~~~~ Notes from Nancy ~~~~
          Creating the Life You Want
                                                         December, 2005
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This month begins a workshop on "The 55 Concepts, A Guide to Conscious Living." These concepts have had a huge impact on my life and business and I share them wherever I can. Details are below. You'll notice a discount for two. I can't imagine a better way to do this than with a partner. If you're interested in practical tools that lead to a more joyful life, join us next Monday for a free intro.

Happy New Year!

Warmly,
Nancy

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"Be kind in all things."

                                            ~ Michael Cavallaro, The 55 Concepts
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My husband and I were watching an old movie the other night about a man who finds Shangri la, the mythical earthly paradise where human beings live in harmony with nature and with each other. We both startled when the host of the country said: "We have only one rule in Shangri la - Be kind."

As I look at all I've learned over the past few year (and there has been much!) I find the one thing that has changed my life more than anything else is exacly that Concept: Be kind.

I would have told you that I was always a kind person, and I think most of the people around me would agree. Yet when I decided to live "be kind" as my motto I was embarrassed to find there was a lot to work on.

One was at home. Most of us can go out in the world and be "on" and keep a persona in place. When we come home its a different matter. After all, aren't people at home supposed to love us regardless? I found myself deficient in "please" and "thank you"'s. My tone of voice didn't always convey kindness. It was like I came home, kicked off my shoes and kicked off my manners too.

Changing that changed a lot. It changed the atmosphere, it changed my level of appreciation, and it changed the relationship I had with my family. Such a little thing...

I also realized I wasn't always kind was when was in a hurry. Grocery lines, traffic, cashiers, I may not have been nasty, but there were times that couldn't be defined as kind.

Changing those changed my experience in those situations and the experience of the people I encountered. People seemed more pleasant, more willing to go the extra mile, I became less stressed, less tense, and even though I might still be in a hurry, happier. Amazing!

The biggest difference though was being kind to myself. Kind to myself when I didn't follow through, reach the goal, or measure up to my own standards. Kind when I did something foolish, or didn't measure up to someone else's standards. Kind at those times when it would be so much easier to beat myself up.

What about when I didn't feel kind? In the beginning I found myself "acting" kind, even though I didn't feel it. Acting kind because it was the right thing to do (or because it was part of the work I was doing on myself!). Over time the feelings followed.

So often we overlook wisdom because we find it so ridiculously simple. If I hadn't been given "be kind" as "homework" I think I would have glossed over it, paid it lip service, shrugged it off. I'm so glad that's not what happened. I can honestly say that because of those two words my life is hugely different today - more joy than I could have imagined.

If you're looking for a theme for the year, something that will change your life, something where the results will last longer than the latest and greatest diet fad, try "be kind." Put a post it on your bathroom mirror, in your car, on your desk at work. Invite a friend to experiment with you, share your results. Change won't happen over night, but if you really put it to the test the results will last forever. I'd love to hear your results!

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Upcoming Open Events & Possibilities

Concepts for Conscious Living Telephone Workshop
If you're interested in tools for making sense of life
if you're looking for ways to function better
so you can clear and do what you're here to do - Come!
FREE introductory call (all invited!)
Monday January 16th at 8PM ET
1-641-297-5400 #111222

Actual Course:
6 weeks, Mondays at 8 to 9PM ET
beginning January 30th
$150 for 1 or $250 for 2 & $24 for book and cards
Double your value by doing the course with a partner!
Sign up by January 19th and book and cards are free
e-mail Nancy@nancybaker.net for details
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Going Deeper
My friend Marie brought these word up in a recent conversation.
I was surprised because they echoed the words of my heart.
What does it mean to take our life deeper? To live at a deeper place?
Let's explore together what they mean to us and where they can take us.
Wednesday, January 18th from 8 to 9PM ET
1-641-297-5400 (Iowa) #111222
FREE
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If you're not satisfied with the way life is working for you,
if you feel there must be something more,
if you're ready for life to get better -
what are you waiting for? Call or e-mail today.
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Nancy lives outside of Philadelphia with husband Ed and cat Bear.
She is a available for personal consultation, coaching and mentoring
(by phone or in person), article writing, speeches, keynote
presentations, and workshops for individuals, groups, and
organizations world-wide.
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Life is a journey that's taken one step at a time.
You can live the life you want - believe it.
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duplication. Copyright 2001- 2006 all rights reserved.
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