What might happen if you acknowledged your gifts openly?
Would your lizard brain raise its head and demand silence or. . .would it allow you to shine the way you’re meant to?
Let’s put it to the test, shall we?
I’ll go first , then you let it rip in the comments.
Things I’m deeply proud of
1. I completed an honours degree in Fine Arts with a dream of making my way in the world as an artist.
While I never made it to the New York art scene, my passion for art oozed into other areas of my life and creativity, one of my core values, was honoured.
2. Less than a year after knee surgery I ran a half marathon.
After the surgery the doctor gave me a list of things I should no longer do (included running and dancing) – I was 33 and decided to to prove him wrong.
It may not have been the smartest thing to do, but according to Sally Hogshead’s 7 Triggers of Fascination my primary trigger is rebellion (not so surprising!) so what I did totally makes sense.
3. I’ve been self-employed for almost 12 years, first as a photographer and then as a coach.
There are so many resources now to help you leave the corporate world, ditch your boring job, and design a life you love. Twelve years ago, not so much.
I didn’t come from a long line of entrepreneurs and looking back, I really had no clue how great the challenge. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, following a vision and correcting course as required.
Credentials (or proof-that-I’m-the-real-McCoy)
1. I’m a Solution Focused Coach, on a mission to wake you up from your ‘someday thinking’.
I’ve got close to 7,500 hours of coaching under my belt (a Master Certified Coach credential requires 2,500 hours) and have worked with hundreds of amazing people over the years.
2. I am certified in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).
I love personal development, and one of my favourite areas of study has been NLP. Google it and you’ll find over 57,600,000 results but the definition I like the best – finding ways to help people have better, fuller and richer lives. Says it all for me.
Little known facts about my life & beyond
1. I was a preemie, born 2 months early.
Result? I’m almost always early when meeting others, I’m often short on patience and I just want to get things done!
2. I don’t have children, but am the world’s greatest aunt.
When my nephew Luke was young, he startled me one day by asking why “I didn’t have kids.” After a moment of “What the hell do I tell him?” I responded, “Because my job is to be the world’s greatest aunty.”
Been that ever since. True story.
3. I believe in the law of attraction, but not in “The Secret” kind of way.
I believe what we think has a direct impact on what shows up in life, but I’m not talking about fancy cars or millions raining down from the sky (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
No, I’m talking about people and possibilities, opportunities showing up at the right time. And if you’re not ready, willing and able to let them in. . .well, that’s why people say it doesn’t work.
Wild-card secret
Warning: This is not in the least outrageous!
For years I’ve had a longing to pack a bag and take off. Not forever, but long enough to turn life upside down. Perhaps it’s my version of Eat, Pray, Love!
And now for the check-in…
My lizard brain’s awfully quiet and instead I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Could be that acknowledging yourself is the key to turning down the volume on good ol’ Lizzie!
Well San ,here is my toot .And extremley proud of it too.I have battled with personnel and past troubles and beaten them ,and i carry on doing so .Also i struggled with self belief and confidence for as long as i can remember.But that to got a good kicking ,over the last two years i have steered my local community soccer club to two playoff final wins .
I get up every morning determined to make a difference to who ever i meet .And my glass will always be half full with my new found confidence .
This is definitely something to celebrate Stephen, for the internal struggles are usually the hardest to break through. Thank you for sharing something deeply personal. It’s that courage along with your enthusiasm in life that is so inspiring!
I think it’s time to take back being proud of ourselves. Of celebrating our accomplishments. In my work with my 6-8th graders, I’ve found they have an easy time enumerating their failures and weaknesses, but it’s like I’ve asked them to chew glass and call it candy when I ask them to tell me what they’re proud of and what their strengths are.
I wrote a post a while back about how we discount ourselves, and when sharing that with my students (as a read aloud…they don’t know I blog), they all said it wasn’t “nice” to talk about your strengths. People might feel bad or think you’re bragging.
Since when is owning your strengths without bagging on others a bad thing? It’s the other people they–we–worry about. What they’ll think if we say, “Hey, I totally ROCKED that Shepherd’s Pie I made last night. It was a total foodgasm!” Or whatever it is we rocked out.
And yet, our culture, especially for women, encourages us to stay small, to keep our accomplishments private. To speak up about it is like letting a silent but deadly rip at your host’s dinner party. And yet again, our society rewards those who are brave and brash and outspoken…we just don’t like them very much.
I’ll tell you what I’m proud of. I’m proud of creating a writing program in my classroom that focuses on helping kids find out they have something important to say, that is wide open for self-discovery and finding their voice. I’m proud that the work I’ve done has spilled over into the other classrooms at my school, and I’m dang proud that when my kids come back to visit, they thank me for the writing I made them do and share how it changed their lives. A group of my students from last year was so disgruntled with their writing instruction/opportunities at their top-notch high school that they went on a campaign to get it changed with their teacher. The teacher was so curious that she asked them what they’d done–and they unabashedly told her.
And if owning what I do well gets someone’s underpants all up in their nooks and crannies, that’s all about them and their feelings of self-doubt and not about me. I know we all have things to be proud of, and the best thing we can do for our well-being is to acknowledge our awesome.
Now, following IKEA directions on the other hand is NOT something I rock at. Not at all. And I’m okay with that. That’s (one reason) why I’m married. 🙂
@Ellen Berg You and I are SO on the same wavelength!!!
And I love that you share your perspective with kids when it can still make a difference. That is something to not just toot, but shout from the rooftops and proclaim with fiery pride!
You totally rock Ellen (Ikea is not a good measure of anyone’s greatness!) and I’m thrilled that you and I have connected! You’re like a sister from another mother 🙂
@Sandi Amorim Love it, though ‘sister from another mother’ doesn’t have the same lovely ring as its counterpart. 🙂
Actually, have to thank you because for whatever reason, your interview w/Greg, last couple of posts and our conversations on here have helped me get clear about a few things. Have been so stuck in my head, wondering how to pursue what I love (teaching and all that sturff up there ^^^) while making my own path outside of the system. Got a few lurvely downloads in my magic meditation room (AKA the bathtub) and a general sense of direction. So thanks.
Are you going to WDS?
@Ellen Berg So awesome! Love when connections just click like that! And yes, I will definitely be at WDS, can’t wait to meet you and Greg in person!
@Ellen Berg You and I are SO on the same wavelength!!!
And I love that you share your perspective with kids when it can still make a difference. That is something to not just toot, but shout from the rooftops and proclaim with fiery pride!
You totally rock Ellen (Ikea is not a good measure of anyone’s greatness!) and I’m thrilled that you and I have connected! You’re like a sister from another mother 🙂
@Ellen Berg I love this. 🙂
Things I’m deeply proud of:
1. I have been self employed since I am 17 (9 years to date). I didn’t make millions, but I create happiness!
2. I am running a successful F&B business with zero experience on F&B industry. I only have experience on running a business and creating a leverage-able system when I just started 2 years ago.
Cheers,
Dennis.
Self employed at 17??? Wow is pretty much what comes to mind Dennis, so thanks for tooting your horn here!
Who can resist an opportunity to “legally” toot her own horn? Not me!
I am one of the most courageous people I know. I’ve gone through difficult situations I didn’t choose to be in with a lot of courage — I didn’t whine or play the drama queen. I just got through them with a fair amount of grace. I’ve also chosen to take on other difficult situations willingly andto take emotional risks in order to be true to my values. That requires another kind of courage.
I am also an amazing friend — loyal, supportive, compassionate, patient, forgiving. I am willing to go to the mat for my friends and then some.
Finally, I think what I like most about myself is that I never stop looking for answers. There’s almost nowhere I won’t go in my thinking and no belief system or philosophy I won’t investigate in my quest for what’s my authentic truth. I guess that makes me a very curious person and an open-minded thinker. At least I hope so.
@Carol Hess Love this tooting 😉
Carol, you make my heart happy in so many ways and so often, I am so grateful to have you in my world.
xoS
Ah, Sandi. You warm my heart in so many ways. This is such a time and welcome call to feel good about myself and my achievements.
Here’s my tooting: I’m a survivor of post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. I started my blog as a self-therapeutic aid and nurtured it into something for everyone. Made it through university even though every day was a struggle.
I stand tall today because every challenge has made me stronger, wiser, more empathetic. I can relate with people going through all sorts of crises because I’ve felt my share of pain and confusion. I can smile and dance and skip because I KNOW that life is beautiful and so much more than temporary discomfort.
I write words that stir souls and touch hearts. I can give voice to my passion, my truth, my vision. I can contribute to the global revolution of love and enlightenment. One post at a time. 🙂
@otitiovuewhorie Your words DO touch hearts in more ways than you can probably imagine! Thank you for sharing yourself here and acknowledging your sparkle and shine. xoS
Sandi, you are the best! What a wonderful way to start the week!
What is it I’m proud of about myself? It’s funny how hard this is to say out loud, isn’t it?I’ve recovered from a health crisis and gone on to do 2 metric century rides (100km) on my road bike. I’ve performed belly dancing with a group several times. My business was nominated for a local business excellence award in its second year! I can let people go without looking back, and have been with my husband for nearly 29 years. I like to think it’s my youthful enthusiasm that causes people to think I’m at least 10 years younger than I am. Most of the time I see the light, the kindness, the beauty, the good result in nearly any situation – sometimes to the point of seeming naive. I make amazing turkey dinner, and pork pot roast. My photos can open a heart to seeing the Infinite in intimate details. I am persistent and tenacious. My credentials are all from the school of life, earned over 20+ years making others look good. Now it’s my turn to shine….and now I’m looking for any excuse to not post this. LoLHugs and butterflies,
~Teresa~
This tooting made me grin from ear to ear Teresa! Thanks for sharing and not being afraid to shine bright! You amaze me 🙂
Sandi, what a great post and invitation! Also a great prelude to the Moxie conversation this week! Thank you!
I’m most proud of myself for being open to the parenting gig late in life and for raising such a fantastic girl.
I love that I am a big fat YES to trying most anything. I have traveled to all but three states and several countries with plans to add more every year, I have walked on 40 feet of hot coals in my bare feet, attended a 10 day silent meditation retreat, skydived, snuba-ed, been an exchange student and host mother (to the lovely Helena of Panama) both for a year, I make friends easily and I’m always up for a challenge.
It is so easy to let “Lizzie” run the show, thanks for sending her out for ice cream so something else could take the lead!
@blisshabits OMG I love the image of Lizzie out looking for ice cream! That should keep her busy for awhile!!!
And I love that you so enthusiastically tooted your awesomeness for the rest of us to savour!
Okay, apparently I have an immature, adolescent boy living inside me who likes to snicker at the word “tooting.” This is NOT something I would like to toot (there he goes again) my own horn about! 🙁
@Carol Hess You and JennyBBones have the same boy apparently because she said something similar on Twitter earlier!
@Sandi Amorim hahah! So good to know I’m not alone 😀 I’m all about tooting *GIGGLES* my own horn regarding my sophomoric sense of humor!
@JennyBBones This is what they call foreshadowing right?
@JennyBBones This is what they call foreshadowing right?
@Sandi Amorim I do believe it is!
@Carol Hess You’re definitely not alone. I teach middle school boys, and for them, farting is a sport and a way to be initiated into the group. If I didn’t find farts (and all fart-related words) funny, I wouldn’t survive a single day. 🙂
@Ellen Berg Geez Louise, this post has been hijacked by teenage boy sensibilities and I’m outnumbered! @Carol Hess @JennyBBones 😉
@Sandi Amorim @Ellen Berg @JennyBBones
So much for high-minded, powerful coaching questions designed to stretch us. That’ll teach you!
Oh, my word, we are similar! My f-score was Passion/Rebellion, Arts major, and now tied for World’s Best Auntie. 😀 Can’t wait to meet you in Real Life at WDS!
@Michelle DeSpain I smell a kindred spirit! My f-score was Rebellion/Passion/Power 🙂
And there’s a hug with your name on it at WDS!
But hey, where’s your tooting sister???
I just had to look up my own blog post from last summer to remind myself of my entire f-factor score! This is my brain on 40s. hahahahaha!!!! Passion/Rebellion/Trust.
Let’s just say my Wild-Card secret matches yours. I just re-watched Eat Pray Love this weekend, and I’m still breathless over Javier Bardem. Can he be part of our little secret, too? 😀
Or here’s an easy one that everyone gets excited over: I snagged a spot on the show Trading Spaces back in the day. Genevieve designed my room/home office, and the producers FORCED me to hang in Cater’s shadow for the entire two days. 😉 (Insider’s tip: They really filmed for four days..)
@Michelle DeSpain Javier Bardem can be part of this and any future secrets we can come up with 😉
@Michelle DeSpain Javier Bardem can be part of this and any future secrets we can come up with 😉
Si! Fantastico!
I meant “Carter” above. It’s time to turn my bleary eyes away from the computer.
Sandi you have such a way with words…even with the word ‘toot” 😉
And now for my toots!
1. I have created and continue to create an awareness of my own “lizzie”, loving her for what she is, but opting to tap into my intuition more often than not
2. I have so much compassion for animals and helped rescue many dogs in my lifetime – and have found they have more than rescued me in return 🙂
3. I have loved and continue to love my man fully and deeply, and I’ve learned so much about myself in the process (4+ years going strong!)
4. I have been making my own way for the most part since I was 18, and I’ve never fallen behind on my financial obligations
5. I boldly follow my heart in career decisions, which led me to 7 years as an actress and now my new endeavors as a holistic life coach
Woot woot – that felt GOOD!!! Thanks Sandi 🙂
@MyMiBoSo “1. I have created and continue to create an awareness of my own “lizzie”, loving her for what she is, but opting to tap into my intuition more often than not”
Ohhhhh…this I LOVE. Because we cannot get Lizzie not chill out if we’re tossing hate bombs at her. Just recently I’ve been speaking to her like a child who’s afraid of a thunderstorm. I can find so much more compassion for myself that way.
@Ellen Berg @MyMiBoSo Yes and YES! We can never get rid of Lizzie but we can learn to, if not quite befriend her, turn down her volume so that we can get back to what’s important!
God, I love this conversation!
@MyMiBoSo Your enthusiasm for life Sabrina makes my heart sing! And when I think of the fortunate people who will soon call you coach…they are blessed.
@MyMiBoSo Your enthusiasm for life Sabrina makes my heart sing! And when I think of the fortunate people who will soon call you coach…they are blessed.
Just what I needed! (As usual) You’re a rockstar!
I have been self-employed for about a year now, after deciding one day that I wasn’t going to go to work anymore. I like this path too much to go back!
In addition to being self-employed and running Shanti Presence on my own, I am in school full time studying sociology and I’m doing really well!
I am going to help change the world with yoga and meditation.
I listen to my heart when it comes to any decision- doesn’t matter the size. Always seems to work out for me just fine. Most people say my way of thinking is irrational.
I am really good at conquering my fears. I’m not afraid to do the work it takes for me to get where I need to go.
I went on a 10-day silent retreat last year and will probably do another retreat this year.
I shaved my head just because I wanted to.
I’m saying yes to so many things and as a result so many opportunities have landed in my lap!
Also, you’re not alone in wanting to pack a bag and take off. I’m with you!
OMG, so much I love about your tooting! Your heart shines through in everything you do, everything you share. It’s what makes you so extraordinary and LOVABLE!
p.s. Silent retreats are my favourite form of self care!
I’m late to the party, but oh wellz. 🙂
I’ve always felt “something” whispering in my ear…”Hurry hurry, rush rush, you don’t have much time.”
I can train animals like a whiz, and have even lured wild foxes to me.
I am proud that I finished college early, despite profound hearing loss.
I’m the real McCoy, licensed in two states, trained in trauma, sexual abuse, and our wacky thinking patterns. Also? I was the high biller at my first agency, enabling them to keep the doors open with my earnest work & nitpicky auditing skills. I catch EVERYTHING that looks wrong to the government.
I am proud that I turned away from a job as a clinical director, making double what I was, because the director was profit driven instead of ethics driven. Uh-uh, nope.
I love it that my family relies on me to hold space & tons of glue for them, because therapy is more than a job to me….it’s who I am. That’s also why I’m so super insecure about my skills because it’s not a JOB, it’s called being freakin’ human.
When I was a kid, I was the top salesman for my school several years running. People said I could sell ice to Eskimoes and they’d count it a privilege to give me the money. 🙂
@jwitcraft Better late than never…especially with a loud & proud tooting like that!
@jwitcraft Better late than never…especially with a loud & proud tooting like that!