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Playing the Entrepreneur

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As someone who has spent over 30 success-filled years in corporate America, my first year as an entrepreneur has been full of surprises.

Farmington Bike Trail

One thing I ALWAYS did in corporate was to take all 6 weeks of vacation time to rejuvenate and have fun.  Now, as an entrepreneur, I find myself working from mid-morning well into most evenings and hardly have time for a bathroom break.

Since I’m a take-charge and create your reality kind of person, I decided to deliberately design and create more “playtime” into my life.   This means there’s much needed (and desired) spontaneous time-off built into the schedule.  As the “boss,” I’m in charge of what I would like to create and experience.  As far as life balance is concerned – I’d prefer to see the scales tip towards having it all and enjoying life fully.

On the Bike Trail

In celebration of freedom and adventure, I’ve posted recent pictures from my fun day biking, having lunch at Wood-n-Tap in Farmington (be sure to get there early, the patio tables overlooking Kettle Lake fill up quickly) and I even hit golf balls (first time ever) at a local driving range.

If you’re familiar with central CT you may recognize these spots. We have fabulous rails to trails bike paths in the state.  It was such a fun experience that I’ve added something new to my heart’s desire list . . . ride at least four new CT bike paths each year.

As a side note, during my “playtime” three ideas popped-in and they’ve already been implemented into the Leap Without Limits business.  Woo hoo, just love that!!

The Top 3 things I’ve learned this year as an entrepreneur . . .

Patio Seating at Wood-n-Tap

  1. New easy to implement ideas flow quickly when I’m relaxed.
  2. There’s an exponential increase of magic and miracles on the days that I “lighten-up” and have fun. In fact, the effect lasts for several days. ( It’s a great way to add grace and organically ease-up the workload.)
  3. It’s important to get outside the office, interact with others – all work and no play limits my spark-le factor.

I’d love to hear what you do to create magic and miracles in your life . . .

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MaryAnn D’Ambrosio’s passion is to work with individuals and groups who are ready to “leap” and experience a more vibrant on-purpose life.  MaryAnn teaches heart-based entrepreneurs and professionals how to access the language of creation by tuning into inner wisdom and lining up the energy 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:  LeapWithoutLimits.com

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

What’s the Bright Idea? (part 2)

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What’s the Bright Idea? (part 2)

In honor of celebrating Life, Liberty, and Creativity, this post is part 2 (of 2); a 2008 copyrighted extraction from the “What’s the Bright Idea?” chapter in MaryAnn D’Ambrosio’s Doctoral dissertation entitled  “Beyond the American Dream . . . Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of a Creatively Inspired Life.” Author’s note:  I’m really excited to get my Ph.D. work out on the web.  Enjoy!

Part 1 of What’s the Bright Idea? and now for part 2:  [Observe what is happening in the world today.  Many people would say these are times of crisis and great unrest.  “Fear, greed, and the desire for power are the psychological motivating forces not only behind warfare and violence between nations, tribes, religions, and ideologies, but also the cause of incessant conflict in personal relationships.  They [fear, greed, and the desire for power] bring about a distortion in your perception of other people and yourself.  Through them you misinterpret every situation, leading to misguided action designed to rid you of fear and satisfy your need for more, a bottomless hole that can never be filled.”  Tolle  (2005:12)

We’ve come to a juncture in history that places this nation as well as all other nations at a crossroad.  Can we exist within the current reality?  The majority of humanity exists in the unconscious or egoic state – meaning a complete identification with form – physical forms, thought forms, and emotional forms.

At this moment, a subtle revolution is taking place in the United States (and, in other places around the world).  The energy behind this revolution is similar to that of the 1770’s and the founding of this “great” nation.  As evolution would have it, masterful thinking is bubbling to the surface and we’re witnessing an unprecedented flow of consciousness in humanity.  This flow of consciousness sets the stage for creating a new world — something beyond what is currently being experienced and could even be named the “21st Century Renaissance”.  Each of us literally holds the key to creating our future reality.  It involves a small shift in the way we see ourselves in the world.  The time is now to open to the awareness that life holds unlimited possibilities.

 

What if the main purpose of life is the conscious pursuit of a creatively inspired life?  What if you could raise your consciousness to a level that gracefully and effortlessly allows you to go where you want to go, be what you want to be, and do what you want to do?  What do you feel when you hear this?  Does this idea frighten you or does it appeal to you?

Now that you are aware of the idea that life’s purpose is creation.  Think of the possibilities. Can you envision a life filled with freedom and happiness?  A new direction is being forged because of the appearance of limitations and restrictions in the existing structure.  It’s time to reveal what Creation is really about!  It’s time to explore the unlimited possibilities that can change life, as we know it.  If you’re interested in accessing the dimension beyond time and conditioned thinking, then you’re ready to step into the pocket of Creation.]

The top 3 things I’ve learned over the years and deliberately apply to the everyday . . .

  1. I hold the keys to creating my future reality.  It’s always about how I’m “being” and much less about what I’m “doing.” By paying attention to the energy within me and around me, I get instant clues to the “being” part all the time.
  2. The key to creating my future reality involves a small shift in the way I see myself in the world.
  3. When I feel “off” – that is, when someone or something is “pushing my button,” I check-in to see if I’m misinterpreting the individual or situation.  The more unattached I am to what’s going on (and this doesn’t mean I don’t care), the clearer I can be in my communication and decision-making.  This has proven to be very beneficial in conflict resolution and crisis situations.

How about you?  I’d love to hear how you pursue life, liberty and a creatively inspired life – in the “Speak Your Mind” comment section on this page.

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MaryAnn D’Ambrosio’s passion is to work with individuals and groups who are ready to “leap” and experience a more vibrant on-purpose life.  MaryAnn teaches heart-based entrepreneurs and professionals how to access the language of creation by tuning into inner wisdom and lining up the energy 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:  LeapWithoutLimits.com

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Lead. Leap. Inspire., Shape Your World, Tap Your Genius Tagged With: , , , , ,

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: , , ,
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