jeni starfish

Are you ready?

There's a big change coming. Better get ready.

As predictions go, I'm not sure how helpful that is. It is certainly not very specific. And even as I write this posting I'm not sure precisely what it is I want to articulate. I'm trusting that will come to me by the time I've finished writing. But change is on its way, that's for sure and over the last couple of days that feeling has been reinforced by hearing the messages of two very different individuals. First, there was Michael Gerber, author The E-Myth, with its pragmatic, process driven philosophy for entrepreneurial success. And then there was Richard Wilkins, the Minister for Inspiration...

Trust in me

I've been thinking quite a bit about risk taking. With life, in business, with people, and in love. I don't subscribe to the view that you are either a risk taker or not - as with most of the polarities we are generally a complex mixture of extremes. Sometimes introvert, otherwise extrovert. Occasionally yin, alternatively yang. So it is with risk. But I guess I am coming round to the idea that the happy and successful life is lived a little more on the risky edge. Let me explain. 

The story behind starfish

People have always asked me about the starfish connection and so I tell them the story. They smile and nod, in much the way I did when I came across the familiar little tale again as I was beginning to commit to coaching as my career. I knew in that instant that it encapsulated my core beliefs about my work and the changes we make for ourselves through coaching. And so it became my personal brand. 

I don't know why I've never thought to put the story on my blog. I have now, and am delighted to share it with you, no matter how many times you have heard it or read it before. It's a real pleasure for me to give it central stage in this space for so many reasons, not least that this version is my very own, which was immeasurably improved and enhanced by the other writer in the family, Ali. So we both made a difference.

Tell me what it means for you...

A very good day for starfish

An rather unusual post this one. I'm very happy to say that many days are good for starfish. Yet somehow today has been particularly splendid. Here are some reasons why...

• I edited two chapters of my latest book, and was on fire with creativity.
• I found a painter man who will strip and paint in buttermilk cream my old pine dresser.
• I had first unveiling of the wonderful design for my oh so very exciting new website. It was like love at first sight.
• I finished reading part one of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 graphic novel. Very cool...
• I set up a Monday morning breakfast meeting with a favourite client in a smart and quirky location where we will begin a new working week with panache and possibilities.
• I ate fresh raspberries crowded into a pot of Muller Lite rice pudding. Straight from the pot, with a tiny spoon, just for fun.
• I had a lovely, laughing conversation with the delightful Marie Taylor, fellow coach, business partner, soul mate friend and all round fabulous female.
• I gazed for quite a good long time at the beauty of some mottled orange roses that are technically ready for throwing and yet still take my breath away.
• I walked in the not-quite-rain pondering the magic of a not-quite-ordinary-day that offered so much abundance. Including a shiny penny for me to pick up off the pavement. Since I resolved to attract wealth of all kinds into my life I keep finding these pennies. They are symbolic, even if they will not buy me very much. 

There has been much more - these are just the highlights. I can't honestly say which of them has meant the most to me. Perhaps it's the whole, the connectedness, the flow of it all.

I rather think it is.

So whoever ordered up this day for me - I thank you very much. It has been a very good one indeed.

And I wish all my readers an equally magical day of your own in your very near now.