Cambodia snapshots May 2011

 AmazingTemples at Siem Reap, Cambodia

Dom, moto - tuk tuk driver... yes, very interesting,
please can you look at the road when you drive?


innovation, creativity - made his own boat


Gate keeper  - can I show you some valuable property?



Vegetable seller, near Crab Market, in Kep, Cambodia, fishing village hour away from Vietnam border

 ingenuity, balance, perserverance - that's just how it is

 Venerable Enol and me ... help me get him a Mac computer.. and he promises I will be his sister

 fast food, fresh food, ... close to the source
more recognizable than my vegie burger today

touching volunteering moments with one of the truly beautiful girls from the sewing school- Life and Hope Association, Wat Damuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Back from Cambodia

Just back. Suffering from cultural shock after being away a month will post pictures soon

Finding your Limiting Beliefs & Create YOUR BEST YEAR YET!

So what area of your life is not working as well as you would like?




..... Find your limiting beliefs, by following this process.....



If they can have fun & at smile at me.... what's stops us?!


1. Ask yourself in which area of your life are you not getting what you want? (it could be any...career, relationships, home environment, finance, health....) 


2. What story/excuse do you tell yourself to explain the things are the way they are?


3. Look for the belief behind it. Where do you think it comes from? Is it true?  Can you find evidence that it might not be true?


4. What is the payoff (eg. I don’t have to change, risk failing, get to complain (ouch!), get to be right, get to be a good guy/gal... and I am sure you can think of a lot more!)  


5. What is the impact of living like this? What is it the real cost to your :  peace of mind, finances, happiness, health, career, relationship, financial situation??


6. What belief would serve you better? ___________________ What would that make available to you? ......... How would your life look then? ..... What would you be doing differently?


Now, what is stopping you? One Life. That's all we get. What will you do with it?


(This is a great exercise to come back and for different areas of your life)

  • Register your interest today.... for my annual Best Year Yet workshop and Vision Boarding --  my guarantee: you will be amazed at all that happened, you learned and did the past year- and! you will walk away with a completely new awareness of what really matters to you, what is still unlearned yet. and discover your own personal method to motivate yourself - based on what worked & didn't work this year for you!   email me:  wendylotosky@yahoo.com     Subject: I want a Best Year & Vision Board..  And let this be your best New Years Party yet!

Welcome to Gremlin Drawing ... sign up now!

Is there something you want (or maybe don't want ) to be, do, or have in your life but it just isn't happening? 

Hmmm.  I sense a gremlin out there. Hear him? or maybe her? ..'Who do you think you are? ..  what makes what you think anyone cares about what you have to say...you aren't ready.... you can't do that..." and so on.

Don't worry you aren't alone. These guys show up ever time you step out on the limb, decide to try something different or new ... or challenge the status quo in any way.

But, in this workshop, not only is it possible to shut these guys up,  laugh at them, or send them for a beer while you do what you need to do....it is also empowering ---past participants even told me it was fun!

If you have had enough; want to discover your Gremlins dastardly tactics; and are ready to challenge some of your beliefs ... email me, wendylotosky@yahoo.com,  with the subject line: I AM READY TO GAG MY GREMLINS!

"Welcome to Gremlin Drawing"

SAVE YOUR SPOT! Email to register: wendylotosky@yahoo.com   Subject: I want to Gag my Gremlins!


Come engage in some 'serious play' - befriending your gremlins - those voices that enter every time we take on anything with an element of risk or change. They say things like: That's impossible. You can't do that! You are too old. You can't afford it. What a dumb idea. No one ever changes. What were you thinking ....? You are going to look like an idiot. You won't get it. Why do you even bother? It's not the right time. When are you going to learn? Have some more chocolate.

Everyone has a Gremlin. Call it your 'it', inner critic, ego, whatever - and its a developmental necessity. And, if you don't have one....you might want to get curious.. " Hmm... has my life and my game become small, safe, beige... more of the same? "

Beachbum Boris is mine. He saunders around in his shorts, with his sandy feet on the grey hassock, laughing too loudly on his cell phone, inquiring if I have seen his straw hat - saying things like... "Why don't you get one of those office jobs? You know with regular hours and a good medical plan so you can go to the beach and get paid for going on holidays? All your friends are out playing and here you are. Sure it's a great idea, but its going to cost you a lot of time and money and then what? Go get me some chocolate....."

Your Gremlin does have a purpose. And it is to keep you from being eaten! But he goes overboard. And the thing he abhors? Change! The bad news? He sneaks into your life in chldhood, is there for the journey and - he is not going away. He costs us our health, our sanity, our abundance, our confidence, and keeps us from the relationships, love, joy, career, dreams and life we want.

The good news?! They are big fat liars! And the process is easy and fun. This is not about more rules, deep thinking, analyzing or trying to figure out a gremlin. It's more about accepting, allowing.. and options.

I am going to give you some tricks to make it easy for you to move forward and enjoy your life. And it's not about more rules, or deep learning, analyzing or rationalizing ... so its safe for all you students.

And for a ridiculously silly price of $36. with coffee and treats for your gremlins. Why?! Because I have become a Master at Gremlin Gagging, though always a student, having plenty lately of my own lately, and I want to share some of these amazing techniques with you. See you there!

Call and invite your friends who like to play and come on board!
Finger Gremlins for you for groups of 5 or more!

REGISTER  by sending me an email: wendylotosky@yahoo.com   Subject: I am ready to Gag my Gremlins      ( of course your Gremlin will say.. ' No you aren't.'  Tell him you are going anyway

Bad hair, chewing gum and grumbling encouraged!

Using the last year as a valuable source

I love a New Year!

In part because I gravitate to new experiences, new ideas, new ways of doing things, and learning. I don't have many traditions ( probably because I do like new...) but this is one I started 20 ? years ago and it has taken on a life of it's own.

The last 5 or so years I have added these components to the collecting photos, making an album of the year to include .... reflection, appreciation of wins and challenges, identifying the theme from the past year ... coaching for what we might want in the next year....how to move towards it, obstacles and resistance that will arise.

This year I am adding a letter to future self from wise today self - which I will actually give to a trusted friend to mail at an appropriate time.... looking deeply at beliefs - because as you know, wise readers, before there can be a change in behaviour, there has to be a change in how we think.... and Then it is take off time.... visualizing an outcome, creating a vision board and walking backwards in the steps or how to get there.... then letting go of the outcomes and opening to the universe. It is an amazing, enlightening, empowering process - which I am working on making into a system -- anyone want to help? - so I can it to all of you who are interested.

Your past year is a source of invaluable information. It can tell you more about how you are doing, where you are going, the next step, than any lecture, book or video - even mine ! ha!

Your past year is full of hints ! hints about wins, successess, increasing income, building amazing relationshipss, gaining the recognition you seek, and making the difference in your life and to others

The short of it is -- using calendars and photos to look at your life, determining what rules you were following. Some of the ones I was using in the past that haven't worked are ... avoiding opening the bills or filing at the end of the week. Some that have worked are... starting now, taking that first step, having that difffcult conversation, stepping into the fear realizing action is the only way through.... After reviewing your wins and challenges..... write down your top3 lessons. Then, the fun part. You get to give yourself instructions or advice to follow for the t year. What worked that you want to repeat? What would have worked better? What is the lie, the denial you have been telling yourself... the story you are stuck in and have been convincing yourself and others of - identify the payoffs for yourself and move on!

Take a minute or two... to imagine how different the next year could be if you followed your own lessons. Who would you be? What qualities, skills, resources could you draw on? Any heros or people you can use as models? What difference would this make of getting it, really getting it , throwing in and then acting on your own wisdom and advice - in making your life, your finances, your relationships, your health......your whole total life!!!! a whole new story this year?

Write me a note and tell me if you want to hear more.

Are you ready to say... to discover what makes YOU amazing?

The " Identify your Genius" workshop is coming up soon. Don't miss out. Sign up now for four power packed sessions and discover what makes you amazing.

Only by really knowing yourself - and it will always come back to this! - will you get that wonderful, empowering, peaceful yet energizing feeling -- of knowing and being able to identify your natural genius - why you are here, what you bring to everything you participate in - in life, in relationships, in work...

The real beauty is a different way of seeing yourself in a new way ... and knowing when an opportunity is an opportunity for you!

Register by emailing: wendylotosky@yahoo.com   Subject: " I want to Identify my Genius"  See you there!

What's Next?

For those of you were at the last (or any) workshops) of mine, I welcome your comments, feedback and stories. I want to hear not just about your wins but about where you are stopped.... putting it into words can help you clarify what worked or didn't work.

It may help others, may help you realize how not alone you are, get you feedback from others .. at the very least .. create more awareness about who you are, what motivates you, where you get stuck (interesting, we tend to get stuck in the same place, with the same issue, be in career moves, relationships.... etc. because we are such creatures of habit and in short ... help you dig deeply and discover more about who you really are. And that's really where the breakthroughs come.

So let me know. Write about it.

And check out the West End and Coal Harbour Community Guide for details on the real Identify your Genius work, Gremlin drawing or suggest other fun workshops you would like to participate in.

And remember.... it's when you are venturing into new territory.,.. your resistance.. those gremlins in your head really start acting out ... saying things like ... " whoa, who do you think you are .. " and all that. But if we remember their purpose - they are there to keep us safe so they really don't like change .... you can either send them down the street to get you a latte, suggest they go out for beer or .. maybe just put your arm around them and tell them it will be okay..... and DO IT ANYWAY!

Take the absolute smallest step ... the one you have no resistance to.... you know the one.. its when you say... yeah, I can do that... then send in a comment and tell me about it. Til next time!

Be More You! a free lecture! tonight! Tues August 11th ... and an opportunity to explore 'you' this fall ..

Who are you? What do you say to describe yourself when asked? The question is... How well do you know yourself... I mean REALLY know yourself? Some of us are more aware of who we are than others. Knowing yourself is a life pursuit. It's not possible to know everything about ourselves. But most of us stay so unconscious and unaware that often one day we wake up and realize we are living lives other people have chosen for us. We go through life confused, from job to job, from relationship to relationship not knowing what we really want.

Knowing who you are is key. It gives you the courage to play full out, to live, speak, be authentic and live a life of meaning - recognizing your gifts - living with passion - having a reason to jump out of bed in the morning - even if you are retired, you know you have something to discover or contribute.

"By nature, as humans we are magnificent (Dr. Joe Rubino- Restore your Magnificence). We have the ability to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, honor and live our greatest values, attain happiness, and... contribute our gifts to the world. So what happens? Somewhere along the way through life experiences we start judging ourselves and fall into the trap of thinking that the entire world sees as as being as pathetic as we see ourselves. Suffering is always optional but you have a chance to reclaim responsibility for our life and magnificence, transform your life and restore your magnificence."

Mike Robbins (author, speaker, coach ) tells us...."Too often we know who ' we think we are', 'who we want to be', or 'who we should be'. We define ourselves by our actions, habits and roles which is understandable because we live in a results driven world. But the more we see and understand what is below the surface, (our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, imagination) the more access we have to live free, open and authentic lives of meaning, purpose and passion."

My wish is for you to see your beauty, to love yourself, to love others and to love life. When you don't - you blame; fear failure; and, avoid risk. When you value yourself you can,and want to contribute and love this world we live in. There is something unique about you. Something only you can offer in your own unique way. And someone is waiting for it. Come discover your gift so you can give to others. Come because you are bored. Because you like looking at boats. Come out, try on another view. Get re-enchanted with everyday life. Move through that door and see the amazing possibilities you can create in your life and in your world. REGISTER NOW. F R E E !! By calling....604 718 8222

COAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE
www. westendcc.ca
Be More You
Wendy Lotosky
Tuesday evening, August 11

Check on line, the West End Community Centre Recreation Guide, or call for information

how are you? such simple question. How do you answer?

Well, much as it hard to believe for some of my friends, I am happy almost all the time. Why? Because I feel awe for life, see beauty in the smallest things, and yes, am always encouraging coach clients, friends and myself, to ask ..." where is the gift?" especially when things aren't perfect yet!

Tonight, in the aisles of Safeway, a large grocery store here, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen for a while. He asked how I was. And for a change, my response was different. Because my life is different at this moment. So I replied... " I am in the valley..." and he seemed to light up, relate and knew exactly what I meant. ( He lost his wife just after childbirth 6 years ago).

My husband and I have decided on a trial separation after 20 years. Sure, we have our different views - always had - and it's not that we don't get along. We do. But we both want more than the status quo marriage we have had for at least the last year. His boss said people were never meant to live as long as we do now (with modern medicine) nor are they meant to be married more than 20 years. I can't answer to that but I do see, am meeting and speaking with other couples in 20 year marriages that are, or have separated after the same amount of time.

Back to ' in the valley'. When I said this, my friend, Ray, said people don't talk about this. We wear our masks, maybe because talking about being ' in the valley ' is uncomfortable if you haven't been there and can't understand. And it makes others want to run. Anyways, that's where I am and as Ray, my coach friends and myself believe .... that is where all the growth takes place. So here I am. Ready to sprout.

Spotting Opportunities...How limited is your vision?

I am reading this book - okay those of you who know me - it is one of 10 books I am really reading. At the moment I need to make some very critical decisions in my personal life. This is from Goal Mapping - how to trun your dreams into realities - by Brian Mayne. I chose it because it has some great mind mapping visual examples.

The first step to making a decision or overcoming a challenge - is to raise your awareness, the author says. This means I need to raise my awareness of myself, my current situation, the likely outcomes of my action or inaction. But... this awareness if just my personal viewpoint - a paradigm or belief. If I don't want to come at the future from the past, I need to access my heart, feel what my gut says, and not just go through the logic or intellect as I can tend to do. I am diverting... what I really want to share is some of these quotes he offers, particularily the first...

Every man takes the limits of his vision, for the limits of the world. Arthur Schopenhauer

take this Ultimate Happiness Lesson.....

This is from Robert Holden.. I am reading his very insightful book right now, called, be happy..... here's his exercise...

He asks us to imagine for a moment we come to Earth to learn ONE MAJOR LESSON ABOUT HAPPINESS. He calls this our "ULTIMATE" happiness lesson. And he tells us this lesson is important becuase it underpins the overall purpose of our life. He says...

If you were to learn this lesson REALLY well, it would radically improve your relationships, your work, your health, and everything about your life.


WHAT IS THAT LESSON??

Come to a Free talk and discover how to make your life more enriching


This is so simple. Because my message is ...you don't have to do anything. Okay, well maybe bring your open, curious mind so you can see differently. But that's it! I want you to discover what makes you amazing. Or tell me if you already know it. At this free talk - at Coal Harbour Community Centre - yes, it's on the waterfront - with boats and stuff : ) you can get a feel for a couple of courses I may be offering this fall - one, on Identifying your Natural Genius - the other -an interactive one too, where we create Vision Boards for what you want your life, work, relationships to look like. Here are the details so far. Come find out what this all about, why you need it, and what's in it for you!

BE MORE YOU. Introduction to Identifying your Natural Genius, Vision Board, this fall!
Most people feel they are capable of a life far more enriching than the one they are currently living - and you are! - but often they don’t know how to get it. So we waste the better part of our lives trying to be somebody we were never meant to be. And we miss out - by never seeing our own beauty. I want to invite you to this free lecture because I want you to at least consider that you do - we each do - have a natural and unique genius. Your natural genius is something you do so effortlessly that you probably don’t even think about it. And it directs everything you do or don’t do.

In this free lecture, you will discover why knowing yourself is key. Key to your happiness, key to contentment, key to finding meaningful work. When you give yourself permission to be you, stop ignoring what matters to you, consider what others can count on you for..the benefits are better decisions, more clarity, huge confidence, clearer communication and a great sense of relief, peace and purpose. It’s not too late, no matter what your age.

Facilitator: Wendy Lotosky Free

Choose from one of these two dates/times:

Thursday, July 9 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. presentation, question and answer
Tuesday, August 11 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

Are you ready for your Best Year yet?

Hi. You made it here!

Anyone who knows me knows I like parties, crowds and playing dress up. And questioning the rules. Especially ones that don't make sense. Like trying to write personal cards to 200 close friends at Christmas time. Or starting off the New Years with flat, pricey parties eating and drinking too much, and feeling no different the next day.

If you have made it to the bottom of your glass, and the meaninglessness of New Years, how would you like to try something novel - have fun - and walk into the New Year really looking forward to it - because you see something different, not just frustration.

I am going to assume you said a great big ' Yes!' and are coming to my workshop, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 pm, Saturday, January 3rd, Best Year Yet, at Coal Harbour Community Centre in downtown Vancouver, a block from Stanley Park and right on the water! If you haven't yet registered, call the Coal Harbour Community Centre and sign up! 604-718- 8222 course number 45410.101 or on-line www.westendcc.ca It will be the best value you get for your money this year!

Why? Because not only I am offering you a whole day of empowerment and fun at a ridiculously low price ($59/person $89 /couples) - because I really want to see excitement your face ... when the New Year arrives AND!!.. especially next year,when it ends. Besides, investing in yourself is the best investment you can make in your life. It's something not many people are good at and so they carry on, going to the same job, the same way, each day. But that's not you -right? Right? This workshop puts you back in the driving seat!

Ready for some serious play? I am. Ready for a powerful, and meaningul new way to do New Years?! Then, come out and play at 'Cool' Harbour!