"Yikes! I See My Opportunity. Now What?"

In my post from May 26, 2013, I discussed how to prepare for an opportunity,even when you don't know what it is yet...or where it is...or when it's coming.  That's a pretty tall order, but it's worth your investment of time.

So, this post is the answer the next question: "I found it!  Now what do I do? First, I congratulate you on your preparations and your ability to observe! 

"Opportunity is often difficult to recognize; we usually expect it to beckon us with beepers and billboards."  ~~William Arthur Ward

Well, Mr. Ward was right; there are no beepers and billboards.  We just have to believe it's there somewhere, in some form. In the post from 5/26/13, I gave you suggestions for growing your roots in preparation for your success when it's time to spread your wings!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/schuddel 

Turn your awareness level up to "high," because opportunities are waiting quietly in lots of different places.  The best one for you could be surrounded by other opportunities....

          Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/hidesy 

Or you may find your opportunity lurking under a problem....

Photo (c) iStockphotos.com/nobiggie       

Your opportunity may be in broad terms, and you'll need to narrow it down....

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/zimmytws

Or maybe it'll show up in a dream....

              Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/frentusha 

You may be confused; "O.K., now how do I know the opportunity I'm going with is the real deal?"  

There are two keys that need to be present together, and together they usually indicate that you have chosen well.  They are:

excitement and fear.

                                                                             

   Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/AlexKalina      

To say that's a bit unnerving is an understatement, I know.  But I think Anais Nin was right when she said, "It's less painful to bloom than to try to stay in a bud." 

Now, if I may mix in one more metaphor, I will quote the songwriters, Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers:

"Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance...."

I hope you will, too....

Susan

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/marekuliasz 


Would you like to explore coaching with me in a complimentary session?

Being coached is a "real time," personalized experience!

Please email me to set up your tele-session where we can decide if we'd work well together.

No string attached...no pressure.  That's just not the way I do things!

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Curious Minds Want to Know....

We all love finding creative answers to our questions, but if you've been mulling over the same issues for a long time, here's something to try!

Coach Dave Buck, CEO of CoachVille (which is where I turn for professional development), has a simple formula to help you with these.  He says to ask yourself, "What would be a better question?"

If you give it a try, you'll see how it gives you a whole new perspective on the issue when you ask the new question. And I think it's fun!

Please play with this idea, and post a comment about your experience with it.

We can all learn so much from each other as a more interactive community here at creative4life. Thank you, dear readers!

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Here are Two Opportunities to Watch Me in Action on the "Crazy Coaching Friday" Show!

This show, which is produced by CoachVille, via Google+ Hangout, features a panel of coaches.  It's live and unscripted, fun, and provocative!
And you don't have to be a coach to enjoy it and learn from it.

Here's the link for You Tube from the first time I was on the show...Episode #013 on June 7, 2013:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvyo7UNU_s0&feature=c4-feed-u 


On this Friday, August 2, I'll be on the panel again, and you'll be able to find it on the same You Tube channel.

If you'd like to watch it live or recorded later on CoachVille, please see the time and instructions on my previous post from 6/6/13.

Come laugh and learn with us!

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**All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.**

**Member of the TriCounty Community Network, at www.tcnetwork.org**

The Hero's Journey, Part 3

In this post, we'll follow our hero-to-be (or heroine) as he moves through the "action" and "resolution" parts of his Quest.  To see the inner process he went through to get to this point of initiating action, please check out Part 2 of this series at my 12/22/12 post. You'll find an introduction to the topic in Part One, which is dated 11/17/12.

Step 5: Our hero steps into the unknown, along with his fears and self-doubt.  The unknown can be representing  one of many possible experiences, whether the Quest is fictional or one you may have experienced last year. Here are a few examples: dealing with illness or an injury, instead of trying to ignore it and hoping it'll go away, or maybe losing a job, and pounding the pavement every day to find a new one.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/frender

Step 6: The hero-to-be interacts with others during the Journey.  He often meets new people along the way, and they sometimes tend to be the kind of people who at first, seem like unlikely pals, or even enemies.  This is all part of the uncertainty he endures.

The friends usually play a part in helping the hero through the crises that he faces during the Quest.  As we'll see later, the hero faces the big, looming, ultimate challenge on his own.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Stefanie Timmermann

Step 7: He's faced with a series of inner and outer obstacles along the way.  While still dealing with inner conflicts, such as fear and resistance, our hero's integrity helps him find the courage to continue confronting the outer challenges.

For example, think of a father who confronts obstacles that he never thought he could, until it comes to the welfare of his child.

"There are some things you learn best in calm,

 and some in storm." ~~Willa Cather

Step 8: The most crucial part of the mission must be faced by the hero alone.  I believe this is because Universal Wisdom wants it to be very clear that, whatever the outcome, it is the actions of the hero that have brought him to the end of his Journey.  He now feels things inside him that he did not know were there.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Daniel Halvorson


"A change of feeling is a change of destiny."  ~~Neville Goddard

Step 9: The successful hero returns home with a new perspective of others, himself, and of life.  The hero may not have been successful at what he thought he was supposed to do.  However, a different kind of success can emerge from the parts of the Journey where he feels he didn't do well.

I have experienced this several times!  For me, it often seems that I've wasted a lot of time and effort on something, only to find later that it was preparing me for a new, exciting part of my life. Remember this when you experience and unwanted "nub" in the tapestry of your life!

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely."  

~~Auguste Rodin

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/creativeye99 

Thanks for reading!

Susan   
                            

The Great-Life Advocate (TM)

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Photo (c) iStockphoto/Denise Kappa

~~Odds and Ends~~

What I Bring to Our Coaching Relationship, Part 3

You can find Parts 1 and 2 at my posts dated 11/17/12 and 12/22/12.

Today's Topic: I'm a catalyst for positive changes in you, so you can become the person you need to be to reach your goals, by providing...

*Challenge
*Accountability
*Feedback

In my next post, I'll explain how we work together to create your action plans.

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My post from 6 /21 /12, called "Enlightenment, the Sequel" is currently on my top-ten list of posts, according to my Blogger stats.  Please check it out!  

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Attention, Locals....  Save the Dates!  

Boyertown Wellness Fair, Saturday, March 23, 2013; complimentary Reiki samples at my exhibit table! 

Boyertown Continuing Education Program; Wednesday nights in April, I'll be teaching "Audacious Self-Care"!

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***All of my posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.***

**Member of the TriCounty Community Network, at www.tcnetwork.org**   

Hero's Journey, Part 2: Resisting Change

In the previous post from 11/17/12, I wrote an overview of the "Hero's Journey" cycle  of growth and how it affects all of us.  Of the nine parts I listed there, I want to take a closer look at the first four parts today.

Step 1: What happens to the hero or heroine shortly before the Journey begins?  You'll probably notice the structure from books you've read, movies you've seen, and, well,...life!  The cycle begins at the status quo.  The hero-to-be is entrenched in his current comfort zone, although he doesn't know that yet.  

Step 2: As a new Quest begins to tap him on the shoulder, the potential hero's comfort zone begins to feel like a tight pair of shoes.  The comfort zone may even show signs of crumbling altogether, causing him confusion and fear.  

Step 3: He begins to resist the changes.  At this point, he has self-doubt that he could be of any help on an important Quest...he feels like his own life is falling apart.  This stage is sometimes called Divine Discontent,  but the hero-to-be sees nothing divine about it yet!

Have you experienced Divine Discontent?  I know I have.  If you're willing to share the experience with my other readers and me, please add your comments at the bottom of this post.  You may be amazed by how you can help someone else just by sharing your story!  It's very powerful. 

Photo (c) iStockphoto/DNY59

Step 4: The Call gets too loud to ignore.  Something or someone dear to the prospective hero is at risk.  His confusion and fear escalate to very uncomfortable levels.  Of course he has free will, but the Call is so compelling now, he must make a decision that's in line with his values.

Photo (c) iStockphoto/Marek Uliasz

Still shaking in his boots, the hero-to-be feels a heavy mantle of responsibility and stewardship.  He also continues to carry the self-doubt.  Quests arrive without instructions, much like babies do.  Yikes!

Photo (c) iStockphoto/lionvision

In my next post, we'll look at the possibilities for our hero-to-be's experiences as he takes his next shaky steps.

Until then, please leave your comments and questions below!

Thanks,

Susan 

P.S. What I Bring to Our Coaching Relationship, Part 2 

In my 11/17/12 post, I shared the main points with you on this topic.  Today, I want to elaborate on the first topic, I enrich your "thinking environment."  Below are four of the services I deliver in this area:

• I listen deeply with trained ears.
• Our high-energy sessions are fun!
• You feel emotionally supported through sincere validation and caring.
• I provide prospective.

In my next post, I'll discuss how I'm a catalyst for positive change.

P.P.S. My post from 2/22/12, "Stewardship, Self-Care, and...Multi-Tasking?" is one of my current top-ten posts, according to my Blogger stats.  It begins with this relaxing photo.  I hope you'll check it out. And it's never too late to comment or ask a question!

Photo (c) iStockphoto/ooyoo

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.***

***Member of the TriCounty Community Network at www.tcnetwork.org.***

My People-Pleasing Past

People-Pleasing began by the tender age of six for me.  I was in first grade, where we colored a lot.  My problem with all this coloring was that it seemed to take me forever.  

But, being a resourceful kid, I soon found the perfect solution, even if I do say so myself!  I had all the kids on my worksheets wear orange.  What a great idea!  This saved me lots of time...shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts...all in orange.  For me, orange was the new black!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Svemir

My teacher, however, did not see the perfection in my solution.  And like most children, I felt a strong need to please adults. who were, after all the source of our ability to survive!

This self-protection response is often so deeply ingrained, that we forget to leave it behind as we approach adulthood, allowing it to create havoc in our lives.

Once, as a teen, I agreed to serve at a fund-raising dinner.  It was scheduled for the day after my friend's slumber party, which I was looking forward to, even though I knew it would involve very little slumber!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Jessica Key

I had a great time with my friends, but the next day I had to drag myself to the dinner, which I never should have agreed to in the first place.  Saying NO couldn't have been any worse than that, especially when, in this case, it wasn't a self-protective response...it was just a habit that was not serving me well at all.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/meshaphoto

Now...fast-forward to my college years.  My roommate and I received a "friendly visit" from two other young women who lived on our floor of the dorm.  They mentioned that they were hungry, so we got out some snacks for the four of us.

  Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Kadir Barcin

O.K., now here's the rub....  The following night, the same scenario played out again.  These young women didn't bother with us any other time.  Clearly these two were just looking for anyone with food who had passed "People-Pleasing 101"!

So, my roommate and I devised a "Pest Control Plan."  When the moochers returned on the third night, they said, "We're hungry!"  My roommate and I responded, "So are we!"  The pests never returned, and we saved our study time as well as our snack supplies.

Over the years, I've learned to protect my time, welcoming countless hours back into my own life! You can share your experiences with and solutions to this issue at the "comments" area button below.  Most of us need a tune-up now and then to keep our boundaries in place, so please share what you know with the rest of the creative4life Community.

Now, when I look back at my people-pleasing past, I see for sure that there was no future in it!  :-)

Thanks,
Susan

Mind Spa Coaching & Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration


Announcing Two Community Events
in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area

Pope John Paul II Wellness Fair
"Fun exhibits, healthy activities...and door prizes!"

Saturday, October 6, 2012, from 10 am to 1pm

Pope John Paul II High School, 181 Rittenhouse Rd., Royersford, PA 19468

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Kate_2004


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2nd Annual
You Can Heal Yourself from Cancer
Event presented by McCormick Chiropractic

Saturday, October 13, 2012; registration at 8:15 am; program from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: North Coventry Fire Dept. Social Room, 114 W. Schuylkill Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465

Eight inspiring speakers are slated to speak!  

Tickets are $20 each before Oct. 2; $25 after or at the door.  Bring a friend for free.

To register, call Lisa Weir at 610-705-0201.

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.***

***Proud member of the TriCounty Community Network (at www.tcnetwork.org), Coachville, and the Coachville R&D Team.***

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Stewardship, Self-Care, and...Multi-Tasking?

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/ooyoo

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

--Maya Angelou

Stewardship is perhaps the highest level of self-care there is.  That may sound surprising at first, but look at the area that comes to mind first for many of us.  When we're working toward a cleaner environment, we're serving the Earth and all its present and future inhabitants, including ourselves!

Stewardship is a great example of "what goes around comes around."  Receiving is just as much a part of stewardship as serving is.

Have you ever noticed what a deflating feeling it is when someone refuses your act of kindness?  Giving is very rewarding, and so is graciously receiving from others.  Acts of stewardship are the multi-taskers of life!

Below is a list of several things we do in everyday life that help others and ourselves (multi-tasking), often without thinking about their value as acts of stewardship:

• Caring for your personal environment, including your physical well-being.
• Working in the helping professions and/or the non-profit sector.
• Volunteering.
• Sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
• Cooperating and collaborating with others.
• Letting it be known when you need help.
• Taking responsibility for your roles in your family.
• Developing compassionate and effective leadership skills.
• Being a great role model.
• Being responsible with money.
• Adopting a pet from a shelter.
• Helping people in need with compassion and respect.
• Envisioning the potential of the person you're helping.
• Teaching others how to help themselves over the long term.

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Brian Jackson

One of the best books I've seen on the possible frustrations of trying to help others is Do It Anyway, by Kent M. Keith.  He has a list of ten "Paradoxical Commandments," such as "If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.  Do good anyway."  Another of my favorites is, "Honesty and frankness make you vunerable.  Be honest and frank anyway."

Please don't give up on your stewardship efforts without reading Keith's book!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Ivan Bajic

 

Handling your money wisely and teaching your children to do so is great role modeling.  And the kids will be more likely to teach their own children this skill when they're ready for it.  Now that's multitaking at its best!

I want to finish this post with a quote from David Heller's book, Children on Happiness.

"The secret of happiness is kindness...not just toward other people but being kind to yourself too."  --Michael Y., at the age of ten

Your comments are welcome,

Susan

Mind Spa Coaching & Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

scleaver@dejazzd.com

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration

If you live in the greater Philadelphia or Reading, PA, area....

The Boyertown Health Fair will be on Saturday, March 31, 2012.  It's organized by the Boyertown Area Community Wellness Council, and it's very family oriented.  In fact, it's grandson-tested.  We took ours three years in a row, and he loved it.  This year, in January, he asked us if he could come with us this year.  This kid really plans ahead!

The fair takes place at the Boyertown Area Senior High School.  Please contact me for details at scleaver@dejazzd.com.  The fair is complimentary, and I'll be giving free samples of Reiki and Life Coaching plus lots of resources!

P.S. to kids planning to attend:  Feel welcome to bring along parents, grandparents, etc.  They'll love it, too! 

If you live ANYWHERE....

I'm offering special pricing of 25% off ALL of my services.  And remember, Life Coaching can be done by phone or in person!  The special pricing is subject to change after June 30, 2012.

**All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.**

**Member of the TriCounty Community Network at www.tcnetwork.org.**



Check out my post from April 1, 2008...it has been in the #1 spot for a while now as my most popular post!  It's called, "When Opportunity Knocks....".  Happy reading, and thanks for your support!

   

Leadership: Walking Our Talk

Some of you may remember my theme from 2011, which was "Audacious Self-Care."  Well, I guess I teach what I need to learn...when I need to learn it!

The last quarter of 2010 (when I picked the topic) and all of 2011 offered some very difficult challenges for my family and me, so putting reminders about self-care in this blog throughout the year was helpful to me.  Then things caught up with me, and I had to stop blogging for a while in favor of my self-care.  The irony was not lost on me!

I apologize for disappearing, and I will finish covering all the sub-topics of self-care that I promised my readers a year ago. Thank you for your patience.

Before we move on to talking about leadership, I would also like to announce that I've expanded my business name from the same as my name to...(drum roll please)...

Mind Spa Coaching and Reiki

with Susan Cleaver

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Now for today's topic:

Leadership: Walking our Talk





Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Mats Persson



Last spring, on 6/3/11, I wrote a post about the value of personal leadership in preparation for this one on walking our talk as leaders.  Long-term success in leading others is based on how you manage yourself.

In the photo above, one of the components is "Lead by Example."  That would be problem if the "example," or role model, had the basics of his own life in disarray!  Poor role models either forget this, or they think it won't show.

For example, the poor role model may think it doesn't matter if their home office is messy and disorganized, because his followers never see it.  Well, they do see it...in the role model's stress level, even if his desk at work looks great.  What's more is that they can feel it on an energetic level, and they won't feel motivated by the leader.

This concept also applies to the leader's stewardship in these areas:

*integrity

*health

*finances

*lifestyle

*relationships

Think of this as if it were a pillow sham.  It looks great on the outside.  But if the pillow inside is filled with stones, it's useless to followers and leaders alike.  No wonder so many people come home from work with a headache!

Here's to great leadership,

Susan

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

**Written material in all posts of this blog is (c) Susan Cleaver**

**Member of TCN, a local non-profit organization at www.tcnetwork.org**  

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/CGinspiration

Stop by my Exhibit for a Coaching or Reiki Sample!

Here are the three local Health Fairs where I'll be exhibiting:

Saturday, 3/31/12, The Boyertown Health Fair

Wednesday, 4/4/12, Health, Fitness, and Safety Fair, Blue Bell, PA

Friday, 4/20/12, Healthy Lifestyles Expo, Pottstown, PA

To the best of my knowledge, there will be NO entry fee for any of these three events.  For more information, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.



Personal Leadership: Your Strongest Foundation

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde

Starting in July, the Audacious Self-Care Community will be moving on to our next subtopic for the year, which will be "Boundaries and Bridges: Interacting with Others," and Leadership will be an important part of that segment.

So today, while we're still discussing our personal environments and how they affect us, I want to discuss Personal Leadership, which will be the foundation for leading others in the future.

Like the blue fish in the photo above, you may be starting to see untested leadership qualities in yourself. The fish is just at the point when he suspects that he is willing and able to be more than a couch potato (or "reef potato," in this case).

This is the humble beginning of "Blue's" future as a leader. He needs to have the courage to swim the other way for a long time before the other fish even think of following him. Some say it's lonely at the top. There's one thing for sure...it's lonely on the way to the top!

So, what is a fish (or a human) to do? Well, this is where Personal Leadership comes into the picture. Take a quick assessment of how well you lead yourself.

Do you have a role model, or even a mentor, who is not only a leader of others, but who has his or her own act together? Develop the characteristics in yourself that you'll be expecting in your followers.

A Few Examples...how are your:

~Communication Skills?

~Character Traits?

~Organizational Skills?

~Time Management Skills?

~Personal Finance Management Skills?

~...And of course your Audacious Self-Care Skills?

Just take it one block at a time, like the guy in the photo below. Over time, you'll be amazed at the changes you were able to make! And no matter how you end up using your leadership skills in the future, you'll always value the personal leadership skills you're building upon now.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Henrik Jonsson

"If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's

plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." -Jim Rohn

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Silense

'Any comments, experiences, or questions?

Thanks,

Susan

P.S. Please join us for these global, complimentary activities via telephone!

Are there any projects you've been putting off in your office, home, or studio?

Call into my teleconference line at 7:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday, June 21st, and we'll tackle our projects together (well, sort of...).

No registration is necessary. We all call in at the tops of the hours 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm

Eastern for brief check-in calls about what we we're each declaring as our project of the hour, and/or an update on the previous hour's success!

Between calls, when we're actually doing the projects, you'll feel more focused and accountable, knowing that you'll be reporting back to us!

Here's the number to call: 712-432-3973, PIN Code 7280202

I'm hosting at no charge, and there's no extra charge for using the teleconferencing service. Your only expense will be from your regular long-distance carrier. Questions? Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com.

We'd love to have you on the calls!

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Do you have a burning question? Call my COACHING HOT LINE on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, between 7:00 and 9:00 pm Eastern for a complimentary 20-minute coaching session! Call: 610-385-3766.

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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

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***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network at www.tcnetwork.org. ***

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Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Fear

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/alle12

What a motley crew: Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Fear. While they look very different from the outside, they're all wearing the same neon green long johns underneath! Fear is the leader of this trio of impostors.

When we try something that's outside of our comfort zone, Fear sends Perfectionism and Procrastination out first to force us to stay stuck while Fear hides in the shadows. Fear has been around for a very long time. Fear is desperate to protect us against everything from saber-toothed tigers to jay-walking in Manhattan.

This Fear character can't discern between the first day in court for a new lawyer and his prehistoric counterpart who is hiding from a woolly mammoth! So, fear is working incognito, pushing Perfectionism and Procrastination right in your path.

Fear hopes that we won't even have a clue about the reason for our difficulties. And we end up blaming ourselves!

Let's look at Perfectionism. First it will con us into thinking that perfection is a worthy, even honorable goal. But how can that be true when it keeps us barely crawling toward our goals? (Not to mention that perfection is impossible to attain!)

Procrastination, on the other hand, makes us feel bad about ourselves, and we start looking for ways to "fix" that. And taking time for fixing slows us down even more! Ugh!

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Joe Potato Photo


Let's get to the bottom of the Fear. Let's dust it off and take a closer look. Is this Fear from limiting beliefs from the past? A past experience that we don't want to risk repeating? A worst-case scenario that we don't want to manifest? What are the odds for this scary scenario actually happening? How would you cope if it did?

Pick a situation in your own life and apply the questions above to it. Please put your answers in the comments section! Your responses will deepen the meaning of the questions for all of us (including you!) Please answer now, while it's fresh in your mind. In other words, don't procrastinate! :-)

Making mistakes is our only bridge to competency, and of course there is no bridge to Perfection at all. And even if there were, no one would ever make it to the other side, due to Fear and Procrastination!

All my best,

Susan

Upcoming Spring Events, Both Local and Global

Local:

The Boyertown Area Community Wellness Fair is on Saturday, March 26!

Contact me for more information at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

The Healthy Lifestyles EXPO will be in Pottstown, PA, on Friday, April 15.

Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

Both local events mentioned above will be complimentary, and I'll have a table at each!

The Stress-Less Evening will take place on Friday evening, April 29, to wrap up our three months of "The Possible You"!

One of my most popular events...at a recession-friendly fee of $25 prepaid for two hours of pure pampering! Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. I'll need your check by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Global:

A complimentary coaching session by phone is available for the first three people who contact me to set up a time by Friday, April 8, 2011! Appointment dates for the actual coaching call will close out after Tuesday, May 10, 2011.
Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.

The Complimentary Dig-In Day via Teleconference Line will be on Tuesday, May 3. This will be the Kick-Off Event for our Second-Quarter Topic for our Year of Audacious Self-Care: "Take a Look Around: Your Immediate Environment." We will be improving our home, office, or studio environments. Here's how:

*We all call in at a specified time.*

*We each declare specifically what we will do in the coming hour to improve our immediate environments.*

*We hang up and do it!*

*We call in again, report our progress, offer support, and declare our task for the next hour.*

*During the last call, we report our progress again, address concerns, and celebrate!*

Again, the Dig-In Date Is May 3. Here is the call schedule:

7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm Eastern

Save the Date! In my next post I'll be supplying the phone number and PIN Code.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network, based in Pottstown, PA;

http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Joe Potato Photo

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Goal Setting for Audacious Self-Care

~Complimentary Coaching Hot Line on Thursday, February 10!~

See details at the end of this post.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/PeskyMonkey

Greetings, readers! If you haven't read about the Audacious Self-Care Community yet, please read my post from last week! This is a year-long opportunity to get and give support around how to take the best possible care of our selves, especially during the recession.

O.K., last week I promised I'd write more about goals. In my November post (You might want to check that one out, too.), I wrote about a popular goal-setting method called SMART Goals. The idea is to use this acronym to remember these elements of a great goal. Is your goal Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound?

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Marek Uliasz

I've used this SMART method for several years, and it has been very useful for me. My only problem has been with the last descriptor, Time Bound, especially when too many elements of the goal were out of my control.

If the "control factor" drops below about 75%, though, I feel that I'm making an uninformed decision. Then if I don't reach the quotas in my plan, I feel demoralized. I need to remember that I 'm stepping on the toes of my silent partner, Intuition. If the decision is that difficult for me, then I'm probably not the one to make it.

So, for goals where I have limited control or information, I use what I call STAR Goals:

S for Significant

Design a goal for your Audacious Self-Care that gets you out of your comfort zone. That may be a little scary, but that's O.K. You'll be moving forward, which is much more rewarding than spinning your wheels with a goal that requires only "busy work." Busy work comes from fear. It makes you feel productive while avoiding the real change you want to make.

T for Teamwork

Create an inter-developmental relationship with a partner or group. The interplay of your ideas will help you both stay motivated and to maintain flexible thinking. This is true whether you're working on the same goals or different ones. A little cross-pollination may be just what you need!

A for Accountability

Find at least one person who is willing to hold you accountable for completing what you've said you would do. If you're feeling a lot of internal resistance, you may need to check in with this person several times a day. Create a scoreboard for yourself if that helps.

R for Realistic

Design your goal so that it feels like a bit of a stretch (remember: no "busy work"). If you're feeling some excitement and some fear at the same time, that's a good sign that your goal is realistic. When you're planning, take into consideration your current responsibilities and leave room for the unexpected. Feeling overwhelmed is not only stressful but actually detrimental. Pushing through overwhelm is not a "badge of honor." Remember, this is Audacious Self-Care! Respect your limits and don't let your STAR burn out.

photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Diana Walters


I was inspired to develop STAR Goals after I heard Master Coach Dave Buck say that for the big plans he's working on now, he doesn't know when they will be complete. He's just going to keep at it until he gets the numbers he wants, even if it takes a few years!

If your goal doesn't inspire you to keep going without a specific end date, maybe you need to find a goal that you're more passionate about.

Comments and Questions, Please!

As you create your Audacious Self-Care Goals for "The Possible You," please let us know how the experience went for you. What goal-setting method did you use? What questions do you have? What advice do you have for us from your experience? What emotions do you feel when you think about your goals?

Remember, being a member of the Audacious Self-Care Community has no strings. You don't have to share your email address with me. There will be many complimentary activities to participate in. You don't have to participate in the reasonably-priced activities unless you are comfortable doing so.

I believe that being in the community will ease the sting of the recession for those who participate. I can't abide with the idea that when people need help the most is also when they can least afford it. Let's work together to pull ourselves out of that cycle!

Thank you,

Susan

P.S. I'm hosting a complimentary Coaching Hot Line on Thursday, February 10, 2011, from Noon to 8:00 pm Eastern! Just call at the top of one of these hours for a session of approximately 30 minutes. (First to call, first to be served at the top of each hour.)

Your only responsibility is to pay any long-distance charges from you phone provider. No prior registration is required. Just pick the top of the hour that works for you and call the Hot Line Number, 610-385-3766. This type of exploratory session is a $35 value!

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P.P.S. This Saturday, February 5, 2011, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm Eastern, join us for a peaceful journey around the labyrinth while listening to soothing live music! This opportunity is available in Pottstown, PA, for a small donation. Complimentary Reiki will also be available! Call me for more information at 610-385-3766 or email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com. This is a great chance to practice Audacious Self-Care!

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***All of Susan's posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

***Proud, active member of the TriCounty Community Network at http://www.tcnetwork.org/.***

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A Public Service Announcement and My Two Cents

Photo (c)iStockphoto/Rebecca Grabill

Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun! (R)

A six-week parent training program designed by the Love and Logic (R) Institute, Inc.

Designed for parents of children who are between the ages of 0 & 6.

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?

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Would you like to have more fun parenting?

Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?

This program will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 am on the following Wednesdays:

October 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17

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The classes and childcare are free!

Location: Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte St, Pottstown, PA

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Register by Friday, October 8, by calling Whitney Leone at

Family Services, 610-326-1610 (x233)

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If you don't live in this area, watch for the program in your area if you're in the USA! This is "America's Most Practical and Entertaining Parent Training."

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Now for My Two Cents About Our Relationships with Young Children....

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In last week's post, I wrote about interdevelopmental relationships between adult friends. Today I want to discuss the interdevelopmental relationship between an adult and a young child.

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We put a lot of energy into helping children develop into happy, healthy adults. But sometimes we forget how they tune up our development as adults. Here's a brief list of ways they do that:

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~Young children give us an excuse to play. During our busy days, play gets shoved to the bottom of the list. But play is extremely important for adults, too.

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~They are quick to forgive; what great role models they are!

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~Young children are spontaneous, a way of being that also gets the short straw in many adults' lives.

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~They speak their minds! Add a dash of tact, and you have a great recipe for stress reduction in adults.

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~Young children reawaken in us the creativity that was schooled out of us. What a blessing!

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Spontaneously yours,

Susan

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**Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a discounted exploratory coaching session on parenting or just about any other topic! Sessions can be done by phone or in person. No strings attached.**

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**The "My Two Cents" portion of this post is the copyright of Susan Cleaver.**

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**Active member of the TriCounty Community Network, where we're

"partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions" in our area. www.tcnetwork.org**

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