What Game Are You Playing?

Heard a profound message today about the game of Monopoly which really for me is a societal symbol of the "Game of Life."

We start out with nothing and we spend the whole time playing the game with hope, desire, strategy, need, greed, excess, and acquisition.  We hustle, work, dream, manifest, gather, possess, conquer and if we are lucky and or skilled we win.  Whether we admit it or not we all want to land on, own and monopolize Park Place. And no matter how many apartments and houses there are on St. Charles Place it never is good enough because we can't stop thinking about the money we'd collect if those houses and apartments were on Boardwalk. When the game is over we scoop it all up and put it back in the box because after all "it" was here before we got here, it will be here when we are gone. The truth is it was never ours anyway...it was all an illusion



Isn't this true about our lives? We come into the world perfectly imperfect having everything we need to survive, hopefully thrive and live our lives.  Yet some where in the journey it isn't enough.  We want more, we think we need more and we use every fiber of our being to acquire more. The brainwashing begins early from Cinderella, to Snow White to the TV advertisements that subliminally convert us into commercial zombies who never get full and are always on the prowl for the next thing to conquer and devour.

Minute by minute, day by day and year after year this thing called media has consumed us in ways we are oblivious to.  What "they" say (experts, critics, leaders, spokespeople, researchers etc.) seems to have far more credence than our innate knowing of what we need. I've chosen to unsubscribe to the overload and overwhelming message that bombard us every where we turn. I limit the amount of messaging coming in from a variety of sources and it allows me to go inward and listen to the messages I really need to hear.

When I really think about the game of Monopoly I can see how it's intent and motive has been embedded in our minds and souls. It's kind of sad actually yet we have the power to do something about it. We have the choice to play a new game. If you stop and look at the industry you work in you can see who is playing Monopoly very clearly.  You can hear it in their tone, you can sense it in their messaging and if you are in their presence over the phone or in person you can feel it in your bones. I challenge you to become more aware of this Monopoly mentality and how it shows up in your life and the people you run with. You may even need to ask yourself the question "What kind of game are you playing in life?"

Reality hit for me today again...at the end of the day, when our time is up here on earth it all goes back into the box. I've already started to play a new game and boy does it feel liberating and peaceful. Yes I want to live a good life.  I want to be paid to do work I love. I want to help people and live in my version of prosperity but not at the sake of selling my soul, being dishonest, excluding others, and or compromising my core values. So as I blaze a new trail of spiritual enlightenment I'll continue to share with you the aha moments along the way.  Little nuggets of insight that might inspire you to find the courage to break away from the pack, resist the hype and follow the voice of your soul.  

Until next time...be brave, be bold, be fearless and just be YOU!

Catrice M. Jackson

Empowerment Speaker

Fear-Free Living Expert and Author

www.theartoffearfreeliving.com

www.catriceology.com

Mindset Does Not Trump the Power of a God Lesson

What I am about to say may ruffle the feathers of some of the mindset and Law of Attraction (LOA) coaches and experts out there....but....here we go!

Let me start with a disclaimer first... I believe in all the mindset and LOA theories, philosophy, concepts and strategies. I've used many of them myself to think my way out of doubt and fears, to attract opportunities, to open doors and move from stagnation and excuses to inspired action.  Yet...I've experienced something more deep and spiritually profound. I've experienced the power of God moving and directing my life in ways I did not imagine or desire yet I am grateful for these soul awakening experiences.

So let me start ruffling the feathers...

When God the ultimate teacher, the beginning and the end and the source of all abundance and manifestation steps in and picks up the pen that writes your life story there is no mindset strategy or LOA technique that can overwrite the power of God's pen.  We are all on a spiritual journey and our purpose here on earth is grander than coaching, speaking, marketing and working our businesses. Our purpose is divine and we were chosen to be here for a spiritual mission. 

Sometimes we lose focus of why we are here.  Sometimes we let self get in the way of God's divine plan for our lives. Some times we, as my grandmother would say, get too BIG for our britches. We begin to think "I did this, I created this, I control this, I can do this and that......and we forget why and how WE are able to do all that we do. In other words we let our ego take the driver's seat and put God in the passenger's seat.  This is the perfect recipe for a life disaster and certainly the way to accelerate a soul collision.

We just like men and women in the bible will experience trials and tribulations. We'll encounter defeat, despair and doubt and we may even experience what I call valley moments; times of darkness, uncertainty and confusion. These too are part of God's classroom--the place and space where he teaches us some of the most important and profound lessons we will ever learn.  How do I know because I've been in the valley many times and no matter what mindset strategy or LOA tactic I tried God whispered "I am in control so get out of the driver's seat and let me do what I do best." Sure these man-made strategies can alleviate some of the stress in the struggle and they can give us hope for better days but what I know for sure is that class is not dismissed until the ultimate teacher is finished with his lesson.

For those of us coaches, business owners and servicepreneurs who believe in God, the Divine or Spirit---let's stop fooling ourselves into to believing that our thoughts are more powerful than God's will, word, plan and lessons. When God is teaching us, enlightening us, stretching and molding us there is nothing we can do but trust what doesn't make sense or feel good and know that we will emerge from the valley wiser, stronger and more resilient. Besides if you believe that your presence and purpose here is Divine why wouldn't you believe that our master teacher may have to show us better than he can tell us?

Mindset does matter and it can be a powerful effective strategy in creating the desires of your heart.  The Law Of Attraction is fantastic too I love what tapping into it can produce in our lives. But the valley moments, our spiritual lessons and the University of G.O.D trump any coaching strategy out there.  Sometimes we have to experience our lessons this way because it's the only way we wake up and listen. It's the only way we learn how to put our ego in the back seat. It's the only way we are reminded who's really in control and why we are here. What I love about these sometimes painful and dark lessons is that it allows us to delve deeper into our soul's purpose, our divine calling and our global mission to serve the world. This is God's moment to talk to you...

At the end of the day it's not about us, it never has been and never will be. It's about us being shaped and molded into the "being" we are to become so we can show up, be real, speak our truth and tell our stories to inspire others to do the same. We must be careful as coaches, leaders and healers to not always tell people "you're in this situation because of your mindset." So NOT true all the time. And when we do this we somehow falsely empower ourselves to have power greater than what we really have. I don't care how gifted, talented and skilled you are as a coach...you'll never have that kind of power. This is especially true if and when we are serving believers of the most high. We must honor their beliefs and be a guide as they take a seat in the classroom of G.O.D University. I've chosen to let God do what he does, when he wants to do it and how it needs to be done. 

Here's what I've learned about my valley moments...

1. Realize when you are in the valley.
2. Learn the difference between your own self-imposed detour and the detour of spiritual enlightenment.
3. Surrender to the cosmic lesson. Accept it is where you are suppose to be at the time.
4. Resist the temptation to struggle. Focus your energy on being open and willing to hear the message on a deep cellular level.

6. Seek the lesson, get the lesson, apply it to your life immediately and share the lesson with the world.
7. Think with your soul, speak from your soul and live from your soul.
8. Don't emotionally and mentally beat yourself up...that will keep you there longer.
9. Get still and quiet. Reconnect with God. Honor is power. Read. Study. Pray. Meditate.
10. Be fearless, trust the process, settle in, set up camp and just be.

And yes think positive and be optimistic. Focus your thoughts on the outcome not the situation. Give your energy to becoming better, wiser and more aware of the spiritual reason you are here and the purpose for your life.  I now take a front row seat, bring plenty of paper and pens, listen with intent and study hard so I can get the lesson and past the test of faith, courage, and resiliency....when I do this I always ace the course and am more prepared for the next lesson sure to come.

So if you are in the valley let me affirm for you that it may not feel good but you are there for a reason.  A positive mindset will provide more ease and grace in the journey and the Law of Attraction will help you manifest your desires. Know this and use the strategies often yet know that you may not emerge from the valley until you've really gotten the message, learned the lesson and transformed from the inside out on a deep soul level and all at Godspeed. You will emerge and soar higher into the soul purpose for your life.

No matter what be brave, courage and fear not the valley...it's where you get your wings! 

Catrice M. Jackson 
Empowerment Speaker and Fear-Free Living Expert
Ready to LIVE BRAVE?

Learn how to master the art of fear-free living here.

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones...

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." I can clearly see myself standing on the school yards of Irving and Crescent Park elementary schools saying those words and doing it with sass. Back then I really thought I threw up a serious shield and believed "those" words didn't hurt me. Today, I realize they did. How about this one "it takes one to know one (giggle)." Or "I know you are but what am I?" Those were weapons back in the day. Tools we as girls used to attempt to block the verbal blows put out by other girls.  We thought we were really doing something back then, standing with our hands on our hips, waving our finger and shouting out the cliches of girlhood games.  I can laugh at it now but I remember how much drama this caused in the cliques of elementary school.

These were real moments in time and unfortunately many women are still scarred by those verbal blows to the spirit. They are real moments today we've just gotten a little more sophisticated about how we do it. Oh yes the mean girl games still exist in 2011 and grown up women are playing hard yet pretending they don't play. Today we use savvy statements like "she's not on my level, she doesn't play big enough, it (she) doesn't resonate with me or  my purpose, and too many to name.  Bet you've heard these and probably said them yourself right? Um...huh...tell the truth.  I've said them many times but with good intention (yeah right, that's what we tell ourselves to make ourselves feel better). We are so savvy these days that one of our favorite weapons is to ignore another woman and not say a word.  Yep, we simply act as if she doesn't exist no matter how hard she tries to engage with us.  Different tactic same result.

Today I am more mindful when the urge to speak these words comes up. I stop to think what is the intention or motive behind it. I ask myself  "is there something I am afraid of?" Sometimes an answer comes to mind and other times it doesn't, but I'm still careful to not throw out verbal blows just because I have "the right to speak my mind." So what's up with this type of behavior? Why do we do this?

Have our ego's gotten so big? Do we forget where we really come from? Does it make us feel good? Or are we afraid of something.............I'm going out on a limb to say we just may be afraid.  You see fear is at the root of so many things that you'd be surprised.  When we envy another woman we fear we won't be able to be who she is or have what she has.  When we are jealous of another woman we fear that what she has will make her more popular and we will go un-noticed.  When we fail to acknowledge another woman's success we fear by promoting her her success will rise. When we ignore another woman reaching out to us we fear that our clique friends will wonder why we are hanging out with the no body's.  Oh yes my friend, fear is lurking underneath all these school yard games, believe it. I've felt all of the above and participated in it before and now realize how it de-values who I am and the recipient of those passive and aggressive sticks and stones.

Here's the NAKED truth. When you strip down and take off all the masks, titles and outer adornments your heart pumps like every other woman.  You breathe the same kind of air.  You deal with the same kind of ups and downs in life.  And oh yes when the "guru, expert, in-girl, or superstar" wipes off her makeup and puts on her PJ's she looks just like you.  So ladies...let's keep it real. It doesn't matter if your playing on the big field with bright lights or the school yard, the game is the same. Isn't it time for a new game? The game of integrity and consciousness?

There's a new way to be, to live, to act and show up in the world. Are you ready? Or will you let fear be your game board? To be continued...

Catrice M. Jackson
Fear-Free Living Expert, Speaker & Coach
http://www.theartoffearfreeliving.com
http://www.catriceology.com

Allow the Magic of Courage to Unleash Your Geni(us)!

If you are anything like me, I bet there have been times when you wished you had a Genie who would grant you three amazing wishes or more.  I bet you’ve longed for the magical pill that would make everything all right.  I even bet that you wish you could snap your fingers and create the life you dream of.  How do I know, because I’ve wished for all those things several times in my life and became fustrated and dismayed when they did not show up. I’ve even begged God to please fix it, make it better, show me the way and or give me a sign.  My wishes were granted but not in ways that I expected and often the answers or wishes were disguised in turmoil, darkness and or despair.  I soon realized that the blessing was in the mess and the clarity emerged from chaos.  Are you still waiting on a sign, an “aha” moment and or a gold-lantern to land in your lap?  You may get the sign and if you are aware you’ll experience “aha” moments but unfortunately the genie bottle or gold-lantern is not coming any time soon.  This I am certain of yet there is something magical about to happen in your life if you allow it to.

The truth about fear is that it will always be a part of your life.  The truth about fear is that it is a most often a future state of mind.  The truth about fear is that the best weapon against it is love.  The truth about fear is that it is powerful beyond measure.  The final truth about fear is that love of yourself, love of life, love for other people and love for the world can diminsh the power of fear and afford you more peace, joy, ease and grace in your life.  The truth about you is that you can choose to be fearless by living in the now moment, you can choose to love and accept who you are in your core and you can choose love when fear steps in.

It’s time for you to break free from the tightly woven fibers of fear and emerge into the world confident, free and liberated.  As you continue on this journey of living fearless always know that you have three powerful companions.  When you feel afraid put your hand on your heart and summon and awaken your Geni(us), activate your courage compass and call forth your champion.  You’ll learn more about these three power choices in The Art of Fear-Free Living. Keep taking steps in the dark and know I am with you and send you love and light.  Trust yourself because you are the Geni(us) so strap on your boxing gloves of love and get ready! Get ready to be challenged, stretched, and expanded because it’s your time to break free.  It’s your moment soar above and beyond your fears.  Be brave and allow the magic of courage to unleash your Geni(us)...

Excerpt from the book, The Art of Fear-Free Living: Awaken Your Geni(us)

Order your copy today!

Catrice M. Jackson

Speaker, Fear-Free Living Expert and Author

http://www.theartoffearfreeliving.com/

© 2011Emerge Consulting, LLC.  All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any electronic system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.  Brief quotations may be used in literary reviews.

Get Naked and Liberate Your Life

Go ahead admit it you feel FREE when you are naked. Even if you don't like what you physically see, being naked is for the most part a very comfortable and natural space and place to be in, would you agree? Why wouldn't it be, it's the way we came into this world.  My body is certainly not perfect, never will be and it really is something I desire. I've always been bigger than most of my friends, been chubby, healthy, thick and maybe even overweight to some.  Thank God for inner strength because I've heard my share of comments about my weight.  Still when naked I feel free although it happens only when showering or getting dressed.

So what's the talk about being naked you are wondering...well when is the last time you got mentally, emotionally and or spiritually naked? When's the last time you didn't identify yourself as woman, man, wife, coach, speaker, entrepreneur or other titles? When's the last time you didn't use words to describe who you are or let go of all the labels you put on who you are?  I did that weeks ago.  For seven days straight I stood in the mirror butt-bone naked and really looked at myself. I gently without judgment looked at every curve, dimple, scar, stretch mark and piece of cellulite.  I looked at myself from every angle and looked deep in my eyes to see into my soul.  For 7 days I asked myself very pointed questions like "who are you really, what's in your heart, what is your soul longing for, what do you need to be forgiven for etc." My body, my heart and my soul spoke to me; sometimes loudly and other times I could barely hear the response.  For 7 days with paper in hand I wrote down the responses, wrote the experience in the journal and set intentions for the day.

Whew! What a provoking, raw, real, sad and liberating experience that was.  Yes, I got NAKED for 7 days and learned more about myself than I had in  a long time.  I got NAKED and finally could hear what my mind, body and soul have been trying to say for a long time.  I got NAKED and allowed the brilliant woman within to speak her mind.  I got NAKED and peeled away the veils that kept a piece of me hidden from the world.  Oh am I glad I got naked...

I've always been pretty bold, outspoken and authentic but these 7 days have allowed me to shake off the expectations of the world and release a new me; a me that loves to be free! 

Now I'm taking 20 women on this journey of authenticity, freedom and personal power.  I giggle when I imagine what they are experiencing.  I smile because I know they are releasing their SHero.  My heart sings because I feel the heavy burden of fear, shame, guilt and doubt being lifted from their spirits.  I am humbled because they've trusted me with their lives.  I'm grateful because God gave me the gift of compassion in action and everyday I wake up and show up to elevate the lives of humanity. 

I know these women will be more wise, strong, liberated, inspired and free at the end of this 7-day course.  I know they will be ready for more.  They will expect more, demand more, command more and seek more of what they desire out of life and they will receive it because they are brave.

I'm looking forward to the next group of 20 women to start the course for FREE on May 2, 2011.  Will you be one of the 20, there are spaces left but only if you are ready to commit to the 7-day course.  If you'd like to get NAKED and free yourself visit http://www.catriceology.com/ and claim your set for the next Get NAKED 7-day Mini-Course.  It's time you get NAKED and liberate your life.

I hope to see you in the next course and if you are not ready to Get NAKED maybe you know someone who is so do share the opportunity. If you are ready to live fear-free grab your copy of The Art of Fear-Free Living by visiting http://www.theartoffearfreeliving.com/

Until we meet again,
Just live your life and make sure it's absolutely, fearlessly delicious!

Catrice M. Jackson

Fear-Free Living Expert, Speaker, Author and Radio Show Host

http://www.theartoffearfreeliving.com/

All Rights Reserved. Catrice M. Jackson Emerge Consulting, LLC © 2011.

Awaken the Geni(us) Within...

I've always known there was a powerful SHero within but many times I kept her at bay or didn't not fully embrace her power.  How about you do you sense the SHero within you? She whispers to you, she shouts at you, she "calls" you and she waits for you.  Regardless of whether you listen to her or not she is there, patiently waiting for you to rub on your heart 3 times and liberate her.  This is not about "hocus pocus" or some fantasy illusion, this is real talk.  Awakening your SHero simply means you finally start listening to that wise voice inside who knows exactly how you feel, what you need and what you desire. 

In my book, The Art of Fear-Free Living, I talk about the difference between your ShEgo and your SHero.  Your ShEgo is your inner critic, that voice inside that tells you that you can't or shouldn't.  It's the voice of competition and masculinity.  The ShEgo is relentless in "proving to you and others that you are worthy." When you are living from a ShEgo space you push, force, struggle, compete and are driven to "make it happen" in your life.  The SHero however, is your wise eye, that loving/gentle voice of femininity that tells you, you don't have to prove a thing, because you are phenomenal just the way you are.  When you are listening to and living from your SHero's voice life has less struggle and you experience more ease and grace!

Your SHero is your Geni(us), the all knowing, wise, gentle, compassionate, graceful voice and mindset that helps you show up in the world authentically without struggle.  The journey towards awakening your Geni(us) is yours and the steps towards fearless living are unique to you.  As you take steps towards your desired life listen more to your SHero because your ShEgo will talk you out of taking action and tell you that you are not worthy.  Listen to your SHero because has no intentions of sabotage, competition or pressure.  Lastly, listen to your SHero because that's where the power to create, dream, manifest and love comes from. 

I invite you to start a new journey today...

"Prepare to embark upon a magical soul journey to discover, embrace, release and celebrate the powerful brilliance of your inner Geni(us).  Sprinkled with life empowerment tips, inspirational quotes and fearless living strategies, you'll be inspired to summon your inner Genie and courageously grant your every command and the desires of your heart.  The Art of Fear-Free Living is your gold-lantern moment to break free from the captivity of fear, re-create your life story and liberate your life and dreams."

“Hop on your magic carpet, take a deep breath, trust yourself and let the magical awakening begin.”

Be brave, be bold, be courageous and release your SHero, the Genie you've been waiting for has been with you all along!  Let the magic begin, master The Art of Fear-Free Living!

Catrice M. Jackson

Fear-Free Living Expert, Speaker, Author and Radio Show Host

http://www.theartoffearfreeliving.com/

All Rights Reserved. Catrice M. Jackson Emerge Consulting, LLC © 2011.

Are You Seeking the Proof of Truth?

Many people expend a lot of mental, emotional and spiritual energy seeking FEAR (false-evidence-appearing-real).  They look for the proof that they are inadequate, undeserving, and or unworthy.  They wallow in fear, doubt, worry, hesitation, and procrastination.  Why would people do this you may ask?  Because it's familiar, it's comfortable and it's easier than being brave and looking for the proof of truth. 

While coaching the 5 new participants in my 6-week Art of Fear-Free Living course, I recall one of the participants focusing on the fear of being successful.  I asked her to take some time to think about and write down 10 past moments when she was successful.  She was excited to know there was the possibility that she was a success.  A simple exercise she performed with profound rewards!  Why is it so easy to look for defeat in our lives and difficult to seek the proof of truth?  We've become trained to look for the negative instead of being courageous enough to seek the positive, the brilliance within us.  I encouraged her to find one thing everyday that she has been successful at and to celebrate it.  This will help her develop the habit of looking for the greatness within herself and learn how to celebrate her genius.  I have no doubt she will incorporate this small action in her life that will help her take BIG leaps in her journey towards mastering the Art of Fear-Free Living. 

Mastering the Art of Fear-Free Living is simply a journey of truth.  A journey where you seek, discover, embrace, speak, live and share the truth about who you are, why you are here and what you were created to be and do in the world.  What are you giving your mental, emotional and spiritual energy to?

Which one is true of you?  Are you intentionally or subconsciously seeking False Evidence Appearing Real or are you seeking the proof of truth?  The truth that you are wise, brilliant, loving, successful and resilient.  The truth that you deserve love, success and happiness.  The truth that you are worthy of prosperity, fulfillment and life satisfaction.  Maybe you should do this simply profound exercise, maybe you need some proof that you are a brilliant genius who knows exactly what you need.

Take some time today and think about your life and make your proof lists and then use them as fuel to light the fire within you to begin mastering the Art of Fear-Free Living.

1.  List 10 moments you created, experienced and were responsible for the success in your life.

2.  List 10 reasons why you deserve love, success and happiness.

3.  List 10 moments when you were wise, brilliant and allowed your genius to shine.

If you desire to live more courageous and BE brave in your life you must stop focusing on FEAR (false-evidence-appearing-real) and intentionally with every fiber of your being begin focusing on creating, seeking and celebrating the PROOF OF TRUTH.  Mastering the Art of Fear-Free Living is all about a choice.  You must move beyond thinking about it and be about it.  That means quit dreaming about being fearless and instead get up, take a step, step in the dark if you have to, fail or succeed and keep taking steps. 

You can do it, I know you can if you choose...and seek the truth with each courageous step!

BE FEARLESS!

May God be with you on your journey...Follow my blog for more real-life stories in my journey, the journey of others and inspirational life empowerment strategies to help you wake up your champion within.



Catrice M. Jackson, the Courage Coach™
International Keynote Speaker and Author
America's Delicious Life Expert™
For booking and coaching information visit my website. http://www.catriceology.com/

All Rights Reserved. Catrice M. Jackson Emerge Consulting, LLC © 2011.