This week I was reminded of the power of women–collectively and as individuals. I had the opportunity to attend the Texas Women’s Conference, where 5000 Texan women gathered to hear many speakers. For me, the highlight of the conference was a speech by Ms. Isabel Allende. She reminded us to pursue joy and pleasure in life–yes pleasure! She talked about “mamisma”, femininity defined by mature and maternal qualities. Mamisma is an energy available to all women, not just mothers. It is the essence of powerful women–who do not have to act like men to succeed. I wish I could have bottled the energy of the 5000 women–I sat next to a friend, feeling empowered, hopeful, optimistic. And, most of all, joyful. What if we could conquer our fears not by taking a warrior stance but by embracing our femininity? The collective power of women in the room was palpable….I hope each one of us took a little bit of it away with us! Ms. Allende recalled the stories of one woman in Mexico and one in the US who dared to make a difference. These two women were mothers, not powerful media personalities. But they chose to help others…each one of us can make a difference. How easy it is to be enveloped by fear and to forget. Courage is to remember that we can make a mark even when we fear.
May we all go out in the world and emobody the graceful energy of mamisma…
Life is Amazing! Live Well.
Anna Grassini

Recently I was coaching a group of clients on the phone. One of the assignments to one of the people was to stop during the day and breathe. Another assignment was to give herself a pat on the back. I recently heard from the client that these small steps were making her feel less stressed and more accepting. Happiness really is within reach–if we just try. Professor Tal Ben Shahar, a well known “happiness specialist”, suggests that there are six steps to happiness. The first requires that we give ourselves permission to be human! That means accepting our emotions and sitting with them instead of rejecting them. If you are having a hard time, hire a coach and set your course in the direction of happiness…that is one transition that will surely pay off great dividends in your life!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini
Your transitions coach
www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

This weekend I went to a class on mindfulness– defined on Wikipedia as calm awareness of one’s body functions, feelings, content of consciousness, or consciousness itself.  I will add that mindfulness brings about a noticing of our own thoughts and emotions,  which is essential if we want to bring change of any kind into our lives.  Transitions are hard,  even when we seek them–but they will never happen in a sensible way if we don’t usher them in with full consciousness.

As we start a new week, what will each one of us do to bring awareness in our lives?  Even if there is no time to stop the frenetic pace of our lives, I hope we will indulge ourselves in a few moments where we are not in autopilot.  Whether you are doing the dishes, driving to school or work, exercising or working, take a minute today to be fully present in the moment.  And let me know how it goes! The question really is–can you afford not to be present?

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

Your Transitions Coach

It is becoming my experience that nothing keeps me younger and more close to the world than to befriend young people. Today I spent some time with a remarkable young woman who will soon be graduating from my alma mater, Wellesley College. Spending time with such a lovely person provided me with a great connection to today’s world and reinforced for me how useful experience is. Sometimes sharing my wisdom also opens me up to the miracle of the journey I have undertaken through the years. What a beautiful story each one can weave through our lives…whether it is a story of resilience, courage, struggle, persistence, each one of us is our story!
So, if you are challenged and feeling lonely, think about your story and go out there in the world to find a young person–don’t just tell your story, but show your interest, ask questions, support them…and be open to receive joy in return!
Life is Amazing! Live Well.
Anna Grassini
www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

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

Even when I was a child my mother asked me to clean out my room, which really meant to put things back where they belonged. Reluctantly I complied…though I am sure I never quite met the standards of order that would have been required. Decency maybe was more the level of what I could achieve.
So now I find myself having to clean the whole house in preparation of a move. My mother’s voice is not commanding me to do it…my adult self is saying “do it.” So I tackled my closet…for what seems the second or third time! I never thought of myself as a “hoarder” but maybe I have to rethink that one. What was I thinking when I saved the shoulder pads from my 1980s clothes? Really! So tonight I went through the closet one more time and I tried to keep the mood light by wondering what an archaeologist would think if she were uncovering the treasures that I am finally parting with! Order still eludes me, but there is evidence of progress towards some decency…I am encouraged and delighted by the feeling of freedom that sharing usable stuff and recycling unusable things is causing. What a feeling! If you have stories to share about your organizing experiences I would love to hear from you!
Life is Amazing! Live well.

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

If someone asked you what is your theme song, would you know which one it is? Give it some thought.  Something from the time you were a child? An adoloscent? A young adult? What song tells something about you the way you feel right now or the way you would like to be? Is it whimsical? Serious? Loving? Sad? Happy?

If you have not thought about it before, take some time and get that IPOD out…and start listening to figure out what your theme song is right now!

Will  you come back here and share with us what is your theme song is? I’d love to know.

And so, to say it with Abba, “Thank you for the music…”.  Don’t forget the joy of dancing through life to the theme of your own tune!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

P.S. By the way…curious to know what my theme song is? Stay tuned…it’s from a musical…

Want to achieve something important in your life? Focus on it with laser vision. 

Visualize a ladder with your goal at the top:  you can reach the top by taking one step at the time.  But as you climb up, you must be aware of what is in your peripheral vision.  If market conditions, the economy or your life change, it may be time to take a step down the ladder or to stay put for a moment while you comprehend how the landscape around it has changed.  Then keep going up at a pace that is just right for you.  Need help getting there? Hire a good coach and don’t be afraid to have a partner in accountability that can help you keep you focussed on your goals!

Life is Amazing! Live well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com

How do you feel? Pretty good? Great! So, now is the time to make sure you  have a check up!  Just as you should take stock of your finances and of your life, you should take stock of your health.  After all, when we are not healthy, it is hard to live joyfully and give the best of ourselves to life.

Getting a fasting blood test  is not my idea of fun–and a regular OBYGym exam is even less exciting (do I even dare mention a yearly mammogram?), I am going to set the good example.  I took my appointment a few months back.  What are you waiting for?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure–so this morning make those appointments you have been postponing! And once you are done, give yourself a pat on the back, and treat yourself to something healthy.  How about a walk? A run? A swim.  You tell me…share your thoughts on ways to take care of yourself! And remember, what you don’t know can hurt you!

Life is Amazing! Live Well.

Anna Grassini

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com