What is your life story?
Branch Out is a blog of life's journey for a better way of being. I hope to provide you with food for thought that will help you redefine yourself and restore value to your life.
Monday, October 24, 2011
"Right" Your Life Story
What is your life story?
Friday, June 4, 2010
Seven Essential Steps to Overcoming and Growing from Disappointment
Although a couple of weeks ago, we had a different story. We received some news that something we were really hoping for was not going to happen. We were disappointed to say the least. We felt let down and defeated. It would have been easy for us to sink into a slump of despair and depression but unlike disappointments we had faced in the past, we chose to handle this disappointment differently. Instead of choosing to stay there; wallowing in our own self pity and asking why, we went through a process that I want to share with you today. We set into motion a series of steps that have pushed us past that disappointment and on to making the most of the life we have while we work towards the life we want.
It’s too easy to put life off. Thinking that you’ll be happy when you get out of debt, find true love, get the job of your dreams, make it big, etc., etc. But the reality is, if you don’t bloom where you’re planted right now, not only will you miss out on a world of happiness and joy, but you will not be living or welcoming the opportunities that will actually propel you to that future faster and with greater ease.
Something not working out like you’ve planned is not a failure, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, to see what is unfolding before you and to take the next risk. It’s a chance to live. And with that thought, here are the seven essential steps to overcoming and growing from disappointment. Take these steps the next time you are faced with disappointment and you’ll feel your life propel forward.
1. Allow yourself to feel the pain. Allow yourself to grieve, to cry, and to be angry. In short, allow yourself to feel. It’s okay and it’s actually a necessary part of the process. Pretending it doesn’t bother you would not be being true to yourself and would not be healthy. Yes grieving may seem like a harsh word, but in reality, even though your disappointment may not necessarily be the loss of a loved one, it is a loss. Maybe the loss of a dream, a hope for the future, a job, an opportunity, a friend, a love… whatever. Allow yourself to grieve the loss.
2. Ask for guidance. In other words, pray or meditate. Whether you call it God, Spirit, the Universe, whatever; ask for guidance from that higher source. If we ask to be shown the way, to be guided to what’s right and best for us, then trust that that is exactly what we will be given, then no matter what comes, we can rest assured that it is the right thing. Even if we don’t see it…it is.
3. Show gratitude. It may sound like the last thing you want to do at a time of loss or disappointment, but showing gratitude for the things you do have will not only take your focus off the things you don’t have, but will renew your spirit faster then any other action you can take. Not to mention, show the world that you’re ready for more to be grateful for.
4. Ask for help. (This is a hard step for me.) I don’t like to ask for help but I am learning that not asking for help doesn’t mean you’re strong and can handle it all. Actually, it takes a very strong person to ask for help. And to allow others into your life to help. So ask for help…its okay.
5. Refocus by letting go of the attachments to expectations or outcomes that you have created and allow yourself to set new intentions on what is to come.
6. Create a plan or goals – from those intentions you have set. Then identify the steps you need to take to make that plan come to pass.
7. Take action on those steps and get moving in a positive direction again. Life is a series of choices, and you can choose to focus on the door that has been closed in front of you or you can choose to look for the new door that has been opened and take action to walk through it.
We may not know the reason that what we wanted did not come to pass, but we can rest assured that if we trust that it is because something greater is coming our way and use the challenge as an opportunity, to learn what that is, then I’m certain that good will undoubtedly come our way. Time to Grow!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Want to know what I did today?
Okay, give up? I took a bath in the middle of the afternoon. I lit candles, put on some spa music, threw some relaxing lavender oil in the tub and just soaked the day away. And I did it in the middle of the afternoon.
Now I don’t know about you, but it isn’t very often that I get to do something like that. But recently I had someone make the comment to me that if she had my big tub, she’d use it all the time. I replied to her that I rarely use it because I just don’t have time. Then I went into my rant about how by the time I get the kids bathed, work, cook, clean up, etc… who has time? And because I work from home, let me tell you, there are some days that I don’t even get a shower in, let alone a long soak in the tub. Then I realized, what a shame. I really am blessed with so much in my life. Even the little things like a big tub. Why ignore them? Why not take some time for myself? I talk to my clients about doing just that all the time. Be present in the moment and enjoy what I have.
So… this afternoon, I shut down the computer early, told my husband he was in charge and that I was going to take a bath. AND…not to expect me for a while, because I wasn’t coming out any time soon. To my joy, he of course said, “Okay!” And off I went. It was such a relaxing experience. Especially because I chose to completely let go. I didn’t sit in there thinking, “I should be doing this or that.” I just let go.
I’ve realized through the years that saying “I should” usually only leads to disappointment or an unsettled conflict in my heart. I took that bath because I wanted to. I took that bath because it was something that I could do for me. And that didn’t make me selfish. It made me better! Because when I got out, I was rejuvenated, relaxed and renewed. I was in balance with myself and in being so, I was more present and able to give to my family.
What is it that you haven’t done for yourself in years? What is it that you want to do but always find an excuse to not do? I want to challenge you today, as the shoe logo says, to ”Just do it!” Give yourself permission to love yourself. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Give yourself permission to let go and enjoy. And do it knowing that there are no “shoulds” involved. There is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself and that showing love and gentleness to yourself will have a ripple effect on those around you.
So, whatcha gonna do today? Share your thoughts. You might just give some of us a new idea. ;)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Picture the Lesson Learned
Remember that old poster you used to read in the doctor's office all the time? "All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten." It's not really about the Kindergarten class; it is because that time in our lives was before we let the world's views interfere with us and our faith or confidence. You see, I'm a firm believer that we already have the answers to our internal questions, if we will just be still and trust in the answers that we give ourselves. The problem is, we let our own fears and insecurities get in our way of receiving them.
So, anyway, back to the pictures... today I want to leave you with a few pictures that symbolize some simple lessons that we all need reminded of periodically.
1. Kick it in gear... you can break any barrier that gets in your way.
2. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith. That's the best way to get to where you want to be.
3. Stop and smell the roses and see the beauty all around you.
4. Laugh a lot, be silly and enjoy life, even the messy parts.
Now, I challenge you to go through your own pictures and find some that will provide important reminders to you. Post them up around your home and then be open to the daily lessons that present themselves to you.
If you have children of your own, take a step back and allow yourself to learn a lesson or two from them. You’ll be amazed at what you can see in the face of a small child, if you look hard enough. And, you'll be surprised at what you learn... I know I always am!
Blessings,
Michelle
PS - If you like this article and would like to read more like it, you can subscribe to my newsletter by going to http://www.lonetreecoach.com/ and clicking on the tree button at the top of the page.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
One Flight Down – Norah Jones and Your Beliefs
One Flight Down – Norah Jones and Your Beliefs
Monday, November 2, 2009
To Everything There Is a Season
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
By The Byrds
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!
So as I sat there, I thought to myself, what season is it for me? Fall is here and the weather is beginning to change. But that’s not all that is changing. It really is time for a season of change in our world. Is it time for a season of change in your own life?
Is it a time to plant or reap for you? Is it a time to build up, to dance, to love, to gain? There truly is a time for every purpose under heaven. The question is; have you found your purpose? And are you ready to make a change to fulfill that purpose?
You can embrace it or you can resist it, but change is inevitable in our lives. Use this fall’s changing season as an opportunity for you to create positive changes in your life. There is a season for everything…let this be your season.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Take Rest - A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~ Ovid
I haven’t always viewed the fall season in such a forward focused way. I actually spent most of my life with a much different perspective. I always hated that I was born in the fall. The leaves were falling off the trees, grass was dying and the earth seemed to be shedding its beauty. Then my perspective began to change. I started to see the fall as a perfect time to let go of the things I had been carrying with me. I could slough off what was weighing me down and look for rest in order to regenerate a new beginning. It is amazing how when you take time for yourself, you can find more time and energy to be productive in other areas of your life.
Often when we struggle with disappointments in life, we come to a point that in order to move on, we have to let go. We have to let the old thoughts or disappointments go in order to generate a new future for ourselves.
So whether you’re thinking you need to change old habits and start fresh or let go of life’s disappointments, don’t wait for a new year to resolve to change. I challenge you to use this autumn season to lose the old habits and start anew, to let go of old hurts and disappointments and create a new future for yourself. Get rid of what’s causing your inner “plant” to die and get prepared for a new season of hopes to come. Take rest and be ready to be even more bountiful then you might have imagined!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
“How to Find Affluent Clients -
Finally, Learn the Insider Secrets of Finding Clients
Who Can Actually Afford Your Products and Services”
This one-time-only call will reveal the elegant solution to a huge challenge small business owners everywhere are experiencing: too many prospects saying “no” to our products and services because they can’t afford to pay for them.
If you’re like me, you did not start your business to make just enough money to survive and you did not start your business to struggle and you sure as heck did not start your business to fail! So why are you working so hard marketing to people who don’t have the money to pay for your services? Marketing to the affluent is the single most powerful success strategy you can employ in this or any economy.
Here’s the deal: marketing your products and services today requires a different strategy than before. People are buying and they are buying the kinds of products and services you offer. (They are even paying premium prices!) And finding those clients who want your services and can afford to pay for them is exactly what Kelly knows how to do like no one else I know.
You see, Kelly knows the mindset of the affluent because she grew up in the exclusive world of the super wealthy. The daughter of an ultra-successful entrepreneurial dad, Silicon Valley during the roaring 80’s was her childhood playground. Luxurious homes, amazing vacations, country club memberships and even a private plane were simply how life was for Kelly.
Once on her own however, Kelly had to step up if she wanted to continue to enjoy the lifestyle of her childhood and step up she has! Entrepreneurial brilliance was clearly passed from father to daughter and Kelly’s own business success now affords her own family a lifestyle of affluence in the very neighborhood she grew up in.
So when Kelly promises “insider information” on marketing to the affluent, it’s not just a phrase to peak your interest, it’s the real deal, because Kelly’s the real deal.
Please do not delay taking action on this exclusive VIP invitation to join Kelly on the evening of September 17, 2009. All you need to do now is follow this link to RSVP: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3252509
Blessings,
Michelle
Thursday, August 27, 2009
It's Next Week! Don't Miss it!
If you:
1)are a conscious entrepreneur on a mission to serve thousands
2)feel the urge to write your book and keep telling yourself, “I’ll get to it.” (But never do.)
3)are committed to seeing your business grow even through our challenging economic times
4)are someone who has a message you want to share with the world
… please take just a moment and reserve your free all-access ticket to this important event.
Lynne and Christine will reveal:
•The secret to writing a book that changes lives
•How to set yourself up for “best-selling” status from the very first word
•The unknown yet critical question you must ask yourself when writing your book
•How to use your book to super-charge your marketing strategy so you reach tens, even hundreds of thousands with your important message
•Hot to guarantee your book GETS DONE
•And, much more…
Plus, your registration will open the door to Christine and Lynne’s private blog where they are sharing even more trade secrets with you right now.
I urge you if you’re thinking about writing a book or would like to learn more about the marketing power your book holds, this is a call you do not want to miss!
This invitation has come to you at the perfect time and for the perfect reason – for you to shine your brilliance into the world and be the success you chose to be!
I personally can’t wait for the call and I know that if you join me, you will be so thrilled and grateful that you did!
Get the full scoop here:
http://loveyourlifepublishing.com/cmd.php?Clk=3166291
Peace & Health,
Michelle
PS: Christine and Lynne have helped hundreds, just like you and I, to “published author” status. The information they will share on this call is truly golden!
Don't miss it, sign up here NOW!
“Without taking the Get Your Book Done class I would still be guessing how to make my book possible. The class structure, material and support are of superb quality. I especially benefited from the interaction with two teachers who treated my success as their own.” ~ A. Petrenko
Monday, August 10, 2009
Want to Write a Book?
Yes, the number really is that high – The problem is so few of us actually do it.
Consider Pareto’s Principal (also known as the 80/20 rule); of the 80% who have a book inside them yearning to come out and serve the world, at most 20% begin their project and only 20% of those complete it and at most 20% of those publish their work.
Running the math beginning with 80 people out of 100 who want to write a book yields only 0.64 people will actually start, finish and ultimately publish a book! Yikes – 0.64 out of 100 is not good odds!
But, I have good news for you today; news that will put the “published author” odds in your favor.
Yes, you can get your book done – really, and today I’d like to introduce you to two super-successful published authors, conscious entrepreneurs and master mentors of the book writing process: Lynne Klippel and Christine Kloser who are going to dish the dirt on what it really takes to Get Your Book Done.
Lynne and Christine are amazing. Former “competitors”, they have joined their hearts and minds and merged their complementary skill sets to create the most powerful book writing program for conscious entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches and teachers ever to be offered.
The program is called Get Your Book Done (because that is what you will do!), and Lynne and Christine have scheduled a one-time-only free call on September 1, 2009, that promises to be loaded with writing tips and tools to get your heart inspired, your mind opened and your fingers tapping the QWERTY keys on your lap top even before their one-of-a-kind program gets underway.
Reserve your space for this call right now by clicking here:
http://loveyourlifepublishing.com/cmd.php?Clk=3166290
I know I’ll be there and I hope you will too!
Blessings,
Michelle
BTW: In addition to the free call, when you register, you will also gain access to Lynne and Christine’s private blog where they will be sharing some very valuable information on what can happen in your business after you Get Your Book Done – trust me, right now, nothing could be more important to you and your business than the information they will share with you! This link connects you to both the call and the private blog.
http://loveyourlifepublishing.com/cmd.php?Clk=3166290
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Time to Unplug

Hey There!
Hope your summer is going well. I know mine is flying by faster then I'd like. I just finished a busy month of teleseminars and radio shows, so I was feeling a little burnt out. We all need time to relax and take a break from our daily lives once in a while, so my family and I took a much needed mini-vacation to the mountains this past weekend.
I didn't have any cell phone service, TV or internet access. It was so great to get away and "unplug!" I had time to think, read, and enjoy. By doing it, I have come back with a refreshing sense of renewal and excitement to jump back into my work. I think all to often, we push and push to be "doing" something when what we need is to step back and just be.
So, just for fun, I thought I'd focus this week's post on finding out what all of you do to relax and unplug! Leave your comments and share what you do and how it helps you. Then sit back for a few minutes and just relax, breathe and be...
Peace & Health,
Michelle
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Secret Pleasures of Eating

Our culture revolves around eating fast, on the run, and often under stress, not only removing most of the pleasure and creating digestive upset, but also wreaking havoc on your metabolism.
Join me on Tuesday, June 23rd, at 7pm EST for a FREE call as I interview Nicole Ohebshalom, nutritionist and owner of Radiant Living Wellness, one on one. If you are ready to increase your relationship with food, take control of your eating cycles, and lose weight without dieting and calorie-counting then don’t miss this call!
On this call, Nicole will uncover secrets to:
- Recognize where you may be inadvertently sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
- Gain more pleasure during a meal instead of being in your emotions or in quick drive
- Understand your personal cravings and foods to find your balance
- Learn tools to end the yo-yo cycle of restriction in calorie counting and food points. Instead, learn to listen to your own unique body and hunger.
- Discover why self-control doesn't melt off the pounds and what really does.
Register now, as lines are limited to the first 100 people to sign up and you don't want to miss the opportunity to join us on this call. And don't worry, if for some reason, you are not able to make the call, it will be recorded, but you must be registered to receive the recording. Please send an email to michelle@lonetreecoach.com with your name in the subject line and you will get an email back with the call in details.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Were You There?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Where Does The Time Go?
Join me on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7pm EST for a FREE call as Nicole Ohebshalom, nutrition counselor and owner of Radiant Living Wellness interviews me one on one. As a mother of two and a business owner myself, I knows first hand that you can have it all if you get clear about who you are and what it is you really want in your life. On this call, I will be revealing secrets to:
- Eliminating time sealers
- Finding space so you can identifywhat you really want in life
- Creating goals based on your own expectations
- Organizing your life to be more effective and efficient
- Taking action to keep from getting overwhelmed with daily tasks
Register now, as lines are limited to the first 100 people to sign up and you don't want to miss the opportunity to join us on this call. And don't worry, if for some reason, you are not able to make the call, it will be recorded, but you must be registered to receive the recording. Sign up now and as an added bonus, you'll not only receive a subscription to my monthly newsletter, Branch to Branch, which is designed to inspire and motivate you to live the authentic life of your dreams, but you'll also receive a complimentary subscription to Nicole's Radiant Living Wellness newsletter intended to inspire you to live a radiant and nutritious life! Registration is fast and easy! Simply go to http://tinyurl.com/pxsj40 to register and receive the details. Oh, and feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues. Just be sure to reserve YOUR spot first!
If you want to be able to look back on a life well lived and know where the time went? Then don't miss this call.
Give us a little of your time, and we'll give you some time back in your life! Register Now! Click Here!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tough Chicks!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Recap
I believe the last time I wrote, the Lady Wildcats were headed to the state basketball tournament. They had a tough tournament, having to play the #1, #2, and #4 teams in the state. They beat the #4 team, only lost to the #2 team by five and the #1 team... well, there's a reason they are #1. So, they ended their season ranked sixth in the state. Not a bad year at all. I am extremely proud of them. They did a fantastic job and as I said before, there are definitely lessons we can learn from them by watching them step out of their comfort zone and just play ball.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Good Luck Lady Wildcats!
They will have a tough road ahead of them this coming weekend as they will go in eighth seed and have to play the number one team in the state. But they have faced such battles before and they always play with so much heart and dedication. As I watched them beat the number one team in their region this past weekend by one point to earn their spot among the best in the state, it struck me quite profoundly that if we all gave everything we had in the things we are passionate about, we'd find that success as well. They gave blood, sweat and tears, literally, and although they haven't won them all, they have come out winners more times then not.
No matter how this weekend's tournament turns out, they have a lot to be proud about. And we can all learn some lessons from them.
- Fight for what you want.
- Give it your all.
- Keep working.
- Put it all out there.
- Practice and then practice some more.
- Don't be afraid of the competition.
- You don't always know what the outcome will be, that's why you play the game.
- Do what you are passionate about with all your heart.
Good Luck Lady Wildcats! You're number one in my heart...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sensible Strategies to Reclaim and Manage Your Time
Are you ready for a way to take back control of your life and find the time and space you need to rediscover yourself?
Whether you are a mother that works in the home or out of the home, you know how hard it can be to juggle all the demands that life places on you. Feeling like you don’t have enough time to get things done is one of the biggest struggles for women today. If you can relate to this, then I have just the thing for you. No, I haven’t discovered a magical equation for creating time. But what I have created is a program designed to help you use the 24 hours you do have more productively and efficiently.
Join me on Wednesday, February 11th at 7pm MST for a FREE call as I reveal the key components of this fabulous time management program:
“Sensible Strategies to Reclaim and Manage Your Time”
• Eliminating time stealers
• Finding space so you can identify what you really want in life
• Creating goals based on your own expectations
• Organizing your life to be more effective and efficient
• Taking action to keep from getting overwhelmed with daily tasks
Register now, as lines are limited and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to join me on this call. The call will be available by live web-stream and teleconference lines. The choice is yours. And if for some reason, you can’t make the call, it will be recorded, but you must be registered to receive the recording. Sign up now and as an added bonus, you’ll receive a complimentary subscription to my monthly newsletter which is designed to inspire and motivate. Registration is fast and easy! Simply go to www.lonetreecoach.com/seminars.html and fill in your email address to receive the details within 24 hours.
Give me a little of your time, and I’ll give you some time back in your life!
Is This You?
If you are ready for a way to take back control of your life and find the time and space you need to rediscover yourself then it's time for you to register for my FREE teleseminar, "Sensible Strategies to Reclaim and Manage Your Time."
Registration is fast and easy! Simply go to my website at http://www.lonetreecoach.com/seminars.html and fill in your email address to receive the details within 24 hours.
Give me a little of your time, and I’ll give you some time back in your life!


