Facing Your Fears

Posted on March 8, 2011 by kazspence

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How often do you avoid a situation or an experience because of F.E.A.R.?

Last month I shared with you some of the fun things I have been doing in my life and one of those was a new sport I have taken up called Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP).

I have to tell you when my daughter Melinda first invited me, I thought to myself this will be a piece of cake, all you do is stand up on a long surf board, grab a paddle, stand-up and off you go… wrong!

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding actually uses your core muscle strength to balance the board and stay standing! My first two sessions saw me in the water more than I was standing on the board, I got very good at climbing back on the board quickly! I made a decision to start working out with a Personal Trainer who is very holistic; his focus is core strength building. After my two back surgeries, those little suckers are a tad lazy and I have to say, that is only because I allowed it to become that way – I had never realized how lazy they were until I picked up this sport. 3 months on I am stronger, can nearly stand-up and catch a wave – maybe tomorrow will be my day. ☺

So this blog is about facing your fears – on the 5th February 2011 my paddle board club decided to take part in a 24 hour Paddle-A-Thon on Currumbin Creek to raise funds for the Queensland Flood Victims – our state of Queensland, Australia has had a hammering from Mother Nature and 75% of our state has been flooded. Our team donned lime green rash shirts – we all looked like Kermit the Frog and that is what we ended up being named. We had a roster of paddle times, each member paddled for 4 x 1 hour blocks throughout the 24 hours. We all had one night shift. Mine was at 12.30am until 1.30am. This is where my ‘facing my fear’ moment came in. You see I love the ocean and have been a water baby since a young age, however, I respect the creatures that live below the water surface and it is their feasting time at dark! I was terrified of doing my night shift – I even tried to sell it for $100, LOL.

There were hundreds of paddlers throughout the ‘daylight hours’ but as night fell there were approximately 7 teams rotating and then 3 guys paddling 24 hours NON stop – Jamie Mitchell, nine times world champion, also paddled many hours. My turn came around and off I went paddling with the group. The creek had flood lighting at one end of the circuit however the other end was not and it was very dark, most had little head lamps to help guide them – being a newbie at this I did not!

Being what I would class myself as ‘A beginner paddler’ I soon found myself being lapped by the more experienced and before I knew it I found myself in the ‘dark end’ alone – all of a sudden my mind went crazy with thoughts of – “OMG what if a bull shark comes up and nudges my board from underneath, OMG what if I fall off my board and all the sharks come and feast on me and OMG what if… “ I soon lost my balance and my board started to wobbled and I was certain I was going to fall in – all of a sudden I started to think FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real – Kaz stop it, suck your core muscles in tight, you will not fall in, you are a confident paddler, and on and on – I drew on all the knowledge I have learnt from my self-development and before long my board stabilized and off I went paddling into the light – all I could think was WOW how powerful our minds are – in one split second I went from confident, to FEARFUL, to regaining my power of focus. You know we call have situations in our lives that we FEAR
Therefore we side-step and miss out on a great opportunity or experience because of it. I want to encourage you all to FACE YOUR FEAR – the victory is worth it!

Proud to say our Paddle-A-Thon raised over $25,000 for the appeal and the dollar amount is still rising. Thank you to my friends who kindly sponsored me, the money will be used to help people who have lost everything except the clothes on their back.

Love and Blessings
Kaz

Enjoy a slideshow of the Kermits – you will see me in the dark paddling if you look closely ☺

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Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

Posted on February 2, 2011 by kazspence

Can you believe it is the end of January 2011 already, OMG!

It has been some months since I lasted posted here, thank you to all my followers who inquired where I had disappeared to, I really appreciate you all.

So to fill you in on my life since October when I last posted…

I have been working on my books and they are ready to be published soon.

(my pen name is Karen Hobbs)

The main website for the books will be WeighLessNaturally.info, there you will find a FREE eBook titled “The Ten Commandments to Success.” Once you receive that you will be able to find out more about the first of a series of 12 cookbooks, filled with delicious, low-fat recipes and the famous Weigh Less Naturally Food Program that has assisted thousands around the world to lose weight and gain healthier and more energized lives. You will never say the word diet again! Weigh Less Naturally is all about No Deprivation ~ No Starvation.(note my pen name is Karen Hobbs)

 

My Avant business has been rocking along and I am excited about all the marketing knowledge I have gained with social media! We underwent some
mind-blowing changes within the company and I am so honored to be a part of this company. Avant means trailblazing and that is what we are doing!

Check out the LATEST PRESS RELEASE FROM AVANT!

I have been digging deep into my own Personal Development with Elevate and you would think after being a student of self-development for around 15 years I would have myself all worked out, LOL…NOPE, you know our lives are like an onion, you peel one layer and there is another, and another… I love it!!! I have been having some massive breakthroughs in relationships and have to say I love my life! Elevate rocks! It truly is an amazing Life Achievement Program.

I have been learning Zumba, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and been hitting the road with a lot of cycling again, which is a passion of mine.

The New Year arrived and like many, it was a time of reflection for the year past and looking forward to what the year ahead holds, and I am BUSTING with excitement at the travel plans I have in store. This is a year of crossing off many things on my buckets list – so stay tuned because I will take you on an endless vacation with me!

Health, Happiness and Abundant Blessings,

Kaz

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Attitude determines Altitude

Posted on October 2, 2010 by kazspence

“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind” -Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.

How often have you started your day in a non-constructive manner that sets the tone for your day? (i.e., the kids don’t move fast enough; “I don’t want to be late; “I can’t find my keys” I’m going to be late, you hit your toe on the corner of the bed! Stupid bed!)

Each day you get to DECIDE whether it’s a good day or not. You can soar above the negativity and make a conscious choice to either complain or be GRATEFUL. Instead of bemoaning the fact that it is raining, be thankful that you are not paying for water to feed the grass.

When your thoughts are out of order, so is your life. Here are some tips to restore order to your thoughts and your life:

- Eliminate negative words from you vocabulary. The words “can’t, and “don’t” suggest a sense of hopelessness and distress. Using positive words like “I can”, “I will”, “I am able” will lift your mindset to a higher altitude and helps you to dwell more in possibilities.

- Don’t Complain. Each day, show GRATITUDE for what you already have instead of complaining about what’s lacking in your life. When you wake up in the morning be GRATEFUL you have a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head – many do not.

- Face challenges head on. Turn your challenges into opportunities to grow. When faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself “what can I learn from this?”

- Take control of what you think. If you think of something as impossible, it will be impossible. When you dwell in the pit of despair, you thinking will keep you there.

- Don’t waste time worrying. Worrying is a useless emotion that consumes your energy. Step back from the situation and recognize when there is nothing you can do to change things.

Here’s a quote that sums up how you might be feeling about taking charge of the way you think:
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry the load” – Lena Horne

You are the sculptor and you get to mold how your day goes and what you think about it. Use this control to shape a wonderful day free of negativity, guilt and worry. The are many fantastic self-development products on the market to assist with your mind-set, one in particular I love is Elevate – check it out.

Soar like an eagle!

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Seven Decisions That Will Change Your Life

Posted on September 14, 2010 by kazspence

Mastering the Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success

This week as I masterminded with a group of entrepreneurs we discussed a book from Andy Andrews called The Seven Decisions. It was a book I have read cover to cover many times and have even had the pleasure of seeing Andy live at one of the many Personal Development conferences I have attended. These Seven Decisions truly have transformed and shaped my life so I thought today I would share them with you.

1. The Responsible Decision – The buck stops here!
I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success. I will not let history control my destiny. Taking responsibility for your past will truly serve you into an extraordinary future of your choosing. We can no longer blame other people and outside circumstances for where we are in life. Instead, we can take control, we can chart our life course, let our lives become testaments to the true power of choice. Choose to leave the past in the past! I will use experiences from the past to catapult me to success.

2. The Guided Decision – I will seek wisdom.
Books, audio books, and masterminding with like-minded people – take care of what you feed your eyes and ears – make sure it is positive. Seek out the counsel of wiser friends. Learn to serve others, it is through service to others we can learn and grow.

3. The Active Decision – I am a person of ACTION.
Many people move out of the way for a person on the run; others are caught up in the wake. I will be that person on the run. Taking consistent action is crucial to the realization of success throughout every area your life. Becoming a person of action is a choice, not a process. You are either a person of action or you are not. Universal Laws are that nothing is ever standing still – it is either moving forwards or backwards – it is time for you to make a decision – what are you? Take ACTION and move forwards in all areas of your Life Today!

4. The Certain Decision – I have a decided heart.
Criticism, condemnation, and complaint are creators of the wind. They come and go on the wasted breath of lesser beings and have no power over me. The Certain Decision for personal success is what fuels your actions from the Active Decision.

5 The Joyful Decision – Today I will choose to be happy.
My life is fashioned by choice. First I make choices. Then my choices make me. Happiness is a choice, and if you’re not happy right now, it’s a consequence of your own choices, not the circumstances of life.

6. The Compassionate Decision – I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
A Compassionate Decision can heal your heart, mind, and soul. Harbouring anger and resentment poisons our mind and hinders our ability to live the other six. Forgiveness frees our spirit.

7. The Persistent Decision – I will persist without exception!
Reason can only be stretched so far, but faith has no limits. The only limit to my realisation of tomorrow is the doubt to which I hold fast today.

Andy has written countless books and PDF’s are available for download. Enjoy… be inspired… and change your life today!

Personal Development conferences

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My Comfort Zone

Posted on August 8, 2010 by kazspence

The other day I came across a beautiful poem I wanted to share. The sad fact is that people do not realize that you can create a whole new story in your life. I have found powerful personal development products that have moved me out of my comfort zones … Life is Great, a Life of Freedom – enjoy!

Move out of your comfort zone!

MY COMFORT ZONE
By Author Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn’t fail.
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much.
I said I didn’t care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I’d never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you’re in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you.

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Believe in Yourself

Posted on July 20, 2010 by kazspence

A person’s lack of belief in themselves makes one feel ‘stuck’ in a situation, for example they feel stuck in a financial rut, feel that they will always be overweight etc. However according to the Laws of the Universe, you can never be stuck in one particular spot, you are either moving forwards or backwards. You have the power to make that decision on a daily, hourly, and minute by minute basis on what you choose to believe about any situation and whether you choose to believe you will move forward.

When you grasp this incredible power of choice that we all have within us you will see dramatic changes in your any situation in your life! You will start to believe you can achieve anything and everything.

Visualization is most helpful in building belief, as a child we called it day-dreaming. Visualize yourself as having already achieved your goal. If it is a weight loss goal, see yourself slim, fit, strong and healthy. Be that person now and you will start to act differently and before you know it you will be that slim, fit, strong and healthy person. Focusing forwards builds your belief muscle. Believe in yourself and day-dream often, you have my permission!

Something else I have learnt through my life is never to listen to what others say, make the decision to do whatever it takes – there will always be someone who wants to tell you “that is not possible” or “you will never achieve that” … unfortunately they are usually people close to you whom you love … here is a little story to help you close your ears … and BELIEVE in yourself.

There were once 100 frogs that were having a race to see who could climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But there were people who kept saying it just could not be done. At the end of the day just one frog out of the 100 frogs who had started the race succeeded in reaching the top of the tower! When interviewed and ask what his secret to winning was the little frog just looked at the interviewer and indicated he could not hear, he was deaf! The little frog had succeeded in doing it because he was deaf – he couldn’t hear what the people were saying!

The point of this story is that you should never let what others say stop you from achieving whatever it is you want to achieve in life. It doesn’t matter what obstacles may be in your way, if you believe in yourself, nothing is impossible. Believe you can be healthier and slimmer; you can achieve financial freedom and have all the things you desire in life.

“If you are always looking for excuses for why you can’t do things – you’ll never find the reason why you can.”

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Thoughts on Gratitude

Posted on July 2, 2010 by kazspence

The other day I was sitting enjoying the ocean after hiking one of my favourite national parks, I was overwhelmed with gratitude as I looked upon the clear blue water, the dolphins that were playing in the waves, the winter sun was warming and the sky was a beautiful blue. My mind was drifting between the challenges of my week that had just passed and then back to being absolutely grateful, I soon found myself saying thank you, thank you, thank you for all the beauty that surrounded me. Being in a state of thanks and gratitude will move mountains.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions you can use to bring all-good into your life in absolute abundance. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, or whatever you are going through, gratitude can dissolve all negativity in your life, no matter what form it has taken.

When you focus your thoughts and feelings on gratitude you are turning toward all the good that is being permanently offered to you. But when you complain, blame, criticize, feel resentment, jealously, or any negative emotion, you are turning away from all that is good.

As you think, speak, and feel gratitude, you are transforming your energy – remember a universal law – you get what you focus on. Focus on being grateful each and every minute of your day, say thank you, thank you, thank you as many times as you can you watch your life transform before you eyes!

Write down 50 things you are grateful for right now…

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One Cow – One Man – One Plant

Posted on June 23, 2010 by kazspence

How often have you heard people say “Oh I can not change the world, I am only one person.” Well a couple of weeks ago I watched an amazing movie of ONE person doing just that! With cow poo!

The movie was called ‘One Cow, One Man, One Plant.’


One Man, One Cow, One Planet - DVD OUT NOW

‘One Cow, One Man, One Planet’ exposes globalization and the mantra of infinite growth in a finite world for what it really is: an environmental and human disaster. But across India, marginal farmers are fighting back, turning their backs on chemicals and fertilizers and bringing new life to their soil. By reviving biodynamics an arcane form of agriculture, they are saving their poisoned lands and exposing the bio-colonialism of multinational corporations. ‘One Cow, One Man, One Planet’ tells their story through the teachings of Peter Proctor, an 80 year old Kiwi (New Zealander) farmer. Peter is on a mission to spread the word on biodynamics to the world. He is one man!

As we Elevate our Awareness of what is truly happening around us in the world and what we are really putting into our bodies and minds, more and more people are FINALLY getting the message.

Enjoy this wonderful movie clip; become more aware today of how we can all change the world we live in! We may only be one man or one woman but we can ALL make a difference.

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Chi Gung helps you breathe

Posted on June 15, 2010 by kazspence

Each and every living soul carries with them ‘the breath of life’ everywhere they go, though not many take the time to really get to know the potential that is accessed through it.

On my recent blog on Depression I had mentioned exercising and meditation to keep my ‘blackdog’ locked up and at bay. I had many emails asking me what sort of exercise I did and what sort of meditation so today I thought I would share what it is I do. I actually practice the art of Chi Gung (a type of Tai Chi) and will share the fantastic benefits it provides to your overall health and wellness.

Kaz Spence with practioner/teacher Jing Atting

Chi Gung (pronounced chee goong) is an ancient discipline. It is an art that emphasizes learning how to deliberately develop and utilize the energy that is within your own body. This energy, called ‘Chi‘ by the Chinese, permeates our bodies, the environment in which we live.

Chi gung involves co-ordinating your breathing with your conscious awareness. The way it works is that your mind moves your chi and the chi moves your blood and oxygen, and therefore your metabolism is changed.

Most people who practice Chi Gung use chi to balance the internal energy of their bodies so that they can achieve physical, mental and spiritual health. The benefits range from the all important stress release to increased longevity and improved health to the cultivation of will and focus. All of which allow for greater awareness of ones life experiences. While practicing, the aim of the Chi Gung is to release yourself from the hussle and bussle of everyday life and to slow down just enough to discover the deep and profound sense of calm felt within, all the while accessing the rich storehouse of chi or universal life-force-energy that naturally prolongs life and restores balance and harmony to the mind and body.

There is a lot more to it than that, with proper training and consistent practice, you will find that the potentials of Chi Gung are limited only by your own imagination and skill. Have FUN and enjoy the peace and energy Chi Gung will give you.

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Don’t Let the Black Dog Bite … Don’t Give Into Depression

Posted on June 4, 2010 by kazspence

The black dog must be kept at bay.

There are many stressors that can catapult someone into depression. If you have multiple stresses happening at the same time and/or they go on over a long period of time, then depression is often the result. When you are depressed you can feel completely out of control of your emotions. You may have dark, even suicidal, thoughts, or feel relentlessly pessimistic. You may feel that normal, mundane activities are beyond you and that the only place you feel safe is in bed!

For any one person there could be many ‘pressures’ in their life. It is often unclear when the depression started – much of the time it gradually has an effect.

I have suffered from severe depression, therefore I can relate to all of the above. I was a work-aholic, stress-aholic and had absolutely no balance in my life for many, many years. Eventually it did catch up with me. When I look back on my life, I can clearly see that I suffered bouts of depression a number of times. I suffered post-natal depression after the birth of my two babies and also suffered depression with my back injuries, which lead to two major surgeries. I also suffered a nervous breakdown due to chronic pain and depression was the end result. Depression is sometimes referred to as the ‘black dog’ and the black dog certainly did bite ME…more than once!

Eckhart Tolle battled depression in his late 20s.

The rate of depression is doubling every 20 years and, according to a Harvard Medical Center study, the rate of childhood depression is increasing by 23% a year. Our society is full of busy, busy people, rushing here and there, a society that do not eat properly, do not exercise and simply do not take time to relax and be still.

Depression is not just a modern day illness. While depression was sometimes seen as a shameful secret until the 1970′s society has since begun discussing depression more openly. Earlier figures were often reluctant to discuss or seek treatment for depression due to social stigma about the condition, or due to ignorance of diagnosis or treatments. Some historical personalities are presumed to have suffered from depression based on analysis or interpretation of letters, journals, artwork, writing or statements from family and friends. A number of well-known people have suffered from major depressive disorder, i.e. Sir Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, Charles Dickinson, Harrison Ford, Olivia Newton-John, Ellen DeGeneres, and Billy Joel, just to name a few!

Everyone will at some time in their life be affected by depression, either personally or through someone close to you – according to Australian Government statistics. (Depression statistics in Australia are similar to the US and UK.).
We should not judge people because they are suffering or have suffered depression, but rather support and encourage them.
Things I found helpful to keep my ‘black dog’ tied up:

1. Talking to someone about it, i.e. a good psychologist who practices cognitive behavior therapy, or talking to a good friend
2. Fresh air – make yourself get out of bed, get some sunshine on your face
3. Be grateful for one thing, then two things, then three
4. Eat well, stop eating sugary and fatty foods
5. Exercise… walk, swim, cycle – just move your body to release the happiness endorphins
6. Meditate – get quiet and still the monkey chatter in your head, take up tai chi, it is fantastic for slowly your breathing
7. Take a bath with lavender or sandalwood candles burning and some relaxation music
8. Laughter – hire the funniest dvd’s you can get your hands on
9. Have a massage ~ touch is healing
10. If you must – take your meds the doctor prescribes however I prefer these days to do it with the help of natural medicines
11. Read inspiring books, autobiographies of people who have been through health challenges and come out the other end, learn what they did to overcome their adversity.
12. Personal Development ~ there are some fantastic study courses available

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