Linda has been featured in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Bottom Line Personal, Westchester Magazine and Everyday with Rachael Ray. She is a favorite radio guest and was recently interviewed on Martha Stewart Living Radio.

Linda and I connected on Twitter, one thing led to the next and here we are . . . discussing letting go, decluttering and making space for everything good to come into our lives.

Linda also came bearing gifts and I’d like to remind everyone of the opportunity to win a FREE copy of Linda’s book, The Other Side of Organized!

Here’s how . . .

Both parts of my conversation with Linda are featured on my blog. Linda and I invite you to join our conversation and post a comment, ask a question or share your experience.

Your name will be automatically entered to win. On May 31st, I will randomly pick the winner and announce it on my blog, Facebook page and next month’s newsletter.

Don’t miss this opportunity!! We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Good luck!

Don’t forget . . .  you can also connect with Linda on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

The Space You Keep! – Part 2

What are some of the common challenges your clients face and how do you help them to overcome?

• The most common challenges my clients face are overwhelm, clutter, and time management.
  
  There are no single paths to solving any of these because each person and situation is different. I can, however, give you an idea of how we begin making changes.The number one reason why clients contact me is that they are overwhelmed by their disorganization. First we need to understand the cause.
  • Is it situational disorganization due to a move, a new job, or a recent illness?
  • Or, is it disorganization that’s been persistent and ongoing for years or decades, and possibly caused by a brain-based condition like ADD, anxiety or depression?
  • Is the disorganization affecting all areas of their life and environment?
  • Or, is the disorganization confined to just a few areas like a closet or desk?

  Understanding comes first. We then acknowledge that change is a process, which takes time and commitment. We make a plan, break it into small, manageable steps, and choose a place to begin.

  In my book, The Other Side of Organized, I write about twelve organizing and life balance concepts such as change, next steps, time, clutter, motivation, and possibilities. For those that don’t know where or how to get past that stuck point, the book is a great place to begin. In a gentle, non-judgmental manner, I share ideas and encourage you to find a balance that’s right for you.

What are some suggestions you have for people who’d like to reorganize their environment but don’t know where to start?

• Getting started begins with thinking about what you imagine your environment to be like. We all process differently.
  
  
  If you are visually oriented, consider creating a vision board comprised of images that describe your dream space. You can clip photos from magazines or if you prefer technology, consider using Pinterest, an online visual bulletin board.
  
  
  If you are more of a verbal processor, try describing in written or oral format what your space can become.
  
  
  For the kinesthetic and tactile processors, go on an outing to shops that have accessories or furnishings you’ll want for your space. You can move around, hold objects and get a sense of which ones feel right.

  While you’re thinking about how the space will look and feel, also consider the purpose. What will you be doing in that area? Is it a personal or shared space? Will it be a single or multi-functional space? What kind of storage, furnishings, surfaces will it need to support the use? What colors, textures, and lighting appeal to you?The thinking and clarifying stage is a great place to begin. After you’ve done that, you can move to the next stages of planning, doing, transforming and tweaking.

Thank you so much for being with us, Linda. And . . . a great, big thank you for donating your book, The Other Side of Organized, for my drawing.

As always, you’re an inspiration and a lot of fun to be with.

• Thank you again, Yota for the chance to have another conversation with you. It’s always fabulous and thought-provoking. I encourage your readers to join our conversation and share their thoughts about organizing, clutter, letting go, or life balance. I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about.

What are your organizing and life balance challenges and successes?

© 2012 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

Linda is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer, founder of Oh, So Organized!, author of The Other Side of Organized, and blogger on organizing and life balance.

In addition to hands-on organizing, Linda coaches, presents seminars, writes articles, blogs and newsletters, and consults to other professional organizers.

She has been featured in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Bottom Line Personal, Westchester Magazine and Everyday with Rachael Ray. She is a favorite radio guest and was recently interviewed on Martha Stewart Living Radio.

Linda lives between two rivers in Croton on Hudson, New York with her husband. They are recent empty nesters as their two daughters are now in college. Their home is small and colorful with a purple front door.

And it doesn’t stop here . . . Linda came bearing gifts!!

Would you like the chance to win a FREE copy of Linda’s book, The Other Side of Organized?

Here’s how . . .

My conversation with Linda will be featured on this blog – in two parts. Linda and I invite you to join our conversation and post a comment, ask a question or share your experience.

Your name will be automatically entered to win. On May 31st, I will randomly pick the winner and announce it on my blog, Facebook page and next month’s newsletter.

Don’t miss this opportunity!! We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Good luck!

You can also connect with Linda on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

“The Space You Keep!” – Part 1

Welcome Linda! Thank you for joining us. I’ve been a fan of yours for some time now. I admire your process and your ability to relate key ideas about change and how our environment can influence areas of our life, with such inspiring clarity. I was wondering . . . what inspired you to become a professional organizer?

• Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in your “Meaningful Conversations.” I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and the wonderful dialogue we’ve had together over the past months. You are wise, insightful, and ask great questions. I look forward to the many more conversations to come. It’s fun reflecting back on what inspired me down the organizing path over twenty years.
  
  Organizing is something that comes to me easily and naturally. Early on, people noticed my abilities and said I appeared to have been “born organized.” I was one of those kids that couldn’t wait to purchase new school supplies so that I could set-up my three-ring binder. I derived great pleasure from lining up the nail polish bottles in color order. I never really thought much about my joy of order. It was just what I did and it brought me enormous satisfaction.
  
  As an adult, I recognized that the very skill I took for granted, other people struggled with on a regular basis. In some cases, their lack of organization created great stress and chaos in their lives and relationships. In 1993, when I identified the possibility of being able to affect people’s lives in a positive way by sharing my skills, I founded Oh, So Organized! I work with clients who seek more organization and life balance and I’m deeply grateful to be part of their lives.
  
  Simultaneously with the growth of my organizing business, my husband and I spent those same years raising our two daughters from babies to young adults. Our girls have taught me much more than I’ve taught them. We grew up together and they have profoundly influenced how I feel about living, organizing, and navigating life balance.

It makes sense. So much of what we do in life is informed by who we were born to be and what our passion is. Isn’t this a key ingredient to a fulfilled life after all?

I’ve always felt that our exterior reflects our interior and vice versa. I find that when I’m working on a project and I’m stuck and lacking the inspiration, walking away from the project and de-cluttering my office, or any other part of my space, helps me to jump start the creative flow. What is your experience?

• What you’ve described, I’ve seen happen many times. It’s amazing the havoc that clutter can have on how we feel. It can overwhelm us, depress us, block our creativity, and prevent us from moving forward.
  
  Clutter can exist in our physical spaces, our thoughts, or our calendars. I’ve heard clients say, “I have so much clutter that I can’t even think.” The act of de-cluttering can be cathartic and enervating, especially when clutter is adversely affecting you.
  
  Another interesting idea is that we have different clutter tolerance levels. It’s important to have an awareness of when the level of clutter is creating a non-supportive environment for you.The level of what’s a clutter challenge, differs significantly among us. A pile of desk papers might be “clutter overload” to one person and “not a problem” to another.

When something is shifting in my life, invariably my environment responds. I become motivated to “clean house” and start with a clean slate. What used to feel familiar and comfortable just doesn’t fit anymore. Why is that?

• This is a wonderful self-awareness that you describe. In the healthiest of situations, we allow ourselves to shift our physical surroundings to support who we are and where we want to focus.
  
  When we go through dramatic life transitions such as moving, marriage, job change, birth, divorce, or death these powerful changes often make us question everything. We can become motivated to the point of intense action, especially during these times. We search for our new normal, which includes clarity, a “clean slate,” and a space that feels right.

Of course, letting go of the “old” allows for the “new” to come in!

I recently read your entry about “Letting go even while blooming”.  So much of what you had to say, resonated with me and I’m sure will resonate with people who are reading this. Could you tell us more about this concept?

• I’m happy to elaborate. We often associate letting go with loss or sadness. In the “Letting Go While Blooming” post, I suggest an alternate perspective. Inspired by an observation in nature, I connected two ideas about the positive part of letting go.
  
  The first concept is that growth or blossoming will follow releasing. The second idea is that letting go is a process, not a singular occurrence.
  
  We let go, see how that feels, re-assess, let go some more, notice our growth, and continue the cycle. Adopting a positive perspective can help to counteract the fear and resistance we sometimes feel about letting go.

. . . to be continued

© 2012 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

As you watched this video, what resonated with you?

• Is there one season you identify with more than another? Why?
• What is your personal experience with change and transition?
• Has your past experience influenced your attitude towards change?
• Do you recognize which “season” you’re currently in?
• What do you crave for these days?

Give yourself permission to fully experience the state of transition you’re in and let the next step reveal itself to you.

As the Seasons of Change model illustrate, letting the seasons of your transition to succeed each other in their natural rhythm, will allow you to harvest the hidden gifts of change to their fullest.

© 2012 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

Alison Birks, M.S., R.H. (AHG), CNS

In PT 2 of of “Let your food be your ally,” Alison Birks, M.S., R.H. (AHG), CNS shares her thoughts on emotional eating, some of her favorite energizing foods and snacks, and her special offering.

You can review PT I of my conversation with Alison, by visiting “Let your food be your ally – PT I”

. . . . . . .

The Conversation – PT 2

“Yota: Often, when people are feeling stressed, anxious or even insecure about what’s going on in their lives, they tend to fall back to habits that may not be as productive or supportive. They may result to emotional eating, for example. What are your thoughts about this?

Alison: Conquering emotional eating is really the core issue when it comes to weight loss and making healthy food choices. So many people use food to self-soothe negative feelings.

Mindfulness is the key to transforming this behavior. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga—any activity that helps you to relax and reduce stress – will help you to make better food choices

Keeping a food diary is an essential part of changing behavior, as is making sure you are managing your level of stress hormones. Although behavioral changes have the most profound and lasting effect, I often use herbs and nutrients to support the adrenal glands, especially if someone is feeling anxious, tired or sleeping poorly because of excess stress.

Holy basil herb is a favorite of mine that I recommend, as a tea or in supplemental form, to help with these issues.
Yota: And, finally, what are some of your personal favorites? What do you reach for, when you need an energy booster or a “feel good” snack?

Alison: Some of my favorite energizers are:

• A handful of raw nuts or seeds – I love pumpkin seeds and pecans;
• Whey protein smoothies made with flax or chia seeds;
• A cup of organic chicken soup;
• Avocado slices and organic turkey on Udi’s gluten-free millet chia bread (toasted);
• Raw kale salad; or
• A baked sweet potato topped with non-fat plain Greek yogurt, cinnamon and sliced almonds.

Yota: Alison, I believe you’re currently offering a 20 min. free consultation for people who are interested in working with you. How does it work?

Alison: It’s really simple. Call me at 203-263-0673, ext. 355 to schedule your free 20-minute consultation.

When you come in for your appointment, make sure to bring any dietary supplements that you’re currently taking, with you.

My regular office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9-5 PM. I have limited evening and Monday availability.

Thank you for the opportunity Yota. I hope to hear from your readers soon!

Thank you Alison! It’s been a wonderful conversation!”

I hope you enjoyed the conversation with Alison. Don’t forget to visit her page and check out her SuperFoods List, Gluten-Free Tips, yummy recipes and of course, her latest offering.

What are your thoughts about mindful eating? Post your comments and if you have any suggestions about topics you’d like to see covered in my “Guest Expert Series,” let me know.

© 2012 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

My first guest is Alison Birks, a certified nutritionist and herbalist I’ve known and worked with. Alison has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a deep commitment to ongoing learning.

Experience has taught me that, what I choose to eat, can affect my mood and emotional state, as well as my physical well being. Over time, I learned what to stay away from and how to listen to my body for what it needs.

When we’re going through challenging times and we’re under stress, the easiest way to support ourselves, is by eating right and getting adequate rest. Otherwise, how can we expect our body to do what we need it to do?

I believe that you’ll find Alison’s recommendations easy to follow and practical. As always, I welcome your comments, so join in the conversation and let us know what you think.

Alison Birks, M.S., R.H. (AHG), CNS

Who is Alison?

Alison Birks is the resident staff nutritionist at New Morning Market in Woodbury, CT, where she also maintains a private practice in nutrition and wellness counseling.

She holds a BA in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic, an MS in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and a sixth year degree in Education, with a biology concentration. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild.

Alison has taught classes in nutrition, biology, anatomy and physiology, herbal medicine and holistic health in continuing education programs, as well as at the secondary and college levels. She is an author, a consultant and a sought after speaker.

You can read more about Alison, her class schedule, her favorite recipes, her latest offer, and more at this page.

Because of the length of my conversation with Alison, I’ll be posting the conversation in two parts.

Enjoy!

The Conversation – PT I

“Yota: Hi Alison and welcome! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have you here.

In my work with people in transition, I use the Seasons of Change model which incorporates the wisdom of nature to help the individual grow and develop through life’s changes. By recognizing the season of change we’re in, we’re able to understand our needs better, accept the reality of what we’re dealing with and make appropriate adjustments.

We live in an area where we have access to all kinds of foods, no matter what the season of the year is. How important is it to make food choices based on the seasons and why?

Alison: Eating locally and seasonally – as well as organic – is perhaps the single most important step you can take in order to make better food choices. We are privileged to live in New England, in an area where there is abundant local food, if you just know where to look for it.

Presently, the locovore and slow food movements are growing by leaps and bounds. People are coming to understand that local food is more nutrient dense. It’s good for the local economy and better for the environment. Did I mention that it also tastes better?

I fully support eating plenty of local organic produce and local, humanely- raised animal products. I also try to encourage eating seasonally. That means, more cooked foods and protein-rich foods during the colder seasons, more raw foods and salads in the spring and summer.

• Spring is the ideal time to cleanse the liver by eating lots of bitter greens, juicing or fasting.
• Summer is the best time to consume colder foods, such as dairy, raw fruits and vegetables.
• Fall and winter are the seasons for eating heavier foods, such as cooked grains, beans and meats.

Of course, you don’t have to be strict about this—just use common sense and moderation. It is far better to eat a wide variety of organic, whole foods, than to strictly follow any particular healing diet or philosophy.

Personally speaking, I only want to eat ice cream in the summertime and home-made soups and stews in the winter. I guess I have adapted to eating seasonally by listening to my body’s needs. I just can’t see eating raw food year ‘round in Connecticut. I don’t think it’s the most balanced or healthy way.

Learning balance is of utmost importance. We, Americans, tend to be out of balance – in body, mind and spirit. We can be confused and disconnected. We don’t pay attention to the signals that our bodies are giving us when it comes to diet. As a culture, we are in desperate need of a more mindful approach to eating.”

I love Alison’s comment about “Mindful Eating”. What are your thoughts about the benefits of eating mindfully?

© 2012 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

No matter what your beliefs are and how you choose to celebrate this season, we all share this moment in time – the time when we’re turning towards the light.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Winter Solstice. Today, we’re well on our journey to letting the light fill our days once again.

I hope you take this moment to remove yourself from the “busyness” that invades our time and space and breathe in the light and peace that’s yours.

I hope you take this moment to bow to your inner light and recognize the love that fills your heart. That’s all that truly matters.

This light, this love make the best offerings. Share them with all!

Thank you for being present with me over the years! Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your gifts with me. I am truly grateful!

May joy, hope, good health and peace, be yours to cherish in the days to come!

My warmest wishes and blessings for a light and joy-filled season.

Peace!

Yota

It’s December, the holiday season is upon us and two buzz words are on the move – “Holiday Stress!”

There’s a wealth of resources out there on how to manage holiday stress and allow room for joy and love to go around. Really, it’s great stuff!

It happens every year and it makes me wonder. Are people applying the tips and ideas? Are people taking their own advice? Do we really want to manage this thing or do we just want to talk and complain about it? Is it possible that there’s a sense of self-worth derived from being stressed?

If we all agree that the best gift we can give to ourselves and each other is love, why on earth are we driving ourselves crazy?

Over the years, I watched myself dealing with this paradox. Over time and with practice,  I’ve been able to change a few things from the inside out and since I pride myself for being a good cook, I thought I could resurrect an old recipe of mine and share it with you.

“Chase the frenzy away!”

• Take lots of deep breaths, deep, full breaths – at least 5 times a day! (When all else fails the simple act of focusing on our breath can do miracles for our mental state.)
• Give up at least 4 cups of control per day!
• Ask for help at least 3 times a day! It’s never too late to start.
• Give up perfection (for now!).
  Begin with a couple of teaspoons and increase to as many tablespoons as you can handle.
• Drink at least three cups of laughter a day.
• Add a dash of gratitude to whatever you’re doing!
• Keep it simple!!

Feel free to pass this recipe along. It’s full-proof!

May your holidays be filled with grace and laughter!

© 2011 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

Photo credit © Alena Ozerova – Fotolia.com

She must have been in her late seventies. I noticed her as I walked by, looking for a new pillow for a wicker chair I have in my office. She was being helped by a young woman and they were discussing pillows. She was trying to choose new ones for her couch.

I soon found what I wanted and headed to another part of the store, then to the register to check out. The older woman was already there, completing her purchase of two pillows.

As she was getting ready to leave, she turned to me and the young woman at the register and said . . . “I needed some color – a change. I’ve lived with the same living room for as long as I’ve been married. My husband doesn’t like change but I’ve had enough. I want to see color. I know he’ll be upset but I just don’t care.” I smiled at her and said. .. “It’s time don’t you think?” She smiled back and nodded – You bet!

I was smiling all the way out the store and back into my car. This feisty old woman has been waiting for a long time to add color into her life and color she would have. Good for her!

This short encounter triggered a wave of reflection.

• How often do we stall our own development and growth to accommodate somebody else’s fear of change?
• How often do people lose themselves into a relationship that’s not healthy for them?
• How do we co-exist with another and honor our personal need for change when our partner refuses to budge?

I guess it’s different for everyone. For me, it’s all about choices. I’ve been through substantial change, more than once, and I’ve been blessed with a supportive life partner. I’m sure at times it’s been difficult for him – watching me struggle through my various transitions. Over the years, we’ve learned to give each other space to stretch and grow and that’s one of the reasons our relationship is strong after 26 years of living together.

At the wake of all the changes I’ve been through, I watched important relationships dissolve and fade into the history of my life. Not everybody is here to stay for the duration. There’s a reason and a season for everything and everyone. At first, it was hard to understand and accept this fact, but the more “life” I get under my belt the easier it becomes.

I’ve learned that most things in life come with an expiration date. Clinging to that which is outdated, isn’t productive at best, and it can become quite unhealthy.

Along the way, I learned that the best way I can live my life is by being myself. I don’t know how to be anyone else. I tried . . . in the name of friendship and family. I failed miserably. I may as well face the facts.

I know I couldn’t wait 45 year to change my couch pillows and I have tremendous respect and admiration for the person who musters the courage to do so, after all these years, no matter what the cost.

Is there anything in your life that’s begging for a change, whether big or small? Are you ignoring it for the sake of someone else? How long are you willing to wait and why?

© 2011 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

Photo © oscar williams – Fotolia.com

Here I am . . . at my favorite cafe and writing spot; a cup of hot coffee and a morning glory muffin next to me. It’s raining pretty heavily, puddles of water already forming on the sidewalk. There’s the steady hum of the fans above, the chatter of a handful of people ordering coffee and joking with the owner, light jazz coming through the speakers.

On my way here, I drove by the post office to mail a letter and decided to circle back by the Middle School, on my way to Washington. The school is in session and the streets were quiet. I drove by slowly, looking at the school when, suddenly, it hit me.

My daughters are in High School now. Gone are the days when I used to drive by the Middle School, thinking of them, wondering what class they were in and sending them smiles. Or, when I’d walk in the building for committee meetings and to help with this and that. I used to see them in the corridors, on their way to class and they’d smile or stop to say hello but . . . no PDA . . . please! There was a host of middle schoolers watching, after all:-)

As all this went through my mind at the speed of lighting, I felt tears coming up. It was the first time, I let the tears come, since the girls started High School.

August was a whirlwind. We survived Irene and the four-day power shortage. We went away for four days and came back to more rain. The flood that ensued caused the first school closing of the season. All of the above while trying to adjust to a new schedule, a whole new set of demands and expectations, preparing for a workshop I was giving and trying to orchestrate home repairs and renovations. No wonder! There has been no time to stop and reflect.

This is how I tend to be and I suspect that’s how it is for many of you; at the moment of a crisis or transition, I tend to brace and dive in. I do what I have to do, putting one foot in front of the other and making sure everyone is taken care of. Then, eventually, the “storm” passes, the initial impact is softened and the craziness becomes a distant memory.

All of a sudden, I find myself alone and quiet, settled into the new rhythm and ready to be with myself. It’s at that point that whatever emotions were kept at bay, so I could function, often come to the surface; demanding to be dealt with. So, today, I finally felt the impact of having my daughters, my babies no-more, entering a new phase. I often joke that with twins, there is no dress rehearsal. No previous experience to fall back to.

Our relationship is strong and loving, yet things have also changed. For, as much as they love and respect me, they’re establishing boundaries and flexing their muscles. As a constant presence in their life, I’m here to rebel against and run to, often, at the same time. Confusing, to say the least . . . for all of us.

I have to constantly try and recall what it meant to be fifteen . . . while reminding myself that they’re not me! Their temperaments and individual traits may remind me of myself or my husband but they’re not us. They’re unique individuals.

So, here I am today, my coffee cup empty and my muffin indulged:-) I’ll have  brownies for them when I get home. They’ll be really happy after a long day at school and field hockey practice. They’ll give me a big smile and a hug before they grab the bag from my hands. For a brief moment they’ll regress back to being two kids with chocolate all over their mouths and a huge grin of utter satisfaction.

Don’t you love chocolate?

© 2011 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

As the surge of excitement subsided, I realized how tired I was. Yet, things had to be taken care of. The refrigerator, for once, needed to be purged and scrubbed. The floors needed to be vacuumed and the laundry sorted. I made a pot of Earl Grey tea and sat on my favorite chair on the deck to enjoy it. A hot cup of tea! Heavenly!

I took a few deep breaths and looked around. The pots of herbs and flowers on the deck had somehow survived Irene’s wrath. They were battered but not destroyed. The hummingbirds were zooming around me, trying to let me know that it was time for them to feed and, somehow, I was in their way.

The rain that fell over the weekend was strong and relentless. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such a rainfall. The winds were strong. Yet, here are these pots of basil, parsley, nasturtiums and blue salvia. They’re still standing and blooming, maybe not brand new and glorious, but proud survivors.

As I reflected back to the four days without power, I realized how time seemed to move slower than ever. Unplugged from all technology and forced to live in the moment, I was made to pay close attention to everything that I was doing, without taking anything for granted. Using water, eating, trying to maintain a certain order in our environment, reading under a candle, being with my family or sitting quietly . . . nothing was routine anymore.

Every little thing was to be examined, paid attention to and observed carefully. In other words, I had to be mindful on how I moved, utilized my resources and related to other people.

In the early hours of Monday morning I woke up and looked out my bedroom window. 80% of our town had no power and it was really dark outside. I was astonished at the number of stars I could see. Standing there all alone, in the dark, looking up in the middle of the night reminded me of the wonder I used to feel as a child.

One of my daughters was awake too, so I asked her to come outside with me. We wrapped ourselves in blankets and stood in the middle of the yard, stargazing. The expression on her face, the deep breath she took when she looked up . . . that moment was a gift.

The next evening, all four of us drove to an open field and lied down looking at the stars and trying to name the constellations.

There is always work to be done and yes, this is a crazy world we live in, filled with uncertainty and rapid change. Maybe that’s why we need to look up as often as possible, connect to all that’s great and powerful and allow our spirit to be restored.

© 2011 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com