Hello Legacy Fans!

Last night my family arrived back to Philly after spending a week in Key West.  I have so many Law of Attraction stories to share with all of you from my trip; however, I have chosen to write about what happened to me this morning.  As my Legacy fans will attest, I am a firm believer that in life there are no accidents. People enter your life for a reason, and situations bring awareness to lessons to be learned or shared with others—hence my Legacy Producers’ coaching, speaking, and production business. 

A gentleman by the name of Michael Carroll came to speak to the upper administration and faculty at West Chester University this morning.  What he imparted to us was far too important to stay within the walls of West Chester University. What you are about to read is simply the "cliff notes" version of his impactful message. Michael travels all over the world with his message, and I highly recommend you consider him for your next keynote, workshop or retreat.  Having said this, take a look into Michael’s impressive background taken from his website MORE>>

His engaging, thought provoking workshop began with two questions:

1.) At work I want to be ___________ (You fill in the word.)

He then challenged us to put our head into the mind of a college student.

2.) As a student, I want to be_______________ (You fill in the word.)

What we discovered were the words we chose could always waiver.  For example, at work, if you put happy, there were times when you were also unhappy.  If you were passionate about a project, there was another project that might make you feel bored or uninspired.  As a student, you might want to be accepted, but you might also feel unimportant or lonely at times because of an unfavorable decision you made.

Michael shared with us that if we focus on building confidence and mindfulness, it would help us create an “ease of being, unconditionally.”  If we approached everything with confidence, even when we have a moment of doubt, the outcomes and being in the moment will cause us to gain the awareness we need to carry on and overcome those times of unhappiness, loneliness or frustration.  You will see on my Legacy Producers YouTube Channel that I have a four part series on the Art of Assertiveness. While mindfulness is “letting go and being in the moment” versus focusing only on solely “achieving,” you will find this message helpful in your journey towards building your love for simply being.

To make a point, Michael shared with us some staggering statistics regarding why we might be feeling “under siege:"
22% of American workers currently trust their employers.  Down 57% from June of ‘07
60% feel unengaged at work. 65% are not satisfied with their job.
1 out of 5 Americans were demeaned within the past 24 hours
75% of Americans say that we are more rude and disrespectful than in the past
Depression rates have increased to 45% over the past 30 years.
Work related suicide rates rose 23% between ’07 and ’08.  

Why?  People are willing to accept intolerance and their answer to the question above is a “nice to have” feeling.  It’s not helping build the skills needed to be mindful in a very fast paced, stressful, busy, not enough time, toxic environment.  If we focus on building confidence and mindfulness, we will begin to see the good in people, manage stressful situations, and focus on who we are, not what we need to do next.  If you train your mind, you will find that there is no reason to be angry and be seduced by toxicity.  Build in your emotional awareness.  It’s all about what you “see” for a living, not “do” for a living.  How well do you “see” your organization, your classroom, your employees, students, or children?  How in touch are you?   How well do you listen?  Do you engage in the possibility, listen to bad news and conflict.  Do you feel threatened? If you have confidence and mindfulness, you will not be afraid to listen and understand others’ point of view.

Fear of failure is the major root to our toxicity. We need to remember that “all expectations are not all created equal.”  Some are extremely unhealthy, “fail is what losers do.”  We are becoming paralyzed by this fear.  According to Michael, “we are being spoon-fed an artificial life.”  Students may say they want to be successful and make money.  Why?  That’s what their parents said that they are supposed to do—“you go to college so you can make more money.”  According to Michael, they are seeking “authenticity and purpose, but they have been stripped of the opportunities to dream, create, and develop their passions.”  They are too busy being forced into achieving—grades, extracurricular activities, community service hours.  You are familiar with the drill.  In addition, studies show that countries who work less, focus on family, and slow down, are actually increasing their productivity and overall level of satisfaction. 

You are probably thinking, “Molly, you are not walking your talk.” You are right! Over the past three years I started three companies and wrote three books within six months, while still working fulltime and raising a family, not to mention trying to be a good wife. Needless to say things began to suffer. The things that suffered were the things I cherished the most—my husband, my five year old son and my health.  It's a lesson in life I had to learn, but thankfully my mindful journey began, and I was awakened by those who I attracted into my life--the "truthtellers!" I began attracting people into my world who were living what Michael was talking about—“letting go, focusing less on achievement and more on enjoying the journey, and slowing down.” 

By my "slowing down," many Legacy fans would still consider it most people’s average sprint; however, I began focusing on the Molly Sunshine Tour and the soon to be launch of my two books and product line, As a result, I began attracting even more amazing people into my world—including the former founder of Radio Disney and a fabulous television production company. The bottom line is people not only want to be a part of something that will help our future generations and to stop the spread of workforce toxicity, they also want to be around "confident, mindful people, filled with passion, drive and love for life."  (Just as Michael has said.) 

Am I “mindful” 100% of the time?  Not all the time.  However, I am aware that I am an entrepreneur at heart, always looking for an adventure and the next opportunity.  As a result of being positive, you will discover (if you haven't already) that you will attract more and more opportunities.  Remember "the speed is the cause of the toxicity."  You need to assess your opportunities and although vulnerability is the source of all power, be careful not to allow your energy to get hijacked.

What I can say is thankfully I am aware of my 5 P’s.  When my Principles, Passions, People and level of Persistence are out of alignment… I know because I am more mindful!  The final and most important “P” out of the 5 P’s will begin to suffer… Peace!  Sorry Legacy Fans, you’ll have to wait for my book release in May to get the rest of the story—Chasing Stars while Living in the Sunshine MORE >>

Until then Legacy fans, don’t be afraid to fail.  Build your confidence and your mindfulness by identifying and living your legacy! Make an even bigger difference by bringing others into the positive energy you put out into the universe, enjoy the journey, and celebrate the fruits of your labor!

Don't know where to start? CONTACT ME to begin your Legacy Coaching Adventure MORE>>

What to learn more about Mindfulness?  BUY Michael’s two books—Mindful Leader and Awake at Work.

Want to join “The Slow Movement?”  WATCH Carl Honere on TED