by Amy Matthews | Jun 10, 2020 | In-Power, Inspiration |
As I talk with family and friends about the racial injustice that has been ignored for so long, some of us are feeling a lot of shame. Not necessarily because of what we personally have done but for what has gone on before us. The feeling of collective shame is in the air.
Rightfully so. My niece said it so well. Whites have benefited from racism. That’s hard to get our heads around. A hard pill to swallow. Yet it’s true. America is finally waking up to the discrimination that is deeply ingrained in our society.
Perhaps we need to feel guilty and shameful and shitty (my niece’s word) for all the atrocities and injustices allowed for centuries. if we wallow in our shame, then and only then, can we take responsibility.
On the other hand, guilt, shame and feeling shitty only leads to anxiety and overwhelm. When we swim in a sea of emotions, overwhelm settles in. We feel defeated and it paralyzes us to take action.
How can you take responsibility and not feel shitty?
Instead of letting shame take you hostage, get grounded. Be curious, listen and learn. Develop your empathy muscle. Show compassion. Understand what it would be like to walk in another’s shoes, without your same privilege. Stand in your truth, speak up and take inspired action for what you believe in.
Harness your privilege for the equality of all.
by Amy Matthews | Apr 30, 2020 | Business, Inspiration |
I’m super blessed to have wonderful clients, friends, and family. I’d like to share a few inspirational stories with you.
One of my clients has had a vision to become a speaker on the stage for years. She works in the corporate world, busting her butt while moving up the ladder. Her job serves a very practical need as she’s a single mother but it doesn’t fulfill her. A month ago, she was furloughed. After receiving the news, some people would have pulled back and not pursued their dream. But what did my client do? She said, “it’s a sign from the universe. I want to make an investment in myself and turn my vision into reality.” She hired me to help her develop her brand clarity, messaging and copy. By the time her furlough is lifted, she will have a platform and website that expresses her authenticity and aligned offerings. Boom!
Another client who works for the largest social media company hired me to help her develop her leadership skills. She works in a ‘crisis group’ which was an intense job before COVID and is now exponentially more chaotic. She has to work four more hours a day to get what she needs to get done. Even though her time is precious, she takes the time to grow her leadership skills and is becoming a powerful communicator. Boom!
A dear friend of mine is in the high-end travel business. She curates once in a lifetime adventures all over the world for affluent clients. It’s her dream job and her trips are off the charts. Needless to say, she isn’t jetting off to foreign destinations. What did she do? She got out of her comfort zone. She is now blogging about her past travels and inspiring and uplifting her readers. Boom!
How are you making lemonade? Do tell! Please hit reply to this email and share your stories. I will compile them and send them out in an upcoming newsletter.
Life sometimes brings us lemons.
We get to choose to make sweet, luscious, liquid nectar out of it.
Let’s make lemonade together and rise up for one another.
by Amy Matthews | Apr 21, 2020 | Business, In-Power, Inspiration |
I’ve had many conversations over the past few weeks with clients, colleagues, friends and family about the challenges they’re facing and the disappointments they’re feeling.
Rightfully so, disappointment is widespread and frustration is at an all-time high.
High school and college grads aren’t able to graduate
Dream job interviews are at a standstill
Doing the job of two people
Working from home while homeschooling kids
Cash flow problems
Laid off or furloughed
Rocky relationships due to too much togetherness
Dating has come to a screaming halt
Do you resonate with any of the above or is there a bigger challenge you are facing? I want to know.
When we don’t get what we want – when we get a picture in our minds of an ideal outcome and get attached to it, disappointment rears its head. Disappointment makes us feel unmotivated. We think: what’s the point?
Here’s the point. Successful people aren’t spending their days binge-watching or reading the news. They have a schedule and a routine. They are planning their day, week, month – not year – ahead. They are thinking of creative ways to pivot. They are innovating and thinking outside the box. They are strategizing about how to get their dream business off the ground. They are looking forward to the simple things – every day.
If we believe that life is on hold, then life is on hold. If we believe that life is full of opportunity, then life is full of opportunity. We can move forward without attaching to a certain outcome. We can be adaptable and flexible and most importantly, have a positive attitude about our future.
Let go of the life you created in your mind. Open up to the life that’s in front of you. Let’s get into action and envision our future. No more waiting.
by Amy Matthews | Apr 15, 2020 | In-Power, Inspiration, Mindset |
We are in a transformational time. I liken it to a butterfly struggling to squeeze out of its tight cocoon. Perhaps just like the butterfly, this ‘downtime‘ is training us to strengthen our wings so we morph into expanded versions of ourselves.
What have you learned or what do you want to bring forward – once we have fewer restrictions?
Perhaps your patience and appreciation muscles are stronger. Or you have more gratitude for health and your circumstances. Or genuine kindness and compassion for everyone. Or you no longer keep up with the Joneses. Or give a hoot what others are up to on a Saturday night. Or you are committed to your own self-care. Or you have decided your job isn’t worth the sacrifice – anymore. Or that you have learned to slow down and focus on what truly matters.
Or, you are ready to spread your wings and build a life – on your own terms.
It takes courage to build a life on your terms. It takes courage to create clarity and conviction. It takes courage to stop listening to the negative voices in our heads. It takes courage to take repeated action towards what you want most. But here’s the thing: inspired action builds confidence and the more action you take, the more confidence you will have.
We get to choose whether we spread our wings and fly.
In my recent webinar, Step into Your Most Powerful Self, we had interactive conversations about letting go of what no longer serves us. We talked about how the “shoulds in life” rear their ugly head, how to live by your own rules, how to manage self-doubt, how to create a larger vision for your work in the world, and sticking with your intention, no matter what.
If you’re ready to step into
a bigger picture of success, let’s talk.
Your superabundant,
freedom-filled life awaits.
by Amy Matthews | Apr 8, 2020 | In-Power, Inspiration |
We’re in our 3rd + week of quarantine and many people feel they’re ready for a change of scenery. How about you?
Just a few weeks ago, we were accustomed to moving, changing, and diverting when we were bored or things weren’t exactly the way we liked or when we ‘had the urge’ for that special somethin’. At a moment’s notice, on a whim, we had the freedom to do and go wherever and get whatever we wanted.
Now many of us are at a standstill, waiting for life to get back to normal. Truth be told, when all said and done, life will look different than it did just a few weeks ago.
Our paradigm has shifted and we are being asked to shift too. We are being asked to get out of our comfort zone and step into a new way of being and doing. We are being asked to let go of thoughts, beliefs, and stories that no longer serve us. We are being asked to shed our shame, guilt, and past regrets. We are being asked to embrace new beliefs about ourselves and our world. We are being asked to fully embrace our power and confidence so we can step into a larger picture of success.
I didn’t say it was easy. But true success in life isn’t always convenient. Or easy. Or comfortable. I am reminded of this quote by Adriana Locke: The best things in life don’t come easy, but those things are the ones that are worth it.
Together, let’s build our confidence and rise up to ourselves so we can truly make a difference in other people’s lives.
by Amy Matthews | Apr 1, 2020 | Inspiration, Mindset |
There’s a ton of uncertainty in the air right now. We’re all feeling out of sorts. We’re used to pushing forward and don’t feel we can accomplish what we want, whether it’s planning our next work event, wedding, graduation, summer vacation, signing up a new client, or landing our next coveted position.
Uncertainty leads to fear and fear constricts and limits us. The unknown is causing our stress and anxiety to go through the roof which is the last thing we need more of.
Here are a few tips to deal with our uncertain times:
Nix the Expectations. ReEnvision Your Future
Expectations, as I’ve said before, are a breeding ground for disappointment. Instead of thinking about what you thought you wanted, create a vision for your life that’s even better than you could have imagined.
Create Different Possibilities
The hardest part of uncertainty is not feeling you’re in control. But you can plan for other possibilities. Get creative, time to bring out the whiteboard! Come up with a Plan B and even a Plan C.
Exercise Your Flexibility and Resiliency Muscles
At times like these, they need a consistent workout. You are more adaptable than you think you are. You can handle more than you think you can. You can handle anything that comes your way. Yes, You Can.
Focus on What You Can Control
There are so many things we can control and do. Decide and plan your daily routine. Do your best work ever, run like you’ve never run before, hike with a friend, learn a new language, take a virtual tour, yoga or barre class.
Practice Being Present
When things get uncomfortable, our natural tendency is to resist or run away from our feelings. Look at all the things you are learning in this new normal. Do your best to fully experience what is happening right now.
Change is the only constant in life so let’s try to embrace it. We may not know exactly what the future holds but we can open up and plan for abundant possibilities.
When nothing is sure, everything is possible – Margaret Drabble
