colleenmary-creatingwhatmatters

What’s it all About Alfie? - Your Loving, Living Legacy.

2009-12-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

Often when we think about a legacy, it's something that is left behind after a person has passed. The idea of the living and loving legacy has the power to spur you on to live a mindful and proactive life.

Inherently, individuals have a desire to leave something special behind to mark the value and purpose of their life. Not just a bequest to a cause, but rather a combination of a life of dedication and focus that results in a ripple effect that positively impacts society, whether in the community, globally or in the family. This gives purpose, passion and meaning to your life.
A definition of a legacy is someone’s lasting contribution to the world, to society or their family. It may include money, but in many cases, it's more of a by-product of an individual's life. Your legacy is a result of what you have focused on in your life, and is the expression (in terms of action) of your primary message. For example, Gandhi said, 'Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind'. He could have just said it, but done nothing. The legacy he left was a direct result of his acting on this message in a real, tangible way.

Why is it important?A well affirmed legacy can be empowering. It is something SO big, it pulls you forward. It provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact on many levels. It is a result of a purposeful life, focused on taking action around your values, passion, mission, and vision. It provides a sense of deep meaning and can be a catalyst for positive, long term change that continues beyond your lifetime. What happens when you commit to a way of Being is that:
*Your actions have greater meaning to you.
*You are empowered and inspired to live life with purpose and passion.
*There is less struggle and more enjoyment in your life.
*You can make a lasting impact in the world on a micro and/or macro level with ease.
*You move beyond the need to perform and do what is comfortable and do your great work.

Here are some examples of living and loving legacies: “I want to be remembered for being kind.” “I want to live life with gusto and pizzazz.” “I want my children to know that they are and will always be loved for them selves even when I need to say no.” “I want to know that I helped hundreds live a better healthier life.” “I want to create the possibility that everyone in the world will have sustainable housing."

Where do you start?
Take some time to Listen to your Heart as you mull over the inquiry "What is the legacy I want to create?" “I”being the operative word. “How do I want to BE in this world?”

From the foundation of your core values, passions, gifts, talents you are then able to ask the Big Questions:
What is my vision? What would I like to be remembered for?
What dream do I have that I could surrender to that would be the type of legacy I would be living and /or leaving? At this point, another important and critical question to ask is, "Does the thought of a legacy empower me or overwhelm (scare) me?

Intentioning a living legacy can bring out the best of your authentic self. Going through this activity can touch deep into your soul and takes courage. Keeping your core key values in sight keeps your life journey on track. Have fun with determining what your living legacy looks like. At your 100th birthday, for what will you be honored?

Let's get Your Year in Gear

2009-12-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

This is your Invitation to sprint into 2010 with a heart centered commitment.

"Let's get Your Year in Gear!"

Whew! 2009 posed a multitude of challenges for yours truly and everyone I know including those who stepped into a bigger playing field. One of the biggest Ah Ahs for me this year was to consistently keep my vision in my visual field, my heart, my soul and stay aligned with what is most important to me. Two other Ahs Ahs were the importance of commitment to what I hold dear and to honor what my purpose is here on earth and to seek support especially in designing a plan, in conscious energy management and paradigms shifts.

As the New Year beckons, thoughts are pulled to what you want to see in 2010.
Resolutions are okay but are often broken or forgotten. Commitments on the other hand speak to the deeper self, to your soul and to your authentic self.

I know that this is a busy time of year for you yet this is also wonderful time to reflect, re-group and decide what you want to see at this time next year.

Is there something you've been keeping on the back burner and are ready to take it out? Are you ready to move up in your career ladder? Is there a personal change you want to see? Is there a next step in your business that needs a nudge?

I'm offering an opportunity for you to commit to a short term group program to
Get Your Year in Gear! This is a program to get you started on your dreams for 2010 and past the starting line.

I'm looking for 10 individuals who want to get started on creating what matters most.

"Get Your Year in Gear" group program includes:
- 3 (60 -75 minute) group calls to visualize, decide and design your plan for 2010 on your 3 biggest "I really want this." desires.
Wednesday: Dec. 30, Jan. 6 & Jan.13 at 4:00pm Mountain/ Az.time

- Worksheets and home play to give substance to your commitments.

- 1 - 30 minute private 1:1 coaching session with me.

- Strategies to keep moving forward when you are getting in your way.

- Audio recordings of each call.

Tuition: $ 97 for all of the above. (I really want to help you start 2010 with clarity, support & inspired action so I'm keeping this budget friendly.)

Email me your intentions: colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com by Dec. 22, 2009.

I'm looking forward to getting 2010 in Gear!

Quantum Blessings,
Colleen
www. consciouslivingconnection.com

Fun for a great Cause

2009-12-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

Check out this video for Breast Cancer Awareness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw
Take good care of yourself and have deliciious fun!

Blessings,
Colleen

Feature Article: “What is your Blessing?”

2009-11-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

When one talks about a blessing, a plethora of thoughts and images may go through my mind – blessing of a name, blessing of the animals, “Bless you” when someone sneezes, buildings are blessed, ships are blessed, food is blessed, we give thanks for our blessings and much more. What do I mean by “What is your Blessing? A Blessing is the creative expression of your Life Purpose; it is the skilful artistry in what you do.

You hear a lot today about a purpose –driven life, knowing your life purpose, mindful and conscious living. Knowing your Life Purpose gives direction and meaning to your journey here on earth. It is the Beingness of why you are here. Your Life Purpose is not the job you are in but the bigger umbrella and the calling to your higher self. How does that show up?

For example: In the Life Purpose Hand Analysis Reveal, a client‘s Life Purpose was a gifted Communicator through Persuasion/ Implementer. That’s sounds like something that’s ambiguous until one goes deeper and starts to look at what the client does best, what stirs his passion, gets his juices flowing and what other gifts show up in his hands. The client was exceptionally gifted in bringing different factions together to reach a harmonious outcome and calm troubled waters in a corporate environment. The result is increased collaboration, understanding of the commonalities and a commitment to a higher service delivery. This is the client’s Blessing- his ability to bring peace and harmony to a conflicted situation through persuasion and communication and guiding others to see the bigger vision. A Blessing is the creative expression of your Life Purpose; it is the skilful artistry in what you do; it is the shining of your soul. It is what makes you unique. When the client attracted a position that allowed him to Be his most authentic self, he was able to be in total alignment with and to truly live his Life Purpose and to fully express his Blessing. Thus he felt fulfilled in his career and life.

I was facilitating a group activity around the question of what makes you unique. One female participant looked at me and said “Other people do what I do, so I don’t have anything I do that’s unique.” My answer to her was that yes from the outside it may look the same but the way you express yourself in your business is totally unique to you.”
Each one of us is unique and this is born out in your fingerprints. Even though we are all under the genus of homosapiens, our fingerprint are unique to us even for identical twins.

Coaching Request: Take some time to reflect on what you do best, ask your friends- “what is it about me that is attractive to you?” why do we stay friends? , with your colleagues- ask them what they see as your strengths. What draws them to you, why do they like to work with you?

What is your Blessing? What makes you unique? I would love to hear from you. If you desire support and space to discover your blessing contact me.

Colleen Crook coaches spiritually- conscious entrepreneurial and professional women who aspire to be leaders in their life/community to authentically create what matters most with joy and ease. Colleen, a Life and Leadership Transformation coach and certified facilitator of the Passion Test(TM), is the founder and owner of Conscious Living Connection and the creator of the Living Consciously with Passion, Purpose and Prosperity Blueprint. Colleen has served in the Allied Health Field as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years both nationally and internationally; was the co-owner of a successful network marketing business and a thriving private therapy consulting practice.
Sign up for your Fr^^ee Gift Bundle on creating what matters most at www.consciouslivingconnection.com If you're ready to make a change in your life, schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation Conversation by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Interview tomorrow

2009-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Tune into LifegasmsRadio.com tomorrow at 12 noon Eastern to hear April & Sherry interview me and Katherine Che.

Many Blessings,
Colleen

Return from Road Trip

2009-10-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm home now and attempting to re-integrate into my home life. Life on the road is exciting, challenging and fun. I know I have a nomadic streak in me and I'm thrilled that I can indulge in it. My Flip camera was awesome until it decided not to work. I lost a number of videos on it that I hadn't downloaded yet. So no cool vids of Las Vegas and our beautiful room at the Palazzo and the Venetian square and gondoliers or of us boogie boarding. Thankfully we had another means to freeze frame moments in time with our kids and granddaughter.

Below are a few photos from the end of the trip. Torrey Pines Beach, Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm near Valley Center,Ca and Granite Falls in Wy.

Blessings,
Colleen

P.S. Tip:It's better to do trip laundry when you're not tired.
I now have a pink collection thanks to some beach towels we bought spur of the moment before hitting the waves.

2009-10-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All, I attempted a blog entry Sunday but it disappeared so will try again. Here are some videos from Grand Teton National Park-hopefully. We have travelled from Tucson through the high desert to the Northern Rockies. This trip really brought home to me how much being in nature is my muse and my well filler. The positive energy and negative ions feed my spirit to the depths of my soul. we were fortunate enough to see pronghorn antelope,bison,mule deer and elk on this trip in their natural habitat. We left Wyoming in a winter storm with 2-3 inches of snow on the ground and took great care in navigating the roads and canyons for about 250 miles.

We happened upon this man playign his alpenhorn along crystal clear String Lake.

Everyone take care.
Right now we're in Las Vegas.

Many Blessings,
Colleen

100 degrees to snow.

2009-10-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hey All, I sitting in the coffe kiosk at Albertson's in jackson Wy and will attempt to download some more videos.

Safe journeys to you all.

Happy Trails & Many Blessings,
Colleen

From 100 degrees to mountain snow

2009-10-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Below are some videos along our trip yesterday from Tucson to Heber City,Utah As you will see it was very windy and we ended up in snow country. One thing that is constant in life and in travel is that you can expect the unexpected. Hope you enjoy and talk with you soon.

Since the uploading was taking so long I'm sharing just 1 of the videos and will share the others later.

Many Blessings & Happy Trails, Colleen

Road Trip Prep Video

2009-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

See you on the road!
Blessings, Colleen

I am humbled

2009-09-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to put this in my testimonial section. Dellina is a delight and she so perfectly expressed the incredible power of having support to delve deeply into listening to the voice of your soul and having the essentials for a Spirit filled life map.

"I felt that something was missing in the core and foundation of my practice. The dots weren’t connecting. I was deep in a graduate certificate program and had just been accepted into a PhD program. I knew my knowledge base was solid but still had an unsettled feeling. I kept asking myself, “What’s missing?” I e-mailed Colleen and we set up a Get Acquainted session. My discussion with her flowed with ease. Although my ideas of what I wanted were fuzzy, Colleen gave me room to download all my jumbled thoughts. What was most amazing was that she skillfully helped me to piece together meaning of seemingly disconnected ideas and helped me to identify my intention of why I called her. What a relief! I felt like she truly listened to what my heart was trying to say and she helped me verbalize it so that I could connect it to my head (where logic resides).

I decided that a Full Day Intensive would meet my needs. This is a “Powerful” session, with a capital P. I delved into the core of myself and discovered what I valued most and held important. I emerged with a stronger sense of why I had chosen my profession/business. (Conversely, I understood why alternative career paths did not work for me.) I became more aware of the energy I needed to infuse into my practice and into my life in general. I also found new tools to use such as my “energetic calling card.” My initial goal was to find a way to build my business. I met that goal and received a bonus. I found a way to build my life and created a solid foundation for it all. By connecting with my soul (core self), I was able to paint a broader picture that consisted of my business and personal life.

Colleen uses different exercises and techniques that flow seamlessly together. Each portion builds on the next. Sometimes I tend to make too big of a deal when it comes to putting ideas on paper. I tended to wrap myself into knots with competing ideas. Colleen was there to save me. She gently pulls on the strings of the ideas until a useful idea pops out. Having Colleen as a thought partner eased the process and made the sessions go very quickly. I felt fully supported throughout the Full Day Intensive.

The outcomes that I walked away with have been invaluable. I started my graduate program a few months later and my life came unglued in four months. I was trying to handle everything (business, family, work, and school) at full measure as before school started. I reviewed my work with Colleen and it all came back to me – my foundation and my vision of what I wanted for myself. I was able to set a course to regain my balance. I am so grateful for my work with Colleen. She helped me to design a life compass and provided a bridge for me to merge my soul with my life’s work. I came away with a masterpiece that evolves with me as I continue to grow. Thank you, Colleen!”

Dellina Bergen, Life Coach/Speaker/PhD Student, Southern Arizona

If the All Day Retreat Intensive calls to you,please e-mail me at colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com to set up a time to chat.

Noticing Abundance

2009-09-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's nearing the final months of the wonderful monthly Quantum Attraction Cafe http://tinyurl.com/kuqje. The participants are really receiving so many gifts from knowing more about the Universal Laws and how to implement the principles into their daily life. There's been exciting breakthroughs for them as well as my self. A heightened awareness of abundance in my life took place for me this week.

Here's how it went:
Sunday: Time seemed to bend and the day had a slow measured pace that gave the perception of a long lovely day. I sent out a draft of a presentation that a colleague and I worked on to committee members.

Monday: Out of the office contract where the day seemed to flow and any challenges seemed to disappear. Received lots of positive feedback on the draft presentation.

Tuesday: Had the yard cleaned up and it was a job well done. The Landscaper listened to what I wanted and gave some excellent advice on improving the care of my plants.

-Attended a Coaches meeting where the presenters clarified some murky points for me.

-Had a awesome client coaching session with big Ahas.

-Hired a person to transcribe some audios for me that fit my budget. Yippee!

Wednesday: Had a contract postpone services then it turned around
and I was able to assist another contract in the morning.

-I made huge headway on organizing and pulling together an e-product that I was sitting on the fence about.

Thursday : Time slots opened up for me to complete the e-product and its ready for a graphic artist to create a digital graphic for me.

-Had a transformative lunch with my BFF where I received 10% off the bill. Plus she shared a fabulous transformative book with a horse theme. The subject of horses and horse symbols have been popping up all week.

-Found a pair of cross trainers that work for my feet and I received an additional $25 off the sale price. Was pampered and taken care by lovely Jane at the shoe store. first time ever.

- Attended a closing of a loan consolidation with my husband and had the best processor. We had a lot of laughs.

Friday: Received a nice size amount of money.

Saturday: Received a wonderful Myofascial Release Treatment and was given a 2 for 1 special on the fee.

-Went shopping with my husband for trip supplies and we found everything we needed on sale.

As you can see, I had an abundant week. Yes there were speed bumps and "sucky" situations but I found as I focused on Abundance I attracted more abundance and was able to navigate the rocks of the week with the knowledge that there were solutions, that there was a silver lining. I just needed to open up my eyes and see it.

Here's to living with eyes wide open.

Quantum Joy,
Colleen

My life’s purpose encompasses empowering people to listen to the voice of their soul, claim their desire and live their life full out with passion, purpose and prosperity while having delicious fun!

And here’s the other blip:

Colleen Crook coaches spiritually- conscious entrepreneurial and professional women who aspire to be leaders in their life/community to authentically create what matters most with joy and ease. Colleen, a Life and Leadership Transformation coach and certified facilitator of the Passion Test(TM), is the founder and owner of Conscious Living Connection and the creator of the Living Consciously with Passion, Purpose and Prosperity Blueprint. Colleen has served in the Allied Health Field as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years both nationally and internationally; was the co-owner of a successful network marketing business and a thriving private therapy consulting practice. Sign up for your Fr^^ee Gift Bundle on creating what matters most at www.consciouslivingconnection.com If you're ready to make a change in your life, schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation Conversation by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

I'm flippin' over the Flip!

2009-09-22T16:06:00.000-07:00
Simplicity is one of my core values. When I take photos or want to make a video, it needs to be simple for me and the buttons need to be big. Last weekend, my hubbie & I were at Cosco- my first excursion there in over 9 years. For several months now, I've wanted to purchase a Flip video camera because it's simple to use, is user friendly, is non-techie friendly and is easy to download to your computer. Note the excess use of ease, friendly and simple in describing it. I asked the clerk if they carried the Flip and he courteously directed me to the display. I now have my nice simple video camera. On my upcoming road trip I plan to make some short videos along the way and share this journey with you. So stay tuned as I'm flippin' down the road.

Joy,
Colleen

What are you Tolerating?

2009-09-17T11:56:00.000-07:00
You’ve all seen the TV programs where a crew comes in and works with a homeowner to clear the clutter and crud that has built up from being unable to let go of material things that no longer are of benefit or create a better life for the person. You’ve probably sat there like I have wondering what could possibly possess these people to live like that and tolerate those living conditions that are so (from our point of view) easily resolved.
The old judgement gremlin really comes out to play for me during these programs.
Take this Clean Sweep Idea into the annoyances and irritants in your life.

So what are you tolerating in your life, your business or career? What are you putting up with on a daily, weekly basis that takes your energy by avoiding it, denying that it’s there, pretending that it’s not there, telling yourself that it’s okay the way it is or just suck it up?

This is a challenging concept to dive into. It brings up so many emotions and the inner critic loves to dance to this one.

There’s the drawer that when you open it the handle falls off. But you’ll fix it sometime.

There’s the committee meeting you need to attend but feel nothing is accomplishment but you want to contribute to your community so faithfully attend.

There’s the friend who constantly berates you and puts you down but you’ve known this person since high school and she doesn’t have many friends.

There’s the number on the scale that you would love to avoid so you do and will start a new eating routine tomorrow but first you’ll finish off that bag of Rollos so they’ll be gone.

What I’m referring to are things, situations, commitments etc that do not serve you in being your higher self because they drain your energy, your success, your self development. As you journey through life, there’s the mistaken impression that to be more successful you have to take more on and the exact opposite is true. As you grow and live your life purpose there are things, situations, people, and ideas etc that do not serve you in moving forward positively and with honor.

I have a colleague who has a million dollar business. One of her tolerations was that she was running her business from the kitchen table amidst mealtimes, snack times and general hubbub that generates around the kitchen table. There wasn’t any privacy for phone calls or in person consultations. She had given her son the extra room for a play room a few years ago. When she realized she was putting up with a confined space and not honoring herself or her business, she made the necessary adjustments to expand her business space as her business expanded. Now that frustrated energy is channelled into her business.

What is frustrating you?

Here’s what’s frustrating me right now.
Every time I open my computer, I cringe and hunch up my shoulders. Will it open, will it stall on a word doc I’m writing, how many minutes will it take to change screens? Right now I’m tolerating a computer that is hampering my work, causing a leak in my focus and efficiency and challenging my commitment to find the fun in everything I do. My intention is to have my laptop checked out for now and in the new quarter purchase a new computer. What’s stopping me? I’ll be out of virtual communication with my clients, the programs I’m participating in and creative projects that I’m developing on. What’s my next conscious step? With a little pre-planning I can take my laptop in to my “computer people” and give time to my self.

The invitation to action is to make a list(s) of what you are tolerating in your life, business, and career. Go for it –don’t be shy, be honest with yourself, look at the pink elephant in the room.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What am I tolerating? Putting up with?
2. What is frustrating me?
3. Where am I being ordinary?
4. Where am I blindly following a routine?
5. Where I am stuck, stalled or stopped?
6. Where am I suffering?
7. What am I avoiding?

Then look at your list and choose one glaring item from your list for now.
Now ask yourself what has this cost me and what is one step I can take to move myself forward with this.

I know you have the courage, honesty and self love to eliminate at least one toleration.

If you find yourself at a stand still and need a safe space to address your tolerations and move forward, I am here to support you in being your best self. E-mail me to schedule a Get Acquainted conversation to start living your empowered life colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

A 7 Step Spiritual Process on How to Handle Difficult People.

2009-08-11T15:45:00.000-07:00
One of the reoccurring themes that surfaces with my clients is how to handle difficult people. Whether this is a family member, a working relationship or with a customer the experience is uncomfortable and leaves one feeling contracted, defensive and yucky.

Do you know someone in your life that irks you and you are really uncomfortable around? You probably wish that they would just go away or change.
Sometimes you are able to create lots of space between the person that you don’t want around and yourself because there may be limited contact already; other times this person may be in contact with you a good share of the days and weeks.

The very first step in handling a difficult person (from your perspective) using a spiritual approach is to make the commitment ahead of time that you will act and respond in a certain way. This is taking responsibility for how you are going to be.
The intention in any relationship is to connect and when there‘s tension and outbursts etc. there is a huge disconnect. Not only is there a disconnect with the other person; there can be a disconnect within yourself about how you are responding. Committing to being and responding in a way that empowers you bridges the gap and helps you connect with you.

The second step is to Breathe when confronted by accusations, zingers and tirades.
You are able to connect with your body and be more aware of the situation.

The third step has two parts: the first part is to recognize that what’s going on in front of you has to do with the other person. This is the Universal Law of Allowing in action, where you are aware and accept without judgement that what’s going on for the other person is theirs and it’s about them; the second part is to connect what’s going with you and to own what you are feeling right then and there.

The fourth step is to stop then breathe again. Listen to and hear what your feelings are telling you with total love and self-respect. There’s no room in the Inn for judgement.
Listen to what the other person may be not saying.

The fifth step is to share the truth of how you are feeling or if you don’t feel safe then exit gracefully. This step takes courage and a heart connection.
You may say “You sound scared.” or “You seem upset over this situation.”
Or share what you’re feeling “When you speak like that, I feel scared or nervous or want to run away.”
If the situation feels unsafe for you to be truthful about feelings then as quickly and gracefully as possible leave the situation.

The sixth step is to write about the situation and what you were feeling with love and acceptance. What feelings came up for you? Was there a situation in the past where you felt these feelings before? Be honest. Dig deep.

The seventh step is to choose differently. You make the commitment to change yourself and choose to share the truth and connect with this other person and connect with your feelings. You choose to practice this process until it becomes natural.

These steps are based on Universal principles and you can discover more about these principles in the Quantum Attraction Café at www.consciouslivingconnection.com/quantumattract.htm
and how to integrate them into your life for more joy, freedom, authenticity and harmony. As with any new learning, this takes practice. To take this process and uplevel it, sign up for the Gift Bundle at www.consciouslivingconnection.com that has the 5 part e-course on Conscious Communication included. This course gives additional tools to create awesome communication and connection

2009-08-11T15:41:00.000-07:00
Joyful Greetings!

Just two quick announcements. I know these are last minute but I wanted to let you know about these two exciting calls.

Wednesday August 12 at 5:00PDT & AZ/6:00MT/7:00CT/8:00ET. Listen in while I’m being interviewed by Melanie Hoffner on her Sparks blog talk radio.
The link for the show is www.BlogTalkRadio.com/SPARK or you can call in at 347-215-8390.

Thursday August 13 at 1pm PT & AZ: “What is your trust set point?” Discover the nitty gritty about the Universal Law of Detachment and how it relates to trust. This teleclass is for members of the Quantum Attraction Café. Join now at www.consciouslivingconnection.com/quantumattract.htm

I’m looking forward to hearing you on one or both of these calls.

Quantum Joy,
Colleen

2009-07-29T06:01:00.000-07:00
Get ready to shine!

If you haven't already, there's still time to sign up for a
groundbreaking preview call hosted by Ali Brown coming up this
*Wednesday, July 29*.

It's called "Shine: The New Entrepreneurial Model That's
Changing the World"

(In a hurry? Sign up for this complimentary call now at
http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=1020331)

If you haven't heard of Ali, get ready to have your world
changed forever. This dynamic woman is leading the way for
entrepreneurs with her business models and income growth
strategies.

She got started with a hand-me-down computer and has since then
created a multimillion dollar company devoted to helping others
create profitable businesses (and lives) that can help change
the world. (She even recently launched her own gorgeous, glossy
print magazine, but you'll hear about that later.)

The important thing to know is Ali's methods work - she's helped
everyone from home-based moms to millionaires double or triple
their revenues by ramping up their businesses.

Well, Ali's ready to launch something new, innovative, and
relevant to today's changing business model. And she's revealing
all on this one-time complimentary teleseminar called "Shine,"
which you can learn more about at
http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=1020331

You see, there's a monumental shift happening in business, and
the world.

Previous income models are failing and fading. Entrepreneurs who
are continuing to operate as they have previously are finding
the same old strategies are not working anymore. In fact, they
are likely hurting their business.

The "traditional" paradigms for success are collapsing. And
those who know will be leading the way as they SHINE...

* It's not about working harder - it's about daring to work
differently
* It's not about marketing with hype - it's about authenticity,
with style
* It's not about dreaming dreams - it's about pursuing them
purposefully
* It's not about materialism - it's about wealth of self, inside
and out

Ali will explain it all on this one-time call. She'll also be
sharing about her groundbreaking new LIVE Shine event this fall
in Las Vegas, Nevada. (And you'll learn how you can enjoy a
generous $500 discount off the ticket price.)

Again, learn more and register for this free teleseminar on July
29 at: http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=1020331

You don't want to miss this call with Ali - she's leading the
evolution.

See you on the call.

Colleen

"Be your possibilities"

P.S. - Feel free to forward this email to your friends and
colleagues, but spots are limited on these calls, so be sure to
reserve your spot first at
http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=1020331

Celebrating Life- the Art of Living-Be There

2009-07-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

On my bathroom vanity I have a small ceramic sign that’s propped up by tower of special rocks that I purchased a number of years ago which reads “Celebrate Life.” I bought it to remind me to take joy in the everyday simple pleasures. So many times I find myself living in my head – thinking of what I need to do next, what will I write about in my monthly e-zine, how are my kids doing, what’s my granddaughter up to, or the old self critic tape that keeps up an endless chatter of Am I doing the right thing?, do people find value in what I do? Am I making a difference? Yada, yada, yada, instead of seeing this precious miraculous moment for what it is- a miracle of breath, life and a connection to the Divine.

The other evening I was listening to call on a topic I had an interest in and my husband knocked on my office door and whispered “There’s a double rainbow in the sky.”
I had some choices here. I could have stayed listening to the call and said thanks to my husband for letting me know or I could get up and go outside to see this double rainbow.
I choose to see the rainbows. One because I love rainbows, two it was a double rainbow three my husband made an effort to let me know about it and four- that is what life is about- sharing, celebrating the wonders of nature, connecting. A bonus was that as we were watching the rainbow strengthen and then fade we received “sky kisses” from a cloud above our house. I have to go back to my calendar to remember what call I was on yet the rainbow experience continues with me as does the feeling of wonder and quiet joy it evoked.

Even in the midst of chaos and grief, there is usually a moment that evokes joy. The challenge is in “seeing” it and receiving it. These little life celebrations provide a pause or a pattern interrupt to bring you back to your spirit and authentic present self.

I’m not saying that this easy yet it’s simple. It takes practice to bridge the pleasure gap.
Sometimes focusing on dissatisfaction becomes a comfortable lifestyle and actually takes more energy to maintain than one of celebrating the nuggets of daily life.
People seem to look at life’s big moments or occasions as the only ones worthy of celebrating thus dismissing the potential for joy on a daily basis. This creates a disconnect between the bulk of your daily life and the extraordinary events in your life making life seem like a burden in between the highlights.

How can you bridge the pleasure gap and experience the art of living?

• Become conscious of breath- this puts you in the present in the beingness of now.
• Become of aware of the delights in your life- A new toothbrush, a clean sink,
a coupon for a favorite drink, a kindness randomly given, the beautiful weed your child picked for you, the courteousness of a customer service rep.
• Give eye contact to the check out person at the store-celebrating that they are ringing up your purchases for you.
• Open yourself up to receiving and seeing the delights and little celebrations there are. (It’s not always popular.)
• Sing, dance when you work.
• Look for the beauty in what you are doing or bring beauty into your space.
• Be aware of what your energy is and what you are projecting - your daily energy is what defines your spirit and ultimately your destiny.

Bridging this gap is not indicating indulgence in physical desires but a deeper sense of peace, contentment - One that comes from a profound appreciation of the here and now. This is a conscious choice to celebrate life and be mindful of the now.

“There is only one minute in which you are alive,
this minute, here and now.

The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.

Which is exactly what it is- a miracle and unreapeatable.” Storm Jameson

Your consciousness is always creating and the challenge is directing your energy toward the emotions and experiences that you want. As you align yourself with this creative celebratory energy you align yourself with Universal/Spiritual Laws, you can literally spark bringing in your Quantum Charisma. When you are relentless in being in an optimistic energy combined with your clear and specific intention you have created your most powerful space and force for manifesting.

Meet the Energizer Bunny of Spirtual Laws

2009-07-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Open invitation: Each month discover and experience the power of Universal Laws. Yes there is more than the Law of Attraction and all the laws work together to help you manifest what you want.

Discover the Law of Pure Potentiality, what it is, what it means for you and how tapping into this energy can create peace of mind and harmony in your life.

When: July 9
Time: 1pmPT/2MT/3CT/4ET
Facilitator: Colleen Crook, M.A., CLC
Tuition: This call is a benefit for members of the Quantum Attraction Cafe. To join register here and begin enjoying your benefits right away. The first month is only 4.95!
http://tinyurl.com/kuqjel

For further information contact colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Are You Enough?

2009-06-11T10:40:00.000-07:00
Fear is viral, it’s seductive, it’s controlling, it’s limiting. Fear has its place in helping us physically survive. Where would you be if you didn’t run, hide or fight in the face of a tornado, a flood, or any other threatening situation?

But Fear is not our divine birthright-it’s a reaction. We live in a world of Abundance, we have everything we need to create what we want, to live our dream. Most of us were brought up with the idea, thought and energy of scarcity. And just the opposite is true. There is enough for everyone; there is always enough. We as a culture have bought into the lie of limitation and scarcity. The truth is that we live in a world where energetically and spiritually speaking, there is enough- there is an unlimited supply of goods. You have life and the power you need to choose the life you desire. You weren’t “cheated” out of your portion of prosperity just because someone else has success.

The lack mentality hinders you from manifesting and creating what you really want. It keeps you in that longing energy or in the fighting energy to be better than others. It puts you in a contracted state of being where creativity and ingenuity die and cannot blossom and create possibilities.

Many have grown into the thinking and feeling or were brought up with the thinking that you are not enough or what you have is not enough or what you are doing is not enough.
And that is a big fat lie. The Law of Attraction tells you that if you keep thinking and especially feeling that you are not enough, what you have is not enough, what you are doing is not enough then the energy of not enough will boomerang back to you with not enough. You will manifest not enough.

The truth is you are enough. You are whole, perfect and complete as you are. Because you are growing and evolving beings, you will always want to be more, strengthen and develop yourself, desire more but if you come from a feeling of “not enough” then you will never feel satisfied or enough. It will be always not enough.

When is enough going to be enough?

Some of the questions to consider are:

· When you get a new job?
· When you lose those 20 lbs.?
· When you find the love of your life?
· When you have $100,000 in the bank?

The other question to consider is “How will you know when enough is enough?”

When you look outside yourself and place your focus on what others feel is enough, it will never be enough. When you look to others for validation or for what they think you need to be doing to be enough, you have veered away from the present and the appreciation for what you have and will never feel satisfied. There are always things to do, acquire and achieve. Peace comes when you feel that everything in your life right now is sufficient. Joy comes when you feel gratitude for what you have right now and excited for the possibilities yet to come.

How can you start applying the Universal Law of Abundance right now?

Start by aligning yourself with the vibration of abundance. You are worthy. You are enough. Be satisfied. I’ll share a mantra by Christy Whitman LOA Coach. Place your hand over your heart and say to yourself. “I am satisfied with what I have. My love, happiness and security is coming from within, from my creator, source and supply.”

How do you manifest? Start with what’s going on right now- where you are. Set goals, markers whatever words you prefer, feel them already accomplished, do the work needed to achieve them. Keep in mind- Intention, Attention, No Tension. Be open to receiving abundance.

Manifestation happens when you are in that feeling of peace of where you are yet excited about the possibilities to come. That’s why it’s critical to learn about all the Laws and not just the Law of Attraction and become aware of what you are thinking and feeling.

Whatever you focus on with your thoughts and self-talk you will receive an abundance of. The Universe/Source will provide an abundance of whatever energy you are broadcasting and whatever it is you are asking for.

Coaching Request: Start taking an inventory or be aware of what abundance you are actually attracting. Are you attracting an abundance of prosperity, love, health, wonderful relationships, fun activities, joy, and laughter? Or are you attracting an abundance of worry, fear, scarcity, doubt, shame, blame, anger, irritation?

The only thing standing in the way of you having, being and doing what you want is the conscious choice to align yourself with the truth that you are enough –that there is enough, there is abundance, the world is abundant. Focus on what you have and want versus what you don’t have. You are responsible for what you create- your outer circumstances. You are the one that needs to purposefully implement these wondrous and timeless Laws. The Laws work together- by Deliberately(Creation) applying the Law of Abundance you will by the principles of the LOA attract what you want and in doing so have applied the Law of Deliberate Creation.

Abundance is not only your birthright. It is who you are. You are abundant.

Being in abundance is being in the flow of life.

For more information and practical applications in applying the Universal Laws to support you in creating more ease, joy, peace and prosperity in your life, become a member of the Quantum Attraction Café. http://tinyurl.com/kuqjel

Colleen Crook coaches spiritually- conscious entrepreneurial and professional women who aspire to be leaders in their life/community to authentically create what matters most with joy and ease. Colleen, a Life and Leadership coach and certified facilitator of the Passion Test(TM), is the founder and owner of Conscious Living Connection and the creator of the Living Consciously with Passion, Purpose and Prosperity Blueprint. Colleen has served in the Allied Health Field as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years both nationally and internationally; was the co-owner of a successful network marketing business and a thriving private therapy consulting practice. Sign up for your Fr^^ee Gift Bundle on creating what matters most at www.consciouslivingconnection.com If you're ready to make a change in your life, schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation Conversation by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Quantum Attraction Cafe Launch

2009-06-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

“When is enough going to be enough? When are you going to feel satisfied?”

The inaugural session of the Quantum Attraction Café is today Thursday, June 4 and find out the answer to the questions above and meet the powerful Universal Law of Abundance.

Discover the 8 actions you can take now to start moving your energy towards abundance.

Discover the Truth.

Start aligning yourself with the Universal Laws to support you in manifesting your dream style.

Register here: http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/quantumattract.htm

Investment: $4.95
Time: 1pm PT/Az/ 2 MT/3CT/4ET

Quantum Blessings,
Colleen

My American Idol Connection

2009-05-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've only watched AI in the last few years and usually only towards the final few weeks. This year I became entranced with the group and I admit watching a bit more than usual. Since I hail from Wisconsin, I followed Dan Gokey with more focus than I gave the other contestants. His story proves that there is inspiration and support from a Higher Source as he reached and took action with his dream despite personal loss. Imagine my surprise to hear that my first cousin, Billy was Danny's chauffeur for 14 hours when he returned to Milwaukee during home week. According to my cousin, Danny is the nicest guy with a terrific sense of humor and so down to earth. I was saddened to see that he didn't make the final two and I know that he will have a terrific career after Idol.

Here's to living and pursuing your dream and doing what it takes to make it happen with plenty of gratitude to keep it going.

All the best,
Colleen

Birthday and Anniversary Specials

2009-05-17T16:13:00.000-07:00
Conscious Living Connection Birthday & Anniversary Specials

Each year to celebrate my birthday I look to see what specials I can offer you and this year there are two juicy choices.
Special 1

Coming out of retirement is the 45 minute Strategy Session or Clarity Stimulus Session for $60.00. This is the lowest I have offered this Service.

· Need some support around an issue or just plain stuck this session will give you clarity and you’ll leave with an action plan.
· Digital recording for you to review and so you can be fully present during this call.

E-mail colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com to schedule your personal strategy session. You can schedule this for June but you need purchase this by May 22, 2009.

Special 2

I am in the process of redesigning the Conscious Living Connection Life Purpose Hand Analysis and the tuition will be going up.

For the month of May, purchase the 60 minute CLC Life Purpose Hand Analysis for the tuition of $149. After May 31, the 60 minute Hand Analysis will have a price increase and the 90 minute one will be retired.

What you receive:
· 1 hand printing kit.
· Information about fingerprint development and hand analysis.
· 60 minute Hand Reveal
· Digital Recording of the Reveal
· Your Life School, Life lesson & Life Purpose and more.
· What's keeping you from living life full out.

E-mail me with questions and to make your Life Purpose commitment.
With Love & Light,
Colleen

Birthday Blast!

2009-05-17T15:20:00.000-07:00
Dear Readers,

Last weekend was fun, fantastic, and delicious! Here are some pics of my Birhtday and Mother's Day Blast. We all need to stretch and step out of our comfort zone at times- that's how we grow and evolve into our best selves. And that's what I did at California Adventure. I usually decline going on the roller coaster or anything with dizzing heights and this time I went on every adventure and gravity defying ride. Of course California soaring was the most amazing. Saturday was family day and my little family added to the weekend celebration. The weekend was about consciously creating what matters most yet embracing and allowing the serendipitous to occur. Here are some photos and a fireworks video for your viewing enjoyment.

Cast of characters: Colleen, DuWayne(hubby), Sean, Anmarie, Ella, Jason & Janine.

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To consciously creating what matters most using univeral laws,

Colleen

Quantum Attraction Café

2009-05-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to soar? Here's the fulfillment launch date:

On June 4, 2009 Thursday: the Quantum Attraction Café makes its inaugural appearance.

Each month there will be a live teleseminar and Q&A call on one of the Universal Laws or Spiritual Laws of Success. These calls will be informative, full of energy as well as give you practical ideas on how to implement and integrate them into your daily practice. This is an ongoing program to support you in living your greatest life. Plus a whole lot more, go to this link to get your “what’s that?’ question answered. http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/quantumattract.htm

Listen to the call, check out your 12 member benefits and become a member today!
http://mobius.audioacrobat.com/download/e59c0bd3-7ecc-30e1-d09d-1f8e81c16002.mp3

Affirmation: I am conscious of my resourcefulness, my creativity, and my power to create a great destiny.

To your Quantum Success,

Colleen
P.S. This program is created from the depths of my heart and soul to support you in the highest way possible.

Feature Article: Part III- Making Decisions with Life Purpose and Your Inner Guidance System.

2009-05-11T15:14:00.000-07:00
In the first two articles on Making Decisions, decisions based on Intuition versus Fear were discussed and then in the second part, your core values and passions were addressed as part of the decision making process. This is the third part of the Making Decisions series. Check out the March 12 and April 15 blogpost for the first two articles in the decision making series.

Life Purpose is your raison d’etre- your reason of being, your soul’s divine mission, your calling, the why of why you’re here, the listening to the voice of your soul, the leading and living with spirit.

When you know your Life’s Purpose and align your great work with your Life Purpose then decisions are smoother and easier. “But how do I find out what my life purpose is?” you may ask. There are a number of books and press out on Life Purpose that can support you in finding out what you’re life purpose is and the internet has made this extremely easy.
Another way is to take some time and see what your drawn to doing, what puts you in the zone so to speak, in what do you feel the most fulfilled. This is highly individual and may or may not necessarily involve your career choice. It may involve what you do outside of work and your work provides the financial means for you to engage in your Life’s purpose mission and vision. Another way to determine your life purpose is through the Life Purpose Hand Analysis; your Life Purpose was imprinted on your divinely crafted fingerprints. Your Life Purpose is uniquely yours and how you choose to express and share your gifts to the world is also uniquely you.

As you come to know your why, then you’re able to be more discerning in choosing and deciding what people, activities, projects, and commitments align with your life purpose and will support and serve you in doing your great work.

Here are a few examples of Life Purpose and how knowing this impacts your decisions and where you focus your time, energy, and resources.

J.P is a business consultant and coach. He had a desire to take his business to a really big level but wasn’t sure if that was the right thing. The CLC Life Purpose Hand Analysis revealed that his Life Purpose is to take his work to the global community where he would make a positive difference. Knowing this validated and confirmed for him that he was on the correct path for him and to step out in the world in a big way with confidence and purpose because the world needed his gifts and talents. He now had a clear direction of where to place his time, his energy and resources.

J.S. is very talented and artistic. She had any number of projects started but not always completed; her one big project was sitting there waiting. She also was involved in her community. Her Life Purpose involves using her innovative, artistic and business skills to provide uplifting messages to families and to the community in a number of creative ways. As a result of knowing her Life Purpose she made the decision to create space in her schedule to complete not only her Big project but several others. Knowing her Life Purpose gave her permission to be her most authentic self.

Taken altogether, trusting your intuition, knowing your core values, what you are most passionate about and what your Purpose here on earth is, gives you your Inner Guidance System. You can use any one of these to guide your decision making or all. As you practice using these tools, decisions will become less frustrating even the most challenging. Making decisions is complex at times and old limiting programs like to pop up and make us second guess ourselves. I encourage you try out some of the activities and exercises mentioned in this series. Happy Decision Making!

Colleen Crook coaches spiritually- conscious entrepreneurial and professional women who aspire to be leaders in their life/community to authentically create what matters most with joy and ease. Colleen, a Life and Leadership Transformation coach and certified facilitator of the Passion Test(TM), is the founder and owner of Conscious Living Connection and the creator of the Living Consciously with Passion, Purpose and Prosperity Blueprint. Colleen has served in the Allied Health Field as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years both nationally and internationally; was the co-owner of a successful network marketing business and a thriving private therapy consulting practice. Sign up for your Fr^^ee Gift Bundle on creating what matters most at www.consciouslivingconnection.com
If you're ready to make a change in your life, schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation Conversation by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Hot Time in the Summer?

2009-04-28T07:16:00.000-07:00
I'm curious. Do you view the summer months as a time to kickback, relax, and do just enough business to get by? Or do you consider it one of your hottest months (no pun intended)?

I ask because I'm intrigued by the new teleclass Millionaire Entrepreneurial Coach Ali Brown is hosting. It's called "Ali'sTop 10 Recommendations to Kick-Up Your Revenues This Summer!"
Ali believes it doesn't matter what else is happening in the world around you, if you want to grow your business, you will. In fact, it was over a summer when she took her business from the low 6-figures to breaking 7-figures.

Here's the link if you want to check out her teleclass and signup: http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=941872

But don't forget to leave a comment. I really want to know - are you planning on growing your business this summer, worried you won't be able to grow your business, or are you planning on taking it easy?

Enthusiatically,
Colleen

A Cause Greater than Oneself

2009-04-21T10:57:00.000-07:00
A BIG HUG to all those who donated to the Race for the Cure on my donation page. There's something magical about being part of a cause bigger than you. It gives credence and power to what you do and connects you energetically on a universal level. Saturday I participated in the non-competitive 5K walk for the Race for the Cure. What a time! Thousands of people were there as cheerleaders, runners, walkers and whatever needs to be done volunteers. There were colorful and custom T-shirts from various groups walking or running together. My absolute favorite was a group T-shirt that had "Save the Ta-Ta's" written across the chest. Below are some photos of the crowd, a unique BRA-banner, and an ethnic group who walked in full regalia.

Big Hugs,

Colleen

Masterminding Brilliance

2009-04-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here I am with Louise- we meet once a month to share, assist, support and enlighten each other and plan in creating what matters most.

Masterminds are terrific. They work in any arena- business, professional, personal and on any topic. It's great to be with folks who share the same vision and who are there for you i during this faabulous journey of life. One of the priniciples of success is to surround yourself and create meaningful relationships with people to cheer you on, ask you to stretch yourself and enjoy the journey. And this is also a wealth tip to increasing your vibration for a joyuful life. After all you want to absorb the most positive and loving energy possible.

The Best,
Colleen

Making Decisions Part II: – Aligning with Core Values and Passions

2009-04-15T15:10:00.000-07:00
In last month’s feature article, making decisions based on intuition and fear was discussed. To review, fear is not the optimal decision making situation unless you are in a life and death situation. Fear promotes scarcity and a contracting within so looking at a situation from different perspectives and being open to other possibilities is almost impossible. When using your intuition as a guide, you open yourself up to receive and embrace the Yes of a deeper wisdom and the abundance of possibilities. The important piece in this is to tune into what your body is telling you and trust in its knowledge. A request was made for you to take some time to be aware of where you were making decisions from-intuition or fear.

What did you learn about yourself in making decisions?

This month we’ll look at decision making from the viewpoint of how in alignment a decision is with your core values and passions.

My client Peter (named changed for privacy) had a dilemma. He was working for a small business that was incongruent with his values. He tried to "fit" in and was miserable. What did he do? In a coaching session, he reconnected with his core values and committed to looking for other companies that would match what was important to him. Eventually, he interviewed and accepted a position in a company that not only was a better match but the owner has provided many opportunities for growth and experience that will prepare Peter for owning his own green development company. Peter made a decision that is in alignment with his values and passions.
Aligning with Core Values

In the journey of life, as spiritual beings having a very human experience, having guideposts, a GPS or a North Star is critical to the degree you live a life of fulfillment and satisfaction. Webster’s definition of values is something “intrinsically valuable or desirable… that which belongs to the essential nature or constitution of a thing.” Your values are innate, you are your values. These are not “shoulds”; values are not morals or someone else’s idea of what’s important. Discovering your 5-6 core values gives you clarity in decision making. Values are intangible. For example, someone may value their home which is tangible. If you go deeper, the essence of having a home may include “security”, “comfort”, “grounded”, “success”, “beauty” or another intangible that a home has for them.

What qualities or values do you hold most important? Make a list of what you value most. One way to do this is to think of 3 people you admire and list the qualities that attract you to them. Go through this discovery process by refining the list to 5-6 core values. Keep in mind that you are all your values and these 5-6 are your strongest filters and guideposts in making decisions.

Aligning with your Passions

What do you want your life to look like? What do you want to be, do or have to create your ideal life? There are only 3 reasons that stop you from living a life aligned with your passions:
· False ideas
· False concepts
· False beliefs

As with the core values, make a list of all the things that you want to either be, do or have in this human experience. Refine that list to your top 5 passions. Passion comes from the heart, not the head.

Let’s go back to my client Peter. Peter made a transition into a higher paying position with mentoring benefits because he looked at the company’s values statement and asked questions that would help him determine if this employment opportunity was aligned with his values. Now, one of Peter’s passions is to create economically green housing for people on a global level. Even though this company was not in green development, the owner was open to facilitating and transitioning into this area. Plus he created opportunities for Peter to gain the necessary ground level experience required to own a green development and construction company. So Peter’s decision to accept this position was not only in alignment with his values but was also one of his top 5 passions. The bottom line is that Peter was living the life of his dreams feeling fulfilled, purposeful and in love with his life.

When you make decisions that come from the heart and the soul free of circumstance and all other influences there is a rightness, a centering and an internal knowing that the universe will conspire to fill your order although it may not look just exactly like you thought.

Discovering your core values and passions are integral parts of the Listening to the Voice of Your Soul process in the Conscious Living Connection Passion, Purpose & Prosperity Coaching Programs. To learn more or schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation conversation contact me at colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Next Month: Making Decisions Part III: Life Purpose & Inner Guidance System
Much Joy,
Colleen

Happy Easter & Passover

2009-04-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon!
I want to wish my family,friends and global community a joyous Easter and Passover. Here's my husband & I out in the rain washed Sonoran desert for an early morning meditation walk wearing our version of the Easter bonnet. After yesterday's monsoonal rain, fierce wind, hail and snow inthe mountains, the desert is yielding the most fragrant smells of freshness in additon to the distrinctive smell of the creosote plant.
Just as the desert is all squeeky clean and the past few week's dust cleared away, my wish for you is clarity, contentment and confidance as you create what matters most.
Much Joy,
Colleen

The Essentials of Fun

2009-04-08T16:30:00.000-07:00
I admire Michael Bungay Stanier. Here's a fun little movie. Play is so important!
Click on the link below>

http://www.eightprinciples.com/

Much Joy,
Colleen

April is Occupational Therapy Month

2009-04-08T16:17:00.001-07:00
As some of you know I continue to be an active and practicing Occupational Therapist as I develop and expand my coaching business. In fact I've been in the field over 20+ years and it's so much an integral part of me that I still get excited about some of the new neuroscience ideas that really impact the habilitation,rehabilitation and the creating of a quality of life. Every few years there is a new branding and tag line, in the last few years it has been Live Life to the Fullest. As a coach this is a way of life that I facilitate and encourage in my clients. I love how my first career is so in tune with my second career. My request to you is to authentically create what matters most by living life to the Fullest! Congratulations to all my colleagues and Happy Occupational Therapy Month! www.aota.org

Much Joy,
Colleen

Miracles, Ah-ahs and Breakthroughs

2009-04-07T16:59:00.000-07:00
It was an amazing two days at the Ali Brown's Platinum Retreat in Redondo Beach. Even though there was a alot of deep work inner work going on we all had a blast. When you walked into the conference room, there was a sea of beautiful blue Tiffany bags set at each seat. Inside was a gift from Ali that made us all feel special. There was an impromptu congo line as music was played during the breaks and in between sessions; to spark creativity there was a grab bag at each table filled with interesting items to spur our imaginations. And the food was wonderful as ws the view of the Pacific Ocean while we ate. Here are a few photos.

Much Joy,
Colleen

Quick Post

2009-03-28T10:48:00.000-07:00
Happy Earth Hour Day!
Dim your lights at 8:30 pm your time zone time. Global happening.

Want to save money? Frank Hubbard suggests "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket."

MUch JOy,
Colleen

Happy Spring!

2009-03-20T13:12:00.000-07:00
Just a quick note. Here are 2 resources 1. for your left brain and right brain and 2. one

for women.

After watching, help me raise money for breast cancer research including IBC. http://tinyurl.com/ddrfzc

1. http://www.humorsphere.com/fun/8787/colortest.swf

2. http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/ibc.asp

Have a fantabulous weekend.

Joy,
Colleen

How Do You Want To Lead Your Life?

2009-03-19T10:32:00.000-07:00
Dear CLC community,

As I was preparing for the upcoming teleseminar on "From Chaos to Calm -- How to Start Every Morning with Serenity and Clarity" I came across this question from a T.V. viewer and my answer to him. It may provide some food for thought.
" A viewer posed this question: Wouldn't "Dash To The Door" have the meaning of getting ready in the morning and taking care of those important to you, rather than "Life Options?"
Here's how I answered him:
I sense that you are committed to your family and are open to demonstrating to them how important they are to you.
To answer your question in road trip sort of way.
Yes, if that is the definition that you want to give it. All families and situations are unique so each of you will have a different perspective about this program and events that occur in your life. Your perspective is just that- your perspective and I respect that. There's no right or wrong in this instance. How your Dash to the Door is handled and managed gives you a glimpse on how you are leading your life and what you are teaching your children. Human beings are multidimensional. The families that applied for this program recognized that they weren't happy with how the morning was going and they had the courage and honesty to seek assistance to make a change. Anytime you decide to make a change (positive or negative) there is a shift in the other areas of life-quantum physics in action. As soon as the decision is made your nervous system starts to make a state change- a state of being change. Dr. Newberg, a neurophysiologist, talks about 'neurons that fire together, wire together'. To have that change become integrated into your lifestyle, it takes practice and as well as commitment so those neurons will wire together. That's why change is a challenge and there's that midpoint that is especially challenging. Any change that is decided upon and an action plan is designed will affect all aspects of your life. In essence, you will begin to look at how you are doing things, communicating and making decisions in all areas of your life. You begin to see options and choices. You are always at choice. You have the choice to keep things as they are or to move in a different direction.
A Life Coach provides a "pattern interrupt" to examine and see what options are available to you and provide structure for you to design an action or strategy that will contribute to your well being in creating your best life. The life you want to lead. As a parent, you are model(s) of how to behave and handle situations for your children. Consciously or unconsciously, you are a leader. An important living legacy for your children and those around you is for them to know that there are options and possibilities in life; and that they are responsible for the decisions regarding those options. You can dare to take charge of yourself and your life or not. Taking charge is different than being in control; taking charge denotes how you are being or decide to respond in any situation that will create an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation while honoring all those involved.
The Dash to the Door program offers to its viewers and the families that participated the opportunity to examine what's happening in the morning and how that effects how they are leading their life.
I so appreciate all the wonderful questions and comments to the tips for the day. The morning crew at KOLD are so supportive and great and alot of fun.
Warmly,
Colleen "
There's still time to register for this upcoming teleclass on March 24 at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/chaostocalm.htm
Many Blessings,
Colleen

Quote share

2009-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:00
"Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about What to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do." - Neale Donald Walsch, Author of Conversations with God

Much Joy,
Colleen

Tidbits & Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:00
Happy St. Patrick's Day from Conscious Living Connection

Today we recognize Saint Patrick (circa AD 385-461), one of the patron saints of Ireland. Although this is the national holiday of Ireland, the festivities are not confined to the Emerald Isle. This particular holiday has taken on a life of its own and is celebrated throughout the world with parades, festivals and a lot of eating and drinking.In the U.S. we seem to have an obsession with turning things green to celebrate St. Patty's Day. Sure, we do the traditional green beer, green eggs with ham and Lucky Charms with green milk, but we also go green on a much larger scale.

For example:Chicago, IL dyes its river green.
Savannah, GA dyes its downtown city fountains green.
Rolla, MO paints (12) city blocks green with mops for the annual parade.
Indianapolis, IN dyes its main canal green.
Jamestown, NY the Chadakoin River is dyed green.
(courtesy of EzineArticles.com)

Much Joy,
Colleen

Just a quick post

2009-03-15T18:53:00.000-07:00
Hi All,

I found this great little I guess you call it quote. Here it is:

What is Authentic?

Aware
Understanding
Tactful
Honest
Empathetic
Natural
Tuned In
Intimate
Caring

Take care.
Much Joy,
Colleen

Making Decisions- Part I: Fear or Intuition

2009-03-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

“To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude…because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solution.”
Deepak Chopra, M. D.

With so many choices and the avalanche of information you are exposed to on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that making even simple decisions can be overwhelming and even paralyzing.

What is the basis for the decisions you make?

Fear: In this seemingly chaotic time, many people are making decisions based on fear. The news constantly talks about the unemployment rate, loss of jobs, the spiraling down Dow and so on. What happens in your body when you base a decision on fear?

First and this is a very general explanation so neuroscientists please give me some allowance on this. Your old brain( amygdala) seeks out safety. That good ole flight ,fight and freeze response. When a decision is made from fear, our response is to flee from something uncomfortable/danger whether real or perceived. Your blood starts pumping and your sympathetic nervous system takes over. Your voice pitch gets higher, your brain seems to freeze and survival is your primary goal. This is not the optimal decision making situation unless you are in a life and death situation. Fear promotes scarcity and a contracting within so looking at situation from different perspectives and being open to other possibilities is almost impossible. In addition to our natural tendency to flee uncomfortable situations, you can learn a fear response if exposed to someone who constantly reacts to change with those fear behaviours. Fears run the gamut from “what will people (or my mom, dad, spouse etc) think of me?”, “what if I make the wrong choice?” “I’ll be embarrassed.” “It won’t be perfect.” “I’ll let people down.” You are unable to listen when in a fear state.

Intuition: “the ability to perceive or know things without conscious reasoning.”
This is the sixth sense, the inner knowing. Lots of right brain activated here. It’s the feeling that something is right or not a fit. Tapping into your intuition takes some practice and an awareness of where in your body that you “sense” how a situation is. One of my favorite shows is NCIS. Gibbs the main character often proceeds with a “gut” feeling on what to do next. Others feel a warming and centeredness in their heart; others have a tingling sensation in their hands of get goose bumps when they listen to their intuition. The important piece in this is to tune into what your body is telling you and trust in its knowledge. In using your intuition as a guide, you open yourself up to receive and embrace the Yes of a deeper wisdom and the abundance of possibilities. The intellect’s role in this is only as consultant to look at ‘what is’ in the present moment. Listen to the sound of Silence.

Coach’s Request: Take some time this month to be aware of what you are making your decisions from- fear or intuition or a combination.

When faced with a decision: take a breath, pause, be in the now, go to heart level and ask yourself “what’s the next logical step?” (Abraham-Hicks)

Inner Listening Exercise (borrowed from Happy for No Reason)
Find a quiet spot, comfortable spot, and sit with a pen and paper ready.
At the top of the paper write down a question or issue you’d like guidance about. Phrase the question or issue as clearly as possible.
Close your eyes and take several deep breaths.
Ask your inner voice the question you wrote on the paper. It may take a few moments until you feel ready and when you do, open your eyes and start writing whatever comes to you. It doesn’t matter whether it makes sense or not. Keep writing until your hand feels like it won’t move any longer, not reading what you have written as you go.
Now read over what you’ve written. You may be quite surprised as what wisdom has come out. Even a single word or phrase may be the key to your answer.

Next Month: Part II: Making Decisions -Aligning with Core Values and Passions

Part of my signature Listening to the Voice of Your Soul process in the ProPassion, Purpose, & Prosperity Blueprint addresses decision and commitment making. Schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation conversation to start creating what matters most to you. colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Much Joy,
Colleen

Colleen Crook, a Life and Leadership coach and certified facilitator of the Passion Test(TM), is the founder and owner of Conscious Living Connection and the creator of the Living Consciously with Passion, Purpose and Prosperity Blueprint. She supports and partners with spiritually conscious professionals, executives and consciouspreneurs™ and groups to create what matters most authentically and with integrity. Colleen has served in the Allied Health Field as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years both nationally and internationally, was the co-owner of a successful network marketing business and a thriving private therapy consulting practice. Sign up for your fr^^ee Gift Bundle on creating what matters most at www.consciouslivingconnection.com
If you're ready to make a change in your life, schedule a complementary Get Acquainted Activation Session by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Teleseminar: "From Chaos to Calm -- How to Start Every Morning with Serenity and Clarity"

2009-03-10T10:02:00.000-07:00
Greetings!

Are you dashing to the door in the morning? Are you putting on your make-up while driving? Are the kids always late for the bus and you’re late for work? Do you feel like your life is on speed dial?

Stop - If you’ve answered “Yes” to any of the questions then please, please join me March 24 as I reveal the steps and tools to take you From Chaos to Calm in the mornings in this special teleseminar just as I did with my clients Andrea and Sarah in a highly visible T.V. segment Dash to the Door and subsequently with other clients but without the publicity.

So if you are a single parent, working outside the home with a family or single with a time challenge and find that you are:

v Overwhelmed by all the demands placed on you and organization is just another word in the dictionary.
v Feel pulled by the “shoulds” of your job and the ‘wants” of being a parent.
v Are exhausted by trying to DO it all.
v Think that your mornings look like WW Smackdown.
v Want someone to “help” who’s been there.

Find out more and register for this one time only teleseminar at
http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/chaostocalm.htm

Much Joy,
Colleen

Why Fabienne believes the Economy doesn't affect you

2009-03-09T17:41:00.000-07:00
Joyful Greetings!,
I wanted to give you a quick heads-up about an important call happening this Thursday about attracting more than enough clients in ANY economy.
Have you heard of marketing expert Fabienne Fredrickson, the'million-dollar Client Attraction Mentor'?
Fabienne believes the Economy doesn't have to affect YOU.
Here's what I mean...
Fabienne's been sitting back, watching the 'The Economy'unfold, and although she's been mostly 'unplugged' from the media, it's undeniable that SOME businesses are having adifficult time.
At the same time, there are a TON of solo-entrepreneurs and business owners out there bringing in lots of clients *and*the Big Bucks. In fact, this continues to happen, no matter WHAT's going on in the economy.
Why IS that?
(In a hurry for the answer? Here's a video that explains itall: https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/Economy/colleen.crook@gmail.com/)
It's because potential customers still need information...they still need services... and they are still spending mo-ney. Lots of it.

BUT, they're spending it hiring entrepreneurs and businesses that do ONE THING that others aren't doing to attract clients.
Would you like to know what that ONE THING is?

To help you do this, Fabienne is going to get really REAL with us about what we need to do, RIGHT NOW, to bring inclients in droves, create a business that prospects can't live without, and guarantee that we always have a very good 1ncome coming in.

And she'll be revealing ALL of this to you on a ONE-TIME-ONLYspecial "More Clients In ANY Economy" call, happening thisThursday, March 12th:

https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/Economy/colleen.crook@gmail.com/
(Turn up your speakers to hear the video she's created for us.)

******************************************
The "Economy Emergency" F.R.E.E. call THURSDAY, MARCH 12,2009, 8PM Eastern(That's 7PM Central, 6PM Mountain, 5PM Pacific)
Here's how to register for this important call:

https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/Economy/colleen.crook@gmail.com/

You simply CANNOT afford to miss the important information Fabienne and I have to share with you. This information alone will likely change the course of your 1ncome this year and beyond.

See you then!

Much Joy,
Colleen
colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

PS: Feel free to forward this to your friends and associates,but know that spots are LIMITED on this call, so be sure to reserve YOURS first: https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/Economy/colleen.crook@gmail.com/

PS - Fabienne's business-building topics are THAT good! I'd hate to see you miss out on this ONE-TIME event.

Race for the Cure

2009-03-04T15:13:00.000-08:00
Hi Everyone,
I'll be walking in the April 19 Tucson Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. My intention is to raise a minimum of $200. If you feel a pull to donate here is my personal link: http://tinyurl.com/ddrfzc No photo- they wouldn't take. Even though my family has been blessed with healthy breast tissue, I feel called to walk this walk to increase funds for education and research.. In the late '90s while on a travel assignment, I decided to take care of my annual mammogram. The results indicated a tiny mass which I knew was there for as long as I could remember. The doctor wanted to do a radical mastectomy! I was floored. My thoughts were I need a second opinion or at least a biopsy and asked the doctor why so radical in his recommendation. After all I was quite diligent in doing my routine breast exam. He didn't have a good answer. So here I was -an adult woman on the phone with my Mom trying not to break down. She just listened and said I knew what to do. Good coaching Mom! I decided to get a second opinion when I returned to Tucson. My dear sister, Kate who was living in the area researched some clinics and I made an appointment with one specializing in Women's Health. Short story- went through the biopsy( uncomfortable) and all it was was some adipose tissue that had been there forever. Moral to the story- always get a second opinion and listen to your intuition if a recommendation feels off. That's my motivation for the walk.
Here's my link again. http://tinyurl.com/ddrfzc

Much Joy,
Colleen

Recession proof your business

2009-03-03T10:26:00.000-08:00
I'm curious. How many of you are feeling affected by the economy right now?
Are you worried about your business? Are you looking for more income streams? Do you want to start a business but are afraid this isn't the right time? Or are you doing great right now?
For myself, I'm always interested in looking for more ways to take charge of my OWN life and my OWN business. That's why I was intrigued by Ali Brown's new free teleclass on Thursday, March5, called "How to Create Your OWN Strong Economy This Year...With Online Information Marketing." Here's the link to sign up:

http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=941872

And don't forget to share your thoughts and questions below. I'd love to know what you really think about your business and the economy right now.

On this call you'll learn:
* The 5 ways you can recession-proof your business... startingtoday.* Why the Internet is still the BEST way to build a businessFAST, and how to get started.* 3 mistakes entrepreneurs make when taking their businessonline... and how YOU can avoid them.* How to create easy information products that can generate youpassive income while you work or play.

I attended Ali's Online Success Blueprint Workshop last November and she produces such high quality services and products that it's hard to beat. I hope to hear you on the call.

Much Joy,
Colleen
www.consciouslivingconnection.com

Little Miracles and Wonders

2009-03-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

I'm a firm believer in signs when asked for them. I was mulling over something and I asked the Higher Power or Universe for some help in making a decision. I wanted a sign! I forgot about my request until my husband who's been cleaning up the front yard knocked on the window and pointed to something sitting at his feet. It was a pure white "canary" sized bird. How beautiful and miraculous. I went outside and the bird had flown into a collection of leaves in a corner of the tree. He was just sitting there looking at us. There was my sign! Of course we both thought that this little bird had probably escaped because he was so comfortable around humans. I still see this little bird as my sign.
Good Sunday,
Colleen

How to create your own economy in 2009

2009-02-25T13:52:00.000-08:00
Dear All,

I have some exciting news to share. (And it might shock you a little too.)

Are you ready? Here goes -- now is actually a FANTASTIC time to start or expand a business.
Yes, really! Ali is the reason I started out 2009 with renewed enthusiasm to serve you in the highest possible way.

And to prove it, I want to invite you to a FREE teleseminar Ali Brown is hosting on Thursday, March 5, called "How to CreateYour OWN Strong Economy This Year... With Online Information Marketing."

(In a hurry? Just go here:http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=941872 )
You may have heard of Ali. She's really shaken up the Internetmarketing world by being honest and telling it how it is. And now she's going to do the same about the economy, the recession,and building a business.

On this FREE one-time-only teleseminar, Ali will be sharing her secrets on one of the best business models in the world. It's recession-proof, allows you to control your own income, and hundreds of men and women just like YOU are using it to addhundreds to thousands of dollars to their bottom line eachmonth. It's called online information marketing and you'll begetting a crash-course so you can start implementingIMMEDIATELY.
On this call you'll learn:
* The 5 ways you can recession-proof your business... startingtoday.* Why the Internet is still the BEST way to build a businessFAST, and how to get started.* 3 mistakes entrepreneurs make when taking their businessonline... and how YOU can avoid them.* How to create easy information products that can generate youpassive income while you work or play.* How you can claim $500 OFF Ali's brand new 2009 Online SuccessBlueprint System -- featuring DVDs, CDs, and more!

You'll want to sign up NOW before you forget. Here's the link:
http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=941872
See you on the call!

Much Joy,
Colleen

Upcoming Interview-How to changing your handwriting can help you manifest.

2009-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

In a week and a half I'll be interviewing Kathi Mcknight on how your handwriting gives clues to how you manifest.
Not manifesting what you want? You may need to change the way you write.

In this age of text messaging and computer generated communication, handwriting seems almost a lost skill. Join me for this unique perspective on manifesting and creating what matters most to you, as I interview internationally known graphology expert, Kathi McKnight in the first official complimentary Consciously Manifesting What You Want Interview Series. Just like hand analysis, graphology is another facet of the neuro-map of your life.

A few years back Kathi analyzed my handwriting and I found it very informative and powerful. She was spot on regarding a certain situation that I was in at the time and all I could do was laugh when she shared her insights with me.

Kathi will again be reading my signature to my delight or chagrin. We’ll see what is revealed. As I mature my handwriting seems to change and become less legible- as a colleague noted “It’s beautiful but I just can’t read it.”

Wouldn’t it be fun to analyze your own handwriting or find out what technique is more powerful than an affirmation?

Please register and join me for this unique interview. To find out more about Kathi and to watch her interview on Fox T.V., go to this link: http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/handwritng.htm

See you on the registration page. This interview will be recorded.

Much Joy,
Colleen

P.S. This will be a very fun and informative interview. You really don’t want to miss it!

I'm so proud........

2009-02-15T13:12:00.001-08:00
Hi all,
I just couldn't resist a little bragging. It warms a parents' heart when their children aspire and then create what matters most to them. My son, Jason, has always had a an interest in photography- way back when all his photos were tilted and seemed to be an anthology of dirt and grass. You know those photos that are suppose to be of you and end up a portrait of your shoe. In the last few months, after many years of starting and stopping, he became re-energized in resurrecting his photography business and just today launched his official website

http://www.simplephoto.com/JasonCrookPhotographyWeb/ .

Take a peek and check out the links section- you may see someone familiar.
Much Joy,
Colleen
P.S. These make a great gift.

The Creativity Bug

2009-02-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

I shared on Facebook a while back that I was blocked in my creativity. Thinking back to when I felt the most creative I discovered that I was engaged in making something- a Christmas ornament, a wall quilt etc. So to unblock my right brain and to restart my creative juices I decided to make a Raggedy Anne doll for my granddaughter. In a galaxy, long long ago, I made a Raggedy Anne as a college project and felt that going back to that experience would get my creative brain back into gear. So out I went looking for the pattern and various and sundry materials that I needed. I started the project just before New Years and it sat there on my dining room table for several weeks until I felt those intuitive nudges to "get to it". What I found out was that I needed to reacquaint myself with my sewing machine and then batch or chunk the time to work on this project. I was becoming overwhelmed with the details of the project and my own idea of the due date to have the doll finshed. So I coached myself about this and asked (myself)" What would assist you in completeing this project in a timely manner and create a joyuous and fun experience for you?" The answer came intuitively that I needed to:
set aside specific focus time in my calendar for this wonderful project and stick to it in addition to chunking a 2 hour block of time
to give myself permission to take a break when the project was becoming frustrating and not fun.
to relax my idea of the due date
and be totally present while sewing,pinning and stuffing.
This self-coaching really helped and needless to say I have more energy towards this project and look forward to my set time of working on it.
What sparks your creative juices? I welcome your e-mails, if you feel inclined to send me your inspirations.
Much Joy,
Colleen
P.S. Photo next week.

I'm now twittering

2009-02-12T15:28:00.000-08:00
Hi All,

This is new territory for me. Connect with me on Twitter. Tweet, Tweet. Am I twittered-pated?

http://twitter.com/colleen1mary

Joy,
Colleen

Are you Hiding Out?

2009-02-12T09:15:00.000-08:00
My granddaughter, Ella is one of the reasons I do what I do. I want her to grow up in a world that focuses on positive solutions and rejects beliefs that hold people from living their life purpose. The games of peek- a- boo and hide and seek are great as long as you come out of hiding. Are you hiding out? Ella and the world are looking for your light as shared in this blogpost.

When I was a Brownie and then later as a Girl Scout back when the cookies sold for 50 cents a box, there was song we sang with the verse “This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine all the time.” The call is to develop and use your gifts and talents and Be your authentic self in serving yourself and your community in the best way possible. As a person grows and matures sometimes that light diminishes under the press of responsibilities, the opinions of others, the “shoulds”, fear of being different, fear of failure of how can I make a difference, fear of upsetting the status quo or the not knowing on where to place your time, your energy or resources.

The world needs your talents, expertise and gifts more than ever. Your work is too important for you not to fully actualize it. There are people out there who need the gifts you have. Whether you are self-employed, an employed professional, an executive, a retiree, an empty nester, working part-time, recently laid off, or in any honorable profession you have something to share. One of my colleagues loves to sing and he joined a barbershop quartet. His gift and talent in this area will provide beauty and enjoyment for many people. Part of the frustration I hear from individuals is that they are unsure of their life purpose or that they are in job that they are not passionate about anymore or never were. Even if you are unable at this time to make a living from your passion, schedule time for it daily, weekly whatever it takes for you to fill and listen to the voice of your soul. Maybe you’re gifted with organizing and your friend is a web genius; maybe you’re the best homemade valentine maker ever and you trade that with your friend who bakes an out of this world lasagna. Barter, trade or whatever you can do to keep your light shining.

One way to be expansive during this time of change and sense of contraction/pulling in is to share your gifts and talents as they were divinely given. When you do, you will be listening to the voice of your soul. Come out of hiding, stand up, pivot and see what possibilities are out there for you.

"… There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that
other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to
shine, as children do. … It's not just in some of us; it's in
everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give
other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from
our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson

Be the sky, be the sun, be the dawn and be the new day begun.

If you are uncertain about why you are here or what’s stopping you from living life full out , the CLC Life Purpose Hand Analysis can give you direction and clarity. Your hands are an exquisite neuro-map of your life and gifts. Just e-mail me at colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com for more information.

Joy,
Colleen

International Coaching Week

2009-02-04T15:02:00.000-08:00
This week honors coaches around the globe. Coaching has expanded into all areas and you can find a coach that specializes in business, with parents, executives, and numerous other areas.

Personal and business coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations. Professional coaches, through their relationships with their clients, encourage and empower them to find their way to solutions for issues which face them. The process may include setting and working toward goals, finding out what the individual client is doing to block their own progress, taking an assessment to help identify strengths and challenges, and many other strategies. Coaching clients include business leaders, scientists, educational leaders, teenagers, women and men in transition, individuals moving from their active career into retirement.

This is profession that is guided by a code of ethics and core competencies. There are a number of people who call themselves a coach who have not gone through the thorough and rigorous certification process that a professional coach has gone through. When making the decision to hire a coach here some guidelines to consider:
Ask if the coach has received training from an accredited and recognized coaching school.
Connect with several coaches to find the style and energy match for you.
Ask about life experiences- many new coaches have been working with people for a long time and only recently have added professional coach to their credentials.
Ask about their coaching philosophy and the process they may follow during a coaching session.
These are just a few guidelines to keep in mind. Websites for more information include www.internationalcoachfederation.com and www.tucsoncoaches.com
Happy Coaches Week to all my colleagues; and a huge appreciation and Yahoo! to all my wonderful clients who allow me to live my life purpose.
Much Joy,
Colleen

Back to the Future

2009-02-01T17:06:00.000-08:00
Yesterday my husband and I traveled up to Paradise Valley for a luncheon to meet the Acting President Dr. Eileen Schwalbach of my alumnus- Mount Mary College in Wisconsin www.mtmary.edu and to hear personally the exciting programs the college had developed since my graduation many moons ago. Even though Mt. Mary is a Catholic Women's college they warmly welcome women of different faiths and ethnicity. Due their charter, no males are admitted to the undergraduate programs but are welcome in their post graduate studies. Mt. Mary has always taken a progressive stance from a solid academic and spiritual foundation. They have joint ventures with community hospitals and some very proactive community programs that reach out to intelligent and capable young women who may otherwise not be able to afford a college education.

Why am I going on and on about this? I feel that broadening your knowledge base and developing your gifts to share with the world is paramount in living your life purpose. An interesting fact that emerged was that the majority of student are nontraditional meaning that they work part or some full time while completing their college or graduate education. I've always been a proponent of higher education and readily encourage colleagues and others to go for it. If your dream has been to further your education, age is not an issue nor circumstances, if you want it, there are ways and people to help you along. It may take a little creativity and innovation to do. Even if it takes 5,6 or 7 years to complete, you will be that must closer by starting your journey this year than you if you don't.

Are you ready to create what matters most to you be it furthering your education or something else? On Dec. 31st when you look back ,what do you want to see?
Much Joy,Colleen
P.S. Not the best photo.

The Attributes of Leading with Spirit

2009-01-27T17:27:00.000-08:00
Hi All,
Here's a wonderful inspirational quote on the heels of the Leading with Spirit blogpost.

"You are invited by life to elect yourself a Spiritual
Leader, and to take office today. What does a
spiritual leader say? A spiritual leader does not say,
"Follow me." A spiritual leader says, "I'll go first."

Decide today to take the oath: I promise to "go first"
in demonstrating forgiveness, compassion, understanding,
generosity, kindness, cheerfulness, positivity, and love."

-Neal Donald Walsh

Much Joy,
Colleen

Inauguration!

2009-01-20T10:47:00.000-08:00
I just finished watching the 44th Inauguration. Actually it's the first time I've been able to watch the administration of the oath of office to the President of the United States in it's entirety.
(One of the benefits of a solopreneur is that I can arrange my schedule for what's important.)
I was struck by the sincerity, authenticity , optimism and realism of the inaugural address plus the call to service, collaboration and compassion.

Barak Obama clearly knows his Life Purpose and his gift marker of the "Hal 9000" head line denotes someone who is extremely capable of handling and solving huge problems. His head line is named after Hal 9000 in the movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey. This gift indicates that Obama's mind works like a super computer, able to parallel process huge amounts of data quickly. He is the grand synthesizer. It's important for him to have a job that is big, complicated and important. Being President of the United States would definitely satisfy this headline. Most folks who have this thinking ability have a mind that is chronically underemployed. If YOU have a gifted problem-solver head line, you need a large, world-scale issue to solve or your mind will create large problems, particularly in your personal life, to keep itself occupied. This type of head line goes almost all the way across the hand, but stops about a ¼ inch from the edge of the palm.
He also has a Big Heart line which indicates a generous caring and nurturing person.

If you are interested in knowing your Life Purpose and more, contact colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com to find out more and see which Life Purpose Hand Analysis will serve you best.

Much Joy Service,
Colleen
http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/

3 Principles to Audaciously Lead with Spirit

2009-01-15T15:06:00.000-08:00
For the purpose of this article, I’m defining Spirit as the “life principle”, infused with breath “by a higher source, vivacity, courage, enthusiasm and vigor”, “true intention” and audacious as being bold, daring, fearless and not bound by a sense of shame”.

To lead with spirit in any given situation requires being audacious in being a model for well being and service. Sometimes this looks like not reacting to a zinger comment by a colleague, sometimes it’s gently yet assertively speaking your view or offering an opinion if asked, or not offering an opinion or bringing clarity to a situation or quietly listening in the midst of chaos. Whatever the moment, to be audacious in leading with spirit means being true to your higher self and of standing in a space of your true power.

After much thought on this subject, I realized that there are a number of principles to audaciously leading with spirit. Here are 3 of those principles:

1. Align and connect with your energetic essence and what you value.
to be spiritually centered.

When you are aware of what you value and is important to you, you have a center or base to respond in any situation. Your calm centered response becomes a model for others. Connect with whatever you call Source Energy and your core values to re-align yourself so you can be the leader you are seeking. This applies in every situation that you can imagine: to business, parenting, project management.You will then attract the people and situations you want in your life and be able to handle the not so fun ones that crop up in everybody’s life with more integrity and mastery.

2. Activate the Universal Law of Harmony:

As a leader, groups that have the intention of harmonious discourse and decision-making, create solutions more quickly than the opposite. First, you have the intention of self-harmony. Resolving to find balance through non-judgement of self, self-respect and mastery over your thoughts. You then have a base to extend that to others and collaboration is born of respect, honor and compassion.
One way to really activate this Universal Law is remove complaining from your repertoire. A great resource for this is A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen.

3. The Power of Love: send loving energy.

This is synchronistic with the Universal Law of Harmony. Of course, you begin with self-love which is the most challenging. By sending loving energy, you set in motion the ability to let go of your perspective and be open to the universe to provide unique solutions.

For example, you’re in a meeting and it’s not going very well. The temptation is to jump into the foray or sit there resigned to the fact that there will be no positive outcome. After centering yourself, send loving energy to each of participants or colleagues in the meeting. Think loving thoughts that all will be resolved peacefully. Even visualize everyone happy and satisfied with the outcome.

Try this with a variety of situations and see what the outcome is.

On a personal note, I used this powerful practice when handling a credit card charge error and it worked really well.

Coaching request: Where in your life can you be audacious in leading with spirit?

Much Joy,
Colleen

The Wow of Jennifer Louden

2009-01-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Readers,

It's not too late! There's still time for you to check out the Comfort Queen's

Virtual Retreat-finding the calm, confidence and contentment in uncertain times .https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=44640&c=ib&aff=46512

Yesterday, during the Conscious Living Connection interview, Jennifer wowed us with her comfort wisdom and very organic and honest sharing of fear and what we usually do with it. We buck up, pretend it's not there,avoid it because then it wouldn't be positive or soft addiction it away with TV, eating, video games etc. or totally let it paralyze us because then we wouldn't have to do anything.

How do you handle fear? What is one way you can accept that fear and then move forward in a creative action or activity?

Much Joy,
Colleen

Celebrations!

2009-01-07T13:12:00.000-08:00
In the wake of my mother-in-laws passing there are some things to celebrate. My client, Janet, completed her The Path Daybook for Young Women recently and is busy with all the final and nitty gritty details of publishing it. Congratulations Janet!!!!! This book is totally awesome. I was privileged to receive a copy of the not quite ready to be published book. There will be more on this as the project comes to completion. Check out Janet's testimonial at www.consciouslivingconnection.com/testimonials.html

The other big news is that a client, her story and my partnership with her are featured in the current January 12, 2009 issue of Woman's World magazine. This is a full page article on her journey form chaos to calm in the morning. I must state that some journalistic license was taken in the writing of the article and otherwise the overall story is accurate. If you are interested in receiving the 52 tips that came from this partnership sign up for them in the Gift Bundle at
http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/

What would you like to celebrate today?

Much Joy,
Colleen

Colleen Crook is a Life & Spiritual Leadership coach and owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection providing coaching/mentoring for spiritually conscious professionals, consciouspreneurs(TM) ,excutives and groups who want to create what matters most with authenticity and integrity through the Consciously Living with Passion Purpose and Prosperity Success Program. Colleen is also known as the Passions to Action Mentor. Sign up for your Fr^ee Create What Matters Most gift bundle at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/

She left a loving legacy...

2009-01-07T12:40:00.001-08:00
My mother-in-law, Alice K. Meyer Crook passed away this past Dec. 31, 2008. She was 94 with no severe medical conditions at all. She had developed pneumonia in the last 3 weeks and while we were on vacation we received word that she wasn't doing so well. She has a history of rallying and that's what she did -for one day. By the Monday after Christmas, her situation became critical and we were told to prepare ourselves. How do you prepare yourself for the passing of someone who has been a presence in your life for a long time? Eventhough Alice was ready to go to Jesus, as she would say, it still tugs at the heart. What is her legacy? Aside from her 11 children, 39 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, she is remembered for her humor-with that many children to raise on a farm one definitely needs humor, her delight in children, her ability to see into the depths and magnificence of a child and give them a second chance, her ability to be "tickled" about a situation, her work ethic, her chocolate chip cookies( my big weakness), her inquisitiveness and her devotion to spirit.
At her funeral, there was alot of laughter, love and celebration for a life long and well lived.

Alice didn't know her life purpose but I do know that she embraced being a mother and loved well. As the Beatles sang-"Love is all there is."

Much Joy,
Colleen

Neither rain,nor sleet, nor snow or dark of night.......

2008-12-30T12:31:00.000-08:00
My husband & I felt like the postal service as we drove through the mountains during a winter storm on our way to Laguna Beach, California to house sit for our younger son's girlfriend before Christmas and to drive them up to LAX to catch their flight to Hawaii. No sightings of our president elect for them. We experienced all of the above and celebrated the great traction of the truck's new tires. We were fortunate to arrive as the snowplows pushed away the 12 inches of snow on the mountain passes and we just tagged along. Soon the lights of San Diego were visible in the misty rain. We were taking an extended break which held delights and challenges. Her house is an old California bungalow where she grew up with no central heat or insulation. Needless to say we practiced our layering habits from our Wyoming days. I read, walked endlessly on the beach several times a day, watched the DVD of and Momma Mia-it didn't matter if Pierce Bronson could sing or not, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and sang right along with them. Hooked up with my brother and his family for dinner. We made a trip down to SD to visit our other son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter where we helped trim the tree, viewed holiday lights and enjoyed a day at the San Diego Wild Animal Park up in Escondido. Christmas Eve we attended a Christmas Vigil mass at St. Catherine of Sienna ( beautiful gardens) and after picking up the travelers the next day enjoyed a along scenic walk around Crescent Bay. All in all we created what mattered most to us-connection with family, quiet time, walks on the beach (rain or shine) and a general allowing with what came along. ( Limited internet connection kept us in the present.) We did receive a heads up from my brother-in-law that my mother-in-law was quite sick- more on that later. Here are some photos for you to enjoy.

Many Blessings,

Colleen

Colleen Crook is a Life & Spiritual Leadership coach and owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection providing coaching/mentoring for spiritually conscious professionals, consciouspreneurs(TM) ,excutives and groups who want to create what matters most with authenticity and integrity through the Consciously Living with Passion Purpose and Prosperity Success Program. Colleen is also known as the Passions to Action Mentor. Sign up for your Fr^ee Create What Matters Most gift bundle at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/

Gift Recommendation

2008-12-17T08:30:00.001-08:00
One last thing before I shut down my computer for the day. My husband and I are headed out for a nice relaxing near the winter beach in California vacation today.
A great book gift( and I don't receive any commissions from this) is The Last lecture by Randy Pausch. My husband read it and very few books really grab him but this one did. He liked it so much we purchased one for each of our adult children.

Have a happy holiday.

Much Joy,
Colleen

Brad Yates Interview on EFT

2008-12-17T08:24:00.000-08:00
Hi All,
If you didn't get a chance to hear Brad yesterday on handling fear and other lower energy feelings during this time in history with EFT or previously register, here's an opportunity to register for the MP3 until 2:00 pm Eastern time.
Register here and the autoresponder will put you on the list for the audio.

http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/bybonus.htm

Many Blessings,
Colleen

Stepping up!

2008-12-15T08:07:00.000-08:00
Part of building a business and being a consciouspreneur(TM) is surrounding yourself with people who are there to celebrate your forward movement( celebration team) and create a safe and sacred space when the going gets rough( support team). I'm delighted to be part of such a group with the Tucson Coaches Alliance. The December Program is the annual Holiday luncheon where we socialize, enjoy good food and generally celebrate the achievements of the year, acknowledge the current board members and introduce the new board. Along with this we all bring a toy for Toys for Tots in the spirit of giving back. This year we gathered at the beautiful Hacienda del Sol. See photo.

I've brought the subject of taking a leap up in the previous post and that's what I'm doing this year. I've been elected to the Member-At-Large board position and have accepted this honor.
Now I tend not to be a group joiner but this is one group that I have come to really appreciate and decided that I could allocate time and energy to this position in order to be part of ta leadership team bringing coaching to a greater visibility in the community. I've been in leadership positions in my career but not in a community group.

Where in your life can you be the leader you are looking for?

Taking the Leap!

2008-12-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

Choose Trust, Belief and Faith as you take the Leap
There is this paradox of energy that is present globally right now. On one hand, numerous layoffs, plunging bottom lines, bankruptcies, bail outs and restricted credit lines and on the other hand, hope, optimism and collaboration all during this time of light and love. The fear factor is extremely seductive and the amazing opportunity you have in your favor is that you can consciously choose whether to dwell on all the challenges you are facing or step into the light of trust, belief and faith. Trust in yourself and Divine energy that a solution will present itself and you will be supported, Belief in yourself and the support and assistance of your community of kind human beings and Faith in the positive outcome and that miracles do happen. Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps, describes choice in this way. "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken away from a man but one thing: the last freedom is to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstance, to choose one's own way."
I leave with this quote from Elizabeth Kubler Ross: "People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a Light from within."

Giving yourself the gift of trust, belief and faith allows you to step into a life that is joyous no matter what and in the darkness your light will shine to guide others. Just like Ella the invitation is to take the leap into trusting, believing and having faith.

Call to Being: What is one small step I can take today that will move me into a trust, belief and faith mindset?

Much Joy,
Colleen

Register for the EFT interview with Brad Yates

2008-12-07T09:07:00.000-08:00
Are you ready to tap?

If you know or if you don't know about EFT- Emotional Freedom Technique, please join me as Brad Yates returns to share his mastery of this wondrously simple liberating technique. Brad will help us navigate the holidays and tap away or at least manage some of the swirling fear about our economy with grace and ease as he takes us through a tapping program. Visit Brad's website www.bradyates.net to find out more about this gentle yet profound technique.

Make a difference in your life and register for this emotionally healing interview so you too can stay in a place of mental well being, possibility and hope.

When: Dec. 16 over a secure bridgeline
Time: 1pmPT/2AZ & MT/3CT/4ET your world clock for other time zones
Duration: 60 minutes
Facilitator/Host: Colleen M. Crook, M.A., CLC

To register to receive the call in information and access code and for more info on Brad, Click here. http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/bybonus.htm

Not able to make the live call? No worries. The call will be recorded and all you need to do is register to receive the MP3.

Many Blessings,
Colleen

Happy For No Reason

2008-12-07T08:35:00.000-08:00
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Marci Schimoff last Tuesday on Self-Acceptance and Self-Love. I hope you registered for the call to receive the audio. It was a fantastic interview. I'll give a quick re-cap of some of the insights shared.
Our thoughts cause us suffering: how we perceive situations and how we react or respond to them. We have 60,000 thoughts a day and most tend to be re-runs.
2/3 of Americans suffer from low self-esteem- that's epidemic in one of the richest countries in the world.
When children are around 5 years of age, their self esteem tends to be around the 80%; when they graduate from high school it averages around 5%.
Our heart is actually the master or mistress: there are more communication pathways from the heart to the brain than vice versa. Listening to what your heart is guiding you to do will keep you in alignment with well being and life satisfaction.
A great resource to stay tuned into you Heart Rhythm Coherence is heartmath.com
Lead with the heart with gratitude,forgiveness and spreading loving kindness.
Unconditionally Happy people navigate through life with a inner backdrop of peace and well being that has nothing to do with their circumstances. They handle them differently.
Your happiness set point is comprised of 50% genetics,10% circumstance and 40% habits, thoughts and behavior. You can raise your happiness set point by changing your thoughts, habits and behaviors.
As you give yourself permission to accept yourself for your gifts and talents and start to love yourself, you are a living and loving example for others to do so. Get a happiness buddy to keep you in that wonderful space of positive thinking and managing situations with more grace and ease.
Check out Marci's book Happy For No Reason at http://www.happyfornoreason.com/
One of the tools Marci recommended to "try out" is EFT. So happens that will be the topic of the Dec. 16 bonus interview with Brad Yates, EFT guru.
Until the next post,
Colleen
Colleen Crook is a Life & Leadership coach and owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection providing coaching/mentoring for forward thinking individuals and groups who want to create what matters most by connecting them with their passion and inherent creativity through the Consciously Living with Passion Purpose and Prosperity Success Program. Colleen is also known as the Passions to Action Mentor. www.consciouslivingconnection.com Sign up for your Fr^ee Create What Matters Most gift bundle

And a good time was had by All!

2008-11-30T17:47:00.000-08:00
Greetings!
This was sign-off slogan used by Echo Taylor in her weekly column in Jackson Wy. keeping everyone up to date on who was celebrating what and who was visiting whom. My family and I made the column on a number of occasions. I also use it from time to time as it describes the happy outcome of visits, special occasions or whenever people gather together to share, laugh and have a generally good time. And a good time was had by all this past week as I was privileged to celebrate Thanks & Giving Day twice.

My granddaughter,Ella, son Sean and daughter-in-law Anmarie made the trip from San Diego the weekend before Thankful Thursday to share turkey and good times with each other. We enjoyed watching some of the Disney videos I had kept especially for times like these and a beautiful walk in the desert. Of course watching Ella investigated every nook and cranny kept us all hopping. As my friend Louise would say "Evidence of grandchildren!" as we successfully cleaned off the black sharpie marked on my desk.

On T-Day we travelled down to Sierra Vista to eat, drink and be merry with my sister Kate, hubby Dennis and son Zach. It was a laid back and tranquil visit. Those of you who are interested in paintball, my nephew Zach is pictured in the paintball magazine in full regalia as well as his team. Pretty cool!

Ella reminded me of two creative business habits that at times I'm challenged to keep in mind and
now I have a visual that deepens my awareness of them.

Joyful abandon Intense focus

What creative habits do you want to put into practice so you create what matters most to you?

Much Joy,
Colleen

Colleen Crook is a Life & Leadership coach and owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection providing coaching/mentoring for forward thinking individuals and groups who want to create what matters most by connecting them with their passion and inherent creativity through the Consciously Living with Passion Purpose and Prosperity Success Program. Colleen is also known as the Passions to Action Mentor. www.consciouslivingconnection.com Sign up for your Fr^ee Create What Matters Most gift bundle

Highlights from Mo**ney Interview

2008-11-25T09:04:00.000-08:00
Greetings!
Marianna Olszewski of Madison Financial Management and http://www.richhappyandfabulous.com/ gave a great interview on The Spirit of Mo**ney/What’s Your Mo***ney Story? on Nov.18. Here are some of the highlights to start your personal money plan:

*Make a chart with what do I own on one side and what do I owe on the other side. Tally it up and see what’s remaining.
*Start a money diary of your daily spending. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going. It turns vagueness into clarity. And we all like clarity. This can relieve anxiety around money.
*Now you can ask yourself “What am I spending?’
*And from there you can ask “Where can I tweak things?”

Mindset Strategies: Avoid listening and spending time with gloom and doom.
Take care of yourself- surround yourself with positive people- focus on what you can change.

Join me for the next interview with Marci Schimoff on Tuesday Dec. 2 on Self-Love/Self-Acceptance. Register here: http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/greenliving3.htm
Joy to All,
Colleen

3 Ah-Ah's from L.A.

2008-11-24T11:52:00.000-08:00
Greetings!
As I've mentioned previously I attended the last Ali Brown Online Success Blueprint Workshop in L.A. I've never attended a workshop quite like this one. It was orchestrated on a whole new level with songs, dancing, fun and diversity of guest speakers and many many Ah- Ah moments- in addition to being in the company of multi-millionaires and a billionaire. The energy and mindset of these female entrepreneurs was refreshing to see. These are strong, powerful yet feminine and heart centered business women who shared their expertise and gifts selflessly and with style.
One thing that I was really excited about was that the majority of my mentors attended also and I was able to meet up with them throughout the workshop days.

Here's photo of me with my coach Heather Dominick . We eventually located each other on the last day. The other photo is of my friend and colleague, Louise Abbot, a successful coach in her own right. We by chance ended up as travelling companions and were very happy about that.

Back to the Ah-Ah's:
1." I don't compare, I don't compete, I just am."
One of the first things that Ali said truly resonated with me and became my mental mantra during the workshop. What really stops us from playing big and stepping into our YES is the constant self sabotage that we do by comparing what we do with others or in some cases focusing on trying to do better than someone else. With this statement, you stay in the present and focus on being your best self and always being with your Inner Wisdom. There is such self-acceptance when you say "I just am". ( Register for the upcoming interview with Marci Schimoff on Self-Love/Self-Acceptance
at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/greenliving3.htm)
2. "I am my best asset."
In my first career as an Occupational Therapist, we were taught that the most valuable tool we had to be a bridge to independent living was the therapeutic use of self. The same applies to any career choice or business. You are your best asset and as you develop and expand your skills and beingness your core energy attracts what you want to create. Take care and honor your best
asset - You.
3. Holding back and playing small denies the God (or whatever name resonates with you)
that created you.
These are 3 of the Ah-Ah's that I had during this 3 incredible day event.
I'll check in with you later.
Much Joy,
Colleen

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

2008-11-17T15:49:00.000-08:00
That's a beautiful song and I don't think the songwriter was thinking of smoke from wildfires. I was in L.A. this past weekend attending Alexandria Brown's last ever Online Success Blueprint Workshop. It was a hoot with designer port 'o potties included and sessions lasted into the night so venturing outside after 6-6:30 pm in unknown territory was not advised. When I turned on the T.V. the local coverage was soley on the wildfires. With our incredible technology, they were up close and personal with satellite views of the dense clouds of smoke. By Friday, the smell of smoke was in the hotel hallways and by Saturday night it made it's way into the room. Looking outside it looked like a scene out of mystery thriller on a dense fog shrouded London day. The devastation was massive and the good in people outshined the few scavengers that were caught. I'll write more later in the week.

I also wanted to remind you of the special complimentary interview I'm facilitating tomorrow on The Spirit of Mo**ney/What's Your Mo**ney Story? with Marianna Olszweski of Madison Financial Management. Here is the registration link again:
http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/greenliving2.htm

Love to hear your voice on the call. If you can't make it -no worries- the call will be recorded. Just register to receive the MP3.

Much Joy,
Colleen

FR^EE The Spirit of Money/What's Your Money StoryTeleseminar/Interview

2008-11-09T12:53:00.000-08:00
Mark your calendars!

November 18 Tuesday: 5pmET/4CT/3MT & AZ/2PT

The Spirit of Money/ What’s Your Money Story?

This is the 2nd interview in the 2008 Fall Consciously Living Green Interview Series.
Join me as I interview Marianna Olszewski of Madison Financial Management, LLC
on planning your financial security for now and the future,
what’s the very first step you need to take to begin your fiscally responsible journey,
women and money,
what are some of the limiting beliefs we have around money and a whole lot more?
Marianna was the morning keynote speaker at the Arizona Women’s Conference in September and she presented later in the day also. This interview will take place over a secure bridgeline. This call will be recorded so if you aren’t able to attend live-no worries. You do need to register for the call to receive the recording.
And here is the link to do just that and with more info on Marianna.
http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/greenliving2.htm

I hope to hear you on the call.

Much Joy,
Colleen

From There and Back Again

2008-11-02T15:07:00.000-08:00
I've returned from the North country of Southern Wisconsin. I flew into Milwaukee on a wind that turned the trees into the Womping Willow from the Harry Potter series. Smooth flights both ways. I was fortunate that my sister Patsy was just returning from a trip in New England and was able to coordinate picking me up with her arrival back to the Badger State. It's always wonderful to visit family and my intention was to visit and see all my siblings(6) who lived in Wisconsin. I'm happy to report that I fulfilled my intention plus. My sister who lives in Az. popped in toward the end of my visit. It was pure pleasure hearing the geese on the Rock River and to watch them fly across the sky in their V formation against the early morning rosy hues and the late afternoon coral brilliance. I love fall and late fall. Unexpected sightings of 27 wild turkeys on a back country road was total delight( didn't have my camera.) My parents happened to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary the week I was able to visit. They wanted no fanfare but we managed to have some very simple get-togethers with traditional and a non-traditional gift of family hand prints. That led to some discussion and interest in the Conscious Living Connection Life Purpose Hand Analysis. Being able to plan my time off when I want to is one of the benefits that I enjoy as a business owner and one I truly cherish. Below are some photos from not quite the frozen tundra although it was cold to my Az. blood.

Photos: Passing out Halloween treats, Lunch with Mom
Photos: VIP Day with niece Kate ,60 year Passion, Anniversary Mass

Stay tuned for the announcements of the upcoming Consciously Living Green interviews in Nov. & Dec.

Here's to creating what matters most to you with integrity and authenticity.

Joy, Passion & Simplicity,

Colleen
Stuck? Overwhelmed? don't know where to start? Bring your biggest "I want to ___." challenge to a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation conversation to see what we can co-create what matters most to you.Schedule by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Colleen Crook is a Life & Leadership coach and owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection providing coaching/mentoring for forward thinking individuals and groups who want to create what matters most by connecting them with their passion and inherent creativity through the Consciously Living with Passion Purpose and Prosperity Success Program. Colleen is also known as the Passions to Action Mentor. www.consciouslivingconnection.com Sign up for your Fr^ee Create What Matters Most gift bundle.

A Good time Was had By All!!

2008-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00
That's me at my live Discover & Connect with Your Passions-the Effortless Path to Living Your Life Purpose Seminar held this past Saturday. We all had a great and challenging time uncovering what we were most passionate about. During the 3 hour seminar, the participants unlocked their top 5 passions and crafted markers to align themselves along the way.
As one participant said,"This is challenging". There were some AhAh moments. The results were clarity on what to focus our time,
energy and resources.

Yesterday marked the first interview in the 2008 Fall Consciously Living Green Teleseminar and Interview Series with Lindianne Sarno of the Sonoran Kitchen Gardens speaking on The Best in Things in Life Are Green. Below are some resources Lindianne shared along with her Starter Kit of Ideas to begin living more consciously green. Were you on the call or did you register to receive the audio? It was awesome. I took 4 pages of notes.

The Humanure Handbook, by Joseph Jenkins ( yes , you read this correctly)
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands, by Brad Lancaster’s
Read Little House on a Small Planet, by Shay Solomon
Permaculture, by Bill Mollison
Gaia’s Garden
A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture, by Toby Hemenway

You'll want to register for the next upcoming interview with Marianna Olszewski of Madison Financial Management,LLc on financial planning for now and the future. If you can't be there in person, that's okay. You do need to register to receive the audio of the interview. What's your money story? Watch for the announcements!
Time to get up and stretch.
Joyful blessings,
Colleen
Stuck? Overwhelmed? don't know where to start? Bring your biggest "I want to ___." challenge to a complimentary Get Acquainted Activation conversation to see what we can co-create what matters most to you.Schedule by e-mailing colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com
Colleen Crook is a Life & Leadership coach and owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection providing coaching/mentoring for forward thinking individuals and groups who want to create what matters most by connecting them with their passion and inherent creativity through the Consciously Living with Passion Purpose and Prosperity Success Program. Colleen is also known as the Passions to Action Mentor. www.consciouslivingconnection.com Sign up for your Fr^ee Create What Matters Most gift bundle.

Small Town Festivals

2008-10-21T09:58:00.000-07:00
Greetings!

Two weekends ago my husband & I traveled down to Patagonia, a small, diverse and vibrant community south of Tucson for their Fall Festival. I love small towns having grown up in one and attending grade school in small town. Our intention was to have a nice easy day and enjoy the scenery and thunderclouds that were scaling up past the southern mountain ranges. As my husband & I walked among the displays and art booths, we were hoping the skies wouldn't open up with the impending rain until we had listened to some music and had a bite to eat. The Patagonia festival highlights local and regional music talent and it's some of the best around. One group I fell in love with is the Way Out West trio. Lots of fun and beautiful music. You can check them out at this link then click on artists.
http://www.bluebhikku.com/artists.htm

After some fry bread(for me) and a gyros for hubby, we headed over to the Gathering Grounds coffee shop for some dessert. Nice cozy place to settle and watch the rain that eventually came.
Before we left, I peaked in the bookstore and lo and behold the author of the book I was going to buy for my dad was there signing books. So I was able to get the book I wanted and get a signed copy to boot.

Patagonia is able to create a beautiful community event with an eclectic mix of generations, cultures and lifestyles from new age to ranchers, from artists to cowboys and everything in between. That's what matters most to them.

Here's to you creating what matters most to you. No pics-left my camera in the truck.

Much Joy,
Colleen

FR^EE The Best Things in Life Are Green Teleseminar

2008-10-13T16:56:00.000-07:00
The Best Things in Life Are Green Teleclass & Interview with Lindianne Sarno, AB
Monday, October 20 from 1-2 PST
Tuition: no charge.
Led by: Colleen M. Crook, M.A., Certified Life Coach www.consciouslivingconnection.com

Join me and Lindianne Sarno, Co-Executive Director of Sonoran Kitchen Gardens on The Best Things in Life Are Green in this interview of the 2008 Fall Consciously Living Green Teleseminar Interview Series. She'll be talking abut food security, urban gardening, food storage, and more. This is so NOW! After Lindianne said “yes” to this interview, I read an article in Body & Soul on this exact topic. Lindianne will share her knowledge and give us a Starter Kit of Ideas so we can become more self-reliant and community connected to increase our own self-reliance and empower us in connecting more deeply with the Spirit of our Natural World. Actually, Lindianne will re-introduce us to habits and practices that our grandparents and even parents are probably very familiar with.

For more information and to register click here http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/greenliving1.htm

If you can’t attend the Teleseminar live- no worries. The call will be recorded. Registration is required to receive the audio recording.

Much Joy,
Colleen

Upcoming Live Seminar: Are you ready to live life fully? Last day for early bird discount tomorrow.

2008-10-12T11:48:00.000-07:00
October is Passion Awareness Month
Dear Friends,
80% of the population is living disconnected from their passions, from what they love and care about.
The Passion Test is a tour de force--a fast track path to turn on and up the passion, the excitement, the success in your life--for you, your loved ones, your friends and your associates.

On October 18 you have an opportunity to reflect on how much richer and happier your life will be when you becomemore passionate, more stimulated, more turned on about your life, your relationships,your work, your possibilities.

If you have the feeling that something is missing from your life
If you find it difficult to make decisions about where to put your focus
If you really have no idea about what you are even passionate about, then join me at the

Discover & Connect with Your Passions- the Effortless Path to Living Your Life Purpose Seminar here in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

When: October 18 from 9am-12
Where: Freedom In, Ventana Canyon , 5660 North Kolb Road, Tucson, Az. 85748
Tuition: $65
$55 if you register by October 13
(the paperback The Passion Test is included in the tuition)
Maximum of 10 participants

To register: e-mail colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com
Facilitator: Colleen M. Crook, M.A.,Certified Life Coach, Certified Passion Test (TM) Facilitator

If you are an individual whose life is changing, this seminar will rock you to the core. What you will go home with will help you navigate the unknown, calm the fearful and anxious parts of you, and start moving you into bite-sized action.

Along with Jack Canfield, Jay Abraham, John Gray, Marci Shimoff,and Harv Eker, check out who else has benefitted from this process and find out more about me http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/passionseminar.htm

Much Joy,
Colleen

October 2008. How do you get rid of ANTS?

2008-10-08T15:09:00.000-07:00
October 2008 Conscious Cconnections Feature article

While on my sort of daily walks, I’ve noticed that the ant hills are getting quite high. I’m wondering if we’re going to have an interesting winter here in Southern Arizona. Ants are very industrious and if you’ve ever watched them they are very persevering. There’s much to admire in their behavior yet if they get in your house or in your food they are quite annoying and can do considerably damage. There are lots of solutions to manage visible ants. How then do you manage those non-tangible and invisible mental ANTs? Yep those Automatic Negative Thoughts ( or sometimes called Another Negative Thought) that pop up every time we are called to go beyond our comfort zones, entertain a new idea or proposal, look at another’s perspective and when we are poised for the next step or level in our personal development. They stop us at the starting line before we even take that first step. They do considerably more damage that can actually last a lifetime.

These ANTs are also very persevering and come in all sorts of disguises:
“I don’t have enough time.”
“Who ever heard of anybody doing that in our family?”
“What if I fail?”
“What will people think?”
“I’m not good at that.”
“What if they say no?”
“I don’t want to embarrass my self?”
“That costs too much.” and the list goes on into judgement and assumptions of other people’s motives, actions, perceptions and behaviors.

These ANTs work on your fears of the unknown. They try to keep you safe in the routine and habits that are familiar to you. They are hardwired into your DNA so will always come up. So the best solution is to come up with an ANT management system that will keep you in a state of expansion rather one of contraction. When you‘re in a state of expansion you are open to the possibilities and can assess the situation from all perspectives and then make a heart felt decision versus one that leaves you feeling guilty or lacking.

There are a plethora (a favorite word) of ways to handle mental ANTs. One mentioned in the video on Change Your Brain, Change Your Life highlights thinking of the negative scenario in all its glory as if you re writing it down on paper then taking it to your virtual shredder and shredding it. This tactic worked for my husband the other night as he was ruminating on a situation when he was trying to go to sleep. He finally decided to try this method and it worked - resulting in a good night’s sleep.

One of the many methods that I’ve used is Byron Katie’s 4 questions. You take your ANT through these 4 questions:
1. Is it true?
2. Can I know (in my infinite knowledge of course) that it is absolutely true?
3. How do I react believing that thought? Where do I feel it?
4. Who would I be without that thought?
Then turn the thought around.

When you find your ANTs driving you crazy and you feel contracted that’s usually a sign to take a break and come back to the situation with more perspective and openness.

Your Homeplay if you should choose to accept it is: The next time you recognize an ANT try out the 4 question method or use your virtual shredder.
Please let me what your experience was like managing your ANTS?

Passion, Simplicity & Joy,
Colleen

Colleen Crook, a Life and Leadership coach and certified facilitator of the Passion Test™, is the founder and owner of Conscious Living Connection and the creator of the 9 step Living Consciously Program with passion and joy.She partners with forward thinking individuals to create what matters authentically and with integrity. Sign up for your fr^^ee mini-e-course on the 5 keys to Conscious Communication at www.consciouslivingconnection.com

Good Food, Good Friends

2008-10-07T17:57:00.000-07:00
Hello All,
Here's a photo of my good friend J.J & I after enjoying breakfast
at the Club Cafe at the Hotel Congress here in Tucson. We get together once every 4-6 weeks to support each other and exchange uplifting experiences and books that we've read.
We discovered we are partners in curiosity as we explored the in and outs of this historic hotel. If you want to experience the 1920's and 30's this is the place for you. The intention for our get- togethers was to stay in a positive energy and avoid falling into the "complaint mode". I'm so very fortunate to have someone in my life that desires to strengthen and create inner wealth because I learn so much from her wisdom. Part of your personal environment consists of the people you surround yourself with. It's critical in creating your happiness, joy, abundance and emotional health to have people near you who are interested in your well being as well as in strengthening their spiritual connection. Our discussion prompted the topic for the feature article in the upcoming Conscious Connections. You can read it in the next blog post.
Much Joy to You,
Colleen

What's on your count down list?

2008-09-27T17:45:00.000-07:00
Joyful Greetings!

As I post this blog, we just went through some high 90 degree days and then a wonderful monsoonal rain.
Get ready for the New Year with your countdown markers.

September 22 marks not only the autumnal equinox but also earmarks 100 days remaining in 2008.

Below are some questions to consider as 2008 counts down. I know that I’ll be reflecting on these also.
1. Is there any unfinished business that needs to be tended to in your life?
2. If you could begin living just one thing that you are most passionate about before 2009 what would it be?
3. What is one thing that you can let go of before 2009?
4. What is one quality that you would like to embrace by December 31, 2008?
5. What is stopping you from living your best life?
6. What are 3 things that you are most grateful for?

Check out the World Gratitude website at http://www.worldgratitude.com/ for a 42 days focus on abundance, gratitude and much more to send the best type of energy around the World during this time of upheaval.

That's all for now. I've been at the computer way too long for me today. I might morph into a cursor.

Much Joy,

Colleen

She has what it takes!!

2008-09-14T16:49:00.000-07:00
I was having back from vacation sluggishness this past week yet managed to accomplish and address what needed to be completed or started. My husband & I cleaned out the garage last weekend and put in systems for hanging tools and other paraphernalia. It made such a difference to go through things to keep, donate or just trash. It changed the energy in our house and seemed to energize us as well. Systems are great and even essential in living life with more serenity and joy.
Friday, I received a huge energy boost in addition to being inspired to play BIG. I had set aside Friday to attend the 2008 Arizona Women's conference at Tucson's JW Marriot Star Pass Resort. Along with about 900 other women, I was wowed by keynote speaker Erin Brockovitch Ellis. Yes, the Erin Brockovitch, who is very real and who was played by Julia Roberts in the movie with the same title. Aside from being a dynamic and inspiring speaker, she continues her advocacy in saving people's lives who are threatened by environmental deceit and disregard. If you have a passion, you do what it takes to make it happen but not at the expense of your loved ones. She emphasized that being and having someone who cares in the bottom line. Synchronicity was in play as Erin Brockovitch, the movie was on T.V. this weekend. She said that Hollywood took very few creative liberties with her story except to lengthen her skirts and clean up her language. She has what it takes with her stick- to- it-ness. What can you have stick-to-it-ness with in your life?

Much Joy,
Colleen

P.S. I wasn't able to get a photo with Erin because of the numbers of people plus there was security.

Saying Yes

2008-09-07T09:52:00.000-07:00
My husband and I returned from our trip to Wyoming. We needed to take care of some business and bring some personal items back to our house in Tucson as well as take out some time for R&R. Because the items we needed to bring back were more than my husband's truck could accommodate, we drove two cars. Those of you who know me are aware that driving is not on my list of fun things to do especially in large cities and triple+lane interstates. It actually was my suggestion to take both cars. I declared a deliberate yes to driving and activated my "this is easy and fun" mindset. So after attending a very exciting and informative workshop on Purpose coaching, we headed up to the Northern latitude. All through Phoenix I called on all my reserves and angels to calm the almost continuous panic attacks that I was having. It was exhausting but I made it through and my husband said it looked like I was in total control of the situation from his lead position. After that it was a piece of cake. Two more "just say yes to what 's important" situations presented themselves to me.
Here's one of them:
We took a day to visit Yellowstone since our lodging was close to the entrance.
foregoing some of our favorites stops-Lewis Falls, the Lake Hotel area and Hayden Valley, we decided to pick out something that we hadn't done before.
My husband had read about the Grand Geyser located in the Lower Geyser Basin near Old Faithful. This geyser is the tallest most predictable geyser in the world reaching upwards to 180 feet in the air while two smaller geysers accompany and herald its eruption. Other tall geysers erupt maybe once a year on a who- actually- knows- when- they're- going- to- erupt basis. We walked to the viewing seats(while also keeping an eye out for Old Faithful) and noted that the geyser could erupt 2 hours on either side of 3pm. It was 12:30 so we decided to wait. We were the only two on the viewing for awhile and then a whole family clan joined us. This family has a tradition of coming together yearly to watch the Grand Geyser erupt. It was great being with them as they gave us tidbits of what to watch for to know when the Grand would make its appearance. Oh I forgot, it was threatening rain and mostly cloudy and very windy. Turbin geyser heralds the eruption of the Grand and goes off every 20 minutes or so. So we patiently waited and waited. We were thinking that sitting and waiting for this geyser to go off was not in our best interests. By 2:30, we were ready to discontinue our zen geyser watch and go back to our room. Our new found friends of the Hyatt family encouraged us to stay. So we said YES and at 3:15 we were treated to the majesty of the Grand Geyser with Turbin geyser starting it off and a smaller geyser vent blowing as well. (See video below.) We were also witness to the marriage proposal of one of the members of the family as the geyser went off. Surrendering to the situation resulted in a lively encounter with new acquaintances and a deep spiritual experience of the Divine. Afterward the geyser pool was empty with the Grand Geyser taking a much needed self- care rest break. After all, when you play BIG, self-care is critical.

Everyday there are opportunities to say yes and play in a big way in creating what matters most and we were very glad we did.

Granite resting spot

Grand Geyser, YNP

Much Joy,
Colleen

Colleen Crook is a certified life coach and leadership consultant. She is also a writer, trainer and public speaker. She is the owner and founder of http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com which provides individual and group coaching programs and workshops to facilitate creative and passionate self expression for forward thinkers who want to create what matters most while living life full out with spiritual integrity. She has over 30 years experience in facilitating and teaching people how to live a quality life of passion, purpose, fun and abundance while doing their great work. She is a certified facilitator of The Passion Test™.
You can contact her at colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com

Hello from Wyoming

2008-08-29T15:10:00.000-07:00
Just a quick Howdy from beautiful Jackson, Wy. It's a might cool at 6500 feet in the morning's here. Nice daytime temps today in the 70's. The next few days will have a high in the 50's. I have my cold weather jackets. My body was achy and sore from driving 500+ miles for 2 days so I made an appointment for a massage at a place my sister Mary and I visited last year. if you're in Jackson Wy. I highly recommend Bear and Doe massage http://www.bearanddoemassage.com/ What makes them unique is that you receive a paraffin treatment on your hands or feet( your choice) prior to your massage and afterward you can partake of the sweat lodge and cold water plunge. It's a small business located in an old house so it feels very cozy.

What is unique about how you provide service in your Life, profession or business?

Much Joy,

Colleen

Just a quick note

2008-08-24T09:57:00.000-07:00
Hello to all of you in the Conscious Living Connection Community who are ready to connect with what's important to you to create what matters most.

My husband & I will heading up to Wyoming for a about a week and a half to take care of some business and for a little R&R in the higher elevations before he starts a new employment adventure. I'll post when I can with accompanying photos of the grandeur and beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Are you happy? Personal happiness is just that-personal. Cultivating happiness habits helps us navigate through the rough patches of life. Being aware of the happiness robbers can give us an edge in nurturing happiness habits. These happiness robbers could be called the 3 Misamigos. These robber barons come in the guise of:
1. Complaining
2. Blaming
3. Feeling shame.

Focusing on the solution, Looking for the gift or lesson and making peace with yourself are empowerment habits that can nip these happiness robbers in the bud. Creating other supportive habits also helps like this fellow in the video.

I received this from several friends-thank you Renee, Rhonda & Bob over the summer and felt that this would be a great time to share it. I hope you Dance!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY&feature=user

Wishing you happiness,
Colleen

Ageless Passion

2008-08-23T16:28:00.000-07:00
Last weekend my husband & I travelled to San Diego to visit our granddaughter and also to support our daughter-in-law during her half marathon and our son during his "Oh yeah, I forgot I was going to run" 5K. We were able to spend some time at Torrey Pines State Park Beach-one of my personal favorites on Friday afternoon with Sean(our son) and Ella(our granddaughter who's 17 months).

Ella is a master at the concept of fearless playing. As soon as she had her suit on she headed for the water with glee with me running to catch up with her! No matter that the waves broke at her chest high, her joy radiated out in smiles and exhilaration when the water splashed in her face. Her exuberance delighted those in the near vicinity and actually gave them courage to venture in the water with less trepidation. They were responding to her core energy and essence.

That excitement and energy of stretching oneself and playing considerably bigger was also felt during the 5K and half marathon. The crowd cheered all the runners and walkers. One especially incredibly moment was when the 86 year woman crossed the finish line of the half marathon. Whew! what an inspiration to ageless passion. We actually saw her later still upright and walking back to her car accompanied by a relative.

What is the energy that you radiate as you go about your daily routine and tasks? What are you passionate about that defies the fabricated barrier of age?

To your passion,
Colleen

P.S. Sean ran his personal best running the 5K under 30 minutes and Anmarie had her personal best in the half marathon of 2 hours and 16 minutes.

P.S.S. Oh yes, Grandma & Grandpa ran their own 5K running around with Ella.

P.S.S. If you are ready to play big and connect with your passions to create what matters most to you, please e-mail me at colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com to set up your Get To Know You Activation call.

Popeye had it right!

2008-08-22T16:46:00.000-07:00
Did you watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics with eyes wide open? There was so much visual candy that it was challenging to take it all in. I watched in amazement at the athletes who trained so hard for so long with varying degrees of results. I began to wonder what their training regime consisted of and what type of food plan they were required to follow to keep up their energy and build healthly cells. The most amazing thing to watch was the intense focus that it takes to stay on track and be totally present during thier meets, routines, sequences. They had to be in their best mindset and mental condition. That brings me to Popeye. My husband recently received a video on maintaining a healthly brain. The information was prolific and I'll be sharing a small portion of what was presented. To keep our brains healthly there is a list of "brain food" not including of course fish and other nutrients. Here is a list of 12 Foods Good for the Brain. Enjoy!
Blueberries

Spinach

Broccoli

Salmon

Tuna

Oatmeal

Red Bell Peppers

Walnuts

Avocados

Turkey

Oranges

Green Tea
Bon Appetite!
Colleen
P.S. For those of you who didn't grow up with Popeye, the Sailorman, he ate spinach to keep up his strength.
Colleen Crook is a certified life coach and leadership consultant. She is also a writer, trainer and public speaker. She is the owner and founder of www.consciouslivingconnection.com which provides individual and group coaching programs and workshops to facilitate creative and passionate self expression in forward thinkers who want to create what matters most while living life full out with spiritual integrity. She has over 30 years experience in facilitating and teaching people how to live a quality life of passion, purpose, fun and abundance while doing their great work. She is a certified facilitator of The Passion Test™.

Natural Pyrotechnics

2008-08-09T16:51:00.000-07:00
Thought I'd post a video my in-house tech man shot the other day during a monsoon.The lightning was spectacular against the Santa Catalina range. We have such incredible lightning storms here and we also need to take extra care to avoid being too close. This was shot through our dining room window. You'll hear chatter about my ability to predict where the lightning will appear and see a wandering fly who wants to be a star. The actual lightning bolt can be seen 2:16 minutes into the video.

These storms always seem to connect me with the divine as I'm totally in awe of the power and beauty of nature.

Much Joy,
Colleen

Summer Festival Specials

2008-08-03T14:49:00.000-07:00
Hello Everyone,
Last night my husband & I went out to watch the bats under a bridge near us fly out at sunset. We patiently set up the tripod and camera and waited and waited and waited. We saw about 10 bats but the 20,000 we had hoped to see decided to just hang in there. I was hoping to have a video of the nightly flight. Oh well. Tucson is becoming slightly famous for the summer bat population. There are a number of bridges over large washes and riverbeds that house thousands of bats. Bats here are an important part of the saguaro flowering cycle as they contribute to the pollination of the plant. We'll try again another night.

Part of summer for me along with viewing unusual wildlife habits is offering summer program specials. With the changes coming to CLC in the Fall, I have created a summer festival special of programs that will be retired or folded into another program. You're invited to check them out here http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/summerfestspec.htm

Until next time, I'll leave you with this quote "Movement and exercise stimulate Creativity, recharging you when you feel stifled or blocked"

Much Joy,
Colleen

Colleen Crook, owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection is a Life & Leadership Coach who partners and supports forward thinking spiritually minded individuals in creating a life that is joyful and passion-filled both personally and professionally. She is a certified Facilitator of The Passion Test ™. Send her an e-mail describing your biggest challenge to see how she can help you create what matters most to you.
E-mail: colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com
Phone: 520-777-4494
Website: http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com

Changes- Being In harmony

2008-07-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

"A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing" -Maya Angelou

Blessings,

Conscious Living Connection is undergoing some renovations and forward movements. It's always a bit scary to take that next step. I've had to take some deep breaths and listen to my heart and not my Gremlins(Ego, the committee etc.) who only want to protect me and keep me safe. Entrepreneurial Fear is very real and all entrepreneurs experience this even if they do not not want to acknowledge it. There is this fantasy belief that 'everyone else has their act together'. So what is CLC up to? I've been searching and setting my intention to attract the perfect people for my support team. This will include individuals who are tech savvy, design experts and great in taking over tasks that are a challenge and sort of put up speed bumps along the way for me. In my search I met lovely people who were an energetic match for me but I required some specific expertise that they didn't have . So what did these lovely people do but refer others who ended up being a match for my specific needs as well as being an energetic match. I'll introduce you to them in a future blog post.

To attract this wonderful and gifted team, I completed an Authentic Attraction Plan for my perfect support team and I then put in an order to the Universe. Very fun stuff. It took a bit more inner work also and surrendering control of finding the perfect individuals for me. CLC is consciously creating what matters most to serve you with hugeness in the future. What one small change can you make that will bring you closer to being in harmony with your spirit?

Much Joy,
Colleen
P.S. If you have a desire to help out people traumatized by natural disasters, this is a fantastic non-profit that works with the local people. 90% of the donation goes to the people in those countries.http://www.kirfaid.org/

Colleen Crook, owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection is a Life & Leadership Coach who partners and supports forward thinking individuals in creating what matters most with joy and passion both personally and professionally. She is a certified Facilitator of The Passion Test™. Send her an e-mail describing your biggest challenge to see how she can help you create what matters most to you.

E-mail: colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com Phone: 520-777-4494

Website: http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com Grab your copy of your 5 part mini e-course on creating dynamic interactions.

California Dreaming

2008-07-11T17:24:00.000-07:00
I hope you all had a fantastic 4th. My husband & I travelled to California to visit our children and granddaughter. My intention for the trip was to relax,enjoy and renew myself , walk on the beach as much as possible and create memories with family. After a short stop at Viejas Mall where my husband, DuWayne purchased some much needed shoes and we had a bite to eat with our oldest son Sean(he was off that day) we headed toward Laguna Beach. Our younger son's( Jason) girlfriend hosted us at her house which was 5 minutes from the beach. Thank you Janine. As soon as we stepped in the door, Janine had me out of the house and down to the beach and into the water. It was cold!!!! I only stayed in awhile, long enough for a wave to knock me down. It was very energizing. We had a fresh seafood dinner that night and hung out in her background listening to peaches fall to the ground. What a thrill for us to watch the fireworks from the beach as the colorful display was reflected in the water merging sky and sea until the tide started coming in. Then we retreated to higher ground. We even piloted a new competitive sport called penguin pitch. We left the next day to visit our son,Sean, daughter(in-law),Anmarie and little Ella for an overnight stay before heading back to Tucson. Anmarie loves to cook and she whipped up a beautiful Indian dinner- very yummy and not to hot for me. We so thoroughly enjoyed playing with our granddaughter. You can see the photos below. We both felt like we had been away for about a week. As we surrendered to each moment, everything just flowed and created a renewal time for us. I vowed to create more renewal moments each day to better focus and attend to those things that matter most to me.

Much Joy,
Colleen

Random thoughts on Water, Water, Water

2008-07-02T10:02:00.000-07:00
Water has been pouring into my thoughts these past few weeks. I have a compelling need to be around water and will honor that desire this upcoming 4th of July weekend with a visit to our children and grandchild along the coast of Southern California. There’s a 5 star request to myself to walk on the beach at least 3 times. The pounding of the surf and the immensity of the ocean always tends to center me and energize me. This is also monsoon time here in AZ and we’ve been gifted with some lovely storms so far. The cacti are looking a bit more energized. After growing up in lake country, there’s a fundamental need for me to be around water or have a water feature in my environment. In the realm of Hand Analysis, my fingerprint patterns suggest a water element.

Along with some financial assistance, I’ve been sending positive white healing energy to the Midwest which has been inundated with more water than ever before and the impact of that will be felt by all of us in the upcoming year. On the other end of the spectrum, the raging fires in Northern California need more water to stop that devastation.

Back to water- the over abundance and the lack of it creates change. Water comprises 70% of our bodies. Living in the southwest this is readily apparent as we are encouraged to hydrate, hydrate during these triple digit temps. Water signifies so much - abundance, growth, life and yes even destruction. Water has a very important message for us. Water is telling us to take a much deeper look at our selves. When we do look at our selves through the mirror of water, the message becomes amazingly, crystal, clear. We know that human life is directly connected to the quality of our water, both within and all around us.

When change occurs especially in the shifting from a limiting belief to one of more self acceptance and positivity the water in our bodies undergoes a change. The voicing of a positive self- affirming affirmation even if not entirely believed creates a state change to one of more well-being. Dr. Masaru Emoto has been researching and photographing frozen water for quite some time. The most amazing revelation that came forth was that how we think, act and speak to ourselves and others can actually affect the quality of water in our bodies. Water in a container labeled "You fool!" had less defined and poorly formed crystals and water in a container labeled "You are loved" showed beautifully formed crystals with many facets. The story that you tell yourself, the constant self-talk that runs in your head, the words you use with others or to describe your actions, the results of your action or non-action effects your physical and emotional well-being at the celluar level.

What is one small word change in your self talk that will bring you one step closer to creating a state of well being for yourself?

Joyful Blessings,

Colleen

Colleen Crook, owner and founder of Conscious Living Connection is a Life & Leadership Coach who partners and supports forward thinking individuals in creating what matters most with joy and passion both personally and professionally. She is a certified Facilitator of The Passion Test™. Send her an e-mail describing your biggest challenge to see how she can help you create what matters most to you.
E-mail: colleen@consciouslivingconnection.com
Phone: 520-777-4494
Website: http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Little Dude(ette)- Where Are You?

2008-06-21T17:23:00.000-07:00
A couple of weeks ago I shared that we had a gambels's quail nest under an old grounded porch swing that had about 8 eggs in it. Last Sunday morning, I noticed some egg shells scattered near the swing. Very carefully, I lifted the swing and saw that 5 of the eggs had hatched and there were 3 unbroken eggs remaining. No quail parents to be seen or little baby quail scurrying around. Just before 9a.m., I saw a tiny tiny gray brown ball of fluff hobbling around the pedestal of our fountain. Sure enough it was a baby quail. I put out some water on an upside down top of a butter container since it was so hot and my husband and I were leaving for the morning. Later that evening. I noticed this little quail running around the bottom of the pedestal. Each day s(he) would run around the pedestal in the morning and then later in the cool of the evening. For the next week our phone conversations contained tidbits on the progress and activities of our little friend and we were entranced in the evening as we watched our little dude(tte) scurry around the yard exploring further and further from the fountain pedestal. Mid week we checked on the other eggs and they were all hatched. We hadn't noticed any more little dudes or dudettes. Friday morning, I found little dude lying very still by the fountain pedestal. My heart paused until I saw his rhythmic breathing. A little later, I noticed that he had moved a bit further from the pedestal and was still sleeping.About an our later, I went to check up on him(her) and s(he) was gone. I anxiously waited for evening to come to see if little dude would venture out from somewhere. No little dude. It's Saturday and still no little dude. My husband and I are having somewhat of an empty nest experience. Little dude(tte)- I hope that you are okay and hooked up with some other quails. We miss you!

Love & Joy.
Colleen

Colleen Crook is a Life & Leaderhip Coach who partners with forward thinking individuals who are creative and spirit-minded and want to make a difference. Grab your copy of the complimentary 5 day e-course on consciously creating dynamite interactions at www.consciouslivingconnection.com

Riding the Wind!

2008-06-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

The wind whispers across my face as the pavement crackles with the passing of the tires. I'm on a downhill slope, riding my new bike. As a child I loved to ride my bike up and down the country roads. Later in adulthood, I rode the Grand Teton Park road in the early spring before the road was opened to visitor traffic and participated in the 26 mile Miles for Money fundraiser for The Learning Center Preschool in Jackson, Wyoming while pulling a carrier with my youngest son, Jason safely ensconced in the seat. Now I live at the eastern edge of a large city. Even though signs advertise that this is a bike friendly city, I avoid the busy streets as I begin to condition myself again with an activity I always loved but haven't participated in- in a number of years. Previous injuries kept this fun way to tone my muscles at bay for a long time. Like a long lost friend I was ecstatic to renew our relationship and I actually heard my soul sing out in welcome.

Saguaro Park East here I come!

What physical activity would nurture your soul and connect you with your true essence?

Until next time- much Joy,

Colleen

Colleen Crook is a Life & Leadership coach who partners with forward thinking ,spirit-minded women who want to make a difference and create a joyful and passionate life -both personally and professionally. Grab your complimentary 5 day mini e-course on creating dynamite relationships at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/

Memorial Joy & Remembrance

2008-05-28T18:07:00.000-07:00
Our memorial weekend was was filled with delight and joy along with remembering those who gave their life in consciously serving their country. We have been blessed in my family to have those who served in the armed forces return from their duties safely and without injury. On the civilian side, the graves of family members who have passed were tidied up and new plantings added in their memory.
As mentioned above, my husband and I were ecstatic to have our granddaughter Ella and her parents visit from San Diego for the weekend. I cannot even express the JOY I felt in watching her walk, run, dance and totally charm her grandparents. She is such a happy child ( she has her moments and they are few in comparison). Acknowledgements go to her parents and my daughter-in-law's Aunt June who babysits for them during the day for the gentle and caring way they guide her and give her the freedom to explore in a safe environment.

Saturday night found us chillin' and enjoying the music of Chris Gregory , a local singer and songwriter, at Javalina's coffee house http://www.javalinas.com/. Ella was a captive audience for an hour and a quarter even with her bottle. Sunday brought my sister, Kate and husband, Dennis up for lunch and a round of golf.
On Monday,Memorial Day, we had an unexpected visitor to my backyard fountain- a bobcat! I had just lowered the sunshades on the porch so the photo is a little blurry. My small zen-like backyard attracts a multitude of birds including a nesting pair of quail with their eggs, hawks and various lizards. This is a first for the bobcat.
Bobcat drinking on left side of
fountain

My intention for the weekend was to create those one moment in time memories while enjoying, relaxing and connecting on a deeper heart level with family. By jove, it was created as I allowed the events to unfold!!
Great Joy & simplicity,

Colleen
http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com/
"to create what matters most"

Catch up!

2008-05-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic birthday with tons of cards and well wishes. Thanks to all who took the time to write. I hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day for yourself, your mom or dear friend /relative who is like a mother to you.
The Wednesday after Mother's Day I got socked with a very nasty stomach flu bug or food poisoning- not sure which. I basically stayed in bed for 4 days emerging on the fifth day to stay up right for more than 30 minutes. Sometimes the body just needs to cleanse itself from the inside out to prepare for more energetic future activities. During that time, a bike that my husband ordered for me arrived. I've always loved to ride and haven't really ridden for a number of years. As soon as I purchase a helmet, I'll take "her" out for spin. This is all part of my renewed commitment to being health conscious.
It's interesting to me that during that time of confinement that I surrendered to my body's wishes to rest, sleep and be totally present in the moment. Emotionally, I was so grateful to be living in an environment with indoor plumbing ,hot running water and plugged into a way of communicating with the world outside my bedroom. I had some rigid lessons in being patient and honestly I handled it all fairly well until the 4th day when I became a little testy. Not eating solid food for 4 days can do that I guess.

So now I'm doing a bit up catch up but with a more relaxed attitude and a profound gratitude and respect for my physical body. I'm more tuned in to listening to what my body needs and in doing that I found I was more receptive to listening to the voice of my soul.
Ever the coach, I even posed a couple of inquiries for my self which I'll share and they were, " How can I meet myself where I am today?" "This is where I am; what do I need?".

Joy, Passion & Simplicity,
Colleen

Sometimes You Just Gotta Twirl

2008-05-08T18:49:00.001-07:00
Here is the e-zine article that Barb is referring to: To receive
your complimentary subscription to Conscious Connection, sign up for the complimentary 5 day e-course on conscious communication at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com and watch your positive interactions soar!

As a young girl, I loved visiting my grandparents who lived down the hill from our house. I would often just linger to play outside in their yard. On warm summer mornings, my joy would overflow and I would begin to twirl (spin) and twirl and twirl then drop down to lie on the earth scented grass. I could feel the earth rotate and spin under me all the way down to the core as I gazed up at the milky blue sky. The universe and I were one. The connection to the earth and sky was so intensely profound that even my young self “knew” that this experience was a touch of the divine. At times, it felt as if the past, the present and the yet to come all came together in that particular moment. Such was the joyous feeling of connection. Even as an adult, I still find myself choosing to spin as an expression of sheer joy, when I need to feel connected to the Universe or when I need to bring energy back to my self. I come full circle onto myself.

The expression of Joy can be quiet, loud, dramatic, and physical or however you choose to express it. And express it you must. The nature of Joy requires expression. Joy shared has a wonderful ripple effect which draws out more joy from yourself and others. In our society, there’s a tendency to be guarded about expressing joy-unless it’s a sporting event, graduation or special event. I present that each day is special and giving yourself permission to see and express joy opens you up to a deeper connection with the voice of your soul and in creating what matters most in your life.

How is your joy expressed? Fill in the blank: Sometimes I just gotta __________.

A sister Twirler! Yeah!

2008-05-08T18:45:00.000-07:00
Good morning Colleen!Just read your letter and as always you've really touched me. Your thoughts on motherhood and peace beginning in the home are so true and challenging with older children!! Struggling here just this morning, but you're reminding me that it begins with myself... thank you!Also, just got through describing an experience to my boss and co-worker on Monday about myself as a young girl loving to twirl and twirl around until I grew dizzy and fell down. Then do it again :-) Pure Joy!! For me, the memory is strongest in our living room to the 8- track of Carly Simon's, "You're so vain" :-) Loved to sing and twirl to... "I had some dreams--- they were clouds in my coffee, clouds in my coffee and... " Thought it fabulous that she had dreams of clouds in her coffee:-) The point of my story was a discussion on music and how it can impact our experience and stay with us for years..I loved your story of connection with nature/divine with your twirling, which again has been a huge theme with me this week. Amazing! Been pondering, and discussing with my client's parents the major disconnect from nature/outdoor play to technology (TV/video games). Huge for these children who need all the movement (proprioception/vestibular/ and tactile input) for their nervous systems to be able to attend and learn!!And yes, getting away from nature where the divine is all around us!Anyway, just want to thank you for your newletter and refreshing insight you bring.Blessings and joy!!Barb

Off to the Races!

2008-05-04T16:42:00.000-07:00
Saturday my husband (Duwayne) & I travelled down to Sonoita, AZ for their local horse races, to watch the Kentucky Derby and meet up with my sister, Kate and a group of her friends. Kate ( holding the white program) excels at gathering people together for fun and making ordinary events special. We had a wonderful time! The group was very generous in sharing the food they brought along. This is the 6th year of this social tradition for them. We all took turns making water runs and supporting the local economy. I made new friends and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and banter that flowed in this group. All was good, upbeat and positive. I even bumped into several colleagues who were enjoying this sunny, slightly breezy day.

What ordinary event can you transform into something fun, silly or light hearted to create what matters?

P.S. My husband was the photographer.

P.S.S. Happy Cinco de Mayo

Court Update

2008-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00
There have been 2 other times in my life in which I was involved with a group of people that I‘ve never met before where there was instantaneous bonding. I can now add a third. I was privileged to serve on the jury of a federal case with 12 other individuals from all walks of life, all ages and backgrounds. Each person came into this service with an open mind and a desire to make the right decision based on facts presented or not and their intuition. All of our conversations up until the time when we could discuss the case were respectful, filled with compassionate curiosity, focused attention and a genuine heart felt interest. The good vibrations were in surround sound. We spent a lot of time waiting as legal issues that needed to be addressed without our presence were resolved. This bonhomie became very evident during our deliberations when there was an impasse. There were no angry words, tense postures only respectful consideration for each person’s perspective and a thoughtful discussion of the facts or lack of facts to assist in reaching a consensus. We knew and felt the weight of deciding the fate of 2 young men.
We felt the honor and privilege in living in a country where the legal system-imperfect as it is- states that a person is innocent until proven guilty. This principle is taken seriously by the court. It was interesting how we connected with the judge and appreciated her demeanor and warm presence in the courtroom. She invited us back to her chambers after the trail for a post trial conference or de-briefing and answered any questions that were still lingering and sought our thoughts and opinions about the process and court personnel. We were invited to be candid and we were with numerous positive observations and a frank discussion of those things that constituted a concern. It brought to light how even in a huge supposedly cold federal judicial system each person involved can contribute to creating a positive experience for others. They were empowered to create what matters with innovative and heart felt interactions. The personnel in this federal court are awarded the Creating What Matters award.

Jury duty Calls!

2008-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:00
Having postponed jury duty in March, it was requested of me to be available the week of April 28 - May 2. So off I went yesterday to the new Federal Building in downtown Tucson. I was assigned a high number to wear on my left lapel- no names for privacy. The first 31 numbers were called to sit in the jury box and courtroom area and taken through the list of questions to determine viable reasons for being excused or not. Those of us remaining in the observer section were asked to quietly answer the questions. I was thinking -"well there are alot of people here and I'm sure glad I received a higher number". Slowly as one person was excused after another my number was gradually getting closer to be called. Yep- there I was walking up to the empty seat in the jury box left vacant by the previous excused number. Here I was at choice- do I say yes I'm in a hardship situation being self employed and not being paid by my work for the next 3 days or do my civic duty to stay and see if I'm selected to sit on the jury for this case or do I decide to leave the outcome to the Universe and see what unfolds. This is nanosecond or less processing. I decided to let things unfold having no other strong feelings about the case and after living overseas I wanted to participate in our judicial system; imperfect as it is, it is far more fair and just than many other countries.

So dear friends, I am on the jury for a criminal case in federal court with 12 others. There are 13 of us. I leave you today with a quote and some inquiries regarding choice.

"Grant yourself buoyant freedom from shoulds and have-tos, since nothing clouds inner knowing as thoroughly as inner hectoring." -from The Life Organizer

Inquiries:
How do I feel abouat the choices I've been making in the past few weeks and months?
Who am I becoming with these choices?
Are these choices moving me toward or away from what I most value?
Are they moving me away or toward a life that fits me?

To joyful choices,
Colleen