Create A Beautiful Life Again

Embrace Change: It’s One Way to Live a Beautiful Life

We are often unconscious of the patterns of thoughts we hold within ourselves. To break these patterns, we must be willing to embrace change.

How good are you at making space for real change? Have you carved out a big enough space yet?

How do we know when new worlds are truly emerging?

Friends and family may notice. You might even move to a different neighborhood. Or create a new identity for yourself. But that’s not the change I am talking about even if those changes and accomplishments are worthy of much celebration.

I want us to look at the real changes and deep growth our souls long for.

We can find out how we’re progressing inside when we take time to examine and investigate the contours and crevices of our life with both kindness and curiosity.

A life coach who is intuitive can pick up and reflect back the wide or limiting patterns and landscape of your thinking and the unspoken longings of your heart in a thoughtful, reflective conversation.

Have you had one lately?

Deeper Life Coaching Perspectives and Questions To Create Your Beautiful Life

Choice and Perspective: Fact – living is crazy hard. We all can agree that our world and lives are messy and challenging even if it’s not upended in a rough way unexpectedly. How are you allowing yourself to grow in challenging times?
Overcoming Overwhelm: When life feels overwhelming and a solution feels far from easy reach, what easy and practical steps can you take now to regain inward peace and begin the process of creating a beautiful life again?
Define Your Beautiful Life: How do you personally define a “beautiful life”? Take a moment to reflect on the elements, values, and experiences that would make your life feel truly beautiful to you. Read my earlier blog entry here to discover what your character strengths are or email me at simpledailyjoy@gmail.com for a 5 page PDF of over 150 values for your deeper self reflection.
Bravery and Action: Are you brave about pursuing things that matter to you? I hope so! What’s one courageous action you can take today to move closer to your vision of a beautiful life, even in the face of challenges?
Expressing Love and Gratitude: Lastly, I send you my warmest love and gratitude! Thank you for taking the time to read my life coaching blog. Challenge for today: how will you infuse more love and gratitude, both for yourself and for others as essentials for creating your beautiful life? Ripples of warmth, goodness and love are certainly welcome in our world today.

If you would like to experience a deeper life coaching conversation, you can reach me on Linkedin

Wishing you a deep, intentional and rich life.

Yours warmly,

Angela

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023

How to Cultivate Intentional Living

What is intentional living?

Intentional living is a philosophy and lifestyle approach that involves making deliberate and purposeful choices in all aspects of your life to align your actions with your core values, priorities, and goals.

It’s about living with awareness, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose, rather than simply going through life on autopilot.

How would you define an intentional life?

Before you read any further, I encourage you to pause and reflect on what makes a meaningful life for you right now in your journal. I won’t be surprised if you have a few ideas already.

Intentional living focuses on choosing the life you want to lead in a conscious way, rather than letting external forces or societal expectations dictate your path.

Intentional living is not a one-size-fits-all concept. What is important to you may not matter to another person.

What are some key principles to intentional living?

I hope this list with its thought provoking questions helps.

1. Self-Awareness: Know your values, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses. Reflect and re-evaluate your goals on a regular basis. Have you taken time to find out what truly matters to you?
2. Mindfulness: Being present means appreciating the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or constantly worrying about the future. How mindful are you?
3. Alignment with Values: Intentional living encourages you to make choices that align with your core values and beliefs. Like a little help? Check out my post on character strengths here.
4. Goal Setting: Setting clear and meaningful goals is a central part of intentional living. These goals can be related to various areas of life, such as career, relationships, personal growth, and health. Goals provide direction and motivation. Are you a good goal-setter?
5. Simplicity: Intentional living often involves simplifying your life by decluttering, reducing unnecessary commitments, and focusing on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. This can lead to a more minimalist lifestyle. On a path of minimalism yet?
6. Mindful Consumption: It emphasizes conscious and thoughtful consumption, whether it’s related to material possessions, food, media, or information. It encourages you to consider the impact of your choices on yourself and the world around you. How do you practice mindful consumption? Here’s one way I do it. I have an online print on demand notebook shop (click link here). It’s my way of reducing overproduction.
7. Purposeful Relationships: Intentional living involves nurturing meaningful and authentic relationships with others. It means investing time and energy in connections that contribute positively to your life. Do you unplug from relationships that do not nourish you?
8. Balanced Well-Being: Prioritizing physical, emotional, and mental well-being is an integral part of intentional living. This includes self care practices, managing stress, and striving for overall balance in life. What are some of your current self care practices? What new ones would you like to include?
9. Continuous Growth: Intentional living encourages personal growth and learning. It involves seeking new experiences, challenging yourself, and continuously improving your skills and knowledge. Tackled something new lately?
10. Gratitude: Cultivating a sense of gratitude for what you have is a key aspect of intentional living. It involves appreciating the positives in your life and acknowledging the abundance that exists. What are you grateful for? Challenged yourself to list 100 things yet? I encourage you to give it a try. I once did a 5K challenge – it transformed my life and shifted my mindset radically.

Journaling your thoughts and answers is a great way to get clear on what matters to you. If you like a deeper life coaching conversation, you can reach me on Linkedin

August 25, 2023August 31, 2023

Lost and Found: Life’s Beautiful Labyrinth

Many years ago, I encountered a quote by Dante Alighieri. Best known for his epic poem “The Divine Comedy”, Dante was an Italian poet, writer, and philosopher from 1265 to 1321. His candid and poetic words below resonated with the emotions and sentiments I experienced – feelings and thoughts of being lost and uncertain.

Lost by Dante

Not all who wander are lost

After having lived a little, I realized that feeling lost is a natural part of the human experience.

Life is filled with uncertainties, challenges, and changes, and it’s natural for people to experience moments of confusion, doubt, or uncertainty about their direction or purpose.

Being lost can occur in various aspects of life, such as in career choices, relationships, personal goals, or even one’s sense of self.

It can happen during times of significant life transitions, when faced with difficult decisions, or when trying to navigate through new situations.

It’s also completely normal to feel anxious or uneasy when we find ourselves lost, whether it’s in an unfamiliar place or in life’s journey itself.

The fear of the unknown, uncertainty about what lies ahead, and the feeling of being out of control can all contribute to this anxiety.

What then?

Life’s always talking to us. Pay attention. Saw this at a hobby store.

How do you react when your center does not hold?

Amidst uncertainty, there lies a hidden opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

When your center falters and you find yourself feeling adrift, here are some tips to help you regain balance and discover your way forward.

It’s okay to be lost and fail

Salvador Dali art – *Christ* of Saint John of the *Cross* by *Salvador Dalí*

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” Salvador Dali

This sentiment, attributed to Salvador Dali, extends beyond individuals with artistic talents; it applies to all of us. We all possess our own imperfections and are broken in some way or the other.

What would your life look like if you allow yourself to take some risks and be okay with imperfections?

Who knows? You might just be, like all true artists, become wellsprings of inspiration for others.

Take Time for Self Reflection

Take time for introspection. The art and practice of self reflection is about carving time for yourself. That’s a sacred act and gift you give yourself. Explore your thoughts, feelings, and inner desires. Journaling, meditation, or simply quiet contemplation can provide valuable insights.

Identify Core Values

Reflect on your core values and what truly matters to you. Let them guide your decisions and actions as you navigate through challenges.

For life coaching services, please connect with me on Linkedin by clicking here.

Cultivate Resilience

Recognize that setbacks are a part of life. Cultivate resilience and view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Inspiration according to Salvador Dali

“A true artist is not who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” Salvador Dali

Famous Salvador Dali painting, “Persistence of Memory” (1931)

“Persistence of Memory” is one famous painting by Salvador Dali that has fascinated me ever since I was a child. There is something about the image of melted clocks that fired up my young imagination then and still does now.

Perhaps that is how we need to look at our moments of feeling lost – let our imagination fly when we are feeling lost, confused, or stuck. Be ready to discover new possibilities along a road as tough as that.

Find me on LinkedIn if you’d like to have a life coaching conversation.

June 29, 2023June 30, 2023

This is it! ~ AO

This is it ~ AO

More than a decade ago, I had the opportunity to fulfill a family dream of mine.

I had achieved my dream of creating a quiet and peaceful home in a small university town in the US. However, having grown up in a city myself, I also wanted to give my boys the experience of city living.

As life would have it, we found ourselves living in the middle of downtown Shanghai, in her bustling financial district of Lujiazui for 2 years.

At that time, as part of my email signoff, I had these three simple words:

“This is it! ~AO”

In the midst of overwhelm and overload, I needed to something to anchor me.

What I really needed was to stay in the moment, to seize what was right in front of me.

What I landed on were these three simple words: This is it!

Value the person right in front of me. See some kind of possibility in an impossible situation.

When was the last time you felt truly heard ?

When was the last time someone asked you questions to help you live well and deep?

You could be successful in your professional endeavors or embarking on new chapters, goals, and dreams, but it is still crucial to pause and reflect on things that matter to you.

What if right now is all you are going to get? How are you going to seize this moment?

Your story matters, and through its telling, you can uncover many beautiful aspects of your life that are gems you may not even be aware are worth sharing.

Every moment, every experience, carries its own weight and significance.

“This is it!” ~ AO

The exercise of sharing and reflecting on your life story offers a chance to honor and appreciate the intricate tapestry that has woven together the fabric of your being.

I’ve been writing and re-writing my life story over the past few years. Raising my children, re-entering the workforce, building a creative business–these are my latest chapters.

As you embark on this journey, you may find it challenging. It requires courage, introspection, and a willingness to confront both the triumphs and the trials that have shaped you.

Are you ready for a life coaching conversation?

Life is a tapestry woven with experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

If you desire new insights and support along the way, I invite you to reach out to me on LinkedIn. You can also reach out to me by sending a message to simpledailyjoy@gmail.com. Please use “Life Coaching Conversation” as the subject title. We can schedule a conversation through Calendly to explore further.

May your story inspire and empower others on their path to authenticity.

Love,

Angela

May 19, 2023May 19, 2023

Life is for Living

Here’s the thing. Life is simply too short and precious to squander it.

I just spent the last two weeks in a complete discombobulation.

Jet lag, new experiences and fresh insights can have that kind of effect on you.

What is it that they say? A mind once stretched cannot return to its original shape?

Yes – my spirit, mind and heart have been stretched once again.

Rather than despair and wishing for the former state, I am endeavoring to move on.

Create new chapters, communities and possibilities.

Go deeper. Yes.

Go further. Yes (again).

Join me in soaking up this truth once more – life is for living.

What’s a good way to start?

Let these quotes from American poet, Mary Oliver (1935-2019) guide you.

Frangipani. Photo credit: Angela Oltmanns

April 12, 2023May 9, 2023

Truth teller – Say Yours with Grace

“When a woman tells the truth, she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” Adrienne Rich

A quote on truth telling by Adrienne Rich.

We are always presented with two choices when we share our truths.

One way shames others and pulls them down. The other connects people in a
deep and profound way.

The latter way is truly balm to the soul.

So, what kind of a truth teller are you?

I hope you seek to elevate all hearts, minds and souls to their noblest state.

Even with that intention, sometimes it comes out a totally different way.

There are some truths that are difficult, challenging and even painful to share. We usually either avoid sharing them altogether or they are spewed out in the unkindest fashion.

So what do we do with these truths? How can we deliver them as gems for both ourselves and others?

Speak Your Truths Graciously

Examine and re-examine your intent and attitude (mindset).

Here’s a tip that may help. Ask yourself: is what I am sharing an invitation to heal or to tear?

It’s so tempting—and very common—to think we’re out to heal.

If you wish to lead or leave something good behind, it is essential to deliver your truths not only with a good intent, but with care as when applying very strong medicine.

It takes practice, but share your truths powerfully in stories with both lightness and grace.

Remember this:

Truth is beauty.

If there is no beauty in your truth, it's better to not say it no matter how important you think it is.

Choose silence.

Take up the pen. Pour out your mental and emotional noise on paper privately.

Declutter your own thinking first.

Need a notebook. Check out our sponsor: www.simpledailyjoystore.com

Let the world hear your truths in a beautiful way.

There’s no need to censor your voice. Don’t abandon your truth either.

You are a gracious truth-teller.

Let the world hear your truths.

For coaching on how to share your Linkedin content or tell your stories beautifully, connect with me on Linkedin.

March 14, 2023March 31, 2023

Write Your Life Story – Let’s Go!

Write Your Life Story

How do you feel about writing your life story?

Your answer actually reveals a lot about how you relate with yourself.

Unless there’s a narcissistic bone in us (and we all have a bit of that), most of us are really uncomfortable and lazy in taking on the task of writing our life stories.

We much prefer the accolades of others to give us a window into who we think we are or believe in the deceptions of our mind chatter – which is, our lives don’t really matter.

We tend to leave the exercise of telling our own story to the end of our lives or when we happen to be in the limelight. Many of us don’t think we have time for such an exercise. We are fairly content and satisfied if there’s enough money in the bank and have health to enjoy what we love.

Until a tragedy hits, one’s health suffers, a job loss is experienced or we find ourselves up against the wall no matter how much we try.

So, you’re quite right if you think writing your life story is not an easy exercise. But you are richer for it if you try.

Miracle of Life

It’s not easy to live a beautiful life. The great artist knows that. A self aware person knows that. Even many tweens and teenagers know that.

Self-introspection is essential for forgiveness, surrendering and compassion to happen. How does that come about?

Only when we take time to look within. Now, that’s hard work if you do it alone.

Being part of a coaching group or working with a life coach is a more fun way to grow the artistry of your life.

In today’s culture, and even in earlier times, we are fascinated with and interested in other people – particularly people with many accomplishments, extraordinary talent and remarkable skills.

Have you ever wondered why? People tell interesting stories about them – whether inspiring, sensational or sordid. We love to know about the ins and outs, the rise and fall of them. We think we know these movie stars, CEOs, celebrities, famous singers, sports stars by the stories told about them.

Even though these stories are entertaining, they don’t nourish or satisfy us. Just like consuming highly processed food of low nutritional value, we enjoy it in the moment but we ruin our health over the long term.

Instead of consuming, judging or envying their stories, why not take the time to write yours?

What’s your story?

Write Your Own Story

Get clear on your own life story. Try telling it somewhere to someone–even if it’s in a journal to yourself! That clarity provides you a powerful freedom. It gives you the ability to choose a narrative that supports you. In other words, it’s your best defense to live a deep and meaningful life.

You write your life story because you want to become intimately acquainted with yourself. You write your life story because you value truth and self honesty. You write your life story because decluttering all the emotional and mental noise within does wonders for your personal soul and health.

History might record some kind of imprint of you, but what’s more meaningful is to live your life well today.

Your Life as a Story

To move confidently forward, it’s essential to go over one’s past and read the story you tell yourself.

Do you like it? Or are there areas that make you wince?

Write your stories. Get clear about what happened. See where you have recurring loops or patterns. Notice what you treasure. Take note of what is amiss. Reflect, make course corrections, continue doing things you like or write new chapters.

You are the author, and you can edit your own story. Welcome the challenge and write your next chapter.

You don’t have to do this alone. It’s okay to get help reflecting deeper on your life story. To get coaching on writing your story, please find me on Linkedin.

February 7, 2023February 7, 2023

Write a Good Story

What Makes a Good Story?

” Once upon a time…”

Many stories start that way, but does that make it a good story?

How do you write a good story in the first place?

In fact, why bother?

The last question is a good one to wrestle with!

We live and die by the stories we tell ourselves and others. Do you believe you have a good story to tell?

A great number of people today create, curate and craft the storyline of their lives whether it is intentional or not.

The next time you listen or watch something about a celebrity, a CEO, a faith believer, a grandmother, an uncle or a young person – notice what they are saying to the world about themselves.

We are all telling a story about our own life each day, but we are usually barely conscious of it.

Human beings seem to have a drive to explain themselves, a desire to share something about the life they have experienced.

No matter how much or little they say, whether they enjoy the limelight or prefer privacy, there appears an innate drive to let others know that: Hey, we came this way.

For those who wish to lead and make a difference in this world, it is crucial you learn to write and tell stories well.

If you wish to write your story, write it in a way that leads others to a better, broader, deeper and higher place.

Don’t just write a good story about yourself alone. Write it in a way that contributes well to others.

More and more people these days are finding joy and satisfaction in writing their life stories. Formerly known as autobiographies, today we call them memoirs. Not only is it a great way to share your life with others in your own words, it helps you see what matters to you.

Some of us might wish to go further. We desire to write and share stories from our lives that could become a useful social legacy for others.

Unless we plan to die with our stories within us, most likely we will share our stories within a private network of family and friends. A few may let it become known in a public way. Either way, we all want to tell our stories eventually.

How do you begin your story writing journey? Why not ask yourself, “Which one am I inclined to write about right now?”

Who Your Story is For

Everyone should take time not just to tell their stories but also to write them down.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the only reader of your story. In fact that’s a VERY GOOD reason to write your life story. When you take time to reflect upon your life and write it down, you open up the opportunity to explore the parts of you that you haven’t taken the time or have had no desire to examine.

This probably is a reward you didn’t expect: the joy of knowing yourself in a new and different way.

To look at one’s life, and to honestly write about it, requires great courage.

Only you can answer how you have lived your life thus far.

A lot gets revealed when you take time to write and share your story. Self awareness increases. The writing process also hands you the beautiful responsibility of how to live well.

Ultimately you don’t write your story for the sake of a final product like a published book. You write in order to get clear and to grow in the process.

A story is likely to endure if it is bigger than your current self. A good story happens when it is more than your personal voice. It is a narrative others around you and after you can relate and aspire to as well.

So is it possible to write a good story? Absolutely!

But you need to weed out the junk first. Before you spot any diamonds in the story of your life, you’ll probably be looking at a lot of unhelpful noise. It comes with the territory of writing.

It is extremely helpful and essential to be clear about your writing goals and who you are writing for.

Epictetus to the Rescue

“
Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes. Therefore,
give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths. Remain steadfast … and one day you will build something that endures: something worthy of your potential.” Epictetus

Learn to push through your own resistance at examining your life through writing.

Rise above those murky waters (inherited or self-inflicted) and birth your story beautifully.

My favorite work is helping others write stories that contribute in a positive and uplifting way toward others.

Does everyone have a good story like that?

My simple answer is yes.

For inquiries and services, connect with me on Linkedin.

February 1, 2023February 1, 2023

Life Coaching 101

Life Coaching 101 : Cultivate Wonder

What do you think is crucial in creating a life you enjoy and love?

“It was through the feeling of wonder that people first began to question.”

Aristotle

I believe it is first crucial to cultivate a sense of wonder in your life.

Wonder offers up clues and direction to help us seek and become aware of the things that matter to us.

The feeling of wonder, however, can go missing and become buried by the cares and challenges of life and living.

Therefore, it is extremely important to cultivate simple daily joys so that the feeling of wonder is at hand.

Here’s my recent few examples of experiencing wonder:

The whispers of a gentle breeze swaying tree leaves of gamboge (vivid yellow), scarlet and auburn colors on a beautiful fall day.

The silent but alert smile of a young baby infant, gazing at my face with such full curiosity that for a brief moment, I realize this might be just how the Creator sees me – complete delight and fascination.

The melody, lyrics and expression of a moving song – sung and delivered to me in the most apropos, unexpected moment.

Have you felt any wonder lately? I hope you have.  

Wonder is necessary for vital and wholesome living.

Wonder is that first feeling of sheer joy, delight, happiness and even jubilee at something we just saw, heard and experienced that delights us immensely, that our souls cannot agree with more when we first encounter it.

Each time we respond with an emoji like (party popper emoji), (carp streamers emoji), (confetti ball emoji), (piñata emoji), (partying face emoji), we are saying to the sender: I see and feel the same (lovely/wonderful) thing too!

In other words, wonder is a great friend to have around.

Especially when life is bland, pointless or hard.

~ Angela Oltmanns

Feelings of awe and wonder arise when we are drawn to and witness something out of the ordinary. It can be something simple or very complex. The end result is the same. It tugs our hearts, minds and souls in a most inexplicable and profound way.

1) Start to cultivate wonder in your everyday life.

2) Take note of things that bring you wonder and awe.

3) Notice the stuff that arises – the feelings, the thoughts, the questions.

4) Question everything.

Questioning is a good place to be. Journal or use a coach to help you.

Emojis can quickly and efficiently help us respond to others about how we feel.

It is wiser though to explore deeper the stuff beneath that quick response, the things that cause us to wonder.

This is especially helpful if you are committed to finding out what makes you happy. This is part of everyone’s self awareness journey.

For inquiries and services, please follow/connect with me on *Linkedin*.

January 4, 2023January 4, 2023

Life Purpose

Subscribe to my Linkedin newsletter, *“Focus on What Matters”*

Who am I?

What am I about?

Where am I going next?

What does this planet really need me for?

“If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for to the creator there is no poverty and no poor indifferent place.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet