Posts by LisaYoung

Brave

Posted by LisaYoung in Faith | 4 comments

Every year, I pick a word to frame my development. I also pick a “theme song” to underscore my morning mindset work. I get to dig in and rock on each morning with a tune that pretty much sets me up for the day I want to have, the life and business I want to create.

Last year, my word was “ENTHUSIASM” (yes, I decided on all caps about half way through the year) – the idea being to infuse more spirit into everything I was doing. My theme song was Matthew West’s “The Motions”. I would lip synch and sing and conjure my own “rock videos” in my living room – like I was going to be on american idol or something. It was funny, but it was also a very honest reflection of the kind of enthusiasm I really wanted to imbue in every action, every effort, every everything in 2011.

This year, after a daunting 2011 (hey, I asked for it!), I figured I needed to power up a bit, and picked “brave” as my word o’ the year. I also selected Nichole Nordeman’s song by the same name (some of the lyrics are in the boxes below).

The Power of Slow

Posted by LisaYoung in Big Ideas | 8 comments

My five year old came up to me the other day and asked if he could have a motorcycle.

“Um, let’s see if you can figure out how to work the scooter you got for Christmas first, honey.”

Seems logical, right? But in the moment of watching his mini-tirade about wanting to “go fast” and “sit up high” I was reminded of my own tirades against “paying my dues” in the various professions and industries I’ve served over the years.

Other Gifts

Posted by LisaYoung in Fun | 2 comments

No birthday hangovers here.

In fact, the birthday wasn’t much different from every other day this year. I had promised myself to take the day off, but it just wasn’t very convenient to do so.

So I walked the kid to school, and worked on website issues with my tech team, and dealt with a few “fires” that had to be put out.

It was pretty much an uneventful birthday.

At first, this did not set well with me. See, I’m an action taker – a DO-er – and sitting around NOT doing what I wanted to do kind of pissed me off.

Wishes

Posted by LisaYoung in Faith | 2 comments

So my birthday is coming up fast… and for some reason, over the past few years, I didn’t enjoy my birthday like I used to.

It’s not because I’m getting older.

It’s because somewhere along the line, I’d given over my power to someone else.

I’ve been waiting for someone else to “make me happy” on my birthday.

Holding my breath in the days before my birthday to see what my husband was going to do to celebrate.

Waiting with baited breath as I unwrapped a gift hoping it would be something I was wanting.

Instead of taking charge of my own celebration.

See, I had always wished that someone would do up a big ol’ surprise party with balloons, a pretty cake, fun music and lots of smiles. I wished I would open presents galore, be surrounded by family and friends, and generally just feel a whole lotta love in the room.

But for all the wishing, there was no action.

Some years, husband manages to get me a card, sometimes not. Sometimes there’s a gift, sometimes “it’s in the mail.” Last year, I got so excite when my facebook wall was filled with birthday greetings. I spent most of the day replying, saying thanks. Somehow, I felt “loved” because so many people (most likely prompted by facebook’s birthday application) took a minute to give me birthday greetings.

It got me to thinking about where I had given up my power in my own life…

And I’ve been a fool to leave celebrating my life in the hands of others.

This isn’t about trust. It’s about valuing myself enough to ask for what I want and enjoy life my way.

Why in God’s name am I wishing for someone else to do something that I could easily make happen myself?

I can pick up a phone, invite my friends and family to come together and celebrate my birthday. I can select a gift for myself that I really enjoy. I can play wonderful music and I certainly know a friend or two that can craft an exceptional cake.

In my coaching practice, I talk about “the magic bullet” that clients come looking for – that panacea that will cure all their ills – the ruby slippers that make all the pain and effort go away.

In life, we can fall prey to this same concept in insidious ways: giving our power over to other people in our lives – or other people we want in our lives. Instead of taking charge of our own happenings, we “step back” and hope that someone will step in to handle something for us, when we’re completely qualified and capable of doing it ourselves.

“But it’s my birthday… I shouldn’t be in charge of my own party! That’s kind of selfish, isn’t it?”

Well, I’d rather be a little self indulgent and enjoy myself, than be a miserable “martyr” – wouldn’t you?

Plus, I’ve made a commitment to be more intentional about not living in the “shoulds”, thankyouverymuch!

2012 has a lot to live up to. I expect some amazing things to happen – and I plan on making as much of it happen as possible, instead of waiting around for someone else do “handle it” for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still asking for help, making more friends, and doing my utmost to practice self-care. At the same time, I’m stepping back into that person I was years ago when I learned how to record and produce two full-length albums all on my own.

I’m ready to celebrate. What about you?

Nibbler of the Possible or Grabber of the Impossible?

Posted by LisaYoung in Faith | 4 comments

As someone exploring the “greatness” frontier, I sift through tons of quotes. My former assistant still sends me occasional emails with inspirational quotes. Here’s one that, regardless of your faith, will have you seeing yourself in a bigger role, and inspiring you to greater heights: