I am so thrilled to have my next self-care retreat on my calendar and to be sharing the news with you!

Being on retreat with amazing women, designing and facilitating a magical experience, is one of my greatest joys!

You can learn more by visiting the Retreat Page, and by watching a fun little video called

Come on Retreat

If the idea of coming on retreat intrigues you, here is what I want you to know: Given this is my most popular retreat and space is limited to the first 16 women who show up to say YES! I encourage you to register early to save your spot.

IAmThankful.com is a gift of a website offered by Creativity Mentor, Artist, and Coach, Damaris Pierce. A visit to the site is a pleasure for the eyes and provides a profound and warm reminder of the power of gratitude and, yet again, the difference in the world one woman can make.

Resources include: free gratitude journal, free ecards, the Gratitude Postcard Project, and guest articles, including a chapter from my book entitled, Gifts of Gratitude.

• www.ArtOfLife.com
• www.IamThankful.com

I am grateful for Damaris!

I recently attended a presentation given by Phil Borges at the Time for Our Power Conference. I had previously seen his amazing book, Women Empowered, Inspiring Change in the Emerging World. When I heard him speak I was moved to tears.

He shared stories of women from across the globe who are fighting all odds to make a difference in the lives of women and in the world. Through his extraordinary photographs he captures the spirit of courage these women embody; through his huge heart he offers the world hope and offers real steps forward. I encourage you to learn more about Phil, his photography, and his passion.

www.philborges.com

In what creative ways can we not only feel our gratitude, but express it?
Isn't that what it is all about?

If you showed up today as an EXPRESSION of GRATITUDE what would that look like and whose life would you touch?

How creative can you be in that expression?

How would BEING gratitude enhance your life?

A personal share and a dedication to Jay:
As I write these words, gratitude looks and feels like ... a smile that reflects living life with an amazing partner.

Saying thank you for being you and sharing how very blessed I am to be in this life adventure with a man I admire so much.

Saying thank you for holding safe space for me to be me

and

Saying there are not the words to capture the magic that defines the gratitude I feel for you !

To my readers I ask, How creative can you be in your expression of gratitude?

Change happens.... it’s inevitable. As John F Kennedy so aptly said, “The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.” Here is the key – how we navigate change determines where we end up and in very real terms the quality of our lives. I would go so far as to say, the person who masters change, masters happiness.

Now, I can pretty much guarantee that your education on this topic was like mine.  There were no classes on how to handle change; no birds and the bees type conversation from my folks on change. Yet experiencing lots of change is natural and inherent in living life.

Proof that Change is Constant

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that those folks who were born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 9 jobs between ages 18 and 36.
• The US Census Bureau indicates just under 50% of marriages end in divorce
• 16%  - of all US households will move this year, which means new schools, new lives, new routines

It’s exhausting to think about!  These statistics touch on jobs, marriage and relocation. Other changes might be the birth of a child, a child leaving home, a change in health, a natural disaster, a fabulous new relationship or the ending of a painful relationship.

To get through change, welcome or unwelcome, we often tighten our seat belts and hold our breath until the dust settles on the other side. In that process we miss powerful opportunities to grow through change and become more empowered by the experience. How might we spend our time traveling the path of change more wisely? The journey might look like this:

1. To begin with, we’d stop for a long, thoughtful assessment of what is unfolding. We’d get real.
2. With a clear view in our sights we’d become intentional, willing adventurers on the journey. This is much better than dragging our heels kicking and screaming.
3. We’d document the days, our feelings and our “Ah Ha” moments in a Change Journal. Having a place to process unedited and unfiltered is important.
4. We’d carve out time to simply be. The whirlwind that kicks up around change can choke out all life and blur all perceptions. Quiet time in solitude can help settle those winds and the dust.
5. We’d become visionaries, getting really clear about where we want to arrive at the end of the change and who we want to be in response to it.
6. Finally, we’d surrender to the GAP. That place in between when finding our footing is tough, when the changing landscape leaves things hard to recognize. We’d trust that we can and will emerge with fresh insights and new gifts.

Contrast the ideas of handling transitions (large or small) with clarity and intention and what most people do: react to whatever hits them next in the process. The end results are dramatically different.   Spend your change wisely and over time you just might become a change master!

If you are one of those intrepid travelers hesitant to take your first step into social networking, I have to say I am so glad I am not alone. Not that it is that hard but in my mind it is one more thing to learn about, more passwords and accounts to set up, more tech stuff in this non-tech head of mine.

Ah, another great opportunity for a learning experience. Don't ya just love it? Ok, so what would playing in the field of social networking look like?

Here goes ...

You can now find me on

• Squidoo
  

• DIGG
• Del.icio.us
• StumbleUpon
  
• Furl
  
• Diigo
  
• Blinklist
  
• Folkd

• Technorati Profile

Pretty good for a start and this is a small peek at a big list. How did I get this far? I added
Author Marketing Experts
to my team! They are helping me spread the word about my book on the internet in a wide variety of ways. Penny and her team are amazing and I highly recommend their PR services!

When a woman I admire so much steps into my life to play at this level, I know I am doing something right!

Michelle Yozzo Drake is a powerful executive coach, talented author, and a very wise woman with a huge heart. That winning combination is hard to come by and is what sets this extraordinary woman apart from the rest.

Click here to watch her video
testimonial on
The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living

I am continually amazed when I open my email and pick up my phone these days. Lots of fun surprises! I never know where news of my little book will pop up next. I thought I'd share just a few of the latest features (and an opportunity for you to get a signed copy and a beautiful poster):

The Woman's Field Guide a Small Press Bookwatch at none other than Entrepreneur.com!

Story Circle Book Reviews - "... This book may help you escape the daily grind and stress of your job or environment. Any chapter will guide you through a potentially life-changing adventure."

Morgan James Publishing:Hit top ten sellers in June

Your Fabulous Life Review

Wise Woman E-zine Featured Product

Bestseller in June at Books on First

Creekside Coffee House Best Picks for June

ShelfAwareness, Daily Enlightenment for the Book Trade, May we recommend ...

In The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living I share this quote, "The past is a guidepost, not a hitching post." by L. Thomas Holdcroft. The operative word here is guidepost. In what ways can we learn from, be guided by, our past in order to move into the future in an empowered way?

What if we apply this question to our belief systems and relationship with money. A wise woman once wrote, "Many of us find it more difficult to talk about money than sex, death, or even childhood abuse. In fact, money may well be the last taboo in today's society." The author of these words is Olivia Mellan and she has a powerful gift to give anyone wishing to upgrade their money awareness.

Through the resources she shares at www.MoneyHarmony.com, her critically acclaimed books, and her money coaching Olivia helps people to dispel the money myths that may be ruling their lives and to set out on more informed and more balanced financial footing.

Here is one example: Is the topic of money "up" for you? Take Olivia's free Money Personality Quiz and get a real eye-opener.

I had the privilege of hearing Olivia speak and spending time with her a few months back. Her warm heart and tremendous passion shine through in all she does. She is a woman I am proud to spotlight!

Readers of The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living are encouraged to visit the site and rate the Nomination!

The Ethan Awards

The Ethan Award™ has quickly become the most coveted business author honor in America,” said David L. Hancock, founder and president of The Ethan Awards™.  “We began the Ethans in 2006 with the mission to generate recognition of deserving business authors among the business community, the press, and the general public.  Being selected as a Nominee is an important achievement, because it means that independent judges have agreed that the Nominee is worthy of national recognition.  We congratulate all of the Nominees on their achievement and wish them well in the competition.”

Some ah ha moments came this past week when I was on stage at the amazing Time for Our Power Conference. I had just a few moments on Saturday and then again on Sunday to convey to the dynamic and diverse audience a message that defines my work in the world. My challenge was how to do that with a handful of words?

My heart said, just show up, open your mouth, and trust. Stand in the spotlight and be yourself. That is just what I did.

Related to the theme of the conference it came down to this: If you want to do great things in the world, to claim your power and stand tall, if you want to have a great life, you HAVE to take great care of you! No way around it.

There are times that you are called to literally stand in the spotlight, but more likely, there are moments throughout each day that you have a choice - show up authentically or hide out. This seems the perfect time to share another chapter from my book ...

Excerpt from The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living

Just imagine, the stage curtains are drawn and you are standing backstage, alone in the darkness. The house is full. Anticipation is building. You feel butterflies in your stomach. You know when the curtains open, a magnificent woman will be revealed standing center stage, in the spotlight, fully expressed. And, frankly, the thought terrifies you.

What does fully expressed really mean? A word that comes to mind is authentic. According to The
Merriam-Webster Dictionary, authentic means: true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.
To live authentically means that you truly hold nothing back. You believe in who you are and the
gifts you have to share. Yet, as simple as this might sound, there are countless reasons people have difficulty living authentically, difficulty showing up in full color, difficulty being fully expressed.

Just days from now women from around the country will gather to learn and be inspired to take action towards a better life and better planet.

The speaker line-up includes:

Jane Fonda, Glenis Redmond, Grandmother Red Leaf, Debra Roberts, Asheville Major Terry Bellamy, Starhawk, Julie Butterfly Hill and more. There will even be a few words shared by the conference Self-Care Weaver - me!

If you have been thinking about it, now is time to decide to join us! The fabulous conference creators can be seen at Spotlight on Exceptional Women and you can learn more and register at: www.timeforourpower.org

A great follow up to the posting on "Who is on your team?" comes in the form of an invitation from a fabulous coach I know.

In a nutshell, coach Margie Scott is offering 100 coaching sessions around her 1-2-3 Let's Get Healthy Theme. These sessions are designed to help you identify areas of your life that may not be healthy and to design actions to make profound changes.

Here is the amazing part - she is offering up these sessions for $25! If you feel extra support might be helpful for you right now, Margie's offer is one that I hope pulls you in.

You can more about Margie at the Spotlight on Exceptional Women.Too, to get the details on her new program and offer check out: Living Bliss

Conversations with Exceptional Women
Ten Minute Interviews with Amazing Women Listen to Coach Margie!

What would it feel like to be a part of a cohesive, supportive, inspired team of people who are individually and collectively focused on each person reaching their wildest dreams and greatest joy?

Just imagine the connection you would feel, the courage that might come to stretch and grow beyond current limitations, and the success you may nurture in all facets of your life?

Not to mention - the fun!

Many people are driven by the "I can do it myself"  mantra and are incredibly reluctant to ask for help. A positive shift can happen when we ask others for support, ask them to brainstorm with us, and even ask them to be on our team!

I am a huge fan of this kind of collaborative play and that enthusiasm currently shows in two groups I am honored to be a part of:

The first is a fabulous mastermind group of like-minded coaches and dear friends in Asheville. We meet twice a month and share our dreams, our goals and our hold-backs in supportive, challenging conversations.

I am proud to share news of my teammates, my friends and women making a huge difference in my life and the world:

• Cheri Britton: www.boomthinking.com
• Barbara Brady: www.mycoachbarbara.com
• Adair Cates: www.adaircates.com
• Shelley Lieber: www.thewordywoman.com
  

The second is as a member of a group of entrepreneurs from across the globe who come together throughout the year to learn, to explore, to show up in all our brilliance. As a member of Mark Victor Hansen's Inner Circle I have an opportunity to learn from and be inspired by people like Mark and guests to our group like Steven Sadleir who are on the leading edge of publishing, environmental consciousness, health consciousness, and making a difference in the world.

Participation in each group accelerates my growth and provides a powerful vehicle for me to help others. My life is changing in profound ways as a result of my asking for support and stepping up and into these amazing groups.

Think about these questions:

• What support systems do you have in your life?
  
• In what ways can you gather your own team, your own group to play and grow with?
  
• What impact might it have on your joy and your life?
• Who might you ask to be on your team today?
  

I am just cooling my traveling shoes from attending this year's Book Expo America in LA. It is THE annual event of booksellers, book publishers, book writers, and everything in between.

I signed some books and had a featured spot at The Morgan James Publishing Booth but there was so much more!

Though I had many folks give me good tips on how to make the most of this people-packed conference, some of the most powerful experiences bubbled up organically by my simply "showing up".

Here are some lessons that come to mind that might serve you the next time you attend your next __________ event:

Step One: Hold lightly the "deals" and the "check lists of booths to make it to" and the notion of "how to compete".

Step Two: Love the diversity that is inherent in such a large gathering. People can be strange when swept up into crowd mentality and God love us all!

Step Three: Soak up each and every new person who steps into your life!

A large event is simply a large way of connecting with more amazing people in the world!

Here are a few of my new favorite friends from my BEA adventure:

John Frances, PhD - author of Planetwalker, 22 Year of Walking, 17 Years of Silence, a Nautilus Book Award Winner and now published by National Geographic.

This amazing man and fabulous writer shares a story that will touch your heart, stir your soul, and call you into action in your own life.

Mary Marshall - author of Charm School for Guys, How to Lose the Fugly and Get Some Snugly. Mary is a fabulous woman who has a gift of translating info most any guy can benefit from into edgy, funny, to-the-point good reading! This book really is a one-of-a-kind.

Nancy Hopps, author of award-winning The Relax into Healing audio series. As an expert in mind-body health, Nancy has crafted products that support the listener in the deepest, most sacred way.

Nancy Mills, founder of TheSpiritedWoman.com network. Nancy bubbles with spirit and her online community is a place to be inspired, to explore, and to learn more about how to infuse your life with a more playful spirit!

Oh, and so many more!

Imagine ...

Taking an entire weekend just for you.

Being in the company of extraordinary women who will share their stories, hear yours, and provide wisdom and support in sacred ways.

Committing to transform the quality of your relationships with yourself and others.

Committing to transform your life.

Now stretch even further and picture a pristine, magnificent slice of heaven in the western NC mountains ... mouth-watering organic gourmet meals, fun and engaging exercises to nurture you from the inside out. And  so much more!

There’s no better way to energize your body, mind, and spirit than by taking care of yourself. - Stephanie Tourles

If I am touching on a place deep within you that is whispering ... yes ... YES! then I invite you to join me on the one and only retreat I will be offering through the end of 2009. Space is limited.

Learn more, read what past participants have to share, explore the fit for you, at www.womansfieldguide.com

Next Retreat Nov 7-9 2008

Contact Corrie to Learn More

Check out Come on Retreat SlideShow

If you need a nudge to design a life of no regrets take a few minutes to watch our updated video and to ponder the possibilities ... it's never too late!

Watch

A Life of NO Regrets

Mark my words ... with the launch of YouPublish we are experiencing the next great leap in technology and usability on the internet.