This morning I was asked; "what are some recommendations for coaching?" 

Now of course the word "coach" conjures up a personal mind picture and most commonly this is a visual of a sports coach.  So how does a coach define and articulate what they do? By naming, and defining their niche.

In todays world where there is so much noise and constant movement, it seems like there is no time to stop and listen. 

A coach is there to listen, allowing their client the space to explore and ultimately find their own answers. When a person is given permission to express, explore and solve things on their own they become empowered and it opens the door for them to move forward towards an end result or goal.

 So the best place to start is to ask;

 "What are you looking for?" 

Intuitive....Creative....Communication: Nature - The Best Life Medicine

Intuitive....Creative....Communication: Nature - The Best Life Medicine

Nature - The Best Life Medicine

For me connecting with nature is the best life medicine ♥
Every morning when I get up I love to go outside on the deck, take in a breath of fresh, moist morning air, stopping to listen to the sounds, usually consisting of birds and the distant hum of traffic.

Sometimes I indulge in a lushes barefoot walk in the dew laden grass, to see how the garden is growing, how my cuttings are faring and if there is any new growth or flowers. This exercise often has me rushing back inside to grab my camera and take photographic memories.

Forever GRATEFUL for this early morning time in New Zealand ♥

Ann-Maree

Promise of New Beginnings

"Spring Welcome"
I was out walking on a cold Spring April day in the foothills of Calgary when I caught a glimpse of blue in a mass of brown and grey letting me know that the promise of warmer days were ahead.





Photography by Ann-Maree Bissett

RELAXATION TIME!

Oh what a beautiful feeling to be propped up in bed with a hot cup of tea accompanied by toast and marmalade. It makes me think of Paddington Bear from my childhood readings. It is so nice to relax after a busy week of commuting on roads that remind me of my adolescent ice skating memories (not good), or of my mud sliding escapades which were a lot more fun. With such a high rainfall in New Zealand you had better be prepared for mud and have a pair of gumboots in your wardrobe, essential Kiwi footwear.

Native Kiwi birds not only do not fly, they also generally keep their feet firmly planted on the ground and not on two pieces of thin steel. Of course there are some of my fellow countrymen/women who love to go to extremes with rubber bands around their ankles, which is definitely not for me!

Now back to the present reality of relaxation. This is mainly achieved by staying in the present moment and not letting the mind wander off in the direction of the ever present household chores waiting for me when I step outside my bedroom door. I am indulgent this morning by allowing myself to write, something that seems to get put on the back burner, for whatever reason I do not know. For once I start I enjoy it. This is also true when it comes to my photography and painting. I have a great need to be creative; this feeds my soul, and is who I am and much more.

I have not planned anything today, other than to just go with the flow, to be and do whatever I feel like, allowing myself to relax into the essence of ME and not other's expectations. I am so lucky to have this freedom and I am grateful.

My intention is to RELAX and ENJOY, and I hope you too have the same opportunity at some point during the weekend.

TRUST AND RECEIVE IN GRATITUDE

The beginning of December has shown me once again the importance of asking and trusting that the best possible outcome will be generated and not to judge the answer sent to you, just be open and receive in gratitude the gifts offered, even if they are not in the package you envisaged. I am grateful for once again having received this valuable reminder, and also that going into fear is one of the most crippling energies one can buy into. The turn around time to receiving the answers is amazing and I must have compassion with myself, my toughest critic and remember that I am a "HUMAN BEING" and that being more than doing is the best way to stay in the moment. I am so very grateful for the wonderful friends who are there for me when I most need their help.
NAMASTE

Long Overdue!

My creative and inspirational writings had been put on hold for a number of months as I persued other directions in my life. One of which was a trip home to
New Zealand where I spent a wonderful time reconnecting with family and friends. It always amazes me how we are able to just pick up, reconnect, catch up and continue on like we only saw one another yesterday.

Canadians questioned my reasoning in making the trip home during the New Zealand winter, but with commitments to school and family this was the best time for me. However, it prooved to be a good reminder of how mild the New Zealand winters are in comparison to here in Alberta. Because of this factor the buildings have no central heating, which leaves one no option but to relearn how to dress appropriately. I therefore added a couple of wonderfully warm items to my wardrobe. My cherished merino wool cami, the possum and merino gloves and of course one cannot live without warm wool socks!

Further updates of my travels and experiences in New Zealand are to follow.