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Experience Life – Find Your Joy!

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Have you noticed how easy it is for children to express their joy?  There was a time when you looked at everything with excitation . . . and, life was like a treasure chest waiting to be opened.   Most adults have forgotten what joy feels like – we’ve become serious and responsible.

Allow yourself to stop for a few moments. Look to young children for inspiration. They effortlessly carry the lightness of joy within and let it burst forth for the world to see. They smile, laugh, sing, dance and really know how to shine. A child’s heart is open, filled with happiness, peace and a sense of excitement. (Oh yeah, there it is – who gets excited about bills, doctor appointments, and demanding schedules?)

What if you could lighten up, experience life differently and look at the daily grind through young eyes?

I dare you (as the kids would say) to watch this short inspirational “Finding Joy Movie” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Shape Your World, Tap Your Genius Tagged With: , ,

Experience Life at New Heights

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Experience Life at New Heights - Sedona AZ

Several years ago a friend of mine suggested we take a trip to Sedona, AZ to relax, rejuvenate, and re-connect with nature.  The plan was to hike everyday in the beautiful red rocks for a couple hours and afterwards we could read, shop, relax, or tour the area. My answer was “sure, let’s go, I’m up for the adventure.”

Keep in mind; I’m not much of an outdoorsy kind of girl so the hiking was going to be a huge stretch for me.  The reading, shopping, relaxing would be lots of fun  (and I know I excel at it).  My friend assured me we would take it slow and I would easily be able to keep up with her (she’s an expert level athlete) – especially if we trained ahead of time.  I agreed to the pre-trip training – figuring it was a great way to get in shape and prepare for the hike.

Let me tell you, I was not prepared for what happened on this trip.  The hiking was not your ordinary trail kind of stuff.  The nice easy trails that I pictured in my mind six weeks prior to the trip, turned out to be more like climbing and scaling rocks!!  From day one, I really stretched my comfort zone and noticed as day three rolled around  . . . I was more confident in my ability to “hike.”

My friend sensed my new inner confidence and decided we could explore a sacred spot on day four.  What started out as a two-hour hike, ended up being a seven-hour life-changing event.  It turns out this sacred spot was tucked inside a steep multi-faced rock formation, 500 feet above an uncharted trail.  (“Uncharted trail” – now, there’s a clue.) Yet, I trusted my friend . . . she said she had climbed to the spot several times over the years and she felt I could do it.

The temperature was quickly approaching the mid-90s as we walked the 2-mile uneven terrain before beginning our 500-foot steep assent to the sacred spot.

I’ll cut to the chase, about 450 feet up the mountain (approximate height of a 40 story building) I became “paralyzed.”  I couldn’t move another step forward or backward while the high-noon sun beat intensively on us. (Did I mention that I’m afraid of heights – my toes even curl on a 1-story escalator ride, plus we were almost out of water.) For the first time in my life, I wondered if I would ever stand on solid ground again. The overwhelm was unimaginable!  There was nowhere to go!  I stood frozen – suspended in time and had a complete meltdown (panic, crying, all that kinda stuff) on the edge of a ledge.

My friend watched, provided lots of support and encouragement . . . yet, there was nothing she could do for me.  The next step was up to me.  She was going to the top and I could wait for her on edge of the ledge.

What happened next literally saved my life and helped me experience life at new heights.  I heard a small voice whisper “breathe.”  (Hmmm . . . what a novel idea, why didn’t I think of that?)   I instantly began to apply the conscious breathing technique that I’ve used many times – especially when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It’s really simple.  Take a DEEP breath in.  Hold it for a count of three and exhale slowly. Practice with me  . . . INHALE … 1 – 2 -3 …. and then EXHALE. I noticed my shoulders dropped and I began to feel the overwhelm and panic ease-up.

I repeated the conscious breathing about five times.  This simple exercise allowed me to re-connect with my breath.  The more connected I was to my breath, the calmer I became.  There was also a mantra (an often repeated expression) I recited over and over again in my mind . . . “I’ve come this far … I CAN do it, … I CAN Do it. … I CAN DO IT!!  Yes, I can do it!”

In case you’re wondering . . . I did make it to the enclosed sacred spot where the temperature was at least 30 degrees cooler and I was able to rest my wobbly legs and shaky spirit for about 45 minutes.  The descent down the mountain was without incident – in fact, easier than I expected. The final challenge:  a 2-mile hike to the car without becoming dehydrated.

We made it back safely.  And, yes – believe it or not – I still talk to my friend and our friendship has grown.  As a matter of fact, she called the other day and asked, “Do you want to go to Sedona again?” In my mind, the real question is, “how much do I want to stretch and experience life at new heights?”

The top 3 lessons learned from this adventure can be applied to the everyday . . .

1.  Breathe to maximally experience life!

2.  Stretch – expand the comfort zone and in turn grow more confident.

3.  Choose to experience the sacred power within that’s capable of so much more than can be imagined.

In the words of Thomas Edison: “If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

If you’re looking to experience life at new heights and liberate overwhelm – pick up a *F*R*E*E copy of my Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit.

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MaryAnn D’Ambrosio’s passion is to work with individuals who are ready to “leap” and live a more vibrant on-purpose life.  MaryAnn teaches heart-based entrepreneurs and professionals how to access the language of creation by tuning into their inner wisdom to create their heart’s desire.  If you’ve been merely surviving instead of thriving be sure to pick-up your F*R*E*E Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit at:  www.LeapWithoutLimits.com

Filed Under: Shape Your World Tagged With: , , ,

Economy of Thought . . . How to Create New Wealth

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If you’re looking for sound investment advice from a well-respected wise source, you have come to the right place.  The following article recently appeared in Cheryl Richardson’s newsletter and caught my attention.  As I read the article my head kept bobbing yes and it put a huge smile on my face.   That’s all I needed to know … a sure sign this is meant to be shared with you.  Enjoy!
“This morning, I sat on my deck in the sun, thinking about the day and what I would write in this week’s newsletter. After enjoying a period of silence, I picked up one of the “daily inspiration” books that I often read to start the day on the right foot. I closed my eyes, picked a page at random and instantly knew I was meant to share the passage with you.

This message is from the Universe.  Actually it’s from the book, “Notes from the Universe” by Mike Dooley, and here’s what the pages held…

Some Investment Advice from the Universe
“Did you follow your hunches during the 90’s in the stock market? Did you hear what I was telling you about huge yields in real estate? Did you “stumble” across those itty-bitty public companies with stock offerings that made penny investors millionaires?

Phew, I was slammed doling out golden opportunities to anyone I could reach. It became kind of a hobby, you know, to fill in the gaps of boredom that go along with being the Universe.

Truthfully, though, you didn’t miss a thing. Those fortunes were chicken feed compared to what I offer on a full-time basis through my day job. Are you ready for real opportunity? Do you even have room for the returns? No, you don’t. But that’s a good problem.

Thought. That’s right. Thought is the greatest vehicle of all time for burying one’s self, family, and friends in wealth and abundance – no matter what’s going on with the economy.

Thoughts have their own economy, and now is a super-great time to get in on the ground floor. With my patented trade secrets, I can take any old invisible thought of yours and turn it into a mine of gold, a mountain of cash, a well of prosperity.

It’s not too late! The best is yet to come. Invest in thought, follow your hunches, and live the life of your dreams.

Public disclosure: This offer is irrevocable. You’re now an investor whether you know it or not. All of your thoughts will become things. No lawyers can help you.  Save yourself; choose the good ones.”

I smiled as I closed the book remembering the days when I believed the idea that “thought creates reality” was a foolish and far-fetched notion. But then I looked around at my life, felt the peace in my heart from my good thoughts, and breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness I was willing to keep an open mind.”

Thanks Cheryl for the reprint permission.

Life Makeover For The Year 2010 (sm) is written and produced by Cheryl Richardson.  © Copyright 1999-2010. Cheryl Richardson, P.O. Box 13, Newburyport, MA 01950. All rights reserved.

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MaryAnn D’Ambrosio’s passion is to work with individuals who are ready to “leap” and live a more vibrant on-purpose life.  MaryAnn teaches heart-based entrepreneurs and professionals how to access the language of creation by tuning into their inner wisdom to create their heart’s desire.  If you’ve been merely surviving instead of thriving be sure to pick-up your F*R*E*E Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit at:  www.LeapWithoutLimits.com

Filed Under: Shape Your World Tagged With: , , ,

Overcome Overwhelm

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Have you noticed that your work commitments have increased, your income decreased (it’s being stretched beyond belief) and you can’t even remember the last time you were able to relax? In our fast paced society, we’re constantly bombarded with information and requests.  Hurry up . . . read this . . . do that . . . come over here . . . remember, finish this first, etc. . . . “excess” information has a way of taking on a life of its own.

Before you know it – overwhelm has taken-up residency in your already full life.   Face it, overwhelm puts us into over-capacity mode and is a real energy zapper!  The sensory overload in our physical, emotional, and mental bodies can quickly stop us in our tracks. The most debilitating part of overwhelm is constriction of creative juice and internal drive.  In other words, what we most need is “grace and ease” yet it’s struggle, procrastination, and frustration that camp out on our doorstep.

Isn’t it time to stop spinning your wheels — hit the reset button — and allow yourself to experience an easier way of living?  How about taking a few minutes each day just for you? The good news is:  breaking free of overwhelm is possible. Easy solutions that you can immediately apply to your life are readily available.

Simply go to www.LeapWithoutLimits.com to pick up your free Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit. The toolkit contains easy steps and helpful tips that help you breathe easier, feel more relaxed and BE in charge of your life. Often what contributes most to overwhelm is the clutter we ALLOW to exist in our lives. Be sure to check out the quick assessment in the Toolkit that identifies clutter spots (it’s not just the physical stuff).  By simply becoming more aware of what “clutters” exist, you can take steps to remove it and clear out the feeling of overwhelm at the same time!  That’s a two for one.  The Toolkit also identifies 15 Easy Ways to Shift Your Energy and Ease Overwhelm.

What are you waiting for?  Receive your F*R*E*E* Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit at www.LeapWithoutLimits.com today!  Now, you’re much closer to thriving instead of merely surviving.

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MaryAnn D’Ambrosio’s passion is to work with individuals who are ready to “leap” and live a more vibrant on-purpose life.  MaryAnn teaches heart-based entrepreneurs and professionals how to access the language of creation by tuning into their inner wisdom to create their heart’s desire.  If you’ve been merely surviving instead of thriving be sure to pick-up your F*R*E*E Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit at:  www.LeapWithoutLimits.com

Filed Under: Shape Your World Tagged With: , , , ,

Transform Your Energy Your Life Will Follow

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Do you hear yourself saying:  “If I only had . . . more time . . . more energy . . . more money . . . more confidence . . . then I would be happy!”  Have you noticed that hoping and wishing for a more fulfilling and meaningful life just doesn’t seem to work?”

Here’s the secret . . . YOU design your experiences whether you consciously know it or not.  You’re the only one holding yourself back from achieving your ideal life.  Yup, that’s how it is — YOU and Your ENERGY are in charge.   Sure — F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) plays a role, and then you have beliefs, habits, attitudes, and expectations that also weigh-in.  Bottom line, it‘s all part of YOU and YOUR energy.  The good news is: TRANSFORM your energy and your life will follow.

Are you ready to live a richer, fuller, more vibrant life?  Take action to move forward!  In the blink of an eye your life can change.  What are you waiting for?  Give yourself permission to relax, rejuvenate, and re-energize this summer.

The transformational energy in this 4 Module Teleseries will ignite the creative spark within you.This is one summer program you must gift to yourself!  Feel rejuvenated and re-energized at a fraction of the cost of a spa visit.

  • Stop the overwhelm – transform it to inspired action
  • Experience a peaceful, calm energy that allows you to grow beyond your wildest imagination
  • Lift the mental fog – you’ll have more clarity about what’s important in your life
  • Feel a sense of peace even in unsettling times
  • Access timeless wisdom that you can easily apply to your everyday life for quick decision making
  • Add life to your living, and
  • Thrive . . . on many levels

My deepest desire is to see you thrive . . . in this lifetime.  I’d be delighted if you joined me for the Leap Without Limits summer teleseries that will transform the way you look, feel, and experience life.

For more information on this fantastic summer teleseries that begins on August 9th go to: http://tinyurl.com/25q6l8e and you’ll Leap Without Limits
Here’s to adding more life to your living! 
MaryAnn D’Ambrosio, Ph.D.
P.S.  Be sure to check out the cool Bonuses!
Filed Under: Re-design Your Life

Wanted: A Passionate Life. Will Settle for Happiness.

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I once read a story about a woman named Molly who wanted to live a passionate authentic life.  There were only two things holding her back . . . (1) she was tired of spinning her wheels and (2) she had run out of ideas. Molly, being somewhat resourceful, decided to jump start her passionate life by soliciting help from her friends.

Molly quickly sent an email to her friends with a link to a personal survey that said “You know me.  Please identify the top 3 choices for me (with 1=Best Choice).  Should I:  Open a boutique?  Sell my condo and move across country?   Visit India for 3 months?  Quit my job and become a writer?  Marry my boyfriend?“ Alongside the survey, Molly also included a spreadsheet with a list of personal qualities.  The instructions said:  “Please check the qualities that best describe me.  When you have completed the survey and spreadsheet simply email them back to me. I will have a professional tabulate them and will let you know the results.”  (Hmm . . . a Professional what?  Therapist?  Life Coach?  Accounting Firm?)  Molly was expecting to be presented with documentation within a few weeks that would fully disclose the path to an authentic passion filled life.

Sorry, Molly –  documentation prepared by outsiders can not reveal the truth that lies within YOUR heart. The story went on to say that Molly’s friends thought she was “nuts” and told her so.  Now, she’s back to figuring out – on her own – what makes her happy.  Oh, if she only knew about the Passion Test.

Are you someone who wakes up every morning (even on gorgeous sunny days) wondering how you’re going to get through the crazy busy day?  Do you long for more time, energy and bounce in your step?  In this fast paced world, so many of us are looking for ways to add more life to our living.  If you’ve ever felt like Molly and wanted support in discovering your passions  – yes, there is something you can do about it.  Take the Passion Test.

The Passion Test is simple to take, fun to do and profoundly effective.  It’s an easy, fun, non-threatening test which no one can fail.  It will help you discover and obtain clarity about what is most important to YOU in your life.  The One to One Consultations with a Certified Passion Test Facilitator will give you the confidence to think bigger and reach for what you want, not just for what you think you can have.   Now, that’s something to get excited about!!

If you’re being nudged to check out the Passion Test, do it today.  Who knows . . . when you discover your passions and begin to live from that space – you’ll expand in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.  (I know it can happen.  It did for me — and, it can happen for you, too!)

By the way – if you happen to know Molly – be sure to share this with her.  It will go a long way in supporting her desire for a passion filled life.

MaryAnn D’Ambrosio loves working with highly motivated individuals who want more to life than just work and are looking to easily re-design and re-purpose an aspect of their life.  MaryAnn has re-invented herself and electrified her life by transitioning out of corporate America (after 30 plus years in the electric utility industry) to venture out on her own.  Initially, a very scary thought.  Now that she’s made the leap, all kinds of interesting things are happening in her business and life.  You’ll want to stay tuned to Leap Without Limits to learn more!

Filed Under: Shape Your World Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

3 Easy Steps to Re-energize Your Life

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How often have you thought about doing something new or completely different in your life?  Perhaps you’ve always wanted to:  write a best-seller;  run your own business;  or maybe even live in a foreign country for part of the year.  When you think about a new adventure is there an uplifting feeling inside of you?  You’ll want to read on if the answer is YES!

If you’ve been putting off expanding and acting on your vision because there’s so much going on in your life – I would encourage you to STOP, now.  Pay attention . . . you are being nudged to re-invent an aspect of your life.  Begin to notice how often your thoughts circle back to repetitive ideas, dreams and desires . . . these are inspired road maps pointing the way.  Soon you’ll find the path that is best suited to your purpose and passion.

I’m all for simple, easy and elegant ways of creating your best life.  Here are three easy steps to get you started:

Step 1. Make YOU a Priority

Put Yourself on Your To Do List everyday.  In our “crazy busy” lives it’s so easy to take care of everyone and everything else with little or no time left for ourselves.   By the end of most days are you spent with little or no energy left for you?  Here’s the good news:  YOU can change it . . . make yourself a priority.  Initially, it doesn’t even matter how much time you give yourself – the key is to BEGIN and do it consistently.  I recently challenged a colleague I was coaching to set aside 5 minutes every day “to do”  NOTHING.   Doing nothing means just that . . . 5 minutes without using a cell phone, checking email, or browsing on the computer.  What’s interesting is my colleague wasn’t sure she could give herself 5 minutes to do nothing, yet she decided to go for it.  I’ll be checking-in to see how she’s going.  How about you?  Are you up for the 5 minute DO NOTHING challenge?

Step 2.  Discover Where YOU Are

Take a moment to notice your response when you hear a friend, colleague or neighbor say they’re going on a fabulous vacation, changing jobs, retiring or switching careers.  You’ll quickly receive several clues to your whereabouts by paying attention to what you feel. Is there a sense of excitement, dread, curiosity, wonder, or overall fear?  Remember to achieve what you desire, you’ll have to want it more than you’re afraid of it.  I once read “to feel aliveness in our hearts we must also allow vulnerability.”  Can you afford to be vulnerable and take the chance to discover what makes your heart sing?  Can you afford not to?

Step 3.  Learn What Makes YOUR Heart Sing

Begin simply and simply begin.  If you’re uncertain about what makes your heart sing begin by being kind to yourself.  Take one step at a time and BE open to new possibilities.  Notice what puts a smile on your face and lifts your spirit.  Is it working in the garden, taking care of pets, sitting on your deck watching the birds, or is it a beautiful sunset?  Carry a small notepad with you to jot down what brings you joy and makes you feel alive.  It may be as simple as being grateful for what you already have in your life.  Never underestimate YOUR POWER to change your life.  It’s never too late to start a new chapter.  I would love to hear what you discover.  Here’s to your success!

MaryAnn D’Ambrosio loves working with highly motivated individuals who want more to life than just work and are looking to easily re-design and re-purpose an aspect of their life.  MaryAnn has re-invented herself and electrified her life by transitioning out of corporate America (after 30 plus years in the electric utility industry) to venture out on her own.  Initially, a very scary thought.  Now that she’s made the leap, all kinds of interesting things are happening in her business and life.  You’ll want to stay tuned to Lead Out Loud Now to learn more!

Filed Under: Re-design Your Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Transitioning To A More Fulfilling Life

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Welcome to Lead Out Loud Now!  My name is MaryAnn D’Ambrosio and I’m so glad you’re here!

Transitioning to a more fulfilling life, involves paying attention to your inner world to create outer results.

Today, you’ll get a peak inside my inner world and how it changed my outer world.

For many years, my deepest desire was to re-invent myself and re-design my life.  I wanted to play the leading role and allow creative genius to flow through — instead of listening to all the “shoulds” in my head.  I craved more fulfilling work, a lifestyle filled with freedom, flexibility, and elegant possibilities.  There were many times when I wondered if and when this inner vision would be transformed into reality.

I’m happy to report it’s finally happening. Taking action on my vision transformed it and moved it forward in a big way.  On April 1st of 2010 (yes, April’s Fools Day), I took an important step (more like a quantum leap) by leaving corporate America (after 30 plus years in the electric utility industry) to venture out on my own.  Initially, this was a very scary thought.  Now that I’ve made the leap, all kinds of incredible things are happening in my life.  Each day is better than the last and I often pinch myself to make sure it’s real!

If you’re interested in re-designing your life  . . . stay open to possibilities and give yourself time to explore “what” brings you joy.

  • What lights you up?
  • What makes your heart sing (and your feet dance)?
  • What are your strengths?
  • What kinds of things have you enjoyed in the past?
  • What comes natural to you?
  • What is your definition of a GREAT LIFE?

What you may discover is . . . that you don’t have to leave your job, buy a new home, make millions of dollars, or travel half way around the world to find your true love in order to transform your life.  Start by taking the first step to reveal:  “how do I do, what I do — happier.”  Now that’s an idea worth pursuing.

Making the decision to leave a safe, secure, yet unfulfilled corporate position was a big step.  Walking into my bosses’ office — to let him know I wanted to “retire” — was the game changer.  Now, I’m playing full out and having a ball!

If you knew you would SUCCEED, what area in your life would you like to re-design?

MaryAnn D’Ambrosio loves working with highly motivated individuals who want more out of life and are looking to re-design an aspect of their life.  MaryAnn has re-invented herself and electrified her life by transitioning out of corporate America (after 30 plus years in the electric utility industry) to venture out on her own.  Initially, a very scary thought.  Now that she’s made the leap, all kinds of interesting things are happening in her business and life.  You’ll want to stay tuned to Leap Without Limits  to learn more!

Filed Under: Life Transitions, Re-design Your Life Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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