@Katie – Isn’t Lance the bomb!?! I’m so glad to call him my friend. So, Katie…“As you stand at the threshold of unparalleled success, remember, a whole, clear, glorious life lies before you. Are you where you want to be?” You didn’t directly answer the question…..but I do love your addition that the whole world is conspiring on our behalf. Much appreciation for bringing up the power of gratitude in desinging your destiny. It isn’t always easy to focus on what have and let go of what we think we deserve. p.s. I hope to see you at the conference! And, count me in on the Levity Project, too!

@J.D. Meier – Thanks for your comments. I really do look at the world in terms of energy that comes from others – either upside or downside and try to limit my interaction with the latter. p.s. I LOVE that you know the power that comes from standing on the shoulders of giants. Me, too! Look around the next time your up and you just might see me waving my Upside flag!

@Diane AZ – Ahhh, the joy of being “where you want to be.” It is bliss. And, yet questions like this make us go deeper and think about where we would be if……

@ Dr.J – Everything we do is a choice, intentional or not. We even choose not to choose! Glad to hear you’ve been fortunate that the Universe has smiled on you often. May you continue to be lucky all the days of your life.

@Jared – The dreaded “should” word. Yes, “designing your destiny” is not about expecting, assuming, or should-ing on yourself. Being happy isn’t about “thinking” either; it’s about being. Great insight about the importance of learning to accept being yourself and making the lives of others better. Ralph Waldo Emerson said “To know I have made someone’s life better, this is to have succeeded”.

@Patricia – Fantastic comments and spectacular journey, Patricia! You’ve been designing your destiny all along! I love how intentional you are and unafraid you are to ask for what you want. (And, who knows? Santa just might bring you my book which has been hailed as “life-changing”!) To new design projects, abundance, prosperity, and financial wealth in 2010 for you! Cheers! p.s. How jazzed I am to know that you’re shooting for a best-selling book! When will it be finished?!?

@Tim – Well, talk about making a girl blush! Thanks for the warm sentiments, Tim. And, Lance is right, it is about making an investment in YOU! And, who’s more important than you?!? (There are always options out there to make coaching more affordable. I’d be more than happy to talk with you about that and answer any questions you may have. And, I do know some other wonderful coaches, too!)

@Nadia – Thanks for signing up for my newsletter and for sharing what designing your destiny means to you. I feel as if you’ve already read my book. In order to have the power to create your own reality, you must first know who you are and live that truth. I have a list of values and a personal mission statement and that is how I make my decisions in life. I, too, live simply because that is what I value. We’re all able to design and create what that looks like. p.s. Thanks for stepping out and sharing in your How Much Money is Enough?

@Hilary – You’re a beautiful writer. Thanks for the comments….and for being such a caring daughter and niece. The world needs more of you.

@Stacey Shipman – VISION. Ah, yes. To see clearly ahead…to fortell my own future…that is designing your destiny. And, yet you speak of “letting it go” so as not to control it. I think it is right in alignment with “There is No Failing When You Go For It” and is a great mantra for any year. I suppose my constant ranting about having a clear vision, going after your vision, and being true to your vision are floating around the Universe bouncing off of buildings in downtowns and suburbs alike. Since this is word you resonate with, I encourage you to reach out to Rev. Margaret Sheperd, owner of the VisionBuilders Institute. She has a weekly TGIM (ThankGodIt’sMonday) message that is always timely.

@vered – I’m happy to meet another Love is a decision gal. After all, if more people made that decision, the world would be even more wonderful! More Upside Thinkers!!!

@Angelia – Lance can attest to my focus on words and choosing the right ones as they point to where we will end up in life. Thank you for recognizing their power and for sharing your story…..especially the memories of your father. He was a wise man, leaving a legacy and creating his dash. Being content doesn’t mean you don’t have a FULL life; it’s just another way of saying that you find joy in the things big and small. Remember, we all get different gifts. Clearly, you are an example for others in life to take notice of all of the things you mentioned. Would a life coach ignite fire in you? I don’t know but I can guarantee that there is NOTHING missing in you. You’re perfect just as you are. And, yes, you’re clearly radioactive as I can see your glow from here. (Hope the tests go well.)
p.s. The funniest thing about that darn hyphenated name is that the one thing I wanted my whole life was a different last name. God sure does have a sense of humor!

@Shauna – Woo-Hoo! Great defination of Designing YOUR Destiny! And, I know that you are the kind-of gal that lives by that power of choice. We are all where we choose to be. Thanks again Shauna for sharing who you are with the world.

@Chris Edgar – I love that you have incredible awareness of your physical presence. Our bodies tell us more than most people are keenly aware of. I encourage clients to take 5 minutes at the end of the day and think about/list the de-energizers/de-motivators and energizers/motivators…the who, the what, the when, and the where. We need to minimize our interactions with the things that bring our bodies out of alignment because, as you mentioned, there is a reason! And, who wouldn’t want a warm and open heart. Thanks, Chris Edgar!

@Evelyn – Your definition of Designing Your Destiny is filled with the power of intention and authenticity. Thank you for commenting on the importance of intellect and intuition as that is what Emotional Intelligence is all about. Because I speak about leading your business and your life, I’ve read research that demonstrates how as professionals advance in their careers or grow their businesses, this is what determines their success by 95%! Amazing. Be not afraid of the authentic expression of who you truly are. p.s. And, oh my gosh – I love my yoga practice but Goenka Vipassana Meditation: Your Body As An Laboratory was quite an experiment. Thanks for sharing. The Diving Light in Me Bows to the Divine Light in You. Namaste.

@ Wilma – Oooooh, gratitude for the love you sent to me and the appreciation for Lance in this world. Three cheers for creating something beautiful from nothing at all! p.s. I LOVE your story on Context is King. My sentiments exactly!

@ Miranda aka Mimi – CONGRATULATIONS on investing in your success and hiring a coach. We are all creative beings, however, we sometimes forget our own power. If you ask almost any kid at the age of 5 what they want out of life and where they’re going, they can tell you. Ask almost any young woman or man the same question 20 years later and they forget that they are in the driver’s seat! We decide where we are and where we’re going! Keep riding the Upside. There’s always an Upside! p.s. Mindful Mimi is BEAUTIFUL! Love your 2010 questions and kudos on your children’s book!

@ SuZen – Thanks for giving a shout-out to Lance for his ability to gather beautiful souls. And, thank you for the hugs…and for sharing the blessing that “messes” bring into our life. Sometimes my friends will say, “It’s so good to hear you’re not perfect, Lisa Marie.” Everytime it just takes me back a bit. I am grateful for the times I’ve fallen down and gotten back up again, knowing it’s all part of the journey. And, I’m thankful for your wonderful reminder……A bird does not sing because it has an answer……it sings because it has a song.

@Karl – It’s great to meet someone else who also cares about their clients more than they sometimes do. But, be gentle on yourself as it is one of the best gifts you can give to the world. That energy will give others permission to do the same thing! p.s. I don’t have a lucky pen (maybe I’ll have to get one!) but I do like the idea of using my mindset to create my own advantage when bringing in new business.

@ Lisa – Thanks for the kind comment. I’m grateful for Lance’s generosity and support.

@Megan – You made me feel so very special; thank you. Confident, Capable, Smart, Compassionate and Learned….WOW is all I can say! I believe that we are mirrors of who we are…..what we see is what we get. So you and Lance must be Confident, Capable, Smart, Compassionate and Learned, too! Thanks for being a light in the world! Would love to get to know you better…..and share some funny cookies!

@MamaZen – Love the Zen of Motherhood. Thanks for sharing!

@ Evita – Hearing you write about designing your destiny and the power of choice gave me chills. We are where we choose to be and if we don’t like where we are we can make a change. Kudos for recognizing that power and taking control. I can tell you are a force to be reckoned with! (And, thanks for sharing Unity’s article in your blog.)

@Sami – LOVE your Daisy List!!! I’ll be borrowing that! I call mine my list of Upside Dreams. I speak so much about the importance of having a clear, written PLAN so that we can move in the direction of our own choosing. Without a Daisy List, you’d be living someone else’s life. Thanks for the reminder, Sami. And, I LOVE your Passion vs. Profit post? I’d like to use it in my newsletter.

@Jodi – “Acting upon the unlimited possiblities in your life” sounds just like you, too! I love the snow on your site. It actually gave me a chill sitting at my desk in Miami, FL! And, of course, the post about loving yourself is incredibly valuable. I find that most of the people I come into contact with, no matter how successful they appear to be, haven’t quite figured that out yet. It’s right in alignment with Upside Thinking.

@Tess – Have you read the Desiderata series of books from Max Ehrman? I find that they help me remember this thought. I even found one of his quotes with the same sentiment on a piece of canvas and I can see it from my desk every time I look up from my computer. (p.s. Lance is pretty amazing that any coach would enjoy his FABULOUSNESS! He’s such a joy to spend time with. My husband and I said that he and his wife are people we would both enjoy spending time with and wished they lived closer.)

@Peggy – Wow! What can I say?!? You are an upside thinker ! And, you moved me to tears twice this week – once with your comment and once with your blog post “Who or What are You Breaking Yourself For?”. (Deep breath….aaah.) Your comment about creating your own destiny inch by inch is exactly what it is all about. The journey of 1000 miles starts with one single step. It is not for us to analyze the step but to move forward. If you’re standing in the middle of your own unfolding, I’m happy to be standing right alongside you. May you continue to inspire others with your POWERFUL self!

@Trish – Thanks for the comment and for following Lance’s blog. We all have gifts that are unique to us. Sadly, not everyone shares their special gifts with the world. I am grateful that Lance willingly and openly shares who he is with the world, casting light in dark places and provides a place for wonderful people, like yourself, to gather and share who you are as well.

I especially like it because I regularly review ideas and call out the upsides and the downsides.

Beautiful questions, insights, and commentary.
J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..8 Ways to Be Heroic

@Katie – That’s the thing about Lisa Marie – she shines that “genuine” characteristic. And she cares deeply. And hey – she’s a friend of mine…and guess who else is? YOU! See, I see all of this in you, too, Katie – if you didn’t already know that. And – the whole world conspiring on our behalf – wow, that’s pretty awesome! And when we align with our own “true north”, all of that conspiring falls more into place, and that glorious life is right there! And to designing your destiny – your vision is grand, glorious, and beautiful! Keep on living the vision, awesome friend…