Freedom – October 2008

The inspiration for this newsletter is the economy-or, more accurately stated, a conversation I had with two colleagues about the economy.  However, I was afraid that if I put that in the subject, you would not have opened the e-mail.  And, before you are tempted to sign off now, the topic is truly more about Personal Freedom than the Economy, more about Hope than Disaster Planning.

I don’t have to detail for you the many concerns and fears that exist about the current economic situation.  You’ve heard the same stories and felt the same feelings.  What I’d like to do today is to remind you of the power that you have to take charge of your life and to make a difference in someone else’s.

I haven’t been able to find who said it but a favorite quote of mine is particularly applicable now:  “We must look for the opportunity in every difficulty instead of being paralyzed at the thought of the difficulty in every opportunity.“

Looking for opportunity is what my colleagues and I did in our short conversation yesterday.  First, I’d like to share some facts:

• Our brains are basically lazy – which is not necessarily a bad thing.  When we learn something new it takes a lot of effort.  However, once we figure it out we create a pattern for it in our mind so that the more we do something, the easier it is and the less effort it takes.  Now is a time to ask your brain to think differently.

• Creativity sometimes becomes just another version of the same old, same old instead of a true break through of something different.  Today is the time for true creativity-not just a new spin on an old idea.

• Change takes effort (which we frequently want to avoid) and may mean letting go of the familiar to grab onto something less sure (which we DEFINITELY want to avoid).  We may need support and guidance to make the changes that we need to.

It is becoming clear that we, as a country and as individuals, NEED to do something different now.  My colleagues and I were encouraged by the fact that, with the current challenges we face, people are more willing to explore a change.  And, in many ways, the changes that we see people exploring are those that bring them more independence, control, and family-focus:  alternative health care methods, growing their own food, foregoing the extravagant children’s birthday parties for an old fashioned picnic with party games.

Which brings me to the Call to Action:

What can YOU do to make some changes in your life or business that will bring you closer to what you most value, be more economical and, perhaps use your talents and skills to help someone else?

I’d like to offer some resources to help you answer that question:

Be Inspired:

Something that I revisited today and found truly inspirational was the speech that J.K. Rowling gave to the 2008 Harvard graduating class. If you need some inspiration, I highly recommend listening to (or reading) this 20 minute speech:  http://harvardmagazine.com/go/jkrowling.html

Be Economical:

One of my colleagues, Tonya Ensign, has a phenomenal business:  Emagine Green.  She provides education and products for living a more “green” life.  An additional benefit is that many of the products will help you to save money and be more independent (For instance, I plan to explore her organic tomato plants that I can grow indoors.)  Check her out at www.emaginegreen.com

Be Centered:

My other colleague, Cathy Brennan, is a coach who focuses on helping you get more in touch with what is most important to you so that you can live each day more consciously.  Check out her new program, Everyday Consciousness, at www.pathwayscoach.com/edc.html

Be Clear:

I have searched for what I can do to help people reposition themselves for success in these challenging times.  Through my one-on-one coaching I help my clients create a clear personal vision so that they can attain amazing results.  You already know that I offer complimentary consultations if you are considering coaching with me.  If you contact me and reference this article, in addition to the complimentary consultation, I will offer you a reduced rate on your first coaching package. 

Finally, if you have any questions or suggestions for other resources, send them to me and I will share them in my next newsletter.