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When a summertime beach lover gets a job in Daytona, life is sweet. Imagine getting paid to speak at a beautiful hotel on the oceanfront in October. Weather is clear and 80+ degrees. The beach is hard and wide - especially at low tide.
Today's Daytona 500 NASCAR race started right here. Finishing before the tide came in was always a challenge.
The warm water beckoned. Dodging kids on bicycle choppers I made my way to the water. Crabs and minnows fled by my steps through it to weak waves. Surf and boogie boards are tied to a variety of surfers. My fave is a tall bald headed guy sporting a massive beer belly. Altho' at least 55 yrs. old, he's only 24 in his mind.
Lounging now on the chaise is the best viewing on the beach. It's time to handle stress in stressful times by checking out the inside of my eyelids. Did I mention that I was speaking on stress?
There is no such thing as work life balance.
Headlines about work life balance scream what every woman wants. Surveys affirm work life balance is among the top 3 challenges for professional women. Work life balance is as individual as each woman. What works for one won’t work for another.
Work life balance is a myth. There is only life balance. What a concept! Think about it.
In the total world of your life there are many parts besides work. A tool I give coaching clients is a circle divided into 8 parts representing family, career, fun, finances, etc. Work is only one of the segments.
How do you know when life is out of whack? Some signs are missing doing things you used to do, working too much of your life and being tired all the time. If you’re getting sick, you could be burned out. You can be crispy around the edges or cooked thoroughly. Your body will make you stop because it will stop.
Several years ago I was spending the month of March in China. I didn’t want to come home to unfinished home renovations or tax preparation. So I spent January and February finishing renovations, doing taxes and working, of course. Because I knew they were short term goals I was committed to executing them. If an invitation came up, I accepted it if it didn’t interfere with the final outcome.
Sound unbalanced? For those two months it was perfect balance for me. My goal was short term and doable with focus. And a month in China was a fabulous reward. Coming home with those projects behind me was exhilarating.
Balance is like standing on one foot. It’s changing and adjusting regularly to what works. You really do know when your life isn’t working. What do you do then?
• Pay attention to what your body and family are telling you.
• Hire a coach.
• Get a friend to help you make tiny changes.
• Plan some fun rewards – like a foot massage, time out to read, etc.
• Take one small step toward what’s missing.
• Reward yourself everyday by doing something nice for you.
Changing habits is hard especially when you just gradually slid into them. Remember balance is what you decide it is. Have fun and enjoy your rewards.
Work life balance is a myth. There is only life balance. What a concept! Think about it.
In the total world of your life there are many parts besides work. A tool I give coaching clients is a circle divided into 8 parts representing family, career, fun, finances, etc. Work is only one of the segments.
How do you know when life is out of whack? Some signs are missing doing things you used to do, working too much of your life and being tired all the time. If you’re getting sick, you could be burned out. You can be crispy around the edges or cooked thoroughly. Your body will make you stop because it will stop.
Several years ago I was spending the month of March in China. I didn’t want to come home to unfinished home renovations or tax preparation. So I spent January and February finishing renovations, doing taxes and working, of course. Because I knew they were short term goals I was committed to executing them. If an invitation came up, I accepted it if it didn’t interfere with the final outcome.
Sound unbalanced? For those two months it was perfect balance for me. My goal was short term and doable with focus. And a month in China was a fabulous reward. Coming home with those projects behind me was exhilarating.
Balance is like standing on one foot. It’s changing and adjusting regularly to what works. You really do know when your life isn’t working. What do you do then?
• Pay attention to what your body and family are telling you.
• Hire a coach.
• Get a friend to help you make tiny changes.
• Plan some fun rewards – like a foot massage, time out to read, etc.
• Take one small step toward what’s missing.
• Reward yourself everyday by doing something nice for you.
Changing habits is hard especially when you just gradually slid into them. Remember balance is what you decide it is. Have fun and enjoy your rewards.
Ten Ways to Shift from Summer to Fall
Summer is my fave season. There’s a freedom in the air ~ altho’ hot ~ that says travel, a lighter flavor to foods, swimming, reading on the beach. My early Sept. birthday signals for me more than a year of good living. It means time to shift rhythms, start school, put flip flops away, and get ready for cool temperatures, nature’s tree color show and Monday night football. To help you ease into this transition here are 10 ideas.
• Wear a long sleeve blouse with shorts.
• Turn the AC off and open the windows and doors.
• Change out the tired summer annuals in your garden with bright fall mums.
• Open the sun roof in your car and put the windows down.
• Have grilled cheese sandwich and soup for lunch.
• Plan a 4 day get away to see foliage in October.
• Use orange and yellow paper for memos and copies at the office.
• Put together a new outfit from all the clothes you put away last spring.
• Put a bouquet of fresh fall flowers on your desk at work.
• Entertain outside in the cool evening air.
• Get back to the gym.
• Make plans with a new friend to do something you haven’t done before.
• Take a class on something you need to know for your career.
BONUS: Make your reservation for the Smart Woman’s Club Birthday Bash on Sept. 29 here.
COACHES DARE: Have fun challenging a friend to pick one and do it before you do. Let me know how you do.
• Wear a long sleeve blouse with shorts.
• Turn the AC off and open the windows and doors.
• Change out the tired summer annuals in your garden with bright fall mums.
• Open the sun roof in your car and put the windows down.
• Have grilled cheese sandwich and soup for lunch.
• Plan a 4 day get away to see foliage in October.
• Use orange and yellow paper for memos and copies at the office.
• Put together a new outfit from all the clothes you put away last spring.
• Put a bouquet of fresh fall flowers on your desk at work.
• Entertain outside in the cool evening air.
• Get back to the gym.
• Make plans with a new friend to do something you haven’t done before.
• Take a class on something you need to know for your career.
BONUS: Make your reservation for the Smart Woman’s Club Birthday Bash on Sept. 29 here.
COACHES DARE: Have fun challenging a friend to pick one and do it before you do. Let me know how you do.
Saying YES to Life
Writing the book is a project of untold proportions. Just when I think a chapter’s finished, another point comes up to be included. The last chapter is Smart Women Say YES to Life. So I’m going to tell about Beverly Morano, a mother who ‘jumped on a grenade’ because her daughter, Sarah Murray, asked her. It concerns Black Dog, a savvy, rouge with dreadlocks who first made headlines in Richmond about 9 years ago.
Black Dog evaded dog catchers and city officials trying to catch him. As officials’ attempts were reported daily, fans in the area cheered him on. Everyone loves a winner, especially when it’s a ‘dumb’ animal against authorities.
He 'walked' frequently with me ~ at a distance. Attempts to befriend him were met with loving, kind eyes as he stood stone still or backed up as I stepped closer. That was the Black Dog way ~ you can see me and you're not touching me.
Sarah Murray was instrumental in bringing attention to the city’s pursuit 9 years ago. She and neighbors created T shirts noting his success with proceeds going into a fund to care for him should he need it.
Sadly, Black Dog was killed July 2. It was a blow to the community who reported sightings on his Facebook page and among neighbors. You can read about him at http://tinyurl.com/lesoxk.
When a few fans decided to memorialize him with another shirt using funds Black Dog never used, Sarah asked her mother, Beverly, to take on the project of taking and filling orders.
I called Beverly to order my shirt and met a smart women saying yes to life. She also kept food and shelter available for Black Dog when he chose to use it. She shared stories of her experiences with Black Dog ‘walking’ with her and her family. With no idea of what she was getting into, she said yes and ‘jumped on a grenade’.
Beverly has talked to fans in FL and a judge in western VA who gave his chamber’s number to call when his shirt comes. The second round of shirts are in progress and she’s having much fun talking to Black Dog fans. Bev is saying YES to life.
Have to go now and get my shirt that just arrived. I get to meet smart woman Beverly Morano, whose kitchen is filled with Black Dog shirts.
Black Dog evaded dog catchers and city officials trying to catch him. As officials’ attempts were reported daily, fans in the area cheered him on. Everyone loves a winner, especially when it’s a ‘dumb’ animal against authorities.
He 'walked' frequently with me ~ at a distance. Attempts to befriend him were met with loving, kind eyes as he stood stone still or backed up as I stepped closer. That was the Black Dog way ~ you can see me and you're not touching me.
Sarah Murray was instrumental in bringing attention to the city’s pursuit 9 years ago. She and neighbors created T shirts noting his success with proceeds going into a fund to care for him should he need it.
Sadly, Black Dog was killed July 2. It was a blow to the community who reported sightings on his Facebook page and among neighbors. You can read about him at http://tinyurl.com/lesoxk.
When a few fans decided to memorialize him with another shirt using funds Black Dog never used, Sarah asked her mother, Beverly, to take on the project of taking and filling orders.
I called Beverly to order my shirt and met a smart women saying yes to life. She also kept food and shelter available for Black Dog when he chose to use it. She shared stories of her experiences with Black Dog ‘walking’ with her and her family. With no idea of what she was getting into, she said yes and ‘jumped on a grenade’.
Beverly has talked to fans in FL and a judge in western VA who gave his chamber’s number to call when his shirt comes. The second round of shirts are in progress and she’s having much fun talking to Black Dog fans. Bev is saying YES to life.
Have to go now and get my shirt that just arrived. I get to meet smart woman Beverly Morano, whose kitchen is filled with Black Dog shirts.
What Bra Sizes Really Mean
Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are letters used to define bra sizes? If you have wondered why or couldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is time to be informed! From the ethers of the internet the mystery is solved.
{A} = Almost Boobs
{B} = Barely there
{C} = Can't Complain!
{D} = Dang!
{DD}= Double dang!
{E} = Enormous
{F}= Fake
{G}= Get a Reduction
{H}= Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!
{A} = Almost Boobs
{B} = Barely there
{C} = Can't Complain!
{D} = Dang!
{DD}= Double dang!
{E} = Enormous
{F}= Fake
{G}= Get a Reduction
{H}= Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!
Perpetual Attitude Adjuster
“We seem to be running out of steam. This whole thing is going on longer than anyone thought. We have to keep up our spirits. We have to live with gratitude for what we have. “ the speaker said. The audience clapped and cheered in agreement.
Gratitude goes a long way. People ask how I stay so cheerful and optimistic. It’s so simple. It takes no more than 5 minutes at bedtime. Here’s my secret:
I’m grateful for all I have. I keep a gratitude journal that reminds me of the bounty and blessings filling my life. Here’s how it works.
Get a book with blank or lined pages. Pick out one that makes you feel good and smile. Target has lovely ones. On the first page write a favorite quote or saying, the date and add "my gratitude journal' to it.
Every evening review your day. I begin the review with waking up in the morning to birds singing and go through my day in my head to being ready to write down my gratitudes. I recall what happened, phone calls, unpleasant and pleasant conversations, surprises, nice things that people do for me, random acts of kindness. You get the picture. Looking over your calendar will help you.
Then write down at least 5 things you're grateful for. Each day I write different things to keep me mindful of how much is wonderful.
On a hotterthanheck Sunday a friend came over and we hung out at the pool. My entries for that day read this way: hanging out at the pool with Hugh, being treated to lunch, ready for tomorrow’s sales calls, good conversation with neighbors, and reading well at church. They read like a tweet - sound bites. If you want to write more, do.
I have another short column with GG at the top. It’s for God’s grace – those sweet ‘out of the blue’ things that happen. Being treated to lunch, using a float, phone call from a friend I’m thinking about. This keeps me remembering that God is busy helping me.
Over time it becomes a diary as you review daily entries. My journal lives on my bedside table with a favorite pen. Before I turn out my light at night, I make my entries. Going to bed focused on what’s right and well in my world makes for good and restful sleep.
Keep your journal any way you like so it reflects you. You’ll see it evolve as your gratitude increases.
A book, a pen, and 5 minutes make a wonderful attitude adjustor. My secret is out.
COACHES CHALLENGE: Begin to write down what you’re grateful for. Make them different each day. Share one or two with me on Facebook @ The Smart Woman’s Club fan page and Twitter @thesmartwoman. Let’s get a gratitude stream going.
Gratitude goes a long way. People ask how I stay so cheerful and optimistic. It’s so simple. It takes no more than 5 minutes at bedtime. Here’s my secret:
I’m grateful for all I have. I keep a gratitude journal that reminds me of the bounty and blessings filling my life. Here’s how it works.
Get a book with blank or lined pages. Pick out one that makes you feel good and smile. Target has lovely ones. On the first page write a favorite quote or saying, the date and add "my gratitude journal' to it.
Every evening review your day. I begin the review with waking up in the morning to birds singing and go through my day in my head to being ready to write down my gratitudes. I recall what happened, phone calls, unpleasant and pleasant conversations, surprises, nice things that people do for me, random acts of kindness. You get the picture. Looking over your calendar will help you.
Then write down at least 5 things you're grateful for. Each day I write different things to keep me mindful of how much is wonderful.
On a hotterthanheck Sunday a friend came over and we hung out at the pool. My entries for that day read this way: hanging out at the pool with Hugh, being treated to lunch, ready for tomorrow’s sales calls, good conversation with neighbors, and reading well at church. They read like a tweet - sound bites. If you want to write more, do.
I have another short column with GG at the top. It’s for God’s grace – those sweet ‘out of the blue’ things that happen. Being treated to lunch, using a float, phone call from a friend I’m thinking about. This keeps me remembering that God is busy helping me.
Over time it becomes a diary as you review daily entries. My journal lives on my bedside table with a favorite pen. Before I turn out my light at night, I make my entries. Going to bed focused on what’s right and well in my world makes for good and restful sleep.
Keep your journal any way you like so it reflects you. You’ll see it evolve as your gratitude increases.
A book, a pen, and 5 minutes make a wonderful attitude adjustor. My secret is out.
COACHES CHALLENGE: Begin to write down what you’re grateful for. Make them different each day. Share one or two with me on Facebook @ The Smart Woman’s Club fan page and Twitter @thesmartwoman. Let’s get a gratitude stream going.
Turn objections around
How many times have you heard sentences like this?
"I'd like to hear more about your idea, but I haven't got time right now." "I think you're a really great person, but I'm not ready for a relationship." "It sounds great, but I can't afford it."
Credit goes to John McWhirter, a UK-based NLP trainer, and Michael Neill for this technique to turn objections around.
Most of us have learned to disregard whatever comes before the "but" and take the second half of the sentence as the speakers "actual" message. But what happens if you reverse the sentence, using the "but" as the pivot point, and then take things a step further in the direction we want them to go?
Try reading the following examples out loud, emphasizing the last phrase: "So you haven't got time right now, but you'd love to hear more about this? When would be a better time to set up a meeting?" "Let me see... you're not ready for a relationship, but you think I'm a really great person? How about if we just hang out together for a while?" "If I'm understanding you, you can't afford it, but it sounds great? Well if it sounds great, let's see if we can't sort out a way for you to afford it!"
Today's Experiment:
1. Complete the following sentence stems. You may complete each one as many different ways as you would like.
a. I want to be successful, but...
b. I want to be healthy, but...
c. I want to exercise, but...
2. Choose your favorite completions from part one. Reverse the "but", and sell yourself on a new belief! Example:
a. I want to have more money, but I don't want to do more work.
b. I don't want to do more work, but I do want to have more money. What are twenty things I could do to make more money with less work?
Keep on being smart!
"I'd like to hear more about your idea, but I haven't got time right now." "I think you're a really great person, but I'm not ready for a relationship." "It sounds great, but I can't afford it."
Credit goes to John McWhirter, a UK-based NLP trainer, and Michael Neill for this technique to turn objections around.
Most of us have learned to disregard whatever comes before the "but" and take the second half of the sentence as the speakers "actual" message. But what happens if you reverse the sentence, using the "but" as the pivot point, and then take things a step further in the direction we want them to go?
Try reading the following examples out loud, emphasizing the last phrase: "So you haven't got time right now, but you'd love to hear more about this? When would be a better time to set up a meeting?" "Let me see... you're not ready for a relationship, but you think I'm a really great person? How about if we just hang out together for a while?" "If I'm understanding you, you can't afford it, but it sounds great? Well if it sounds great, let's see if we can't sort out a way for you to afford it!"
Today's Experiment:
1. Complete the following sentence stems. You may complete each one as many different ways as you would like.
a. I want to be successful, but...
b. I want to be healthy, but...
c. I want to exercise, but...
2. Choose your favorite completions from part one. Reverse the "but", and sell yourself on a new belief! Example:
a. I want to have more money, but I don't want to do more work.
b. I don't want to do more work, but I do want to have more money. What are twenty things I could do to make more money with less work?
Keep on being smart!
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