Monthly Coaching Newsletter
Aug 2010: Back to...Season
Monthly Coaching Newsletter
Monday, August 02, 2010
Hello!
It's almost that time again. The fall, like the new year, is for re-organizing and re-focus. Just like when we were kids, buying new notebooks and saddle shoes (ok, maybe that was just me), September is a chance to decide what we want for the rest of the year, then go after it.
That means August is the time to relax.
September will be here soon enough. Give yourself this time to take deep breaths, to watch clouds roll by, to take a nap.
I challenge all of you, and myself, to choose at least five days in August to leave completely open. Whether you're on vacation or in the office, clear those entire days and, with it, your need to have it all figured out.
That means living by instinct for a whole day - five of them. Doing what seems right, stopping, then doing what seems right next.
* Note: these don't have to be five consecutive days. Look at the calendar now and choose five individual days throughout the month that you will consciously leave blank.
If you're on vacation, that can mean having no definite plans for a day - no excursions or even dinner reservations. If you feel like going for a walk, take one. If you feel like staying in bed, allow yourself to do that without judging whether you "should" see sights and without regret for what you might be missing. It's August afterall, why not.
If you're in the office, leaving a day open means scheduling no appointments. Each moment throughout the day you get to decide what you'll do next - maybe it's organizing a file cabinet, or stopping by a new colleague's desk who you've been meaning to meet. Believe it or not, you get work done!
The same rule applies at work as it does on vacation. No judgment about what you "should" be doing, and no regrets for what doesn't get done. These five days are open to your discretion. And by your discretion, I mean minute-to-minute.
No building a long agenda for yourself since you don't have meetings. You're approaching each of these five days fresh. No matter where you are, throughout the day ask yourself: What's drawing my attention now? Then do that.
I promise that we all can do it, and that what you'll get on the other end will make it all worthwhile.
Sometimes the most powerful aspect of coaching is accountability, so when you choose your days tell someone! Your best friend, the people you live with. The act of saying it out loud makes it more real. I'm happy to be your accountability partner too. What you say looks like this:
- What you're committing to
- When you'll do it (specify: on Tuesday)
- Afterward, tell them that you've done it
For my part, I'll commit to you my days right now.
- I will have five days of living without an agenda. Going by instinct of what I want to do without judging myself for what I 'should' do.
- Wed, August 4; Sat, August 7; Sun, August 15; Wed, August 18; Sat, August 28
- You'll find out in the next newsletter!
I hope you'll take the challenge yourself and sink into August. It's a great month all by itself without looking ahead to what comes next.
And now...
For Your Reading Pleasure
Some of my latest blog posts:
I'm scared & doing it anyway!
In June I had the honor of presenting "How My Brain Tumor Will Change Your Life" in front of a live audience at IgniteDC #4. What a thrill! So glad I didn't throw up. This link will take you to a video to see me in action. I plan to speak on the subject more often, so watch for me at a podium or soapbox near you.
The choice is yours
In the third installment of my blog series, "How My Brain Tumor Will Change Your Life," I talk about choice. Things can happen in your life beyond your control; maybe something is right now. You might not have a choice about it happening, but you always get to choose what you do about it.
You're in charge of how you feel
Ever catch yourself thinking or saying: "You make me feel..." I often do when I feel hurt or angry with someone, and the truth is I chose to feel this way. It's giving over your power to someone else to say that they make you feel something - instead, own up to what's really going on.
Finally, an oldie but goodie:
My artistic purpose
At one time this was an essay for my application to art school. It's turned into a manifesto for how I look at the world, work with my clients and stay creative every day. I hope it inspires you to connect to your unique creativity and express what it means to you.
Simply Leap News
Thank you to SWAN (Smart Women Are Networking) for hosting my Power of Choice guided conversation recently. Gathering a group of women in someone's home helps create a comfortable environment for candid sharing and discovery. If you're looking to make your next girl's night or women's weekend special, for only $20 per person, consider adding a guided conversation. I travel too!
Speaking of Back to...Season, if you are making plans for September and October, please consider one of these:
- Do you want to be a mother?
Mondays, September 13 - October 18, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm ET, over the phone
The MommyDrama teleseries is back for women deciding if they want to be mothers. If you're on the fence, please join this community to find the answer that's right for you. More details here. - Get those creative juices flowing!
Saturday, September 18, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, in Bethesda
If you're in the Washington, DC area, I will co-host a workshop for women on Expressing Your Creative Voice. Enjoy three-hours of self-discovery and child-like fun to help you find your creative spark and let it out. Contact me for info. - Does something seem out-of-your control?
Monday, September 20, at 10:00 am, in Dupont Circle
Also in DC, I'm leading a Monday Morning session at 40Plus of Greater Washington on "The Power of Choice." It's free, and a great way to meet new people while learning how your choices now effect what you want for the future.
A Coach You Should Know
In each newsletter, I profile a life coach doing interesting work. While I'd love for you to be my client, I also know that finding the right fit is important. If you read something that rings a bell, I encourage you to seek them out.
Adrienne Dornbusch is a talented coach, certified yoga instructor and public speaker.
Working with individuals and businesses to stay grounded amid the chaos, Adrienne just launched a new program called STOP*BREATHE*REBOOT (website coming soon). It offers a holistic approach to combat workplace stress and reinvigorate productivity. If this sounds perfect for your company, contact her for more information.
Quote of the Day
"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." - Chinese proverb
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