"Here’s the trick: We’re never alone. As soon as we step outside the campfire glow, our Muse lights on our shoulder like a butterfly. The act of courage calls forth infallibly that deeper part of ourselves that supports and sustains us." Steven Pressfield from The War of Art.

I have experienced my Muse, and I’ll bet you have too. When I’m in my most self expressed, creative place, I know that I’m not alone. I feel as though I’m merely an instrument for my creation; that what I’m creating is not of me, but from me. It’s divine.

I know that there is more, always, to be created. It’s easy to get caught up in struggle and day-to-day worries. Am I enough? Am I really creative, or do I just wish I were? Am I capable of living up to my dreams? When can I find time to explore what my spirit wants to create?

The truth is all of that is bullshit. It’s IN me. It’s cheating the world of my talent and gifts by making excuses not to write, paint, create. It’s a cop out. Whenever there is a will to do something, there is an opposing will. The trick is to push through that opposition called Resistance and create anyway.

There is magnificence already born within us. We must get started now. We must do the work.

Coach Charrise

I’m hosting my Blog Talk Radio show today, and I’ve decided to discuss the value books have had in my life.

When I was a little girl, I would look for quiet little reading nooks so that I could immerse myself in the joy of reading.  Since I have 3 siblings, quiet was sometimes difficult to come by.  I remember how much I loved escaping into the story, unleashing my imagination and letting it roam freely in the territory the book took me.  I remember the exact moment when I could read my first words.  It was a billboard we were passing by, and I distinctly recall the burst of joy it brought me that I could actually read the words.

As an adult, my love for books has expanded.  Now, I use books to inspire, motivate, educate, entertain, and provoke thought.  I consider myself to be a voracious reader, and make it a point to expose myself to different perspectives so that I can improve my critical thinking skills.  I love to learn, and I’m committed to exploring the words of others for the rest of my life because for me, it works.

As a coach, I believe it’s in the best interests of my clients for both of us to learn through reading.  Books provide a nice platform for the coaching process.  I’ve read so many books that I have become quite good at book-matching; a phrase I use to describe the connection I’m able to make between a person and a book that would serve them.  I love recommending books, and I equally appreciate books that are recommended to me. I look at it a little differently than most – fully aware that books come to me at the perfect time.

So I’m looking forward to exploring this fascination for books with my tribe.  What are the books that have been most profound for you?  How do you feel about the concept of life-long learning?  What one book moved you the most?  What are your reading habits?

Please leave your comments…love to begin a rich discussion! And, join us today on Blog Talk Radio .  If you miss the live show at noon EST, you can always enjoy the archived version by going HERE.

Coach Charrise

I was reading my bi-monthly packet of Club Fearless information this morning.  In Steve Chandler’s diary, he shares a poem written originally by Rumi.  Here it is:

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.

Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading.

Take down a musical instrument.

Let the beauty we love be what we do.

There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don’t go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch.

The door is round and open.

Don’t go back to sleep.

What beautiful words, written with such truth.  We are meant to be awake in our life.  We’re meant to pursue that which brings us joy.  Our life is a gift; our purpose to live full out and fearlessly.  Rumi had it right.

Are you committed to waking up?  The pull of sleepwalking through life to avoid pain and risk is sometimes overwhelming.  Awake or asleep – I’ve been in both places.  I can tell you that being awake is better.

Coach Charrise