Kerri Richardson

Last week, I was witness to the incredible power of nature and the discomfort and joy of being almost completely disconnected from email, internet, and telephone.

As I sit quietly in my family room, I hear the wind howl and pick up strength slowly and consistently over the hours. Having heard no predictions of hurricane-force winds, I just think it’s an exceptionally breezy evening. That is until I hear strange noises outside.

I look out my dining room window and see roof shingles on the hood of my car. “Well, that can’t be good,” I think.

The lights begin to flicker and I know it’s just a matter of time before the power goes out. I shut down my computers, gather up flashlights and candles, and prepare for the disconnect. Fifteen minutes later, lights out.

Since it’s just after 11 PM, I figure, no big deal. I’ll just go to bed.

I wake up the next morning, eager to see my bedside clock blinking to indicate we are back in business. No such luck. Still no power. This goes on for about 36 more hours. At first, it’s a fun adventure: Go out to breakfast, chat with the other locals about how crazy the weather is, head to the beach at high tide to watch the waves crash onto the parking area, drive around to see the result of Mother Nature’s power.

As I drive, I’m charging my cell phone in my car so I can still conduct client calls. (That didn’t happen). The initial excitement dies down and I head home. I lose track of how many light switches I habitually flick on, or go to respond to emails (thank goodness for my iPhone). Not so fun anymore.

Once again, I let go of my resistance and find I’m able to settle into the peacefulness of being almost entirely disconnected. I read at night by the soft light of a lantern. M and I chat about the day as a candle flickers on the table. It’s quiet. It’s still. It’s heavenly. Other than the house being a bit chilly, this isn’t so bad after all.

OK, I’ll admit it. I do a happy dance when I get home Saturday evening and see the outside light shining brightly. But I do intend on doing my best to introduce more of that stillness, that peacefulness into my days by disconnecting a little bit more.

Give it a shot. It’s enlightening (pun intended).

I love the movies. I love to be swept away in the fantasy, drama, comedy, and stories, true or fictional. I enjoy it even more since I found a handy little tool a couple years ago that helps me protect my sensitivity.

I’ve always been a highly sensitive person. As a young child, I cried – a lot. Or so it seemed. Not for any good or bad reason, but for both. I just really let my emotions come out. Then I learned that not everyone in the world is so willing to hear you cry as often as you’d like or need to, so I told myself that it was better to keep it to myself. But all that did was shape a belief that feelings are bad.

As I grew up, I learned to see my sensitivity as a real gift; a gift that allows me to be empathetic to others’ struggles, fears, and accomplishments; a gift that led me to the work I do today.

While it’s wonderful to be back in tune with and connected to my sensitivity, it also means needing to find ways to protect that part of me that feels things deeply and intensely; something that can be difficult to do while you’re sitting in a movie theater with all sorts of extreme imagery being shown on a gigantic screen!

Enter the nifty tool – the Parents’ Guide on the International Movie Database website. Interested in seeing a particular movie, but not sure how violent it is? The Parents’ Guide will tell you. Is the latest teen movie a bit too risque for your son or daughter? The Parents’ Guide will let you know. This great, little-known, feature details exactly how many instances of violence there are and what form they take, same with sexual scenes, cursing, and more.

Now, when someone recommends a movie or I see a preview that intrigues me, I’m always sure to check the guide in honor of protecting that wonderful, sensitive part of me that makes up so much of who I am.

What types of things do you do to protect your sensitivity? To take care of your soul’s needs?

Photo by BonoO

Curious to listen in on how a coach works? You’re in luck!

As a guest on two Hay House Radio programs, I talked about coaching and what it’s all about, and also coached callers live. If you’ve been curious to hear how a coach works with a client, here’s where you can get a taste. Enjoy!

I was invited to be a guest on Coach on Call, Cheryl Richardson’s weekly internet radio show with Hay House Radio. Cheryl and I talked with callers and helped them see things in a new way and work through some of their blocks. We had great fun together — a powerful experience helping people far and wide! I invite you to listen in by clicking the play button below.

I was also excited to join Psychic Medium John Holland on his radio show, Spirit Connections with Hay House Radio. Having never had a life coach on his program before, it was wonderful to share with his listeners the deep spiritual benefit of working with a coach. To listen, simply click the play button below.

To request a media interview or invite Kerri to be a guest on your show, please click here.

Photo by Tom Grinsted

A few years back, my father started a tradition of presenting each of his seven children with a letter on Christmas Eve, highlighting significant events in that child’s year as well as in his own. It’s such a treat when we are all beckoned to the dining room to receive our letters. He passes them out one by one, and we each sit, silently, reading them. The joy and pride on his face as he hands them out is gift enough, and then we get to re-live the past year through his eyes. This tradition has come to be something I so look forward to each year.

Last year, Dad decided to kick it up a notch. With his letter, he also included an account of his life up until he left the service at the age of 22. How incredible to read about his life and experiences as a young man. From his being born as a blue baby at home and needing to be put in the oven in lieu of an incubator to his time in Korea while serving in the Air Force, few greater gifts can a child receive. It’s easy to not think about your parents’ lives before they had kids – you mean they used to be teenagers, too? But, now that I’ve gotten a glimpse into my Dad’s life early on, I’m hungry for more.

His plan is to add to the story each Christmas, but I sure don’t want to wait until then. So, Dad, if you’re reading this (and I know you are), I want more, more, more! Soon, soon, soon! And you, too, Mom. Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook! What was your life like at 7 years old? 16 years old? 20?

My parents recently celebrated 50 years of marriage – quite an incredible feat. I’ve loved seeing who they are evolve and change over the years, and now I’m excited to be able to learn about them pre-me!

So, for all you parents out there, give your kids and grandkids the story of you. Don’t fool yourself by questioning if anyone really wants to hear your story. They do. We do. I do.

Here are my parents with their 14 grandchildren:

My office feels incredible this morning! The energy is flowing, the air is clear, and life is good!

Yesterday, I dedicated a good portion of the night to cleaning out my filing cabinet. I went through past client files and statements and piled up notes, documents, and details no longer relevant or needed. I ceremoniously released that history through burning the pages in my fireplace and offering blessings to the clients, creditors, and anyone else affiliated with the experiences. I wished them well as I sent them on their way and offered them love and abundance as they continue their journeys. I now have only current and relevant items in the cabinet and open file folders inviting more incredible people to partner with me as they learn and grow.

I also rearranged the desk in my office, so now, instead of having a window to my right to glance out of, it is right here in front of me so I can even more easily look out at the gorgeous field across the street. By turning my L-shaped desk in this new way, I’ve also opened up the energy flow track from the door. Before, it would get abruptly stopped by my desk and all the necessary cords and wires from computers, modems, and printers. Now I can feel it swirling in easily and gently encircling me and my work space.

Today, after clients, writing, and some other work, I plan on organizing the closet more effectively, re-configuring an outlet so it’s controlled by the light switch, and smudging my office as the final touches to this magnificent space. What a way to start the new decade!

While these projects are on the bigger side, it’s so good to remember that even the smallest attention to the smallest of details gets the energy flowing better in my world. So, what needs your attention? What’s one, small thing you can do right now to address it? Well, what are you waiting for?