by Amy Matthews | Oct 30, 2020 | Inspiration |
During these disruptive times, It’s easy to feel ungrounded, uncertain, and anxious. The more I read the news and listen to political podcasts, the more unsettled I feel. Time for radical discipline! I’m refocusing on joy and possibility. This weekend couldn’t come at a better time.
This Saturday is both a full moon and Halloween. A friend passed along a forecast which inspired me. Here’s the gist of it:
Saturday’s full moon sets the tone for November. The theme is: release the past, free ourselves up from guilt, shame, resentments, regrets, move beyond our limitations and, refocus our attention on opportunities to improve our lives.
LOVE IT. Very Woman UnRuled like – right?
Once we let go of the mental and emotional baggage that drags us down, we have the capacity to see differently and think outside the box. Once we do, we open up to limitless possibilities and anything we can dream up.
DREAM BIG. That’s what I’m doing this weekend. How about you?
P.S. If you’re feeling a need for a Joy + Inspiration boost, I got you covered. Sign up for the Eat the Brownie Challenge below.
Joy is imperative, especially now.
Joy gives us strength, energy, and stamina for what we need to do in the world.
To reconnect with YOUR joy, join me on the Eat the Brownie Challenge.
Take an 8-day journey of introspection, inspiration, and passion with
daily practices that support a connection with what makes you come alive,
while easy to use tools help keep you on track.
by Amy Matthews | Oct 23, 2020 | Mindset |
Rage is in the air. I guess it’s no surprise that Bob Woodward’s new book is titled, Rage. Many of us are feeling it individually and collectively.
Here’s a story:
Two weeks ago I had a date with a man I recently met. On our first date, he told me he wasn’t political so on our second date, I decided I wouldn’t bring up the election. The weather was gorgeous and I wanted to enjoy an easy-breezy night out, to remind me of the carefree days of old.
A woman was sitting by herself at the table next to us. We struck up a conversation with her, chatted about where we live, art, among other things. Out of the blue, she asked: Who are you voting for?
I replied: Biden.
Then, naturally asked: Who are you voting for?
Biden, she said. She turned to my date and asked: Who are you voting for?
He said: I’m undecided.
She then said: Trump is dangerous.
Thinking I would stay out of the fray, I said: Give us an example of what you mean by dangerous?
She replied: The issue of climate change is so important for our future. I have children.
He said: I agree with you. I have kids too.
Then, he said: What did you think about the debate? I think Pence was outstanding. Kamala was horrible and so disrespectful.
Ok, now I was curious. I shared my point of view which was different than his. After a few minutes, he threw his hands up in the air and with a fierce, angry look in his eyes, said: I can’t handle this! I am out of here. His rage was palpable. He got up, paid the check, and left.
I was stunned. I thought we were having a conversation. His blowing up wasn’t about me or what I said. It quickly dawned on me that this conversation was a microcosm of what’s happening in our country.
Fast forward to this week. Three clients told me they are raging, all for very different reasons.
Rage and fear are connected. We feel rage when we are threatened or feel an injustice of some kind. When we feel we have been wronged by another person or by our current or past circumstances, it’s natural to feel fearful and vulnerable.
So what to do with your rage? Feel it, process it, understand it. Work with a coach or therapist to uncover the underlying reasons for the injustice you feel.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 24, 2020 | Blog, In-Power, Inspiration |
We all have created stories about our experiences, some of which are true, others not. Here are two stories I’d like to share:
One of my clients struggled to learn how to read as a child so he grew up thinking he wasn’t smart. Fast forward, he went to Columbia, got his MBA from Stanford and graduated top of his class. It didn’t dawn on him he was super smart until years later when a CEO who he worked for, told him was. He was 38 years old.
Another client wasn’t asked to her senior prom so she thought men didn’t find her attractive and didn’t want her. Though she had several long term relationships and eventually married, when we began working together, she held that same belief.
To nip a Limiting Belief in the bud, try this simple exercise:
Grab a pen and paper. Write down answers to these 3 questions:
1.What is your top limiting belief or reoccurring thought that drains your energy?
2. On the left side of the page write down all the reasons it’s true. On the right, the reasons it isn’t. Hint: the right side always wins 🙂
Why It’s True Why It Isn’t True
3.What new belief are you replacing it with?
There’s no better time to remove beliefs that aren’t true. Take off the Shackles and create new ones that support your happiness, freedom, and success.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 22, 2020 | Blog, In-Power, Inspiration |
Ruth Bader Ginsberg paved the way for equality and justice for all. She had such a huge impact on our lives, it’s hard to fathom she’s gone.
RGB often quoted Justice Louis Brandeis’ famous line:
“The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people.”
So what do we do when we lose a trailblazer, an icon, and our role model?
We empower ourselves to speak up and share our point of view.
We take action towards what we believe in.
We fight for what we care about.
And, as RBG said, we do it in such a way, that will lead others to join us.
We all have the capacity to make an impact – whether big or small. I’ve talked to many people who feel powerless and want to know what they can do.
Here are four things to do right now to make a difference:
1. Contribute money – especially to flip the Senate, every bit helps
2. Talk to a family member or golfing buddy about racial injustice
3. Talk to your friend who hasn’t decided who to vote for
4. Initiate a conversation with your colleague about intrinsic bias
Drum up the courage. Have uncomfortable conversations.
Be willing to go where you haven’t before.
While being curious, inquisitive, and open.
Be THE Example. Let’s make Ruth proud of us.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 11, 2020 | Blog, Mindset |
We’re living in a world of Extremes.
Extreme fires
Extreme temperatures
Extreme smoke
Extreme ash falling from the sky
Extreme shootings
Extremists everywhere
So how do we deal with such a vast range without going into fear, numbing or tuning out?
Here are a few blogs that are good reminders on how to deal.
5 Tips for Self Care
How to Feel Grateful When You Don’t
How to Deal with Uncertainty
Do your best to accept the current situation. Talk it out with family and friends. Focus on super small goals to feel a sense of accomplishment. That’s what I’m doing.
This too shall pass. #Faith.
