My high-school varsity basketball team’s record was rather horrendous. Truly.

We won 4 games in my 4 years on the team.  Yikes.

However, at least I learned “It’s NOT all about winning.” Yeppers, that lesson sunk in, let me tell you.

I loved basketball, even with our record, and I learned so many life lessons from the experience.  Here are a couple.

1)  It doesn’t matter how much make up we wear or how adorable the ribbons in our hair look, to win games, we have to have talent and skill to back up the cuteness.

2) Don’t get caught up in what the crowd is saying or thinking.  And it’s not all about the hotties in the stands.  One time I was so twitter-pated with a boy in the stands that I accidentally took a shot, and almost scored, on the OTHER team’s basket!  Oops.

But more seriously, I learned about Vibrational Frequency.

Esther and Abraham Hicks say that whenever we are in a conversation or connection with another person who seems a bit down, heavy energetically, or dark, we can either CHOOSE be pulled down to their vibrational frequency, or invite them up to ours. It’s our CHOICE.

Whenever my team played against another school that was much stronger and  more talented, we would leap up to their level and play beautifully. Okay,  we wouldn’t necessarily come away with a win (Record: 4-74), but we would all step up and have much better games individually and collectively.  If we played a team that was weaker and less skilled, we allowed ourselves to stoop down to that level and play rather “low vibrationally.”

We wouldn’t play nearly as well individually or collectively.  And usually, we would lose.

This was our pattern, like clock-work.  If we had competed at our actual skill level and potential, with every team, we would have been met with amazing success.  No doubt.

How many times in my life, have I behaved like my basketball team?

In the past, I have allowed someone to gossip in my presence, and yes, even joined in on the negativity.

Or, I have heard someone complaining about how life is so “hard and such a struggle.” Instead of offering a script shift or a re-frame, I have chosen to agree and wallow with them.

It might feel good to have someone to commiserate with in the moment, but going forward, no one wins.

In fact usually, we both lose.

Like me team.

However, what if next time someone gossips, I choose to change the subject.  What if I ask that person about their Wins, Celebrations, and New and Goods in life? What if I ask them about who they love, and why?  What if I invite them to share their Gratitudes.

Then, my dear readers, then we have a Win-Win.

Then, we uplift one another’s vibrational frequency.

And in doing so, raise the vibrational frequency of the Collective Consciousness.  In other words, the Vibrational Frequency of the whole world uplifts…because of YOU.

So really, it’s a Win-Win-Win-Win-Win-etc…

And the person with whom you were speaking, goes off to the rest of their day, vibrating in the Love and the Light and spreading that frequency wherever they go.

The Ripple Effect of CHOOSING uplifting connection and conversation with others is limitless.

By the way,  I just checked this year’s record for the Girl’s Varsity Basketball Team at my old high-school.   18-4.

Hmmmm….looks like someone got the High Vibrational Message.

How UPLIFTING.

xoxo

CC

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Body and Life of your Dreams Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To learn more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

Picture #1 from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2125

She walked into the little juice bar, Organic Avenue, yesterday where I was enjoying a Veggie Drink and writing my Morning Pages.

When she entered the room, the entire space vibrated with love and light.  The sun seemed to shine more brightly and I swear I could see little cartoon birds on her shoulders and squirrels following her inside.   She was the epitome of a Goddess/Mother Nature/Glam Gal all rolled up into one.

I was in love.;)

As I started to pack my bag to leave, I heard a voice say, “Go talk to her. Give her your business card. Tell her what you do!”

What?  I would look like a total stalker crazy woman. No! There is NO WAY! She is going to think I am hitting on her or want something.  Ewww…

“Cora, I love you.  Go talk to her.”

So I sheepishly gathered my bags, moved over to where she was sitting, and pretended to be extremely interested in the raw kale chips that were on sale.

Then I turned to walk out.  Chicken!!!

As I went to open the door to leave, I felt nauseous.  ”Go talk to her.”

Okay, Okay Source. I hear you. You will not leave me alone until I speak with her.

I walked over to this glorious Being, looked her in the eyes, and I am sure I was blushing when I said, “I just want you to know that you are SO beautiful.  You have SUCH a bright light around you and within you.  Thank you for shining.”

She grinned from ear to ear, jumped up, and gave me a huge hug.

“I thought the same thing about you!” she said. “You have such a beautiful smile.”

We stood there, looking at each other, in mutual adoration and awe.

Then she said, “I am in town from Vancouver for the Holistic MBA Conference.  It’s a conference for Heart Centered  Holistic Practioners!”

“Oh I know all about it,” I said. “I am a Holistic Wellness Coach.  I went to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I considered going to that conference also!”

“OHHHH!!! I am a Raw Food Chef, Coach, and Head Educator at a Raw Foods institute in Vancouver called the Raw Foundation. Let’s talk! Let’s do a tele-class or group program together.  I would love to interview you.”

And I could go on and on.  It was such SYNCHRONICITY!   Anything is possible with this new connection.  I was on an absolute high leaving the juice bar.

Spirit set us up on this impromptu date.  It was destiny.  We were meant to be “together”.

Thank God I listened.  Thank God I responded.  Thank God I didn’t deny the message that was so clear, so loud…”Go talk to her.  Tell her how beautiful she is to you.”

When Spirit speaks, it would behoove all of us, to listen.

And respond.

And then give thanks and gratitude for the magic, miracles, and gifts that are EVERYWHERE, when we choose to claim our Divine Connection.

Oh and in closing, I see YOU.

You are beautiful.

You have such a bright light in you and around you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for shining.

xoxoCC

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Body and Life of your Dreams Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out about our Intuitive Spring Cleanse (Early Bird Rate until Friday the 4th), click here:  http://simplyintuitivecleanse.eventbrite.com/

To learn more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

Pic #1 from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=3849

In my past I have had a raging Co-Dependant relationship…it was intimate, it was juicy, it was dramatic…

and it was with…

MY CELL PHONE.

I bought my first mobile phone when I was a junior in college and I carried it with me EVERYWHERE.  It  felt so thrilling and new to to call a friend at ANY POINT during my day.  I even made phone calls to friends while jogging on the trails behind my school.

I was a bit obsessed.

One of my Cell Phone Rituals consisted of calling friends to chat EVERY TIME I was walking somewhere.  I had a daily couple-mile jaunt to my job at the Boys and Girls Club so each time I walked, I talked…and talked, and talked, and talked!

It was compulsive.  I was filling up every minute of every day with connections to other people.  With this cell phone, it was truly possible to be connected OUTWARD at all times (even while on the toilet…TMI? oops).

One beautiful Spring day, I was walking back to campus from work, and I pulled out my trusty partner, my Cell Phone.

Yet, something stopped me from dialing.

I tried again…something prevented me from making that call.

And then I heard a Voice…it was warm, slightly chiding, with a rolling giggle underneath the words.

“You know my dear, you can put the cell phone down and dial my number ANY TIME.”

Whoah.

I felt shivers up and down my spine as if every cell in my body was vibrating.  Deep breath.

“You know my dear, you can put the phone down and dial my number ANY TIME.”

My first inclination was to hide in shame (now I know how Adam and Eve felt).  I felt naked before God, caught red-handed in a desperate attempt to fill ALL my time with outward connection.

Spirit’s invitation was to connect WITHIN.

With the Love, Light, and Wisdom that is inside all of us.  With my Inner Guidance, my Intuition.  With the Divine within.

“Okay God.  I hear you. I love you.  Thank you.”

I placed the cell phone in my backpack and proceeded to have a full on conversation with God.  Out Loud.  Whether or not others perceived me as the Crazy Lady walking down the street talking to herself.

And it was wonderful.

I did a lot of talking,  but most importantly…

I LISTENED…

to that still small voice inside of me

I LISTENED…

to my True Partner and Soulmate on this Life Journey

I LISTENED…

to the Voice of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

and I cried, and laughed, and learned…

Yes, I listened, and I dialed Spirit’s Number…

and realized that much more important than my Cell Phone, was my HOME Phone.

I Listened…and came Home.

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Live Your Dreams Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

Cell phone pic: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2522

-The Taco Shop Girl  (ie. Taco Shop Cashier for 2 years in high school)  At parties, I would walk in and inevitably hear some drunk “Cool Guy “yell, “Hey, it’s The Taco Shop Girl.  Where’s your Turquoise Hat???”  Oh, and as fate would have it, Taco Shop’s tagline was You’ve never had it so good.  Now you can only imagine what the Cool Guy did with that line…

Lots of perks though, including unlimited amounts of nachos and incredible entertainment from hung over college kids on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Hung Over Guy: Is my burrito ready yet?

Me: No sorry sir, not yet.  You ordered it 2 minutes ago.”

Hung Over Guy: “It’s taking FOR-EV-ER!  And dude, your  buffet…it SUCKS.”

(um,  and by buffet, he meant Salsa Bar)

-Cocktail Waitress (For one year AFTER College.  The Dive Bar was owned by a man, Lou, who won the lottery and bought a bar.  No business sense whatsoever.  We didn’t even have schedules. I’m still not sure what time it opened and closed)

It was a classy joint, let me tell you.  Located in the middle of a Strip Mall in Orange County, CA.   A glorified Hooters.  Some of my highlights were working with a Swinger who often invited me home to “meet” her husband, and another co-worker who had no problem flashing her customers, meaning us lowly waitresses who preferred to stayed clothed lost out on some tables AND tips.

And one of my favorites…

-Front Desk at the Super 8 Hotel on I-70 in Hays, KS (Summer between my Freshman and Sophomore Year in College)

Friends, I was HORRIBLE, simple awful, at this job.  I am not ashamed to admit it.  It is the truth.  I set  the Fire Alarm off THREE times that summer, thus costing the hotel X amount of dollars with each occurrence.   I learned that my gifts do NOT lie in details and organization.  Or setting up Continental Breakfast Buffets.  Or in NOT setting off Fire Alarms.

However, there were some funny moments.

We  had a No Pets Policy.  I promise that 1 out of 2 men that walked in with their families would read the No Pets Policy, smile wittily at me, and then turn to his wife and say, “Honey, looks like you and the kids have to stay in the car.”

And I was forced to smile and laugh cheerfully like I had NEVER heard that joke before when in all reality the six guys before him had cracked the same joke that DAY.

And then there was The Truck Driver, Dave, who LOVED to flirt with me every Tuesday and Thursday night when he stayed over, however the first time was the best.

I wore a pin that said, “Cora TRAINEE”, on my shirt for the ENTIRE summer.  Why?  Because I never graduated past that level.  As you know, I was always setting off the Fire Alarm, oh and burning the free toast.

So Dave walks in, leans over the counter, VERY close to my face,  raises his eyebrows, and says, “Cora Trainee (pronouncing it Train-AY)…is that French?”

He was not joking.  Totally straight face.

True, this job, as with the two above it, brought many hilarious moments.  Yet it also provided some very deep and moving occurrences too.

One evening, a couple walked in the door.  They were in their eighties and traveling the US together by Motor Home.  They were vibrant and glowing.  Beautiful people on the inside and out. On a road trip to visit friends and family and see the parts of the country that they had always wanted to visit.

“I’m not retiring, I’m Re-Firing.” shared the gentleman.

I was working a double that night, which meant I left at 11pm and came back in at 6am.  (Yes, I was sleepy)

I was just setting up the desk, when the same man came down the stairs.   I looked up and said, “Wow, you are up early sir.”

He walked over to my desk, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, “Cora, EVERY morning I wake up around this time, walk outside, and I watch the sunrise.  I am 85 years old, and I have missed WAY to many sunrises in my life. I am NOT going to miss another.”

And with that, I watched him walk out the door, climb slowly up the ladder to the top of the motor home, and witness the Beauty of the sunrise.

I looked around and saw that no one needed me.  I walked outside,  joined my new friend and Teacher, and with a huge smile, I said to him, “I am 18 years old, and I have missed WAY to many sunrises in my life.  But not this one.”

This was an extremely valuable  life lesson that I have taken with me.   When at all possible, I take the time to witness sunrises and sunsets, to pet an adorable dog,  play with a child, or tell someone I love them.   My intention is to stay in the moment and see the beauty in life everywhere I go.

I am still so grateful to that beautiful man and his wisdom.

Seize the Day.

Seize the Sunrise.

Your 85 year old Self will be glad that you did.:)

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Live Your Dreams Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

Beer Pic from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=129 

Elderly Couple Pic from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1499

Sunrise Pic from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=587

Most of this relates to past body and weight issues.

And just when I thought I was almost COMPLETELY healed from this “disorder”, I was hired to do a Fitness Modeling shoot for 90 Second Fitness, my strength training gym.

AMAZING, right?  A total dream come true?

YES!

I was thrilled, honored, flattered, and full of gratitude.

And then I went shopping for my outfit.

Uh-oh.

For years and years of my young adult life, I hated shopping.  (I know Dad, you are wondering why I couldn’t have despised it as a teen also??? lol)

So why did I run away from any opportunity to shop for clothes?

Because it was PAINFUL for me to look in the mirror in the dressing rooms.  I thought I was huge, ugly, not good enough.  The minute I tried on clothes the voice of my inner critic went WILD!  (PS…this is called Body Dysmorphia)

So I stopped shopping.

I wore the same clothes for years, all of them a bit big and loose on me.  This is how I felt most comfortable.  However, through the years I have spent healing my relationship with my body, I have begun to embrace buying clothes a bit more.

Recently I worked with the Image Consult Extrordinaire Julia Argenti of Lemons and Loafers.  She helped me shop and helped heal much of my issues around clothing and shopping. (even wrote a blog about her!)

I thought I was doing so much better!

Then I went shopping for the shoot.  The owner of the gym advised me on what to purchase.  Here is an example:

Okay, okay, minus the funky leg/ankle/foot warmer socks.

To compare….THIS is how I feel comfortable dressing to work out at the gym:

Except, I don’t usually show so much skin…:)

Bottom line, this shopping trip was SPECIAL…and challenging, as it was inviting me to move into whole new level of Body Love and Acceptance.  The idea of wearing that type of an outfit used to be a NIGHTMARE for me.

I walked into Lululemon and I almost walked right out. The whole store scared me.  Everyone seemed so hip, fit, and together.  I could tell they knew I was an imposter, a SWEATPANTS kinda gal.

I grabbed a couple shorts and tops and courageously entered the dressing room. Once I got through the initial shock of the Two-Piece workout look, I tried to be gentle and loving with myself…

But I heard that voice:

“Those clothes look awful.  They don’t fit you. You need much larger sizes.  You can’t do the photo shoot. You aren’t ready.  Your body looks awful. Just go home.”

So I did.

I hurriedly ripped off the clothes, shoved them at the poor woman who had been helping me, and basically ran out of the store.

My husband sprinted after me…

Ben: What’s going on?  What happened in there?

Cora: I can’t do this. I have to tell Pete I can’t do the shoot. There is NO way.  I’m not ready.

Ben: Are you really still dealing with this body image stuff? C’mon, you COACH people about healing their relationship to their bodies.

Cora: I know.

Ben: Maybe it was the store. Maybe that style doesn’t fit you.  Toughen up!  Set an example for your clients already.

(Hmmmm….I hadn’t thought of that…walk the walk of Body Love and Acceptance.  I can do this.)

Ben: Come on. Let’s try Modell’s.

(YAY!!!  I was raised on discount clothes.  I feel more comfortable in that environment anyways!)

Cora: Let’s do it!

And we did…Modell’s was just the place for me.  I looked in the mirror and practiced positive affirmations.  My husband even came in the dressing room with me for added support.  (SO SWEET AND BRAVE!)

I found the ideal shorts and top for the shoot.   And I am even wearing the outfit right now as I type to try to get more and more comfortable with it.

I celebrate this victory on my own Body Image Journey.  It feels really good, like major progress.  (Check back in with me AFTER the photo shoot…another opportunity for growth!)

And I celebrate all of you…my clients, family, friends, readers….on YOUR Journeys to Body Love and Acceptance.  Your commitment to your Healing is absolutely inspirational.  I am in awe of all of you.

YOU are my heroes.

xoxoC

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Love your Body Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

Image 1 from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2125

Image 2 from:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1499 

I start almost every day by giving myself Card Readings with my Oracle Tarot, Angel, and Goddess Cards.

I recently pulled an Angel Therapy Card (the fabulous deck by Doreen Virtue) and it read:

RELEASE , “Work with Archangel Michael to let go of what no longer serves you and  your purpose.”   Oooooh….did I need to hear that!

The card then instructed me to write down on a piece of paper, “Archangel Micheal, What do I need to release to be fully on my path and purpose?”

Then the card encouraged me to write down ANYTHING that came forward even if it didn’t feel connected or logical.

My list of what I needed to let go of flowed with ease and grace and included everything from no TV right before bed to negative self talk to playing small.   Something else that came forward was choosing NOT to listen to my intuition and inner guidance.   Yep, time to let go of all of these patterns, behaviors, and compulsions that do not serve me!

When I felt complete, I took the list to the sink and lit a match.   The next step was to burn the list, symbolizing the release of all the blocks into the air…poof!

Holding the paper to the flame, I breathed deeply and watched the list disappear before my eyes.  I felt more light and free with every passing second.

When the Fire Ceremony was complete, I began to clean up the sink.   But I saw something that caught my eye.

There was a tiny piece of the list stuck in the drain that had not wanted to burn.  Through the entire conflagration, this stubborn and strong part of the list would not be conquered.

Instead of throwing it away, I heard a voice say, “Read it.”

Okay.  I picked up the paper and my heart opened.

There were two words left from my list.  Two words that would not burn.  Two words that Spirit knew I needed to carry WITH me on my life path of Sacred Service to this world.

The Two words?

Intuition 

Guidance

Of course.  From the part of the list where I wrote that I was letting go of choosing NOT to listen to my intuition and inner guidance.  

Miracles, signs, messages are occurring all the time, every moment of every day, if only we are awake and aware enough to receive them.

Dear Universe/Spirit/God, I ask that I be fully awake and aware today and every day so I can be open to receiving the messages, gifts, signs, magic, and miracles that are everywhere in this beautiful world.  And may I also be open to each and every opportunity to be of Service to you through spreading Light and Love wherever I go.  Thank you!

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Release your Blocks Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

Or my Disney Princess Role Models?

Maybe it was my ridiculous pursuit of perfection?

Or my very tall and  slender female relatives and role models?

Whatever it was…most likely part of my Curriculum as a Soul having a human experience, I was at war with my body for about 6 years of my young adult life.  I struggled with a Non-Diagnosable Eating Disorder that included:

Weight Obsession: Stepping on the scale multiple times daily.  I would have a decent day if the number was the same or lower and an AWFUL day if the number went up.

Exercise Addiction: Working out one or more times daily with NO flexibility.  I remember waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning on a busy day JUST to get a work out accomplished.

Trend Diet Fanatacism: I’ve tried them all, from Atkins to Macrobiotic to Vegan.  Just so you know, none of them “worked.”

Body Image Dysmorphia: Looking in the mirror and seeing a much larger version of my body than was reality.

Fortunately, I found the book How Much Does your Soul Weigh by Dr. Dorie McCubbrey (yes, I HIGHLY recommend it), and began a healing journey WITH my body that included adopting Intuitive Eating, Exercising, and Living (yes, I HIGHLY recommend that too).  My healing journey has taught me to take responsibility for my own choices and behaviors and stop pointing the finger at others. MOST of the time.:)

However, I must admit that I was overjoyed when walking around NYC a few nights ago to see THIS:

I am hopeful that the new trend in all stores will be to represent the female body more realistically.  Or at least have a bit more variety, such as the picture above.   I would love to see Hollywood follow suit with the acceptance of all types of female beauty in their Blockbuster Starlets.  And come on Barbie, we are WAITING.  I mean if Barbie was human, with those proportions, she would be physically unable to stand. Not to mention, who wants to walk around on our tippy toes all day!

If Young Cora, at 9 or 10, had seen women a bit more “normally”,  represented in the media, fashion, Hollywood, maybe I wouldn’t have gone through the years of self-loathing, rigidity, obsession, and injuries.

And maybe I would have still struggled with my body.

Who knows?

Either way, I am thrilled to see the more “average” body type represented above, and look forward to similar discoveries soon.

If not for us, for the Next Generation, for the daughters, granddaughter, nieces, friends.  Let’s do it for them.

xoxoCC

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Love your Body Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

But I do hear voices.

Little messages coming to me.  Sometimes, it’s the voice of my Ego, sometimes, my wise Grandmother, Tutu, who passed away years ago.  Sometimes, the voice of my stomach growling in response to whatever I ate most recently (probably chocolate).

And sometimes, I hear a Voice that tells me exactly what I need to do.

The Voice is very strong, persuasive, and UNCONDITIONALLY Loving.  Once I hear the whisper, I cannot NOT respond.  Action is imminent.

In the fall of 2008, I heard a message that I was called to share with Joshua Rosenthal, Director of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where I was studying Holistic Health Coaching.  He is an inspiration and one of my main mentors and heroes.

I waited in a long line to speak to him, growing more nervous by the minute and when I looked him in the eyes, I froze.

What if he laughs in my face?

What if he is offended?

What if he judges me?

I heard all these voices sharing their fears, and then that one Voice said, “Just do it, my dear.”

I took a deep breath, and proceeded.

“My intention is to some day be teaching and speaking on the stage for the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.”

Phew. I did it.

He looked me, with a glint in his eye, and said, “I’m sure you will.”

I walked away giddy, yet confused about how to proceed.  At the time, I was a student at IIN, completely in awe of the teachers and speakers in the program, including Joshua.  Some of my other heroes and teachers in the program are David Wolfe, Geneen Roth, and Deepak Chopra, all Public Figures and experts in their fields.  I was a restaurant hostess and personal trainer from small town Kansas, with a part-time Health Coaching practice serving about 4 clients…TOPS.  What’s more, I was sure I was one of thousands of IIN students with a similar dream.

Yet, I heard that Voice.  And I knew it was important to claim it and share out loud.

How would I get on stage at IIN? Other than attending a conference, sprinting onto the stage, and stealing the microphone…I HAD NO IDEA!

“Let go of needing to know the “How”,” the Voice says.  ”That is my Job.”

Okay, okay.  I surrender.  I say, “YES!”

Flash forward to 2012.

Last Saturday, I was a Guest Speaker and Teacher for the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Mega Conference in Long Beach California. I spoke about Intuitive Coaching, my coaching style, to the almost 4,000 attendees.  I shared the stage with David Wolfe, Geneen Roth, and of course, Joshua.

The experience was magical, humbling, spiritual, life transforming, clarifying, and deeply deeply fulfilling.

Yet, what stands out most to me, is the Power of planting a seed, of stating my intention to my Hero, all those years ago.  Letting go of the How, and trusting the process.

When our deepest desires unite with the Highest Good of All Concerned, magic happens.

We can co-manifest ALL of our dreams and desires with Source, with the Universe.  Anything is Possible. ANYTHING!

Claim your Dreams.

Let Go of the How.

Just Say Yes.

Be willing to take Action and step out, WAY OUT, of your Comfort Zone.

And live in Gratitude and Grace for every single Step of the Journey.

I hear voices.

And then I hear a Voice.

And when that Voice speaks, I listen, TRUST, and respond.

How about you?

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute Live Your Dreams Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, click here: 

To find out more about the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Holistic Health Coaching Program, click here: 

http://www.integrativenutrition.com/go/TA-cora-poage

I tend to stand out on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

For one thing, I don’t own one of those fancy shmanzy “To Go” Coffee Mugs.

Instead, I am the “quirky” young woman walking down the street with the torn black sweatpants (hey, they are SUPER comfortable), the Old Navy book bag, aptly colored navy, that I inherited from my husband’s little sister (it was way cool in the early 2000’s), and my hands gripping a white glass coffee mug, Jimmy (yes, I named him), whom I have owned for centuries.

Eccentricities aside, this is one small way I honor Mother Earth. Oh wait, two. Not only am I wearing a plethora of hand me downs, but ALSO carrying Jimmy around town instead of tossing out paper cup after paper cup in the trash.  Hey, I do what I can.

I even bring my Jimmy yp the gym if I haven’t finished my green tea of morning cup of Joe. Yes, there are many questioning glances my way.  I just smile mysteriously as if I have figured out an amazing secret as to why my glass mug is much better suited for warm drinks than their snobby “to go” containers.

A couple days ago,  I walked into the coffee shop, handed Jimmy to the dashing gentleman behind the counter, paid for my coffee, turned around, and heard a gigantic CRAAAAAASSSSSHHHHHH behind me.

The sweet and obviously hung-over barista had dropped my precious Jimmy on the floor, shattering him into a million pieces.  I will admit, at first, I was a bit sad, disappointed, and slightly annoyed.  I mean, I had known Jimmy for a long time and now he was smashed to smithereens. I couldn’t even offer him a proper goodbye. It would be impossible even to identify his body at this point.  I felt like he was taken too soon, too young.

Then the owner of the coffee shop, who had been sitting inconspicuously across the room, leaped up and ran to my rescue.

“Oh honey. Wait, wait.  We are so sorry. No problem, though. No problem.”

He reached over and grabbed a fancy, much larger, BEAUTIFUL mug from the shelf and handed it to me.

“Here you go.  This for free from us as an apology.”

The new mug was no Jimmy.  That’s for sure.  She felt different in my hand.  A little less comfortable.

I took a deep breath and I looked closely at my new mug.

She was shiny and looked very strong.  She was painted with beautiful colors.  She was much larger.    Jimmy had been pretty small and plain white and not nearly this solid.

I smiled.

I would miss Jimmy, but somehow it seemed like “Delores” was just the type of mug for me.  She was an upgrade, even when I didn’t ask for one consciously.

I thanked the men at the shop and headed out to the NYC air, Delores in tow.

Walking home, I realized that I may have lost my little Jimmy, but the Universe sure knew what she was doing by bringing me Delores.

Like the quote, “When we let go of something limiting, we make room for something bigger.”

How many times in my life do I hold on for dear life to the proverbial “Jimmy”,  when what I really need is Delores, the true answers to my Prayers.

How often do we stay in jobs, relationships, old patterns that may not serve us at all, just because they feel comfortable and we are too scared to try something new.

Sometimes we need Source/God/Universe to take charge in the form of a lay off, a break up, or shattering glass awaken us.  To make room in our lives for something better, something more beautiful, an upgrade.

Sometimes, we have to let go of a Jimmy to allow the Universe to manifest a Delores.

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“So I heard some of the football guys talking and they said you’re easy.”

My heart fell into my stomach. I was completely mortified.

I was an 18 year old virgin from small-town Kansas, and attempting to make my way through an intimidating social hierarchy at my new college in Los Angeles.

Upon retrospect, this guy didn’t know what he was talking about and probably just felt I wasn’t interested in him.  Or was HOPING I was easy so he could get “some”.

Yet, none of this matters.

At that moment, I believed him.  I didn’t believe that I was easy.  But I did believe that others saw me that way.

And I did not want that.

Hence, this was my Ego’s black and white solution:

Wearing feminine clothes that fit and look attractive=EASY

Allowing my warm and sometimes flirty nature to come out in conversations with straight men=EASY

Walking with my shoulders held back and my head high=EASY

Womanly Curves=EASY

Sexy=Easy

So I began wearing looser clothing with less shape, dark colors (Nun-esque).  I tried to hide my curious and confident Spirit behind a demure smile and quiet presence.  I attempted to “blend in”.  I started working out as much as possible to straighten out the curves.  Sexy was my enemy.  I was playing very small.

In other words, I stopped being ME.

I let one man’s random comment keep me from experiencing the fullness of who I am, my Wholeness.

This lasted through most of college and then a few years afterwards.

Then, a little over a year ago, I was speaking with a good friend about what I do for a living. I told her all about my Sexy Soul Wellness where I help my clients Love Their Bodies, Own Their Power, and Live Their Dreams.

She looked me straight in the eyes, and said, “So it sounds like you help your clients Own Their Power, but you can’t do that for yourself.”

Ouch.

The Truth Hurts.

And that is when I came Home to my Inner and Outer Sexy in a whole new way.

Not because I wanted to impress anyone, get attention, or win a social contest.  I wanted to “Bring Sexy Back” (Thanks Justin!) FOR ME!!!

My Sexy is part of my Power.  As a woman, this is my Divine Birthright.

I began holding my head higher when walking down the street and making eye contact with others passing by. Sometimes I would even smile when I felt so moved.  I started dressing in clothes that felt good, bright colors, and fabrics that hugged my curves.  I decided to take dance classes and yoga and get to know this beautiful body of mine.

I felt a fire growing inside my Core.  It had always been there, this Divine Spark.  Yet, now I could FEEL it.

Some might say I look easy.

Some might say I look snotty.

Some might say I look fake.

Some might say I look aloof.

But me and my Sexy, we FEEL fabulous!

And Whole, and in our Power.

And most importantly,  I feel like ME!

From the Archives (originally published as a Guest Blog on http://www.michelleperrone.com/...in honor of my Interview with The Family Balancing Act about Claiming our Sexy.  Listen in on Tuesday the 14th at 3pmEST!  http://thefamilybalancingact.com/  

Also, for a FREE 30 Minute Life and Wellness Breakthrough Session with Coach Cora, reserve a time here:  

Pic from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1464