This Financial Mess, How'd We Get Here?

Personal Note

I am very relaxed now towards the end of my two week vacation – first at Lake Tahoe with my sweet husband Dave and now in Kauai with my cousin & buddy, Kim. Kim lives in the Palm Springs area and loves the ocean as much as I do. 

Here’s our rough daily schedule. We both do some computer work (blogs/emails) then head to beach in the morning – swim and bounce (I do water aerobics across Hanalei Bay – yes, this is the Bay made famous by the song Puff the Magic Dragon). One morning we went to Queen Emma’s Bath and watched the giant sea turtles for a couple hours. Then home for a little rest and out to dinner. Yawn…. Not exciting, but totally replenishing. 

I live an abundant life, love my work and am so grateful to have time off (tho have been blogging every week day). I want YOU to have the fun, abundance and JOY you want and need in your life. It is my privilege to help you create the life you want!

Feature Article 

This Financial Mess: How’d We Get Here?

You’ve probably noticed that we’re in a recession that’s lasted much longer than the typical 18 months. The HOW is a long story and I’m going to give a short summary. Once upon a time the United States was in a time of “great prosperity.” This lasted from 1947 – 1975 (source Robert Reich, President Clinton’s Sec. of Labor, from his book Aftershock: The Next Economy & America’s Future). During this time the average family income rose from about $25,000 to $55,000 a year. Then things changed. They always do. Automation replaced factory workers and globalization or outsourcing jobs to other countries brought wages down. Though there were still abundant jobs in the 90s they didn’t pay as well as the previous ones. (They didn’t have to – Americans were running scared they’d lose their job, any job and companies could go to Mexico or China for even cheaper wages).

Americans coped with the downward trend of wages, according to Reich (pronounced Reish), in three ways:

1) In the 70s women went to (paid) work in large numbers and so families had two earners.

2) Everyone worked MORE and longer hours. Menon average were working 50 hours a week andwomen 40 by the mid 2000s. Many people started working 2 or 3 jobs.

3) People began drawing from savings and borrowing, borrowing, borrowing. You see where this is going, right? This last “coping mechanism”emptied the coping accounts, so to speak. Many have borrowed as much as they can from homes, savings and 401ks. 

What happens now? I talk to people every week who are barely hanging on, trying SO hard to do the RIGHT THING and not file bankruptcy or do a short-sale. This is a choice they shouldn’t have to be making.

What can we do?

1) Stop letting the banks and financiers off the hook.

2) Demand that your legislators hold the banks accountable and help homeowners – the government provided financial help, but the banks haven’t made it available.

3) Stop feeling victimized and powerless. You’re not alone. Educate yourselves.

We’re going to have to work together and creatively and collectively think about what’s good for the whole, not just the few. 

If you have found this article helpful, please forward it onto others.

Upcoming Events

Money Magic Teleseminar:

“Since I started the one on one Money Coaching work with Lynn I’ve had the best two months of my business ever.” 
Renee Kee, Melaluca (209) 825-6450

“I can’t wait to share my money successes. Just signed a new distributor the first part of August so business is growing.” Kathy, Central Valley, CA

If the Economy is getting you down – The Money Magic Lunchtime Teleseminar Series is for you:

Can You Relate?

• You know what you SHOULD do with your $$, but can’t put it into action or stay consistent

• You either avoid the topic of $$ or obsess & worryabout it – or bounce between the two

• You don’t charge what you’re worth

• You have $$ challenges like: overspending or hoarding

• You want more energy, JOY & vitality and are ready to Transform your relationship with $$

• Design the action steps to move out of Financial stress and Financial Well-Being

• Supercharge Affirmations for FUN & Profit

In this Workshop you will:

• Understand how your $$ History and $$ Scriptsaffect the money you make and most importantly KEEP!

• Identify your Money Type to illuminate any patterns, habits & limitations with money

4 Part Tuesday Lunchtime Series Starting Sept 20th 11:30 – 12:15 p.m. (PST). (Sept 27, Oct 4, Oct 11) - Register Now!

West Side Women in Action Business Conference & Vendor Showcase

Linda Murdock & Jeanne Phillips started this non-profit conference 6 years ago to raise educational scholarships for women. These scholarships are for young and mature women and can be used to further a career, take a training or attend school.

The conference attracts 100-125 women. It’s a FUN, nurturing, smart way to spend a day and is very reasonable to attend.

This years Keynote speaker is Deborah Price, founder of The Money Coach Institute of Petaluma, CA and author of Money Magic.

A limited # of Vendor tables are available and they are CATEGORY specific. Sign up early.

You don't want to miss this conference!

www.wswia.org Facebook 209 613-7900 or info@wswia.org

When: Friday Oct 7th 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Creating Your Destiny with Victoria Goldblatt (see info below)

Date: Oct 22, 2011
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Modesto, CA
Call: 916 491-9610 to register

 

Spotlight

Victoria Goldblatt: Health Consultant, Exercise Specialist & Intuitive Life Coach

 “Victoria is a very gifted speaker, entertainer and Intuitive Coach. If you’re wondering about your next step, having a health challenge, a business concern or what your purpose really is come to Victoria’s Sacramento or Modesto workshop or book an appointment by phone or in-person.”   - Lynn

She will be holding a one day workshop in Sacramento, Creating Your Destiny on, Saturday, September 10th.

Health Consultant, Exercise Specialist and Intuitive Life Coach, Victoria Goldblatt has worked with hundreds of people in the last twenty years helping them transform their lives. She worked for major Fortune 500 companies, such as Xerox and Honeywell but left the corporate world to follow her dream. A keynote speaker and seminar leader, Victoria is the poster child for living life with Passion. Combining her intuitive guidance, corporate background and 20 years in the health industry, her clients gain the necessary tools to live a healthy, productive and happy life.

Victoria is coming to Modesto on Sat., October 21 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a Creating Your Destiny Mini-Workshop. Space limited to 10.

Victoria will be available for Intuitive Coaching sessions Sunday Oct. 22. 

Call 916-481-9610 to reserve a Coaching Session/register for Victoria's workshop or e-mail Victoria at Optimumbody@aol.com

101 Important Questions to Ask Yourself

Personal Note

Life is always presenting us with learning opportunities and I’ve had two this last month I want to share.

1) Listen to your Intuition or Inner GPS system. Normally I pay attention to that funny little feeling I get when someone acts in a way that’s not congruent with their words. But recently I overrode my own wisdom (have you ever done that?) to be “nice,” and the price I paid was disappointment in myself for not listening, and with another for acting unprofessionally. 

2) Slow down. After two falls in the last 6 weeks I hear the message loud and clear. Both times I was rushing, my feet went out from under me, and this time I ended up with a big crack on my forehead. My mantra: Breathe, feel my feet, stay present. 

Last, but not least I’m now a Certified Money Coach through the Money Coaching Institute in Petaluma, CA, founded by Deborah Price, International Money Coach. Money Coaching is really important work because it touches our core issues, there’s such a charge about $$ and such an opportunity to heal.

101 Important Questions to Ask Yourself

I remember the first time I was asked to answer the question, “Who am I?” It both stumped and terrified me. All I could do was come up with the roles I played in life – wife, mother, student, daughter. It was very uncomfortable and that’s a sign there might be something to learn.

What questions do you ask yourself every day? Research shows that if we ask limited or negative questions, we’ll get limited or negative results. Negative questions like: “Why am I so unlucky, “Why do bad things happen to me,” or “What’s wrong with me,” are disempowering and produce very different results than empowering questions like “What am I grateful for, or What can I learn from this experience?” Questions open the door to self-discovery and awareness. With awareness we have greater choice and can move along the continuum to understanding ourselves, each other and reaching our potential.

Here are a few of the 101 Questions from the article below to get you started:

1) Who am I?
2) What am I passionate about?
3) What are the achievements I’m most proud of?
4) What am I most grateful for in life?
5) Do I love myself and why or why not?
6) If I had one year, one month or one day left to live, what would I do?
7) When I look back at this period of my life (when I’m getting ready to pass on) what’s most important for me to focus on?

*For the full web article go to: The Personal Excellence Blog by Celes “101 Important Questions to Ask Yourself in Life”http://celestinechua.com/blog/about/ .

If you have found this article helpful, please forward it onto others.

Upcoming Events

"I highly recommend Money Coaching to anyone that wants to move forward in their financial life. It rapidly shifted old $$ beliefs - very powerful."

Dorothy Hamilton, Berkeley, CA

Money Magic Introductory Workshop

For anyone that missed the SOLD OUT May 9th workshop the next one is Saturday, June 11th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at IT Solutions/Currie 1801 Tully Rd.Ste E.

$47.00 Investment (Over half full already please hurry!!)

If you’re ready to quit struggling with money, heal money fears, stop avoiding or obsessing about $$ and transform your relationship with money register now.

Register Now: www.lynntelfordsahl.com/mmworkshop0611.htm

(209) 492-8745 - Call if you have questions

Spotlight

“No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I’m not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal.” Bill Cosby

Sydney Shepherd is a remarkable teacher who works with children (and adults) that have learning challenges such as ADD, ADHD. Sydney uses the newer brain/energy technologies such as Brain Gym, NLP, Neurolinguist Programming, meridian tapping and emotional acupressure. These processes shift the way the brain works without drugs. Sydney is one of those fun people you want to hang out with and children really connect with her.

Please check out her new website and pass her information along to those that need it:

WholeWorks Resources for Exceptional Living Parenting

Financial Mindfulness: Awareness, Power, Change

The 3 Keys to Money Mindfulness

“If you’re not powerful with your money you’re not powerful, period.” Suze Orman

True or False – The #1 source of stress for 80% of Americans is money? True. Some parts of the country have been hit harder than others, including the Central Valley of Ca. Many of us here us know people, or have experienced ourselves – job loss, salary cuts, bankruptcy, or the loss of our home.

It’s also true that Money is the last taboo. How we deal or not with $$ breaks up marriages, ruins family connections, and causes much unnecessary pain. But, it’s a subject that can lead to great personal and professional growth, if we’re willing to plunge in, educate and empower ourselves to make small steady changes.

3 Keys to Creating Money Mindfulness:

1) Raise Your Money Consciousness by assessing where you’re at: Here are a few questions to get you started and no need to judge yourself – which is one reason $$ is such a difficult subject.

• Can you talk about $$ with your partner? If not what’s uncomfortable? 
• What’s your greatest fear about $$?
• Are you making the $$ you really want? 
• Are you in charge of your $$ or is it in charge of you?
• Have you ever taken a financial education workshop? 

2) Finish Your Unfinished $$ Business:
When I was a young girl I asked my dad something about my parents finances and he told me it was, “None of your blankety, blank business.” That told me money was a scary subject and better left unaddressed.

So much of our relationship with money is unconscious and what we don’t know can hurt us.

Think about and journal about these:

• What’s your earliest memory around money?*
• Which parent does your behavior with money most resemble?*
• If there was one thing you could change in your relationship with $$ what would it be?

3) Expand Your Financial Comfort Zone

Did you know that most of us stay within a “financial neighborhood that makes us feel safest and at home?” (Mind Over Money – Klontz)

To move beyond your $$ comfort zone you have to know how to Re-set your $$ Speedometer and be willing to be uncomfortable.

I hope this article has created curiosity about your relationship with money. One last note: If you’ve had financial trauma as a result of the economy, please be kind to yourself. Much of what’s happened hasn’t been the fault of the individual investor, but of abusive practices by financial institutions. Educate yourself about what’s really gone on, take responsibility for your part and regroup. I’m here for you. If you have any questions feel free to email me atlynntelfordsahl@gmail.com with Money Question in subject.

*(from Deborah Price’s Money Coaching Institute)

Excuses Be Gone

Personal Note

When I was in my twenties and doing the bar scene I talked about writing a book someday. Having a drink and daydreaming about writing isn’t the same as doing it. By my 40s (and long past the bar stool days) I started putting pen to paper. The Greatest Change of All came out in 1999 and Intentional JOY in 2009.

I’m really excited and proud to let you all know that my friend,Maureen Minehan, has just released her book, Wisdom to Wellness. Maureen is an R.N., expert healer and an Oakdale, CA resident.

I want to encourage local support for her book. Buy it!! (See review and more info below) I’ve watched Maureen’s steady, patient, determined efforts to write about the healing process she developed, find an agent (we shared Nancy Rosenfeld for awhile) select the right publisher and finally be able to hold the finished product in her hands. Congratulations Maureen, and to all authors.

Writing a book is like childbirth, you don’t know what you’re getting into until you’re there. Then you breathe and trust that the pain is worth it!! It is!

Feature Article

Excuses Be Gone!!

Imagine you’re 80 and looking back at your life. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment or regret? Well, 80 will be here sooner than you think. If you have unfinished dreams, perhaps a book that is crying to be written, a new career, going back to school, doing more volunteer work, making more $$ – what are your excuses for not starting? Do any of these sound familiar?

I’ll do it later
I’m too busy
I’m too tired
I’m too old (or young)
I can’t afford it
I’m too scared
I don’t know how

Wayne Dyer, author of Excuses Begone, says that to leave excuses behind ask these empowering questions:

1) Is it true?
2) What’s the payoff? (This is a great?)
3) What would my life look like if I couldn’t use these excuses?

In order to change self-defeating habits we need to be honest and look at what’s not working, make a new decision and START – now. I wrote Intentional JOY by tricking myself into writing for only 15 minutes a day. That 15 minutes often turned to 30 or 60. It took 5 years but it got done.

Coaching Challenge: Pretend you’re 80 – what are you regretting not accomplishing? Go through the above questions and create a plan to start.

If you have found this article helpful, please forward it onto others.

Upcoming Events

The Authors Show – Mar 31st

www.theauthorsshow.com

Money Magic Workshop – Stop Financial Stress Now!!

If you want to THRIVE and not just SURVIVE in this Economyyou need specific strategies to:

• Stop avoiding or obsessing about Money
• Shift $$ anxiety to peace of mind
• Empower your $$ Decisions
• Understand and move past patterns that block your $$
• Develop specific action steps to achieve what you desire

If you’re ready to transform your relationship to $$
Register Now: www.lynntelfordsahl.com/mmworkshop0511.htm

1. In-person Workshop

When: Monday, May 9, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. PT

Where: Intrinsic Elements 1214 J Street Modesto

2) Teleseminar

When: Thursday, May 18, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.PT

Fee for Either: $47.00

Or for more info call: (209) 492-8745

Check out this blog post –

hCG diet – Why it’s a bad idea 

Spotlight

Wisdom to Wellness by Maureen Minehan

As I said above I’m very proud to announce Maureen’s new book, Wisdom to Wellness. For anyone that wants them there are plenty of interesting case histories, including famous people and specific, practical strategies to supporting healing. Very good – love it!!

Wisdom to Wellness offers very specific insights and strategies for dealing with specific illnesses from a holistic/energetic perspective.

"For those who already know or intuit that self-love is the primary path for healing illness, this book absolutely nails the practical steps to get there from here. Practitioners in all modalities owe it to themselves and their patients to digest this book."~Lee Glickstein, Founder and President Speaking Circles International, www.speakingcircles.com

Available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, andwww.MaureenMinnehanJones.com.

Email Contest: Win Free Coaching

Personal Note

Create a theme for the year – 
Resolutions are too easy to break, resist or just plain forget about come feb. 1st. Rather than a resolution i prefer to come up with a theme. The last two years it’s been simple – to experience more joy. That intention has manifested in more joy with my family, friends and clients and with myself.

My theme this year is to listen to my god/heart mind more than my ego mind. Why? I’m driven to achieve and succeed. That’s good in many ways, but last year i noticed the drive was overwhelming the fun and quiet being time that feeds, nurtures and provides creative space. I felt too rushed too often. Enough.

I’ll keep you updated on how the journey goes.

Coaching challenge: create a theme for 2011. Reflect on what you learned and experienced in 2010. Think, imagine, day dream about the goals you’ve set for this year and what you want to experience, not just achieve. Have fun creating/allowing a short thematic phrase to come into your awareness. I’d love to hear what your theme for the year is.

Feature Article

"Being listened to is so close to being loved you don’t know the difference." Anonymous

3 Questions To Get The Most Out Of Networking:

When you meet someone at a networking function what do you say? Most of us repeat some version of "Hi, how are you. What do you do?" Ok, but not memorable.

I’ve had many a new networker ask me, "What do I say to people?" Something I learned from my wise aunt many years ago is to keep the focus on them. Ask them questions about themselves and listen carefully. Think about the quote above. People love to feel that someone is genuinely interested in what they have to say.

If you really want to make an impact, (and have fun in the process) try these three questions from Dawn Lyons, a BNI (Business Network International) Director.

1) why do you love what you do?
2) why choose you over your competition?
3) share a powerful, passionate story about how you helped a customer.

We do business with people we know and like. Networking opens the door to relationship building, but we have to walk through the door and nurture those relationships. I’m proud to attend two women’s networking groups – Women’s Success Network in Modesto, CA and Ewomen Network in Stockton, CA. (carrie please put links in here to both – avail on line)

Email Contest - Win Free Coaching

I have a goal to get more people reading my newsletter in 2011. My newsletter goes out once a month and is filled with health, wealth & happiness articles and tips.

I hear many of you look forward to it and enjoy what you receive! In order to meet my goal i have decided to have a contest!

In the next week the person who e-mails me the most names of your friends, family, clients and co-workers has a chance to win one of the following prizes. (please get their permission and they can opt out at any time.) I will simply add them to the newsletter as a subscriber! I will keep you updated so you know how close you are.

1st place.....wins an entire 6 months of coaching free! ($900 value).

2nd place....wins an entire 3 months of coaching free! ($450 value).

Let people you tell know I do not sell my lists – they will only receive my monthly newsletter and special offers!!

Good luck to all of you!

Ready...set...go!!

Email contest!!

Win win win!!

If you have found this article helpful, please forward it onto others.

Upcoming Events

St. Joseph’s Regional Cancer Center – Know Your Mind, Body & Spirit series

When: Tuesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 6:30 – 8:30 (Lynn speaks February 1)

Where: 1800 north california street, stockton

Call: 209 461-6889

"From Fear to Freedom" - stress & anxiety are underlying feelings of fear exaggerated by the pace and chaos of modern life. Lynn will teach three body-mind strategies to handle life’s stresses & struggles effectively. Be prepared to feel energized, learn how to release the past and fully experience the present.

SPECIAL OFFER : 21 day rapid weight loss with Sonya Gonzalez

One of my alliance partners (more about how to create an alliance partner in future newsletters) Sonya Gonzalez of Get Fit is my personal trainer. I love her and love the results!

Her 21 day program is perfect for that after holiday bloat that you’re ready to let go of.

Here’s what you receive:

• fitness training
• 21 day nutrition program (just follow her receipes)
• weight loss – most lose 6-8 pounds
• $10.00 off bonus: if you register by jan 27th 2011
• call Sonya at: (209) 380-5225, or check out her website -www.modestofitbody.com

Spotlight

Michele Beatty Interior Design
(209)606-7518
www.michelebeattyinteriordesign.com
I'm on Facebook too!

"All Interior Designers are passionate about design. What I love, whether it's a full remodel or a one day room makeover is helping clients by using the principals of design, see the possibilities in creating a home they will love."