The Struggle Is Real

The Struggle Is Real

Feeling Depleted? 

Hell yeah! We have been operating under some pretty heavy energy lately. Now, almost 8 months into a global pandemic where the “new normal” is indefinite uncertainty, we are no longer in an emergency phase but rather living in a chronic state of heightened stress. Of course we’re feeling depleted, much of what grounded us no longer exists, we are grieving multiple loses while still managing the ongoing impact all of this is having on every single aspect of our lives.

So how do we adjust to this ever-changing situation where so many of our systems aren’t working as they normally do, creating radical shifts in our work, school, and home life? Unfortunately, there is no handbook on this one, nothing in history comes close to its impact.  Sure there have been horrific events in history showing how very resilient we humans are but 2020 is an unprecedented disaster. It’s unique, magnified with 24-7  news coverage and intense political division in our country, complicating a unified approach on how to best navigate this unchartered path.

As a women’s leadership coach, naturally I’m asked for advice and suggestions on how to ease the angst we are all experiencing. I wish I had a direct answer but the truth is I’m just figuring it out myself. Of course, there are some sure fire ways to combat worry, lessen anxiety, face our fears but in this instance if I had to specifically hone in on where to focus our attention it would primarily be on our self-care and sincere acceptance of our reality. Rather then putting on a brave face, I think it would serve us all better to embrace how “shaky” we truly are feeling, allowing us to support ourselves in a way that is more constructive instead of exhausting our energy on trying to avoid the uncomfortability that surrounds us right now. While in addition seeking activities, new and old, that fill us up…practicing extreme self-care (sleep, nutrition, exercise, meditation, gratitude, and connection) and self love & compassion. I believe there is a way to simultaneously attend to our grief while also move forward proactively, gaining a greater appreciation of life and surpassing our capabilities that were present before this crisis hit us all.

My advice…resist the urge to suck it up, the struggle is real! Put YOUR oxygen mask on first so you can go the distance and still be of service to others.

Wishing You The Best Of Success

-Holly- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Life Purpose

Finding Life Purpose

What Does Spirituality Mean To You?

 June 2015 Insights

I’ve intentional stayed away from writing about the concept of spirituality knowing it would conjure up different thoughts and feelings for everyone. Hesitant, to take a very personal experience and write about it generally so that it could be helpful to most, was  a bit intimidating to me. Actually to be honest up until about 3 years ago, if someone asked me about my spiritual beliefs I pretty much felt ill equip in answering that question. But I’ve  since come to realize, especially now that I have been coaching for over 4 years, how essential investing in one’s spiritual growth is. The rewards in fostering this aspect of our lives can be hugely impactful. So naturally, it makes complete sense to take this month’s Keys to Success Insights, regardless but yet respectful of each woman’s spiritual beliefs to share how cultivating the concept of spirituality can be significantly helpful in taking charge of your health and well-being. (more…)

Frustrated, Disappointed, Tired Oh My!

Frustrated, Disappointed, Tired Oh My!

Getting Ready To Throw In The Towel?

June 2014 Insights

Once again I find myself sharing a newsletter that is inspired by a conversation I had with one of my children. This time it was with my almost 14 year old son, Jake. Jake was struggling and feeling particularly frustrated studying for his advanced placement math exams that were coming up, he was lamenting to me about this challenge and commented he would have been better off just staying in regular math classes rather then “having to work so hard”. Naturally, as a mom and a life coach this sparked further conversation that led to the importance of aspiring for more from ourselves, setting goals that safely push us out of our comfort zones and when faced with adversity learning to dig deep and persevere. Unsurprisingly, this was meet with a bit of resistance and a lot of eye rolling but in the end I do think Jake (though he will likely never admit it) realized he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel yet and at the very least stopped complaining and went back to studying. (more…)

Relationships

Relationships

 

Relationships

Are they lifting your spirits up or dragging you down?

February 2014 Insights

What better month to write about the importance of cultivating healthy relationships than February, the month we celebrate Valentines Day. The quality of our personal relationships has an enormous impact on our mental, emotional and physical well-being. Think about it, unless you are shipwrecked on a deserted island, most of us are involved in numerous types of relationships. These relationships may include romantic, friends, parents, children, siblings, coworkers, neighbors, mentors/teachers and of course the often forgotten about relationship with ourselves.

How we chose to experience our relationships can determine our level of happiness. Yet many of us never stop to consider whether as a whole our relationships lift our spirits up or drag us down. I’d like to take some time in this Month’s Key’s to Success Insights and identify those qualities that typically make up a healthy relationship while also make some suggestions on how to better manage those relationships that drain us. (more…)

Don’t Forget To Say Good-Bye

Don’t Forget To Say Good-Bye

 

Reflecting On The Year Passed

December 2013 Insights

It may be surprising for some to hear but I’m not big into new year resolutions. You see as a life coach I hate to limit myself and my clients to resolving to “get going” on our life ambitions based on what the calendar says. I’d like to think regardless (winter, spring, summer or fall) that there’s no better time than the present to create positive change in our lives. I am, however, a big proponent of taking the last few days on the calendar to reflect upon the year passed as I believe it will help set the stage for greater success all through the new coming year. (more…)