Believing in tomorrow

Have you ever just stopped whatever you were doing and thought, "I just can't deal with this any longer!" It can be anything. Those moments when you feel like quitting or giving up. You don't want to be sick anymore, you don't want to take your medication, you don't want to see another doctor, you don't want to go to work or care for others. The list is endless. What you really need is to feel peace, calm and comfort.

When feeling like this, it's time to stop and reevaluate your situation. It's a good time to share these feelings with your coach, a friend or a family member. It's the time to go ahead and scream out loud, take a long walk, or just get down on your knees and pray. It's the time to believe in tomorrow. Because, it's in the morning that you start all over - whether it be one day closer to healing or one day closer to your dreams. We are all heading somewhere and by believing in tomorrow we are opening a place to create. When we create we are alive! We can plan, contemplate, make changes, choose better options, seek second opinions, or simply follow a chosen course.  

Tomorrow is a new day---BELIEVE in the possibilities!

Slipping away

Seems appropriate to use the word slipping in the month of January and, in fact, that is what many of us are doing while walking and driving in the snowy parts of the world. What are some other ways in which we tend to slip? We forget to take our medication on time, or slip a cupcake or candy bar into our meal when dieting, or even slip and spend too much money.

Then there is slipping away to rest, or to read a book, perhaps, to take a short vacation, or to slip away with a friend. And, of course, there is probably someone that you have 'given the slip!'

So whether your sliding, losing someone, making an error or eluding one, sneaking, or stumbling, there are many ways in which we 'slip.'  For the sake of thought and action, notice how your slipping away this week. You'll be surprised how often you slip!

Your Library

Collecting information and learning all there is to know about what ails you is essential. After a diagnosis there are so many challenges. Becoming informed translates into a wealth of knowledge usually in the form of books and publications. Before you know it, you have amassed a library of reference material to support and enlighten you about how to manage your life.

The book, "The Power of Self-Coaching, The Five Essential Steps To Creating The Life You Want," was a welcomed and empowering book into my library because it helped me during those times when my coach wasn't available. When managing an illness, reading material that will help motivate and encourage you to maintain optimism, well-being, and healthy relationships is a worthy endeavor and necessary.

Make it a goal in 2012 to build your library. Read books, magazine articles, and publications that help you strive to be the best you can be as you persevere through the daily routine of medication, work, duties, doctor's visits etc. With the knowledge that will accompany your reading, know that you are building a foundation to build upon. And you know with a strong foundation, the possibilities are endless.

A year of distinction

Here it is, the second week of the New Year. Whether or not you made a resolution, you still have a whole year ahead to plot your course.  As a coach, I ask:  will you make it a year of distinction? How will you set yourself apart and shine?

Knowing there are so many days ahead with doctor visits, medication, and not feeling well, the last thing on your mind is a resolution or a goal. At one time I was very ill so I understand the dynamic. But, I didn't really like all the suffering.  Do you?  What if you decide to set yourself apart from sickness and suffering?  How could you be different? What can you do this day to set a different course for the year? As a coach, I invite you to ponder an alternative to illness. I invite you to change the thoughts that currently prevail in your thinking. Challenge each with an illuminating thought or perspective.  Stand up and declare 'wholeness' as yours. Walk with an air of distinction that says to the world, "I am whole, healthy, and complete!"

A New Year's Mindset

What does the New Year mean for you? Will you awake each morning asking to be guided toward your highest good? Will you choose to recognize your internal dialogue so that you say kind words to yourself? Will you work to remain optimistic and joyful? Will you set goals?

There are so many choices to make as we step into a New Year. You can declare a mindset, with the goal being to be clear and undaunted in whatever pursuit you decide. A mindset is something in which you give most of your focus. A coach would ask you questions that would help you notice your feelings and use your intuition as a guide. How truly fortunate to have the wisdom and guidance within to know.

In this New Year, please remember that you have the ability and power to develop whatever you choose. Let your intuition be your guide and use your mindset to focus on that special goal, something in particular, something important to you, something you like to do, or something that feels right. Name your mindset and embark upon your journey as it's your choice.

About Christmas

All I can say about Christmas is THANK YOU!

A Winter's Walk

As I finished off another cookie, after eating a countless number of them, I sat back in my recliner and smiled as I gazed out the window on this snow covered December day. I thought to myself, how wonderful it is to be alive and enjoy the beauty that the season brings forth! The idea of comfort and joy filled my senses and I literally forgot that I ever suffered or that I ever would.

I, then, considered alternatives to the uncomfortable thoughts that I had been plagued with over the last few weeks. The thoughts, stimulated by the side effects of medication and remembrances of my transplant and neck fusion, had overcome my rational mind and allowed me to feel unwell and incomplete. So, I put on my long johns and a heavy coat and went for a walk that ended in a three mile jaunt! I was able to do it  because of my decision over twelve years ago to challenge illness. While recovering after the two life changing surgeries, I made myself, no matter how bad I felt, take a walk. The weather conditions didn't matter.  I told  myself that I was tough and I could do it.

There are many things in my life that I still need to overcome and do. I have been postponing change because of uncertainty. I am happy to know that this week I have several coaching sessions that will encourage me to continue pursuing my hopes and dreams. I keep my dreams alive as they keep me from yielding to what afflicts me.

On this winter's day I envision continued healing and moving forward undaunted, appreciating my many blessings. I thank a winter's walk for my renewed capability. It shall serve as a memory of comfort and joy and the resiliency of the human spirit.

I call upon you to take a winter's walk and create a memory of comfort and joy for yourself. Consider challenging what afflicts you. You deserve such a beautiful gift.