It's Always Something

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Please read the P.S.

Tough subject today, unfortunately one that 2009 has made me very familiar with - cancer. No, I am not suffering from the disease, however, I have lost a precious family member to pancreatic while another faces uterine cancer.

True, the underlying theme to Sarah's writing is what we all go around saying...live everyday to it's fullest, don't sweat the small stuff, appreciate each day. But we don't always live up to those mantras, do we? No, life tends to get in the way. So, what is it going to take to get us to truly realize that our lives are so blessed? When are we going to stop grumbling about want went wrong and celebrate all the good things that happen to us each day?

Let us try to wake up each morning thanking the Lord for our good health and praying for those who are grinding through chemo and radiation. And yes...seek out that friend who is battling some form of that dreaded disease and see what you can do to be a blessing.

Sunny

P.S. Keep reading my friends. I will not be blogging for the next two weeks as I am off to Canada to lend support to my mother-in-law who battles the big C. All prayers are appreciated.

Traveling On Business

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

As much as I love Sarah's wisdom, I did find myself rather hysterical reading today's entry. Breakfast in bed??? Who is she kidding? I do not think she worked in Corporate America.

My business trips, especially traveling back East meant jet lag. I could never fall to sleep at night then had a hard time getting up in the morning. There was always an early breakfast meeting. Who had time to order up room service and enjoy quiet time? Meetings went well into the evening which meant straight to dinner with the group. No freshen up time. (Yes, it did pay to travel with mints and a toothbrush in your purse.)

Getting back to the hotel after long days and dinners did not necessarily mean immediate R&R. Someone always had a request for additional information, etc. This mean working an hour or so before Jay Leno came on. Still on West coast time I could not sleep. The gym was closed by then so there was no time to try and wear off the caloric content consumed at dinner.

Sightseeing? Only if I could have stayed on a day longer on my dime. That never happen either due to duties at home to rush back to.

The bottom line on business travel...make the most if it. Enjoy the change of scenery. And, if you find time for breakfast in bed, I applaud you!!!

Sunny

A Time For Everything

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

I always have fun selecting the picture to go along with the reading. This time I'm really pleased with what I found on bing.com The various clocks suggest to me what Quindlen mused in the reading "You probably can have it all, just not all at the same time." I never thought of it that way, but I feel she nailed it. When I look back on my life and career, I see that I probably almost had it all. By the time I leave this earth perhaps I will have. For some reason, I find that extremely comforting. It suggest we can slow down a bit, stop driving so hard and know that we are incredible women. Think about it! Then give yourself a break. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Take a bow!

Sunny

Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow...Or So They Say

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Reading for September 24th - Note: I hope you are still reading along. I apologize for the hit or miss blogging as of late.

I was talking to a young mother the other day. She shared with me her aspirations. She was studying for a career in the ministry while continuing to hold onto her "day job. " Additionally she does a great job of executing the roles of wife and mother. Wow...a superwoman hero. I fill with delight whenever I hear of someone following their true passion while keeping everything else in motion. Tell me that's not dedication!

Doing what you love, and actually getting paid for it is in my opinion, the best way to live out loud with purpose and meaning. I remember the time my first client paid me for a coaching session. It was truly living the dream!

Sometimes, the getting paid for it part, is not important. While on a short getaway with my husband, I purchased a key chain proclaiming my profession. As I paid the cashier she inquired if I was the coach. When I replied that I was, she asked for my card. I encouraged her to check out my website to see what other people had to say about me. She liked my name and said she wished she were "Sunny." I sensed her sadness.

I do not know whether or not she will contact me, but in the meantime I am sending up little prayers. I hope she will work through whatever is making her sad. I pray her load with be lightened. So, it doesn't matter in this case if I ever make a nickel, I just want to continue to pray that someday soon she will feel "Sunny."

More tomorrow....Sunny

Giving Yourself Credit

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

It is interesting that my thoughts on what Sarah wrote in the journal for September 13th (yesterday) is more or less what she is writing about today. She calls it the "Climbing Bear Syndrome." That means you keep scaling those mountains, one after another, without taking the time to enjoy and appreciate what you have worked so hard to accomplish. Rather than just writing down her achievements, as I suggested in my last post, Sarah went the extra mile. She dug out her favorite memorabilia and had it framed.

I have often thought of doing just that when I climbed the corporate ladder. You know, frame my business cards and watch the progression indicated by the titles. Admittedly I have retained all those cards and just may do that someday.

In the meantime, I do think I'll go out and get that special bottle of champagne (I LOVE champagne!) pop the top and celebrate my achievements! How about you? Doesn't it sound like a good way to say "atta girl"?

Thoughts on Success

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Sarah says that "few women believe they are successful because they do not feel successful." I deal with this in a class I teach. I believe the issue is women are taught to be modest. It can be difficult for us to toot our own horn. Grandstanding is rather foreign to us. We need to work on this! Maybe instead of being good little girls and pouring over our gratitude journals, we should be noting our daily successes. Perhaps once it is in writing we will believe it.

So here is a challenge for you. Do it! Right now write down five things that you have done successfully in the past month. Once you have done that, give yourself a huge pat on the back. Smile, revel in it, savor it, but most of all BELIEVE IT!!!

Sunny

Working From the Heart

Note: If you are joining us for the first time, we are reading (in many cases rereading) Simple Abundance...A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Again today I feel so very fortunately. Leaving a great career in corporate America and escaping to the desert (where you'll find no corporate), although painful in some ways, the bottom line is a blessing. I've been given the time to search my soul and find work that speaks to my heart. If I can live out the rest of my time coaching others into all they can be and more, I'll go out in bliss.

I love the role of coach, mentor, cheerleader and yes, sometimes a bit of a mom to my clients. I love taking the stage and delivering a motivational speech. Yep, thank you God. I am blessed.

Again, if you are not doing what you love, make a change! Need help? Contact me.

Sunny