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

This Sunday 21st September you are welcome to attend a workshop am doing dedicated to Style & Confidence in Walmer Holistic Centre, Raheny. Starting at 10:30 am until 2:30 pm at €75 p/p.

This is a practical , hands on workshop covering all aspects of style in a relaxed , down to earth environment so you can learn about style rules, how to dress for your body shape and much more with practical examples. Everyone in the audience gets individual tips to make shopping more easy and savvy :)

There is still some places left. Please contact Walmer reception to make a booking on 01-8329648

Love and blessings x

Maria

Hello my friends

I am still on a high after MJL’s successful Colour workshop that took place Last Sunday 29th June in Walmer.  The day was a true celebration of Colour and Style.  It was wonderful to  be able to facilitate a workshop with such a great group of women. The participants this time were best friends, mother & daughters , work colleagues and an eclectic mix of new &  familiar faces from previous workshops.

I really enjoyed the full day and the energy in the room was electric. Thanks to Walmer Centre for facilitating this event, to Clery’s and Egidijia for wonderful Lingerie tips and advice, to Andino Crafts for having a stand beautifully presented with crafts & jewellery , and to my loyal beautiful friends that support me and helped me through this day and through life: Lynn & Mary.

Here is what participants  have to say in their own words:

What they enjoyed most :

‘I’ve really enjoyed finding out the colours that suit and don’t suit me’. ‘Very good and interesting , I learned how colours coordinate’ ‘I learned to mix and match colours and very good make up tips” I learned about my personal colour pallette”I’ve enjoyed everything today!’ ‘A very relaxing , informal and informative day. Excellent!”I loved everything , the morning and afternoon sessions’ I learned what business colours represent’ ‘I now have the confidence to go shopping myself’

Words used to describe  Maria’s presentation style :

‘excellent, very helpful and friendly, full of energy, very nice and friendly, style & presentation very good.

‘Maria is always smiling, has a great fashion sense, is always there to help you and is very friendly’

‘Maria is entertaining and lively’

‘Enthusiastic, personal and informative’

‘Excellent, very proffesional ‘

Words used to describe the day : ‘Amazing Day , Brilliant ,Very informative and enjoyable,  Invigorating, Informative, Enlightening, great, Fun!!’

More details of upcoming workshops will be posted through the BLog .

Let’s hope we meet soon

Lots of love & positive energy,

Maria

 For more information about Maria visit www.motivatedjoyfulliving.ie or www.walmer.ie