In January, I started taking Improv classes. This is totally stepping out of my comfort zone. First of all, I know absolutely nothing about improv. It just happened that I was hanging out on Facebook one day early in January and clicked on a video from Improv Everywhere. I just started laughing at the screen – and in that moment I decided I
needed to do improv. WHY? Because I needed to laugh more. I needed to have fun. To be honest with you, I had been wanting a new hobby, but I’m an athlete so I assumed it was going to be an new sport or outdoor activity. And yet, improv has been the perfect match for me.

In February and April, I taught two Passion Test Workshops at Front Range Community College. The Passion Test is a great tool to use to create clarity around what brings joy and happiness to your life. The Passion Test is one of many techniques I use in my new program, “Reach Your Goals Like a Family.”

I also spoke at Mesa Elementary parents with Karen Rudat about boosting child motivation. The talk was titled, “Boost Your Child’s Motivation!  Discovering the Key to Their Inner Spark.” I will continue doing these talks at several Denver/Boulder organizations throughout the summer and fall.

In March, I attended George Carroll’s Turning Fear into Power seminar – FUN, FUN, FUN! I broke a board with my own two hands AND walked on a 12-foot strip of burning coals. A total natural high! Doing those two powerful things made me realize how much I am capable of and how much I am playing small in this world of ours.

My latest episode of personal growth happened just this past weekend. I auditioned for an improv house team. That means I auditioned doing improv. This may seem like NOTHING, but I have NEVER auditioned for anything in my life. I have absolutely no background in theatre arts. Getting up in front of people is a new thing for me and auditioning seemed like a crazy idea. I had to do a lot of personal work around my thought process for this. Old patterns of nervousness and “I don’t know how” “I’m not good enough” came up. Luckily, I have the skills to work with that. I quickly turned my attention to my greatness, did a little self NLP, and JUMPED INTO ACTION. The experience was EXHILARATING and a huge learning experience for me.

Spring has sprung! Looking around, you can see all the new buds on the trees, leaves coming out, the tulips coming up, and beauty just radiating out of each and every one.

This is a time for growth. As I mentioned above, I am growing in many new ways that is exciting. Let me ask you, how are you growing? How would you like to grow? What areas of your life would you like to change or enhance?  I invite you to take the time to go within to ask yourself these questions. How can you radiate more of you to the world?

3 Tips for Personal Growth

1. Notice what you resist and instead of shying away from it, move closer to it.

2. Feel the feeling (nervousness, excitement, anger, sadness), ask what it wants, and move into the space of it. Go deep. Where is the root of the feeling?

3. Embrace the uncomfortableness of the situation and know that this is a moment of personal growth for you. Ask yourself, how can I grow today?

As always, it’s a pleasure having this opportunity to connect with you. If you have a question or comment, go to my “Ask Mary Lynne” page to leave it. I answer every question and comment personally.

Hmmmm…

If you had someone -

not family

not a friend,

but, an EXPERT, a FAMILY COACH,

an OPEN, HONEST, CARING PERSON accessible right now……

WHAT WOULD YOU ASK?

This blog is your opportunity to ask a question in a SAFE, NON-JUDGEMENTAL, PRIVATE place because…

I am a Certified Coach specializing in working with families – teenagers, moms, dads, and every other family member that truly desires a better place for themselves and their families.

There is a comment form below.

I actually want you to ask me a question.

I enjoy sharing what I know.

I’ve worked with kids and teens for over  ten years and have learned many things.

I LOVE HELPING OTHERS – in any way that I can.

As I said, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others… SO

Ask Me, Your Family Coach, a Question.

No question is too big or too small. And, we all know that no question is a bad question. REALLY.

I’d be honored to help you on your personal journey.

Remember, I’ve gone through (and still am) my personal journey, too.

How can I help you?

What questions do you have about:

Teenagers,
Kids,
Learning Styles,
Depression,
Communication,
Relationships,
Reaching Your Goals,
Overcoming self-doubt,
Eating too much,
wanting to change something?

What is it that makes you wonder?

What would you like to know?

What would you like to talk about?

What would you like support with?

Oh…

One More Reason to Submit Your Question

Each time you ask me a question (or leave a comment) using the form below, you’ll have a chance to win my workbook, Communicate Like a Family: How to Defuse the FamilyDrama and Create Harmony in Your Home

Every week I select a winner (from those who left a question or comment the previous week). You can leave as many questions or comments as you want (that will simply increase your chances of winning), but you only need to comment or ask a question once to be eligible.

Winners are chosen randomly, so flattery will get you everywhere (I mean, nowhere). In other words, you can win more than once (multiple weeks) and I will give you a chance to win a FREE BOOK if you consistently ask questions or leave comments. Just make sure your questions and/or comments are thoughtful, and not just obvious attempts to win more.

Why Am I Doing This?

Two reasons:

#1 I am a nice person

#2 I want my Happy Family community to be an interactive place so I can be of better service to you. The only way I can do that is to get  you engaged (in other words… telling me what you like, don’t like, want, and need).

So, don’t forget to scroll down and ask me (Your Family Coach) a question below (or simply leave a comment).

Not sure what to say?

Ask me anything about teens, kids, learning, discipline, bullying, depression, family fun, communication, goal setting, overcoming obstacles, changing behaviors, or school stuff. Tell me (and everyone else) why you like this blog. Or, simply reply to someone else’s question or comment.

That’s it.

I look forward to seeing your thoughts below,

Mary Lynne Fernandez

“Your Family Coach”

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.