Ezine Archives

Below are Christina Merkley’s SHIFT-IT Article Archives. For downloadable mp3 audios of these articles, click here.

September Vol 6 Issue 16 (SHIFT-IT) The 4 Methods of Interactive-Graphics Work

Interactive-Graphics is a wonderful way to work – whether in a group or individual setting. I've been in the overall field for 17 years now – and have worked in all of the four main genres: custom chart work, graphic recording, graphic facilitation and graphic coaching.

August Vol 6 Issue 15 (SHIFT-IT) 6 Tips & Visual Map to Create Powerful Personal Vision

I spend a lot of my work time helping individuals, groups and organizations figure out what they want and how to go about getting it. A key ingredient in that recipe is creating a compelling and engaging Vision. Identifying one's desires then painting a sensory rich picture of that compelling destination as a preliminary step to manifesting it.

August Vol 6 Issue 14 (SHIFT-IT) Craft Your Powerful SHIFT-IT Statement

This week my team and I launched a new program at SHIFT-IT Coach, Inc. The new program is called SHIFT-IT Central® and its weekly time is Mondays at 5 pm pacific.

It's a low-fee weekly program for new and seasoned SHIFTers … a supportive community to learn and effectively apply SHIFT-IT, Law of Attraction and Soul Integration principles to your evolving journey.

July Vol 6 Issue 13 (SHIFT-IT) Go for Your 'A' Life

Each of us has it ... that leading edge in our life that calls us forth ... that image and feel of our 'A' life beckoning us into Becoming Our Next Self.

July Vol 6 Issue 12 (SHIFT-IT) Latest Law of Attraction Tidbits

If you are a new e-Zine reader, you may not know of my deep appreciation of The Teachings of Abraham --- ala Abraham-Hicks.

Jerry and Esther are the inspirational husband and wife team who have faithfully been bringing this information through and sharing it for the last 20+ years....

June Vol 6 Issue 11 (SHIFT-IT) Flex Your Focus Muscles for Fast Results

I’m in Southern California this week, in the La Jolla and Del Mar area. Julie (my biz manager) and I attended a training conference and I added on a few days afterwards – to check out the area and have some peaceful thinking and writing time.

June Vol 6, Issue 10 (SHIFT-IT) Top 10 Soothing Thoughts for Adult Learners

I’ve been surrounded by A LOT of adult learners lately – through the clients I train and coach and through my own learning ventures (I’ve taken up both golf and painting in the last few months).

May Vol 6, Issue 9 (SHIFT-IT) Find the Feeling Place of Success

Manifestation lessons show up in the most interesting places – this week it was on a sunny golf course.

I’m on the wait list for a one-year trial membership at a golf club where my parents have been members for years (the lovely Royal Colwood course here in Victoria, British Columbia). I could tell a funny story about one of the sand traps on a Friday night in high school … but I’ll restrain myself .

May Vol 6, Issue 8 (SHIFT-IT) Attract Visual Thinkers in Your Clientele

I have been exposed to a lot of techniques and approaches over my career and I have made a very conscious decision to primarily work in the ‘INTERACTIVE-GRAPHICS’ medium (meaning I use graphics and visuals to help facilitate reflection and decision making for groups and individuals). I’ve made this decision because working graphically is so effective and rewarding.

April Vol 6, Issue 7 (SHIFT-IT) Yes, Your Creativity is Valuable and Worth Developing

The last few weeks my team and I have been busy fielding inquiries and booking spots for my upcoming trainings The Fundamentals of Interactive-Graphics and The SHIFT-IT Certification Program. It’s always an interesting process as we witness the different manners and attitudes in which people value their creativity and make their way into my programs (or not).

April Vol 6, Issue 6 (SHIFT-IT) The Art of Being ‘Generative’

I had a personality test done a few years ago – back when I was in a coaching group with some other online entrepreneurs. It gave me some really revealing results about myself and my style of relating. Or, should I say, my styles (plural) of relating.

March Vol 6, Issue 5 (SHIFT-IT) When You Change and They Don’t Like It

You have a goal or a whole set of them. You figure out your Vision. You create and implement a plan. You deal with your own ‘Trouble at the Border’ issues … all those little (and sometimes big) internal and external gremlins along your path. And your New World and New Self begins to manifest right before your eyes.

March Vol 6, Issue 4 (SHIFT-IT) Inner Ways to Move That Outer Home

In my own private coaching practice, I’ve encountered several clients, in varying places from around the world (Vancouver, London and Miami) who were vibrational stuck in the process of selling their home and came to me for some ‘SHIFT-IT’ coaching to get their process smoothly flowing. Here are some concepts and ideas from these sessions to help you if you are in a similar situation:

February Vol 6, Issue 3 (SHIFT-IT) Get to the Heart of It

As its February, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I have really fond memories of this celebration as a little girl. I think its then that I first discovered my love of paper and design – those cool little Valentines Day kits … of hearts with the little perforated edges that you popped out to give to your friends (the smell of the heavy pink and red inks, all the writing of heartfelt notes and the inevitable paper cuts).

January Vol 6, Issue 2 (SHIFT-IT) Shift to Self-Employment – Plot Your Plan

I’ve opted to write this issue’s article on the shift from working inside an organization to ‘going out on your own’ – becoming an independent solo practitioner and/or small business owner … and how to plot your plan to do so.

January Vol 6, Issue 1 (SHIFT-IT) A Classic Visual Manifestation Aid

Its an oldie but a goodie, the Vision Board exercise. Sometimes called a Vision Collage, Treasure Map, Vision Map, etc. A wonderful ‘graphic’ way to define and align with what you really want.

December Vol 5, Issue 24 (SHIFT-IT) Creation Tips for a Rockin’ 2010

Well, an early Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my SHIFT-IT readers … as this is the final issue for this year.

December Vol 5, Issue 23 (SHIFT-IT) Do You Have a Healthy Sense of Self?

Well, its definitely moving into the winter season here in Victoria, British Columbia – which thankfully just means overcast and rain for the most part (so far no snow).
I’m having a hard time believing its December already – you too?

November Vol 5, Issue 22 (SHIFT-IT) How to Expand Your Ability to Receive

Getting reports back from my Graphic Coaching Clinic graduates - about how they are integrating their new skills.  Congrats to Kelly for a successful reception to the Process Overview Map she created and used the very next week with her Nation.  To Martine for the fabulous visual handout she posted on the Global Community of Graphic Coaches Facebook page – and to Ann on getting in weekly icon practice and moving forward on her Life Preserver visual tools.  Keep the reports coming in ladies and get your private mentor call booked – I love helping you to integrate your visual learning! us attendees are making great headway …or marker way more accurately! 

November Vol 5, Issue 21 (SHIFT-IT) Live Your Authentic Life

Hi there :) … right now I’m standing in a room that is pretty much papered from wall to ceiling – filled with all sorts of visual work.  It’s the third and final day of The Graphic Coaching Clinic – and my fabulous attendees are making great headway …or marker way more accurately! 

October Vol 5, Issue 20 (SHIFT-IT) Strange Days Indeed, Most Peculiar Mama!

Hosted the ‘Unleash the Power of Working Visually Webinar’ … with over 300 of you registered from around the world – thank you for your excellent live questions and comments

October Vol 5, Issue 19 (SHIFT-IT) Add Some Yin to Your Repertoire

Holy smokes, its mid October already … geez, where DOES the time go?
We’ve had such a beautiful extended sunny season here in Victoria B.C. that fall has kind of snuck up on us

October Vol 5, Issue 19 (SHIFT-IT) Strange Days Indeed, Most Peculiar Mama!

Hosted the ‘Unleash the Power of Working Visually Webinar’ … with over 300 of you registered from around the world – thank you for your excellent live questions and comments

September Vol 5, Issue 18 (SHIFT-IT) our Orientation to Life?

One thing that’s always on my Positive Aspects Map is my appreciation of the beauty of Canada’s west coast, where I have the good fortune of living.

The weather was so nice that I slipped away for the awesome Grilled Seafood Salad at Milestone’s in the Inner Harbour (with this great view out the window).

September Vol 5, Issue 17 (SHIFT-IT) How to SHIFT Your Cranky Mood - Fast!

Well, it’s officially September … boo hoo.
We’ve had such an excellent summer here in beautiful British Columbia that I (as the sun worshiper that I am) am reluctant to let the season slip away.
However, I soothe myself with the thought ‘you can always travel to the sun when you want to’. So visions of Palm Desert in December make me perk up. Ahhhhhh, a rainy winter isn’t so bad when I break it up with a few little travel trips!

August Vol 5, Issue 16 (SHIFT-IT) Develop Your ‘Spidey Senses’

I’m enjoying the last weeks of summer here on the west coast. Beautiful dawns and pretty sunsets – it continues to be a lovely season. The fall is lining up nicely. There are three programs I’m facilitating: the SHIFT-IT Virtual Group that starts this Saturday. The Manifestation Mastermind in Oct. Followed by The Graphic Coaching Clinic (skills training) in early November. As much as I enjoy summer, I’m ready to get into some coaching and graphics skills training with you all!

August Vol 5, Issue 15 (SHIFT-IT) Hot and Bothered? You Aren’t Alone!

We’ve been having a heat wave here in Victoria, British Columbia the last while (makes up for the lousy summer in ‘07 when it rained for two months!). Heat wave for us means we jumped from 20s to 30s (got consistently over 100° F). I know, not a big deal for some of you … but its record breaking for us islanders – wink! Even slept on my roof deck one night to keep cool (natural A/C) … watching the stars.

July Vol 5, Issue 14 (SHIFT-IT) My Best Tips For Attending Your First Abraham-Hicks Workshop

Ahhhh, I love the Pacific Northwest summer. With early birthday celebrations (the real day is Tuesday but I will be working), going over to Seattle to catch the Abraham-Hicks workshop, and seeing all sorts of new and old friends – well, let’s just say I have been having A LOT of fun lately.

July Vol 5, Issue 13 (SHIFT-IT) Ouch, My Uranus is in Opposition – You?!

A belated happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians and a happy 4th of July to you Americans!

June Vol 5, Issue 12 (SHIFT-IT) Tips for a Successful Transition

Happy summer – the solstice is this weekend! Powerful time to set your intentions and align energy for your next phase of things.

June Vol 5, Issue 11 (SHIFT-IT) The Ever–Expanding Visual Community

Been a busy time since last issue.  Hosted my 3-day Graphic Coaching Clinic here in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 

Thankfully the weather cooperated beautifully so attendees were able to work outside on the lovely terrace at times.

May Vol 5, Issue 10 (SHIFT-IT) What ‘In the Vortex’ Means

Spring has sprung in Victoria --- trees are bursting into leaf, cruise ships are in port and I’m hauling the deck furniture back out. There is something so stabilizing about the reliable ebb and flow of the seasons isn’t there!

May Vol 5, Issue 9 (SHIFT-IT) Recommended Relationship Resources

Wow, its May already isn’t it! How did that happen? Time is flying by. With my first ever Graphic Coaching Clinic just around the corner, I’m preparing for the great group of folks that are coming (from all across North America and two from the U.K. even!). Fascinating people with all sorts of diverse backgrounds – the common denominator is they all resonate with the visual way of working and want foundational skills to apply to their own coaching, consulting and training processes.

April Vol 5, Issue 8 (SHIFT-IT) The Pros and Cons of a Dysfunctional Past

When you SHIFT one area of your life, it can often have unexpected consequences in another.
Over several years, I’ve shifted my livelihood from being a traveling Graphic Facilitator to being The SHIFT-IT Coach.

April Vol 5, Issue 7 (SHIFT-IT) Turn Crap to Gold

Last week I did a quick trip to Los Angeles … for some fun, sun and Abraham vibes.

March Vol 5, Issue 6 (SHIFT-IT) Triggered? … Could Be an Orphan Callin’ Out!

The month is trucking along … and I’m doing lots of fun things, a few are quite meta-physical (cause I’m fascinated about the meta-physics underlying change and transformation work). 

March Vol 5, Issue 5 (SHIFT-IT) The W5’s of Coaching with Graphics

It’s been a whirlwind of good stuff since I got back from the Abraham-Hicks Mexico Cruise. Right away I was back in connection with Abraham … as Hay House Radio offered a call-in show with Jerry and Esther Hicks. And I made it on as a caller!

February Vol 5, Issue 4 (SHIFT-IT) The Economy According to Abraham-Hicks

Well, I’m back from the Abraham Hicks cruise down in Mexico … and quite frankly, I’m now missing the warmth, the beauty and the relaxation. Ahhhhh, I wish they offered their cruises for two weeks instead of just one.

February Vol 5, Issue 3 (SHIFT-IT) It Decipher the Law of Attraction

What do Canadians do in the midst of gloomy February … head to the nearest sunny locale! Luckily I’ve figured out a way to combine the pursuit of sun with something that warms my heart and mind too – the soothing guidance of ‘Abraham’ via the work of Esther and Jerry Hicks.

January Vol 5, Issue 2 (SHIFT-IT) It Doesn’t Have to Be a Dirty Word

Made you look with that title didn’t I!? What’s the dirty word I’m talking about – ‘internet marketing’.

You’ve probably noticed that I use a variety of internet marketing and visibility tools to get the word out about me and my work. And as such, a good portion of my client base is at least somewhat interested in how to use the internet to promote their own niches. I say ‘somewhat’ because they have varying degrees of internet marketing and sales resistance – and its that resistance that I’d like to help shift in this article.

January Vol 5, Issue 1 (SHIFT-IT) Attract Your Life Partner Via Four LOA Tips

There must be something in the air right now, because a lot of my clients are focusing on ‘relationship’ in their coaching sessions.  Either that, or its just good old ‘like attracts like’ happening as this is an area that I’m focusing on presently– so I’m attracting matching clients.  It’s amazing how that works.

December Vol 4, Issue 19 (SHIFT-IT) TELL YOUR 2009 STORY

Whether you’ve been doing personal visioning and planning work for a while, or are new to it, we can all benefit from doing a Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat every once in a while: checking in on how our life is going and what mid-course corrections we might want to make.

December Vol 4, Issue 18 (SHIFT-IT) INTEGRATE BOTH YOUR LEFT BRAIN AND RIGHT BRAIN

I knew this week that I wanted to write something about the visual approach.  Something about the importance of our creative sides and ‘art’ in general.  Something about the INTEGRATION and importance of both sides of our brain – the rational AND the creative.

November Vol 4, Issue 17 (SHIFT-IT) FAITH IN THE WORLD, YOURSELF AND YOUR INSTINCTS

From all appearances, the world seems to be going a little haywire here in late 2008.  The environment is taking a beating, the economy is going through global testing of a new level, and many people are uncomfortably suffering through situations that they feel they ‘have to’ do rather than want to do.

October Vol 4, Issue 16 (SHIFT-IT) MY AIRPORT SURPRISE

As I backed my car out of the garage, focusing on the mirror that was close to the wall ... I heard a sickening crunch on the other side of the car. In my haste to get to the airport and my focus on the mirror side, I had left my driver's side door wide open ... and driven it right into the doorway ... Crap! No damage to the garage entrance thankfully - but I did a real number on my car window. It wouldn't close properly ... a good five-inch gap. No way could I leave it parked at the airport in rainy November weather like that. So, I re-parked it in the garage and called a cab.

October Vol 4, Issue 15 (SHIFT-IT) CREATE AN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE OF LOA

As a Law of Attraction practitioner I’m doing my conscious best to bring this philosophy and way of being into my business and into its organizational culture - to walk my talk.  To not only coach others in how to use these powerful principles in their work and life but to build a congruent business and working environment that practices what it preaches. 

October Vol 4, Issue 14 (SHIFT-IT) A TOOL TO RIDE THE ECONOMIC WINDS

It’s been a windy time of late with the economic and political happenings in the U.S. and abroad whipping up an emotional and physical storm.  And a hugely important time from a vibrational standpoint – because, how we focus now will determine what kind of future we create individually and collectively. 

September Vol 4, Issue 13 (SHIFT-IT) DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CULTURAL CREATIVE?

Social demographers and researchers have been tracking the emergence of a new category of people in the last 50 years.  Known by several labels (‘cultural creatives’ ‘integrals’ and ‘greens‘) this group of 50 million (25% of the adult population in North America and an additional 80-90 million estimated in Europe) is unique for their shared interests in ecology/global awareness, social justice, self-actualization, spirituality and self-expression.

September Vol 4, Issue 12 (SHIFT-IT) ARE YOU THE PACK LEADER OF YOUR VISION?

I have a guilty pleasure confession to make – I’m a bit of a DVD nut.  Lately I’ve been blitzing through the third season of a favorite National Geographic channel show, called the ‘Dog Whisperer’.  Have you seen or heard of it?  It follows the ins and outs of ‘dog psychology expert’ Cesar Millan.

August Vol 4, Issue 11 (SHIFT-IT) IT AIN'T ALWAYS PRETTY... OR EASY

Business growth is learning how to work effectively with the Law of Attraction (LOA) – and both can take a while to get the hang of! There are times when you are sailing along and all is going fantastic (when you are in alignment) and other times when you can’t seem to do anything right and attract one tough situation after another (not in alignment). 

August Vol 4, Issue 10 (SHIFT-IT) MEETING GRAPHICS FOR BEGINNERS

After 14+ years I’m pulling down my shingle as a graphic facilitator and graphic recorder (using visuals in large group settings) in order to devote more time and space for my rapidly growing ‘graphic coaching’ business (using visuals in smaller settings with individuals, couples and biz partners). November marks my last Meeting Graphics 101 training ever... so in homage to my graphic past... here’s an article about the benefits of these wonderful group skills with some tips for beginners entering the field. 

August Vol 4, Issue 9 (SHIFT-IT) SIX MARKETING MINDSET LESSONS

I just got back from an intense ‘success workshop’ that rattled me (some of the things modeled about wealth acquisition and law of attraction methods, while not necessarily incorrect, did rub against my value system).  Those of you who have been on my list for a while, realize that over the last several years, I’ve been incorporating more and different types of marketing techniques in my own coaching and info product practice.  This issue’s article is a bit of self-therapy … to help me articulate what I believe and stand for on these interesting topics. 

July Vol 4, Issue 8 (SHIFT-IT) YOUR LIVING SPACE: HELP OR HINDRANCE?

Did you know that in dreams, a house almost universally is a symbol for one’s life?  That this dream imagery is an archetype that transcends all borders and cultures – a sign of just how important homes and living spaces are to the human psyche. 

July Vol 4, Issue 7 (SHIFT-IT) HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO GO

Been working in a certain area for a long time?  Ready to move into newer territory?  I hear ya!  But how do you know when it’s truly time to go?  Listening to these signals can make your SHIFT easier and smoother … and enable you to make your transition in style.

June Vol 4, Issue 6 (SHIFT-IT) REALLY BIG PICTURE VIEW OF LIFE

The last few days I’ve been watching a remarkable documentary series that has interesting considerations when one looks at it from a SHIFT-IT and Law of Attraction perspective.  The series is called “Up”... 7 Up, 14 Up, 21 Up, 28 Up, 35 Up, 42 Up and 48 Up. Have you seen it?

May Vol 4, Issue 5 (SHIFT-IT) 6 TIPS TO CORRECT A NEGATIVE SPIRAL

We’ve all have them. Sometimes they last a short period. Sometimes they last weeks, months, years, decades - yikes, perhaps even a lifetime. I’m talking about downward spirals. Where negatives things pile one on top of another, until it seems that is the only reality that exists.

April Vol 4, Issue 4 (SHIFT-IT) DAILY PRACTICE TIPS

One of my SHIFT IT clients, Margaret from Denmark, asked me during one of her coaching calls to explain what my daily practice is like. She wanted to know what a regular day was like for me and what I do to live the SHIFT-IT and Law of Attraction principles that I teach and preach.

March Vol 4, Issue 3 (SHIFT-IT) YOUR JOURNEY TO A CREATIVE-BASED LIFESTYLE

It’s OK to Follow Your Bliss:  Chances are, you already at least somewhat know what you like and want in your profession and personal life.  If so, let me emphasis that it is ok for you to follow your own bliss.  It’s ok to be into things that others around you perhaps don’t understand or get (at least not yet).  We are each wired with our own likes and preferences.  So, start following the things that YOU like most --- the things, ideas, experiences that bring you joy and pleasure (even if you have NO CLUE about ‘how to make money’ with them). 

February Vol 4, Issue 2 (SHIFT-IT) ENERGY LESSONS FROM A SWEET TEXAN COUPLE

Ok, if you have been reading me for a while, you know my current idols are Jerry and Esther Hicks of The Teachings of Abraham fame.  Maybe you are sick of reading about my fascination with Law of Attraction (LOA), but frankly, I just can’t get enough of this great information.  I’ve been studying it since 2000, but this year I’m finally, really getting it (after listening to over a decade of their recordings since I got my hands on their full collection a year ago!)

January Vol 4, Issue 1 (SHIFT-IT) COOL 'FRONTIER' TOOLS TO WAKE YOU UP!

It’s a brand new year. And in January, the news media trots out the different experts to talk about goals, aspirations and new year resolutions. I totally believe in the ability of people to change their lives (if I didn’t … it really wouldn’t sense for me to be called The SHIFT-IT Coach now would it?!). However most of this advice tends to be pretty boring and conservative – the same old, same old.

December Vol 3, Issue 12 (SHIFT-IT) DO-IT YOURSELF SHIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Whether you’ve been doing personal visioning and planning work for a while, or are new to it, we can all benefit from doing a Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat every once in a while: checking in on how our life is going and what mid-course corrections we might want to make.  Ideal times to conduct a mini retreat are late December / early January when a brand new year is upon you, when you have some vacation time to step out of your usual existence, or the anniversary date of a particular event or coaching alliance (for example, clients will often do a review session like this on the anniversary date of their initial SHIFT-IT retreat with me to freshen things up).

November Vol 3, Issue 11 (SHIFT-IT) RAISE YOUR VIBE VIA POSITIVE ASPECTS MAP

In order to become a match to the things that we really, really want in our lives, we first need to vibrate like them. That means we need to somehow come into the same energy or frequency as them. My Law of Attraction teachers, Esther and Jerry Hicks (via the teachings of Abraham) have many processes that will help us do this. Right now I’d like share one of those processes with you - a deceptively simple one called ‘Positive Aspects’. And, as I’m a ‘graphic coach’, I’ve created a visual map to aid you in doing this, so you can even more deliberately focus your thoughts and feelings.

October Vol 3, Issue 10 (SHIFT-IT) POINTERS FROM MY OWN SHIFT-IT JOURNEY

This week I celebrate and relinquish an old identity and step fully into a new one – and boy does it feel good! After 12+ years as a strategic planning facilitator, change management consultant and graphic mapmaker – I am ‘folding up my flipchart stand’ so to speak, in order to focus exclusively on my SHIFT-IT graphic coaching and law of attraction practice. So, in this article, I’m going tell you how I made my own shift, so you can apply the same SHIFT-IT principles to your own career and lifestyle change.

September Vol 3, Issue 9 (SHIFT-IT) BE THE SCRIPTWRITER OF YOUR LIFE

"Be a creator, rather than a regurgitator of what is". How's that for an opening line - out of the mouth of Abraham, my favorite Law of Attraction source. Couldn't think of a better way to grab your attention - to the importance of getting your focus off of your present situation and onto what you really do want - that creation that lies beyond your regurgitated status quo.

August Vol 3, Issue 8 (SHIFT-IT) WHY BOTHER WITH A PERSONAL VISION

A few issues back I wrote a tips sheet on how to create a Vision Board (otherwise knows as vision collage, or treasure map). A great preliminary visioning exercise that helps you begin to define what it is you next want for yourself in your life. As discussed, there are lots of other ways to do visioning work beyond this classic exercise. I'll list a few here, however I think its worth going into why visioning is a useful thing to do, regardless of what method you use.

July Vol 3, Issue 7 (SHIFT-IT) SEE YOURSELF THROUGH A LIFE WHEEL

Feeling kind of off? Energy being sapped? Not as satisfied as you used to be? Chances are one (or several) of the eight main areas of your life are not functioning as well as they could be. As a first step to realignment, may I suggest doing a Life Wheel on yourself. A handy little tool that will help you quickly and easily pinpoint what areas are out of whack and provide the inspiration and motivation to get you back on track.

June Vol 3, Issue 6 (SHIFT-IT) HOW TO DEAL WITH THE 'BAD' STUFF

Urrrggghhhh, doesn't it suck when you get in those situations where something or somebody really gets to you. Maybe it's an unpleasant work situation with an employer, client or colleague, or a personal one with a friend or family member. Or some sort of agency, organization or outfit you have to deal with that isn't going well. Whatever the players, the energy is still the same: it feels like something is being done onto you and you've lost your sense of personal power and control. And, ultimately, you want to get it back and feel good again.

May Vol 3, Issue 5 (SHIFT-IT) TIPS TO CREATE VISION BOARDS

In the underground hit movie The Secret (introductory movie on Law of Attraction principles), there is a scene where a man unpacks and shows his Vision Board to his young son, only to realize that they are now living in the very house that was pictured on his board (created several years prior). And, during one of Oprah's recent shows on The Secret, guest Lisa Nichols showed her Vision Board - in it were the words 'Lisa Reveals All on Oprah' - she definitely manifested that one! Read More

Apr. Vol 3, Issue 4 (SHIFT-IT) BE BRAVE WITH YOUR INNOVATIONS

Last week I hosted one of my Graphic Bootcamps: an advanced skills training workshop for people who want to learn more about the graphic way of working with groups and individuals. I noticed a really interesting trait in my attendees: a lot of them are just itchin’ to make their work more fulfilling and interesting – to try something new (in this case – using graphics in their work). Read More

Mar. Vol 3, Issue 3 (SHIFT-IT) SPEED UP YOUR MANIFESTATION PROCESS

Question: What is an effective way to speed up my manifestation process? Answer: Get happy about where you currently are. Yup, getting ok with where you currently are is a great way to get what you eventually want. Read More

Feb. Vol 3, Issue 2 (SHIFT-IT) INSIGHTS FROM THE ABRAHAM-HICKS CRUISE

Transitioning? Ready for a change? Want to become your next self? Now is a great time to do some good reflection and shift work on you and your life. Stake out your vision, determine your next steps - deal with that itty bitty shitty committee that is keeping you from moving forward. Read More

Jan. Vol 3, Issue 1 (SHIFT-IT) DECIPHER THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Law of Attraction is turning up all over the place it seems (actually that is part of the law!). Perhaps you have been hearing about it? Its getting a lot of play in movies like The Secret and What the Bleep Do We Know, etc. My favorite teachers of it, Esther and Jerry Hicks (ala Abraham), are topping the charts with their books on the subject: Law of Attraction, Ask and It Is Given, and The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent. Read More

Dec. Vol 2, Issue 12 (SHIFT-IT) SURVIVE TRANSITION & ICKY NEUTRAL ZONES

Sick of what you are doing? Ready to leave your old world but not sure what your new world is? In that painful in-between place? Ahhhhhh transitions. The tricky challenge of moving from one world or way of being into another. When life kicks us out of our comfort zone so we can become our next self. Read More

Nov. Vol 2, Issue 11 (SHIFT-IT) LESSONS FROM THE DOG WHISPERER

I have a guilty pleasure confession to make – I’m a bit of a DVD nut. I watch a lot of movies (especially when I get fed up with TV and have my cable disconnected). Lately I’ve been blitzing through the first season of this National Geographic channel show, called the ‘Dog Whisperer’.Read More

Oct. Vol 2, Issue 10 (SHIFT-IT) THE W5s of GRAPHIC COACHING

Graphic coaching is a new, visual way to do coaching and personal development work. This article gives you the lowdown on this emerging methodology: the who, what, where, when and why of it, as well as a little bit of the how thrown in for good measure... Read More

Sept. Vol 2, Issue 9 (SHIFT-IT) THE ART OF THE VISUAL BIO

Visual bios are really handy documents – they are a creative and unique way to summarize and share your career path with others. I’ve seen them applied in job interviews, grad school applications, used by CEOs, experts, workshop leaders, etc to communicate the path of their development, etc. They are different from the Life and History Maps that I’ve written of before – Visual Bios focus pretty strictly on your career or professional path (as opposed to your whole life)... Read More

Aug. Vol 2, Issue 8 (SHIFT-IT) SIX WAYS TO CORRECT A NEGATIVE SPIRAL

We've all have them. Sometimes they last a short period. Sometimes they last weeks, months, years, decades - yikes, perhaps even a lifetime. I'm talking about downward spirals. Where negatives things pile one on top of another, until it seems that is the only reality that exists. In the last few weeks I've fielded several calls from colleagues and friends who are in a down place. They've hit a bump, a logjam --- what seems... Read More

July Vol 2, Issue 7 (SHIFT-IT) WHY GRAPHICS? THE CLARIFYING POWER OF INTERACTIVE VISUALS

I have been exposed to a lot of techniques and approaches over my career and I have made a very conscious decision to primarily work in the graphic facilitation medium (meaning I use graphics and visuals to help facilitate thinking and decision making for groups and individuals). I've made this decision because ... Read More

June Vol 2, Issue 6 (SHIFT-IT) ABUNDANCE, PROSPERITY AND MONEY CREATION

Having problems in the money department? Struggling to look after yourself properly? Lacking a sense of abundance and prosperity?... Read More

May Vol 2, Issue 5 (SHIFT-IT) HOW TO CREATE WORK YOU REALLY LOVE

Life is short. We spend such a large percentage of our time earning our livings at 'work' --- doesn't it make sense to actually do something we like and enjoy? ... Read More

April Vol 2, Issue 4 (SHIFT-IT) SINGLES WANTING PARTNERS

In the coaching groups I run there are usually at least a third or so of the participants who are single and no longer wish to be --- who would like to focus their SHIFT-IT process, at least partially, on shifting the relationship area of their life... Read More

March Vol 2, Issue 3 (SHIFT-IT) BODY AND WEIGHT RELEASE GOALS

In my SHIFT-IT and Graphic Coaching work I help clients identify what they really, really want and help them get it. One area that commonly comes up is desired changes to their physical body, weight and physique. In working with different clients, male and female, here is some 'food for thought' about the issues and complexities connected to this interesting area... Read More

Feb. Vol 2, Issue 2 (SHIFT-IT) SELF CARE, TOXIC ENVIRONMENTS, BEING "SELFISH."

Time and again I encounter clients who sacrifice their own health, mental outlook and well being for work and others. Over time, they have developed unhealthy patterns and habits that accumulate in shocking ways. As entrepreneurs or employees (internal managers and leaders) they don't eat well, don't sleep well, don't take proper time off ---- bit by bit they gain weight (or drastically lose it), burn themselves out from constant stress and adrenaline rushes, and develop lifestyles that are unhealthy and unsustainable... Read More

Jan. Vol 2, Issue 1 (SHIFT-IT) IDEAL TIME TO UPDATE & REALIGN

Whether you've been working on goal / personal visioning work for a while, or are new to it, we can all benefit from doing a mini visioning process every once in a while; checking in on how our life and its trajectory are going and what mid-course corrections we might want to make. Ideal times to do a check-in on how your life is going are... Read More