Now and Next Summer

Happy Summer!
Even though retirement for me is a few years in the future,this summer is providing a practice run.    summer is providing an opportunity to notice (and share) what is different about not working at a job-job; and,  hopefully gain  insights to be better prepared  for the future....though we never know for sure.

First week....Such permission!   No alarm, reminding myself that there is plenty of tiime; what doesn't get accomplished today can be carried over til tomorrow.  Feels luxurious.  Not exactly vacation, but unstructured, more open ended.    Will it stay that way?

Along the way I also want to share here tidbits, resources, etc.  related to moving into a next stage.  Today I found this article about concerns of baby boomers.   What do you think it is?  Not money, but health was number one. Here is a link http://beaconnews.ca/blog/2013/06/canadian-baby-boomers-rank-health-as-biggest-retirement-concern/

Do you agree?  What implications does that have for you today?  

Take care,

are you busy?

Happy Friday,

The sun is shining today and is very welcome.   These are our shortest, darkest days and it often feels like a good time to hibernate.  Is it a blessing, a distraction, a burden that we are  busy with holiday preparations?   Where do you land on that question?   

My reminder today is about focus and balance.   I want to be clear about where to put my resources (time, attention, money, energy), and then focus on the task at hand:   What do I want to accomplish?  What will move this forward?   What is my time line?  I also want to keep a sense of balance, mange my expectations and be present enough to enjoy the process.  A tall order!

What supports you at this time of year?  

Where are you on the continuum of -

over-whelmed…………over-organized……...over-joyed?

Ho, ho, ho,   Judy

Looking ahead to 2013?   How about joining me for a one day retreat in St. Paul?   We will talk about life, balance, choices!

Email me for more info!   judy@mynextstagecoach.com  

Happy Friday!

     We are really fortunate here to have the most beautiful days ever!   No kidding.  
It seems only natural to have today's message be about enjoying the experience of being alive today.
Here is what I recommend....
     Let your focus today be to sense your aliveness.   Take in what is offered to you.   Notice the feast for your senses - the colors, the scents, the sounds, the touch on your skin.   Put your attention there.
    Notice your thoughts and be curious.  Is this thought something calling for action?  Is this thought something to capture, take note of?  Is this thought taking you away from being present?   Is this thought one to let go of?  Is this thought offering you insight?   Treat the thought as you like, knowing you can
choose. Then, bring yourself back to the present moment.  As you go about your day make a point of paying attention to being alive, to using your senses, to your breathing.   Pause, be aware, allow yourself to take in  this beautiful day.
   You may find yourself repeating this tomorrow!  

Enjoy,
Judy
check out my web site!  www.mynextstagecoach.com  

Start now!

August 31, 2012 

                                                          

Good Morning,

Two words have stayed with me from a conversation this week – just start.  As in; whatever is in front of you, whatever is calling for your attention....just start!  Just start somewhere.  Let go of the judgment of your inner critic/gremlin.  Let go of the pressure of knowing the outcome.  Let go of the fear of making a mistake.   Follow your intuition, your inner guidance and make a start. 

If you want to feel better physically, just start somewhere...walk....stretch....drink water...sleep more.

If you want better relationships, just start somewhere...smile....ask & listen....be present to another.

At work, at home, with friends, relatives, colleagues, alone –  start aligning your actions and words with what you want to create.   Let your desire be a signal to take action.  Feel the connection, the harmony, the flow as you create congruity of purpose, vision and action.   Go ahead.  Just start.

           

Ready, set, go,

Judy

To change ones life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly.    - William James

It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined.                  -Henry James

If something you want is greater clarity and support on this journey – I can help with that.

Contact me to find out how.   mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=let's%20talk

Mindfulness

August 24, 2012

Happy Friday!

The question today is: How do you practice mindfulness?   

Wherever we go, whatever we are doing we bring with us some element of mindfulness.  We bring an attitude, a perspective, and awareness of being.   Do you notice variations in being mindful?   Do you consciously focus attention on developing awareness? 

This week see what you notice as you pay attention to your thoughts, your presence.  Practice raising consciousness as you do ordinary tasks (drinking coffee, brushing your teeth), be fully present and aware.   Also find some time to practice mindfulness in a quiet setting and see what you notice.  

Hunh…as I write this I am noticing the paradox:   practicing mindfulness, being aware in the now moment actually quiets the mind.    The quiet mind is not the same as mind-less.   What to call it?  What would you call it?

Take care,

Judy

If something you want is greater clarity and support on this journey – I can help with that.

Contact me to find out how.   mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=let's%20talk

take a break!

August 3, 2012

Happy Friday!

Time for vacation!  If you haven’t taken your break, think about choosing a vacation mind-set.  Here are some ideas to set you on your path….

Over the next few weeks see about taking a break from your usual routine.  

            See some new sights.  

            Travel some unknown trails

            Pause, reflect, be present and notice your surroundings.

            Take care of your body: rest, walk, eat well.

            Expose yourself to new ideas, read, talk to different people, and listen

            Appreciate the world around you and be open to adventure

            Focus on fun and renewal

Bring home stories,   

Judy

If you are feeling the itch to read a message in the next few weeks check out the archives. Comments welcome.    I’ll be back!

If something you want is greater clarity and support on this journey – I can help with that.

Contact me to find out how.   mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=let's%20talk

Summer + goals?

July 27, 2012

Happy Friday!

           

This may seem a bit out of season in July, but today’s message is a suggestion to consider some goals.  So, in keeping with this season of wearing lighter clothes, eating lighter foods, the focus in on “goals – light.”  

 So often when we think about setting goals it seems that our attention goes to things we think we should do, things that are good for us; sort of like taking medicine.  We know it’s good for us, but the experience is not a bit of fun.   

This week consider putting your time energy on doing something that sounds like fun, something new - something that sparks your interest, gets you curious.   Identify activities, hobbies you would like to engage in just for the experience of it, for what you would learn, or the challenge it would give, or novelty of it, or camaraderie you would have, or the good feeling you would get by helping someone else.

Some of what you identify could be done immediately…the walk on the beach….the phone call….listening to music.    See if you can also identify some longer term goals….taking a class….making something….having a party….volunteering.   See what surfaces as you ask yourself, “What do I want to do next?”

Stay curious,

Judy

 If something you want is greater clarity and support on this journey – I can help with that.

Contact me to find out how.   mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=let's%20talk