Rain's Authentic Blog

Ending Negative Talk

2012-01-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

It's so easy to be negative. Is it because the world around us supports this habit so well or is it because of the unresolved thoughts and feelings we hold deep inside of our past.

Whatever the reason for it's creation within us, we can start to end it with the practice of speaking honestly and kindly (although working on letting go of old stories is equally important.)

In the moment of catching myself using negative words, even though I want to turn it around... I might find myself thinking,

"But I have nothing positive to say," or

"But what I am saying is TRUE," or

"I cant! I can't! I can't!"

Whatever the belief in the moment, taking a deep breath, we can begin again with new positive words. The ho'oponopono mantra works beautifully to start when you feel there is no where to start:

I am sorry.

Please forgive me.

I love you.

Thank you.

Steven Covey wrote in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families book about the art of "being loyal to those not present." I love this idea of only speaking of others as though they are in the room listening. Kindness and gentle honesty is a miracle to keeping our tongues working for peace.

I like to add to his idea and think of speaking to and about ourselves in the same manner. If we can imagine ourselves as separate and in the room listening to our negative self-talk, could we practice speaking kindly and honestly? I might try this... "Rain, I hear that you are saying some negative words about yourself, is there something you need to help you feel more loving?"

Looking Back 2011

2011-12-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

The time has come to begin blogging again. For better or for worse, it is time to come out and write authentically to save my own spirit. So here is my life last year in verse.

‘Twas a Year of Remodel and Right Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a carpenter was stirring, not even my spouse.
The stockings were hung over our new woodstove with care,
And everyone was thankful it was finally there.

The children were nestled all snug in their new beds,
Without drywall dust dancing in the air or their heads.
Papa not sneezing in his handkerchief, as I drank my nightcap,
We had just settled our brains that this was our LAST remodeling trap.

When out on the un-seeded lawn there arose such a clatter,
I threw down my drink to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Trying not to trip over our moving box trash.

The moon was so bright on the new fallen snow,
Hiding the muddy mess from past workers and landscapers below.
When, what to my tired and blurry eyes should appear,
But two sweet little does and their mama, a deer.

Without the sound of compressors, hammers and nails,
The wildlife has come back to our home without fail.
More rapid than eagles- life is back into balance,
And it seems so surreal to notice the absence…

…Of Painters! Of Plumbers! Of Siders and Roofers!
No Electricians! No Carpenters! No Permit Inspectors!
From the top of the new porch, to the new shingled wall!
They’ve gone away! Gone away! Gone away all!

Now that our house is strong enough for a hurricane, I
No longer need to travel to Home Depot to buy.
In our sweet bungalow, by the fire I remember,
While 3 cords of construction wood-waste burns bright into embers.

I started to drink, when they delayed on the roof
Their lies and excuses just increased my proof.
The morning I was drinking Irish coffee and feeling housebound,
Down the painter came off the scaffold with a bound!

He was covered in paint, from his head to his shoe,
And my garden was all tarnished with #1647, Silvery Blue.
Their bundles of mistakes were a pain in my back,
And I looked like a mad-woman just trying to keep track.

Yet now the house twinkles! The shingles, how merry!
We added some roses and four trees, one a cherry!
For now every alteration, once drew up on paper,
Is something we love, though our dollars are vapor.

The music room lives large and has room for the teens,
And the expanded kitchen is perfect for the finest cuisines.
Adding a bathroom for guests made our home seem complete,
We now have a private bath and a romantic master suite.

Yes, it was crazy and stressful and put our lives on the shelf.
And we laughed watching nightly “Gags,” just to keep our good health.
In a blink of a black eye this year’s at an end,
Life soon will be normal, only the garden and children to tend.

We will share what we learned, then go back to our work,
And we will count all our blessings, without letting one lurk.
Remember to TRUST yourself, each other and the world,
It’s what will keep you moving forward, with your hearts open, unfurled.

Spring back to your life! To your friends and family, give a whistle,
For each and every moment is precious and special.
And hear us exclaim, ‘ere we end this long letter,
“Never Remodel Again And It Can Only Get Better!”

This Moment

2009-09-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

This moment is precious.
This moment is yours.
This moment has blessings.
This moment has cures.

This moment is sacred.
This moment is stillness.
This moment is silence.
This moment is forgiveness.

Taken for granted, this moment...
never gives us enough of man-made time.
However, this moment in your journey,
when noticed... is most perfect and kind.

So breathe... and notice
and see the wonder.
This moment can fill time and space
in your heart forever.

by Rain Fordyce

30 days Raw!

2009-09-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

Many of you know since I did the Peace Treaty on food, I started my raw food journey. During that time, I was reliant on my local deli and co-op that served a few raw food choices. I never learned to prepare anything fancy like pies, nut burgers or even almond milk. I was about 80-90% raw for about 3 months, feeling good, looking good, losing weight... until the stress hit: my husband decided to move to LA for a job.

Oh yeah, you guessed it! That was the end of that!

I was craving everything from cake to pizza and feeling the grounding, heavy, intoxicating joy from every bite. My life felt out of place and my food choices were a symptom of my internal chaos. I knew that the food I was eating was not making me feel good and yet, I didn't stop. For the first time in a very long time, I felt as though I was in the grasp of an addiction.

Then my husband returned to the northwest and we were not moving to LA after all. Within four days, my taste for cooked food weakened. I was ready to make a major change! I bought the book, 12 steps to Raw Food: How to end your dependancy on cooked food by Victoria Boutenko, which I highly recommend. I loved her thoughts, research and suggestions and I followed every one. I gave myself a corner of the kitchen for my raw food, my Vita-mix and food processor and two shelves in the refrigerator labeled "raw shelf."

I read every word with excitement and anticipation and within 3 days, I was inspired to make the choice to go 100% raw for 30 days.

As she honestly wrote in her book, the first week is most definitely the hardest, and oh baby...it was. I wanted my soothing pizza, I wanted to taste the pasta my kids loved so much. Yet, I kept going back to the book and got inspiration to stay on the path. Green smoothies were my mainstay the first week and I purchased the I Am Grateful: Cafe Gratitude recipe book (which I also highly recommend) and began collecting the ingredients I would need to begin learning raw food preparation. Once the week was coming to a close, began feeling the energy, and joy of the raw food and made my first nut burger recipe. And to my great surprise, it was easy and delicious!

The second week I began detox, but it wasn't as bad as the first time and I began an herbal cleanse immediately... which helped my symptoms soften in only two days. I found myself so intrigued by learning the ways of raw food, I decided to make something new every morning. I chose between something savory, sweet, green or dehydrated and found the joy of having a plethora of delicious and satifying food at my disposal... in fact, I had more than I could handle. So I began sharing my treats with whoever would try them (and some actually loved my creations!)

The third week I was getting ready for my trip to San Diego (where I am this fine morning) and I began prepping the food I would need for the 3 week journey. I packed up my Vita-mix, made what seemed like a million flax crackers, and put together a strategy to always have a fresh salad and nut burger daily. Note: Raw nut burger has become an important part of my staying raw and feeling satisfied. Although, I quit using the hard to digest soaked almonds and now use the easy-feeling sprouted sunflower seeds instead.

My fourth week was strange as being around others who love french fries, Mexican food and milkshakes (my kids) I honestly started dreaming about taking a bite... and in these dreams those bites were heavenly... I woke up knowing the truth, but geez! It really wasn't easy... However, I stayed true and I found success in my goal. I feel and look great and my energy is so high... actually, so am I!

Yahoo! 30 days, 100% raw!

Now is day 33 and I am so grateful to be on the first week of my next 30 day quest. If you have a yummy raw recipe or a joyful suggestion, please send it to rain@authentictimes.com

I would love to hear from you!

The Universe's Amazing Gift

2009-09-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

So an update is long overdue...

It all happened when I made the decision to trust myself and ask the universe for what I truly wanted inside my heart and say it out loud for all the world to hear... including me.

I was at the cliffs (in the picture) a few blocks from our home. I knew it was time. My husband was in LA and our family was divided. Our life was not joyful 2 1/2 months after he moved down there. It was full of sadness, chaos and confusion. Was it my fault? Afterall, I made the vision board that had pictures of the beach and the sun. I was the one who carefully glued the picture of our family on top of a crowd of joyous people.

It was two weeks after creating my vision board that the universe responded, providing an amazing position for my husband in LA, resulting in our move. Last time I wrote we decided to live in Washington, while he commuted the long 4 hour car/airplane/taxi/ferry commute, each way, every 2 weeks, until we could figure it all out. Did I manifest this division?

My boys were tired of it. My husband was tired of it. I was tired of it, too. I was tired of allowing this path... so I came to the cliffs and with arms and heart open wide and with absolute resolute I shouted, "I want to stay here!"

It wasn't long after that statement that everything started to shift. A kindred spirit and neighbor came over and we agreed to destroy the vision board I had created together in a heartfelt grateful burning ceremony. When I took the photo of our family off the board before the burning, underneath were these words:

Turning It Around

We both began to cry. We knew this was the end of this part of my journey. But when... and how? The response came swifter than I could imagine!

Within a week, my husband called and told me the job they promised him was not going to happen as they had promised and he was done working for them. He said he was leaving. He was home 3 days later.

We laughed, we cried and we celebrated! Yet, our move was already in progress. We had already rented a very small house that was an hour closer to the airport and we had rented out the house we were currently living in. We sat with our choices. There was nothing else in our small town big enough for our family of four available to rent. We decided to leave our dear town and move into the house an hour away that we had put our deposit on. Our plans were in motion and we didn't know how to stop it. So we floated down it's stream. We never expected what would happen next.

3 days from the day when my husband returned, we received a call from our landlord... She told us the man who was going to rent our home had a personal emergency, and though he was okay, he decided to not rent our home afterall! She asked if we wanted to stay. So much had shifted. It seems strange now, but so much had happened so quickly. I needed time to think. Time to process. Time to breathe...

After a day of processing everything that had happened, we both decided that we had gotten the gift that I had asked for and we were all so grateful to receive it!

We are staying put! No move, no shift away from what we are growing here in this small and beautiful town and, best of all, an amazing gift to find ourselves back on a loving course, living together...

And it was all given to us from the abundant and amazing universe.

Living with Temporary

2009-07-22T05:10:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me how many times in my life I walked (and sometimes sprinted) away from commitment. Those who have known me a very long time, know that in the past I have changed my mind a whole heck of a lot. Trying to make commitments in the past were often just a waste of my breath.

However, as I have connected with my authentic path, my choices feel deeper, more concrete based on my real values and not based on whims or what I think I should be doing. I really know what I want in life, what I value and am strongly connected to what feels right for me.

Yet that is only the path of one.

Learning to co-create with my partner has been the next leg of my authentic journey. With differing values, wants and perspectives, we have taken the last few months to get to know each other's true values and use them as a foundation to be creative and explore all of our options to find a solution to where we want to live and raise our family.

Since my husband got a dream job in Hollywood, we were set to move to LA, but soon afterwards, I realized this move was not congruent with my journey. So we began our discussions of what to do next. He didn't want to leave his project and I didn't want to leave the northwest.

After exhaustive discusions, long housing and neighborhood searches and connecting with our inner clarity, we have decided to continue to live in a state of temporary.

Yes, I know, all of life is temporary, but some choices are much shorter versions of temporary, while others are longer. The truth was, I was hoping for the longer version, but the universe has guided us and mysteriously gifted us with the perfect place to stay temporary over the next 6 months.

So I am pleased to announce that we have made the commitment to make a temporary choice.

Life is a complex web of choices and possibilities. The more your mind opens to them, the more complicated it is to sort through the data. Focus on your values and you might just find the solution to your most tangled challenges. Yes, it can be done, even when we are co-creating our reality with someone who values are not the same as yours. Yes, it CAN be done!

I am pleased that we are both choosing what we love, even if it is temporary, for that is where we will find our greatest joy... right here... right now.

Smiles and blessings,
Rain

An answer to Jude of where we are now...

2009-07-16T07:25:00.001-07:00

JudeEastman~LifeCoach said...

OK--I'm a little behind from enjoying my rewarding-relaxing Big Island vacation.

Aren't you one of those people in my life that told me when the fear creeps in and we start to doubt our decisions or that we can "do it" that we are just about to make great strides forward and to keep the faith?

Not to say I know what's best for you and your family--The decision will come with crystal clarity whether to stay or go. All the plans already made don't matter at that point-Remember, "It's a brand new day at that point."

Love you Rain--this may all be a moot point by now.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you Jude :)

Yes, when fear creeps in, you can move forward and do it.

Only, this is not about fear. This is about not knowing what we truly want together.

We are talking about where we want to live and raise our children and make a living and what lifestyle we really want... and at what price.

I have to admit it has been a painful and amazingly expansive time. My husband and I are really getting to really know each other and our true values while we put the pieces together. It is amazing at how much you can still learn about each other after 13 years.

As of today, there are no decisions yet. We are just looking at what we would love to do and see if there is a possibility to co-create something new out of what we each love (which is very different) and happily put energy into it for the next few years.

I have faith that with this amazing man and our creative spirits we will design something perfect for us and our family.

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify where we are at.

Blessings to you today.
your friend,
Rain

Day 2 Emergency Plan

2009-06-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

What do you do when the worst possible thing happens?
Do you allow yourself time to grieve, feel, process and regroup?

What do you do when you are fearful of the worst possible thing happening if you take a risk?
Do you spend every moment worrying, feeling unable to move and feeling the tension in your body?

I have a process that works for both called the
Day 2 Emergency Plan.

Here is how it works:

Write down the worst possible scenario that could happen if you take the risk you wish to take, or if the worst has already happened, acknowledge what has happened out loud to yourself or a very good friend.

Next write down your emergency plan which always starts on Day 1 with the most awesome pity party you have ever known. Write down the ways you will take care of YOU. On your actual Day 1, allow yourself to choose to do whatever you really want to do. Take a wellness day from work if possible. This includes wearing your favorite pajammas, eating whatever you want, buying yourself ease by take out, a babysitter and whatever else can give you time, buying yourself some flowers, a sad rental movie (allow yourself to cry, cry and cry some more) and a large box of dark chocolate. Spoil yourself with a day of extreme comfort.
Also make sure you give yourself extreme self care; take a nap, wear a favorite blanket (and feel a universal hug,) smell flowers, drink herbal tea, drink water whenever you can, take a nice slow walk outside and sit in a comfortable sunny spot, if you have it. Make no decisions about tomorrow, just feel, breathe and be.

Day 2 is a day to get back on your feet. Write out a plan of what you will do to take a step forward toward living your goals again. It might look like this:

Take a shower
Get dressed in successful clothes for the day
Eat a healthy breakfast
Brush teeth
Return movie
Give chocolates to a friend
Make the calls you need to make
Take at least one small step towards living the life you truly want
Acknowledge your feelings and your courage

If the worst has sprung upon you, it is easy to make this list the morning of Day 2. Don't worry about it or work on it Day 1. Then use it throughout the day to move forward towards living. Don't underestimate the power of taking small steps, such as taking a shower. Any step, no matter how small is a step and is taking you where you want to be.

If you are prewriting your Day 2 Emergency Plan, tuck it away in your safe, your drawer, by your fire extinguisher or in your first aid kit. Know you have your plan, so there is no need to think about what will happen, just move forward anyway.

After all, it's when we move forward that our lives become the dreams we truly want. It is important to take breaks along the journey of your authentic trail to breathe and process. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is allow a whole day to acknowledge our humanness, while knowing we will get back up tomorrow, we aren't giving up...
we are just giving ourselves a gift of love.

Dedicated to all my friends who reached out to me when I needed it most....

Finding Strength and Courage

2009-06-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life can take you in a new direction
when you really don't want to.
You may feel lost, discouraged, fearful and broken-hearted.

Keep breathing...
In fact, your instinct is to hold your breath until it's over,
so choosing to breathe can be extremely healing.

When you feel there is no reason to...
breathe in big.

Inhale as you imagine that you are breathing in life itself.
The good the bad.
The exciting and scary.
The known and unknown.
What you can control and what you can't.

Breathe deeply today...
take in everything life has offer and you will find
your strength and courage renewed.

It's 1:30 in the morning...

2009-06-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

For the life of me, I can't sleep...
So much has been going on.

First the job in LA.
Then the plans to move to LA.
Then the incredible sadness of leaving WA.
Then the thought of maybe staying here in WA.
Then my husband thinking maybe staying here is the best thing for the kids.
Playing with the idea.

I guess the question is, 'What do we really want?'
My husband and I are famous for the inability to make decisions and then making huge sweeping decisions at the last minute.

Every Sunday is our 'So what do we want to do with our life?' day. This has gone on for 13 years. We have talked for hours while drinking way too much.
First it was bloody marys.
Then it was mimosas.
Then it was coffee.
Now I drink tea... sometimes, while my husband continues his love of coffee.

We have thought about all the possibilities for our life. We have explored all the wild choices this life has to offer. We think about our sweet boys and the impact of our decisions. We think about what we most desire. We write lists.
On white boards.
On notepads.
On the computer.
On napkins.

We enjoy the highs of making wild decisions.
When we actually and finally make them.
Then there is the maintenance of these decisions.

With the exception of our decision to be together and our decision to be parents.
We don't tend to be great at the maintenance part.

There is just always another decision waiting around the corner to think about.
This time instead of going for the big sweeping decision, I wait...
I wait...
I wait...
until the answer is either yes or no...

and here I am at 1:40 in the morning, sitting in my big, comfy chair, with my soft, warm blanket and I am just waiting...
Until I finally decide to go to bed.

Love and Feeling ALIVE

2009-06-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just love feeling LOVE? It is such a gift.

It opens your heart to the elements.
You feel electricity.
You feel vulnerable and excited.
You feel warmth and beating explosions.
You feel buzzing in your veins.

Everything is YES!
Everything is POSSIBILITY!

That is how I feel when I think of my husband. My greatest spiritual teacher, my greatest friend, my thrilling experiment in co-creation.

We have been through so much, we test each other, we push the limits.

He is so beautiful, so lovely and fulfills my life in ways I never would have experienced without him.

As we take the next few steps together to try the unknown, to see what we are capable of, I know that no matter what happens...
I am so grateful for my life with him.

The good, the challenging and most of all, the explosions of feeling ALIVE!

When Life Changes, Wait on Decisions

2009-05-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Now that we are in motion for the upcoming move 1150 miles south of here, I am amazed as new thoughts, feelings, and decisions come into my view. It is so easy to get caught up in the drama, and it is just as easy to stay out of it. All of the upcoming decisions we have to make could be an easy source for stress and drama. You think and think and think into the future and wonder what is the best choice to make. I have done that in my life and I have learned an important key to keeping it simple:

Making decisions in the present time is the best time to make them!

Otherwise, the stress begins to form because you are making decisions without all the real time information. Soon, your mind will create false information to fill in the blanks until you reach that point in time, and you end up making pre-decisions based on assumption.

Let me give you an example:
One of the most common questions I get is, "Where are you going to move to in Los Angeles?" Since I have never lived there I do not have an honest answer to that. And if I did know the area, what if the kind of home we want isn't available at the time of our move?

This is where being in the here and now is such a gift during life changes. I know where I will live, because I will be faced with a home we have looked at in an area I feel good in. The decision will be there... in that moment. And there is only 2 choices to make, yes or no.

When faced with a yes or no decision in the moment life is happening, it is so much easier to look at all the information you have up until that point, trust your inner guidance and move forward with your decision.

Decisions no longer become long month or year long dramas, they simply are moments in your life. The best part is how much more time it gives me here in the northwest, where I am currently making decisions for the upcoming birthday party of my soon-to-be-8 year old.

That is right now and that is where I love to live.

So many emotions, so little time...

2009-05-17T07:08:00.001-07:00

Since the big news, and taking steps towards leaving (selling the boat, buying another hybrid car, renting the house, having a going away party for Charlie) I have been having a lot of emotions. I have been:
Happy
Excited
Scared
Confused
Sad

These feelings seem to come moment to moment. Instead of trying to keep a smile on my face and continue to tell myself everything is going to be okay, I am allowing the feelings to come and show themselves. I may be excited one minute, cry the next, smile after that, then talk about my fears and about missing our life here in the northwest.

I notice that there are so many passing emotions, thoughts and reactions, and since I am not holding any judgments to them, they are passing by in seconds. I am not attaching who I am to what I feel.

So many of us are afraid of being authentic and feeling what we are feeling in the moment for fear it will grow into something too big to handle. When you allow your feelings without judging yourself afterward, you let go of the story and there is no drama or analysis... it just is.

For example, when I talk about my fear of dealing with the high population of a big city, I don't attach the judgments "I am a big baby!" "Why do you say such ridiculous things?" "You will never be able to handle all the noise, you can't handle anything!" or "You have to figure out a way to stop this move!"

Instead, I just notice the feeling of fear. Recognize it as normal and natural and feel it. When the fear seems to take on physical pain, I stop what I am doing and feel it even deeper. Let it come through me like a shock wave. Once I do, I notice it leave me. I watch it dissipate.

If I go with the stories and judgments, I get caught up in another reality. The reality in my head, instead of my heart. Our thoughts can take over and prolong the suffering of emotions. We make our feelings more important than the moment and watch the story go on for a full length movie or even a mini-series or life-long soap opera.

If you begin to notice a story taking over, just take a deep breath to create a break in the action. Go into your body and feel what is happening in there. Let go of your thoughts and stay with the feelings in the now.

The here and now is where you will find freedom. For that is all we have.

Everything else is purely for entertainment purposes only.

New Move... Big Changes!

2009-05-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

It's time to share with you all what is going on at home here.

While I was innocently on my 2-week non-computer retreat, my husband went out and used his amazing energy to find an opportunity and his dream job.

As I was driving home with the kids and only 4 hours to go from the sunny beaches in Santa Cruz, he shared the news. "We're moving to Hollywood!"

Yes, after living and very much loving the northwest for the past 13 years, we are moving from our small town of only 10,000 residence to Los Angeles, CA one of the biggest cities in the US with a population of 3,834,340! (and that is just in the city's huge limits, the county limits is almost to 10 million!) It is something to wrap our brains around...

It has been a few days with a whirlwind of amazing connections, flow and ease...
The kids are excited.
My husband is excited.
Even I am excited.

There are a few things that are keeping me on Rescue Remedy:
1. My husband is leaving soon... next week and will be down there 3 months before we all move down officially. Even though he will be visiting us and we will come down to visit him, this will be the longest my husband and I have been apart since we have met.

2. Leaving the cool, beautiful and green forest we live in to be in the small dry plots and high population of the hot and sunny city. The trails, the quiet, the serenity of living here is such a gift. My kids love to play in the woods and build forts and create games of amazing outdoor invention. It will be serious culture shock!

3. Smog. I have always been sensitive to it and I love the clean air on the coast of the northwest. There will be a huge adjustment here of relaxing and letting go...

4. Safety. I know there is no such thing as real security... but we don't have dangerous parts of town around here. I let my 10-year old walk to town (an hour long walk) with a friend without worry. This will also be a huge shift and I am actually curious to see how I feel when I am there. Right now, I can't imagine it.

The truth is, those are the only stresses for us as we look towards this new adventure! So we have decided to go for it. We have decided to move to Los Angeles.

My husband will be working in Hollywood, where he can see premeres for new movies right across the street. Where will we actually move to and live? Well I just don't know for sure yet....
If you know of a family friendly, relatively quiet neighborhood that won't be a huge commute from Hollywood.... put your vote in here!

Meanwhile what does this mean for Authentic Times, Inc.?
I will be slowing down for awhile (I guess that is why I was on retreat...) I will still be coaching, editing and doing the peace treaty classes, just less of it as we transition through the move.

Here is to change, courage and our new adventure!!!

Back From Retreat!

2009-05-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! I not only was off the computer for a week, I was off for TWO!

So needless to say, it went really well...
It took me a couple of days of fighting my impulse to turn on my computer. Soon I felt like I really didn't want to turn my computer on ever again!

So I met with my amazing coach... took a few more days to reconnect with what I was really feeling and it that is when it hit me like a bouquet of Mother's Day flowers!

I was ready to turn on, but in my own way and at my own speed...

Yes, I had almost 600 emails when I returned (I will get back to you, I promise :)
Yes, there is a lot to catch up on.
Yes, the web spun without me.
Yes, I am so grateful!
This is how I feel:
Yahoo!
Getting back to work feels freeing and fun!
Thank you all for your beautiful support!

I thought about where my business is headed and where I want to go, and I feel ready to take those steps, clearly and with purpose!

What did I take away from this experience?

Trust yourself... even when you think you know better!

Non-Computer Retreat starts Now!

2009-04-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

I wish you all a beautiful week! Here is something I would love to give you...

Yikes! A Retreat From the Computer

2009-04-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

The time has come! I have decided to take a week retreat away from the computer for the first time since my trip around the US in '07. Am I having my doubts? Oh yeah, I am!
Here is why:

My email will explode into outerspace and I will need a special team of highly trained experts to face it when I return.
Those who are contacting me about coaching or editing may go somewhere else and not want to wait for my hiatus to be over. (One week on the internet is like a whole year in real life!)
What if I don't want my hiatus to be over?
I don't have a VA and am not sure if I should hire one to keep my businesses in the flow...
I will be forgotten on Twitter and Facebook (Oh gasp!)

Time is from Monday, April 27th thru Monday May 4th. This may be longer, if needed through Thursday May 7th.

Can I do this? ...Yes?
I mean, Yes!!!
Is anyone taking bets?

Empower Your Adult!

2009-04-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

If you missed the show, listen in to this one. On the Voice of Change, Sharon and I talk about the power of trusting yourself and moving forward. A really powerful show!

A conversation about "The Work"

2009-04-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is a response to a conversation on the blog Waves Arising Suddenly about "The Work" and Byron Katie that I found after a disturbing post I found about what happens at the School for The Work.

I am grateful for Byron Katie's work for I have grown so much; This just teaches me that sometimes the initial inspiration is what we should focus on... I would love to hear your thoughts!

_______________________________________________
I am so glad to find a compelling conversation about thoughts and ideas of the work and the school for the work.

I personally had used the work for about a year, until I realized, I was continually doing the work on suffering thoughts over and over... I continue to share it with my clients and introduce it as a trick. (Tricks are not negative, they are just quick ways to help the mind end suffering, though do not prove lasting results without positive action.)

For the same reason I left AA years ago, the work is similar in that people are encouraged to stick with it forever, or they receive a sense of shunning. AA's motto is "jails, institutions and death" Katie's followers seems to say to those who argue that you are "fighting reality" or "fighting what is."

I am not saying these programs don't help millions of people, they do. I am saying that once they help you, please think about moving forward on your own journey without fear.

The experience I have had with those who have gone to the school is a sense of secrecy... and I never knew why. If it is joyous, share it with the world, right? They seem to have a "I know what you do not" energy about them. My thoughts have been, "It's only 4 questions. It's not hard to understand, what am I missing?"

Rick Ross' sharing of the school made me feel sad. Maybe that is what I was missing... what had happened to these people while at the school. Cult, fraternity or abusive family; or whatever you call it... anything that asks you to keep secrets for any reason, is going to create separatism with others and suffering in your spirit.

If the tool you are using to end the suffering does not truly end it permanently and encourages you to add their own philosophy onto your personal authentic journey for the long term, you will stray from walking your own unique path.

I encourage my clients, friends and family all to do what is right in their own heart, to trust and listen to their own guidance. Byron Katie is doing that for herself.

We also need to do the same.

smiles and blessings,
Rain

Listening to the Voices

2009-04-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it! Sometimes, I doubt the universe will provide. As I continue to move forward and I do what I love, every once in a while a voice pops into my head that says,

"You are living in a dream world! Life is not a dream and you have to be rational and practical."

Do you know that voice? When you begin walking on your authentic path, this voice is LOUD! There is a real fear of the unknown.

However, as I have been on my true authentic path for the past 3 years, I have actual evidence that living a life that is from your heart and spirit can and does work, although not always as we first might believe it should. Lol!

So when that voice continues to whisper in my ear and flashes of doubt soon fill my head, I can immediately go into "hopeless."

However! I have discovered a beautiful trick that works and I want to share with you today.

When the voice is talking to you with fear, simply listen and sit with the discomfort without judgment. The most important thing is to let the voice be HEARD as you would hear a child.

As I continue to work with The Peace Treaty, I am becoming more conscious of these voices being children. They are us as children, who have become quite bossy and think they know best. However, they speak out of fear and as we all do when we are feeling fear, they just want to be heard.

So next time you hear the voice telling you, "You are foolish and living a dream!" don't fight it or try to put it out of your mind. Decide to listen fully as a kind, loving and wise adult without judgment. When the voice is done talking you might say and say with gratitude in your heart, "Yes, I hear you. It does seem scary. I am the brave adult now, who is ready to take that risk!"

Courage and joy,
Rain

Discussion Panel Speaks about Women's Empowerment

2009-03-30T04:49:00.001-07:00

Join Hyacinth, Sharon, Tricia and I, as we speak about how to feel successful and empowered in today's world! A wonderful show!

A Response about Authentic Self

2009-03-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

This is in response to my blog post: Authentic Family Living

Hello (un)relaxeddad,

Thank you so much for your comment! I love to consider your socratic questions! Beautiful thoughts for my walk this morning.... Here are my responses:

1. One might argue that the moment you put "Authentic" in bold type, you're a) creating a label and b) implicitly suggesting that there is such a think as in-authentic family living.

A)Yes, one might argue that. And what I really was doing was sharing that I was creating a new community... http://AuthenticFamilyLiving.ning.com
So I tried to share the title clearly in bold...

Is it a Label? I consider a label static, non-changing, so according to my own belief, it is not a label as Living is an action word. So not so much a label, more of a definition. Of course, I could be very wrong, I often am...

B)Yes, I believe there are thousands of people who walk around living in-authentic lives... I was one of them. Sometimes, I still catch myself in a "role" that someone else told me about or I am making choices that are practical over what I believe is true in my heart.

I describe "authentic" as honest, present and original.

Honesty is allowing your truth to come from inside your body. Ask your heart, "What am I feeling right now?" Being honest is allowing your moods and preferences to change moment to moment.

The present is always now and your awareness of the here and now happens in your mind when listening, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling everything in the moment right now. Living in the present is active, never stuck, labeled or designated.

Being original is connecting with the divine spirit and your unique journey. Before you created and believed the "stories" that caused suffering (look up Byron Katie on Google), your spirit was free and lived as an observer. Stories, although fun around a campfire, cloud your ability to express yourself as an original masterpiece with a journey all your own.

Basically, living authentically is an active practice not a static label. So if you are not actively practicing the art of living authentically, you are in-authentic at that moment. Some of us choose that way of living for years and decades.

However, the beauty of this new community is it doesn't matter what you are doing. If you are interested in being there, you are welcome. Your choice becomes the path to authentic living!

2. It's very hard to avoid making walls, foundations and structures, even in the form of a kind of 'negative' - and is it possible to build any kind of self without them?

I love this question the most! Is it possible to build a sense of self without structures built from labels?

I believe YES! If you allow your authentic living to occur, something will soon come to pass in your life: You will want to change who you are. This may happen moment to moment or decade to decade. When you hear stories of the lawyer who became an artist or a doctor who became a plumber, you are fascinated because they took a risk to live authentically. They broke down the structures they built with the labels they created and took a turn.

Of course, this may also happen when the artist becomes a CPA or the hippie becomes a Wall Street millionaire, though I am not sure if those stories sell like the other ones do...
I changed from pink princess, to punker, to vogue fashion, to new-waver, to hippie, to country music 2-stepper, to new-ager, to conservative democratic, to what I do now... Changing who I am from label to label to becoming more and more un-label-able... though I am sure some people out there feel like they could try.

The reason is, I am open to change. That is the beauty of my freedom of choice as I live authentically.

I wrote the post because I was excited about the discovery of finding a label (unschooler) that had created a structure in my life that would tumble if I took the label away. This discovery was exciting for me and inspired me to create the Authentic Family Living community. A label may be a title, but a title does not always a label make, right?

I practice to be honest to everyone (including you) who asks what I love, which changes moment to moment, sometimes hour to hour or decade to decade.

Who would you be without your labels? Who is the self? Who am I?
Yes, deep and profound, and yet, the answer is there... actively moving, blowing in the wind...

Thank you for connecting and asking me your beautiful questions. It was just what I wanted to hear...

smiles and joy,
Rain

Time For Play

2009-03-22T08:28:00.001-07:00

There are many studies out that show how play is extremely important for children's development.

I am here to share that play is extremely important for EVERYONE'S development.

The idea that we stop developing is a theory that I do not subscribe to. We develop as long as we are open to it. As long as we continue to try new things, take new risks, and explore our universe, we will develop our minds, bodies and spirits.

It is only when you decide you know it all.
It is only when you decide you are too old to learn.
It is only when you decide you are too tired to do anything new.
It is only when you decide...

So for today, I ask that you RISK everything you have planned for the day and PLAY!

Play like a child without worry or guilt and explore what happens when you stop living life by the rules YOU have created.

Have a blessed day!

Inspiring for Energy

2009-03-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

The best way to relax your energy down or raise your energy up is as simple as one word.

That word is:

BREATHE

You may think this is an over-simplification. Yes, most of the best things in life are simple. Let’s take a deeper look at what we do when we breathe.

We inhale and exhale.

We inspire and expire.

How many of us truly pay attention to our breathing pattern? It is an automatic function of our body to keep us alive, yet when we take a deep breath into our belly, something shifts inside us. Take three or more deep breaths and slowly watch your whole world begin to look differently. Why is this?

In Hatha yoga classes the instructors will begin and end with deep breathing exercises. You breathe deeply at the beginning of the class to increase oxygen flow to the muscles and brain and to aide in energy flow of your body. You breathe deeply at the end to calm your muscles and brain and to aide in relaxation and meditation during the corpse pose.

Your breath is extremely powerful if using it is a way to create both energy levels in your body by breath alone! Some might say it is the spirit that lives within us!

How can you use this same technique to create the energy before a challenging day as well as the relaxation desired at the end of the day? I would like to tell you it’s simple to do. Of course if that were true, everyone would be doing it and we know that they don’t and many of us don’t either.

No, there is something else a bit deeper that stops people from breathing for health, relaxation and energy. The reason is a natural reaction and everyone does it. We do it without thinking. We do it and it goes unnoticed by any doctor, friend, and family member. It is a “secret” of sorts that no one really seems to talk about.

We stop breathing when we think life might not be worth living.

What?! I hear the defenses going up. Before you stop reading… let me explain.

What do you do when you hear bad news? What do you do if you think you might fall? What do you do when you feel the negative past “experiences” might possibly be up for a rerun? What do you do when you feel any lower energy emotional feeling? Start noticing and you will see.

You… Hold… Your… Breath… ... .. .. . .

It is an instinct. It stops time and life for a moment for us to think and process. The minute we realize there is some possibility worth living for, we start to breathe.

The reason might be just for the excitement of the negative drama (yes we love them, don’t we?), for the love of a fight, just to see what will happen next, for the realization that we will survive… we will be okay… we will be just fine… then it happens… huuuuuuuhhhhhh…. we inhale… we inspire.

Whether or not you decide to start your own personal study of when you breathe, it’s easy to notice that breathing is an act of life. Will you choose life? And what kind of life will you choose?

a shallow life

a quick life

a hurried life

an excited life

an out-of-control life

a slow life

a deep life

a full belly life

a thoughtful life

or a rhythmic life

The most beautiful thing is that you get to choose by the practice of your breathing pattern. It really works and you can use your breath to get through any challenging situation with confidence and the energy you never thought you had!

Breathe for high energy. Stand confidently tall as you relax your shoulders and body. Take a deep breath in your nose and allow your diaphragm to move out, expanding your belly. Next, exhale out your mouth and notice your belly contracting back in. Breathe into your belly again in just 4 seconds and this time imagine a pure white light is coming in filled with buzzing, joyful energy. Hold your breath for 4 seconds as the tired and old energy mixes into your lungs. Exhale out in just 4 seconds and imagine all of that old, tired and heavy energy is leaving you. Breathe in this fast way at least 5 times and feel your world power up!

Breathe to lower energy. Sit in a relaxed way as you take a deep breath in through your nose, again into your belly and out your mouth. Breathe into your belly again slowly working to slow yourself down to an 6-8-second inhale and this time imagine wisdom coming into the breath to serve you. Hold your breath for only 2-3 seconds as you absorb the wisdom of the ages. Breathe out slowly for 8 seconds as you let go of all the stress of the moment. Wait for 2-4 seconds between breaths. One of these will relax you and can be done in any stressful moment.

Just remember staying in awareness and noticing if you stop breathing is a practice. Be kind to yourself! As with learning any new instrument, it takes practice to begin and a decade to master. Start now and watch your inspired life begin!

excerpt from her now FREE magazine, http://AuthenticTimes.com

Authentic Family Living

2009-03-16T03:42:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I got caught up in labels. In my quest to explain to other parents how we raise our children, I called ourselves "unschoolers." I didn't start this way. In fact my life has been one of evolving thought and action.

We started as private schoolers. Then we moved and became public schoolers. We started homeschooling in the middle of my son's 2nd grade year and I discovered right away that I was not leaning towards a structured homeschool life. I created a group for Independent Homeschoolers and for the first time, I loved the moms and the kids we were meeting. All of our children and us moms became like family (and still are) and we grew into a beautiful group. (These are the friends in my children's book!) One good friend and I spoke about how we were unschooling as we didn't seem to care about curriculum. It made sense and I have thought of myself as an "unschooler" ever since. We moved again and now my boys both have best friends who are very nice schooled children from our neighborhood.

Until yesterday. I was told by a popular advocate for the unschooling community that I was not, in fact, an "unschooler." Here is why:

My children do not have the choice to not brush their teeth.

I call it a "non-negotiable" in our home. For this word I have chosen and this rule, I have been told I am not who I thought I was. Hmmm....

I know I am definitely not a "radical unschooler." I love to hang out with them and I love to talk philosophy, as they will always welcome a talk about philosophy. I do belong to a radical unschooling community website. It floored me when this unschooling advocate (and good friend) told me this. I literally sat on the floor and didn't know what to think. After all, I am speaking at 2 unschooling conferences. What am I to do?

So I decided to have a conversation with my oldest son. I asked him what he thought and asked him how many non-negotiables do we live by. He told me he thought he was an unschooler and that there were 3.

1. Do your chart in the morning by 11am (this is brush hair, brush teeth, get dressed and make bed. The only non-negotiable is brush teeth however... the other issues are really their choice unless they want to play with their friends... well most days...)
2. Eat most of your dinner (not all) if you want dessert. (since we had cake for breakfast yesterday, I am thinking this isn't a true non-negotiable all day, but I guess for dinner it is mostly true.)
3. Get off of the computer when we ask. (well... again... most days and when they finish their game or whatever else they might be up to...)

I thought about these rules, defined by my son. I asked him how he thought about them. He said he didn't mind them, except for the computer. He wished he could have more freedom with the computer. My son and I had a beautiful talk. We talked about possible ideas to grow, our philosophies and what brings us joy. He is simply amazing and I love the way he processes and thinks!

When I checked in with myself how I felt about these parameters and the one true non-negotiable of brushing teeth, they felt good, though I am thinking to shift and expand the computer parameter.

The label "unschooler," because I have used it as a label for myself in public, has become a bigger deal than I cared about than when I first took the label on. People truly care about this label and defend it, by letting me know when I am leaving the boundaries of it. Labels make it easy to explain to others what you are doing.

The problem with labels is that they begin to build walls, foundations and structures of who you are.

I don't want to ever feel I need to defend my choices to anyone. The choices our family makes are well thought out, talked about with everyone in it and work for our family lifestyle. Most importantly these choices are all consistently EVOLVING. Right now, I am 100% in alignment with where we are.

I realized when my unschooling friend said I wasn't an "unschooler" she was actually setting me FREE from my label structure that was being built!

I ask you, "What labels do you have that have built structures of who you are that if you were truly honest with everyone or even changed your mind, would tumble and fall?"

So who are we? I spoke to a good friend about my thoughts and out of my mouth was Authentic Family Living. She was excited and we are going to start a community of parents and children who are ready to say YES to their own choices. No experts needed, just open family conversations where we practice to trust our own judgment and intuition.

Authentic Families:

have no rules or parameters about who is in and who is out. You choose. You choose if you want to practice living Authentically.
If you are in alignment with your ideals or are evolving towards it, you are Authentic, mistakes and all!
Perfection is not part of our reality! Being human IS!
Being honest, evolving and creating joy along the way are the families we are looking for!
You can be an Authentic Family whether you school, homeschool, or unschool. Together we can learn ideas from each other and choose what works best for us.

Are you ready?

It's a Beautiful Month....ly cycle!

2009-03-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

So the last two days, I thought I might have been going through another detox, Yikes!

However joyously today, I found I was just getting my monthly cycle. Who knew? With low symptoms (lots of spaciness,) I woke up to my period and found that I haven't gained a pound! What? I usually gain 5 pounds the week of my period and spend the next 3 weeks slowly falling back until I gain it back again. I have done this for years.

Since I have been on raw food (2 weeks now) I have lost 11 pounds. But then the weight loss stopped. Since I didn't do this to lose weight (read the last 6 posts and find out how it happened), I didn't take much notice as I continued to eat whatever I wanted, which for right now is 100% raw food. I have been feeling mostly good and high energy.

Let me tell you I haven't felt sooooo AMAZING on my period... well, since I can REMEMBER! This morning I got up and danced and danced for 40 minutes feeling connected to the beauty of the universe!

Raw food has given me the clarity and energy to live during a time I usually feel like I am dying. Yes, this IS right. This is where my body wants to be!

Yahoo!

Raw Food Surprise - part 6

2009-03-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

This is the final blog and part 6 of my journey into raw food. Stay tuned, I will be writing more about it as my journey continues with Raw Food!

My Trip to the Colon Hydrotherapist

Seriously, if you would have asked me a week just a week before to go and have a tube inserted in my b***...
Well, let's just say, I wasn't keen to the idea before... The truth was simply I was loving my smoothies, though not very excited about the symptoms of my detox and I was told I would feel better with colon hydrotherapy. So I made an appointment for the colonic and this is when my craving of fats kicked into high gear!

I was craving fats! I had 2 to 3 types of nuts or seeds soaking in bowls for the day. I found some raw seed crackers to spread olives onto... lots of olives in olive oil. I was eating whole avocados, found a passion for raw cashew butter and eating coconut oil from the jar!

Oh yeah, fats feel SOOO good!

Thanks to a brilliant new community site called Women In the Raw, I met a women, Amy, who shared that my body was craving fats to slow the detox process down. This made a lot of sense to me. Because I WAS feeling a whole lot better. The crazy news is that I am still losing weight, in fact 2 more pounds. I didn't go into this to lose weight and I was 7 pounds from when I started. I was feeling better every day!

I wanted to know more... I had researched a lot of different ways to eat raw food. Lentils were sprouting on my windowsill. This is big because I have never made sprouts before in my life! I have recipes for raw pizza, soups, salads, dips and so much more... I found Pure Jeevan and recieved a whole list of free recipes! Wendi Dee also has a great story about her journey into raw food.

So here is the thing. I already had the appointment for the colonic and I didn't want to back out. I wanted to feel better. So I went. I did it. It wasn't what I had hoped for... I know many people rave about them, even a girlfriend of mine. This is my honest opinion and since this is my Authentic Blog, I want to share my experience. Please note, I haven't eaten meat for 22 years and have been doing about 90% raw for over a week prior to this day...

The place I went to was a center for healing. The woman was very nice and had been doing colonics for 10 years. The place was clean and I received a new personal packet for my colonic (this is VERY important). She kept me as comfortable as possible and we laughed quite a bit. It lasted for about an hour... more than I would have liked. Afterwards, I only lost 1/2 pound (I have heard reports of up to 10 pounds) and she said I secreted bile.

She said I would want to go again for 2 more sessions in the next two days in a row... which I already knew I would not want to do. I didn't receive any pre or post information to help me on my journey.

Of course, the one hour experience itself wasn't so bad, it was afterwards that I suffered. I had a lot of pain and was extremely crampy inside. This brought up a lot of anger and irritability in me as well. This may have been due to the bile from my liver which Louise Hay says is where we hold our anger. The next day I felt a bit better, though still a little crampy inside and my emotions were back to a comfortable joyous tone. Ahhh.....

Honestly, I had no positive feelings with my colonic. I didn't experience a lightened body feeling or increased energy from this experience (even with the coffee) that I had read about on-line. I did feel "cleaned out," but who wouldn't?

The Bottom Line (I had to say it) is I didn't feel much better, I felt worn out and tired for two days. Because I was not counseled before or after, I am not sure if this is common or not. I chalk it all up to experience and life.

On a higher energy note... Since I wrote my peace treaty on food, I have lost 11 pounds! I have not deprived myself of food at all! I have eaten whole avocados, cashew butter (yum) and tons of yummy fruity green smoothies. At this point I am 100% raw for the past 5 days! What will happen next?

Stay tuned for the continuing posts on my journey into raw food every week!

Raw Food Surprise - part 5

2009-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is part 5 of my journey into raw food...

I Am Not a Raw Foodist, or Am I?

After my husband and I were in alignment to purchase a new Vita-mix, we went on our morning walk. When we returned, I was shocked to see a message from someone about my "Wanted Vita-mix" post. I immediately called them up to find out what model they had and where they lived (and how far I would have to drive.) My jaw literally dropped when I was told he had a year old barely used blender and lived only two miles from my house. His asking price was extremely fair $270.

Can I tell you how excited I was? I was in one of those out of this world experiences. I told him I would be there in a few minutes.

When we arrived, the blender was in perfect condition and the man was really nice. He spoke about how this was too much blender for his world. My husband responded by telling him I was going into raw food and was making green smoothies with it. I was shocked! I immediately told the man, I was NOT, in fact, going into raw food, I just liked the green smoothies.

We stopped by the co-op, out of the way, on the way home to pick up some kale. When we got home and was sooo excited to use my new high powered blender to make my green smoothie!
It was delicious and I felt so happy! I drank (chewed) my smoothie as I continued to read David Wolfe's "Sunfood Diet" Book with intense interest.

Over the next few days, I drank one or two green smoothies daily and I started to notice something that is still a mystery to me.

I began to crave less and less cooked food while craving more and more alive raw foods.

I also began something I didn't expect, drinking green smoothies... Detox!

The smoothies were so energy giving, I was loving it! However the detox was counter-balancing my joy. David's book said something about detox, but I didn't think detox would happen to my body unless I was 100% raw, and I was still eating something cooked everyday, like some cheese, or a small bowl of pasta.

I began to get short headaches in different spots on my head, acne all over my body, horrible congestion (like I had a fur ball I couldn't cough up), something fierce covering my tongue in the morning and worst of all, my emotions were all over the place. One minute I was happy and feeling alive, the next I was angry and irritated, the next I was laughing and the next I was crying.... this just wasn't what I signed up for.

How could I continue to drink my smoothies (I simply wasn't willing to give up), and lessen my symptoms? The answer was something I really hadn't counted on...

coming soon... My trip to the Colon Hydrotherapist

Raw Food Surprise - part 4

2009-03-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is part 4 of my journey into raw food.

Pursuit of the Green Smoothie Blender

I went home that day from Moira's with the borrowed book and feeling amazingly energetic. I was excited about feeling so good inside my body and how this green smoothie filled me up. I was also excited about this amazing blender that turned rough kale into liquid and I immediately began researching the Vita-mix online. I was shocked at the sticker price! Over $400 for a new one!

I picked the book I borrowed up and began to read "The Sunfood Diet Success System" by David Wolfe. I was immediately enchanted by the story of this man and his journey into eating raw food. He had so much experience and knowledge. I stopped working on my business so I could read. I read with my computer next to me so I could research all this new information in the book. I felt pulled to this new knowledge on raw food so before I went to bed that night, for the first time in my life, I soaked my sunflower seeds to put on my morning cereal.

The next morning, I was craving a green smoothie! I ate my cereal and soaked seeds, but wished I lived closer to my friend with the Vita-mix. So I put out a couple of "Wanted Vita-mix" posts on my local "buy and sell" Yahoo groups and Craigslist to see if I could find a used one. Afterall, I wasn't sure I would use it that much. I waited for a response while I eagerly read David Wolfe's fascinating book. That was the first day I began literally eating up his advice.

I went to my local co-op and bought goji berries, more fruit and veggies and a raw kale salad (to go) from the amazing partially raw deli our co-op has. I noticed with each live food I put in my body I felt alive and full of energy. At lunch, I had eaten a small plate of tofu and rice pasta and within 30 minutes, I noticed my energy die down. I couldn't believe it! This was a typical meal that I had been eating for over 20 years and I never realized that it lowered my energy! I needed a green smoothie! I went to my email... no response from my posts, so I looked on Ebay. None of the auctions for Vita-mix's were finishing in the next day, so that night I settled for my kale salad and I felt alive again. Again, I soaked my sunflower seeds for the morning and fell asleep reading David's book.

The next morning, I woke up feeling desperate for a green smoothie. I pulled out my Magic Bullet and made my favorite fruit smoothie without the yogurt. I felt somewhat relieved, but I knew I needed to find a Vita-mix. I checked my email again, no response except from another women who said if I found an extra that she wanted one, too. I received responses from the ones I found on Craigslist (in Seattle) and they were both sold. Living 2 hours from Seattle in a small town, I knew it would be extremely hard to find one used.

When my husband woke up, I found the courage to tell him about the $400+ blender that I wanted, hoping he wouldn't think I was nuts. His slow, thoughtful response was appreciated because I had a feeling he did think I was going overboard. He said, "If you really want one, you should go ahead and buy it." I was so glad to do it, even though I knew that it would be a week before it arrived at my door. Another week before I could have a green smoothie???

What would I do until then?

coming soon... I Am Not a Raw Foodist, or Am I?

Raw Food Surprise - part 3

2009-03-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

This is part 3 of my journey into raw food.

My Introduction to Green Smoothies

One full week into the new healthy eating plan and I had began to lose a little weight. I did not eat the low calorie plan from the book, I just added the Monounsaturated Fats into every meal and was drinking the accurately named Sassy Water. I was still free from the tension in my stomach ever since I had finished writing the peace treaty on my resistance to food.

That weekend I was at an all-day Byron Katie seminar and found myself sitting next to two very sweet, lovely women. They both seemed to be about the same age in their 60's, yet one of the women was extremely vibrant. Her skin glowed, her eyes sparkled and she had an energy about her that drew me in like a magnet. As we both got to know her, I found out that she was a personal raw food chef living in Ashland, Oregon. She told me about these green smoothies she was making for her clients. She was excited about the amazing healing properties of these smoothies. We talked for quite awhile and she invited me to go to week long retreat to do The Work and drink green smoothies.

I loved being in a room full of people with Byron Katie, yet the most dynamic part I took away from the seminar was the discussion about green smoothies! I wanted to go to this retreat!

I thought I would invite my amazing friend, Moira, who has been a raw eater off and on, to go with me. After talking with her about it, we decided to get together that Friday to discuss it more. While at her house, I was telling her about my excitement of these green smoothies. She asked me, "Would you like me to make you one?" I was thrilled!

She showed me her Vita-mix and proceeded to put in 6 to 8 leaves of kale, a banana, 1-2 cups of blueberries, a cup of water, a squirt of flax oil and a scoop of spirulina and lethicin. It tasted like something a horse would be happy to eat. So for my smoothie, she added agave syrup to sweeten it. The agave brought the fruit taste out and it was delicious!

While I drank this magically bright green drink, I was attracted to a book on her shelf and asked to borrow it. She most graciously said yes. The most amazing thing is what happened next!

coming soon... Pursuit of a Green Smoothie

Raw Food Surprise -part 2

2009-03-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

This is part 2 of my journey into raw food.

A New Way of Eating

After I wrote the peace treaty about my resistance with food, I surprisingly found myself looking at what I ate in a whole new way. The immediate change was I didn't feel like eating! This was very unusual for me. I wasn't worried about food, instead I was relaxed and happy. For the next two days, I barely ate anything.

When hunger finally hit me, I ate the usual assortment of choices, however, I noticed I was eating slower and more relaxed than I could ever remember! One of the character traits I kept from my binge eating days was eating fast. I had eaten so fast in the past, it had worried my husband and he had spoken about it with me many times to no avail. It wasn't until I was over the reasons for my emotional eating, that the pattern of fast eating stopped.

When I was done eating, I was shocked to find that I was in touch with how my body felt afterward! For those of you who new to eating disorders, disassociating with how your body feels and reacts to what you do to it, is part of keeping the disorder alive. As a binge eater, I was no different.

Something radical had shifted inside my mind, body and spirit since I completed the peace treaty.

What I chose to eat didn't feel as good as it had before, so I decided in that moment to look for a new way to eat and, amazingly, I was excited about it!

I found a healthy food plan called "The Flat Belly Diet" by Prevention Magazine. I wasn't interested in losing weight and I was not going to put myself on their low calorie diet, but I was interested in the idea that we don't eat enough healthy fats. This plan that encouraged you to eat Monounsaturated Fats (they call them MuFas) with every meal, including your snack. I was interested to try it. These fats include seeds, nuts, olives, olive oil, avocados and chocolate!

The first meal of the day encouraged you to eat 1/2 cup of sunflowers seeds with 1 cup of your cereal in the morning. I chose an organic multigrain cereal, raw organic seeds and local raw milk. Wow! Since I no longer was eating fast, you can imagine how long it took me to eat that one bowl of food. My jaws hurt after breakfast! Later that day, I noticed how good and full I felt. I was hooked and I quickly traded in my daily egg breakfast for this cereal mixture for the next two weeks.

The other thing that was different about this plan was drinking Sassy Water. Not only did I love the name, I loved the way this water treat felt in my body! The recipe is basically alkaline ingredients, which helps you to detox your body (and some say lose weight.)

I thought I would share it with you here:

Sassy Water Recipe

The night before: Thinly slice one lemon, one cucumber, one knuckle of peeled ginger and 5 to 10 leaves of mint (all organic) Put in the largest pitcher you have and fill with water (at least 8 cups) and let it set over night.

Drink a tall glass with every meal and feel the alkaline shift your body to wellness!
PS: put the leftovers in your disposal after the day to help it smell fresher!

After a week of this eating plan, without lowering my calories, I lost 5 pounds. It wasn't until I went to see Byron Katie that the next step was introduced...

coming soon... My Introduction to Green Smoothies

Raw Food Surprise - part 1

2009-03-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

After talking with my good friend Christine, I have decided it might be important to share my journey into raw food. Thank you Christine!

Food and The Peace Treaty

It started about a month and a half ago...

At that time, I was a big and healthy eater. I ate organic, vegetarian and non-chemical foods when I ate at home and when I had time, I LOVED to cook. When I ate out, I ate slices of pizza, huge bowls of pasta, and everything that is gooey and creamy over veggies. Even though, I ate healthy choices, I ate a lot of it. For example, I ate 2 eggs every morning on sprouted grain toast with cheese. I could go on...

This is where the peace treaty entered into the picture. You see, I had spent half my lifetime binge eating, but had quit years before by just quitting dieting. I knew diets didn't work and they led you down a path of denial and obsession.

So now I was a big eater at most meals and having tension with food as I was afraid of denying myself anything. I ate big so I wouldn't binge. I knew something was not right with my relationship with food, I just had no motivation to do anything about it. It was time to put the peace treaty to the test.

The peace treaty is a tool that ends the resistance in your life. And let me tell you, I was resistant! You couldn't get a healthy food plan near me with a ten foot pole. I set out one beautiful afternoon to the beach with the peace treaty workbook and a pen.

After over an hour of writing, connecting, crying, listening and saying goodbye, I made peace with my inner child who had created a belief about food that was running my life. I knew it at that moment something deep inside me had shifted. The feeling of tension I held in my stomach had dissapeared. I felt free! I didn't realize the extent of what would change from that moment in my life, but I knew my life was never going to be the same.

coming soon... A New Way of Eating

Plant a Garden

2009-03-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

There is something about caring for something and watching it grow.

When you start, it may be small and not look like anything special.
But with patience, creativity and gentle nurturing,
Something unexpected might just start to sprout.

This is when the real work begins, and when this point comes, you have two choices, one is to enjoy the magic of the sprout and walk away, the other to make a commitment to plant yourself into this project while taking steps to expand and create something even bigger.

At this point, there is a lot of energy going in.
You give and you give and you give, without much in return.
You might wonder why you are doing it. And right when you question if you should continue working on this endless journey, something starts to bloom!

Again you have a choice to stay or walk away. There are many who decide that finding beauty is the end of their journey.
However, for those who take the risk to journey on,those who stay as the petals die and fall,receive something richer beyond their imagination.

Those who stay with it through the end of the long journey, find themselves an abundance to live on.
For those who stay until the end, there is the sweet taste of success!

smiles and inspiration!
Rain

Passion Parent Interview

2009-02-28T08:07:00.001-08:00

If you missed my interview with Christine, here it is for you to listen in as we talk about homeschooling, unschooling, parenting and life.
Enjoy!

A Full Week with Family, Peace and the Work

2009-02-20T05:17:00.000-08:00

This week my family came back from a long trip away. We missed each other so much and I took a break from writing the book for most days.

I am at about 141 pages and 31,000 words.

I am amazed at what writing a book does to your brain. I feel it is so fast paced and fun when I am in the zone. The words are pouring out and it all makes sense. Then after I put away the book and I am no longer in any zone, I feel so uncreative. Zoned OUT! I can barely think now to write... lol!

I love all there is to learn about living life!

I went to see Byron Katie in Seattle on Friday and Saturday. If you haven't read her book, Loving What Is, I highly recommend it. It was absolutely lovely to see her in person. The Work became powerful for me once again and I love the way she flows through it with her audience with laughter and compassion. I also found how the peace treaty is a beautiful compliment to The Work. How looking in a bit deeper to question what we are resisting in our lives can end our suffering.

We all need many tools for our toolbox.

The peace treaty workshop is going so well. I love the women in the class! They are connecting and working to create a more peaceful life. I discovered the class will be 4 instead of 3. There is just too much information to process... and I want to celebrate their courage at the end of class!

I hope to have this workshop as an all day live class. It really is a powerful way to understand the essence and power of the peace treaty process.

So with the joys of family, writing a book, and preparing the workshop classes, I realize that is as much as I want to do in a week. So with that in mind, I wish you a beautiful week!

Love

2009-02-14T07:29:00.001-08:00

Today is a day to remind us to remember those we love.
Remember to start where love begins: You!

Fill your cup with a breath and a knowing
that you are perfect where you are today.

Fill your spirit with the joy
for you have created joy for others on your journey.

Fill your heart with warmth
for you have been loved in your life.

Fill your mind with clarity,
for love is waiting for you when you clear out your stories.

Once you fill your cup, let it overflow to others and
share joyously in the connection we all have
to each other.

The Book

2009-02-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well the family has been away and I have been working on the peace treaty book. I have 3-4 more chapters to rough draft in. Then a final writing. So far about 29,000 words in just a couple of weeks.

I am ready for a break.

It will be wonderful to have my family home again and spend time with them. Real people instead of the computer! I miss their faces, their smiles and laughter. Picking them up on Valentine's Day feels just right. So much love. So much to share.

It is so strange how 2 weeks can feel so short and long at the same time, depending on what I am thinking about.

So this is a short post.
The peace treaty workshop starts tonight. I am looking forward to connecting with these women and exploring deeper into the process.

Have a beautiful LOVING weekend.
smiles and gratitude!

My Interview with Sharon Anne on The Voice of Change

2009-02-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

This week is all about the peace treaty

2009-02-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing week where the process of the peace treaty is a major part of my business. It is only something I have shared for 4 weeks, and yet the response has shown me how powerful it truly is.

This week, I have 2 peace treaty private sessions and 2 informational classes, plus I have had 3 meetings with others who are wanting to be a part of the bringing this into the public eye.

I am so honored to be interviewed by the amazing Sharon Anne on her show, The Voice of Change tomorrow,
February 6th, Friday at 2:30pm PST/5:30 EST.
You can also call into the program to listen and/or ask a question at 1 (646) 929-1995
I hope you will join us as we discuss the peace treaty.

Now that my family has left for 10 1/2 days (9 days left) I am currently writing a book about the peace treaty.

So there you have it, a whole lot of peace treaty.
I am so grateful.
I hope you will join us.

Super Sunday of Playing Sports

2009-01-31T04:01:00.000-08:00

Those of you who love the American game of football, may be thrilled because it’s that time again for Superbowl Sunday. American’s day at the Coliseum, lion vs. man, with tons of funny commercials selling us junk food, overpriced shoes and gas guzzling trucks all together with an over-hyped musical performance in the middle of the event.

Where does that leave those of us who are not motivated by such a day of events?

Many women have said “enough!” We are done trying to fake the enjoyment of the Superbowl and create dip in French bread that looks like a football (yep, I have done that!) But what are the alternatives? We may organize a play date with your other mom friends who don’t want to watch or you may try to leave your kids with the men or a sitter and go out with your friends to luncheon, shop or get pampered.

What if, instead of falling into the world of man vs. woman, where they watch sports and we go to the spa or go shopping, we get inspired to be part of the athletics in a new way?

Why not gather a group of friends, men and women (and the kids) and actually play a game of soccer or flag football? If the weather doesn’t allow for outside sports where you live, you might reserve an indoor field or how about team bowling or indoor tennis to make some happy memories based on working the muscles in your body, instead watching someone else’s.

You can make new traditions and take back the fun of sports by actually playing them and being involved. Pick your color and your team and enjoy the thrill of running, catching and being a part of the game.

Ahhh... A new blog look at last!

2009-01-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

I am feeling much more at home with my new blog look!

Do you like it?

This is artwork created for me by the amazingly talented Debbie Weber.
Her artwork is feminine and bold and beautiful. She does graphic art, hand-painted scarves (which I also am priviledged to own!) and amazing paintings on canvas and walls.

You can find more about her here:
Debbie Weber's Art
http://www.webersart.com/
Take a look!

Thank you Debbie!
Smiles and joy,
Rain

Abraham-Hicks: Positive NOW!

2009-01-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

A beautiful woman friend of mine sent this to me today and I just loved the energy and thought you might like it, too! Abraham-Hicks is a powerful speaker who is changing the vibration of the world. The pictures are not important here, just close your eyes if you wish, and listen!

It is all about the here and now and the power of positive thinking!

Confidence

2009-01-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

You say it isn't easy and it isn't always clear.
Yet confidence is the strong foundation, best to face your fear.

When you walk with your head held high and your shoulders rolled down and back,
You can better see the path before you and you relax upon the track.

Say what you believe in with compassion and clarity in your voice.
Yet, confidence always listens to another's argument or choice.

When we are confident about ourselves, we feel the freedom it allows.
Through freedom we can live without the have-tos, shoulds and hows.

So for today, please practice your unique and sacred quest.
Walk tall, yet humble and honest, with the strength of confidence.

by Rain Fordyce

Why you might turn off your TV...

2009-01-16T03:41:00.000-08:00

All seems so calm in the world...
I sit, in the dark, life feels free and beautiful.

However, from the voices of my clients, my family, and friends I hear the high energy stress they glean from the news. They tell me about the economy with fear behind their voices. They tell me about what could happen... what might happen... what horrible thing has happened. Their energy seems to come from nowhere, it seems to me.

You see, I don't have a television, and I don't watch the news.

This doesn't mean I don't know what is going on in the world. I read my Yahoo news most days, and I receive my local paper. However, this kind of news isn't creating the huge amount of fear in people's lives. I had experienced what people are watching just the other day.

I was at my local taqueria, where they have the TV blasting, and I was listening to the man tell us all how horrible everything is, with a very concerned look. I felt stressed in minutes!

The fact is, I know the economy has turned, but is that a real excuse to live in fear?
What are you afraid of? Losing your home? Not being able to eat? Not being able to receive health care? Guess what? You are right! Your worst fears may come to pass...

Let's look at Day 2.

Yes, imagine all of the worst has come to pass and you are sad, scared and miserable. Allow yourself to live the whole first day in the biggest pity party anyone has ever seen. It's okay, you have earned it. Now, what are you going to do the next day? Are you going to shrivel up in a ball and cry? Maybe, but what good would that do? What if... instead of worrying about Day 1, you take action and plan your Day 2?

Plan what you will do if all your worst fears come to pass. What will you do? Apply for food stamps? Look for low income housing? Look for another job? Unemployment? Rent someone's land to farm? Buy and live in an RV? What are the possibilities in your life? Make a serious list of at least 10 positive actions to take to get you back on track of living.

Put this list in with your emergency kit and leave it knowing you now have the tools you need to take should the worst happen. Then stop watching the news, turn off your TV, get dressed up in your warm clothes and go outside. Take a deep relaxing breath, and know you are okay right now... in this minute. You are a strong and capable adult. Feel the power of your strength and wisdom... and feel the calmness of the world.

My Interview with Regina on Business Matters

2009-01-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

It was wonderful to connect with Regina.
What an inspiration she is!
Take a listen...

Working with the peace treaty

2009-01-08T04:53:00.000-08:00

Last night I was working with the peace treaty with a friend and it was so beautiful!
This is the oldest core belief I have ever discovered with this work.

Her belief began as a 1 year old.

The interesting part was this 1 year old was amazingly smart at protecting herself. The minute we got close to creating the treaty, she began to tell stories of a 6 year old, and then a 12 year old.

I asked, "Can we go back to being one?" I was answered with silence.

I was also amazed seeing the resistance this one year old had to writing answers down into the form. It almost seemed this child was so afraid of what the peace treaty would do if it was completed. I had to encourage each word...

Once the key ideas were written down, and that is when the tears came. That is when the connection was made. The peace treaty was written and the child was finally at peace and her inner-adult was back in charge. This was such a powerful experience. What normally is an 30 minute to an hour process took 2 1/2 hours.

The older the core belief, the more powerful your inner-child is in running your life.

At the end, this sweet adult-empowered woman told me, "This..... is really...... powerful, Rain."
And my talkative friend didn't say anything else for the rest of the night, though her smile said so much more.

Whoa! Class is full!

2009-01-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

I am so honored to announce the peace treaty class is full on January 13th.

I can't help but believe another class should be created.
Even though, I am uncertain of the date, you can put yourself on the list for the next class.

Click here to sign up for the next class!

the peace treaty workbook

2009-01-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

the peace treaty... is here!

What would you do to stop the resistance in your life?

I am so excited to introduce the peace treaty to you.

It was created from my own experience and found it life-changing. When I shared it with a group of people, those who tried it for themselves told me how powerful it was.

After months of work, the peace treaty workbook is here and I am offering my very first workshop to show you how it works and how it can effortlessly breakthrough the resistance in your life and start creating the life you want!!!

Come and join us on Tuesday, January 13th at 7:30pm PST for this FREE call to find out more about this exciting new tool that will create peace with your inner-child and empower your inner-adult!

Please email me at celebrate@authentictimes.com with your name and phone number to sign up for this FREE introductory class!

Sleeping in 2009

2009-01-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

I didn't stay up last night until midnight.

I tried with all my might, but after a very long working week, once I finished publishing AuthenticTimes.com, I was kaput! (Hmmm... I don't think I have ever written down the word kaput in my life, lol!)

Oh yes, I tried all the usual ways to stay awake. I played a game with my husband, drank some coffee, watched the kids who were cracking up as they used the new punching bag their aunt got them for the holidays. They were laughing so loud! I thought if anything can keep me awake, it's my boys!

And that is when it happened... too painful! Eyes.... can't.... take.... much... more.... light!
And I was out.

So instead of ringing in the new year, I was sleeping in the new year.

Yet, I am up early to wish you all a beautiful day with bold dreams for your journey over the next 365 days!

Happy New Year!!!
smiles and joy,
Rain

Attract a New Year's Eve Kiss

2008-12-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

I was asked about how to attract a kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve. Here is my fun list of what to do. The law of attraction may just work for you, too!

How to Attract a New Year's Eve Kiss

Do not spend New Year's Eve alone (unless you plan to kiss Dick Clark)- find a party.
Announce to the Universe and yourself, "I would love a New Year's kiss" (nothing wrong with a public announcement.)
Wear comfortable and attractive clothing to the party (if you aren't relaxed and feeling pretty it will show.)
Wear neutral lipstick (dark lipstick might scare a friendly kiss.)
Go early and make sure you introduce yourself to as many people as possible (be open to everyone.)
Have fun! (that is the point of a party, right?)
Tell a friend you are looking to be kissed (maybe she knows "just the guy.")
Let go of the kiss happening (allow the magic to happen...)
Feel the joy as though you already have been kissed (share your positive vibration with the Universe.)
At 11:45, if you haven't met someone you click with romantically, look around the room and ask yourself, "Who looks like they would love a kiss from me?" Walk up to him and offer your joyous celebration of the New Year with a friendly kiss at midnight.

The New Year is on it's way....

2008-12-21T03:19:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to Take the Step towards a New Life?

I am thrilled to share with you an offer for the next 6 days.

If you sign up for coaching in January, you will receive 10% off of your first month (up to a $50 value). If you sign up for a three month commitment, you will receive your 10% off, your 3-month discount and a free headset so that we can Skype each other for free!

In January, my rates will go up. Now is the time, if you have been thinking about what coaching can do for you. Trust me, if you are ready to feel better, and starting living with inspired passion, and let go of what is causing you suffering in your life, you will be so glad you took the step to connect with me.

Find out more at CoachingwithRain.com or email me at rain@authentictimes.com.

Isn't it time you allowed yourself the support to break out of old thoughts and habits and start living a more authentic life?

This offer expires at midnight on December 31st, 2008!

A Thank You Letter to Michael Neill

2008-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Michael, for showing up on my blog and sharing your kind words and references.

The starvation article you wrote caused some negative responses when I reposted it. Your apology was very kind.

I am honored that you visited.

Oh, I guess I am more than honored. I was a happily shocked as well.

I have learned so much from you in the last year through your radio show, You Can Have What You Want on Hay House Radio and your newsletter found at GeniusCatalyst.com. I refer to your work and words while speaking with my clients and friends often.

Thank you Michael and I hope this finds you.
Honestly, it was a bright light in my day!

smiles and joy,
Rain

My apologies for gossiping....

2008-12-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am not one for gossip and heresay.
But I trusted my source.

If you have ever read or listened to Michael Neill (Hay House Radio or Geniuscatalyst.com) you will know that he is a kind, compassionate coach to the stars.
He has inspired me greatly over the last year, and I am grateful to be on his newsletter list. This post is from his newsletter.

I loved this article below as it resonated with my own experience with dieting.

I am so sorry that I repeated gossip about Susan Powter and the others listed in Michael's writing. As I did not mean to insult anyone or create any confusion.

I was merely trying to pass on what I thought was good news.

Blessings and smiles,
Rain

Please Read if you Have Ever Been on a Diet

2008-12-16T04:07:00.000-08:00

I found this article to be so important, I wanted to share it with more people!
smiles and joy,
Rain

The Biology of Starvation or Why Your Diet is Doomed!

To say that dieting rarely leads to sustainable weight loss isn't particularly controversial - just ask anyone who's been on a diet in the last twenty years. What is perhaps more surprising is why they don't work. Most books would have you believe that you've either been on the wrong diet (too many/few meals, too much/little carbohydrates, etc.) or you lack the willpower to stick with your diet. In fact, the answer would appear to be in your biology.

In his seminal study into human starvation during World War II, biological researcher Ancel Keys (developer of the army's "K-Rations") discovered that reducing people's diet to a state of semi-starvation produced symptoms of irritability, loss of endurance, and obsessive behavior around food, including but not limited to lying, hoarding, and stealing.

Even more telling was that in the three month period after the semi-starvation was ended and people could once again eat whatever they wanted, the obsession with food continued. None of the subjects had regained their former physical capacity, and their daily caloric intake had increased to a level higher (at times far higher) than before the study began.

This experiment, documented in his 1950 treatise "The Biology of Human Starvation", is considered unreplicable - even if you could get the volunteers, to purposely starve people (even college students :-) is considered cruel and inhumane nowadays. But here's an interesting fact: the 'semi-starvation' rations from the original study amounted to 1500 calories a day - more than is allowed in any number of the 25,914 diet books listed at Amazon.com!

What 50 years ago was considered a globally conscious experiment in dealing with world hunger (Keys' own conclusion was that "Starved people cannot be taught democracy. To talk about the will of the people when you aren't feeding them is perfect hogwash.") has become a global obsession, with over $40 billion spent on weight loss products in the year 2000 (that's roughly a million dollars a day for 85 years!).

So what's the solution?
Here are three things you can begin to do immediately, adapted from the excellent book Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.

1. Reject the food police
Once you recognize the perils of voluntary starvation (sorry, "dieting"), you can begin to make peace with food. Instead of fighting with 'forbidden foods', which naturally become more attractive than anything else on the menu, you start out by eating what you like, when you like.
"But I'll eat nothing but chocolate!", I hear you cry in fear (and hope!).
Maybe at first - but studies have shown that over time, you will wind up eating a fairly balanced diet, or what the authors refer to as the 90-10 balance - 90% of your food will be light and nutritionally sound, and 10% will be "play" food.

2. Honor your hunger and feel your fullness
Imagine a 'hunger scale' which runs from 1 (Starving) to 10 (Better get a bucket). How hungry are you right now?
As you practice tuning in to your own hunger, you'll begin to recognize subtle signals long before your stomach growls and your brain gets fuzzy. Optimal eating occurs at around 3 or 4 and finishes when you reach 6 or 7 on your inner scale - the only scale that matters from now on!

3. Respect your body and honor your health
Jim Fixx, the man who single-handedly made jogging into the great American past time in the '70's, died aged 52 of a heart attack - while jogging. Jane Fonda, the godmother of the '80's aerobics movement survived her exercise-induced heart attack and having clearly learned from her near death experience, introduced the world to 'low-impact' aerobics. Susan Powter, the '90's eating guru who's catchphrase was 'Stop the insanity' had her bottom rib removed to give her the body shape she desired!

While I have no idea which get-fit 'expert' for the new millenium will be the first to fall victim to their own mythology, respecting our body's and honoring our health calls for us to unleash 'the guru within' - that is to tune in, listen to, and respect the messages from our own body.

Today's Experiment:

"The psychological terror of hunger is profound."
-Naomi Wolfe, The Beauty Myth

In an age where airbrushing out lovehandles is no harder than putting Forrest Gump in the White House, it can be difficult to know what your optimal body shape and size really is. To put it another way, you may never have the body of Elle McPherson, but then again, neither will she!

Here's an exercise to begin getting in touch with your own natural body...
1. Each day, spend at least one minute looking at yourself in the mirror. In an ideal world, do this without clothes, but if that's too horrific a thought, anything but a mumu would be fine!
2. Notice what thoughts come up, from 'god I hate my thighs' to 'not bad for 45'.
3. Stick with it until you can look at your body in the mirror for a full minute without cringing, crying, or even commenting.
4. When you're ready, begin sending loving energy to the person in the mirror. Let them know that your love for them is not dependant on their waist size.
5. If you find all this too difficult, get the support of a loving friend, family member, or coach.

Have fun, learn heaps, and eat something!
Copyright by Michael Neill

This tip was brought to you by GeniusCatalyst.com and read by over 15000 people in 90 countries worldwide.

Connecting in the Now to Our Own Journey

2008-12-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Journeys.
We are all on our own journey. Although sometimes we share the path with others, we cannot walk someone else's journey, and they cannot walk ours. Journeys can create joy or suffering. We suffer when we do not trust our own perceptions or when live in the past or future.

Many people suffer because they become stuck in their past journey or worry about what might happen to their future journey. Everyone has lost the here and now at some point. Sometimes people decide to live for a destination (the future.) This is expressed in sentences such as: If I make enough money, get that job, lose that weight, then I will... be happy or fill in the blank.

Other times people live for what they already know is safe (the past.) This may look like someone who says: This worked two years ago, it should work again. This is the only way to do it! Why can't things be like the good ol' days?

To find the here and now, take a breath. Look around. See where you are in your journey right now… I am in my living room, it is dark outside, I hear the heater running, I am feeling peaceful.

We can also suffer when we do not trust our own journey. During our life, we make choices all along the way. We are then given an experience and we have perceptions of our experiences. We then connect our choice with the experience.
For example: Choice: When I chose to go to bed early every night for a week:

A) Experience: I slept more.
Perception: It felt good.
Connection: Choosing to go to bed early is best for you.
or
B) Experience: I couldn't sleep through the night.
Perception: It felt frustrating.
Connection: It is better to choose to stay up later and wake up at a normal hour.

Both of these connections seem reasonable. The problem is when it is not your own connection. When others try to impose their connections onto your journey, it can create conflict and suffering. People may say you must be tired, cold, or worried because of your travels. They equate their connections they have made on their journey to be the only truth. When we attach to others connections, we suffer.

There will always be a voice or two that questions your choices on how you take your journey. They may also have doubts about your perception about your experiences, therefore believe you are crazy to have the connections you have made. Just know, no matter how convincing they sound, you are the only one who can know the truth for your own perceptions, experiences and choices.

Thank the stars above for all the caring people in your life who help you remember to stay in your own business and wish them peace and comfort in their own choices and perceptions of their lives. Their hearts are in the right place.

Now, take a chance! Choose, experience, perceive and connect all on your own, in your own way and watch the magic happen.

My Shoulder of Should

2008-12-04T02:27:00.000-08:00

It happened 5 years ago. I was walking down the street with my 2 year old and holding his hand. He was never one much for walking. He loved to be carried and I struggled to get him out of the sling. It was only from a tired back and a belief he should be walking at his age, did I make the decision a few weeks prior that I needed to encourage him to walk on his own. So I held on to his tiny hand as we walked down the street.

That was when it happened. He let go of the ground. He put his feet up, bent his knees and he pulled my shoulder in a jarring motion down as I tried to save him from falling.

It was a classic rotator cuff injury, I was told by my physical therapist. Nothing torn, just a really bad sprain. After spending 3 months working with a physical therapist, using every ointment on the planet, hot and cold compresses, and keeping it as still as I could, it didn't get 100% better. Sleeping on my side was impossible, and I learned to sleep on my back with a pillow under my knees so I wouldn't move in the night. The mornings I woke up on my side, I was always waking up from the jarring pain in my shoulder. In fact, years later while in my downward dog pose in a yoga class I had my two kids in (even with protests, I thought as homeschoolers, they should learn this), I felt the injury come back full force and I was back into the physical therapist's office. Nothing seemed to make all of the pain go away.

Soon I was introduced to EFT, Louise Hay, and the law of attraction. I found out I could get rid of the pain through tapping, affirmations and what I thought about. For the first time in years, I was 100% pain-free! Well, most of the time.

Strangely enough, my shoulder is my alarm for "shoulds." It happens every time, without fail. Someone in my family needs me, and I get a thought in my head I should get up to help, my shoulder begins to ache. My husband is having a struggling conversation with the kids, and I feel I should fix it, yep, shoulder hurts again. Creating my businesses and feeling I should be working harder to make more money for the family and BAM! I am hit with pain in my shoulder. Imagine how well I did over the Thanksgiving holiday with my family when old stories of "I should" came to the surface... needless to say, my shoulder was as much pain as I had felt for the first time in a year.

Now, I always have the tools to make the pain go away, I just find it interesting how the should is in my should-er. How did that happen? What kind of cosmic message is that? I believe the universe has quite a sense of humor.

The blessing of this gift is I always know when my thoughts have left the here and now and gone into the "shoulds" of the past and the future. I know when I am not in allowing, but fixing. I know when I am not in my own business, I am in other people's business. When I am really clear, I can feel the tingle begin at the very first moment when a should thought forms. That is really cool.

Do you have a sign you are out of alignment? What seems to happen to you when you are wandering from your path of joy? Sick stomach? Headache?

Our body's are not separate from our minds and spirits. It is all one connected package. Learning to only take care of one without the others is sure to create some kind of notification system your whole self is hoping you pay attention to.

My whole self decided it would be clever to create my shoulder of should.

Thank you, it works.

Making a Living With my Gifts

2008-11-20T06:33:00.001-08:00

It is amazing to me how fast this year has gone by. So much has happened and I am overjoyed at our successful new businesses. As of this month, I am supporting my family through my life coaching- Coaching With Rain, Yahoo!!!

I was thinking about the surreal moment I felt the spark to become a life coach. I wasn't sure if I could do it, so I didn't admit it to my own life coach for over two months as I knew that she would encourage me to make it a reality. When I did tell her, sure enough, I had clients within the month. It has been so amazing to connect with these phenomenal people through coaching! I have learned so much! I have also heard again and again that I have found my calling. Could this be my calling, living the life I have always dreamed about? It is true I have truly found a place to use and share the gifts I came here with.

My gift of energy sensitivity, my gift of empathy, my gift of total honesty, my gift of seeing the immense beauty in everyone.

However, at one point in my life, I believed these gifts were actually negative traits that I had to rid myself of. Here is why:

The gift of energy sensitivity turned me into an introvert and was unable to be in large groups of people very long (school was tremendously difficult for me just for this reason.) I didn't know how to separate my energy from others and I felt like a prisoner to whoever I spent time with.
The gift of empathy shows no age or authority boundaries, and I used to be told to be quiet, if I mentioned how I understood my teachers, parents, or any other authorities feelings. " What does a child know?" they would say. I really didn't know, I felt.
The gift of total honesty, before I was living in joy, well, you can imagine what kind of trouble I got into with friends, family and just about everyone else. Good or bad, it just comes out. Through finding my inner joy, this trait has actually become my greatest gift.
The gift of seeing the immense beauty in everyone was truly confusing, since I did not see it in myself. I walked around in a world where everyone seemed so amazing talented and beautiful, and I was not. No wonder I suffered from depression. Once I discovered how to see my own beauty and I could truly see it inside myself, I was brought to tears, and still am. This world is a beautiful place.

We all have amazing gifts and we all are so talented and beautiful. (Really! You are, too! I promise!) That is the secret. We ALL are, just unique in our own way.

Now, I see these traits for what they are, and recognize them as gifts and not negative traits to rid myself of. Now, I can share them with as many people who are attracted to them.

Gratitude is so deep in my heart today.
Thank you so much to all that is.
Life is truly a wonderful puzzle.

smiles and joy,
Rain

Thank you for the compliments!!!

2008-11-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

I love coaching, I really do. It is an honor and a blessing to be a part of my clients' lives. I learn as much as they do as we find the answers together. Recently, I was written in two different blogs and I would love to share these amazing women with you!

Barb Techel is an author of a unique picture book about her precious Dachshund, Frankie who lost the use of her back legs and is now a Walk and Roll Dog. See her blog here:
Joyful Paws Blog.Dayna Martin is an author, speaker and advocate for doulas, unschooling and attachment parenting. She has been on the Dr. Phil show and speaks all over the country about her amazing life. See her blog:
The Sparkling Martins Blog.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
It truly touches my heart to watch you blazing your trails!
smiles and joy,
Rain

Yes, more love of the Wind!

2008-11-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Here is something I wrote for my
Inspired Almost-Daily Newsletter.
You can sign up for free by clicking here.

Wind Dance

The wind is so powerful.
It blows through the giant cedars and firs
as though they were blades of grass.

When I feel it blow against my body and face, I feel part of the whole... something bigger, something meant to be.
It is in my time of great wanting, needing to be loved, touched and held by others, that I most adore the wind.
With the wind, I am never alone.
It answers my call and surrounds me, touching my face and hair.

The chimes blow creating the music for the dance. I want to dance with the wind. Woooshhhhhhh she tells me, woooshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I want to sway, spin, and fly.
I want to leap high into the air and let the wind pick me up
and sail across the sky.
And as I dream of this, the wind and I, we dance...

The Wind is Blowing.... us into comfort.

2008-11-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

Today is a blustery, windy day. I just love the fall!

Pumpkin soups are on the menu as well as everything with potatoes, yum!
It is all about comfort foods.

It's time to snuggle up with cozy socks, cozy blankets and a cozy fire, ahhhh!
It is all about comfort warmth.

Visiting friends and families feels so good and celebrating the many holidays brings joy to our spirits.
It is all about inner comfort.

As I sit and think about this comfortable and joyous time of year, I send out smiles and blessings to all of you.

Thank you for bringing me the comfort of companionship!

smiles and joy,
Rain

Listen in to Monday's Interview! Win a copy of my book!!!

2008-11-09T04:09:00.001-08:00

I am feeling more relaxed this time, which is a good thing as the show is called Relaxed Homeschooler!
Here is the info:

Yes, contest!!!
I am giving away a free signed copy of my new children's book to a listener of the Relaxed Homeschooler, Kim's awesome show!

Listen in Monday, Novemeber 10th at 10am Central, 8am-PST, 11am-EST Click the button below:

I would love to have you support me and maybe even win a copy of my new book!
smiles and joy,
Rain

It's Finally HERE!!!! My first children's book!

2008-11-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes yes!!! It is here and it is truly a beautiful book in so many ways.

I am already being flooded with heart warming stories from moms and children who love their book. Knowing that this is a bedtime story for children and they are seeing themselves and their lives in this story fills me with boundless joy!!!

This was a project that was co-created by the most amazingly kind people that I know (and love). I believe the energy of kindness is what makes everything about this book, characters, story, look and feel so amazing....

Anyone who has done anything like this, understands that it is a not a job of one, but of many! I am so grateful for everyone in my life and who I have met to create this amazing book. This book is the collaborative work of:

Inspiration, Creation and Edit Department, my two boys - Without you, there would be no book. Your fantastic ideas made this book better than I ever could have done on my own. Thank you! I love you both so much. You are my inspiration and joy!!!

Illustrator, Audrey Cherney - your work is simply amazing! I love your humor and warm artistry as well as your drive to excellence! It truly shows! I am grateful to have met you!

Book Graphic Designer, Support and Ideas, Scott Perry - you made something good, so much better! I love the ladybug action and all your ideas and huge support! Your true creative and gentle nature show in this book.

Edits and Ideas, Jeannine Hall - you helped me bring my writing into a whole other realm of flow! Working with you on this project was so much fun. Your ideas were brilliant!

Support, Mom and Dad - because you loved me that much! Your constant enthusiasm for this project always made my day and pushed me forward. Thank you!

Support, Ideas and Love, Charlie Fordyce - our partnership is what creates my inspiration into action! You are phenomenal and the most amazing man! Everyday I am gifted to spend with you is my highest honor.

Thank you Scott Noelle and Naomi Aldort for your most kind words for the back of the book. And the Diane and Stan at the Printery for your enthusiasm to get this done right.

And everyone else who put their ideas out there for me to think about and grow from!!!

I am truly grateful for the many blessings I have in knowing you!

May the co-creative efforts along with the immense joy, kindness and thoughtfulness that went into this book be felt by everyone who reads it.

Smiles and great joy,
Rain

A Recording of my First Interview!

2008-10-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the Show!!!

The show went well, I was nervous, but like riding the rapids down awesome Class 4 rapids, there was lots of laughter and it was a whole lot of YAHOO fun!

Leave a comment on the site, if you feel inspired...
smiles and laughter,
Rain

Listen in tonight to my very First Interview!

2008-10-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Wednesday, October 29th at 8pm -Pacific/ 11pm -Eastern

Tune into Harry Shade's Interview with Rain on his Blog Talk Radio Show.

I have so much to say... or do I?
Well if you listen in... you will find out.

It is all very fun and exciting.
I hope you will listen in.
Just click the icon below!

First Uploaded Graphic...oooh it can be done!

2008-10-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you Homemom3! You inspired me to upload my first ever picture to my blog. And I have been blogging for almost 2 years! Technology seems to elude me sometimes...
So here is a picture of the main character of my book (coming out next week) and a bite about the BlogTalkRadio show I am being interviewed on called the Relaxed Homeschooler on Monday, November 10th at 10am Central or 8am-PST and 11am-EST.

And as the picture shows, we will be having a contest where you can get a chance to win a free signed copy of my new book! Check out the link below to connect to the Relaxed Homeschooler with Kim on BlogTalkRadio.
Hope to have you there listening and calling in!

Joyful Thought

2008-10-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Celebrate your joy! Live it, love it! Dance, Sing and Jump for JOY! Really have wild fun! The more you celebrate it authentically from spirit, the more often it will come, and the more practice you will get remembering yourself laughing in joy.

Waiting patiently for the Delivery...

2008-10-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

So many people have been asking me lately...

"How is your book?"
"Do you have your book yet?

Hmmm....

It's a challenge dealing with life outside of your control.

The book has finally been reprinted, due to previous error, and it has been cut and sorted (all 100,000 sheets of it) and is now happily in the hands of the binder. YES!

The binder is going to glue and stitch it all together and make it pretty.
He will then ship it back to us (he is just across the water in Seattle) and the Printer said, "next Wednesday"... then paused. "At least before Friday" and I let it my expectation of next week go.

It doesn't matter to me anymore. I am excited yes, but for everyone, who has pre-ordered their book, they are my first priority. The book is a month late.

I feel like a big uncomfortable overdue pregnant woman, saying INDUCE, INDUCE!
But I have no special liquid to inject to make this baby come before it is ready.

I am prepared for it's arrival, however, with all the envelopes labeled so that that I can sign the book, and drop it in the mail the day we bring it home.

Hopefully, the book will be worth everyone's wait!

I know it is worth mine. The day I hold this baby in my arms... oh yeah....

I know it will will be worth every minute!

smiles,
Rain

I Just LOVE Writing...

2008-10-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

Funny how my life has turned upside down since last year. That was when I wrote my first children's book. Well, any book for that matter. That was when I took a stand and said, I am a writer.
At 37 years old, I am a writer!

I was one of those early self-taught readers before I was four. I loved books! I read and read and read, until I started school. It took years before the school system caught up with my love of reading! And when they did, they EXPECTED me to read.

Sad to say, it didn't take long before I hated reading... somewhere around 3rd grade. I remember it because it was when I transfered my love of reading other's stories to writing my own. I started a journal, no... in 3rd grade it's a Diary... Dear Diary... and like a lot of my friends, I was a faithful writer, most of the time.

By the time I was a senior in high school, my English teacher told me lots of kudos about my writing. He told me to take creative writing in college, that somehow he thought I might find my life in writing. I thought about it... and I wrote all about it in my diary.

Then I started the big college classes. I kind of laugh while I still feel nausea in the pit of my stomach when I think about what happened in my first Shakespearean English Freshman College Class. After turning in my first fabulous creative paper, my teacher gave me my first "C" in English I had ever received in my entire life!

When I asked her about it, she said I had a low level understanding of the English language, that I had no grasp of how to write a real paper.

I heard simply, "I am not a writer." It may seem unbelievable to you, but that was it. I lost interest in school, I lost interest in becoming a writer, at least that is what I wrote in my diary...

After many colleges and dropouts later, I finally finished school in Community Studies at UCSC. Some crazy hippie inspired major to teach kids how to organize the people for change. I became a waitress instead..

Years go by and I wrote all about it in my diary, or journal I should say at this point. Next, I met my husband. There were a few years my diary and my soon-to-be-husband tried to work it out, but passion won over and I found it was best to stop writing in a childish diary... and move on.

I was 27 and had written in over 15 diaries about my life since 3rd grade.

Life went on. I had my sweet babies, got married, bought and sold houses and then I was introduced to the most fabulous invention in the world.

A Blog! We were about to take a 7 month trip around the US in a Eurovan with my family after selling our home and everything we owned and I thought. Hmmmm.... Maybe people will be interested...

I began writing again! Right from the beginning it soothed my soul. It brought out my best. It made me feel whole. I loved it, and best of all, people started following it. They were commenting on my writing style. They told me they loved the feelings I brought to my stories and I should be a writer. Of course, I laughed and thought about my freshman English teacher and said, "Yeah! Right!"

Once our trip had ended, we returned to my family's home (as we had none of our own) so that I could recover from a serious illness. 3 days later, I sat down with my computer and before I knew it... in just 15 minutes... I had written a children's book.

One year and a couple of months later, that book is coming out in just a week or two from the printers. While the book was being produced, I have written tons of articles, started a magazine, which I also edit, write weekly blogs, and now get paid to be an editor for other writer's work.

I just LOVE writing... Of course, I love it! And most of all, I love encouraging others to believe in their stories... to believe in their writing, and BELIEVE in themselves.

smiles and joy,
Rain

Dedicated to my 8th grade English teacher, wherever you are.
You were RIGHT!

The Wind

2008-10-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Wind

I love the wind as it blows against my body, my hair, my face and the sound it makes blowing by my ears.
Sometimes I love to just stand in the strong wind, open arms, planted feet and really feel the power of the world all around me.

Stand to face the wind and your face is touched. The resistance of personal strength feels good for awhile,
though eventually I become tired of fighting it.

Stand towards the direction of where the wind is blowing
and you can get blown over....

Unless you trust and walk along with it.
That is when the journey becomes a breeze...

Here we go again with the "Crisis" Talk

2008-10-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Every time I watch TV, I remember why I don't own one. My family and I went out for what was supposed to be a fun dinner out, when we were told we were in CRISIS!

"OH NO!" I thought, "Crisis?!?" Of course, I was laughing inside my head, until after about 5 minutes later, after all their compelling sensationalism, I felt stressed even though I didn't believe what they were saying would change my world. (*Please turn off your TV.)

It seems every year there is a crisis. I also notice that no matter what, I am sitting, standing and laying down. I am eating, driving, working, raising my children, loving my family, friends, and especially loving my life....

Is it wrong to love your life when there is a crisis? Is there a crisis at all?

Maybe for some who over-extended into buying a home. Maybe for some whose livelihood were based in brokers, mortgages, real estate and such. Maybe for those invested in oil -in the last few months.... Maybe for some who had high risk portfolios and are retired... FEEL like there is a crisis.

After all, people are losing money, jobs, homes and way of life. Is that a crisis? That same thing has happened every day, every month, every year. Those in this current pickle, and those who have experienced this outside of the current media will live. They will pick up the pieces and move forward.

Truth is, there is nothing else they can do.

Crisis is a state of mind. And gambling is not a safe bet. We all do it at some level when we invest, create a business, or do anything with our lives that we believe will make us money. My husband and I saw that housing was too easy to make money and for too long, so we got out of the housing market. We had already lost huge gains in the dot com market and decided to keep our housing profits safe in a local bank CD account almost 2 years ago.

We didn't make a fortune in oil or other possibilities like others, and we also are not losing any money like others. We are not big gamblers.

And although we are surrounded by big casinos, we don't like to take our money and throw it to the wind of chance. We just work too hard for it. So we have our savings, we have our businesses, and we have our rented home. We also know our savings could be wiped out, our businesses could fail and we may not be able to afford rent a home at some point.

Anything is possible, but thinking life is in crisis every year, almost makes life unbearable.

We can only do what we can do now. We can only make choices that make sense to our heads and hearts. We can only stand, sit and lay down, whether that is comfortable or not, is just life.

What we CAN do is find joy, love, observe, have fun, feel the amazing range of feelings we all share as humans and just enjoy and live this game called life....

You decide if you want to play a friendly game of Pictionary or a risky game of Roulette...

smiles,
Rain

OneTough Woman Business Owner

2008-10-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about the interesting place a woman business owner has in this world. For instance, twice in the last month, I have been reprimanded personally for not allowing advertising on my website and for not giving away my coaching services for free.

Strange.

The response wasn't, "Oh, I understand, this is your policy."
It is "I can't believe this is how you think the world works..." along with a personal smear about my email manners, which when my husband reread my responses, assured me that I was just being kind, but firm.

Another interesting occurrence, in the year 2008, is the way I am treated when I am with my husband.

When we crossed the Canadian border, I was driving and the border patrol asked what I did for a living, which I responded to happily all the businesses I ran (yes, as a new multrepreneur, I am still happy to tell everyone what I do.) He then leaned over and said, "And what do you do, sir?" My husband said, "I am the stay-at-home dad to my boys...." but the man gave him a strange look and so my husband added, "of course, I used to be in software...."
This has never happened the other way around when my husband has been the one driving across. What I did for a living never seemed to come up.

When I went to the printers to talk about approving the final copy of my book, my husband showed up as a surprise to support me (sweet guy that he is) and for the first 15 minutes, they spoke to him, asked him questions and assumed he had anything to do with (except loving inspiration) my project that I have been working on intensely for over a year.

I feel the great responsibility, that my husband once had, of being the sole monetary support of our family through my work. Yet, I feel the role that I am expected to play is so much different than if I was a man.

An expected role of over-generous with my time and resources, over-kind and understanding for those who don't agree with my rules, bendable-over-backable, and flexible in my policies.
This all is expected while we are also expected the same at home with our children and our husbands.
Sound familiar business women?

The strangest part is, I expected the same thing from other women owned businesses.. before I knew... oh... before I truly understood.

It's almost like you choose women businesses because you have a better chance to get more, much more while paying less! No wonder, you see so many women who become cold and closed off after years of this kind of expectation and treatment (and have given in to it for too long.) What is a woman to do? (besides many trips to the day spa!)

I am not interested in the current roles to play and becoming bitter.

I chose my businesses because being of service is what I love. Being kind to everyone is my favorite practice. Being firm about the policies that I have decided are important to my businesses, doesn't seem to feel natural to me, but it does seem vitally important right now. Playing a role isn't my style as I tend to live a life blazing my own trail.

As far as the latest incidences, I wonder: Do I have to take my punches? Am I just paying my dues? Is it karma?

Always asking questions, never taking a situation for granted and allowing the path to unfold is the only way I know how to take this journey. Meanwhile, I want send out my deepest gratitude for all the women who have gone before, to make my journey so much easier and acknowledge their amazing giving nature! Thank you and Blessings!

It's Not Easy to Take the Leap

2008-09-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

The day we started to build Authentic Times, I was excited. It was something I wanted for myself and I had a vision of writing, editing and creating joy for readers. The day we launched it, I cried. It took so much time to create. So many ideas to discuss, so much to learn. I had no idea if it would be something that people wanted. I had no idea what would happen.

I just took a leap.

Today, I again took a leap and turned Authentic Times into a paid subscription magazine. This time, I felt I may not have brought my parachute. Life is a mystery and I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that no matter what happens, I have risked, I have dreamed and I have created something I love and believe in.

I will hold onto that over the coming months and I watch the ground coming towards me and I attempt to land.

If one leap wasn't enough, I also signed off of the Printery printing 5000 copies of my new children's book. If I think about that long enough, my stomach starts to do somersaults!

5ooo COPIES? In three weeks, we will have 58 boxes of books in my house. So far, I have sold 20 and have 20 to give away. Wow, only 4960 more to go....

This feels like a leap off the Grand Canyon.

However, no matter how scary it is to leap, it also is extremely rewarding.
For where else could you ever experience life like this?

One thing I know for sure, however I may land, my life is never going to be the same.

smiles and inspiration,
Rain

Wow! I guess I am an expert!

2008-09-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!

In the middle of finishing the final book design today, I received an email from Ezine Articles telling me that my article has been published and that I am now an Expert!

That just sounds so exciting. Yes, it's true, they have over 100,000 experts, but I will take the title with joy and sing!

Here is my bio:
Expert Author Rain Fordyce

Here is the article (which is also on Authentic Times):
Waking Up Happy

smiles and Yahoo!
Rain

Hooray for WHACIS!

2008-09-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a fabulous homeschooling camp! It used to be called:
Western Washington Not Back To School Camp, or WWNBTSC (whew!)

We changed the name to
Washington Homeschool Adventure Camp in September, or WHACIS.

The group pretty much decided it was indeed, whacky!

But what beautiful weather on the lake and there is just something magical about 12 homeschooling families creating a 5 day community just for them. I experienced a little bit of this when I went to the Life Is Good Conference for unschoolers in May.

The kids are free but not just free, they are with a bunch of other kids in a safe place, that is not home. This is exciting for them and the parents, because we are free to take a little time out for us. There was the idea of calling it Homeschooler Camp for Napping Parents, but we didn't want to make it all about us!

I love homeschoolers getting together. They are so kind, so accepting, so genuine. It heals old wounds from my own schooling days. I used to think all little kids were just cruel. Now I know, it's just sad little kids who are missing their families who can become cruel. They have to take their anger and sadness out on someone. Then habits and patterns emerge in the culture of the class, which is why some classes of kids are so much different than others.

Hmmm.... I am so grateful to have the opportunity to homeschool... but only every day!

Blessings and Smiles!

PS: Oh! And if you tried to order the book before and it didn't work, please try again! We fixed the problem! Click here to see!

Homeschool Children's Book Website

2008-09-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!!!! Here it is:

Homeschool Adventure Books: I Am Learning All the Time

The book should be coming out in October... Pre-order your copy today!
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Working Mom Does Birthday Party

2008-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

I know... it's been done a million times before... but it feels like the big headline of my life right now...

For all of you out there who think the transition from stay-at-home mom to working mom has been an easy one... yes and no... mostly no, but it's getting better... for the kids!

Yes, the kids are starting to ask my husband to make breakfast and to help them when they need it during the day. Yes, they have heard the "mommy's working" and understood.

Actually they are probably just fine...

It's me!

I am now into the world of online networking and advertising and creating, and let me tell you, I wish I had a staff of 15 people! It is not easy, though it is a lot of fun, it is not all I want to do with my life.

My oldest son had his 10th birthday this week, and I was halfway between tears and joy. Double digits are a big deal and he is growing up so fast! I wanted to be there with him. I wanted to spend that time with him. I took off his actual birthday and the day of his party. I loved every minute of it. I love being and playing together as a family, I loved the fun and fantastical party we had and all the family and friends that came.

I loved that I was off the computer for 2 whole days!

Yet, it was time to get back to it and I realized that I love being involved with my business as well. I want it all!

I now understand the Supermom Syndrome. Why can't we have it all? I have home businesses and I homeschool and I have the amazing support of my amazing husband, but fact is, I have to work. I have to disappear for hours on end and work.

I have spoke to my coach and my coach friends about this over and over, trying to find a solution... yet there is no answer.

It is going to come down to just being. Just living. Just doing what I love in the moment, keeping a schedule so there is balance.

Just continuing to let it go, let it go....

blessings to all!
Smiles,
Rain

Podcast anyone?

2008-08-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

Yes?
Okay, check it out here at:
http://authentictimes.podomatic.com/

My new Inspired Almost-Weekly podcast is based on my newsletter email, Inspired Almost-Daily, and let's face it, I might miss a week here and there!

There are so many new ideas swimming around...

The children's book website is coming soon! Hopefully about a 3 or 4 days from now we will have an announcement. Though the book will not be published until Mid September.

My older son is turning 10 soon and we have family coming into town, so the goal is to finish as much as we can, and then Yahoo! Have some fun with our Medieval Frolic and Feast!

The transition is almost complete with my husband and I. He is still working a few days a week, which will turn into 1 or 2. I work 5 to 6 days, which will turn into 4 or 5.

I love working, having clients, editing the magazine and then that feeling that I forgot all about. The feeling of the weekend! I work extremely hard all week, publish, finish with my clients, and Friday comes! I always feeling like dancing down the street with my family, and then after we dance, I feel like taking a well deserved nap! We always have fun together and the kids are starting to look forward to Fridays with me. The questions, "When are you going to stop working every single day?" and "I want YOU to make my breakfast." are rarely asked.

Charlie has been cooking meals, doing some shopping, taking the kids to their lessons, and the new one is making playdates!!! He is such an amazing guy! He is so excited to be the homeschooling parent. So many ideas is swimming around....

So there it is, all of us happy, well and enjoying this fun part of our transition... near the end!

Smiles,
Rain

Coaching Website is UP!

2008-08-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!
My coaching website is UP!
You can see it here:

Inspirational Life Coaching with Rain

Thank you Scott, my brother for all your amazing work to pull this together!
Thank you Debbie, for all your amazing artwork!
Thank you Dinea, for your amazing photos! (there is still one more to come...)
Thank you Charlie, Chas and Hugh for all your patience.

I am so grateful, and excited about it!

Please let me know your honest feedback...
I always am looking for clarity, errors, or anything else you would like to see different.

Moving forward, I am going to be learning about Podcasting in the coming weeks.

smiles,
Rain

Moving Right Along

2008-08-13T09:16:00.001-07:00

I haven't written in a couple of weeks as I have been writing so much with my website and another 45 day blogging challenge, the thought of writing here, seemed a bit over the top.

AuthenticTimes.com is doing great and we are now over the 100 subscriber mark! (106) to be exact! I am so grateful that other women are loving it as much as I am and have been sharing their artwork, stories, recipes and tips. I am so grateful for everyone who has stepped in to make it the success that it is!

My inspirational life coaching site is almost finished! I will let you know when it is, and I can't tell you what wonderful work it is. I have been working with an artist, who submitted her work to AuthenticTimes.com, to create an amazing vision for it. She is also a client, and was so excited to share how she saw my energy and business. Her name is Debbie Weber and she is amazing!

My children's book is also coming to a close. We have a printer ready and are finishing up the last half. It is amazing how much you grow as you create something like this. My illustrator has changed and developed our characters so well. I am thrilled at their life-like qualities and excited about what she has dreamed up. They are so friendly and warm. I really think the kids will love these characters!

So for now, I am busy working towards many goals at once. My husband is taking over more and more of the household tasks, shopping, cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids. The kids are surprisingly happy. I guess they are at the right age to be independent most of the time. Our lives have never been so intensely busy and so happy at the same time. I guess we are doing the right thing!

Saying Yes to a Sunset

2008-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how beautiful life can be. Thursday has become a busy publishing day and usually I am up early in the morning working until late at night. I work on editing, finding photos that work with articles, correcting any bugs, and trying to see if there is anything missing. I don't seem to see much of the world outside on Thursdays, which is okay for me, since it is only one day and I love working on my ezine. Yesterday, in the middle of everything, my husband decided it would be wonderful if we watched the sunset at the cliffs. My first reaction was, "Have fun! I am not even close to being done." but when I took a second look inside my heart, I realized that I didn't want to miss out on being together as a family, a walk, and the sunset.

I quickly changed my answer, and soon we were all walking out the door. The night was just lovely. It may be very hot this time of year for a lot of people, but where we live, it has been in the 70's and it is very windy living out here on the cliffs. It felt somewhere around 60 degrees with the wind and we were all wearing our fleece. The air was crisp and the streets were quiet. We all felt so much joy as we all raced to catch a glimpse of the sunset. The boys, of course, won the race!

Usually, it feels to me like the sun sets quicker than I can appreciate all the beauty, but tonight, for some reason, it was slowly easing its way down the sky. It was as though it didn't want the day to end. I could understand the resistance. It was a beautiful day and I was there giggling with my beautiful family. I didn't want it to end either. We waited for quite awhile until at last, the last drop of fiery light dropped behind the sea. We were much quieter as we walked home. Happy, relaxed and tired.

I knew I was going to have to finish my work for the night and I did happily until midnight. Sometimes it is so easy to miss out on amazing opportunities spending time with those we love, because we can always find some excuse why you can't that sounds real. "I have to work. I can't find the time right now. We can do it again another time." The only problem is, as life goes on, and time moves faster, we miss out on the intention we had to enjoy our lives. Each time we say, "next time" we lose the opportunity to be in the now, to enjoy what is right here in front of us, and the fact is, it may just not be available when you finally decide that you can finally take the time to spend with those you love the most.

I am so grateful for the gift of saying yes!

A Holiday After Week Two!

2008-07-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hooray for the holiday! What a gift to get a holiday after only 2 weeks of a new business. I am sure that is highly unusual. Though... I am ready for it. While getting used to the very bugged system I have to publish my online magazine through, it was just not easy this week. I am so thrilled to be able to relax and write what feels good and fun.

Our family has a tradition to spend this holiday with old friends. We spend the night, have a BBQ, let the kids play until all hours, watch the same firework show we have seen for the past 11 years, and chase off to catch the ferry before the end of the night. This year, we have decided to stay an extra night. When my family asked for the extra night, I didn't protest. I am ready to continue to play and stay on holiday!

Starting a business, no matter what you decide to do, and how easy you hope it will be, is extremely time consuming. There are so many aspects to think about when you and your husband are the sole employees. You wear so many hats, you have to really know what to do and how to do it. However, when starting a business, more times than not you actually have no idea what you are doing. You are usually winging it! Okay, okay, I am usually winging it... When you have no idea what will work and what doesn't, life couldn't be more entertaining (for lack of a more colorful word.) The most effective way to get a job done, is well beyond your newbie grasp. It is the serious learning curve that makes what could be a 1 day job, into a 3 day job. So when it takes 5 days, you have to laugh and realize that one day you will look back and say, "Ah, those were the good ol' days!" And even if you don't say that, you will at least look back.

For now, I am not as overly tired as before, not as caffeinatedly (yes that is a word, regardless of what the spell check says) excited as before, just really happy to be working on this new business that brings me insight, fun and plenty of neuron connections.

Most of all today, I am just thrilled to be on holiday.

Happy 4th!

smiles,
Rain

Success in One Week!

2008-06-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe it didn't always feel that way. The first few days, I was flooded with new members, positive feedback and action. It was exciting and great! Of course after a few days, it began to slow down.... way down. This didn't feel good after the incredible high I had been on for the last 3 weeks. So the two days before our second launch, I was intermittently taken into a world of doubt and fear. It was time to decide how I was going to react to this new business. Was I only going to allow my happiness, because business was good? What did it mean to my life's purpose when it wasn't? Why did I decide to create this business anyway?

Soul searching became parts of days 4 and 5. The answer was loud and clear. Authentic Times was created for what I wanted to see on the internet. It was created for honest voices, without looking at advertisements, and it was created to inspire my spirit, that YES you can do things in this world that are about community and creativity and learning without corporate funding. Basically, it was created because it was my dream. I am realizing that my dream doesn't need approval from the world, it's just my dream. Realizing your dream IS success. When I really let that sink in, it allowed me to appreciate even more all the beautiful gifts I had already received through emails from other women and excitement in their writing. Every email and member was a bonus to my dream. The icing on the cake, you know, the cinnamon on the latte. Having others connect with my dream, is just an incredible blessing.

That when the perfection of the slow down hit me! The slow down allowed me to clarify my intentions, it allowed me to rest (yes, sleep!), let go of the coffee (again), begin to exercise, meditate and best of all find time to connect with my children and husband, family and friends.

Gratitude Journal: I am grateful for how much beautiful success one person can have in just one week!

Yahoo! Launch Day!

2008-06-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! We finally made it to the Summer Solstice and our AuthenticTimes.com Launch Day!

What a amazing collaboration from my husband, the Programmer Extraordinaire, my brother, the Amazing Layout and Graphic Arteest, my sister and good friends (you know who you are!), also known as the Profound Support Team, as well as the many women I have met, spoken and emailed with, who shared their ideas and wisdom to create a phenomenal site!

Thank you ALL!!!!

I have spent the last week on coffee (which is already back on my quit list), working most days from 6am-11pm, wondering where the boys (7 & 9) are, communicating passionately with my sweet dearest husband, and feeling the wild exciting ride. This is blazing your trail, ladies, and I highly recommend it! Building this website has been so much fun, and I have learned so much, I know, no matter what happens, this is the journey I wanted to be on.

I hope you will all check it out, and see what my caffeine brain, fuzzy eyes, and wild dreams has helped to create!

One Week and the Lessons Keep Coming!

2008-06-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

I look at my calendar and realize AuthenticTimes.com Launch Date is only one week away!
Do we have everything in place?

Yes, in fact, we have been ready for the past few days. We are just sipping margaritas in the sun, while the Summer Solstice comes to remind us to launch our perfect site!

Now for the real, or should I say, authentic answer. We are so far from being close, that we are working into the night and morning, every day. Excitement is high. Joy is coming in giant spurts.

On top of that my sweet 6 year old boy is turning 7 tomorrow and in my SAHM fashion, I couldn't resist, but to throw a huge birthday extravaganza! Too much on my plate? That is a great question, and the answer feels too big. It just isn't easy letting go of the ideas I had when I was a SAHM that a birthday party was huge deal. The fact is, I have always loved throwing parties. It meant planning and creating and gathering friends. I suppose that is what I have been doing with this website.

All working mothers must ask the question, how do you change your rhythm and find 5 extra hours in a day? My husband is doing a phenomenal job trying to take over some of the work I used to do. However, when my younger son got hurt yesterday, I was in trouble by both of my sons for letting my husband try to comfort him without me. My older son, came downstairs about 4 or 5 minutes later and announced, "Where were you? He needs you!" When I came up, my husband gave me a look that said, What else could I have done? "You are doing a great job," I try to encourage him, "it's just that this has been my job for the last 10 years."

Choosing to unschool/homeschool is something that is a way of life to us, and yet, we haven't found that time in the last week or two to help with projects. I already have told the kids that, except for the birthday party, expect mom to be really busy the next week. They already cook for themselves, and yesterday they cleaned the house, I suppose they will figure out how to find ways to move forward with their projects, without our help for another week.

This is going to be an adjustment for all of us, now that mommy is working.

I am less than 50 emails away from my launching goal of 100 women subscribers to start the Magazine with. I am still looking for more writers, recipes, and artists to fill the pages with other creative voices. (This might be a hint for you!) I am also trying to get the word out there about our launch date in creative ways.

My graphics are still being entered and functions are not all ready for action. Launching in one week? NO PROBLEM! I feel like those guys who, when remodeling our home, would look into my eyes of hope and tell me, no problem, we will get it done. Of course, that never actually happened. Not once. Have I become one of those guys?

So I breathe, I open myself up to the universe and say, I am here and ready to work. Show me what and where, and I will work. I will do my best to remember to kiss my kids and husband, sleep, exercise, drink water, and have moments of silence. I have always done what others have told me what I am supposed to, and now something has shifted. I am the one who is supposed to know the what and where. I am the head contractor of this building site. I am supposed to have the answers and make final decisions. Yet, I still call my girlfriends for advice and help and last minute ideas. I wish I had a big company. I would just call a meeting of staff to brainstorm these final decisions. But I don't, and it really comes down to me. What do I want? What is the creative force inside of me wanting to create? And the wisdom comes down as, if you knew you could not fail, what would you love to do right now?

It is up to the confidence in my choices again.

Having Fun on the Path to Launch!

2008-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time is growing short. So much fun to be had, also known as, so many "to dos" on my list. I am visualizing my spirit in the midst of a whole ball of excitement and fun! After all, why not? Going to visit the city hall to sign up for a license? FUN! Working on the "how to submit an article" page for the site? FUN!

Sometimes, when our list of things to do begin to pile up, we start to feel it getting heavy on our minds. We tell ourselves, "I HAVE to get this done!" "This NEEDS to be done as soon as possible!" We become our own parent, boss or teacher who is putting pressure on the result, instead of remembering that we were the ones who actually wanted what we are doing! We forget we put ourselves on this path. How does this happen? How do we keep our focus on the fun of the journey, and not the results?

Every week, I pull out my giant white board that is divided into categories and write down the items that I want to accomplish in each category for the week. The key word here is "want." If I am tired or stressed, when I look at those same items I was excited about Monday morning, I start to tell myself they are "have tos" and "must dos" and my excitement wanes. My fix for this is to focus on self care and remember how much fun I am having. The excitement of starting a business can be overwhelming. Yes, there is a small amount of fear in there, but the excitement supersedes that in the beginning and you just keep moving forward with jumps and success dances and high fives. Everything is new and fun and you are so thrilled to be in the middle of it. This sometimes takes a toll on your energy as you stay up late to finish projects, or wake up early to start new ones. Forgetting to sleep, eat and take breaks is becoming commonplace. Here is a list to keep the fun in creating our business.

Step one: Focus on Self Care:
Pick a rising time and a bed time range. Stick to it and get some sleep.
Buy your favorite healthy foods. Then schedule in prep time on your calendar to actually prepare them.
Meditate, breathe, and take time for silence and being present. Let your gratitude shine.
Exercise daily. This is crucial for mental health and good ideas!
Plan fun time outside of your business. Schedule in a break every few days to focus on other things you enjoy in life and remember your business is not you, just a part of you.

Step two: Remember, It's fun!
Keep a journal with you (or start a blog) and write down all your best moments, to reread from time to time.
Make sure you talk to your support system when you have forgotten the fun!
Make a finish line for goals each week and plan celebrations with friends or family when you pass the finish line.
Put up all your accomplishments (such as your business cards, banners, incorporation seal) on the walls of the house, like when you were a child, to acknowledge your success.
Laugh a lot!

So off I go, into the world of fun, marking tasks off the list, crossing finish lines, and having a blast doing it!

A Little More of Me, A Little More of You!

2008-05-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting week in my trail-blazing. We got our business license, which was a piece of cake, and I continued to blaze...

The partnership for the clothing line fell through, because they were not truly excited about my vision, which disappointed me, and began a cord of doubting questions to other parts of my work. My mind chatter was saying, if that didn't work, what else was I doing that might fail as well? For about a day, off and on, I wondered if my ideas, my creations were what the world wanted to see. This led to wanting to redesign the website, as I heard the voices of ego tell me, it was just too feminine and not hip and cool, like some of the other websites out there.

People will say things to you about being "too (fill in the blank)" throughout your life. Lines I have heard in my life are, I am too naive, too open, too over-excited, too simplistic, too trusting, too emotional, too controlling, too worried, too sensitive, too weird, too out of touch, too idealistic, too girly, too analyzing, too honest, and too wordy (are you thinking that now?). Of course there is a list of more negative ones, but why go there? What I have come to realize over the past couple of days is that, yes, I am all of those things to some extent, and isn't that what makes this world so fabulous? Everyone has their own lists, creating new ways to see the world, making it a whole lot more fun and interesting. Joyously, there are also enough people on this planet whose list is going to match up with your list, which reminds you that you are not alone.

Who decided there is only one right way to do things?

What I know is true is there are enough successful people out there who said I am just going to be myself, and it worked! My website and children's book are based on my preferences and my experiences. If I can't let that energy flow, it won't be creatively fun, and that won't fit the vision for my life. Yes, my website is girly, and yet, whenever I look at it, I just love it! It is me all over the place. Swirly and girly with fancy font and blues and purples with flowers and happy thoughts. It always brings a smile to my face. Yet, I have had some well-meaning, differing opinions from friends.

There have been some who have told me that I should leave the "beautifully" out of our tag line, but how could it be my website, without that? I live for beauty. Not the kind you see in a magazine, but colors, and nature and friend's smiles, and the kind of beauty when someone looks you in the eyes and you can see their joy. Some have said they don't like the word "community" to represent online groups. But to me, this could be an amazing community. It is a perfect gathering space for women going through the powerful change in our lives, to come and hang out and connect, exchange ideas and support each other. Some have said they don't think I should mention age ranges. I really thought about this and it might change, actually. I do see how common it is for women 30 to 50 to ask themselves dynamic questions and watch their power emerge. Some have said "blissfully" is over-used. I say it hasn't been used enough. Some have said "authentic" is cliche', and other's have said it should only be used for describing food. The word authentic rang so beautifully to me, that it is the one word mission statement for my life .

I have welcomed the ideas and help that has been generously shared with me, as I really value new perspectives that keep the juices flowing. Many ideas have helped me shift my thoughts and I have grown because of them, while others I have had to let go. I keep coming back to the same conclusion. I want to see these projects as creations born from my ideas and passions, while sculpted along by the passions of others who want to see them become successful. And the bottom line is they may be successful and they may fail, but I am the only one who will fail if I don't allow my ideas to stay true to what I want to see. Those failing beliefs are: 1. There is only one way to make it right and 2. I don't have enough knowing to do it right. That was when I realized the amazing gift of the partnership dissolving. I learned that it is worth the failure to try it once with your own creative inspiration.

This is our world. We can be the creators of what we see before us. Right or wrong, good or bad, I have decided to put a little more of me into the design of my world. I encourage you to try it out, if you haven't already, and put a little more of you out there, too.

We are incorporated!

2008-05-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

We are now Authentic Times, Inc! We were so confused about how to get started when we decided to incorporate, but we found it was actually pretty easy to do. There was a whole lot to learn, however. We decided to not hire a lawyer because we really wanted to learn and understand how to become incorporated ourselves. First hand knowledge, we believe, is the best kind. We did get a consultation from our accountant to decide which type of incorporation we should do, C corp, S corp or LLC? He was extremely helpful at explaining the difference and tax benefits of each. We also bought Incorporating Your Business for Dummies, which is an easy to understand, well organized book that will show you how to file and run a corporation. I highly recommend it!
We were able to file online, and my husband and I pushed the button FILE. We then turned to each other and gave a big high five! Our next step is to get our business license through the state and the city.

First post, new life!

2008-04-26T20:42:00.001-07:00

It is so exciting to be sharing with you the changes in my life and the direction it's going. Let me tell you a bit about where I have been.

I was living my housewife life with my husband working the 50 hour week and I was a stay-at-home mom of my two boys for 10 years. About 2 1/2 years ago, I had a huge melt down. My life looked completely foreign to me. What had I been doing and how did I get there? Tired and frustrated, I had lost my excitement for life. My kids were in school, my husband at work, and I was alone with nothing to look forward to, except remodeling our home and cooking the next meal. It was my life, and not my house, that seriously needed a remodel. I began homeschooling my kids, to give my life more purpose. Homeschooling was a whole new world, where I met beautiful people who believed children are perfect beings discovering their own journey and don't need to be told when to grow or what to be excited about. Somewhere inside, I thought, maybe I could look at my life in the same way. It was then I made a decision that changed my life. I hired a life coach.

She opened my heart and I remembered what I loved about life! Within 3 months, I was selling our large home and most of what we owned. My husband quit his 10 year career as a software engineer. We bought a Eurovan and began to plan our new future. We had decided to be free, to live and breathe and learn and play. We had big hopes and big plans.

We found quickly that some old habits, especially when unidentified, hold on tight. We no longer had a mortgage or a schedule or the stress of not being together, and yet, we hadn't fully changed on the inside. After 6 months on the road, while eating beignets at the Cafe Du Monde, in New Orleans, we knew we needed to go home. We needed to regroup and figure out our mission statement. We needed to discover where do we go from here and how?

Within a week of being on the west coast, I wrote a children's book. It came from beyond anything that I knew, and it was good. I was excited about the possibilities, and I was itching to make it happen, so we went up north to where we last called home. Our old stomping grounds didn't seem to fit, so we left our friends and what we knew and moved to a smaller town about an hour away, that we had always loved, even farther from the big city. My husband wanted to start a business and be his own boss, and after 2 strong ideas, nothing came of it. I was extremely disappointed , because with each new business, I found tons of energy inside myself, creating business names, ideas of marketing, creating jobs I would be responsible for, and dreaming of working again. I was on fire!

This fire pushed me to find an illustrator for my children's book and I thought this was my new path. Little did I know, it was only one of many.

My husband finally got the idea to create websites and he would have a lot to learn, since he was a software engineer, not a web developer. He decided, as a way to start, he would use me as his first client. He asked me what kind of website would I want? Well, I thought, it had to be for women my age, something to inspire, someplace to have real talks about what we really think about our changing bodies, our changing relationships, our changing spirits. I began to read information about these ideas and write about what I thought. I stopped following my old habits, and began meditating and listening to my inner guidence. After a 3-day spiritual experience, I knew I could never go back to my old life, my old ways, and my old beliefs.

I connected with my life coach again and she was so excited for me, and told me I was ready to share with the world all I have learned. I realized I needed to give back and spread the news of wellness and energy and possibilities. I was ready to encourage others with the tools I had learned and the journey I had taken. Becoming a Life Coach answered that need. My husband continued to create my dream website and what came out of his work, was not a job for himself, but a beautiful opportunity for me to express this new honest spirit in me. I put the website and my life coaching business together and that is when AuthenticTimes.com was born.

So that brings you up to speed with where we are. My husband is practicing the art of stay-at-home dad while he is bringing AuthenticTimes.com to it's final stages. You can visit the very rough construction site, and click on the link celebrate with us, if you want to sign up on the celebration list for our launch date. My book is being finished and we are self publishing before the end of the year. I have started an inspired clothing line, and I am in the throws of becoming incorporated. As I look around, at the amazing connections with others on this journey, and it is all so effortless, so beautiful and so perfect. Stay inspired and walk with me towards Authentic Times!