Archive for March, 2008

31
Mar

Change is…

Change is hard. It hits us like a ton of bricks when we least expect it, even when the change comes about as a result of our choices.  All of a sudden, in the middle of contemplating change that we have chartered,  we feel  the significance of what we are about to undertake.  The enormity of it hits us in the face, smack between our eyes, landing like a punch. 

What can we do to deal with change? Is our attitude the only thing that needs an adjustment or should we also take measures to make ourselves ready for change?

I would love your input! What are your thoughts about facing change?

Life is Amazing! Live Well!
Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

19
Mar

Relaxing memories

Do you remember being a child? If you do not or if you prefer not to remember, what would it be like to imagine being a child as you  progress through your day, just as an experiment? Do not look back.  Just imagine for a moment that you are a child with no baggage.  What would you see that is different, better, more colorful, flavorful, charming or just plain entertaining? I look back to the biggest Xmas tree I have ever seen–and no, it is not the one in Rockerfeller Plaza in New York. It is the one in my grandfather’s house when I was a small child. There is an enchantment to life that we can hold on to or recover or discover as we age and mature enough. Picasso said ‘It takes a long time to become young.’ But it is never too late to be young at heart.
So today, take a moment to look around yourself with the eyes of a child…what strikes you? Maybe just maybe you will see how life is truly amazing!

Life is Amazing! Live Well!
Anna

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

13
Mar

Your Vital Friends

This week our theme has been friends.   If you want to explore something interesting, this week I suggest you buy Vital Friends: The People You Can’t Afford to Live Without, a book by Tom Rath.  There is actually scientific research that shows social connections are closely correlated to happiness–it might seem  old news, but it is good news!  Tom Rath’s research shows that people who have friends at work tend to be more successful.  According to his definition, a “Vital Friend” is ”someone who measurably improves your life.”    So, who are your vital friends? How are you going to let them know? Read the book and sign up on their website to identify your vital friends! Who knows what you could start!

Life is Amazing! Live Well!

Anna

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

12
Mar

Friends and wealth

Have you thought about your friends as the most meaningful resource in your life? This morning on CNN there was a mention of a British economist who indicated that seeing friends regularly gives us the equivalent of pleasure and happiness that we would get from receiving $170,000 of income a year.  I won’t question the basis of this study (only an economist could come up with such numbers), but to me it is clear that friends increase our riches. 

Take my experience last night with a dynamic couple who cooked me dinner and kept me engaged in conversation on a night when John was out of town.  There is no fancy restaurant that could have made me feel as rich as they did! 

So, today spend some time counting your blessings and reach out to a friend who means something special to you.  Even if you call them for just a few minutes, you will be wealthier and healthier at the end of the day!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinibalancecoach.com

View Anna Grassini's profile on LinkedIn

11
Mar

How will you love a friend?

What do you really do for someone you love? What do you really do with someone you love? Here is a list to consider! Will you add your comments and suggestions? I would love to hear!

  1. Support
  2. Encourage
  3. Play
  4. Nourish
  5. Trust
  6. Share
  7. Listen
  8. Have Fun
  9. Feed
  10. Take care
  11. Cherish
  12. Spend time

 Now, what will you choose to do today for a friend or with a friend? What will you ask in return? Do not be bashful about your own needs and desires. 

Life is Amazing! Live Well!
Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

Look out the window today–where are your friends in the piazza? How will you join them?

Window on Friendship

10
Mar

Preparing for Spring

Spring is almost here.  Before everything is in bloom, have you pruned the plants that needed it? And in your life, have you pruned those relationships that sap you of energy? What  are you doing to feed those relationships that nourish your soul and let you grow and evolve?

Last night I had dinner with a wonderful friend.  We talked about creating space in our lives for those friends that really nourish us.  Our energy is limited and we are human beings with needs and desires. We are also generous.  The most efficient use of our lives is to fill them with those people who allow us to grow by nourishing our souls.  Real friends let us soar to new heights. 

So this week I invite you to reflects on those friendships.  Will you blog about what friendship means in your life? I would love to know!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

07
Mar

Smiling at yourself!

So how did if feel to give compliments to others yesterday? Some of you may have found it natural, others had to try a little harder.  I hope it was a satisfying experiment.

I read in several magazines that there is research showing the benefits of smiling.  I think we can believe that.  So what would happen if today we just tried the experiment for ourselves.  As you are at work or around your friends or family or even strangers, can you try to put a smile on your face? How does it feel? What reactions are you getting? Does it help look at your day in a new light?  What if the woman in the mirror was smiling?

Here is a poem to think about looking at yourself in the mirror(Anonymous)

The Woman in the Glass

When you get what you want as you struggle for self
And the world makes you queen for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that woman has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or husband
Who’s judgement upon you must pass;
The person whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
She’s the person to please, never mind all the rest,
For she’s with you clear up to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the woman in the glass if your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life,
And get pats on your back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the woman in the glass.

So smile away!

Life is Amazing! Live Well,

Anna

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

06
Mar

A smiling exercise

What impact can a compliment make? My mom, who recently spent 25 days in the hospital, this morning looked at my blog for the first time! (Thanks mom!)  She then sent me an email saying that I am like an injection, no even better, like an intravenous IV, of good humour and hope! Well, I had not thought of myself as a medicine before–and it is a unique compliment, but it most certainly put a smile on my face. 

So, will you try it on someone today? Nice shoes, lovely bag, what a great smile, like your haircut, you look lovely…it does not have to be difficult or as ingenious as the one my mom crafted!  I’d love to hear how your experiment goes and if it puts a smile on your face.

Life is Amazing! Live Well,

Anna

www.lifeinbalance.com

03
Mar

The magic of a house

I am an avid reader.  This week I suggest you do something for yourself that is totally self-indulgent.  Pick up a good book, maybe soak in your tub, and relax in the magic of a story mindful of what it means to be alive.

If you need a book suggestion, I would highly recommend the newly published The Last Beach Bungalow, by Jennie Nash.   This the  story of a woman who is learning to live after surviving breast cancer and has an affair with a bungalow that has survived past its time.  While the protagonist faces her own mortality, she finds a bungalow that seems to speak to her heart.  If you have ever wondered what a house should do for you (and I have sold many during my  previous real estate career), this book may have the answers.  And if you ever wondered what it is to be seek to be alive, read this charming story.  You will emerge refreshed and thankful that you are living.  May your week be off to a good and mindful start!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

P.S. You can find the book by going to my small bookstore!




 

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