Blog Entries tagged 'confidence'

The choice is yours

lauree@simplyleap.com — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The third installment of my series, How My Brain Tumor Will Change Your Life, is about choice.

Even in circumstances that seem beyond your control, you get to choose how you react. That was one of the messages during my speech at Ignite DC 4– watch for the video coming soon.

I obviously didn't choose to have a brain tumor, nor do you choose some things that happen to you. Other than that, though, there is a lot that we can do.

From the mo [...]

You're in charge of how you feel

lauree@simplyleap.com — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100

When I'm upset, I often think or say the phrase, "you make me feel...". Know what I mean?

I'm taking time out of my series on How My Brain Tumor Will Change Your Life to talk about a common emotional trap. Looking outside for what's happening within.

There are a number of ways we can give our power to others, and many, like this one, are subtle.

When you say or think, "You make me feel bad about myself," it may seem like it' [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Gorgeous? Says who?

lauree@simplyleap.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

"You are gorgeous" are not words I hear everyday. After several times in the space of a week, I couldn't ignore it as a fluke.

No one would confuse me with Giselle. What's this about?

My limited modeling experience aside...any compliment is about more than the words themselves. There are also the meaning instilled by the speaker, and the one assigned by the listener.

I wrote previously about the concept of receiving. In order to get wha [...]

Highly sensitive people unite!

lauree@simplyleap.com — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

I was just featured in a column in Positive Health by Handan Satiroglu about Highly Sensitive People (HSP).

A few years ago I learned this term meant people who are sensitive to extremes of light and sound, and I finally understood that I wasn't alone in this feeling.

The term was coined by Dr Elaine Aron in her book, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. In it, she provides questions to help determine if you are a HSP - from whether you were called introverted or shy as a child, to if you need to withdraw after a busy day to a q [...]

Don't fall off your edge!

lauree@simplyleap.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Spoke to my friend, James, the other day about the Middle Ages when everyone thought the world was flat.

Remember those drawings where sailing vessels fell off the edge of the Earth into oblivion?

We all have that same edge. In front of it is our known world: who we are, what we know to be true. Beyond it is the unknown. Our hopes and dreams live there.

Just like sailors in the Middle Ages, it can be scary approaching the edge, because you don't know if what's beyo [...]