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Articles from Julia James | Selfgrowth.com
- On the Wings of Your Imagination - by Submitted on Aug 29, 2013 from Julia JamesRecently, one of my career coaching clients, let’s call her Nina (not her real name), came to her coaching call feeling discouraged. She had run into a seemingly insurmountable barrier since our last conversation. At the end of her last coaching session she had committed to contact several ...
Views: 1837 - What Makes Your Heart Sing? - by Submitted on Aug 29, 2013 from Julia JamesI have always loved singing in harmony and have sung in several choirs in the past. When I moved to Victoria, I was looking for a small vocal ensemble to sing with. In my search for a small community choir, I stumbled upon one of the biggest choirs I have ever listened to: The Gettin' Higher ...
Views: 1299 - Are You Bonking Your Head? - by Submitted on May 02, 2013 from Julia JamesLast spring, a Robin flew against my window in the morning, luckily the Robin survived, but strangely he didn’t learn from its painful experience. The Robin immediately flew against the window again and again and again.I was truly puzzled by this little bird’s behaviour. I searched the ...
Views: 846 - Are You Aware of Your Assumptions? - by Submitted on May 02, 2013 from Julia JamesLet me take you on a quick virtual trip to Paris. You will travel alongside the 20-year-old me. This experience will not only heighten your awareness around the assumptions you are holding. I will also provide you with practical tips on how to move beyond them. I went to Paris as a nanny in ...
Views: 1176 - Purrfect Mini-Retreat - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2013 from Julia JamesReceiving a relaxing massage is one of my favourite treats and I had the pleasure of treating myself for a couple of relaxing massages over the holiday season. A friend had recommended a massage therapist to me named Sandra who works out of a massage therapy clinic in Victoria. I had seen her a ...
Views: 812 - The Joy of Being a Rookie - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2013 from Julia JamesA few years ago a friend invited me to play disc golf with a group of his disc golfing buddies. I like trying new things and I like throwing a Frisbee around in a park with friends, even though I am not very good at it. I accidentally learned about disc golfing many years prior. I thought I ...
Views: 991 - Invitation to Let Go - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2012 from Julia JamesAs the year draws to a close I am reminded of the wonderful journey to South America I shared with a good friend of mine five winters ago. It was enriching to get a taste of different customs and celebrations over the holiday season on our journey. An experience that stands out in my memory is ...
Views: 1187(1 vote) - THERE IS NO BLISS IN IGNORANCE - by Submitted on Sep 27, 2012 from Julia JamesThe old saying “ignorance is bliss” stems from a poem by Thomas Gray and suggests that if you are happiest being ignorant, then just stay ignorant. I beg to differ. There is a lot of pain and effort involved in ignoring information that might challenge our habits and behaviours. If you have ...
Views: 2136 - LIFE COACHING IS LIKE A SMOOTHIE FOR THE SOUL - by Submitted on Jul 19, 2012 from Julia JamesOne of my favourite summer treats is to blend an abundance of berries and vegetables from the garden into a delicious smoothie. Recently, while sipping one of my favourite smoothies, I noticed just how much smoothies and life coaching have in common. Here are some of the common qualities I ...
Views: 1219 - A LESSON IN GENEROSITY - by Submitted on May 24, 2012 from Julia JamesOn a beautiful sunny afternoon in Vancouver, I was riding my bike to the bus station. I was on my way to catch a bus that would transport me and my bike to the ferry terminal. I had just spent the weekend with good friends and was happy about the unexpected warm weather. As I stopped at a red ...
Views: 965 - A Gift for Your Loved Ones - by Submitted on Dec 16, 2011 from Julia JamesWhen we think of gifts, we usually associate them with tangible objects or a favour we do for someone else. There is another kind of gift; it is a precious gift indeed, the gift of self-care. Every time you take good care of yourself, you are giving a gift to the people you love. Why is that ...
Views: 977 - Rescue Remedy for Crappy Days - by Submitted on Dec 16, 2011 from Julia JamesEvery now and again we all experience a really crappy day. One of those days where everything and everybody seem to have conspired against you and nothing goes right. Your car breaks down, your daughter has a temper tantrum, your spouse is upset, you forget your umbrella and get soaking wet in ...
Views: 777 - LIFE IS A GAME - Have Fun as You Play - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2011 from Julia JamesYears ago I heard about a school that was experiencing a lot of littering. The students didn't care to throw their wraps in the garbage cans and penalties didn't seem to solve the problem. Then one teacher came up with the idea to put baskets, much like basketball baskets, above the garbage ...
Views: 821 - From Anger to Compassion - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2011 from Julia JamesWhen I was in grade 8, I took part in a gardening school project and was very excited about my first little vegetable garden. Every day I went to check, water and weed my little patch. It was pure joy seeing the little plants grow. One day I arrived at my patch with my watering can to see ...
Views: 1070 - Three Good Things - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Julia JamesFor every thing that goes sideways in our lives, there are twice as many things that go right. However, all too often we focus on the few mishaps rather than the positives. This negative focus sours our day lowers our immune system and makes us feel powerless. I notice this tendency in myself ...
Views: 933 - Small Simple Steps Make the Biggest Difference – Create a Positive Domino Effect in Your Life - by Submitted on Jun 30, 2011 from Julia JamesFeeling overwhelmed seems to be a constant in most people’s lives today. Too much work, endless to-do lists, too many demands, too many bills to pay, too much! This may lead to feeling helpless and unable to do anything. When faced with the challenge of too much, we often think that we have ...
Views: 1749(1 vote) - SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE – HOW TO MAKE YOUR TO-DO LIST WORK FOR YOU - by Submitted on May 20, 2011 from Julia JamesDo you feel overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do lists? You are not alone! These lists evoke negative emotions in most people. They seem like silent reminders showing us just how far “behind” we are and how impossible it is to ever catch up. It doesn’t have to be like this. There is ...
Views: 1172 - Better Than Chocolate - by Submitted on Apr 27, 2011 from Julia JamesThis Easter weekend I spent some time gardening. It was a beautiful sunny day and so warm that I was comfortable in my T-shirt, jeans and bare feet. What a treat! I was in the midst of pulling weeds when I discovered to my great surprise a few sugar peas that were barely two inches tall. I ...
Views: 1013 - From Self-Sabotage to Success - by Submitted on Mar 16, 2011 from Julia JamesOften we stand in our own way of achieving and receiving what we most want. This happens when we believe that what we most want is only available in a bundled up fashion with something we don’t want at all. So we take one step in the direction of our dream and then we get scared because we feel ...
Views: 1017(1 vote) - From Procrastination to Productivity - The Mini-Retreat Solution - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Julia JamesAre you a champion procrastinator? Some of us are such talented and accomplished procrastinators that we really should get an award. Honestly, we can be so creative! Where others see a pile of paperwork, we see another game of Solitaire. Dirty dishes in the sink? That’s just a sign it’s time to ...
Views: 1312 - Habits - How to Make them Work for You - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2011 from Julia JamesHabits – the things we do and say automatically, without thinking – are a very big part of our lives. They show up in our everyday activities (showering, driving, eating) … the way we talk (gestures, phrases, style) … even the way we think (self-talk, fears, judgments). We develop habits ...
Views: 830 - How to Become Your Own Cheerleader - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2011 from Julia JamesWhy is it that most of us are our own worst critic? It seems we each have an automated self-nagging habit. “You should work harder, earn more, lose weight… you’re not good enough, you’ll never get there….” No wonder we doubt ourselves! Negative mind chatter can really compromise one’s ...
Views: 3132 - Embrace All Your Emotions - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Julia JamesEmotions are one way the body tells us “all is well” or “pay attention, there’s a problem here.” So all feelings serve a function – they keep us on track. However, people tend to desire the “good” feelings and avoid the “bad” feelings. We all want more love, joy, enthusiasm, happiness and ...
Views: 1190 - Dance Through Your Pain - How to Transform Your Emotions - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Julia JamesThe music and dance of Latin America absolutely captivate me. I love the rhythm, the voices, the passion, the warmth and the joyful feelings they exude. As I learn Spanish, I am starting to understand the lyrics of these upbeat songs. To my surprise, they often speak of heartbreak, loved ones ...
Views: 1189 - CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND COME ALIVE - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2011 from Julia JamesI recently completed a 30km cross-country skiing marathon – a real stretch for a girl who lacked confidence and skill in high school athletics. But this journey wasn’t about competing; it was about completing… and contributing. My efforts were inspired by a desire to raise funds for my ...
Views: 757 - BEGINNER'S MIND - EXPERIENCE POWER AND BEAUTY IN THE PRESENT MOMENT - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Julia JamesHave you ever watched a child who is just learning to walk? Their sheer joy is contagious! The sense of amazement and accomplishment in their eyes reflects a special state of mind. In martial arts and many Eastern traditions, this is known as “beginner’s mind” – being fully engaged in the ...
Views: 930 - CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Julia JamesDo you ever accomplish something and just move on to the next project, not even taking a moment to catch your breath? After all, there’s so much to be done, right? You are not alone! Most people plug away at those eternal to-do lists and don’t allow time to celebrate hard work and success. ...
Views: 1534 - What's Zapping Your Energy? - by Submitted on Feb 28, 2011 from Julia JamesWho likes conflict and dealing with difficult situations? I don’t know anybody who does! That’s why it’s called difficult and why most people spend a lot of time and energy avoiding them, often without realizing it. What would be possible if you could reclaim all of that time and energy, and ...
Views: 940(2 votes) - HOW TO WALK THE TIGHT ROPE WITH GRACE - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2011 from Julia JamesTo keep a healthy balance between all the important areas of life is like a walk on a tight rope that requires concentration, focus and courage. I recently had the opportunity to walk on an actual tight rope that two young men had tied up between trees in a neighborhood park on the beach. ...
Views: 1013 - HOW CAN YOU DO IT ALL? - BY TAKING A MINI-VACATION TODAY - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Julia JamesDo you ever wonder how you can possibly accomplish everything on your list? By taking a mental vacation. This kind of vacation doesn’t involve any expenses, planning, cooperation from family members or agreement from your employer. Give yourself permission to take at least one 3-10 minute ...
Views: 1123 - The Beauty of Acceptance – How to Appreciate What Is - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2011 from Julia JamesMost people who read inspirational books and articles and come to coaching do so because they want to make a change in their career, performance, relationships and/or personal life. Getting clear on what you truly want and striving for it is empowering, energizing and truly life changing. ...
Views: 871 - Swimming Against the Stream is Natural… Not Just for Salmon - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Julia JamesIt is fascinating that the expression “to swim against the stream” is a metaphor for making choices in life that go against prevailing opinions. This is considered to be a challenge that is hard to attain. How interesting that we perceive natural phenomena to be difficult. When we think of ...
Views: 4859(1 vote) - ILLUMINATE YOUR PASSION - LIVE YOUR DREAMS - by Submitted on Dec 03, 2010 from Julia JamesMy company’s tag-line is also my motto in life. It’s a philosophy that guides me, because passion and dreams make life AMAZING! Many years ago, my friend Miriam spent a year in Chile. Around the same time, I discovered my passion for Salsa dancing and Latin culture. Within our friendship, a ...
Views: 1236 - SWITCH - SIX EASY WAYS TO TAKE MINI-RETREATS - by Submitted on Dec 03, 2010 from Julia JamesChip and Dan Heath have written an excellent book, Switch, on how to make change easy. I found plenty of ways to apply their ideas and strategies to help you make the transition from a life on the treadmill to one with joyful intermissions of Mini-Retreats. The Heath's borrow Jonathan Haidt's ...
Views: 1047 - COMMIT TO YOUR TEAM - HOW TO BE A CONTRIBUTION - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesA well-functioning team is like a symphony, each part working in harmony with the rest. Unfortunately, some teams don't work that way at all! So, what can you do if you find yourself in the midst of a team that makes more noise than music? The first step is always to consider how you can ...
Views: 1115 - RECOGNIZE YOUR TRUE WEALTH - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesHaving just returned from a long journey through Peru and Chile - my first real-life encounter with the harsh realities of developing countries - I am now acutely aware that warm running water in my home is a luxury. Having endured the howling engines and black clouds of exhaust that filled the ...
Views: 919(1 vote) - CHOOSE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT LIFE AND YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesWhen I was in my early teens, I had a dream: to play the slide trombone. It didn't matter that my arms weren't yet long enough to play the deepest note... I just loved the deep resonating sound of it and the feel of that wonderful instrument in my hands. My trombone teacher was a bold, ...
Views: 953 - YOU ARE NEVER ALONE - Call on Your Support Team - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesOn my journey through Chile, I visited the fascinating houses of poet and national hero Pablo Neruda. Stepping into his houses was almost like entering a dream. Pablo loved ships, and many elements of his homes were crafted to resemble the interior of a yacht: porthole windows, low and rounded ...
Views: 838 - LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT - What Do You Most Want to Create? - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesOne of my favorite things to do is to browse through local thrift stores looking for curiosities. It is such a joy to find something precious and special that I can bring back to life, make useful again and enjoy. Having recently moved, you can imagine that I have been thoroughly enjoying ...
Views: 805 - THE DANGER OF COMPARRISON - How to Shift from Comparrison to Compassion - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesComparisons, judgments, assumptions... we make more of them than we think. In my university years, I shared an apartment with several other students. When Tanja moved in, I thought everything about her was perfect. She was beautiful, intelligent, fit and well dressed... everything I wanted to ...
Views: 849 - MINI-RETREATS IN THE NICK OF TIME - How to Make Time Through Rest and Relaxation - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesContrary to the widespread belief that rest and relaxation takes time, the opposite is true: rest and relaxation make time. Recently I was in a rush, riding my bike to an important appointment downtown. On my way over the bridge, I noticed that my tires were low. How frustrating! I knew a ...
Views: 934 - Critical Thinking: A Fun Mini-Retreat to Go Beyond Its Stifling Impact - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Julia JamesOur minds like to think of the worst case scenario at times. It is one of those traits that can be useful when we are fighting for survival. However it can also be a trap that can keep us from trying new things, pursuing our dreams and sleeping soundly at night. One of my clients was ...
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