Our Wholistic Woman Story

Our Wholistic Woman Story

by | Oct 22, 2020 | Carol deLaski

Wholistic Woman Retreats Celebrates 10 Years of:

  • Wholistic growth – heart, mind, body, and spirit
  • Teamwork
  • Loving and learning together
  • Laughter and joy
  • Overcoming fears and a few tears
  • Encouragement and Celebration
  • Wholeness

My heart is warmed as I look back over the last 10 years of women’s retreats that we have created and led. I tend to be a forward thinker so a recent walk down memory lane, looking at photographs from our past retreats, left quite an impact on me. It stirred similar emotions as those I experience when I look at pictures of my children in their various ages and stages. I exclaimed over how much development has occurred while simultaneously fondly remembering the moments that led to such growth.

It’s good to see how far we’ve come as a community, and as individuals. Since pictures tell the story so well we will be sharing photos and memories over the next 10 weeks. We hope you will enjoy the memories with us as you see the smiles, hugs, and positive energy that flows from the faces of the women who participated in our retreats. Perhaps you will see your own face among them. We encourage you to share your memories of experiences with us over the years.

Our Story – 10 years in the making…

My most important lifelong lesson has been learning how to recognize, trust, and act upon the nudges God sends my way. The creation of Wholistic Woman Retreats has taught me more about listening to the nudges God places on my heart, the seeds He plants in my mind, and the stirring of His call within my spirit.

Our story began with a dream

As so often happens, the dream started well before any action occurred. The seeds of a retreat idea were planted in my heart about 10 years before WWR ever took shape. It began when I joined the Family Life Committee at my church and helped with the coordination of many family retreats at West River Retreat Center on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Many friendships were formed through those retreats, and an especially important one was with a young woman on the committee named Pat. 

Some friends lift you up and help you to be all that you are called to be. Pat has been such a friend for me. When I went to life coaching school, Pat volunteered to be my ‘guinea pig’ and allowed me to practice my coaching skills with her. As I did so, I shared a dream that was stirring in my heart. It was a dream to take what we had done for the church and offer it to women in our area. At that time, I was going through a difficult phase of my life and divorce was on the horizon.  As my hopes for a happy marriage ended, I entered a valley of grief and looked fearfully ahead at the prospect of raising my two young sons as a single mother. I felt lost and alone in this disappointing and confusing time. I responded to an inner nudge and began to reach out to try new things, lift my spirits, and make new friends. I reconnected with yoga, meditated, and explored spiritual practices that expanded my perspective, just to name a few. Feeling isolated, I even started to a side jewelry business in the evenings to get out and socialize with other women. In these years, I often felt overwhelmed and overloaded and realized that many other women felt the same way, whether they were single mothers or not. It seemed to be a universal female experience. My gift of empathy led me to deeply care about the challenges that I saw in the women around me, and which I recognized within myself.   

I wanted to give those struggling women a break. The memory of the rejuvenating benefits of those family retreats resurfaced. I recognize that when we get away from the day-to-day grind we can truly rest, reflect, gain new perspectives, learn skills to manage better, and feel recharged. Once filled we return to our family commitments, jobs, and activities with renewed energy.

My early retreat ideas were of a physical place where women could gather to enjoy coffee, connect with one another, perhaps take a yoga class, or learn new life skills while their children were well-cared for. I envisioned a coffee shop/retreat center that would provide a haven for stressed out young mothers, empty nesters, and women searching for something yet to be defined. I visited various locations and my faithful friend Pat would sit in my car, sometimes in the pouring rain, while we talked about what was possible.

The dream, however, took an important directional change when my cousin asked a significant question one day. He asked, “Do you want to own property or be a coach?” I quickly knew the answer. My gifts are clearly designed for coaching. I’m a teacher, listener, encourager, planner, and cheerleader at heart. I’m grateful for my cousin’s question because it steered me away from the responsibilities of commercial property ownership and directed me towards leading retreats. Little did I know that it would also mean leading a retreat team.

At the core of my dream was the desire to support, encourage, and pamper women like myself, who give a lot to their families, friends, community, and careers. Women who needed a break, and a chance to refill their ever-depleting tanks. My strategic strength kicked in and expanded the vision to include massages, body work options and even shopping. I also wanted to offer learning opportunities where they could discover strategies to improve and more consistently be their best…however they defined it.

As my dream continued to evolve in my mind and heart, I started speaking about it to others besides my friend Pat. I was encouraged when women would say to me, when you have your retreat, I want to come. My heart was touched even more when, occasionally, some women would say, when you do your retreat, I want to help. Those statements were water that sprouted the seeds within me and from which this organization ultimately grew.

The story takes shape

In the fall of 2009 I went for coffee with a new friend, Jeanette Eleff, who was a fellow coach and entrepreneur. She was curious to hear more about my dream of doing retreats and she asked great questions to help me give voice to my vision. In the end, she summarized with, “Carol, I can tell that you’re a mover and a shaker. I want to help you do this retreat.” My response indicated the self-doubt I was feeling, “Really? Do you mean that?” You see, my top strengths lie in relationship-building. I’m better at connecting with people and thoughts than with actually making a dream become a reality. I have found that I need people around me who activate me into action. Without Jeanette’s prompt, I might still be thinking about my vision to this day. Her reply of “Yes, I certainly do mean it” changed my life and, as a consequence, touched many, many other lives.

Jeanette and I met throughout the fall to plan a day retreat for women which would be held the following spring. As we planned, I mentioned that several women had offered their help once the dream was in motion. We agreed to invite those women to a planning meeting. So, on a January day in 2010, I lit a cozy fire, poured cups of hot tea, and sat in a circle with five women who shared the heartfelt call to lead a retreat. Jeanette and I welcomed Kelye, Laura, Sandie and Lisa into our circle and in doing so the Wholistic Coaching Coalition took shape. In three short months we planned and held what would be the first of many wonderful retreats to nurture women’s personal and professional development. 

To be clear, we didn’t plan to start a retreat organization. We simply planned a retreat. We agreed on the core principal that it would be wholistic – and purposefully spelled it with a ‘W’ to remind us of our intention to provide programs focused on the whole women – her body, heart, mind, and spirit.  The first retreat was held in the Catoctin Mountains at a beautiful lodge known as ThorpeWood. We invited practitioners to offer their services, thus providing an element of pampering and education about alternative bodywork – acupuncture, reiki, massage, chiropractic and more rounded out a day of reflection, learning new life skills, good food, laughter, and mutual support. Forty-five women joined us for this day retreat in the woods. For me, it was a dream come true as I walked among them, felt their energy, and saw their glowing faces. It felt amazing to pour into others and to have our offerings received with such appreciation. We were providing a gentle, soaking rain of love onto the thirsty soil of these women’s lives…and in doing so we blessed our own lives.

Some dreams are too big to do alone.

At the closing session of the first retreat, I reflected that I couldn’t have done it without the team of women who showed up and offered their assistance. I still believe that today, 10 years later. Some visions require a team to make them a reality. My dream took flight with Jeanette’s spark of encouragement and the subsequent team that formed. We co-created something that was wonderfully enriching for women. Through this, I’ve learned that I thrive when I am interdependent with others whose talents complement mine. My developer and woo strengths expanded to initiate partnerships with other coaches and business partners. My dream became a shared vision, and we went on to hold many kinds of retreats over the past 10 years. Day retreats, overnight retreats, evening retreats, and most recently a long-desired destination retreat to Sedona, AZ. Each retreat provided a platform for founding and partner coaches to teach their area of expertise and to provide the attendees with new resources, tools, and strategies for personal and professional development.

We believe that each program attracted the women who were meant to be there. Each one attracted the sponsors who felt led to support us, allowing us to offer enhancements that would not have been possible without them. Expanding from our home base of Frederick Md, we have held retreats in Virginia, Pennsylvania, other parts of Maryland, and now Sedona, AZ. Over the years, a wonderful community of women as formed. We refer to them as women-on-the-grow. They are busy women who know how important it is to take time to recharge. Retreats are key to sustaining their well-being and to continuing their lifelong development. Some of these women have stayed with us for a season of their lives, others came for just a single event, and still others have stayed connected to us throughout our ten-year journey. We have welcomed and cared for them all.

Our belief is one of attraction.

We believe that the women who are meant to attend our programs will arrive right on time. Personally, I believe God is nudging and/or calling them to us. I trust that they know within themselves which of our coaches and partners they are meant to connect with and to follow. 

As coaches, we are skillful at meeting each woman where she is and accepting her for how she is. We practice non-judgment with open minds and hearts. We give encouragement and celebrate progress. We believe in life-long learning and personal growth. We teach tips and strategies to expand self-awareness which ultimately leads to more choices. With increased awareness we can decide if we want to continue what we are doing or if we want to make changes, either slight or major shifts. We offer an environment of love and support. Women soak up knowledge and deepen the roots of their own spirit in our midst. Hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits grow stronger and more confident in this rich soil.

This beautiful organization has been a dream come true. 

I celebrate our 10 years of living, loving, and growing together.

I celebrate the original team, and the subsequent team which evolved as some women moved on and others joined us on this journey.

I celebrate the many coaches (both founders and partner coaches) who have contributed their unique voices and expertise to our community.

I celebrate the alliance partners who offered their expertise providing necessary business skills to support the smooth operation of this impactful organization. 

Most of all, I celebrate the women – in all their stages of life – who have attended our programs.

I am profoundly grateful for the growth I have been honored to witness. Thank you for being part of my life lesson as I continue to learn about following God’s nudges and the calling He stirs within my heart. My soul bows to each of yours in gratitude for being on the journey together…then – now – and in the days ahead.

4 Skills Your Group Coach Should Have

4 Skills Your Group Coach Should Have

by | Sep 23, 2020 | Group Coaching

Whether you’re attending as an individual or signing up your team, you know group coaching is the next right step. You’re ready to bounce ideas off of other people and receive helpful feedback. But how do you know which group coach will be a good fit for you? Here are four skills you should expect a quality group coach to have:

Active listening

Does your group coach listen patiently and make you feel heard? An article from the Gift of Life Institute on the importance of active listening states, “Listening has been shown to be essential to communicating respect for another person.” Active listening goes beyond simply hearing what a person says and physically shows empathy, understanding, or a desire for clarification through nodding, asking follow-up questions, and using affirming language. “Active listening includes responses that demonstrate that you understand what the other person is trying to tell you about his or her experience.”

Red flag to look for: interrupting and dismissive language. In fact, your group coach should not only be an active listener himself/herself, but also be able to foster active listening within the group.

Goal-setting

Group coaching participants can be working together on the same goal or may be comprised of individuals with similar goals. A great group coach will listen to your pain points, ask meaningful questions, and come alongside you to create goals that are clearly defined and achievable. He or she will help you stay focused as you work towards meeting your goals.

Red flag to look for: criticism and judgment. If you find yourself struggling to succeed, your coach should provide encouragement and practical suggestions.

Constructive feedback

One of the best benefits of group coaching is receiving constructive feedback. Remember, you have to be open to receiving feedback in order to see results! A skilled coach will not only provide you with direct feedback, but also facilitate a group environment that encourages honesty, curiosity, and open communication. Constructive feedback is achieved by asking questions and offering positive and motivating responses.

Red flag to look for: a negative group environment. Part of the group coach’s job is to create a safe and healthy foundation built on trust and mutual respect.

Accountability

Your group coaching sessions will include time for “checking in” on your goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with members of your group outside of the sessions. A successful group will celebrate one another’s successes and continue challenging one another to grow.

Red flag to look for: lack of follow-up from the group coach. Your group coach should be engaged in your journey.

Looking for group coaches you can trust? Our team of professional coaches offers coach-facilitated groups where you can expect to benefit from all four of the above skills (and more)!

3 Ways to Maximize Your Professional Development

3 Ways to Maximize Your Professional Development

by | Sep 10, 2020 | Personal Development

When was the last time you did something for yourself? We often think of self-care in terms of at-home activities such as reading a novel, taking a bath, or going for a run. But if the core purpose of self-care is to address our mental, emotional, and physical health, we need to learn how to weave it into our work, too. Enter professional development — the process of improving and increasing your capabilities in the workplace.

By learning new skills and ways of thinking, you are literally changing your brain. (How cool is that?) Consider how learning might bring you more satisfaction at work. Consider how getting outside of your comfort zone might open the door to opportunities you didn’t know existed. The great thing about professional development is there’s no graduation ceremony — you are a life-long learner!

Here are three ways to maximize your professional development, and in turn, take great care of yourself.

Embrace a growth mindset

Have you heard of a “fixed mindset” versus a “growth mindset?” If you believe your qualities are unchangeable and that you can’t change your intelligence over time, you have a fixed mindset. You likely avoid challenges because you’re afraid of failure, you strongly desire people to view you as smart, and you’re devastated by criticism. (Does this sound like you? That’s okay! The good news is, you can change your mindset.)

Those with a growth mindset believe intelligence can be developed, and they view failure as an opportunity to learn and try again. They see possibilities, rather than limitations.

The hard truth is you won’t get far in your professional development if you approach it with a fixed mindset. Check out the fascinating book “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck to learn more about how to foster a new way of thinking that promises a huge impact on not only your work but your relationships as well.

Invest in business coaching

Imagine being able to take yourself out of the equation and see your work life from an unbiased eye. You simply can’t do that alone — you need the help of someone with zero personal attachments to your work.

A business coach is a valuable asset for anyone wanting to maximize their professional development. He or she will listen to your concerns and help you create a path forward. You’ll receive helpful feedback, actionable steps, and accountability.

Spend more time on your hobbies

Yes, you read that correctly. Playing the guitar, cross-stitching, hiking… the list goes on. Engaging in hobbies has a positive impact on your professional development because satisfaction and enjoyment in your personal life can’t help but spill over into your work life.

For example, imagine spending your weekend pulling weeds out of your yard, dead-heading your roses, and plotting out a vegetable garden. By the end of the night, you’re sweaty and exhausted, but you can see the visible fruit of your labor and you’re excited to get started on your vegetable garden. You wake up Monday morning sore but happy, and you’ve wired a message into your brain that hard work pays off. You’re ready to tackle the big project your boss has entrusted you with.

Are you ready to care for yourself well and maximize your professional development by changing the way you think, being open to feedback, and embracing a hobby you love? You can do this! We’re here to help.

3 Ways to Take Charge of Your Professional Growth

3 Ways to Take Charge of Your Professional Growth

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Professional Development

If we’ve learned anything from living through a pandemic, it’s that we are resilient. We have what it takes to adapt and grow, even if the process is uncomfortable. For working professionals, this pandemic has brought on countless challenges. We’ve had to learn how to work from home while also managing our families. We’ve missed out on networking events and happy hours with our coworkers. We’ve had to figure out how to attract and retain clients during a time when everyone’s livelihood seems uncertain. 

The good news is, we’re still here. And if you haven’t used the past few months to take charge of your professional growth, now is the time to do it! There’s no time like the present to bone up on business skills, reach out to your network, and find a coach or accountability partner. So let’s get started!

  1. Bone up on your business skills – One of the perks of living in this day and age is having the ability to access a ton of educational resources! If you have a question, someone has an answer. If you don’t know how to do something, you can easily find tutorials to walk you through the process. Even the most skilled professional can benefit from learning something new. How well do you navigate technology such as Microsoft Suite or G Suite, Mailchimp, Hubspot, etc? When was the last time you practiced public speaking? Do you know how to best attract clients to your website? Have you tried any new methods of brainstorming or developing ideas? Websites such as Skillshare, Lynda, Career Contessa, and LinkedIn are great resources for professional growth.
  2. Reach out to your network – You likely haven’t been to a networking event in months. Thankfully, you can reach out to people from the safety of your own home! Don’t fret about the many people you haven’t had the opportunity to meet and network with, and instead focus on the people who are already in your network. Shoot an e-mail (or go the extra mile and send a written note) letting your friends and colleagues know that you’re thinking of them and would love to offer your services. Include a line about how much you’d appreciate if they’d pass your name along to others. Check out this article for things to keep in mind when reaching out to your network.
  3. Find a coach or accountability partner – If you want to really prioritize your professional growth, don’t try to go at it alone! Instead, invest in a business coach. A business coach offers an unbiased opinion, accountability, and clarity. Your coaching will be tailored specifically to your needs. Are you looking for advice on how to balance your new side gig with your full-time job? Are you stuck in your career and unsure how to move forward? Are you experiencing imposter syndrome or burnout? A business coach will provide a listening ear and helpful input.

If your budget can’t include a coach right now, reach out to someone you admire and ask if he or she would like to have an accountability partnership. 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshops & Retreats: What’s the Difference?

Workshops & Retreats: What’s the Difference?

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Retreats

You’re ready to gain new skills or hone your craft in a group setting. The question is, should you sign up for a workshop or a retreat? While they both involve an element of learning, workshops and retreats are quite different types of events. Let’s take a look at what each event type involves, who they benefit, and how to decide between the two.

What is a Workshop?

A workshop is designed for a small group of people to hone specific skills in a relatively short amount of time. They can be held virtually or in-person. The skills learned often relate to a particular field or craft, such as marketing, writing, or personal finances. Since workshops are designed for teacher to student learning, there is often little time for socialization. Lastly, while they can range from a few hours to a weekend commitment, workshops are one-time events. 

The Benefits of Attending a Workshop

You can think of a workshop as a quick crash course taught by an expert. If you desire to increase your knowledge on a subject, but you don’t have the time or money to spend on a lengthy course, a workshop is a great option for you. You’ll be challenged to think outside the box and leave with practical action steps. 

What is a Retreat?

According to Merriam-Webster, a retreat is “a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director.” Retreats are in-person events and last for at least one day, but can be as long as a weekend or even one to two weeks! Most retreats offer some form of instruction, while also including free time for reflection, socializing, or practicing a craft (i.e. writing, knitting, or yoga). 

The Benefits of Attending a Retreat

Stepping away from your daily life to reconnect with yourself and/or nature provides a boost to your mental health. Retreat settings tend to be conducive to creativity and reflection. You also have the benefit of growing alongside your fellow participants and are given the opportunity to deepen relationships with others.

Should I Attend a Workshop or a Retreat?

The main difference between the two types of events is that workshops are focused on learning or honing a specific skill, and retreats tend to focus on spiritual or personal growth. If you’re looking to fill a notebook with helpful suggestions and action steps, check out a workshop. Remember, workshops aren’t designed for networking or peer interaction. If you long for the time and space to focus on creative pursuits or unplug from the grind, look for a retreat to attend! You’ll enjoy learning from a facilitator or coach while also having plenty of time to connect with others and yourself.

Join the Wholistic Women community on a retreat to Sedona, AZ! 

Soulful Sedona Destination Retreat

Soulful Sedona Destination Retreat

by | Jul 23, 2019 | Gratitude, Retreats

Soulful Sedona Destination Retreat

Exploration and Growth in Red Rock Country!

PLEASE JOIN THE WAITING LIST BELOW

Wholistic Women Living, LLC is ready to embark on their 6th soulful journey to beautiful Sedona, Arizona. There is plenty of time to pause and play in a supportive space with certified coaches and reconnect with our wise women selves.

This three-night Soulful Sedona destination retreat: Amplify What’s Inside is held at the award-winning Arabella Sedona, where you get to experience nature and discover yourself at this laid-back desert lifestyle resort. Sedona, a land of timeless beauty, is surrounded by natural red rock sculptures and national forests. It’s suggested that Sedona, as a whole, is a vortex, a place in nature where the Earth is exceptionally alive and healthy.

Kelye Rouse Brown, founder of Wholistic Women Living, LLC, has been traveling to Sedona for over 30 years and says the more you develop your relationship with this land, the more it will reward you with magical experiences. Any season is a wonderful time to visit Sedona, but we find October’s average high temperature of 77 is the best for immersing
yourself in this soulful splendor.

Our Sedona adventure begins on Thursday evening with our signature Prickly Pear Reception to include what else, Prickly Pear Margaritas and some tasty Prickly Pear Flan and more at the Molé restaurant, fine cuisine of Mexico.

Each morning, we enjoy a hot breakfast followed by meditation and movement, like Let Your Yoga Dance to awaken your chakras, crystal energy and gentle yoga.  Daily journaling and personal growth sessions are facilitated by our Wholistic Coaches with fun red rock excursions added each day to play. 

The sunset vista, stargazing and smore’s by the firepit are available every evening.  In closing, we have a special ceremony and gift planned to help you celebrate and create a more positive pathway to living your best life.

In addition to our soulful retreat program, there are opportunities to hike or bike, shop at Hillside and Tlaquepaque Arts Village with famous galleries, within walking distance, from our accommodations and/or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross or the Stupa sacred landmark and so much more.  Our accommodations are in the heart of Sedona, so location, location, location is a big part of our destination retreat. We enjoy our new sister insights, stories with women on the grow and wholehearted awareness to bring back and embrace Wholistic Women Living.

We can’t wait to explore, wonder and Be Whole at our Soulful Sedona 2025 Destination Retreat.

 

    Soulful Sedona 2025 Waiting List

    Sign up here to be added to the waiting list or note interest for the 2025 Sedona Retreat! We hope to see you next year!

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    “This journey was empowering and magical beyond all belief. I was able to be in touch with a childlike and primal part of myself that I thought had long gone extinct. I enjoyed every single aspect of the trip from the seminars, to the art, to the activities, to the nature, and the beautiful Sedona surroundings. Plan to attend next year.”

    “Sedona and Wholistic Women have been life-changing for me. I feel that I have, and continue to grow spiritually. Thank you for making this world an even better place! ❤️”

    “This is my second year in a row attending this magical and spiritual Soulful Sedona retreat and I plan on attending again next year. This is a safe place that allows you to feel your feelz with no judgement. The energy alone in Sedona is so magical. Soulful Sisters for life!”

    “The Wholistic Living Women’s retreat was truly a life changing adventure. From self-discovery, releasing of emotions, new friends and deeper bonds to the incredible conversations and gorgeous views. Just almost leaves me speechless, yet I could go on for hours about this trip. I am already dreaming of our next adventure!”

    “I love that Wholistic Women Living give an opportunity to women to experience the magic of Sedona and the transformation that occurs during the high-level quality that is put into this retreat.”

    “I didn’t just connect with parts of myself that I had forgotten about, I connected with a group of beautiful, strong women that I can call sisters.”

    “Going on the Soulful Sedona trip has been a dream of mine for the 5 years it has been in existence. To finally have been part of it was a dream come true and did not disappoint. Meeting the amazing women that I met and gew to love in a very short time is something I will take with me forever. Thank you for following your dream and sharing it with all of us Kelye!!! I love you all!”

    “The Sedona experience has given me strength to let go and find peace in my soul!❤“

    FAQ:

    What is the agenda of the retreat?

    Cost

    What does the retreat cost?

    Pricing will be available closer to the retreat dates.

    Are there payment options?

     

    Payment plans are available if paying by check.

    To participate in a payment plan check that option when completing your registration.

    Do you give refunds?

    We do not give refunds. Contact our wholistic community support team for assistance in transferring your retreat registration and call Arabella directly to cancel your hotel reservation.

     

    Soulful Sedona Orientation

    Once you have registered for our Soulful Sedona retreat you will be invited to our virtual orientations prior to take-off. We hold these to answer additional questions, start forming the sisterhood/re-connecting, and discuss logistics or rooming. Many ladies are open to sharing a room to help on cost.

     

    Flight & Accommodations

    How do I get there?

    Flagstaff Airport is the closest small commercial airport, just a 45 minute scenic drive from Sedona.

    Phoenix International Airport is a lovely 2 hour drive from Sedona.

    We recommend that you book your flight with Southwest Airlines (typically $450)

    It is recommended that you talk to others about sharing a rental car. We will help you connect with other attendees.

    What hotel do you recommend?

    A special block of rooms under Wholistic Women Living has been reserved for us at the award-winning Arabella. Visit their website and call their hospitality staff directly to reserve your room at 928-282-7151. They’re expecting your call!

    What can you tell me about the hotel?

    Cradled among the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona and rambling Oak Creek, experience the spectacular beauty of Sedona with us!  Enjoy a complementary cruiser bike to explore Historic Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and Hillside Galleries or relax with a glass of wine at sunset from the picturesque Scenic Overlook, complete with comfortable Adirondack Chairs. Experience nature, discover yourself, at the award-winning Arabella Sedona!

    Can I cancel my room if something comes up?

    Call Arabella directly if you need to cancel.

    Clear the Clutter

    Clear the Clutter

    by | Jul 27, 2020 | Authors, Donna Kettell, Self-Care

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move into a new home and take nothing, or at least very little, with you?  I have and that’s prompted by my desire to live clutter free.  The less clutter I have, the less stressed I feel.  It’s just that simple for me.  A clutter free space truly makes me happy.

    If you came to my house, you’d see several books about decluttering, organizing, and keeping only those things that spark joy.  I love to clear things out and organize spaces because the payoff for me is truly a sense of peacefulness and clarity.  You might think that I have a home that is completely clear of clutter since this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and yet that isn’t true.  Some rooms stay clutter free much of the time, and others manage to get out of control occasionally. Why is that?  Probably because the spaces that get out of control are less visible like spare bedrooms, closets, the basement or the infrequently used dining room table.

    Clutter is most likely to build up when life gets busier than normal and I don’t make the time for a regular practice.  Before I know it, I have an overwhelming decluttering job to tackle.  Clearing the clutter works best when I make it a part of my routine around the house, like getting the dirty dishes into the dish washer, vacuuming or doing laundry.  Clutter can make me feel distracted, overwhelmed, and raises my stress level, even if it’s in very subtle ways.  I know that when I declutter, even in the smallest ways, I have quite the opposite reaction.  I feel happy, honestly almost giddy at times when the things piling up on the kitchen table, or thrown haphazardly in a closet are straightened up.  Years ago, I worked for a large financial institution and a few close colleagues would joke with me that they knew when I was working on a project that was very challenging when they saw me standing in front of my desk with a very focused look, throwing papers away, and clearing off my desk with a passion.   I seemed to do that when I really needed to focus intently on a difficult task.  Taking a few minutes to clear my desk off completely, and get rid of things that weren’t needed allowed me to clear my mind and concentrate on the one priority I had without being weighed down by the distractions sitting on my desk.

    I’m sure many of you are familiar with Marie Kondo and her books on tidying up.  Kondo states that to successfully declutter, we should ask if each item in our home “sparks joy”, and if it does not truly spark joy, to thank it for being in our life and let it go.  I have found that the “spark joy” test to be very profound.  You may think that there are lots of things that you need in your home that do not spark joy, but you still need them.  At first, I thought that too, and then realized that even small things like my favorite knives in the kitchen, my amazing vacuum, or fluffy towels in the bathroom can spark joy.    If you’d like to check out Marie Kondo in action with some of her clients, you may enjoy her Netflix series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.  Her practice promotes taking everything out of closets, drawers, etc. all at one time and item by item deciding whether they are worthy of keeping.  If you can manage that, you’ll soon be on your way to being 100% clutter free.  However, I use a combination of ideas that work for me, some pieces of her practice as well as tips and tricks from other sources that work well.

    Getting started can be the toughest part of decluttering.  It helps to have a clear vision of your clutter free space.  What’s that look like and how will that make you feel?  Once you have some clarity around your motivation for decluttering, here are a few ideas to help you get started.

    First, get a bag for trash and a box for donations.  Set a timer on your phone for 20 minutes.  Go room to room finding things that can either be thrown away or donated and fill that bag and box.  You may be amazed at the progress you’ll have in just 20 minutes.  And, there is nothing magical about the timeframe – do it for 10 minutes or 45 minutes, whatever works for you.  Just keep it simple and manageable.  Then, celebrate that success by throwing out the trash and putting the donation box in your car to deliver to your local charity.  This small step will start some momentum for you, and you’ll feel good about doing a bit more.

    Start small – perhaps you clean out the spice cabinet, throwing out the expired items and organizing the remaining bottles, all in one place.  And, think about the decluttering based on categories, for example, books, gift wrap/bags and cards,  files, cleaning supplies, seasonal decorations.  These things may be scattered in several rooms and when you gather them all into one space, it’s easier to create a good space for them and find them easily when you need them.  Having one place to look for each type of item can reduce stress, and eliminate the need to purchase things that you already have somewhere!  Once you have tackled a few smaller tasks, you’ll most likely have the energy and enthusiasm to declutter larger areas for longer periods of time.

    Imagine clearing out clutter to bring more joy and peace into your life.  Visualizing that may make the work of clearing your clutter feel more purposeful and impactful.  On Wednesday, July 29th Wholistic Woman Retreats will be hosting a virtual event called Clear the Clutter.  As one of the partner coaches at WWR, I’ll be facilitiating the event and talking about clearing out what I call life clutter.  We’ll talk about more than the clutter in our physical spaces.  We’ll also consider the emotional, mental and spiritual life clutter that could be holding us back or making us feel stuck. You’ll create a customized plan for yourself that will help you to design a life that is peaceful and full of joy. I hope you will join us on July 29!

    Grow Your Business With Group Coaching

    Grow Your Business With Group Coaching

    by | Jun 22, 2020 | Group Coaching

    Businesses all over the world are learning to make adjustments due to coronavirus. If you find yourself in the position of desiring growth but don’t know what the next step looks like, find comfort in knowing you’re not alone! Now is a great time to join forces with other entrepreneurs and support one another’s success through group coaching. Group coaching is a coach-facilitated meeting (in-person or virtual) where people with similar goals brainstorm ideas and offer advice to another. Here are X Ways group coaching can help you grow your business:

    1. Receive feedback on your mission statement and services – Group coaching offers a safe place to work on communicating your business’s mission and services. Whether you’ve owned your business for six months or six years, effectively communicating your work to others is always a skill worth perfecting! Toss around ideas for re-wording your mission statement or adding new services during your group coaching conversation. Keep a notebook handy to record the feedback you receive.
    2. Learn new business tools – Are you using Slack, Hubspot, GSuite, Plann, Trello, or MailChimp? Did your eyes just glaze over a little bit? If one of your goals is related to better organization, client management, or communication, take advantage of the expertise of your group coaching peers. Plus, you’ll not only hear first-hand recommendations, but you’ll also receive the benefit of accountability!
    3. Enjoy a network of support – Making friends with other business owners is a major perk of group coaching. While everyone in the group will have similar goals, you’re likely to learn and grow alongside people of different ages and stages of life. Take time to appreciate the value of their advice and support! Consider teaming up with one or a few of your coaching call peers to create a plan for sharing one another’s services. The more connected you are with other business owners, the more connected you will be to the community as a whole – which in turn will connect you to more potential clients!
    4. Commit to a strategy – Your group coaching facilitator will help you identify a strategy that you can begin putting into practice to help you reach your goal(s). During the meeting, you’ll be asked to update the group on your progress. The “check in” is a time for making observations, noting successes and challenges, and setting new intentions for the next meeting. Each participant learns, grows, practices, and repeats this process at each coaching session.
    5. Discover a renewed passion for your business – Group coaching sessions will help you focus your attention on your “why.” Identifying your why offers clarity by bringing to mind what your strong suits are and why you do whatever it is you do. If you’ve felt confused lately, or wonder if you’re missing out on something, the honest and confidential conversations that occur during group coaching will help get you back on track. Knowing you are supported by others is incredibly motivating, and will supply you the motivation and energy you need to move forward.

    Are you ready to grow your business with group coaching?

     

    4 Ways to Prioritize Your Professional Development

    4 Ways to Prioritize Your Professional Development

    by | Jun 15, 2020 | Professional Development

    When was the last time you learned a new skill, spoke in front of a group, attended a networking event, or connected with a mentor? If it’s been a while, you may want to consider carving out time to do so. You’ll never regret making the decision to prioritize your professional development. Staying current in your field will keep you in the competition, and learning extra skills will set you apart from the pack. Plus, professional development boosts self-confidence, helps you achieve your goals, and allows you to teach others what you’ve learned.

    We understand that 2020 has been a strange year for everyone, especially business owners and employees. However, people are finding creative ways to push past stagnation and further their professional development. Check out these 4 ideas for inspiration:

    Attend a Conference

    If you’ve ever attended a conference for personal or professional reasons, you know how incredibly impactful the experience can be. You learn from experienced professionals, have opportunities to meet new people, and are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired. Here are two to consider attending this year:

    INBOUND 2020 on 9/22 and 9/23 is an event designed to educate and empower people in marketing and sales. The event founders are promising that this year’s digital experience will still incorporate the energy and connectivity that their previously in-person event was known for. You can attend for free, or sign up for their $69 “powerhouse” pass for premium access to content and extra perks. 

    The Massachusetts Conference for Women on 12/10 is a one-day event that, in the past, has sold out to over 10,000 attendees! The retreat is virtual this year, and attendees will hear from two keynote speakers, have the opportunity to choose 3 of 12 breakout sessions on the day of the conference, coordinated networking, and access to a virtual exhibit hall and bookstore. All 12 breakout sessions will be available for playback for one week following the conference.  Early bird tickets are $125 per person and will be available June 24th.

    Invest in Private Coaching

    If you like the idea of receiving inspiration and motivation but aren’t sure you’re ready to commit to a conference, consider hiring a business coach! With private coaching, you’re given the opportunity to confidentially share business problems and concerns, and receive feedback and action steps for ways to move forward. Investing in private coaching is a great way to invest in and prioritize your professional development.

    Learn Something New

    The next time you find yourself with a spare 10-30 minutes at work, fill it with learning a new skill instead of browsing the Internet. Sit back and gain insight on any number of professional development skills, from negotiating to public speaking to updating your social media accounts. Check out Skillshare, Lynda, Career Contessa, and LinkedIn to see the many courses available to entrepreneurs and working professionals! And don’t forget to check to see if your library card gets you free access to business resources!

    Gain Insight From Podcasts

    Whether you have a steady job or are a starving entrepreneur, you likely appreciate any free resource you can get your hands on! If a conference, coaching, or online course isn’t in your budget right now, plug in your earphones and turn on a business podcast! Here are a few to consider subscribing to:

    • The Authentic Audience – As the name suggests, this podcast is all about helping businesses cultivate an authentic relationship with their customers.
    • How I Built This – Be inspired by the true stories of how entrepreneurs developed their companies, such as FitBit, Ben&Jerrys, and EventBrite. The NPR-produced podcast is currently running a series on resilience, which provides insight into how businesses have navigated the coronavrius pandemic.
    • Goal Digger – Self-made millionaire Jenna Kutcher packs action steps into her podcast, from business hacks, productivity tips, social media strategies and more.

    How will you prioritize your professional development this month? We’d love to hear!

    What to Know About Attending a Virtual Retreat

    What to Know About Attending a Virtual Retreat

    by | Jun 6, 2020 | Personal Development, Professional Development

    Life looks a bit different these days, doesn’t it? Our calendars, once full of happy hours and networking events, now list Zoom call meeting reminders. Social groups are turning to virtual meet-ups — from business masterminds, book clubs, and trivia teams… even Wholistic Woman Retreats! 

    I’ve been attending Wholistic Woman events in-person for the past 3.5 years, but I hesitated to join in when their events went virtual. I wondered how the meeting would translate online. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by my first virtual evening retreat experience, and thought I’d share some key things I noticed along the way: 

    1. You won’t feel out of the loop if you’re new – I think I would be especially hesitant to join in on a virtual retreat if I had never attended a Wholistic Woman event in the past. I assumed the call would start with a few “hellos” and then move right into the materials, but instead the coaches took time to introduce themselves. I was happy to note that the coaches’ warm and friendly nature (a big part of why I enjoy their events) came through despite the lack of in-person connection. Then, one coach shared the mission of the Wholistic Coaching Coalition. Though I’m very familiar with the group, starting out the call this way helped ground the evening in purpose. Then, at the end of the meeting, they briefly discussed their next event — Know Your Money Story with coach Jane Helm. I was relieved to know that if I were to invite a friend, she wouldn’t feel out of the loop as they made everyone feel included and in-the-know no matter how many events they’ve attended.
    2. You’ll receive quality teaching and helpful resources – I attended “Radical Love” with coach Kat Middleton, and was curious if listening to one speaker on Zoom would become tedious after a while. While Kat did teach during the majority of our 90-minute call, she used slides to illustrate her message, requested that attendees use the chat tool to answer questions, and lead everyone in a group activity. She also shared several resources that attendees could look more into on their own, should they want to further their knowledge of self-love. If you want to be able to focus and learn during a virtual meeting, I suggest turning on the “active speaker” setting on Zoom. This will allow you to give your full attention to the speaker. You can easily switch to the “gallery” layout during the portion of the meeting that involves the entire group. Do your part to help the other attendees focus, too! Keep yourself muted (unless told otherwise) and turn your camera off if you need to do anything that could potentially distract the rest of the group.
    3. You’ll have the opportunity to connect in small groups – If you’ve attended an in-person event with Wholistic Women, you know it’s typical to be split into groups or asked to turn to someone next to you in order to discuss the materials presented. My most-pressing question going into the virtual call was, “How will we have quality conversation about what we’re learning?”  Thankfully, Zoom has a feature I wasn’t aware of — separate chat rooms! After being given instructions on what to discuss, the call monitor split up the group and suddenly I went from looking at a grid of 28 people to only two other women. We all turned off our microphones and had a vulnerable conversation about the distorted thought processes we often find ourselves in. Then, we offered one another practical suggestions on how to love ourselves through those thoughts. This relatively short activity was incredibly impactful, and truthfully just as valuable as the in-person conversations I’ve had at previous events. 

    Needless to say, it was a great event and I’m glad I attended! While I hope it won’t be too long before we can start meeting in-person again, I hope you’ll join us for our next virtual event, Know Your Money Story. Click here to register for this event, happening on June 24.