Shrink your mountains into mole hills – Get it done! During a recent coaching session, my client Joe (not his real name) told me about a seemingly simple project that was causing him much dread and anxiety. Writing a bio to be submitted for his next professional advancement had become an insurmountable challenge. Joe didn’t know how to get it done. He had spent [...]
When travelling to or living in other countries we can’t help but become aware your own assumptions. I went to Paris as a nanny in my early twenties. Leaving my hometown in Germany behind on the train to Paris, I felt excited. I was eager to immerse myself in a different culture and learn to speak French. I was looking forward to eating croissants, listening to accordion music in [...]
My sanctuary brings me right back to what matters most. Last weekend I had a chance to review all the moments I had captured with my camera over the last six months. What a joy to revisit so many wonderful memories! I am deeply grateful for all the love in my life and the beautiful sanctuary I live in. This picture shows my sanctuary, a special place on the [...]
Fortunately, once aware of our triggers, we can learn how to deal with anger more effectively. An experience with a little bird reminded me how important it is to learn how to deal with anger effectively. Last spring, a Robin flew against my window in the morning, luckily the Robin survived, but strangely he didn’t learn from its painful experience. The Robin immediately flew against the window again and [...]
Next time you feel a craving, focus on feeling the craving rather than the object of your craving such as chocolate. I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. I love the way it melts in my mouth, I love its sweet and bitter taste. There is just nothing quite like it. Unfortunately I have become more and more sensitive to the caffeine contained in chocolate. It gives me the jitters, [...]
For many people the beginning of the year is a time of New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately most New Year’s resolutions are broken within the first couple of days or months of the New Year. When we resolve to do things differently in the New Year, we focus on things that are amiss in our lives and overlook the things that are working well already. I encourage you to let go of [...]
As the holiday season approaches, I am reminded of these four wise words: Sometimes less is more. An endearing memory from a summer vacation a few years ago comes to mind. A friend had invited me to join her for a week in her family’s cabin on Savary Island. Close to her family’s cabin lives an elderly couple who invites the beach community for tea and cookies every afternoon at 4pm. [...]
We easily get trapped in comparing ourselves to other people. Either we see them above or below ourselves. When we engage in this type of comparison, we often don’t realize that we are comparing our feelings, thoughts and beliefs, essentially our inside with the outward appearance of another person. You will never be able to see yourself from the outside. Neither will you be able to experience the other person from [...]
Picture a Halloween Party; people are dressed in all kinds of costumes ranging from gory zombies to hilarious clowns to beautiful elves. Only one of the guests wears jeans and t-shirt. His ordinary attire actually stands out in the midst of all the elaborate costumes. Taking a closer look, you discover that his t-shirt has a big smiley face on the chest and reads Mr. Positive. Various quotes are printed all [...]
The old saying “ignorance is bliss” stems from a poem by Thomas Gray and suggests that if you are happiest being ignorant, then just stay ignorant. Remove the prick in your shoe and enjoy a sense of relief and peace of mind. I beg to differ. There is a lot of pain and effort involved in ignoring information that might challenge our habits and behaviours. If you have ever [...]
