Not taking oneself too seriously

Sometimes I think the secret to enjoying life is not to take myself too seriously.    This is not something that comes naturally to most of us–I don’t know at what stage of our life we lose our ability to be playful and to see how whimsical life can be.   Surely, transitions from childhood to adulthood make it easier to be serious.  We leave college and all of a sudden we have to be “grown-ups.”  We must be responsible. 
Along the way, we lose our ability to play. When do we become so self-important that we cannot take a moment to laugh at ourselves or enjoy the moment without an agenda?  I tell people that I am the definition of “high maintenance.”  This is part of not taking myself too seriously…I do realize that I still need to have control,  but I also realize that I cannot control much more than how I respond to what life sends my way.

In The Art of Possibility, author Benjamin Zander talks about “Rule Number 6″…this is the rule that says “Do not take yourself so seriously”….what a great gift to remind ourselves, even when we are in the midst of difficult transitions, that if we enforce Rule Number 6,  life will be full of wonder.

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

Life and transitions coach

See more about your transitions coach at www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

What will keep you young, vibrant and healthy?

All around us there is a lot of talk about passion–what magical quality does passion have? Will it be enough to keep us young, vibrant and healthy? I am often puzzled–what is passion anyway? One of the definitions of passion at dictionary.com is “a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: a passion for…” What gives you energy? What are you enthusiastic about? Are you afraid of giving in to your heart’s desire or are you ready to pursue it? Live in the present, be energized by your passion and do not let fear take hold!
If you are interested in exploring the possibilities, working with a coach might be a good way to discover what your passions are, to become aware of how fear is playing in your life, and to design a course of action that puts you on the path to live a full life! Discover your passion and, I have no doubt, you will be young, vibrant and healthy longer!
Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini
www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

By the way, I am reading a good book that is making me think about this subject. You might want to pick up Beaudine’s You’ve Got Who or read it on the kindle!

Book Addict? Bring on the Kindle!

I am an avid reader, especially of business books, self-help and, of course, novels. As I prepare to move from one city to another books are everywhere. It is hard to part with them–I may not remember the content of each book, but there are fond memories attached to each volume. I have imposed a moratorium on buying new books…except of those published on the Kindle! If you are a voracious reader and you travel, the new edition of the Kindle from Amazon is the best thing since sliced bread. Slick, thin, easy to use and to read (even poolside, as I did recently). I look at it fondly and love to have it at my side…and to think that it can contain 1500 books plus the archives! Now, if all my books could jump from the bookshelf and make themselves available in the Kindle, life would be…perfect? Well, really, it already is!
Life is Amazing! Live Well.
Anna Grassini

the Clutter Magnet

So I wish I could say I have invented a “clutter magnet”–an object that magically attracts all clutter and “disappers” into order. Alas, no such great news from me…I am, and have always been, a clutter magnet: in the sense that clutter appears around me everywhere. My friend Mary Thompson says that I can live with clutter because my brain is extremely organized (she has the spices alphabetized in the pantry–who knew that could be possible!). There is some truth to that. But as I prepare to move and I methodically unclutter the space around me, I am amused to see that there is some real zen in having fewer objects around. How I will be able to replicate the experiment of order after I move is an entirely different source of musings. In the meantime, for those of you out there desiring decluttering resources, check out some of Julie Morgensten’s books…and see where that new knowledge takes you. If you are still a clutter magnet at the end of the process, don’t be surprised. Just make sure your brain stays organized! And, if you need help with that, hire a life coach!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

Get your creative juices flowing…

I have been reading The Only True Genius In The Family, the latest novel by Jennie Nash. I highly encourage you to pick it up–what a great story about the complex relationship between mother and daughter. I also came across an interesting website with information on a virtual book club where Jennie will discuss the book as well as creativity. Why not have some fun and explore your creativity while you are at it? Visit creativity portal for more information and enjoy! And if you want a coach to channel your creative your creative self, send me a note!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.
Anna Grassini

Learn something new? Now how do you implement it?

I was recently in communication with a great real estate agent in Austin, Jill Crecelius.  She and I have in common a love of books and a thirst for learning.  We also share a passion for serving people with first class service and giving a 100% commitment.  As I was suggesting yet another learning source, she reminded that first she wants to implement some of what she has learned.  Yes, indeed.  How important for those of us who are learners to be aware that we need to pause and translate the learning into real life applications!  A coach can help us navigate the process! 

I remember when I first started a real estate business, I needed a place to brainstorm my ideas and reducing them to practice.  I hired a coach…and she really helped me take off!
So, keep loving learning and books! And find someone to guide you in the process of applying it all in your life.

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

 

Let’s Explore Enterpreneurship

Joyfully Jobless Seminars in Austin

Since we are talking about change, it seems appropriate to explore an upcoming opportunity coming to Austin later in April.  Barbara Winter, author of Making A Living Without A Job, will be presenting three seminars those contemplating self-employment, for those who’ve already launched a venture, and for those who might want to start something on the side of a regular job. What a great opportunity to think about change in the context of our careers! For more information and to register visit www.joyfullyjoblessinaustin.com!

You got to love the idea that being an enterpreneur is being jobless…I think of it as owning multiple jobs and writing the description for all of them!  Hope to see you there! This should be an enriching experience and one that I would love to share with you!

Strategy for change

So, if it is true that the only people who like change are cashiers, how do we deal with change whether we have chosen it or it has been thrust upon us?

I think it might be wise to create a personal strategy to deal with change.  Most of the time, I look at life changes as a puzzle and I need to put together the pieces.  Of course, there are moments when my neat puzzle feels like it has been thrown off the table and I have to start all over again. 

If putting together a puzzle does not appeal to you, what other ways might help you look at change? Maybe you need to look at the big picture, maybe change works best if you know what others are feeling and how you will be supported.  Certainly, it will be best if you make an effort to love yourself and seek others’ love while you are going through change.

One thing is for sure.  Change is inevitable…and rather than fight it, enjoy the flow of it and navigate the unchartered water in the best way possible. 

And, while we are it, let’s do it while smiling all the way!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

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

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