After more than eight years at this location, I've decided to combine by blog and website. Now you can find all the "diamonds" scoop at one easy location: www.kaycehughlett.com
Click here to go directly diamonds in the sky with lucy ~ the blog.
See you there!!!
Monday, July 02, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Summer Reading Fun!
long summer days + hot book + cool coaches + blog hop =
On the Same Page
I am super excited to announce a blogging book club — that will be hosted by five amazing professional coaches including yours truly. We are calling this "On the Same Page" and this summer, we will tackle flow written by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
"It is by being fully involved with every detail of our lives, whether good or bad, that we find happiness, not by trying to look for it directly." M. Csikszentmihalyi.
Each Monday, from July 9 – September 17, one coach will tackle a chapter from Flow. Key points from the chapter will be highlighted. Discussion questions will be posted, and “YOUwork” (aka homework) will be provided.
We hope you will join us and read along. It is absolutely FREE!! You do not have to register for anything. Just purchase or checkout the book (from your local library), show up here (starting July 9), and lend your voice to the discussion.
It will be insightful, thought-provoking, and transformative fun.
In the meantime, tell me what books are on your current summer
reading list? What summer adventures are you planning? What’s your
favorite snack to take to the pool?
Monday, June 25, 2012
Turtle Stepping to the Finish Line
How we do one thing is how we do everything. Take a moment
to pause, ponder, and consider this. Are you typically a procrastinator or do
you jump straight into the fire? Are you organized to perfection or a chronic
case of disarray? Do you primarily listen to your head or does your body have
the option of weighing in on decision-making? Do you operate from the learned
behavior of others or can you recognize the epiphanies of your own heart? What
works for you? How do you operate in the world?
Finish Line Approach |
Throughout my life I have been each and all of the above,
but as I become more aware of my ways of being I see how the initial statement,
How we do one thing is how we do
everything, rings true on a relatively consistent basis. Two perfect
examples are the writing of my book, As I Lay Pondering, and the half marathon I completed this past weekend. In each
case, the spark in my heart said, “Go for it!” and set in motion a journey
toward the finish line. In either case, was I prepared? Yes and no. Did I
believe I could achieve the goal? Yes and no. Did I keep putting one foot in
front of the other no matter how challenging, scary, or disheartening things
became? Unequivocally Yes!
Turtle Steps @ Green Lake |
Here is where I am reminded of the timeless story of the
tortoise and the hare. My essential way of being holds both characters. I typically leap
quickly into the race (once the spark ignites) and then pause to notice what
I’ve set in motion. If the goal continues to ring true, I turtle step my way
through until the finish. On Saturday, I believed I would finish the race even
though my training routine was a bit underdone (just like my book
writing experience). All along the route, I checked in with my body and noticed
when I was able to push forward and how I needed to occasionally hold back. I
ran on the downhills when things felt easy and smooth, and I muttered under my
breath on the uphills as I systematically put one foot in front of the other.
(To author the book, I kept showing up to the page... even when inspiration or completion seemed a long way off).
When I got scared or tired and felt my heart beat with
anxiety, I kept the end result in mind. I felt the exhilaration of crossing the
finish line (or holding a completed manuscript in my hand). I believed
completion was possible. I chose to follow my vision and turned my back on the
naysayers (including my internal critic) who said I couldn’t do “it” without
proper training. I wasn’t fully prepared in either instance, but I was prepared
enough to begin. In the last two miles of the race, I came upon a t-shirt that
read “Courage to Start. Faith to Finish.” It was just what I needed to see me
through those last paces.
On Saturday, I set out to have fun, hang out with my
daughter and sister, and move my body 13.1 miles without serious injury. I
wanted to break my record of last year, but mainly I focused on my intention: Have Fun and Finish. I succeeded in both
(and I broke my record by 15 minutes.) It happened one step at a time,
because I've learned that...
how I do one thing is how I do everything!
Tortoise? Hare? Combo? Other? What’s the “everything” style
that works best for you?
Labels:
Books,
Dreams,
Personal Reflection,
Pondering,
Practice,
Reflections on Life
Monday, June 18, 2012
Knowing When to Ask for Help
My pondering has taken on a new level of exag- geration these
past weeks as I tap into the thoughts, feelings, and emotions surrounding the
promotional aspects of being a self-published author. As I’ve perused books,
websites, and media expert information, I’ve felt like a seasick sailor in the
midst of a typhoon. Green at the gills and seeking solid land, I’ve deciphered
enough to know that it’s definitely not a positive sign when thinking about
marketing your beloved product results in a tightened chest, violently churning
insides, and a strong impulse to throw up.
Walla Walla Book Event |
While I can candidly declare that I am competent in a number
of arenas, there is never-the-less a voice in my head (and stomach) that says,
“Leave the marketing to someone else.” There is naught like the mechanics of unsolicited
self-promotion to turn my insides out and make me flee for shelter or cower under
the covers. Please don’t get me wrong... I absolutely adore sharing stories,
connecting with people, speaking on a welcoming stage, or engaging in an
intimate one-on-one conversation. But the thought of walking into one more
independent bookstore and having a clerk stroll away with a sneer on her face
and As I Lay Pondering held between two fingers as if it were a dirty diaper
turns my skin cold. Seriously... diving into Puget Sound midwinter without a
wetsuit feels more inviting to me.
Now, anyone who has known me for even a brief period of time
understands I have little aversion to taking risks. In fact, it joyously tops
my ongoing to do list...
Take A Risk Every Day
...but I have also come to learn there is a laudable difference
between taking risks that propel me forward and those that push my heart begrudgingly into
areas that leave my essential self feeling disturbingly icky. Even though I am
a rockin’ coach, it is rarely wise to practice my skills on my loved ones. I am
typically too invested in the outcome to be objective. Likewise, I’ve
determined that exclusively promoting my own book is akin to being the sole
counselor for my family. I am entirely too close to the subject. Misunderstandings
are inevitable, feelings will get hurt, and unflattering barfing may ensue.
Further down on my list-to-live-by is another premise that I
have a tendency to overlook.
Know When to Ask for Help!
I was raised to be an independent woman and asking for help
can be a challenge. It is both blessing and curse to know myself as competent
in my own right. Navigating this new marketing territory is clearly possible,
but leaves me with a daunting feeling and the declaration, I don’t wanna! That’s clearly how I feel about taking the next promotional
step(s) alone... I don’t wanna!! Therefore...
It’s time for me to take a risk, put my independent ego
aside, and ask for help! Today I’m turning this plea over to the Universe. Call
it prayer, intention setting, dream making, wish casting, whatever you like,
but I’m releasing it out into the Great Unknown. And since I’m choosing not to go
it alone, let me ask you this...
·
What projects make you turn ‘green at the gills’?
·
Are you compelled to disregard the potential warning
signs and push on through?
·
If yes, consider why.
·
What does risk taking entail for you?
·
Do you know when (or how) to ask for help?
·
Feel free to practice alongside me by putting
your needs and desires out into the world.
Together we can see what happens!
·
Ready. Set. Go!!!
Wanted: Ideal
advocate for As I Lay Pondering: daily invitations to live a transformed life. Must be articulate, energetic, and marketing
knowledgeable (or excited and willing to learn). A promoter of passions with excellent
tools and the skills to implement them.
Excited to work together and find perfect ways to extend our
mutual energy and efforts. Reasonably priced and ready to make things happen. Passionate
about my book, work, and what I have to offer the world. We connect seamlessly
and complement each other well. Loves marketing and promotional work, is a
self-starter, and not overbearing. Compassionate, generous, an excellent
listener, and a well-connected connector.
When she/he arrives the weight drops from my shoulders and
the gnawing in my stomach releases. Life moves forward with ease and
satisfaction. It feels effortless... yes, effortless.
Companioning and marketing with ease... that’s what I want!! Okay,
Universe. Ready. Set. Go!!!
Labels:
Books,
Discernment,
Dreams,
Life Coaching,
Pondering,
Risk,
Wishcasting
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
This and That...
While I really prefer to save this space for "pondering," it occasionally seems appropriate to share a little "what's going on..."
Seattle Peeps won't want to miss this Friday's (June 15) fun and casual event at Breathe Hot Yoga (South Lake Union). I will be reading from "As I Lay Pondering" and conversing about my insights into presence, play, and passion.
4:30 P.M. (Optional) Class SPECIAL DROP-IN RATE $10 (if you've been curious about hot yoga come try it out!)
6:30 P.M. Festivities Begin with Tasty Treats from Eat Local
7:00 P.M. Author reading + Q&A
7:30 P.M. Book signing, mingling, and more!
Featured Online Class... Now is the time to kick back and connect with the Elements and your creativity... Summer Sale for this online "anytime" class ends Sunday. (Featuring SoulCollage© guided by yours truly.)
Seattle Peeps won't want to miss this Friday's (June 15) fun and casual event at Breathe Hot Yoga (South Lake Union). I will be reading from "As I Lay Pondering" and conversing about my insights into presence, play, and passion.
4:30 P.M. (Optional) Class SPECIAL DROP-IN RATE $10 (if you've been curious about hot yoga come try it out!)
6:30 P.M. Festivities Begin with Tasty Treats from Eat Local
7:00 P.M. Author reading + Q&A
7:30 P.M. Book signing, mingling, and more!
BTW - "Pondering" is now portable. Get your copy on Kindle today!! Just $9.99.
Featured Online Class... Now is the time to kick back and connect with the Elements and your creativity... Summer Sale for this online "anytime" class ends Sunday. (Featuring SoulCollage© guided by yours truly.)
Water, Wind, Earth, & Fire
Just for Fun... Take a minute (literally) and view WayPo Goes Wild (video outtakes) created while filming the "official" Wayfinder Post welcome. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Just for Fun... Take a minute (literally) and view WayPo Goes Wild (video outtakes) created while filming the "official" Wayfinder Post welcome. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Labels:
Books,
diamonds in the soul,
Online Offerings,
Pondering
Monday, June 11, 2012
Remembering What You Already Know
When was the last time you paused and took the time to be
curious and observe children at play? Each person in the world is a teacher and
there is something to be learned from everyone no matter what age or stage of
life. I believe children are our greatest teachers – especially those around
the age of four or five. Robert Fulghum highlighted this notion when he wrote
his poem (and subsequent book) about kindergarten.
“Most of what I really need
to know about how to live
and what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.”
Everything you need to know about being a fabulous, perfect
YOU is already present in that early stage of life. As a little girl growing up
in Oklahoma, I loved to skip around the block, ride the miniature roller
coaster at my backyard kindergarten, hang out with puppies and kittens, eat ice
cream, take naps, dress in sparkles and have permission to get dirty. I could
ride my bike for hours without exhaustion because I loved it so much. Chalk was
my favorite writing utensil and Tarzan
and The Three Stooges brought me
adventure and laughs. Road trips to the California beach and floating for hours
on a raft in the middle of a peaceful lake still resonate. In fact, most of
these things (or at least their essence) are where I find love and joy today. They
are the things I know about living my life and being me—both then and now.
Several decades later, I still know it feels delicious to
take a nap on a warm or rainy afternoon and there is sweetness in being gently
awakened by someone I love. Sharing is delightful whether with a friend or
stranger. Seeing a person’s face brighten is worth offering a lick of my ice
cream cone, a seat on the bus, or a kind word. I also know it’s physically impossible
to be angry while skipping. Doing something that elevates my heart rate with excitement
and a touch of trepidation is worth the risk. Coming out on the other side and
saying “I did it!” is one of the best sensations ever. Undertaking something
risky each day brings living into life... and you get to decide what “risky”
looks like for you.
We innately know what’s best for us (although it’s sometimes
forgotten through years of poor habits and trying to follow everyone else’s advice).
Our bodies know what is satisfying and nourishing... whether it’s cookies and
milk after a lingering nap or gluten-free pizza and fresh garden veggies that
comfort the soul.
An adult’s knowledge and a child’s wisdom are the perfect
prescription for living life beautifully. Today, imagine what it might be like
to nurture and trust the wisdom you instinctively knew as a healthy child. If
you’re uncertain as to how or where to begin... Start slowly, be gentle with
yourself, and explore...
·
Watch children at play.
·
Notice what you love and who makes you smile.
Acknowledge generously.
·
Laugh every day.
·
Skip when angry. (If you find yourself in a
situation where skipping isn’t immediately possible, then imagine doing it. The
results are nearly as effective!)
·
Eat well. Dine when hungry. Stop when full. Ask
what would best nourish you in the moment.
·
Move your body.
·
Claim peaceful moments.
·
Remember what you already know!
Labels:
Children,
Other Poets,
Play,
Reflections on Life,
Wisdom
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Watery Vision
I hold a song in my hand and touch new birth.
Watery though my vision may be, it is true.
Flowing. Flowing. Flowing...
Light rising through me.
Watery though my vision may be, it is true.
Grounded in love,
Light rising through me,
I create. Lead. Inspire.
Grounded in love,
Flowing. Flowing. Flowing...
I create. Lead. Inspire...
As I hold a song in my hand and touch new birth.
© Kayce Stevens Hughlett, March 2012
Collage and words inspired while leading Exploring Archetypal Energies through the Expressive Arts on the Hood Canal, March 2012.
Labels:
Archetypes,
Poetry,
Soul,
soul collage,
Visual Journal,
Water
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