Thursday, December 27, 2012

Holiday Blues?



The best way I know to blast out the blues which I have had is to:
Give thanks for everything I do have. I actually write all the good in my life including those blessings I at times take for granted such as my breath, shelter and food.

Do something nice for someone else. Reach out. Be of service.

Expand my heart with love to blast through the fears and gloominess.

If you or anyone you know needs a Blast of Love, go to
www.ellencastro.com/blast.htm. 

You are loved! I appreciate you!

©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas, Merry Everything!



To guarantee more merriment today and every day:
Smile more!

Be kind.

Make priceless connections of the heart. Give the gift of your full presence and attention.

Be thankful for all you do have.

Remember, life situations are temporary. God’s love is forever.

Best wishes and a big huge hug!

 
©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

EVERY



Thought has power. Choose your thoughts wisely!


©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tip Toeing



“Tip Toeing through the Tulips” might have been a big hit for Tiny Tim in the 70’s, but tip toeing is not for a leader. It is better to speak your truth.

I notice that when I or the leaders I coach tip toe around issues, it rarely solves anything. Expectations get lost, the real issue is not addressed nor the feelings resolved.

However, it is important to speak your truth in a way it gets heard.
Think back to a time you were able to hear the truth, how was the message spoken or written? What was the tonality? Body language if face-to-face? What did you feel was the intent of the communication?

These are all key questions to ask yourself when delivering the truth as you know it.

Please remember, truth is in the eye of the beholder. The same incident can be viewed by 2 individuals very differently.

 
©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Stay Conscious



During the wrap-up of an intense intervention and workshop, a brave participant asked, “How do we keep from going back to our old behaviors?”

I said, “Good question,” as I scanned my brain for a profound and brilliant answer. Then I laughed to myself and said, “Keep it simple, Ellen.”

“Stay conscious” was my reply. It is by staying conscious and responding - not reacting – that we create new behaviors and new exciting realities.

How conscious are you? What reality are you creating? Exciting, energizing and awesome or depressing, depleting and exhausting?

It always begins with you!

 
©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Ratted Out



Don’t you hate being ratted out? Especially when you are at fault?
I am laughing now instead of crying. I am always telling the people I get to coach:

Never put in writing what you don’t want shared.

Never assume something will stay confidential.

Unfortunately I did both. I was made aware of my momentary lapse of judgment by an email that was forwarded. I was about to begin defending myself that it was written in confidence blah, blah, blah when I realized I was the one in error. Sure, she should not have forwarded the email. I should not have written those four words. 

I immediately and profusely apologized for my lack of judgment. I believe they were in disbelief with my quick and authentic apology. Case closed. I hope I’ve learned the lessons once and for all.

 
©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Sharing an Epiphany



I am energized and excited that for the third year, my quote has been selected from over 5,000 submissions to appear in the 2013 Women’s Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar.
The epiphany and quote to be featured:
There are no brownie points for suffering.

 
                          ©2012. All rights reserved worldwide. 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

A WOW that I Heard



I had the privilege of attending an inspiring event in San Jose. My client was being honored by Silicon Valley’s Watermark Association as being a “woman who makes a difference.” Her protégé, Fernanda, gave a story as to how Maya, Global Executive VP, had made a difference in her development.
Fernanda tells the story that she had not applied for her manager’s job when he left the company.  When Maya asked Fernanda, “Why are you not applying for the position?” Fernanda’s reply was that she did not believe she was qualified for the role.
Maya’s next question – are you ready, this is profound – “How do you know if you never had the job?” Maya’s next statement was priceless, but you’ll have to email me at ellen@ellencastro.com to get it.

The message, STOP limiting yourself! Go for it!  

 
©2012. All rights reserved worldwide.