Gifts If We Notice

Many years ago, an American author wrote the following book.

The sea is a big place.

The shores that the ocean water rolls in and recedes teems with life and life insights.

What would you notice if you encounter her?

Here are a few gems she recently gave me when I spent some time with her on the Oregon coast.

I realize not many have access to the beautiful sea.

And therefore the reason for this entry.

It’s a long trek to go from where I am to these places. (And I mean every aspect of it.)

It’s no fun to just enjoy them myself.

I hope these gifts from the sea bring you much joy and delight as they did for me as you scroll this entry.

When Awe and Beauty is Really All Around Us

I’ll admit -when I returned to the city, I thought there goes the magical feeling of what I encountered by the Oregon coast.

But then one evening at a free museum night here, something magical happened again for me.

Without any expectation or prior knowledge, I stumbled upon this gallery of malacology (the branch of zoology that deals with mollusks).

The chance encounter of seeing these seashells taught me something powerful that night.

Magical wonder is available to us all no matter where we are.

November 22, 2024November 23, 2024

Wanderings

When we are deeply hurt, the first instinct might be to fix what’s broken—ourselves, the situation, the relationship.

But what if healing doesn’t begin with fixing?

What if it begins with letting your spirit wander?

Wandering invites us to pause.

It gently suggests that instead of trying to make sense of the pain or force a resolution, we step away from the urge to “do” and simply “be.”

In those moments of stillness, the soul finds its own way to breathe again.

The Art of Wandering

Wandering is not aimless; it is attentive.

It is stepping out of the rigidity of problem-solving and stepping into life as it unfolds.

When you wander—whether through a quiet forest, a bustling street, or even your own thoughts—you allow space for emotions to surface without judgment.

You stop steering and start noticing.

The way a brook hums over stones.
The crisp rustle of autumn leaves beneath your feet.
The V-formation of migratory birds overhead, carrying the wisdom of seasons within their wings.

You really don’t have to go very far.

A trip to a familiar place like your local grocery store will do.

The key is to have wonder in your wanderings.

Look at what’s familiar through new eyes.

Sloww down. Don’t be in such a hurry.
Intentionally find beauty in the ordinary.

Journaling Prompts for the Wandering Soul

As you explore the practice of wandering, consider pausing to reflect with these journaling prompts:

What emotions surface when I give myself permission to wander without a goal?
Where in my life do I feel the greatest urgency, and how might wandering ease that pressure?
Recall a time when you felt unexpectedly comforted by something small—a sound, a sight, or a moment of stillness. What did that experience teach you?
If I let go of the need to solve or fix, what might I discover instead?
How does nature’s rhythm—its cycles of growth, stillness, and movement—mirror or not mirror the way I live my life?

Permission to Do Nothing

To those who are hurting: you are allowed to do nothing for a while.

Let go of the need to fix everything.

Take a walk without a destination. Look out a window and watch the world go by. Visit a public park and sit there for a while.

Let wandering be your guide.

Wander to find your way home.

To the place where your soul is at rest, the place where St John of the Cross (1541-1591) calls “my house”.

Wandering is not aimless; it’s about becoming attuned. It asks us to soften our gaze, notice the small details and listen deeply.

What would you notice about yourself and your life when you do that?

Join Me for a Focused Conversation?

Shifts happen when you do that. The world may care about it or may not.

A deeper life coaching conversation can help unravel more self-insights and provide you with greater clarity and relief from the musings of your head.

Contact me here for a 3 month life coaching package.

I look forward to working with you and creating a space for clarity, healing and meaningful action.

October 15, 2024October 17, 2024

Make Space for Self Coaching and Self Reflection Time

I love this time of year.

We are welcoming new possibilities and fresh goals as we enter our last quarter for the year.

Where I live, the cooler temperature is inviting me to invest in greater intentionality in what I do and how I live.

Have you taken time to create space for yourself to do some self reflection and self coaching lately?

Whether the leaves fall or stay green where you live, October offers a perfect opportunity for the delicious practice of self reflection and self coaching.

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

L. M. Montgomery

Self coaching has been on my mind lately.

When my husband first mentioned this concept and practice, I thought it might put coaches out of business.

On the contrary.

The more I explore this path, the more I see how it complements and enriches the already quality conversations with a coach.

No amount of AI or internal self reflection can replace the nuances that a skilled coach can pick up: what they observe, hear, feel, and sense.

Moreover, a coach’s thought-provoking questions, different perspectives, and new insights are worth their weight in gold for one’s personal growth and development.

Here’s my own coaching on this in a previous entry if you’d like to go further.

Take time for meaningful discussions, self reflection and great coaching conversations!

A great coach challenges you and stretches your thinking.

An excellent coach holds you accountable in ways you may resist on your own.

A masterful coach goes deeper — they help you look inward and help you get clearer about who you are – your brilliance and your true purpose of living.

How Self Reflective Are You?

Taking time for self awareness is essential.

It’s important to intentionally pause, even if just for a brief moment, to focus on self awareness.

What exactly is self awareness?

Here’s a definition from Ron (my husband) on it.

“Self awareness is being aware of what is going on inside of you, what you’re thinking, feeling and experiencing.”

Ron Oltmanns (leadskill.com)

Here are a few self coaching questions to consider:

Rate Your Self Awareness:

How self aware are you of what you feel, think and experience each moment?

Ask the same question stretched over a day or even a week.

Increase Your Self Knowledge:

We become aware of sensations and things that we were not conscious of.

We are starting to know ourselves.

What are you conscious of? This can include feelings and emotions.

How much do you judge what you know of yourself?

Be Objective with Your Self Evaluation:

Which one do you do more – tell yourself more positive or negative things about yourself?

And before you quip with a fast answer, I invite you to engage in a 10 minute breathwork exercise.

Observe your thoughts and answers to that question. Observe what comes up without judgment.

You’ll be surprised by what you notice.

Try recording what you notice in a journal.

Enjoy going deeper visually?

Check out my video clip of quotes and notebook designs from my Camino de Santiago notebook collection below.

This October, give yourself a warm hug. Get curious with yourself again.

Until the next time,

Angela

PS. Shop lovingly crafted Camino de Santiago notebooks by clicking the link here.

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024

Find and Offer Your Positive Contributions

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

John Bunyan (1628-1688)

10 Simple but Deeply Nourishing Things You Can Offer Others

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the small gestures that can have a profound impact on others.

As a deeper life coach, I’ve seen firsthand how simple, intentional actions can foster deep connections and enrich the lives of those around us. Your positive contributions matter.

Here are ten deeply nourishing things you can offer others to enhance their lives and your own.

1. Active Listening
In a world where distractions abound, giving someone your full attention is a rare and precious gift. Active listening involves truly hearing and understanding what the other person is saying, without interrupting or thinking about your response. This simple act can make others feel valued and understood.

Do you listen well?

2. Genuine Compliments
A sincere compliment can brighten someone’s day and boost their confidence. It’s important to be specific and authentic. Instead of a generic “You’re great,” try “I really admire how you handled that situation with grace and patience.”

Who will be the recipient of your sincere and honest words today?

3. A Warm Smile
Never underestimate the power of a smile. It’s a universal sign of friendliness and can instantly make someone feel more comfortable and welcomed. A warm smile can open doors to deeper connections and foster a sense of belonging.

Do you offer yourself a warm smile?

4. Quality Time
In our fast-paced lives, spending quality time with someone can be incredibly nourishing. Whether it’s a long conversation over a cup of hot tea, a cold beverage or a walk in the park, being present and engaged can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. If time is short, send a genuine text!

Can you give someone an undivided time of ten minutes today?

5. A Helping Hand
Offering help, even in small ways, shows that you care. Whether it’s sharing a hot dish with a neighbor, offering to babysit, or taking time to listen to stories of the homeless at a shelter, these acts of kindness can significantly ease someone’s burden and build a sense of community.

How can you contribute positively to your community today?

6. Words of Encouragement
Encouragement can be a powerful motivator. A few uplifting words can inspire someone to keep going, even when they’re feeling discouraged. Simple phrases like “You’ve got this”, “I believe in you” or a couple of emojis can make a big difference!

Is there someone a word of encouragement today?

Maya Angelou quote — Maya Angelou (1928-2014) quote

7. Personalized Gifts
A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s the thought and effort behind it that counts. A handwritten note, a book you think they’ll love, or a homemade treat can show someone that you’re thinking of them and appreciate them.

What simple thing can you make and offer today?

8. Respect and Understanding
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and understanding, regardless of their background or beliefs. By showing empathy and being non-judgmental, you create a safe space where others feel valued and accepted for who they are.

Can you give someone space for grace today?

9. Sharing Knowledge
Sharing your knowledge and skills can empower others and help them grow. Whether it’s teaching a friend how to cook a new recipe, mentoring a young person, or sharing a good book, you’re contributing to their personal and professional development.

What will you share and to whom will you receive your knowledge today?

10. Patience and Tolerance
Patience and tolerance are essential in any relationship. By being patient, you give others the time and space they need to express themselves and grow. Tolerance fosters understanding and harmony, even in the face of differences.

Is there someone in your life who could benefit from your extra patience and tolerance today?

We all know this well – it’s often the simple, heartfelt actions that often have the most significant impact.

These ten gestures, while simple, can deeply nourish the lives of those around you, creating a ripple effect of positivity and connection.

The world is messy. Life is hard. People can be unforgiving. But we all have within us the ability and capacity to make positive contributions.

The essence of these actions lies in their sincerity and the genuine intention to uplift and support others.

Start incorporating these small yet powerful acts into your daily life, and watch as they transform your relationships and enrich your own life in the process.

Live a deeper and richer life,

With much love and afftection,

Angela

June 7, 2024June 7, 2024

Focus On the Big Picture

It’s easy to lose our focus on what truly matters these days.

It doesn’t matter if you are nameless on the internet, have a small digital footprint or a large following.

If we are halfway productive, we are good to cheer ourselves on for our day’s work.

For many of us, it’s hard to see beyond each day, let alone beyond ourselves.

Are you seeing your life and world clearly lately?

Have a conversation with a skilled life coach if you aren’t.

Don’t Just Scream – Get Help

It’s worth your time to examine and reflect on “The Scream” by Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch (1864-1944).

In his wordless way, Munch reminds me of the timeless human angst that exists in all of us.

The Scream (1895) by Edvard Munch. Original from The Art Institute of Chicago

We can all agree that the plethora of media outlets and 24/7 communication only makes things worse today.

We are allowing more micro-stresses and anxiety into our lives more than we realize.

Both professionally and personally.

You can focus on the big picture

We don’t need more answers from others.

Dig more within yourself first.

Find out who and what you truly are about and enjoy fulfilling them

… while you still have breath to do so.

Our world and life is calling

One way to gain perspective and get the big picture on things is to study pictures of earth from space.

When I view them (see below for examples), I’m reminded once more how insignificant my life is.

Yet each day, we are given a chance to renew. To continue or start whatever we feel we’re called forth for.

Whether it is rest to take care of your tired body or take new risks for new projects,

I wish you much focus and a beautiful life,

Angela

Find me on Linkedin or leave me a message here.

PS. Enjoy these pictures of earth I found on the internet. Realize how small we all are. Yet we are the only species willing to try new things bravely – at least once in our life.

The sun’s first rays begin illuminating Earth’s atmosphere in this photograph from the International Space Station as it orbited 260 miles above the central United States. At far left, the city lights of Chicago, Illinois, are outlined by Lake Michigan. At far right, the city lights of the Dallas/Forth Worth metropolitan area shine through the clouds, November 10 2023. (Photo courtesy NASA via SWNS). Click link *here* for source.

This image taken from the International Space Station shows artificial lights from Spain and Portugal. (Image credit: NASA). Enjoy full article *here*.

Photo of Saturn’s rings – captured from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft (July 19, 2013). Earth (see arrow) is 898 million miles (1.44 billion kilometers) away. Explore full article *here*.

April 15, 2024April 15, 2024

Deep Calls to Deep

What’s the surest way to become lost in your own life?

I find this self-reflective insight by renowned theologian and writer, St Augustine (354-430) to be quite useful.

Quite simply, when we lose our connection with what’s eternal, there is no deep rest and peace.

In life and at work, we all bear cracks in our heart — fractures caused by loss, betrayal, or disappointment.

Whether you are very famous or just slightly well known in a circle, be UNAFRAID in EXPLORING what’s DEEPLY inside in intimate conversations.

I’m not a therapist but I listen deeply. I ask questions to help you look at things differently and focus on what matters to you.

Here’s one tip for you to practice right away.

What’s something kind you can say to yourself this moment?

Take a minute and do just that.

Here’s another and I hope you remind yourself this often.

Big hug from me to you,

Angela

January 17, 2024January 17, 2024

Share Your Stories

“We have to trust that our stories deserve to be told. We may discover that the better we tell our stories the better we will want to live them.”

— Henri J.M. Nouwen

It’s hard to believe it but it’s true.

We are all tiny specks on this tiny planet in this wide expansive universe.

Yet somehow in the brevity of life, our lives and stories matter.

Instead of taking the time to look inward to celebrate ourselves and our unique journeys, our attention is often turned outward.

To be happier, I suggest that we look inside this infinite richness within us.

Which holds so much wisdom and understanding.

I reckon if we take time to meet ourselves kindly, we’d be surprised at how magnificent we truly are.

If you wish to live an intentional, happy, and meaningful life, I invite you to take time to celebrate your path.

How are you processing these important and worthy things?

Do you have someone who hears you better than you can hear yourself?

Someone aside from family or close friends who can hold space for such sacred and useful conversations?

“A story must be told or there’ll be no story,

yet it is the untold stories that are most moving.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

It takes work to know yourself. It takes inner strength.

But you can summon it.

The benefit?

Less castigation. More celebration. Deeper self-awareness. More empathy for yourself as well as for others.

Less inauthenticity. More contentment. Higher aspirations. More joy. In fact, simple daily joy.

This inner life of yours is worthy of examination, reflection and processing.

I’m available for 1-1 Zoom video calls to help you do that. Find me on Linkedin here.

Meet you on the other side of happiness,

Angela

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023

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.