4 Reasons You Need To Hold Onto Your Hats This Week.

Boycotting the News

I participated in a news boycott this summer. I found myself depleted mentally from the onslaught of misinformation and despair the daily news outlets provided me. This soul-defeating cadence driven by panic-inducing newsfeeds led to my rejection of all news sources. I decidedly chose to be ignorant. This momentary blackout was the scrumptious release I needed. I lived a summer of here nor there, I was just present as I untethered my brain from the morbid prophecies predicted by CNN and Fox News alike.

--> Fast forward to October 2020, I resumed my consumption. It was hard to ignore the forecasted Covid spikes and Presidential debates. The looming events festered at the seams of my Google feed. And with one click of the mouse, I was overwhelmed with a tsunami of cautionary edits.

Last week, I focused my attention on the presidential debate. I quickly was reminded of why I initiated my news boycott. However, I rationalized, I needed to be an informed voter and I couldn't ignore the blistering storm brewing. In case you have too, enjoyed the bliss of a news-free life, here is a summary of events that are cosmically headed our way.

This week is predicted to be a collision of earthly and unearthly shifts in our human experiences. As ominous as this week's events feel, there is good news. (I promise you this is not all negative). The conflux of Halloween, The Election, Corona Virus, and the appearance of a glorious blue moon will provide the tools to strengthen our resilience and unite as a global community.

1. THERE WILL BE A BLUE MOON ON OCTOBER 31st

It has not been since 1944 that a Full, Blue Moon will be visible to the human eye on earth. NASA states that this visual delight will provide a lucky or unlucky experience for us mere humans. And because this is 2020, the blue moon will illuminate the skies on Halloween.

The Moon reaches apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit, at 2:45 P.M. EDT. It will then sit 252,522 miles from Earth.

It's also the first time a Halloween full moon has appeared for all time zones since 1944, according to Farmers' Almanac. The last time a Halloween full moon appeared was for the Central and Pacific time zones in 2001.

The "once in a blue moon" phenomenon does not necessarily mean the moon will look blue on Halloween. While the dark blue tone of an evening sky can affect the coloring we see, Earth's satellite will most likely not appear blue at all. Typically, when a moon does take on a bluish hue, it is because of smoke or dust particles in the atmosphere, such as during a major volcanic eruption. When the phrase "once in a blue moon" was coined, it meant something so rare you'd be lucky (or unlucky) to see in your lifetime, according to NASA. So if anything unusual happens to you on Halloween, (more unusual than any other day) there might just be a good reason why.

2. Mercury Is In Retrograde

According to scientists, Mercury In Retrograde is simply an optical illusion. But according to astrologers, this can be a disastrous time for communication and travel, facets thought to be ruled by the planet Mercury, named for the Roman god who ruled the same. This might sound like a fairly specific concern, , Mercury’s perceived movements can affect “listening, speaking, learning, reading, editing, researching, negotiating, selling, buying … all formal contracts and agreements, important documents … as well as transportation, shipping, and travel.”

For these reasons, astrologers often advise that we avoid travel, sensitive communication, and making decisions during Mercury retrograde. Technology breaks down. Flights are delayed and/or canceled. Texts are misinterpreted. It’s not a good time to start something new because agreements made during this time are likely to shortchange one party or another. It’s also a ripe opportunity for disagreement with loved ones, so astrologers caution discretion in interpersonal discussions.

3. The Elections Is Going To Get Nasty

As the presidential election draws closer, so does the assault of negative ad campaigns. The dissemination of confusion will escalate this week. (consider this a warning). Facebook announced a handful of updates to prepare for the possibility that final results won’t be known immediately on Nov. 3. In fact, Facebook is not allowing any new political ads on its platform this week. The suspension of political ads is similar to a plan Google also adopted in an effort to keep candidates and their campaigns from spreading misleading or confusing messages to voters. This respite on Google and Facebook is a much-needed relief from this mudslinging political circus.

4. Corona Virus Cases Are on The Rise......Again

The majority of Americans, this summer, had a taste of luxurious freedom. This was the kind of freedom we took for granted prior to 2020. We had the opportunity to delight in the sunshine and see our friends. Our indulgences were as simple as eating al-fresco at our favorite restaurants. Many of us packed our bags and hit the road. We were quickly reminded of the pleasures travel afforded. According to the CDC, Covid cases are expected to surge in the next month and the impending closure of many businesses and schools is leaving a pit in our collective stomachs.

This time we are prepared. We have more tools in our wheelhouse to properly approach this possible restriction on our freedoms. Here is the good news. The panic that we felt in March of 2020 does not have to consume our thoughts and actions. Approaching the pandemic this winter with a cautious cadence, peppered with our adherence to wearing masks, is all ready common-place.

THE GOOD NEWS

The gorgeous truth of this week is that we have the power to strengthen who we are at our very core. Approaching this week with a heart of gratitude is more powerful than a news boycott. We have the power to shift our minds and approach this week with curiosity. By asking questions we are uniquely qualified to choose how these events will affect our lives. We have the power to vote. We have the power to bask in the luminous light of the powerful moon. We have the power to gaze up to the stars and marvel at what an expansive solar system we live in. And we have the power to get out of our own minds and help those affected by the Corona Virus. This is the most amazing shift we can embrace. You have the power to view this week as a gift. You are here on this planet to make a difference and, I believe, this is the time to do it.

YOU GOT THIS--Jules

UPCOMING EVENTS: Wednesdays are for Wonderment. Join me for discussions on topics the illicit my wonderment. As always, these are open to all!

Do You Have The Guts To Hustle Smart?

Do you have an idea that is meant to be a thriving business?

Collect Experiences,

Not Riches

Since I was a small girl I have been colored as a passionate, free-spirit. Family historians commented on my ability to embrace extraordinary opportunities. While meandering through electrifying experiences during my years I was met by an eclectic group of mentors who lit my soul on fire. These collections of moments and people opened my heart to unique opportunities and quieted the bubbling murmurs of self-limiting thoughts.

As a girl I looked at sparkly new ventures as a chance to meet new people and learn new things- and I never factored “failure” or “what- ifs” into the equation. I do recognize that most people are not wired this way. I recognize that grounded, forward-focused people typically take an approach anchored with a well-thought-out blueprint. My gypsy-like navigation through life coupled with my “I can do anything” attitude were met with stumbling blocks. However, these stumbling blocks were not walls of resistance for me. They were the pages in which I learned the most valuable lessons.

During my entrepreneurial exploration sometimes I soared-and other times I stumbled. What has been constant in this entrepreneurial equation was my ability to get back up after setbacks, brush off my boots, and learn the lessons of my journey.

Needless to say, the fumbles along this path are now the teaching tools I impart to clients with a steady cadence. Through trial and error, I believe I have created a functional roadmap for you that offers you the opportunity to revolutionize your ideas and ultimately monetize this service or product.

My personal story began with a spark. I had just finished my Master’s Certification Life Coaching- and I became certain I wanted to practice this craft on a bigger scale. I recognized that coaching was my calling. Coaching was my Ikigai.

Coaching is my Ikigai.

What is “IKIGAI”? Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being". The word refers to having a direction or purpose in life, that which makes one's life worthwhile, and towards which an individual takes spontaneous and willing actions giving them satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life.

This mission, or Ikigai, is a primal calling from within- and I knew I was destined to live my life as a coach and lead the coaching industry with an authentic and innovative practice.

This entrepreneurial drive was sparked by a lightning bolt- and this revelation hit me all at once- I was an ENTREPRENEUR in the making. I needed to take this idea and make it a real, thriving business.

I approached this business idea with my usual “Figure- it- out- as- I- Go- Along- Style”. Spending countless hours basking the dimly lit glow of my computer, I educated myself on how to launch a coaching business online.

Google became my teacher as I learned how to distinguish myself from the multitudes of other coaches that crowded the world wide web. Podcasts became my touchstone as I drank the Kool-Aid of those hustlers who went before me.

I dove deep into Facebook and Instagram to understand algorithms and the advertising cycle. I experimented on different forms of social media. And I made mistakes. One error was that I concluded that Pinterest was an out-of-date platform and that it reaped little benefits. I failed to realize that Pinterest is a search engine (not a social media platform) that can be as powerful as Google.

My path of educating myself landed in the bowels of “YouTube”. I also taught myself how to edit and make videos. With scrappy determination I am proud to say I became a novice website designer. Perhaps my most satisfying accolade was when I taught myself how to create and market an online mastermind group. This became an extension of my practice and now boasts a nation-wide community of like-minded growth-seekers who meet weekly….... and the list continues.

Your Idea may begin as a spark. You need to fan this small flame and surround yourself with like-minded people that, perhaps, have walked ahead of you in your entrepreneurial journey.

To say that I was obsessed is an understatement. I spent days upon days lapping up every tip and trick to take my business to entrepreneurial oblivion. Through plucky ingenuity and a true belief in my skill set- my mission-based idea grew into a life-giving, full-time business in less than 1 year.

Does this sound impossible? I guarantee that this is the most possible thing you will ever do-- IF your idea is born out of love. If this quest is purpose -driven and not money- driven, you have the best chance to succeed. The bottom line is that because I was able to successfully launch my coaching business, I am doing what I am most passionate about--imparting wisdom and guiding people towards living the life they are meant to live.

Do you have a spark? If you have that feeling in your gut that you have an idea that will make a difference-do not let that tiny flame be extinguished. Take it to the next level, take it to a hustle. But do it the smart way.

-you got this. Jules

5 Tips To Unravel Your Nerves in 2020

With the looming cadence of the pandemic, social unrest, political fury and isolation our collective nerves are frazzled.

The ever-present toll of the global pandemic is the backdrop for how lives are navigated these days. It has created a foundational shift in how Americans are navigating their lives. The essence of the human experience has deteriorated with the lack of social interaction, job opportunities, familial anchors and shifts of everyday routines. This isolating experience has been a direct cause in the uptick of presenting diagnosis of anxiety and depression. And the individual experience, as we self-reflect, has contributed to lower self-esteem in both adults and their children.

In April, the Journal of the American Medical Association underscored the point that economic stress, social isolation, reduced access to religious services and the collective anxiety Americans experienced increased firearm sales and healthcare worker suicides.

Parenting, too, has proven to be greatly affected by the onset of pandemic stressors. A University of Oregon shows that parents with children under 5 are the most stressed. Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, too, found that 61% of parents with youngsters aged 5, 6 and 7 years of age experienced the feeling of being more “nervous, anxious, or on edge” because of the pandemic.

With the seemingly loss of control, it is imperative we start understanding what we truly have control over. Notwithstanding mental illness, the only thing we have control over are our thoughts. And understanding the negative loops in our heads, recognizing these ruminations that are tainted in fear and purposefully exchanging negative thoughts with powerful positive thoughts can rewire the way we approach our everyday lives.

An abundance of free resources are available online to support this renewal of our thought patterns during times of marked life change.

7Cups, is an online therapeutic support networks that offers free counseling, https://www.7cups.com/. And groups such as The Squad, https://www.julielokuncoaching.com/join-the-jl-coaching-community, offers a community of empowerment and connection when authentic relationships seem to be a depleted resource. By creating an intimate environment that is infused with thought provoking, new ways to attack our “new normal” is the first step in combatting the emotional fatigue of 2020.

These 5 tips can help you calm your ever-present anxiety over the uncontrollable force the 2020 has pushed in our laps.

1. Create a community. By building an community of positive influencers in your life, their example can be contagious.

2. Exercise. Releasing endorphins, is perhaps, the most powerful self-inducing medicine that humans can experience. Take a walk. Take an online yoga class. Join a Covid-Safe gym. Whatever your choice, just get out and start moving.

3. Know when you are at your limit. When you are about to scream or if you find yourself hibernating in your bed binging Netflix, because you just can't deal--this is the point when you need to reach out to the anchors in your life. No one can do this alone. And, even if you are technically alone, the voice of a person you trust, can be the salve that calms the calamity.

4. Find a hobby. Has there been something you have been meaning to do--but have made excuses with consistent avoidance? Pick up the paint brush or pen and start crafting out a space to release your creative energy. This is a powerful way to shift your mind and engage in a heart-felt extesion of your internal experience.

5. Write it down. A journal is an inexpensive way to funnel your feelings of angst onto paper and effectively release tension. Make this a daily practice. And remember that what you write does not have to be perfect--because that is not what the human experience is about. You will have, in essense, a historical snapshot of your experiences.

Whatever method you chose, invest in yourself by working through the clutter in your brain. Remember, you are not alone. We are all in this together.