The highlight of my day so far was to run a Confidence session in FAS Loughlistown. I based the session on material I use for my Confidence workshops with the aim to raise the spirits, energy and confidence levels of the group at week 4 of their 8 week programme.

My style of presenting always combines practical exercises with relevant theory . But most importantly, I can only be as good as the group allow me to be as I require a lot of interaction from participants.  I am so proud of the group. The  calibre of the experience and their feedback was amazing and I want to thank everyone as they all  stayed focused and fully present during the 2 hour session.

Big group. Big results

x, Maria

In their own words:

About Maria as facilitator : Excellent, friendly, ggod sense of humour, made people feel comfortable, lively informative  infectious, totally open and made the group work well together, positive and professional...

Words used to describe the day : Rejuvenating, sparkling, uplifting, cool,interesting,invigorating, nourishing, happy, informal, enjoyable,informative, strong,enriching, open the door, productive…

What they take from the day ?: I am ready to get back in the game!, work on body language , be positive, exude enthusiam on others, learning about confidence in a more broader sense, why it helps to be positive, changing the thoughts to change feelings, gaining control by preparing in advance, getting feedback about my positive strengths…

NYR are a hot topic as this time of the year. A fresh start is on the cards and we all  sign in to the idea of change until something happens that put us off track : sickness, tiredness, boredom… yes, we have all been there at some point.

That’s why I have a dual approach to NYR that I have tried it and tested myself with success. I call it the Left-Right Brain approach .

The Left brain deals with constructive Goal Setting. Vague goals get us nowhere! so make sure to write your goals following the S.M.A.R.T formula ( Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) to make sure they are realistic and  achievable. If, like me, you are obsess with Tony Buzan’s Mind maps you can take this even further using your map as a visual representation of your goals covering all areas of your life.

But here is the trick to make these goals work. We need a more ’spiritual’ or ‘holistic’ approach and that’s when the right brain kicks in . Once the left brain work is done you want to find the motivation, commitment, inspiration and the heart intention to make the change happen. When we are clear in what it is we want it is important to bring it to life. You want to convince yourself that it is real using your senses and emotions. I find visualization a great tool for bringing your goals to life.

It also helps to treat change as a sacred act, almost like a ritual . The Buddha taught that there are five spiritual qualities that will bring balance to your life and can be of great aid in making changes. Faith , effort, concentration, being mindful and wisdom . Faith allows you to initiate change in your life, but to move towards change requires effort, and you need to concentrate and focus in that effort to keep persevering. And then to know that all is happening for you you need mindfulness. That is the wisdom of it all.

This Sunday 25th January I am running a Style and Confidence workshop in Walmer Holistic Centre, Raheny. On the Confidence section I will cover the topic of NYR and how to make them work for you.  Bring your top 3 resolutions on the day, no matter how simple or complicated they might seem to you. The idea is to help you identify strategies that will set the ball rolling to make your goals a reality in 2009 :)

To secure your place e-mail me or phone Walmer Holistic Centre reception : 01-8329648

Love and blessings,

Maria

Our gift to you :

When you purchase a GIFT VOUCHER directly from Motivated Joyful Living for your Family or Friends this Christmas we will give an extra €10.00 on top of your gift .

This offer will apply to all gift vouchers purchased for a minimum of €30 on or before the 23rd December 2008. e.g. when you get €30 your gift is worth €40.-

The vouchers can be redeemed against any of MJL services all through 2009. They can be used to attend Style and Confidence Workshops, personal shopping , Life make overs or individual consultations in both Life Coaching or Image Consulting .

For your convenience and privacy Maria offers her services in Walmer Holistic Centre . For more information visit www.walmer.ie

Please contact us to arrange delivery or collection details.

Love and blessings,

 MJL team

MJL Gift vouchers are now available for sale for Xmas season!

The vouchers can be purchased for any amount  and exchanged for  any of the following services:

• MJL Workshops
• Image Consulting Individual consultations
• Life Coaching Individual sessions
• Career Coaching
• CV and Interview Preparation
• Personal Shopping
• Wardrobe Weeding

Lots of love and blessings,

Maria