Julie Watson Smith

Creating your swirl of support

Julie Watson Smith — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:51:20 GMT

This morning, I realized just how much my children understand the concept of support. It all started when Ainsley, my 6-1/2 year old, showed us her wiggly tooth. I told her that it would likely come out today. She said, "That's what I want. I want my tooth to come out today." Hearing her request, Finnegan and Bailey Blu jumped into action. Finn said, "Ainsley, I have an idea of what you could do to get your tooth to come out...eat apples." Bailey Blu added, "Ainsley, remember when mom said the more books you read, the faster your baby teeth will out? Here's a new book you could read!" Finn even shared, "Ainsley, the Universe knows whether your tooth should come out or not. It always knows what should happen. I really hope the Universe says yes to your tooth coming out." (Gotta love conscious kids!)

The suggestions kept coming. Some of them Ainsley accepted and others she didnt', but through it all, the three of them worked together to support a common goal. Already, at 4, 6 and 7, they are realizing the power of a supportive community...their "support swirl."

A support swirl is your community of support. My support swirl includes my family, my Inner Circle (mentors, coaches, Strategic Teams (Transformational Team, Financial Team, Business Growth Team, Admin Team, Childcare Team, Home, Health and Wellness, etc), - even my to-do list and goal plan! Your support swirl provides you with a rush, whisper and whirlwind of fresh perspectives, accountability, camaraderie, feedback, and yes, support.

So what are you doing to create your support swirl at home and work? Not sure? Check out today's issue of For Your Inspiration for the Part 1 in a 4-Part series in how to get yours started. Don't receive For Your Inspiration yet? Sign up for this must-have ezine at www.inspiredimaginations.com so you can start aligning your Family and Business to attract greater wins today!

With inspiration and imagination,
JWS

P.S. Yes, Ainsley's tooth did come out and her support swirl was ecstatic for her win!

Changes

Julie Watson Smith — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:10:48 GMT

With all the movin' and groovin' my family is doing these days, I have David Bowie's song, Changes, repeating in my head. Here's a little music-muse for you with some vintage Bowie. Enjoy!

Remembering what's important

Julie Watson Smith — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:06:54 GMT

A very good friend of mine just sent me an email. Now, I don't usually read a lot of the "joke" emails that are forwarded to me. If I did, it would take up at least 3 hours each day. Yikes! Anyway, I happened to read this one and I liked the message. So much so that I copied and pasted it below to share with you...

Charles Schultz (Peanuts) Philosophy
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five Miss America winners.
4. Name ten people who have own the Nobel or Pultizer.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How'd you do?

None of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are burried with their owners.

So, here's another quiz. Let's see how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

Happy Independence Day!

Julie Watson Smith — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:21:40 GMT

Independence Day...4th of July (BTW, my 6-year-old daughter told me today that it was pretty cool that the 4th of July was on July 4th. I agreed)...America's Birthday.

Whatever you call and wherever you live, today is a FABulous time to declare your independence of living without inspired success. Today is the day to step into the experience you desire and deserve. Today is a day to declare independence of lack and limitation and realize the freedom that comes from appreciating everything in life. And with that, I want to say how much I appreciate all of you.

With inspiration and imagination,
JWS

A New Chapter of Inspired Success Begins

Julie Watson Smith — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:12:25 GMT

My apologies - It's been several weeks since I last posted to my blog. The past six weeks have zipped by at breakneck speed. And, while I don't see any immediate slowing, I have had some time to catch my breath.

As many of you know, my family decided last February that it was time for us to return to the San Diego area. On March 1, we put our house on the market and, as of June 28, we officially made the move. Yeah! Now we just have to find a place to live besides Residence Inn.

Anyway, this move marks the beginning of a new chapter in my and my family's lives. It is a chapter of purpose, potential and prosperity. Yes, we certainly have had elements in the past chapters, but now, we are truly embracing these three powerhouses from the inside out. We are living our inspired success.

Inspired success comes from truly realizing the your true successes - your purpose, your potential and your prosperity - are already inside you. In fact, they have always been there waiting for you to awaken to them. Once awaken, they move you along the Universal flow to manifest and attract the experiences you desire and deserve.

Returning to San Diego has allowed me to truly realize the manifesting power of inspired success. I'm not able to share everything...yet, but soon I will so you can start to understand the joy that can come from living YOUR inspired success.

With inspiration and imagination,
JWS

School's Out for Summer

Julie Watson Smith — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:24:29 GMT

Classic! Typically when I think of Alice Cooper, I do NOT think of the muppets. But all that has changed...

Feeling the Funk

Julie Watson Smith — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:43:39 GMT

I like life a little funky. Funky fits me. However, there are those moments, though, when funky turns into "the funk."

"The Funk" does not fit me. In fact, I would say that "The Funk" fits me about as well as my 4-year-old's swimsuit from last year. In fact, "The Funk" looks a lot like that ol' swimsuit: way too small, constrictive, misshapen, and faded.

This week, I have bounced back and forth from funky to "The Funk," until finally I said (in my best Susan Powter impression) "Stop the madness!" But how?

Well, for those of you that know me, you know that I'm going to say "how is not where the answer lies." The answer lies in the now. Here's a few simple strategies to snap out of that funk and step back into the funky.

1. Be present and in the now. The best way to do this? Exercise your five sense. Right now, in this moment, what do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? Shift your awareness onto those elements to stay present.
2. Take responsibility. What's really going on inside you? Is there something that is bothering you? Are you avoiding something? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Whatever it is, take the responsibility of identifying, addressing and even confronting "it" head on.
3. Embrace and Release "The Funk": This is the emotional version of Catch and Release for all you fishing folk. Actually, this idea comes from "The Sedona Method." Whatever it is that you are feeling, you should embrace or welcome instead of resisting (remember, the more you resist, the more it persists). If you are angry, then be angry. (I find that writing a bitch list often helps to embrace whatever it is that I'm feeling.) Once you have felt the emotion, release it. It's really that simple. Sure, it may come back, but keep embracing and releasing until you the feeling dissipates.
4. Express Karmatude: Karma and gratitude have a phenomenal little thing going here. When you combine them to appreciate the beauty of life, you start to receive more of that beauty. When "The Funk" hits, say thanks for your blessings. In fact, start with identifying at least six things in your life that bring you delight. Before you know it, you'll be surrounded with joy and success - inspired success - from the inside out.

And with that, I'm off to play that funky music...

With inspiration and imagination,
Julie

My Little Green Man

Julie Watson Smith — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:30:14 GMT

As you know, I blog a lot about families and business. Makes sense since I'm a Family and Business Lifestyle Coach, right? Today is no different, except that I'm more of a facilitator than a true blogger. My 7-year-old son recently informed me of his life purpose, and it has nothing to do with amassing the world's largest Pokemon collection. He told me that his life purpose is to educate the people of the world on how to take care of our plant. (Yes, I beaming with an immense amount of pride at my green little man!)

In order to start educating people, he has decided that he'd like to do the following:
1. Be a role model by picking up trash and recycling
2. Experience a trip to the rainforest so he can share first-hand the effects of pollution
3. Have his own TV show
4. Have his own podcast.

He's got #1 down pat. #2 is one that we are looking for a sponsor for. I'm working with him on #3 although it will likely start as our own web-series. And, #4 starts right now. Here is my son's first podcast ever on the environment.

Energy Goes Where Attention Flows (The Cycle of Life from a Child's Point of View)

Julie Watson Smith — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:20:37 GMT

When I woke up today, I never expected to be faced with having to share the concept of the cycle of life with my children. However, that's exactly how the Universe decided for my day to unfold.

Our beta fish, Colorado Blue, expired today. I know, I know...it's a fish, right? I guess, but to my little 4-year-old daughter, "he" was her beloved friend. Colorado Blue had come into our lives when we first moved to Colorado two years ago. (Ironic, that now we are leaving Colorado, Colorado Blue left us...makes you think, huh?) Anyway, last night I was faced with telling my children what had happened. My two older children (ages 6 and 7) took the news well. In fact, they both surprised be by their responses. "Mom, it was time for Colorado Blue to apply his purpose in Heaven now. We'll miss him tons but we now his spirit is still with us." (Truly, I was blown away. I sometimes wonder if my children understand what I teach, but now I was certain that they do much more than understand it. They live it!)

Bailey Blu, my-4-year-old, was not as resilient. She cried in my arms for over two hours.

In graduate school, I studied Death and Dying as part of the Human Services field, but that was not were I drew my insight tonight. No, I drew my insights from a place where I knew my daughter would connect - my spirit and my energy (and my other 2 kiddos). I explained to her that CB's time with us doesn't end because he isn't in our fish tank. It was his time to apply his purpose in heaven, but we would still have the opportunity to "feel" his energy by appreciating the joy he brought. (And, yes, I do still realize this is a beta fish, but to a child, it is so much more.)

Shortly after I said that, Bailey asked if CB's energy would come back to his body. "No, sweetie, but it could come back in another way. Perhaps a flower, a ladybug or maybe even another fish."

And, then she said something so far beyond her years, "Mom, if Colorado Blue's energy is around us, will I be able to focus on it to send it to California. If I think happy thoughts about Colorado Blue will God send his energy to find me in California? Maybe God will send Colorado Blue back as a yellow fish...you know that's my favorite color?" I stared at here for a bit, and I said, "Yellow fish or not, I think that is exactly how the energy you need throughout your life will always find you."

It was such a powerful moment as she was grasping the concept of energy goes where attention flows.

Afterwards we drew some pictures and wrote notes as a family to pay tribute to our fallen fish. And, now, here I site wondering why I'm even writing this post. I guess I'm looking for a way to express my gratitude for the unexpected in all cycles of life. So, with that, thank you, Universe, for the unexpected. And, thank you for the wisdom to unfold my life in a manner that will always serve my greatest purpose.

With love, inspiration and imagination,
Julie

You Make Me Feel Like Dancin'!

Julie Watson Smith — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:15:00 GMT

Do you feel like dancin' too? Since this song was released in the '70's, it has always been one of my touchstones, or rather, one of my heartsparks. Each time I hear it, I just feel like dancin'? What about you?

Anyone remember Solid Gold?

Julie Watson Smith — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:06:24 GMT

I was going scanning through my iPod and came across my 80's music file. For some reason, it got me thinking about Solid Gold, which was my FAVORITE show at the time. For any of my fellow Solid Gold-er's, this one's for you!

An Authentic Life

Julie Watson Smith — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:24:21 GMT

Looking for a quick way to connect with your authentic life. Check out Wendy Brache's blog!

Fresh Perspectives...

Julie Watson Smith — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:19:13 GMT

I love fresh perspectives. Whether they come from someone in my life or derive from within, I always glean valued insight on fresh perspectives. This past Winter was no different. As I do each new year (and often each season), I spent some time affirming that my life was aligning with my goals. In some areas, it was, but, in others, it was not. How could I realign for ultimate success in self, family and business? I wasn't sure, but I knew that I would find the answer somehow. Well, that "how" came forth during the Ultimate Life Workshop, hosted by my mentor, Jim Bunch, and Jack Canfield. I had a moment of clarity and knew that it was time for my family and business to return to San Diego.

Upon returning home, the wheels were set in motion to realign my life and goals with a move to San Diego.

We've had a few minor hiccups along the way, but the family is very excited. We have set the intention to return in late April/early May.

So, what does this mean for me, "Your Empowerment Scout"? Well, a bigger and better playing field is what it means for me -- and for you! I am expanding the business globally with more tele-seminars, information products and conferences (one to two a year). Not only does this format provide you with greater convenience, it allows me to offer you more value-added information to grow your family and business to the next level of success.

Here's to fresh perspectives!
Julie

"I was hot as a pistol."

Julie Watson Smith — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:22:19 GMT

What an incredible story! It's time to stop the excuses and seize every opportunity to excel. Jason did, and you can too.

With inspiration and imagination,
JWS

Ultimate Life...Are you ready for it?

Julie Watson Smith — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:58:39 GMT

Hi all,

My dear friend, Kelly Paull, and I just returned from the 3-day Ultimate Life Conference in San Diego. It was such a transforming experience. Initially, I thought that I might glean a few nuggets here and there because the principles that were shared were similar to the principles that I already apply in my life. However, the synergy of being in a room of over 400 like-minded people completely moved me. I made some phenomenal connections and friendships that I already cherish. I also made incredible breakthroughs in all areas of my life that are instantly catapulting me and my family into greater purpose, profits and potential (You'll be hearing about all these breakthroughs soon!)

Until that time, though, I thought I'd share a few pictures.

With inspiration and imagination,
Julie


This is Kelly Paull, Jack Canfield, and your                  Yours truly, Julie Watson Smith, and Kelly Paull on stage
truly, Julie Watson Smith.


Here I am again with my mentor, Jim Bunch, and          Fred Johnson entertained and inspired us
my dear pal and colleague, Kelly Paull                           with his phenomenal voice/song affirmations.
                                                                                     He is AMAZING! Get more info on him here.

Martin Luther King Jr..."I Have a Dream"

Julie Watson Smith — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:48:35 GMT

Dream big...

You may also want to read the piece I posted last year too by my friend, Malonda Richards. Very powerful!

Not for the Easily Offended...

Julie Watson Smith — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 09:58:18 GMT

WARNING: This is not a post for those that are easily offended!!

Growing up, I was a total rocker-chick - big-hair, eyeliner and the like. I was more than just the image, though; I truly was a rocker chick. Music was my life. I managed a few local bands and, ultimately, branched out to work for a music promoter in Las Vegas for awhile. Like many music-obsessed fans, parallels can be easily drawn between lyrics and life. Today, I'm pulling this nugget from one of my favorite bands, AC/DC (and, yes, I took great liberties drawing the parallels because the song is actually about the partying lifestyle, but just go with it, folks):

What about you? Do you have big balls? I know I do. (And, I'm not talking about any tran-tastic appendages here, folks. I'm talking about courage, moxie, zest, belief, mojo ... I've got big balls.) Do you have the balls to do what it takes in your life? Do you have the bigs balls needed to reach your dreams and goals? I sure hope you do!

What do I mean? Life isn't meant to be a spectator sport where you mildly watch is pass you by. No way! Life is meant to be consumed. And, my friend, it takes some big balls to do that. That, and you've got to get your Empowered Edge!

Your Empowered Edge is that little something extra that causes a spring in your step. It's that little voice that urges you to keep going, because your dreams are waiting right over that next hill. It's the courage to make that change. Once you get your Empowered Edge, it's just something that is there. In fact, I'll let you in on a little secret. Your Empowered Edge is already with you. It always has been. It just needs to be activated; and, again, that takes big balls.

Each day, you must put forth actions towards your goals or dreams. "But, Julie, how can I work on my goals, when I barely have time to catch a shower each day [or walk the dog, or pick up after the kids...]?" I've heard all the excuses, but the bottom line is that is that you probably don't have the balls to truly commit to the goal...or worse, yourself. You have got to have the daily commitment to make time to work towards those dreams and goals. And, again, that takes balls. "Oh, but Julie, that seems like such a long commitment - every day until I reach my dream. What if my dream takes forever?" Well, if this is you, then you should plan on spending time each day working towards this dream. However, even I will admit, forever is a looonng time. It can feel overwhelming if you are uncertain of how long it will take, so I'm going to help you out.

For the next 21 days, commit to spending dedicated time working towards your goals. Period. Every day do at least one thing towards your goal. Make sure you do something every day for 21 days. At the end of those 21 days, I would guess that you are feeling much closer to your goal. You will also probably doing much more than just one action every day too. And, do you know else? I would speculate that you are feeling more confident and more confident too. In fact, you will feel like you've got the balls to do what it takes. How do you know? Because you've done what you needed to for 21 days.

Activating your Empowered Edge takes consistent effort, but you can do it. But first, you have to ask yourself,
"do I have the balls to do what it takes to activate your Empowered Edge?" So, do you?

Just for giggles, here's the Alvin and the Chipmunks remix of AC/DC's Big Balls...

Whatcha Waiting For?

Julie Watson Smith — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:13:27 GMT

I'm rockin' and rollin' this ~~week~~ year, folks. The past 17 days have been an incredible whirlwind of action. In fact, it feels as though I've accomplished more since January 1 than I did in all of 2007. A few of the highlights already have included:

a front-page, business section feature on me and Inspired Imaginations in Colorado Hometown Newspapers
a taped segment for Denver's ABC affiliate for an upcoming piece on families, money and business. They are featured the Bubble Gum on my Business Plan empowerment system created by me and Kelly Paull.
completed the BGBP home-study system with Kelly Paull. It is is releasing January 30. Pre-order your copy today!
completed 50% of the Karmic Acts of Kindness family empowerment system
hosted three phenomenal events: BGBP Pop-Up, BGBP Entrepreneurial Excellence Inner Circle call, Karmic Acts of Kindness Club
plowed through all those unending projects (still have a few more to finish up - my project-kill day is next on my agenda)
registered to attend the Ultimate Life Workshop in San Diego (my old hometown) with Jack Canfield. (I cannot wait!)
heck, I've even gotten all my tax docs ready to hand over to the accountant

...The list goes on.

What's my point? Life is short, and life is now. Don't let all that is in store for you go undiscovered. Get off your butter, and get started on whatever you desire NOW. C'mon, whatcha waiting for?

In chaos and creativity,
JWS

Tears

Julie Watson Smith — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:04:17 GMT

Tear drops. Wet, hot tear drops. Sometimes you just can't stop the flow of tears. It doesn't matter what sets them off. Whether it is an off-hand remark, a supportive (sometimes not) criticism, or just a heart-strings pulling Hallmark commercial, it is okay to cry. I say this, because I spent a good part of tonight in tears. Nothing catastrophic has happened. It was just one of those days where I walked on the edge. We've all been there, right? I was frustrated, confused, and just out of sorts. Instead of fighting those feelings, I chose to embrace them. And, yes, it meant exposing my vulnerability - even only if to myself. Part of the road to getting your empowered edge is embracing your feelings and your vulnerability. It is what makes you human. And, after you shed those tears, you can focus on what is most important.

In chaos and creativity - and tears,
JWS

PS. Moms and Dads - it is okay to cry in front of your children. In fact, I encourage it! (Oh goodness, I'm certain I've just upset someone.) Anyway, I believe that displaying certain emotions in front of your children strengthens them, because if you can display that vulnerability and then perservere you are teaching them the essential lesson of resiliency. So, heres to tears! Cheers!

[Karmic Acts of Kindness] The Power of Karma & Kindnesss

Julie Watson Smith — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:56:52 GMT

January 1 typically marks the opportunity for a fresh start for most people. It is a chance to wipe the proverbial slate clean and start anew. (yes, we all have this opportunity every day of the year, but New Year's does seem to be the most popular change catalyst.) This year, enhance your fresh start by cultivating Karmic Acts of Kindness.

Karmic Acts of Kindness (KAoK) is an individual and family empowerment system designed to develop and strengthen core character traits while also incorporating a lifestyle filled with karma and kindness. KAoK is truly the foundation for creating an environment that embraces chaos, inspires imagination and empowers lives.

In life, you get what you give, right? Right. Karmic Acts of Kindness blends the creative and forward-moving intensity of kindness and karma to catapult you - and your family - into your full potential. In fact, you'll probably pass that potential and illuminate a journey into unchartered swirl of freedom and fun. Can't beat that, can you?

And, just for any naysayers, KAoK truly works. Not only has my own life transformed based on these principles, but so have my children's lives. At just the young ages of 4, 6 and 7, they already "get" it. Each day, their actions reflect karma and kindness. They have already started realizing their potential and moving forward. In fact, it is almost as though they are magnetically drawn to surpass their potential just by developing their core character traits.

So, what does all this mean for you? First, KAoK is meant to be shared and enjoyed by the world. So, later this month, I will be releasing the Karmic Acts of Kindness empowerment system for families. (Don't worry, if you don't have children, you will still glean just as much insight, clarification and empowerment as those who do have children.) Also, my Karmic Kids and I will be posting regular blogs, pods and vlogs to keep the momentum of karma and kindness going each month.

Also, we encourage you to share all your thoughts, feelings and acts of kindness in the comments section. If you ever want to contact us away from the site, please surf on over to Inspired Imaginations to send me or the kids a note or just to check out everything we offer.

In karma and kindness,
Julie Watson Smith