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

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!

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 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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

So smile away!

Life is Amazing! Live Well,

Anna

www.lifeinbalancecoach.com