December 30, 2011

Happy Friday,

It’s time for the last message of this year. Though we know we can always start anew, determine a different course, set our sights on something we want to achieve – and move toward it; there is something about being in this place at the turning of the year that seems full of promise. So, the reminder today is to be in this place of opportunity.

Take some time to acknowledge the lessons and achievements of 2011.

What have you learned?

What has worked?

What has grown in you?

What qualities rose up and served you?

What connections have you made?

What was fun?

What are you proud of?

What are your grateful for?

What do you want to take with you into the New Year?

As you turn your thoughts to the New Year, notice what you want to bring to it.

Who do you want to be?

What is calling for your attention?

What do you want to create?

How good could it be, how big?

Who do you want to play with?

Where do you want to go?

Be expansive, and then focus!

Judy

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

Judy @mynextstagecoach.com

HAAPPi.Me®

Licensed Coach

Helping You Journey Towards New Beginnings.

Let Go

www.judy@mynextstagecoach.com

December 23, 2011

Happy Friday,

Have you noticed what is created when you let go of stuff, habits, thoughts that are weighing you down? Have you experienced that sense of freedom, freshness, and flexibility that occurs when old baggage is released?

There’s a weight associated with holding on to things - physical things, all those clothes, the books, the papers, the do-dads. There’s a weight of obligation with the overcrowded calendar, the busy schedule, the commitments that may be maintained out of habit or a sense of “should.” There are some thoughts that can also weigh us down. There can be an assumption that we have to continue with a role that no longer suites us. It may be that we are stuck with a belief around how others are supposed to be, or act.

This is a perfect time to reflect on some assumptions and beliefs that may no longer serve you. If you experience a weightiness of thought, of worry, consider the thought, the belief, and the assumption behind it. Is it true? Could it be different? What would change if you could hold another thought? Be curious. This year is ending. New beginnings are right around the corner. What do you want to carry into the New Year (pack light) and, what do you want to leave behind?

Grateful for the lessons,

Judy

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

HAAPPi.Me®

Licensed Coach

Helping You Journey Towards New Beginnings.

List of Wants!

www.judy@mynextstage.com

December 16, 2011

Happy Friday,

We are approaching the end of the year and the question, “What do you want?” can be in the air….on our minds. What do you want? If you are facing a time of change, a time of transition you may be dealing with many choices, big and small. This can be a good time to reflect on what you want to keep, what you want to let go of, and what you want to move towards.

Some suggestions for your list, as you move ahead into the next year, include….

- Something that brings you joy

- Something that offers you comfort

- Something that challenges you

- Something worthwhile

- Something to look forward to

- Something that uses your creativity

- Something that connects you to others

Funny – the list starts out with “something” yet, what you find to satisfy that item probably is not a “thing.” Hope you give yourself the chance to consider where you want to go from here. What else belongs on your list?

Know what you want,

Judy

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

HAAPPi.Me®

Licensed Coach

Helping You Journey Towards New Beginnings.

Keep Your Balance

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

December 9, 2011

Good Morning,

So much of what we struggle with is about balance. It requires a lot of flexibility to maintain a sense of balance; because, often things don’t go the way we thought they would. Simple things, things we take for granted can tip us off balance, calling for a quick pivot, change of thought, different actions.

Today reflect upon your ability to be flexible – and persistent. What is the balancing point in following through, being determined and knowing when to let go, not overly tied to a certain thing, way, or outcome? How do you react when faced with a roadblock? What have you learned here? Where does resourcefulness fit in? What is worth hanging on to and what is not worth worrying about?

We don’t have control of everything, and sometimes the surprises bring unexpected gifts. Keep moving in the direction of what you want and take notice of the journey.

Dance with the music,

Judy

HAAPPi.Me®

Licensed Coach

Helping You Journey Towards New Beginnings.

www.judy@mynextstage.com

Timing

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

December 2, 2011

Good Morning,

Sometimes things show up for us just when we need them. That happened to me early this fall. As I was talking to women in transition (some of you!), I found myself looking for something that would help me address what I was hearing. With so many changes occurring at this time of life; with the life experience and wisdom each person brings; it seems to be a time full of potential and challenge. How to navigate the currents of this transition? How to take advantage of this time of life when responsibilities shift, when we know more about ourselves, when we have or are ready to let go of old baggage?

What I found is a tool and a system for gaining insight and personal development called HAAPPi.Me®, and this is what it is:

HAAPPi.Me® is a revolutionary new self-development and life coaching system that provides a holistic portrait of your well-being. Its results allow you to focus your development efforts to achieve much more impact than you would have otherwise because you will have a clear understanding of which areas need the most work.

If you are facing questions about what is next for you, wondering about your purpose at this stage of life, want to change some patterns that get in your way, feeling like this is your time to feel really good about yourself, this might be showing up just at the right time for you. To learn more go to their web site: http://haappi.com/

Isn’t there a saying, “Timing is everything?” You can make this Your Time! Time to focus on yourself, make the most of your journey. I am newly licensed to work with the HAAPPi.Me® system and so this too can be timely! Contact me for information on this and look for upcoming opportunities to flourish.

Be Happy,

Judy

Email: mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation

Seasonal Contrast

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

November 25, 2011

Good Morning,

Another beautiful day, especially so as we look at the calendar and appreciate some sunshine and mild temperatures; it’s all about contrast. Knowing the experience of cold winds, icy roads, and gray skies we welcome the ease and comfort of a day like this so late in November.

Contrast is a good thought for today. As we move into the holiday season consider the contrast in thoughts, emotions, and actions under different conditions. What changes for you when under stress? What gets triggered this time of year? What patterns exert more influence? What old stories, beliefs surface?

If you have been going through a transition, making changes, consciously choosing a different path this time a year may present some challenges. How can you prepare yourself? What do you want to keep in mind? What practices support you in maintaining your journey?

Here are some strategies for staying true to creating what you want:

Start with noticing: what’s the thought? What’s the feeling? What triggered that?

Give yourself permission to take a time out: take a breath; find a quiet space; get grounded.

Practice some statements: “I’m simplifying; making some changes; it’s time to let some things go; let me think about that before committing.”

Smooth sledding,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Growing

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

November 18, 2011

Good Morning,

Here are a couple thoughts to sit with this week: There is no security in stagnation, as long as we are alive we are either growing or we’re dying. This may seem a rather stark notion, but consider - being alive means we are constantly growing, changing, evolving.

Our choice becomes: What are we growing? Being conscious we are aware and able to choose what we are growing. We can also appreciate what it means to grow and recognize what growth feels like, looks like, what the process of growth is. We know that growth is not always comfortable; it can feel very awkward, and clumsy. There is uncertainty and doubt, since the very nature of growth means we are trying something new, unfamiliar, out of our comfort zone.

When we see a baby learning to walk we accept the falling down, we celebrate the clumsiness because we recognize that this is a necessary part of the process of learning. We know this is essential for the eventual grace, ease of movement, running, dancing that is in this baby’s future.

And so with us, when we choose some area we want to grow, to expand, to develop (a new language, better fitness, more balance, leadership, compassion, money management, stronger relationships....) The decision becomes; What is it I want to grow? What are the conditions that will support me in this? If we don’t do this consciously, we do it by default, and so we may grow our discontent, our frustration.

What are you growing?

Judy

Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation... even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind. - Leonardo da Vinci

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Room to Grow

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

November 11, 2011

Good Morning,

Today let’s think about spaciousness. What comes up for you when you notice empty space? Are you inclined to fill it? Do you wait for a certain thing or activity to fill the space? Are you selective? What’s your comfort level with openness, unstructured time, and uncluttered spaces?

One of the advantages of moving along the life line is getting to a place where there are some open spaces. We can experience a shift in responsibilities, altered expectations, and changes in roles. These changes can create open spaces. What once took a lot of time and attention is not so demanding; stuff doesn’t seem so necessary; we’re better at determining where to spend our energy. We may feel a desire to clear the clutter, downsize, simplify; having our environment reflect what is going on inside.

Experiencing this allows fertile ground for questions around, “Now What?”

What does this make room for? If we don’t make some effort to understand and declare what we want we may find those spaces filled with activities, thoughts, old patterns that are not what we really want.

Where are you now in knowing and living your purpose?

Now you may have the time and space to explore!

Enjoy the room to grow,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Guidance

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

November 4, 2011

Good Morning,

As you may- or - may not know, besides being a life coach, I am a teacher. I teach adults who want to learn &/or brush-up on basic skills. They come to adult education for a variety of reasons including things like: to be more employable, to be ready for further training, for personal satisfaction, as part of a career development plan, to be able to help their children with their homework. What I have been thinking about this morning are the parallels of teaching and coaching.

For example:

Teaching Identifying student goals Identifying present skill levels - gaps Developing a path to achieve goals Use tests, formal and informal to gauge progress Use good teaching practices: introduce, model, scaffold (teaching term), application/generalize, integrate

Coaching Clarifying client goals Discovering client’s style, strengths, areas of concern Co-creating a path Check-in to determine progress, set benchmarks Provide resources, structure, feedback, acknowledgement

These are a few thoughts off the top. What is not on here is the part about putting the process into a context for the student/client. It takes something to face what you don’t know, to put yourself on the path of learning and growing. It takes commitment; it takes effort; it takes openness to move forward – to learn – to grow. And, I think it is wise to get some support, some guidance on this path. Learning and growing are work – important work.

The question for you today is around your personal commitment to learning and growing. These questions around who you are; where to focus your energies; what is your passion; what’s your vision; how to be whole, healthy, happy are all vital to your well being. How do you navigate that path?

Stay curious,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation

Beyond the usual

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

October 28, 2011

Good Morning,

Today I am going to ask you some questions and your task is not to answer them. Intrigued?

In the interest of allowing something different, seeing beyond the usual pattern, to foster growth, to step out of the default; be open to feeling, images, examples, insights; let go of the how, the answer your mind wants to supply – don’t rush to find the answer. Let answers/insights emerge, surface, connect, appear.

Consider where you tend to get stuck. Here are some places to look….

- Where does fear hold me back?

- Where do I feel caught in a sense of dullness, sameness?

- When do I feel powerless, unable to stand up for myself?

Notice what comes up as you consider these – or others around places where you tend to get stuck. Without judging or excusing, just notice.

This time of life could be an opportunity for you to open yourself up to growth. Big questions like these and what comes up around them could point you in a direction that would expand your you-ness. Still intrigued? I am.

Make the most of this stage,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

You + stress

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

October 21, 2011

Good Morning,

On this sunny beautiful fall day I am asking you to take some time and consider stress. Hopefully this message is coming to you at a time when you are relaxed, at ease, able to reflect, relatively stress free. I say hopefully, recognizing that much of the time we are experiencing some level of stress which can arise from a variety of areas – work, relationships, health, finances, change, the list goes on.

The questions for you today are these: What do you recognize as stressors in your life? How do you manage stress? When under stress - what changes for you? Who do you become? What do you let go of, forget, or neglect?

Handy stuff to know - awareness can help with staying mindful. Staying mindful, grounded, present is a good thing….right?

Choose well-ness,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Do you create by design or default?

Journey!

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

October 14, 2011

Good Morning,

At any given moment, if we could step away from our current circumstances and come from the perspective of the observer, we could notice that where ever we are in this moment – it is all part of a journey. We are in process. We are always engaged in transition, movement. Our lives are made up of constant ebb and flow; holding on, letting go; growing something; changing; thoughts come and go; attention shifts; things, activities, projects become important, fade in importance; our bodies grow, mature, strengthen, weaken.

This morning I ask that you point your attention here, to the nature of the journey you are on. Where are you on your path? What challenges are here? What is there to learn? What is there to savor? What keeps you awake, aware, alert as you navigate this place? What supports you here?

Life on the river,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Do you create by design or default?

where you come from

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

October 7, 2011

Good Morning,

Actually I am at my desk on the eve of Friday morning. As you are reading this I am on my way to an in-service – or – at the event. Wanting to get up and out the door in the morning, I went to my “archives” and found a message that spoke to me. It’s tweaked a bit, and I hope you find something in it to consider as you go through your week.

~

When you find a message resonating with you I suspect it is because it reminds you of something you already know. Somehow we know that our lives are better; we feel more alive, aligned; able to experience and appreciate all that life offers when we come from the abundance perspective, that place of wholeness.

We know this, and yet we still benefit from reminders. Each day we encounter a new mix of variables. We have to pay attention. Old habits, long-established views have a way of asserting themselves into our thoughts and they can be hard to recognize at times.

Pointing out contrast is a way to help us discern differences. When we are aware, it is easier for us to make a better choice, to choose the thought that is more aligned with what we want to create, one that is in keeping with our bigger, more enlightened self. And, the more we practice asking ourselves these questions (What is the abundance perspective here?), the more likely we are to be able to shift to that more positive, affirming, abundant way of thinking, feeling, being and then to take action that is congruent with our higher purpose, our greatest good. This is creating a new normal.

To try this out, to challenge some thoughts and beliefs around money, consider the contrast below from Creating Money: Keys to Abundance.*

Traditional Money Mindset - Belief in scarcity/operating from a sense of lack (not enough clients, time, money, love) -Viewing others as the source of your abundance -Focusing only on the goal

Abundance Mindset - Belief in abundance and trusting your ability to create abundance -Recognizing the true source of your abundance -Finding joy in the process

Notice the contrast, and be in choice,

Judy

*Creating Money: Keys to Abundance by S. Roman and D. Packer

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Do you create by design or default?

Remember this

My Next Stage Coach

Life coaching for your next stage

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Judy@mynextstagecoach.com

September 30, 2011

Good Morning,

If you’ve been reading the messages for a while, todays may ring a bell. A nice thing about having done this a while is that I have a bank of messages I can tap into. There are times when I am looking for inspiration. It’s nice to have some back-up. This is what I found, a simple reminder that feels right to consider on this fresh fall morning. Take it in, see where it takes you.

Here is a simple message for this last day of September: Allow yourself to experience the good.

Recognize all that is present right now in this moment.

Notice where you are: look around; take in the colors, smells, feelings, sounds, tastes.

Consider the people around you: their gifts, uniqueness, energy.

Feel your body: enjoy the sensations it provides; the groundedness, the presence.

Focus on your work for this day: the day’s tasks, questions, activities; feel the energy around that.

Notice where you are in the constant movement of change, in the ebb and flow, the letting go and taking on, the uncertainty and anticipation.

Choose how you want to be with circumstances as they are, where you want to put your attention, what you want to notice and be open to. Be ready to recognize opportunities and answers as they present themselves. Expect the best. Enjoy it all.

Don’t want to miss a thing,

Judy

Email mailto:judy@mynextstagecoach.com?subject=consultation for a free consultation.

Do you create by design or default?

Let’s talk about what’s next for you