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

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 had a career once that I truly enjoyed. Working as a human resources professional was all I ever wanted to do. Now I am fortunate enough to have a calling. My time spent as a Life Coach is extremely fulfilling.

Career, calling or job, most of us label it work. I have found, however, if you do what makes your heart sing, it's not really work. How wonderful is that?

Sunny

Answering a Higher Call

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 think the closest I ever became to being a nun was the time I wore the habit on Halloween. No, I do not think that was my calling, but I hold up women like Mother Theresa as mega real life heroines.

What I think we should ponder today is...did we get it right? Are we using the God given gifts we were blessed with? Are we doing what makes our hearts sing? If the answer is yes, good for us. If the answer is no, time for a change.

One of my favorite quotes is..."It's never too late to be what you might have been." - George Elliot

If there is a calling in your heart that has gone unanswered, act on it!

Carpe diem,

Sunny

Scrambled or Fried?

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 deals with a serious issue in this entry. A woman's fantasy of cashing in all her chips and running away from home. She is right. We all feel that way from time to time. Escaping the pressures and getting a fresh start does sound tempting on days when what is demanded of us is more than we can handle.

Occasionally when the world seems to make too much noise and my calendar is overloaded, I think about running off to one of those silent retreats. Quite frankly, I think that is the answer. Before you buy a one way plane ticket, try this. Schedule at least twenty minutes everyday of pure alone time, in silence. No radio, IPOD, computer, cell phone - yes, completely unplug yourself from all the distractions. Take this time to pray, meditate, or dream.

Try it, schedule it in, do it consistently. I think you will find it works!

Meet you at the next post.

Sunny

The Work of Understanding

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.

Entry in daybook - September 2nd -

Working women...balance...unbalanced...juggle...

Yes, Sarah, how do we get more balance in our lives? We will figure it out. One day at a time.

I do consider myself extremely lucky because I am fortunate enough to work out of my home. I have a tranquil setting and a room of my own. But I do vividly remember the rigors of a commute and sometimes I wonder how I ever got to my office on time, but I did. Somehow women make it work. We juggle, multi-task and pray that we can get it all done. Not only that, we rarely say no. We are always there to help a friend in need even if our "to do" list is chock full. Again, we make it work. We suck it up and take it like a WOMAN!

Best,

Sunny

P.S. My "to do" list did overflow and I am behind in my blog. Working on catch up...tomorrow.

Turning Over A New Leaf

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 like Sarah's idea of autumnal (love that word) resolutions. Coincidentally, September always appeals to me as a time to start afresh. Perhaps this relates to my school days. You know, fresh paper, new #2 pencils, a new lunch box and new clothes. Everything was new and fresh for about a day and a half.

We should all ponder Sarah's question..."What do you want more or less of in your life, so that you can love the life you're leading?"

I have some friends I call goal setters. We meet once a month for breakfast and usually discuss what is working and what is not. We brainstorm, support each other, lending a helping hand where we can. We met this morning. Looking back on our discussion I think perhaps we all wanted a little more time, a little more balance in our lives and perhaps a little more discipline. Things keep slipping off the agenda. Things like getting to the gym.

So my September resolutions will start with MORE exercise. What about you my friends? Are you loving the life you are leading? What would make it better?

Meet me tomorrow...you'll find me at the gym. Promise!

Sunny