Friday, October 27, 2006

How I got into Life Coaching?

In 2001 a good friend from my Toastmasters Club introduced me to Anthony Robbins Seminar. At that time, I thought that, that was something for people in sales, business and the corporate world who want to be motivated, who want to succeed in what they do. I was experiencing a retiring mindset. Little did I know that it was a turning point in my life! A 'Tai Tai' who think of nothing but shopping, high tea and breathing down my children's neck and husband's at times! Then it was a boring and meaningless life for me, really:) I thought that I was doing my friend a favor by attending the preview of Anthony Robbins Seminar. Then one thing led to another.

I was invited to the so called "UPW momentum gathering". UPW means Unleash the potential within! Whatever that means back then was anybody's guess! I certainly did not know what was that about. At that meeting I listened to people shared how much weight they lost, how they had clarity of who they are. Some of them who came back from Hawaii. Bankers paying something like US$17,000 for the Anthony Robbins package. For someone like me who had not been to a self development course or a motivational seminar before, I was really curious what that was about. Nevertheless, I picked up the book from my friend's bookshelf, "Awaken the Giant from within" by Anthony Robbins. I could not put the book down. Guess I would share more of what I got out of it next time................ Do you have any comments? or something to share?

30th Oct 06.........
Reflection of the past years. After 3 years........seems like a long time, that............... I felt like I have come full circle. At that time when I was reading Awaken the Giant Within, I jumped from pages to pages and applied what I had to apply into my life. I could remember vividly how to change my state of mind. Then my three teenagers were 8, 12, & 14 years old and there were many opportunities that I felt that I had to change my state of mind to remain sane! Ask most parents and they would definitely understand what I am saying. Communication was a great challenge. Some times I would sing when I knew that I was getting angry with them. That simply put is "breaking the pattern!" I did get into a happier mood. That was good enough for us to get by harmoniously. After a few times, my children got angry with my singing. They said "Mummy it's irritating!"; Because I kept repeating the few lines!

Since I am a "just do it person" this book was next to me most of that time. Each time I need to learn some new skills to deal with a challenging situation, I just flipped open the book. There were many things I don't quite understood at that time. Neuro Associative Conditioning (NAC) - what was that? Big words, nevertheless there were stories in the book to help me understand them better. Fortunately, there was a support group of people where we meet regularly to continue our journey. Of course, now I know NAC also meant the same thing as NLP - Neuro Linguistic Programming! Believe me, there is no short cut for self mastery. The process of self-discovery can take years! Now - Monday October 30th, 2006 when I revisit the book, I can understand most of what the book is saying. That is after having gone to many other self development courses, ups and downs, self awareness, insights, healing and releasing; Interacting with people, learning from gurus, mentors, trainers, books, CDs to name a few. In other words, working from inside out! The result is freedom from fear, or some say fear forward. Whichever connects with you!

Yes, my friends and clients said I could write a book, I think blogging is easier. I used to think it is crazy to tell your story in the blog. When I saw what my 11 year old blogged I was so surprised. I asked her, "You mean people talked about their life story?" Now when my 11 year old daughter saw what I wrote today, she said, "Yah, now you got it." " This is blogging. " I would rather call this 'Generation Gap!"

Nov 2, 06
Women who made changes in their lives, I am sure would at one point in their life asked, so if I change, my spouse don't change, what is the use? Since men work, they have less time to read and now what? This is what I did a few years ago, I tried leaving self help books in the bedroom, plant them on the bedside table, somewhere in the bedroom, on the dressing table, hoping that he would catch the hint. Unfortunately, then I have not read John Gray's book "Men are from Mars and Women from Venus." I did all kinds of things except ask him directly to read the self help books that I found useful! John Gray said, if you want a man to do something, just ask him! I just attended John Gray's seminar Sept 30 06! My husband bought his books but we left them on the bookshelf! After his seminar I started reading them whilst working out in the gym. Oh! how I wished I had read his books years' back! Certainly not to be missed, great life skills, simple to understand and easy to apply if you read slowly, absorb the essence and practice. Reflect and apply again. Practise being aware of your thoughts and actions. It connects with what I believe in my life! Wow!

I learned how important it is to value myself now. I believe many women suffered like me. Loss of identity. I acquired identity that does not align with my values. For many years, I dont even know what my values were; Unknowingly I was conditioned to beliefs that does not serve me. Now I realized how it had worked against me and the people who are close to me. How my beliefs also shaped my behaviours and habits. How it had affected the choices that I made in the past. Now that I know better, I do better. I create my own reality! I can now choose how I feel. This is liberating!

I am really grateful that I took all those self development courses and met many people who were my teachers because I was a ready student. As the saying goes, " When you are ready, the teacher will appear." So are you? The investment is truly enriching. When I got it, my loved ones benefitted too.

It took me a long time to understand how important it is to use goal setting as a framework to focus on my journey ahead. Time management has often been a challenge for me and I am sure for many people as well. Knowing what we value, can change a whole lot of perspective on how communications and relationship building is critical as a life skill! In business, workplace, at home and in the community!

My mission is to close the gap between parents, students and teachers. Goals setting, time management, values, communications and relationships are the key life-line to a balance life. Beginning with these life skills, I am sure making effective communications a world wide reality is a noble and purposeful journey.

Will share more................If you have any comments, questions please feel free to comment in my blog or email me. I am a new blogger.

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