Trust and the Universe will provide.

by AnaLeyah North

Do you really trust that the Universe will support you?

Where is your level of TRUST today?  On a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the highest, are you a 3, 5 or 7?  Maybe you are even higher, maybe lower.  Finding trust is a process; sometimes it helps to have some support along the way.

One of my Mentors and Teachers talked a lot about trust and I’d like to share some insights with you.  Whenever you feel the need to embrace trust, read through the list and find the paragraph that fits your situation!

Trust really is about letting go of control of how it is going to look like, just working towards the result without trying to fit into it before you even arrive there. We grow into things; that is the beauty of surrender and flow.  When we get there, it all fits.  The key here is about staying with the journey one moment at a time and trusting it to unfold as it needs to.

If we are in that place of allowing it to unfold then we are trusting it. We create our reality to the level of our fear and the level of our doubt; we actually push the pause button to slow down the process.

We slow down because the fear created that pause button. When you are doing the white river rafting you cannot slow that, but if we get too afraid you can actually push the boat towards the rocks so it will stop the ride and that could tear the boat. Or we can choose to be on the raging waters and arrive at the destination trusting that we will arrive there.  If we choose to allow the fear to stop us, we may have to fix the boat and then get back in it to get to where we need to. It doesn’t make one way right or wrong, it s just about the trust factor.

So in life we have choices, and if it would be fatal it would not make it right or wrong, it just would be a different journey.  When we arrive to that awareness that there is nothing that is wrong, we surrender. Fear no longer has a hold.  We do what we can trust and allow the rest to be undone or done.

When we are confused we start thinking.  Think about the words “con” and “fusion”.  Con (c-o-n) is like an antagonist, against, against fusion.  So fusion is between the heart and the mind.  When we are in confusion, it means that the heart and mind are not aligned.

Ego will always make us stop with insults.  Where is trust with insults?

Re-commit daily to trust and persevere with responsibility.

If we carry the memory of “I have failed to create it in the past” then it becomes a fear of creating it in the future. To seek the joy in the process of doing something, that is to connect with the spirit. Connecting with the spirit knows that I am on the path and I feel that I am aligned with my choice.

Doubt shows up from the ego.

Handle your part and then trust that it is all being taken care of.  If you really truly handle what spirit has asked you to do, then why wouldn’t you trust?

So when the doubt comes, look inside yourself and say, “what haven’t I been, what haven’t I done, what haven’t I claimed”?  It will surface in one of those three categories.

Embrace your power from a place of trust.

By just allowing, it will get done one way or the other.  Once your spirit makes a commitment as long as you are staying the course it will get done, even if you take a detour and continue the course, it will get done.  In the trusting of that, allowing it to unfold, it will blossom.  The flower does not doubt when it is a little seed that it is going to have petals.

Trust your inner knowing.

Remember, you are a child of the Creator. The Creator loves you. Learn to love yourselves as Creator loves you. No matter what, trust more. Don’t try to trust, just trust more. Then surrender to your richest life beyond your wildest dreams. Allow it to be so. Don’t test it. Allow it to be so.

Which one connects for you today?  You may find that each time you read over this list you will find a different a-ha moment.   Trust and Love are the cornerstones of finding peace and balance. Go for it!  

7 Ways to Make Goals Stick

by Mona Raglow

Geez. We make goals, we forget goals. We create goals out of guilt, because we think we should. We create goals to lose weight, make more money, find the right partner, and buy organic produce. And then we give up. And start over. Or not.

So, why do we fail? Here are my top 7 ways to make goals stick.

1. Make it mean something to you.

OWN your goal. Decide WHY you want to (fill in the blank), and then ask yourself why you are doing it. And then ask why again. And Again. AND AGAIN. Until you get to the emotion of it. That’s when you know you’re there.

2. Modify as needed.

Hey, when you set your goal, you thought you nailed it. But situations change, players change, motivations change, and we become more grounded. I’m not saying to give up on your goal…just modify it to make it realistic.

3. Tell others.

On a flight from Grand Rapids to Kansas City a gazillion years ago, I had been thinking about my career, and a promotion I had been offered. I was sitting next to a man named Mark, (who I actually ended up hiring as a consultant to the company I was working for), and I told him my dilemma. He counseled me, asking me some tough questions, which helped me decide to take the promotion.

4. Believe you can do it.

Our minds can play tricks on us. A LOT. Our minds can talk us out of things (or into bad things) at the blink of an eye. If your goal is to reduce your sugar intake, and you tell yourself, “oh, I have NO willpower when I drive by the local ice cream store”, then guess what? You’ll soon be consuming a large salted caramel milkshake, and telling yourself “I’m right, I have no willpower.”

5. Don’t take on too much at once.

If you want to make some lasting changes, remember, willpower is a limited resource. Researchers call it a “cognitive load”, when we have too much on our plate. (I call it STRESS). Here’s a great research study that confirms that we should not attempt to change too many things at once.

6. Have a way to track your progress.

This sounds obvious, but it isn’t. No matter what your goal is, track it either on paper or electronically. Trust me, just when you think “oh, I’ll remember that”, something else will come along and use up some brain space, and you’ll forget what you wanted to remember.

7. Be kind to yourself.

Finally, remember that you’re human. Remember that we all make mistakes, fall off the wagon, have temporary amnesia, (well, maybe not that one). But you get the point. Just because you get off track, doesn’t mean you give up. If you do give up, then re-evaluate point #1. Ask Why again, and again, and again, until the emotion comes up. That’s when change starts to happen.

Love Music? 5 Ways It Can Benefit Your Life

by AnaLeyah North

Music to a wonderful tool to support us in finding balance and harmony in our lives.   It is really just energy, and it works on the mental, emotional and physical areas of our body, mind and spirit.   What is it about music that soothes your soul?

Here are 5 ways that music can benefit your life:

1. Music shifts energy:

Have you ever walked into a room and soft energy is playing and you feel your body relax? Or perhaps the opposite happens when you hear hard-rock music blasting from the car next to you at a red light. The music shifts the energy in the environment and we respond to it. So when the energy in your home feels stuck and stagnant, play some music.  Put on high vibrational music (such as classical, religious or chants) when you leave your home.  Check in and see if you feel the difference when you return.

2. Music quiets the mind:

When my mind gets busy and on overwhelm, I start playing music, or even better I sing along. The more I sing the better I feel.  If you can’t sing (or don’t want to) just listening to music will support you. One way to experience the  difference is to check in with your body; are you feeling relaxed or constricted? Is your breath long and deep or short and shallow?  You may even want close your eyes, relax your body and take some deep breaths as you listen.

3. Music calms the body:

There have been studies that support how music can reduce blood pressure, anxiety and even depression. It can also help with reducing pain.  Have you ever heard a particular song and instantly started feeling good?  It might bring back a happy memory, connect with a loved one or simply ‘feel right’.  It doesn’t matter, just be aware and say ‘thank you’ to the universe for creating this healing opportunity.

4. Music motivates:

We always see people walking on a treadmill wearing earphones, and perhaps you have done it yourself.  I know I have. Remember how the music keeps your feet moving and you mind focused?  Or maybe you play your favorite playlist while cleaning your house.  When the music moves the energy, it also moves us!

5. Music connects us with our emotions:

Connecting with our emotions and expressing them is one key to happiness and harmony. I’ve had times when I have used sad, mournful music to help me release grief and loss. Likewise, I’ve used happy, upbeat music to elevate my mood. Sometimes a particular song will be a message from a departed loved-one.  It is all good; music gives us the opportunity to laugh, smile, cry, or connect with another time and place.   When that happens, take the opportunity to feel and be with the experience.

Music can have a tremendous impact on our body, mind and emotions.   Let’s use it to our advantage.   

One good way to do this is to listen to music with intention.  When we turn on the radio or listen to our favorite song album, connect with the universe and ask for relaxation, healing, support, love, courage...what ever comes to mind.  It will serve you well!  

Courageous, crazy or just adventurous?

by Mona Raglow

Our pals at Merriam-Webster define Courage as “The Ability to do something you know is difficult or dangerous.”

The Free Dictionary says: “The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger,fear, or vicissitudes with self possession, confidence, and resolution; braver.”

Cambridge Dictionary defines courage as: “The ability to control fear and to be willing to deal with something that is dangerous, difficult or unpleasant.”

Here are my thoughts on Courage. So much of what we define as fear, or danger or difficult is all in our head. We create our own internal drama, and most of it never, ever happens!

How many times have you talked yourself into doing something that scared the bejesus out of you, but when you were done, you thought it was a piece of cake. A bunch, I bet, if you’re being honest with yourself.

Sometimes what we call difficult is just something that we haven’t learned yet. We haven’t stepped outside of our comfort zone to say “heck, I can do that”. Hopefully, we’ve grown past the point of caring what people would say if we failed, or even caring what they think.



I remember when I was 18, I decided to go skydiving with some friends. Did it scare me? Sure!! Was I nervous? Petrified would be a better description. Did I love it? ABSOLUTELY! Did it take some courage? Maybe.

Thinking back, the training was worse than the actual jump. We had to learn to land properly, and I remember climbing up a platform, that if my memory serves me right was about 37 stories tall. Ok, maybe I’m not remembering everything exactly right, but it was tall. We then had to jump, tuck, lean and roll, which would (supposedly) mimic a fall from a plane wearing a parachute. I don’t think so. I think I had to muster up much more courage to jump off a platform than jump out of an airplane. Really I did. You see, I knew from experience how much it could hurt jumping off a platform. Yes, I was a kid once and I’m sure I did some courageous stupid things. And they hurt.

But, I didn’t have any experience jumping out of a plane. Back then, I had never heard of a skydiving accident (this was way before the internet and cell phones), but I don’t think I was being courageous. Adventurous yes. Courageous, no maybe.

One of the things I ask myself, when faced with a situation I don’t know how to deal with is “What’s the worst thing that could happen? And if it does happen, will I be OK with it?” Those 2 questions have helped me in countless situations over the last many decades.

Courage is all about looking past self-limiting belief systems. It’s about recognizing that it’s OK to fail sometimes.

As Tom Kelley, GM of Ideo says “Fail often to succeed sooner”.

So, put your courageous face on, and ask yourself, those 2 questions.

1. What’s the worst thing that could happen? 
2. And if it does happen, will I be OK with it? 

Life Unmasked: It’s OK to be you!

by AnaLeyah North

 So what does ‘Living Authentically’ really mean?  Most likely everyone will have a different twist on it, but for me it means:

• Be authentic in my thinking
• Know my mind and speak my truth
• Live from my heart
• Follow my intuition

Let's explore these topics in more detail:

Be authentic in my thinking:

It all begins with our thoughts.  The big word for me here is EXCUSES.  How often do I make excuses to cover myself from the truth?  Taking responsibility for our thoughts, actions and deeds is part of authenticity; it is the first place to start.

I am a master of making up stories in my head and I know that my negative mind is stronger than my positive mind so I am constantly questioning my negative thoughts. My favorite question to ask myself is ‘Is this true?’  Most of the time the answer is “No”; then I have the opportunity to change the script that is playing out in my head.

Know my mind and speak my truth:

I first need to know my mind before I can speak my truth; it is a two-step process.  The first step is be honest with yourself.  How many times has someone asked “How are you?” and you automatically say “I’m fine” or “I’m good” when you really aren’t fine or good?  I know I used to do it a lot.  Now I make every effort to be honest with my answer.  It doesn’t mean that I get into the ‘poor me’ mode (more negative thinking), but I can say, “I’m feeling okay but I’ve had better days”. 

Speaking our truth is also about setting clear boundaries; saying ‘No” gracefully and giving options for the other person to implement.  You may recall Cynthia Kyriazis sharing on this in Lesson #1 of Creating Balance 101. If you haven’t had a chance, go to www.balancetosucceed.com to sign up for a free lesson.

Live from my heart:

So what does living from the heart mean? Follow your passion, follow your dreams, follow your bliss. Check in and see, feel or sense what is right FOR YOU. If you have a dream it has to come to you because it is part of your life path while you are here on Earth. It is important to follow this guidance and to go for it!

We can also live from the heart with small things, like connecting with someone you are thinking about, or taking a class. It can be an "inner knowing" that calls you to action. Trust it and act on it!

Following my intuition:

We all have the ability to be intuitive and to know, feel or sense what is right for us.  Again, it takes practice.  Some people get their intuition from dreams, others get an inner ‘knowing’ and feel compelled to act on it; your intuition may come from an entirely different place. The key for me has been to learn to TRUST my inner guidance.  When I trust it (and act accordingly), I find that it supports me to be more intuitive. 

So what are the results of being authentic? Overall, I have found that when I am coming from the place of authenticity the magic happens!  

Here is more food for thought on being authentic:

It is important to do what is right for YOU; ultimately it will be right for the people around you as well. This seems to be an universal law, even though it may be hard to believe.  Try it and see for yourself!

When we are in your authentic place, the movement of spirit will come through with grace flow and ease.

Authentic energy is expansive; it creates more and more...and more.

W​hen we are creating from an authentic place who we really are shows up.  People know and sense this and it affects the outcome.

5 Myths about Time Management

by Mona Raglow

I see that it’s a common habit to lie about how we spend our time. “I didn’t have enough hours in the day” or “my day got away from me”. Really? Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t really think people intentionally lie about how they spend their time, but they do make a boat load of excuses as to why they are behind in what they (think they) want to accomplish.

Here are 5 Myths about Time Management:

1. I can manage my time. – False.

What is true is that many people have mastered managing the events in their life, but they can’t manage time. Sixty seconds, or sixty minutes are going to come and go at the same pace for everyone. You can’t manage it. But think about the events in your life, the errands you have to run, the projects to manage and the tasks to complete. We CAN manage those. And one of the tricks is to prioritize and schedule. More on that in a future blog post.

2. I run out of time everyday. – Again, FALSE!

What might happen is you have unrealistic expectations for what you can accomplish in a day, meaning you didn’t leave yourself enough down-time, or unplanned time. Or maybe you’re an expert at planning and organizing your day, but someone unexpectedly blind-sides you with an urgent and important request, or you have a health emergency with a young child. A good rule of thumb is to only schedule 2/3 of you day. Leave the other 1/3 for taking care of the unexpected. Because the unexpected will happen. Expect it.

3. I can remember what I need to do. – WRONG!

One of my favorite sayings is “Poor handwriting is better than a good memory”. The human capacity to absorb information is huge, but it’s finite. We’re inundated with excess information daily. Think about it. The radio, TV, print media, email, websites, music, billboards, social media…the list goes on and on. Now wonder we forget to pick up a gallon of milk at the store, or worse, we forget to stop at the store altogether. Solution – have a way that works for you to capture your projects and tasks, and WRITE down what you need to remember, when you’re thinking about it. Chances are HIGH you won’t remember later.

4. I have to help others before I can help myself. – Huh? I don’t think so.

Some people wear their accomplishments like a badge of honor. Everyday. But when we ask them about their list, we hear “Oh, I promised so-and-so that I would help them, or “my brother-in-law’s daughter’s boyfriend called and really needed some help”, or “I have to bake 65 dozen cupcakes for the church social tomorrow.” So many people are doing everything for everyone else, but not enough for themselves. Don’t get me wrong. Giving back is VERY important (in my opinion) to leading a meaningful life. But when we consistently do everything for everyone else, and not enough for ourselves, we’re short-changing our self-worth. Think about the flight attendant’s message: “Secure your oxygen mask on yourself before helping others.” Same thing in your day-to-day activities - make some time for yourself, everyday. Start by spending 15 minutes alone in the morning, just with your thoughts (or lack of thoughts…it’s called meditation). Yes, you might have to get up 15 minutes earlier than the rest of your household, but wow, what a difference this can make.

5. I have to get more done in less time. – Wrong again.

What you should do is get the RIGHT THINGS done at the RIGHT TIME. Does this take a bit of planning? Sure it does. OR, you could waste your time by playing meaningless computer games or reading mindless fiction over and over and over, and then wonder why you’re behind on your life’s goals. What?? You don’t have any Life Goals. Well, that’s another blog post. Stay tuned.

Preparing for Change

by Jay Liebenguth

As people are getting ready to learn how to Create More Balance in their lives we asked one of our subject matter experts, Daniel Wallach, to help us understand some techniques to help us prepare for growth.

“Many people are trying to see the direction of their lives in moments of great activity. That’s like trying to find something in a pond when the bottom silt is all stirred up. No amount of 'clearing activity' will help you accomplish your goal of seeing more clearly,” says Daniel. You need to have patience and be still.

He suggests we work on “centering” in our daily practice. By eliminating all of the distractions, we’re able to put more focus and energy into an intentional life, whether it's growth, clarity or balance. The effort also shows a willingness to make an effort to move molecules. Find that quiet 15 minutes or so every day to sit quietly with yourself, turning off distractions and being aware and mindful of where you are and where you’re heading.

All of this helps to set the direction of our lives, much in the same way that a rocket's trajectory is impacted by where it's aimed.

Daniel says that surrendering and letting go are equally important to the process. He uses the analogy of paddling a kayak in a river. “Going with the flow is much more productive than trying to actively control where you're going the whole time. It’s a tremendous waste of energy. Guiding is better than directing. You have some control, but you're not restricting your progress.”

He goes on to say that when you're in that efforting place you're actually constricting your energy and, more importantly, your intuition. “The most important thing to do is relax. Balance is really a way to optimize our life’s productivity and realization of that which is our deepest desire.”

The crazy thing is that when you're in the flow, you don't even do most of the work, you're aligning with it. Continuing the kayaking metaphor, "when you are riding the current, you are effortlessly moving down the stream. It’s the natural way. If you're the type of person who likes more control, you're not going to enjoy the sensation as much. And, you will choose to actively work against it.”

Those that will get the most benefit of being in the flow are those who relax into it and enjoy the ride.

Here are three things Daniel says will prepare for growth in your life:

Number 1: Relax – Go with the Flow. Let your intention be free of the how(s), when(s) and how often(s). Realize that everything has a time and a place and it all serves you. Listen and be at peace.

Number 2: Make space – Bringing home a new puppy or a pool table will take up space and you’ll need to make room. Same with a new habit. Clear time from your overbooked schedule, open up room in your head and heart and be ready to discard old beliefs and habits that no longer serve you.

Number 3: Clarify your priorities - intentions can shift and evolve. Re-visit them often. They may have become bigger, or seemingly less important or maybe a trajectory needs to be realigned.

Daniel Wallach has spent a good part of his career selflessly serving others. Most recently organizing ideas and people at Greensburg GreenTown, a non-profit established after the devastating tornado hit the small Kansas community. Daniel, the GreenTown Staff and a team of volunteers set about informing citizens about rebuilding “sustainably” and in the process, garnered international attention and donations for their efforts.

Daniel’s thoughts on Abundance are part of Balance to Succeed’s Creating Balance 101 curriculum and you can look forward to a lot more of his wisdom in Week 7.