Posts Tagged ‘liz pabone’

Embracing the Imperfect

Monday, July 26th, 2010

My summer has been stupendous!  The weather has had unusual ups and downs but so far I’ve been enjoying time with family, planning to redecorate our family room and welcoming my inner artist complete with paint, brushes and canvas.

I haven’t had a summer filled with as much creativity since I attended 7th grade summer camp where I made a macramé belt and plant hanger. ☺

To be honest, I’ve held off on experimenting with painting because I wasn’t sure “how” to begin.  And, I didn’t want to invest time, money and effort only to scrap a project and be disappointed.  But then it hit me…

Who cares if I mess up?

Who cares if I don’t get it right?  Getting it right is relative after all.

I’ve never been good at drawing.  In fact, it’s safe to say I stink at it.  But, when I first picked up my paintbrush I strove to draw and paint well.  I wanted to look at an apple, and draw an apple.

One day, after I nearly threw in the towel because this kind of art wasn’t for me, I had a revelation.  Why couldn’t’ my art be just as beautiful if it were imperfect versus perfect?

I had a big laugh because the truth is I’ve always preferred the unusual and unexpected and happen to think that imperfection is beautiful.

So, I let go of my need to be something I’m not and embraced what I am…a sort of sloppy, outside of the lines artist who likes a lot of color and creates art to challenge the seer in you.

Now, what have you been putting off because you had an ideal in your head you weren’t sure you could live up to?

Summer is a terrific time to try new things so how about you let go of that ideal and discover a way that oozes out from within your heart versus a concept you have stuck in your head. There’s beauty in all things and nothing is more beautiful than what comes from the heart. ❤

Until next time,

Liz Pabon

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010

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Are You Missing Out?

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

I started this post originally with thoughts on chaos but as I wrote the message took a slightly different turn (as it often does).

The “turn” I refer to is the realization that having a discomfort with chaos leads to a comfort with control.

And here’s why…

When your life feels out of control; appointment times or plans change with no warning, you’re given little to no information about an important event, the “I’s” aren’t dotted and the “t’s” aren’t crossed the result (emotionally speaking) feels chaotic because you don’t know what to expect.

Not knowing what to expect doesn’t feel safe.  In fact, it feels down right scary!  So scary that you feel compelled to control your situation as best you can to ensure your security (the world isn’t safe, others will somehow screw up or screw you over, if I don’t do it, it won’t get done, etc.).

You can proudly say you are a “control freak” because you like order or you are efficient or you don’t trust others will get it right but is that the only reason?

While watching the movie Parenthood, the character of grandma said it best when she explained how she felt being on a roller coaster ride.  “Up and down, up and down” it amazed her that one ride could make her feel frightened, apprehensive and exhilerated all at the same time.  “Others didn’t approve” and preferred the merry go round.  Round and round in circles it goes.  No excitement.  No apprehension.  Nothing.

If you can pull back on the reins in your life (even a little) like a roller coaster ride you may just get to experience the beautifully unpredictable ebb and flow of life.  The merry go round is safe – no doubt – but what might you be missing out on?

Until next time,

Liz Pabon

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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WIN Online Interview: It’s Hip to be Hot!

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Check out part I of my interview with the wonderful Gina McNew.  We talk about stories, being 40-something, shoulder pads, aqua net and letting go…

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Dark Side of the Moon

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

My hubby and I were choosing songs on iTunes the other day to create a new playlist and we both began to reminisce over our appreciation for Pink Floyd.  It’s funny because we’re eight years apart and when I was first turned on to the group he was barely in elementary school (egad!).

Not too long after that we had a new moon.

This month was an eclipse of the moon.  And like an eclipse (where the moon is covered yet the glow is still seen) your beauty, your gift, your glow is unseen by you because you are looking for it outside of you.

Your accomplishments, passion, and goals say so much about you yet the real you goes unnoticed.  Funny thing is, others can see it.  If you’ve ever had someone give you a big compliment or show their admiration for whom you are (and you downplay it) they are being drawn to your radiance.  They can’t help it just as we can’t help but see the glow of the moon even when there’s a shadow cast over it.

We all consist of light and dark.  And usually, the light is hidden behind the dark…always there, always shining.

Until next time,

Liz

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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Are You Playing a Scratched Record?

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

When I was a teenager, I loved saving up money to buy records. You know, albums also known as vinyl. I’m sure I’ve dated myself and will admit that I still have a stash of records in my attic.

There was something about the process of tearing off the plastic wrapper and then slipping the record out carefully from the paper sleeve contained in the cardboard album cover.  I would carefully hold the album on either side of its edges and then lay it on my turntable.

Getting the needle on the record without scratching it was a real trick until I upgraded to one of those automatic jobs that would read the speed of the record (yup, they used to come in differing speeds).  Once it read the album speed it would make a few sounds and then slowly drop…I was always amazed that it knew precisely where to land so that I wouldn’t miss a beat.

Today of course it’s all about audio files.  There’s no need to even buy a CD any longer.  You just fork out $.99 per song, wait for the download and press play. You’re, musically speaking, good to go.

It occurred to me that many people are still playing their old inner records and have yet to make the transition to a new, easy-to-access story…

Like a pristine album your story initially has no scratches so it continues to play easily, smoothly.  It’s comforting to hear it…even safe.  That is, until something happens in your life and you realize you’re stuck.  Maybe you struggle with time, money, health or relationships.  At some point you come up against a snag in your life that you can’t ignore and you can’t get out of.

Your record now has a scratch.  It doesn’t play as smoothly as it once did and now it’s repeating the same limiting verse over and over and over again.

You really only have two choices; keep playing a damaged record (story) or get a new one!

I miss vinyl records but they just don’t work for me anymore.  There’s lots of upkeep and the moment one is damaged I don’t have a way to replace it with another vinyl record.  So, I happily embrace the new digital age…

The stories you’re telling about your success (or lack of success) may not work anymore.  It takes a lot out of you to keep that story alive and the moment it no longer protects you it shows up negatively in your business, in your personal life and in your cells.

Like technology, you can choose to evolve and transition beyond your circumstances creating a new fulfilling story for your life, give yourself plenty of time to process and download that newstory then simply hit play.

Unril next time,

Liz

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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A Name Calling Bully

Friday, June 25th, 2010

I’ve been seeing lots of posts lately on twitter and facebook about carefully choosing your words and even received a newsletter today entitled “the power of the spoken word.” There’s no question that the words we choose can make or break our next business deal. But what about the words we say to ourselves…

A few years ago I interviewed an extraordinary woman. She was a guest on Oprah not once but three times and is a New York Times best selling author. The interview went better than I hoped. She was eloquent, profound, an inspiration.

When the interview was over we got on the phone for some girl talk. At some point after talking about travel and books the conversation turned to business. This incredible woman began to tell me the story of a recent technical blunder she experienced only to discover there was a simple solution to the problem right under her nose the entire time.

She confessed that after she realized how silly the whole thing was she said to herself (and I quote) “stupid, stupid, stupid, me.”

I was stunned.

Stunned that someone so well educated in psychology, human behavior and personal empowerment would talk down to herself in such a manner.

But she isn’t alone. People with less education and credentials (and even people with more) call themselves terrible names all the time and think nothing of it.

Few would argue that name-calling is ever okay. We’re taught at a young age that if we can’t say something nice we should say nothing at all. Perhaps that lesson should include that the same rules apply to what you say about your self…

Personal name-calling isn’t always as blatant as calling oneself stupid. Sometimes, it’s subtle like when you say to yourself “I’m never going to get this right,” “I must be a fool,” “what the hell was I thinking,” or “what is wrong with me.” The words may not sound like name calling but make no doubt about it, the impact these statements have on your psyche are received with the same force as calling yourself a dumb dumb.

The woman I interviewed forgot. She forgot that the power of words applies not only to what you choose to say to others but what you choose to say to your self. Instead of treating herself like a woman of worth, she summoned up her inner bully and beat the crap out of herself!

No story can exist without words (verbalized or internalized). Choose the words you tell in your personal story with care and remember who you really are…

Until next time…

Love and thanks,

Liz

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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Flan and Finances

Friday, May 21st, 2010

The other day, my hubby surprised me with one of my favorite meals. Marrying a man that can cook is one of the smartest things I’ve ever done ;-D

When the meal was over he brought me a dish of flan (my favorite dessert). It wasn’t homemade but he thought I might like it anyway. I was elated and had my taste buds all set for the custard and caramel delight

As I brought the spoon to my mouth and took the first bite, I thought to myself…what’s this? This didn’t taste at all like my favorite custard treat. I took a second bite and felt myself suddenly grow disappointed. This was not the taste experience I was expecting. In fact, it tasted nothing like real flan.

Here’s the thing…

While the flan wannabe didn’t live up to the standards of an authentically, well-made version it still tasted pretty good. The moment I let go of expecting it to taste authentic, I could enjoy it for what it was – a sweet, vanilla flavored pudding.

It occurred to me this happens all the time in business…

You set very specific financial goals and lay out a detailed plan to achieve that goal having calculated the number of clients you need for each program or service you offer. And with your eye on the prize, you set out to make that goal come to fruition.

When you fall short of the goal you become frustrated, disillusioned and wonder where you went wrong (the experience didn”t “taste” like what you expected). Did you not reach out to enough people? Was the goal too high or unrealistic?

Maybe the answer is yes to both questions.

But there’s another way to look at this. Maybe you focused so much on “how” you expected the goal to show up that you overlooked other doors of opportunity – doors that could have drawn you closer to (or even exceeded) your goal.

I expected flan but got something else. If I hadn’t let go of my expectation, I would have thrown out a perfectly good dessert!

So the next time you set a financial goal (for example), don’t get hung up on “how” it’s going to show up in your bank account. You may expect it to come in the form of a new client for a specific program or service you offer. But it might show up in the form of an opportunity you never thought of – one that wasn’t even on your radar. And wouldn’t that be just as good?

Our expectations are nothing more than stories we tell ourselves about how things should look or be. The moment you are willing to let go of your stories is the moment you open yourself up to all sorts of unexpected possibilities and enjoy them for the gifts they are.

Until next time…

Love and thanks,
Liz

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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for the Love of Lipgloss

Friday, May 14th, 2010

My parents were visiting a few weeks ago and while I was showing my mom my new makeup setup she gasped…she had no idea one woman could own so much lip-gloss!  One set of lips surely doesn’t need that many options, she said.

They say an addict can come up with the most well thought out justification for their addiction and I suppose, as a glossaholic, I am no exception.

You see, I’m a solo entrepreneur.  This means I work alone.  While I have wonderful gals who help to support me, for the most part I work alone.  For me, new ideas bloom when I’m alone.  I write when I’m alone.  I outline big picture direction alone.  It’s called “solo” for a reason.

And as a solo entrepreneur I do almost all of my work at home and other “remote locations” (that’s code for coffee shops).

To keep myself from falling prey to the “I work alone blues” that plague so many solo entrepreneurs I make it a point to dress up each day. I’m not talking about throwing my hair back in a ponytail after having tossed on workout gear or some ratty sweatshirt.

I’m talking about taking the time to bathe, lotion myself up, do my hair, dab on a little powder, and top it all off with a swipe (or two) of lip-gloss.

I’ve tried my entire routine sans gloss and I can tell you that with gloss I feel more…put together.  Complete.

Those thin tubes and wands with their array of luscious colors and aromas that range from vanilla to grapefruit and even cotton candy have lifted me out of many entrepreneurial doldrums.

Because I rely on wearing them to give me the boost I need for my next project or to help raise my confidence for an especially tough call (heels may make you stand straighter but gloss helps you sit taller), I’ve collected a bevy of gloss beauties to help my cause.

I’m not sure what it is about having lips that glisten with just a hint of color but it can pull me out of the bleakest of days in a matter of a few minutes.

Now I realize gloss may not be your thing but what item(s) do you use that bring you instant joy? How are you using them?  And more importantly, how can you use them to support you on those days when you need support the most?

We can’t always have access to a spiritual confidant and we don’t always need one.  Not when something as simple as a tube of lip-gloss can lift your spirits and cause your soul to sing…

Until next time…  
Love and thanks,
Liz  

PS. Sometimes we need to be reminded to enjoy the little things, and have a good laugh.  Hope this weeks article made you smile (even for a moment) and encouraged you to get your gloss on ;-D

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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Be Your Own Mentor?

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

On such a blustery day like today I want to do nothing but sit by the fire and eat comfort food (ha, ha!).

But, it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve written you and I didn’t want another week to go by without connecting.

You see from time to time, I take a personal break from the internet, the phone and business so that I can unplug – staying plugged in for too long stagnates my creative energy and as an entrepreneur maintaining my creative flow is important.

This is advice I stumbled upon last year by what I now consider one of my best mentors…me!

I’m not trying to be arrogant (believe me, I realize what that statement sounds like) but I learned last year that while there are times when the advice and guidance of another is exactly what is needed, there are also times when my own inner wisdom and knowledge will pull me out of a rut or inspire me to take a new direction.

Take for example the other day, I was doing more spring cleaning (it’s amazing how much content I’ve created over the past seven years) and came across a series of Soulful Business teachings I did in 2008 that I completely forgot about.

I listened to the material for timeliness and relevance because I waned to offer those teachings to you but only if the material was still applicable (it is).  And it was while listening to one of the modules that I realized I already had the solution to a marketing problem I was trying to solve…I just forgot what I knew.

How many times have you grappled with a problem (personal or professional) and hoped you would find someone to help you work through it but came up empty handed? If you’re at all like me, you can probably think of at least one time…if not more.

The thing is, you may already have the best solution to your problem but have forgotten what you know.  So many of us are filled with wisdom and knowledge that gets stored – hidden really – in an inner cupboard we can’t access.

Our inner knowing is like an attic filled with great treasures made up of our knowledge, experiences and wisdom.  And sometimes those treasures are blocked or hidden by the cobwebs of self-neglect.

It’s amazing what a little inner “spring cleaning” can uncover!  Read your journal entries, business letters, articles, blog posts or listen to audio or workshops you’ve recored from the past.  You won’t have to look far to access your inner mentor and remember what you already know…

Until next time…

Love and thanks,
Liz Pabon

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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Eye of the Storm

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

I’ve always enjoyed learning about successful women’s personal story.  I don’t know, maybe I have voyeuristic tendencies but having a glimpse into someone else’s private (and unedited) life intrigues me.

This week, I watched the documentary, the September issue; complete with a behind-the-scenes look at the Mecca of fashion, Vogue Magazine and the queen herself Ms. Anna Wintour.

Colorful personalities and stunning fashion aside, the documentary ended with Ms. Wintour being asked three simple yet revealing questions…

I’ll get to that in a minute.

As I watched the process of bringing the meatiest issue of the year (the September issue) to newsstands it reminded me of my days in magazine advertising, when issue close deadlines caused my adrenaline to pump and my patience to wither – at times, I lived in the eye of the storm.

I wanted to say to myself, “whew…I’m so glad I’m not strung up like that anymore” when I realized that wasn’t exactly true.

Just this week, I had an important video presentation fall on its face because of a technical glitch.  We rescheduled the release not once, but twice and while I’d like to tell you I handled the situation with perfect grace…I can’t.

It took me about an hour to get myself centered and begin to look at the situation through the eyes of clarity.

Stuff happens!

Even the best laid out plans fall apart and even the cleverest plan B’s don’t always save the day.

So what’s a gal to do?

Take a step back, take a deep breath and see the humor and opportunity in the situation.  Yes, even my video presentation calamity has a gorgeous golden opportunity for me (and for my viewers) but I couldn’t see it until I stepped out of the storm and into the light…

While I would have handled the situation very differently in my corporate past, I have since learned that you get to keep your joy if you don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Back to the three questions…

Ms. Wintour was asked:

What is your talent? (decisiveness)

What is your weakness? (her children)

What gift would you like? (a better backhand)

It’s funny how a short Q&A can say so much about who we really are.  I found her answers telling because based on the 90 minute documentary she is portrayed as a direct, no-nonsense woman driven to excel who adores her children and could take or leave (mostly leave) everybody else.

My answers to the same questions:

What is your talent? (Vision)

What is your weakness? (Red velvet cake)

What gift would you like? (Technical favor) What about you…how would you answer these questions and what does it say about the real you?   Until next time…
Love and thanks,

Liz Pabon

NOTE: no part of this article or any articles on this blog can be used without permission.
©Copyright Liz Pabon, 2010.

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