My week went pretty well. I was able to work out every day and saw my trainer Frank three times. He is definitely trying to up my game and squeeze as much in as he can in a month. I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do. He is definitely working on my endurance, metabolism and breathing. I never "sweat" and I don't mean "glow" as much as I do with Frank. I feel stronger every time I go. I also want to increase my time at Jazzercise as I love the music and truly enjoy the people at the center. I picked up a new schedule yesterday so I can figure out the best times for me. I truly enjoy working out in the morning so much more so than I did in the afternoon. How are you taking care of yourself?
I had the opportunity this past week to catch up with several people in my circle and it was great. I went to a Red Hats dinner and it was so good to see these ladies and catch up after a long summer. We ate outside by the lake on a lovely evening. We were able to relax and take advantage of sitting and chatting as the restaurant was not crowded. I had a breakfast meeting the other morning to discuss my other business. I was presented with the opportunity to grow; so with an open mind I listened to the proposal. I provided some documentation as to what my other business does and contract/agreement information, etc. I am open to the idea of expansion as long as the person that proposed it can assist when needed. We had an excellent conversation so now we'll see if it happens. If it's meant to be it will happen. I had a wonderful lunch with a dear friend - I am so glad he had the time to get together. He is the CEO of his own business that I have watched grow tremendously over the years. I met him many years ago when he started in a different organization and we hit it off and have been friends since. We had a nice leisurely lunch and we joked about me working for him at some point. How do you keep connected to those in your circle?
I finished reading: "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides. It's the multi-generational story of a Greek-American family. The family dynamics and secrets that come along with the different generations reminds me that all families have skeletons. It's starts in the 1920s and ends in the 1990s. A very interesting book. I came across it on the sharing book shelf at the hospital and it was on the Oprah Book Club at one point. What are you reading?
This past week I participated in a 5-day Gratitude Challenge via Facebook. Thank you to my friend Gina for nominating me. What I loved about this challenge is that it made me stop and think every day. I had to be present in the moment to think about gratitude and my life. I do some of this pretty regularly, but I loved the focus. I am also partaking in a 30-day Reclaim the Sass exercise proctored by Jennifer Boykin (http://www.lifeaftertampons.com/) which also has great recommendations daily. As a coach, I love the lessons I learn from both exercises. They also provide ideas that I can use in my own practice. What do you do to express Gratitude or stay in the moment?
This past week I also experienced the sadness and emotions that come along with September 11th. The smallest things brought my emotions to the surface. I definitely cried a few times and felt an almost overwhelming sadness. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on September 11th. I can remember the emotions - shock and fear - that stayed with me for quite a few days. There are few days in my life that I remember with such clarity. I did what I advise coaching clients in many cases: its ok to acknowledge and wallow in the sadness for the day and then focus on moving forward the next day. For those of you that remember, how were you feeling? May I coach you with the feelings and energies?
Monday is picture taking day for me as I start the process for a new headshot for this website. I want to project confidence and happiness at where I am in life. I want the picture to be real and professional so no special makeup and no special hairstyles - I may look at these pictures and change my mind, but for now it will be me as I am. Stay tuned to see what comes out of the session. I have faith in the photographer as she did my picture for LinkedIn. Don't get me wrong I loved the picture I used for this website, but it's been quite a few years and I feel like a completely different person so time to try something new. I am not a person that loves to be in pictures and mainly wants to either be the picture taker or stay in the back. How would you feel if you had to take a picture on Monday? What would you like to have represented?
I am going to end it here today. I hope you have a good week. Take care of yourself. Chat soon. Marie
The following poem is by Mark Nepo from his book: "Reduced to Joy"
BEHIND THE THUNDER
I KEEP LOOKING FOR ONE MORE TEACHER,
ONLY TO FIND THAT FISH LEARN FROM WATER
AND BIRDS LEARN FROM SKY.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE SEA,
IT HELPS TO BE AT SEA.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT COMPASSION,
IT HELPS TO BE IN LOVE.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT HEALING,
IT HELPS TO KNOW OF SUFFERING.
THE STRONG LIVE IN THE STORM
WITHOUT WORSHIPPING THE STORM.
"The best way out is always through.” ~Robert Frost
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