A NOTE FROM CHRISTINA:

Just wanted to take the opportunity to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season ... full of hope, love, good cheer and, if you are so inclined ... creativity, sparkle and lots of juicy markers! Today is our last day before two weeks of well - needed holidays (its been a BUSY year!). But before we go, there is one last ... and very special event to attend ... a GLOBAL WEBINAR with our THEO friends. And you are invited to attend as our special guests!

You are Invited to a Historic Global Webcast with THEO Friday December 21st, 2012 5:30 pm Pacific / 8:30pm Eastern

MORE DETAILS AND COMPLEMENTARY REGISTRATION

I've been collaborating with THEO and Sheila and Marcus Gillette in our co-lead THRIVE program this year and the new Accelerator coming in 2013. Bringing my grounded, visual approach to their big picture, spiritual perspective (a nice marriage of heaven and earth). Join us tonight to hear their take on the 2012 energy shift and how its lining us up for much needed change for 2013 and beyond.

"It is the culmination of the 5th dimensionary energy fully in place about the planet, and all embodied in humankind are affected by this fulfillment of timing, energetic shifts, and there is the alignment for masterhood now."-THEO

To further aid you with your prep for 2013, this issue's article is my annual share of a Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat, with 4 visual maps and instructions on how to conduct a fun personal visioning and planning retreat for yourself over the holidays. Enjoy!

Yours in acceleration,

Christina Merkley,
The SHIFT-IT Coach
and Interactive-Visuals Mentor

IN YOUR WORDS

"NOTHING BEATS THE IN-PERSON MAGIC MARKER MASTERMIND RETREATS" Rosanna von Sacken Consultant, Facilitator, Visual Recorder "I have had the privilege in taking a number of training programs with Christina, who has been a pioneer in moving forward visual recording, visual facilitation and visual coaching as professions in Canada and internationally. I learned a great deal through the Fundamentals of Interactive Visuals, and later through the Magic Marker Mastermind. I grew and honed my visual skills with Christina's support and coaching. I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships developed. Nothing beats the in-person MMM retreat where we shared ideas, drew madly in our graphic jams for difficult concepts, learned from each other and explored emerging tools and techniques. Christina has shared her experiences and know how in the worlds of graphic recording, facilitation and coaching, which supported my vision of growing the visual side of my business that continues to manifest itself. It is an honor to have learned from one of the best. I can't help but smile when I spend hours doing what I love. Thank you, Christina." Rosanna von Sacken Consultant / Facilitator / Visual Recorder Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada www.advancedconsultingfacilitation.com

SHIFT-IT SCHOOL: UPCOMING COURSES

FEATURED ARTICLE:

HOW TO DO VISIONING OVER THE HOLIDAYS

To Listen Or Download Mp3 Version of This Article, Click Here

Whether you've been doing personal visioning and planning work for a while, or are new to it, we can all benefit from doing a Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat every once in a while: checking in on how our life is going and what mid-course corrections we might want to make.

Ideal times to conduct a mini retreat are late December / early January when a brand new year is upon you, when you have some vacation time to step out of your usual existence, or the anniversary date of a particular event or coaching alliance (for example, clients will often do a review session like this on the anniversary date of their initial SHIFT-IT retreat with me to freshen things up).

The Benefits of the Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat:

These quick little retreats help you quickly appreciate what you have accomplished (what you've already manifested and attracted) - as well as identify what's next brewing on your horizon --- and the outer and inner shifts you will need to make to get there. They put your life into perspective. Giving you relief, satisfaction and an organized feeling -knowing you have taken a step to deliberately create what you want (not what you don't want).

How To Do a Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat:
Set aside at least 90 minutes where you can be alone and relaxed. Have paper and pen handy (and print off my Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat Tools ... link below). Relax. Put your feet up. Some good music on. Kick back.

1. Gratefully Acknowledge What You Have Received:
The key to receiving is 'having'. Before you embark on new visioning work, think back on what you have already received. Look back on your previous year. What have you received? What has come your way? What did you get? What was once a dream or desire that has now materialized? We can SO quickly forget what we have received and just move onto what we next want. Instead, write down your answers. SEE what you have indeed received. Gratefully acknowledge that you do receive (and plenty!). When you do this you tap into the energy and vibration of 'having'. That attitude of gratitude vibe goes out into the world and transmits a special kind of message. Attracts more 'having' back to you.

2. Make Peace With Your Present State
A lot of people who do visioning work get themselves bent out of shape - I've been guilty of this many times myself. We get so focused on our desired future that our present circumstances frustrate us. The more we can accept and make peace with our present state the better. By accepting I don't mean that you give up or stop desiring improvements. Just that you soften your energy around your now. Go into where you are. Accept it. Like it. Appreciate the role it is playing (as a necessary transitional bridge). Manifestation and change can take time, depending on what you are starting with and what you desire. Make the process easier by being ok with your present while you take steps to ensure a more satisfying future.

List out where you are now. How do you feel about your now? What is most up or down for you? What crossroads are you standing on now? What issues are stirring you up the most? What areas of life are doing well? Not doing well?

3. Focus on What You Now Desire:
Our wants and desires are alive and fluid and always changing. Take a moment to reflect on what you now desire. Given what you have already accomplished and where you currently are, what do you want for yourself now? As my favorite Law of Attraction teachers Jerry and Esther Hicks say "What rockets of desire have now been launched?"

What do you want the year ahead to hold for you? What do you want to manifest? What changes do you want to occur? Write out your answers. See what evolutionary nudges you are getting. List the whispers you are receiving about what is next for you. Get it down on paper! Even if it somewhat scares you because of its boldness or chutzpah! Don't censor. Give it it's first breathe of life by putting it in writing.

4. Flip Your Negative Thoughts:
Negative companions usually follow quickly on the heels of visionary thoughts ---- as soon as our rockets of desire are launched, bazookas get pulled out to shoot them down. Write down your instantaneous reactions to your list of wants. Notice your instant positive reactions and welcome them. Then, notice what negative thoughts come up when you write out what you want? What contradictory thoughts do you hear - doubts, uncertainties and self sabotage?

Capture in writing all of these negative reactions and then do the work of finding a better feeling thought to counter them - FLIP IT - FLIP IT GOOD!. Make the effort to change your internal programming - even just cleaning up one little degree of resistance can have a huge impact on your overall trajectory.

5. Identify and Take Your Next Steps:
When you get aligned with what you really, really want (your Personal Vision) certain things, people, places and steps will naturally start to emerge. Pay attention to the thoughts that swiftly follow FLIP IT work - the ideas, inklings and intuitions about what to do next.

What ideas do you get about easy, natural next steps? Given where you are and where you want to go, what little things can you begin to do to close the gap? What will make movement towards your goals that you can begin today? Write down your next steps and put accountability dates to them. Put them into your calendar and schedule. Find a support buddy, mastermind group or private coach to support and guide you.

Access to Mini SHIFT-IT Retreat Instructions and Maps
I've created several maps plus a detailed instruction booklet to guide you in doing the steps outlined above (I'm sharing them with you, my loyal SHIFT-IT e-Zine readers, as a New Year's gift!). 

DOWNLOAD MAPS AND INSTRUCTION BOOKLET HERE

Happy SHIFTing everyone and keep telling your new 2013 story until it becomes your norm and your new vibration!

Blog Comments: Thoughts? Reactions? Have something to add? Click here to leave comments and read those left by others.

For the full SHIFT-IT e-Zine Archives: Click Here
For the full SHIFT-IT Audio Library (mp3): Click Here

©2012 Christina L. Merkley

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this blurb and a functional link to my site:

Author's Bio: Christina Merkley, "The SHIFT-IT Coach" and creator of the SHIFT-IT System®, is a Visioning and Strategic Planning Expert specializing in Visual Thinking and Law of Attraction techniques. Based in charming Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, she works deeply with individuals, partners and conscious businesses to define and manifest what they truly want. And, trains other helping professionals in her innovative ways of working. For more information visit: www.shift-it-coach.com and www.visualcoaches.com

GET COACHED BY CHRISTINA

In the scheme of things, life is short. It's a shame not to live it in alignment with who you truly are. I have successfully SHIFTed my life to one of authenticity, creativity and abundance that is aligned with who I truly am.

Let me assist you in doing the same via private mentorship. I specialize in individuals who need to get their 'special it' into the world (entrepreneurs, biz owners, team leaders, teachers, consultants, facilitators, trainers, coaches, therapists, visual practitioners, etc.).

I coach you to build/enhance your internal or external practice or small business (including identity/brand, biz basics, creation of effective offerings, necessary systems (tech and socio) and marketing & sales). As well as having a satisfying personal life of supportive family, friends and community. Stop splitting your energy - create a congruent life that truly works for you!

Coaching Options

Learn Interactive-Visuals Skills

Are you a process professional with a creative bend? Are you intrigued with the visual way I work with my clients? I've trained hundreds of facilitators, consultants, trainers and now coaches, counselors, social workers, etc from around the globe. Learn fundamental visual skills that you can use in your own work with groups and individuals. Come join the visual tribe!

Training Options

About SHIFT-IT Coach, Inc. and Christina Merkley

Christina Merkley The SHIFT-IT Coach & Interactive-Visuals Mentor Christina Merkley is The SHIFT-IT Coach --- a pioneering 'Visual Facilitator and Coach' who facilitates paradigm shifts in individuals, partners and companies. With an seasoned business background in change management and organizational development (past clients include: Hewlett-Packard, eBay, Stanford University, The Institute for the Future, British Broadcasting Corporation, and The American Institute of CPAs) Christina SHIFTed from the corporate landscape to a more holistic expression... combining her expertise in Visual Thinking techniques with personal growth and spirituality. Through her SHIFT-IT School curriculum (including Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals® and Visual Coach Certification®) Christina is a sought after mentor to Process Professionals across the world. She and her team guide consultants, facilitators, trainers, coaches, counselors, and other helping professionals to clarify their "IT' and get their unique contributions successfully out into the marketplace. Aiding the global SHIFT by training and encouraging skilled facilitators of organizational and personal processes. Full Bio

IN THIS ISSUE:

>>A Note From Christina

>>In Your Words

>>Events Calendar

>>Featured Article: How to Do Fun Visioning Over the Holidays

>>Connect with Christina

>>Blog Entries

>>E-Zine & Audio Archives

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA:

Via Twitter, Facebook & Youtube

BLOG ENTRIES:

Looking for more rich, SHIFT-IT content? Check out my blog for recent ramblings, resources and general interest features:

The Joys and Challenges of Group Dynamics

Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus ... You!

Your Seeming Procrastination May Actually Be Right Timing

Trust Your Rapid Acceleration

The Positive Role of Angst and Discomfort

Create Your Signature Style

Click here to read the SHIFT-IT Coach blog.

EZINE ARCHIVES:

Browse past issues here.

Listen to the ezine here.

FEATURED PRODUCT:

The SHIFT-IT Home Retreat Kit®

Christina's Websites: