walk and Coach Package

Here is your chance to receive 45 minutes of coaching AND 45 minutes of exercise simultaneously! Seriously! Mississippi’s cooler weather is just around the corner so let’s take advantage of it! For a limited time, I am offering the Walk and Coach package to women who would like to combine physical activity with coaching. Yes! You will be engaged mentally, physically and spiritually by being coached while walking in a lovely nature setting.

How does it work?

We meet at the location of your choice and have a regular individual coaching session while we walk in a nurturing setting. This approach to coaching offers you an opportunity to combine all the benefits of walking with all the benefits of coaching!

Out of shape?

Great! This program is perfect for you since you set the pace for our walk. I follow your lead during our walk in the same way that I follow your agenda during our coaching conversation. Just be sure to wear good, comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water along too!

Pick the location you prefer!

Parham Bridges Park, 5001 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS (free!)

Clinton Community Nature Center, 617 Dunton Road, Clinton, MS (free!)

Lefleur’s Bluff Walking Trails, 1205 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS ($3 entrance fee)

Metrocenter Mall, 3645 Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS (for those who prefer to be indoors!)

What if it rains?

Oh I hope it does! Wear your rain jacket and experience nature in a different way! (Don’t worry, if it’s a bad storm with lightning, we reschedule! )

How do we get started?

Contact Beverly and pre-register by September 30^th, 2007. We will determine a time that fits your schedule and arrange our first meeting as soon as you are ready to get started.

Phone: 601-291-4763

E-Mail: Bev@embraceyourgifts.com

Learn more about Beverly Keaton Smith and Life Coaching at

www.embraceyourgifts.com

Cost:

One Walk & Coach session: $79

Monthly package of three Walk and Coach sessions: $209 per month

Monthly package of four Walk and Coach sessions: $279 per month

(The monthly packages include a few written activities that will be sent to you after your initial payment for the first month.)

Beverly Keaton Smith, CPCC

www.embraceyourgifts.com

Make Fall the season of new beginnings for you!

It's time to "Embrace Your Gifts and Soar!"

Onward!

Beverly

Self-Empowerment Class for Women

What is life coaching? Come to this class and find out! Learn about coaching techniques and strategies that will equip you with basic tools for coaching yourself through the ups and downs of life. Don't wait a second longer. Claim your power and use it every day to create a more joyful and fulfilling life for yourself. Yes, you can do it!

Tuesday evenings; 6pm - 8pm; Sept 25^th - Oct 16^th

Cost: $85

Location: Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi

Instructor: Beverly Keaton Smith