Blog Entries

Friendship in unlikely places: the Ex-factor

lauree@simplyleap.com — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Not a topic often discussed, being friends with your partner's ex.

But I am. She's really nice.

The Ex-factor is a challenge to navigate in any relationship. Most people I spoke to have a strict policy on the subject. "I never speak to ex's" was the most common. Followed by: "we're amicable and that's it."

So how did I get myself into this? Well for one, I'm new in town having just moved to Washington, DC from Manhattan six months ago. I was looking for female friends who like things I do -- art, eating out, talking about life. The guy I'm dating knew just t [...]

Holding on can hold you back

lauree@simplyleap.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

You are more powerful than you can possibly imagine.

I learned this first hand in 2004 after my third surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. Lying in the ICU with a small cylinder connected to my incision, I asked a question I never thought to ask before.

What is the purpose of this?

The answer - to drain excess fluid - was a revelation. You should know that at that moment my head was swollen to double its size and that the same thing had happened after each previous surgery. Both times a spinal tap was ultimately employed to remove the fluid.

Up [...]

Secrets & hiding from the truth

lauree@simplyleap.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

I spent most of 2009 lying to everyone, including myself.

From lies to "protect" my loved ones from what I believed they didn't want to know, to putting a positive spin on everything lest I be judged (while all along I was the one judging myself).

Trust me: it's lonely caught in a vortex of denial and avoidance.

So what really happened?

I got divorced.

More than that, I flipped my life upside down. In the space of a month, I went from living in a brownstone on Manhattan's upper westside with a cushy disposable income, to living upstate with my dad, [...]

Inadvertent miracle-making

lauree@simplyleap.com — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

'Tis the season for miracles - both the everyday and spiritual variety. I think it's time to get in on the action, don't you?

"Inadvertent miracle" is a new term for a technique I've employed for some time. It is a cross between stumbling upon a miracle while walking down the street, like you would a heads-up penny, and making a wish on that penny before tossing it into a fountain.

The order of these two events is reversed, however.

You are consciously aware of what you want - that wish - and you are also detached enough from the outcome to be delighted w [...]

Simply Leap around the web

lauree@simplyleap.com — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

With the holidays and the end of 2009 upon us, it's a great time to reflect and celebrate all that this year has meant to you.

Simply Leap has a lot to be thankful for, especially in the last month. In case you missed any of it, here's a recap of our appearances around the web:

Planning a career change or to climb the corporate ladder in 2010? Find tips on choosing the right Career Coach or Mentor for your needs at the Women in Business blog, courtesy of Simply Leap's Lauree Ostrofsky.More career-related advice, this time to Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper. The classroom rule ha [...]

I'm fancy. So very fancy.

lauree@simplyleap.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

"Oh yes I'm fancy. So very fancy. From my top hat to my underpantsies."

You might recognize that from a Saturday Night Live skit with Jonah Hill. I quote that song often when I put out pretty kitchen towels or serve leftovers in delicate handmade pottery.

It's fun! It's Fancy!

I'm working with a close friend on a blog for teachers called Reflective Renewal. Our mission: finding meaning and inspiration through children's books. As a reading professo [...]

You are an artist

lauree@simplyleap.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Ever notice how people skirt around calling themselves artists, even if they draw or write regularly?

What's that about?

When I do it, I imagine a thick black line drawn between the aficionado and the "true" artist or writer.

Picasso, Hemmingway, these people are the real deal. I take photographs of fruit at farmers' markets and have a blog. Big difference.

But is it really?

Consider other t [...]

Work is the fun you get paid for

lauree@simplyleap.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Imagine that. Getting paid for doing what you love.

I'm inspired by people who love what they do. Case in point: Global Business School Network. I had the pleasure of meeting with them last week to discuss communication strategies to attract members and corporate leaders.

This group has a tremendous amount of energy and drive to strengthen business education in emerging markets. It is palpable how much each person believes that what they are doing is making a difference. Talk about job satisfaction.

So how do you get paid for doing what you love?

First things fi [...]

Know thy audience

lauree@simplyleap.com — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

I coach individuals and businesses on getting what you want and removing obstacles along the way. Because my background is in public relations, one of the topics we often cover is how to express yourself.

In your personal life, this can translate into asking for a promotion.

If you're in business, it is how you attract and keep customers. Your mission statement. Your website.

No matter who you are trying to influence, before you open your mouth consider two things: your audience, and your desired outcome.

Sounds simple enough. And it is for the most [...]

On the fence? It's time to leap

lauree@simplyleap.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Sitting on the fence about a big decision? So was I.

I'm writing from my new space in Bethesda, MD. I just relocated my PR consulting and life coaching businesses from Manhattan, NY after a long journey this year of sitting on the fence.

What helped me to focus and decide unequivocally that this was the time and place to move, were two things.

First, I looked to the past for guidance. My own past.

Think back to successful decisions you've made before. How did you make them?

I remember when I took a six week sabbatical from my public relations [...]