Archive for December, 2011

Navigating this Wild, New World

Posted in Uncategorized on December 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

“To navigate the wild world, you need to move your basic perceptual and analytical thinking out of your head and into the whole inner space of the body.”
—Martha Beck, Finding Your Way In A Wild New World

As much as I know time marches on, it’s still amazing to be at the last week of 2011 and look back on the year that has passed. I went through my photos from this year to pull out a few for my holiday card, and remembered the trips I took, the relationships that were deepened, and the huge step I took this year to drastically change my career and follow my passion for coaching.

While my life has been changing in large part because of changes I have made, both internally and externally, I am also aware of great shifts in the world. Our world is changing radically. Systems and structures that once seemed steadfast and permanent have collapsed under economic upheaval or tsunamis. The ideas and beliefs that we once held as “tried and true” methods aren’t always working anymore.

I’m thrilled that one of my favorite authors (and my teacher) Martha Beck has a new book coming out TOMORROW. I enjoy her writing for its honesty, brilliance, inspiration and laughter-inducing humor and have been anxiously awaiting this latest treasure, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World. As a Martha Beck coach, I’ve been given some glimpses, sneak-peaks and overviews, which have done nothing but whet my appetite for the rest of the book even more! In it, Martha describes new ways to navigate your life to fulfill your life’s purpose. I have already pre-ordered the book (available at Amazon.com) and should magically receive it delivered to my Kindle tomorrow, at which point you will be able to find me cuddled on the couch with my cat, savoring every word.

I invite you to get the book, too, and read it between now and February. Then, join me for a free, virtual book club where we’ll discuss the content, try out the exercises and support each other on this incredible journey. I’ve organized the book club on Mondays in February at 12 noon Central Standard Time. Each call will last 45-60 minutes and will be recorded, so if you have to miss one, by registering, you can still get the mp3′s for your listening pleasure. Register to join the group.

Should make for an excellent and interesting launch for 2012!

 

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3 Ways to Add More JOY

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , on December 14, 2011 | 1 Comment »

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”

- Helen Keller

Peace, Love & Joy. That’s what I wish for everyone, of every religion or non-religion as we bring 2011 to a close. I continue to cultivate these things in my life and in my mind and heart, and I thought I’d share three ways you can add more joy into your life this holiday season.

1. Look at the world as if through the eyes of a child. Notice the wonder and amazement in a child’s eyes as they experience things for the first time, and take a moment to notice the beautiful and wonderful things around you.

2. Use the 3 B’s. When going through your to-do list, use the 3 B’s to help you get through: Bag it, Barter it, or Better it. If you can Bag it and not do it today (or maybe ever), do it! Bartering could be trading favors with someone else or hiring someone to do it. And bettering it can take on many forms. Think of your five senses — sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste — and how you might bring in something that delights you while you do your chore.

3. Focus on gratitude. Turn your attention to those things you are appreciative of, those things you want more of, instead of the things that frustrate you or add stress to your life. This helps you not only in the moment, by shifting your attention away from negative situations, but also helps by shifting your energy, which will bring more of the good things to you.

These are just three ways to add more joy into your life, but by no means are they the only three! I think you just can’t get enough of joy and would LOVE to hear your ideas for adding more joy in the comments.

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How Do You Spell ‘Relief?’

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , on December 5, 2011 | 3 Comments »

Ultimate Relief: Looking over my knees at the beautiful beach in Roatan, Honduras

Do you remember that old Rolaids commercial? I know I’m dating myself by sharing this, but it popped into my head during a cold walk around a local lake in the misty rain and I couldn’t help but giggle! (If you want a trip down commercial memory lane, watch this 1981 Rolaids ad with Roger Staubach!)

So often, we are looking for things or people or experiences that we think will make us feel better. Maybe we are looking for a partner or spouse to feel loved. Or a new job that will make us feel appreciated. Or better finances to make us feel secure. But it’s our interpretation that those things will give us those feelings — certainly not everyone who has a partner feels loved all the time. And most jobs have times when it’s just hard work and appreciation goes by the wayside. And money? Well, it cures everything, right? (I’m hoping that you can read the sarcasm in my words here!)

Perhaps the best thing we can do for ourselves is answer the question, how can I feel better now, in my current circumstances? It could be doing something nice for yourself — like after that cold walk in the rain and wind, I took a hot bath — PLEASE NOTE, you must be able to turn off the critical voice in your head for a few minutes while you enjoy your treat. You know the one, that says horrible things like “You don’t have time for a bath! There’s laundry to do! You should be doing something productive, but now that you’re going for it, look how fat you’ve gotten.” Give that voice a peanut butter sandwich to munch on and for a few minutes, just relax.

But back to relief…if you can’t think of something to do, consider NOT doing something. Give yourself a break from the incredible pace of your overachieving life and leave something undone. I’m not suggesting that you decide not to pick up your kids from the babysitter or not stop at a red light, but there are plenty of things we do each day, that we tell ourselves we HAVE TO do, that truly aren’t necessary for our life to continue.

How do I spell relief? A hot bath is pretty wonderful. Music also brings me joy, and this time of year, I enjoy singing and harmonizing the holiday favorites with my family. Another small thing — and I’m doing it right now! — is heating up my cinnamon & cloves heating pad (similar to this one) and wrapping it around my shoulders. (A great gift from my sister a few years ago.)

So how do you spell relief?

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