It’s a time of mixed emotions. Kids are excited to see their friends again, but may have some anxiety about their classes and homework. Some parents are excited for their kids to go back to school, while others would like them to be home longer. It’s a crazy time for everyone.

This time of year, in particular, is a time to practice PATIENCE. Be patient not only with yourself and your new schedule, but be patient with your kids. They are going through a major transition and they need your support.

People respond to transition in many ways – adults and kids. The other day a teacher was saying was saying how difficult this time of year was for her because she wasn’t in control of her schedule. There was construction at her school and she could not set up her room in the timely manner like she usually does. It was totally out of her control and she was forced to go with the flow.

One parent was telling me how hard it was for everyone in her family to get up early and out the door in time for school. It’s a time of change for all family members. Take time to have a family discussion on how to support one another on transitioning together. Ask each member what they need during this time.

Another parent had a crucial moment with her son. Her son, a new sixth grader, was given homework the first day of school and forgot to bring home his book. As he had a meltdown, the parent offered to take him back to school to get his book. The parent listened well and supported her son in his desperate time of need.

Imagine your child and the transition they are going through. They may have no control over which teacher they get for science. Maybe they wanted one teacher and got the other one. Or, maybe their locker is next to someone they don’t like. How can you listen and support your child during this time?

Some things are within our control and others are not. It’s a time for life lessons.

This is a perfect time to slow down, practice patience, and support one another. When we do all of these, the transition goes smoothly.

Good luck with your transition! I am here to support you when you need it! 

The Passion Test: The Effortless path to Discovering Your Life Purpose by Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood has changed my life. I first learned about it through a coaching colleague of mine. I had never heard of Chris or Janet Attwood or the book. When my colleague mentioned life and life passion to me, I was intrigued – intrigued enough to sign up with her to see what my life passions were.

That was October 2009. I read the book and took The Passion Test through the book. It wasn’t until I worked 1:1 with my friend that I truly got what it was all about.

Now, almost two years later, my life has changed drastically. The Passion Test helped me get clear on what I want in my life AND how to make it happen. It’s been great!

In February 2011, I traveled to India with Janet Bray Attwood, co-author of The Passion Test for an exclusive spiritual tour and to assist with a training class. What an amazing trip it was!

Not only have I gotten clear on what my life passions are, I am fortunate to have helped others do the same. I am certified as a Passion Test Facilitator for Kids & Teens, Adults, and Businesses. It’s been truly a pleasure supporting people of all ages get clear on what they want in their life and to see them starting living it.

See what Cathy has to say:

“I’ve had the privilege of taking The Passion Test with Mary Lynne twice, and doing so literally has changed my life. Mary Lynne is terrific at leading you through the process and helping focus, all with her positive personality and authenticity. Before taking The Passion Test with Mary Lynne I felt stuck in my life and career, but now I’ve focused on my passions and my life has turned around completely. The second time taking the test, I found my passions shifted slightly and were more intentional than the first time around. If you’ve considered making positive changes in your life, taking The Passion Test with Mary Lynne will surely put you on the right track!”  – Cathy Wiland, Arbonne International

I’d love to share more information with you. Contact me if you are interested in learning more (free of charge)! 

Keep at it!

Yes, persistence is vital. It’s so easy to stop trying. Things get in your way. People tell you it’s not possible.

How many times have you had other people shoot down your dreams? Don’t listen to them. Listen to YOUR heart.

Your heart will guide your way. You know what is best for you. Trust yourself and keep going in the direction that is best for you.

Be true to yourself first and foremost. When you are true to yourself, everything else will fall into place.

Be true to others. Have integrity with everything you do. Be honest within and without.

When you live a life with integrity, life becomes easier. It’s that simple.

You never know what will come your way to support you in your journey. Stay open to all possibilities and doors will open!

“Your greatest good may not be what you think it is. When you are open to whatever is appearing now, even if it’s different than the way you think it should be, you release your individual will and open God’s will for you.” – Co-authors of The Passion Test, Janet & Chris Attwood

Sometimes we want something so badly, we close ourselves to anything else that may be out there. We become so focused on one thing that we don’t even notice other possibilities. When you find yourself doing this, follow these steps:

1. Stop

2. Step back

3. Breathe

4. Go for a walk

5. And, take a mental break

Give yourself permission to let go and see what comes to you. You will be amazed at what comes into your life when you practice this.

Are you a multi-tasker? Who isn’t these days? Most people have a list of things they want to get done in a day- every day. Is this the way you live your life?

When we focus on all of the little things, we forget about the big things we want in our life. Go back to #2 Tip: Clarity. What did you write down? You identified these as the most important things you would like in your life.

Put your attention on what you WANT. This is linked with the clarity piece. Once we know what we want – focus on that. Don’t let yourself get distracted by all of the little things. Put your list of what you would like in your life in front of you – on your computer, in your car, on the refrigerator, and any other place that will remind you of what you want.

“What you put your attention on grows stronger in your life.” – Janet Bray Attwood

Do you easily lose sight of what you want? Life these days is BUSY. In my opinion, too busy. People have so much going on. Time seems to be flying!

So, what do you want? If you could have, be, or do anything, what would it be? The more clear we are, the easier it will be to create it.

Many times, people aren’t clear on what they really desire in life. We all know what we don’t want, but let’s do a quick exercise and write down what you DO want.

Take a moment – WRITE DOWN what you want in your life. Write at least 10 things you want (if you could be, do, or have anything). Try to be super clear. The clearer, the better.

Focus on these items – FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT – (not on what you don’t want).

During your day, stop and ask yourself if you are focusing on what you WANT or what you DON’T WANT in your life? If we focus on what we don’t want – we will get more of that. Is that what you want?

Have you ever said you were going to do something only to realize later that you didn’t do it? It’s so easy to verbally commit to something, but the real action of doing it is what makes it happen.

Commitment is not the easiest of things to do in life. It takes a lot to commit. How many times have you written down New Year’s resolutions only to have them fall by the way side weeks later? As we all know, diets and exercise programs easily fall into this category as well.

If we want to create change in our lives, commitment must happen. What would you like to happen in your life? Lose 10 pounds? Get in shape? Have a fulfilling job where you feel like you’re making a difference? Raising happy kids? Feeling connected to your spouse?

In order to accomplish any of those, it takes commitment. Every minute of every day, you need to remind yourself of the outcome you want and WHY you want it.

Connect with the WHY. Close your eyes. FEEL the WHY. When you are in a place to make a choice or decision regarding what you are wanting to accomplish (the change you want), FEEL the WHY for what you want in your life. When you connect with the feeling of the WHY, it helps you commit to living the life you want.

Read a book, BREATHE, Take a Walk, Cook, Sit in silence, Call a friend that has positive energy. Read a magazine. Send a card to an old friend. Watch your favorite TV show. Go to an exercise class. Practice yoga. Go for a bike ride. Listen to your favorite music. DANCE. Bake or buy your favorite dessert (just for you!), LAUGH out loud, do whatever brings you joy – even for one minute.

2. Start an Appreciation Journal.

Grab a journal or notepad and write down what you are grateful for. There is no right time to do this, except that you do it. Some people suggest writing down your daily list of appreciations before you go to bed. This helps to calm the mind and focus on the positive in your life. It also makes for a nice night’s sleep.

3. Make a Date with a Loved One.

This could be with a friend, a spouse, a child, a parent, anyone that brings you joy. It could even be with yourself. Do something you haven’t done in a while. Think of something that you used to love to do and have not done- and set a date to do it! Movie? Crafts? Wine? Exercise? Dancing? Art? Tea? Think of what you love to do and invite the right person to join in the fun.

4. Make it an Art Night (or Day).

Grab some crayons, markers, paints, clay or other art supplies, sit and let the imagination flow. Put on some enjoyable music, grab a beverage, and go at it!

5. Meditation OR Sit in Silence.

Some people are intimidated by the word “mediate” so, just sit in silence and turn your mind off. Easier said than done, I know. But, try it. Try standing with your eyes closed and focus on the bottom of your feet, touching the ground, every part of it. Imagine your breath coming up from the ground, through your feet, up your legs, all the way to the top of your head. Pause, and then let the breath back down through your body into the earth again. You can try this sitting or standing. Repeat it a few times and feel your breath and body relax.

6. Chick Flick!

I was recently with group of moms that had the night off. Their spouses and children were out of town. The only thing these women wanted to do was relax in their pajamas and watch a chick flick. Yes! That’s all it takes these days. I have enjoyed this recently with a big bowl of popcorn. Luv it!

7. Go out with the girls

Maybe it’s a night of dancing, a bikram yoga class, cycling, running, coffee or tea, dinner, happy hour, or just sitting on the porch together. We need our girl time! Make time for it. Time goes by too quickly. Make it a point to get with girls – ones that bring you joy and laughter. Be silly. Love life.

8. Read a Good Book

Pick an uplifting book. It could be fiction or non-fiction. Snuggle in for some good reading time. Grab a cup of tea, coffee, or wine and enjoy! Feel the words as they trickle through your mind and sweep you off to wonderland.

9. Look through some old photos of your favorite times

Some people have put time into creating wonderful photo albums, while others have not. Take time to look through those albums or photo journals in your computer. Maybe take the time to create a memory book or gather your favorite photos and make a new one. Reminisce the special life moments. Laugh out loud at the fun you have had and still have in your life!

10. Buy yourself flowers.

I love this! Don’t wait for someone else to buy them for you. Go out and get them yourself. Get them for home and the office. Flowers brighten the space and energy. Every time you walk in the room, you’ll smile and know that they are for you. Enjoy!

Whether you are a mother of younger or older children, a mother of a pet, or a mother of all that surrounds you, you are a woman that deserves recognition for the nurturing you give to all beings.

Take time to enjoy this precious day in honor of you. You may receive flowers, breakfast in bed, a card, a phone call, or simply a thought from a loved one. Take the time to enjoy and honor yourself and who you are. You bring so much to other people’s lives. Take time to recognize and embrace the moment.

Notice & Appreciate

Mother’s Day is a special day that we are honored and thanked for all the hard work we do. Check around in your life and see if you are honored on other days, in other ways. Many times we do things that are un-noticed. And, although a word is not spoken, there is appreciation – we just have to find it. For example, how many times do you pick up someone else’s socks, jackets, shoes, backpacks, glasses ( I could go on and on…) and are not appreciated for doing it? The challenge is to notice the appreciation without needing to have the words behind it.

I recently heard a story of a woman that had done a lot of self-work. She was wanting to be in service to others and was working very hard with this mission. But, one thing was bothering her. The fact that she had to clean and cook for her husband was bogging her down. She was so frustrated with the lack of help from her husband. This woman was telling a wise master about her situation and how it was a disconnect with what she wanted for her life. She did not know what to do. The master looked at her and simply responded, “be in service.” The woman, still confused, asked for clarification from the master. He responded again, “be in service, not only to strangers but to the ones that are closest to you, too.” With that, the woman let out a long sigh and realized that she had been in service to many others, but at home she had not. Lesson learned.

This story is not only a reminder to you, but to me, too. We are in service to all. The more we give, the more we receive. Notice what you do to help and support your family and appreciate your service to them without needing a word of recognition from them. Just be, serve, and appreciate the love they have within them because of you.