What’s your internal GPS doing these days?
December 4th, 2009
Her company’s Core Values are listed as: Excellence, Harmony, Accountability, Relationships and Enthusiasm. Words that Paula Shoup chooses to live by as she has spent over 22 years helping others to be the best that they can be… Today she is here to share her inspiration with us, welcome Paula!
Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today: It started with the courage to ask for a divorce from my husband of 17 years. After getting through this and gaining confidence and energy I started reviewing what I loved about my current career and how I could change that part of my life to be more fulfilling. I saved and planned and was able to take a severance package this past June and start my own business coaching, professional speaking and consulting business. I am loving my work, loving my regular exercise routine, and have a wonderful loving boyfriend and friends who all support me in following my dreams.
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would? Focus on what was going well and hope and optimism for the future. Regularly practicing gratitude: I started a gratitude list and when things got difficult I looked at the list.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation? Spend some quality time figuring out what that life looks and feels like and then start taking small steps and keep going. Enjoy the journey!
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels? Exercise is key and laughing, both release endorphins that help maintain energy and optimism.
If you could spend 3 days on a deserted island with two people of your choosing, who would they be and why? My boyfriend, Walt, and my best girlfriend, Bonnie. We would have wonderful conversations and laugh a lot.
What is your favorite audio material and what do you enjoy most about this material? Tough to pick a favorite. I listen to a CD called “Brainwave Symphony” that has different classical music a lot because it is great for concentrating and relaxing.
What is your favorite reading material and what gives it that special place in your heart? Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers – This book really supported me as I made the courageous leaps to my dream life. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn – I pick this up to read periodically to stay in the moment and practice simplicity.
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational? The authors listed above, their wisdom about simplicity and pushing past fear. My Aunt who battled a rare form of cancer that destroyed a third of her face; she survived this tragedy with a lot of humor and no self pity.
What do you see in your future? Growing success of my own business and continued growth and learning personally.
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location? Walking in the desert by my house. It is peaceful and full of beautiful nature.
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support? Boyfriend, several close friends, and my sister. They listen a lot and give encouragement.
What / who are you most thankful for and why? My friends, sister, and boyfriend listed above because they are such wonderful support and full of love and inspiration for me.
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back? Volunteering with nonprofits. Currently on the leadership team for the Alliance of Technology of Women (ATW). I lead the scholarship committee and really enjoy this.
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
1. Clarify their purpose and vision for their life
2. Understand their strengths and talents and how to utilize them regularly
3. Build strong, supportive relationships that include a lot of laughter
What products and services do you offer to assist others on their journey? I offer executive coaching, focused around work-life, although there is a lot of overlap with life coaching. And professional speaking for inspiration and motivation.
I encourage you to take a few minutes and connect directly with Paula at: http://www.myinternalgps.com today!
In gratitude,
Caryn, the Manifesting Queen
http://www.CarynFitzgerald.com
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
If you enjoyed this post, click here to receive a little motivation in your inbox each day!!
Laughter the greatest medicine in the World. It gets your vibrations in harmony and creates a better life. Live, Love and Laugh!!!
Beautiful Story Paula!!!
Brian J. Donley
Author, The Original Psychology of Success – Proven Methods to a Positive, Powerful Winning Personality.
Caryn, thanks. This is the first of your blog tweets I’ve followed to read. But the title got me curious. It’s a picture and I think in pictures. My GPS has been taking severe hits lately, I think. You’ve given me something to think about. I’m going to print this if I can and review it in my quiet time.
Blessings be.
Pat