General Info – Page 6

June 6, 2016

Getting To The New Normal

What happens when we fall? Sometimes we land softly. Sometimes we feel shaken? There are times when we are badly injured. This “falling” is the life of many “baby boomers” and caregivers who have lost their positions and possessions in life. More and more boomers –especially women — are finding there is no safely net from the falls. These falls are the result of

reductions in workforce
caring for family members
changed careers
company buyouts
relationship shifts
forced retirements
poor financial planning
life

Life as it was known has forever changed. Pensions — if they existed– have been depleted. Social security is inadequate. These are educated, responsible, competent, and well-connected women. Many are finding employers are not eager to hire a 60 year old for various reasons.

ability to get along with a younger staff
outdated skill set
medial insurance
technological challenges

This is the time of life when we are supposed to be feeling “secure”. What happens?

We have to take charge of our lives. Take the time to evaluate where we really are. Realistically determine what we can and are willing to do about the situation. Seek guidance and support from trusted and capable advisors or coaches. Prioritize and re-prioritize our priorities. What really matters?

downsize if necessary or feasible
capitalize on hobbies
return to school
sharing (car or house)
become more creative
monetize your gifts

When we face our lives as they are today, not as they were 5 or 10 years ago or what we expect they will be in the near future, we are facing our own reality and we begin to take the necessary steps to move toward our “new normal”.

This is where we find our True North – our essence, our authentic selves. This is where success is. It is ours.

Joy and light to you and your New Beginning.

January 28, 2016

Don’t Worry; Be Happy

“Don't worry about a thing,every little thing is gonna be alright” When we stop worrying , that persistent repetitious thought process that leads to stress and keeps us from being as productive as we can be or more stressed than we need to be – our lives take on a favorable change.

Have you ever noticed as we stop worrying, a solution generally appears?

Remember the times when you told yourself to “sleep on it” and after a nap or another diversion, a feasible solution comes to mind?

Ask yourself

Does worry make the issue disappear?
Does worry make it better?
What purpose does worrying serve?

The new #caregiver you reluctantly hired, that important presentation you are about to make, your or your loved ones retirement or medical benefits, even those lingering holiday pounds are all examples of worry. Knowing that we have prepared properly and asked for support and assistance for those tasks that seem overwhelming enables us to reach solutions to our challenges. Worry is alleviated.

As we think differently about our concerns, our lives and the lives of those around us flow with less effort and more ease. The process of taking action to solve our worries greatly improves the outcome.

Let’s focus on the good. There is always something good in every challenge. We become stronger and wiser. Take the time for #self care. Engage in activities that interest you. If it’s been a while or you have forgotten about those interests, reach out and try something new and different. Visit a new restaurant. Try a yoga class. Get motivated with dance instruction. Revive your artistic talents. Something new is always on the horizon with a cooking class. Explore mentoring in your community or volunteering for those who really appreciate your service.

Remember, don’t worry, be Happy.

Joy and light to you.

December 3, 2015

Friends Holidays and Expectations

gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-3-900x600 We are right in the middle of the holiday season. Have you decided to get in a little more exercise to balance those “extra servings” of delicious seasonal specialties that caused us to over-indulge last week?(an extra slice of pie, a little more dressing, another glass of that “too sweet” ice tea)

As adults, what meaning does the holiday season have for us? Are we practicing the gratitude and thanksgiving all year long or just during that final week in November? I believe it is the time when family members and friends gather. It is truly a time when we give thanks for the many blessings we have received throughout the year. We share our joy and love with those who are special to us. It is a time of reflection.

Do we have expectations from those with whom we share? It is a time for allowing our friends and family to be who they truly are.(authentically themselves) I am learning not to take those differences of opinion personally. There was a misunderstanding, someone unexpectedly stopped by or many other reasons. gratitude-quotes-attitude-quotes-A-moment-of-gratitude-makes-a-difference-in-your-attitude

I am learning and accepting the fact that we all do things differently. I am learning that every statement does not have to be followed by a response. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. We are all individually unique and special. We all matter. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Will it matter in the end?

During this holiday season, I want to acknowledge my friends, family and clients. Thank you for your support. I am grateful. Many of you have lost loved ones during the past year. This will be your first holiday season without that special person’s physical presence. Call on a friend for support. Take it easy on yourself. Appreciate the love and joy you shared. There is no time limit for feeling what you feel. Someone understands. That’s what family and friends expect.

Gratitude and thanksgiving,

Angela

October 18, 2015

What are you Doing and Why are you doing it?

When attending networking events or social occasions, I am often asked,
“what do you do?” My response depends on the situation. Sometimes there is the short answer: I am a life coach; I work with seniors; I offer support and assistance to caregivers, I am a consultant.
Its’s about having a client understand.What I do is not as important to me as why I do what I do. We often hear the answer, “I want to make a difference.” That is true. For me the real answer is knowing that I have helped someone to bring about a change in their life. It’s about seeing them believe in themselves again. It is about a client becoming a friend. It is about having a client understand that what they are doing matters. It’s about not sitting still and taking action to bring about changes that I want to see — attending seminars and knowing that I am making a difference.
Coaching to me is about support. It is also about assistance, It’s listening to a client’s story. It’s realizing that these people trust me. It is about hoping that eventually others will understand and take the appropriate action that works best for them. It’s not about me. It’s about a client seeing clearly their own agenda.
As a certified life coach, it’s important for clients to understand that I care about them and their futures. It’s seeing the light in their faces when I remember the little things and the no so little things — a birthday, a new contract, a date, a referral. it’s a call from someone who heard something I said or did a while ago and they are wondering if I am still on that path. They are ready to take on some of the challenges in their lives.
Why am I doing this? It’s about that fifth grade teacher who saw something special in me and took the initiative to suggest enrollment in a summer camp. It’s about the college professor who read my essay and recommended a graduate scholarship program. It’s about the recruiter who asked me to stay after the class and question me about my future.
It’s about taking that extra step. It’s about believing that in the end someone actually “gets it”.
I ask you to take some special time out for yourself; to do something special just for you. Know that you deserve so much more than what you are giving to yourself at this particular moment.
Join me on this journey. I believe in you, your what and your why.
Joy and light.