It's Over

I actually had a great time! The food was great, the friendship the best, the event better than expected. I wore a long coat and a blanket and I was fine! (Other people were out there in shorts). There were a few unexpected surprises. An audience member had brought his/her cat in a carrier, apparently, so the cat meowed during the event. (I thought it was cute -- can't speak for the other attendees). It was a very nice evening -- one I'm glad I attended. One thing really stood out to me -- the friendliness of the people. That made the night.

What Did You Expect?

A friend emailed us and asked if we wanted to go to a social event. It was a cultural event, involved dinner, and a patronage feature. Thinking it sounded great, I was all for it. We paid for the tickets and went on with our lives. When the day of the event arrived, I realized that ; 1) It was outdoors and I was expected to wear a dress; 2) It would be freezing cold; and, 3) The event would last about 6 hours. (And, the reviews were lukewarm to boot). But we were commited. We had paid, made plans with friends and were expected to show up. Also, I hadn't factored in the drive -- an hour each way. Now, I could always bring a coat and a blanket, and leave before the end, but I got to thinking about what had gone through my mind at the time I made the decision. It sounded like fun, I figured it was summer and would be "kind of" warm out, and that it was for a good cause. But, I realized, that this event, like many things, sound great in the abstract. There were other factors to consider here as well -- maybe it was just my attitude. Maybe it would be fun, that I would like it more than the reviewer had. Maybe there would be interesting people there, or business contacts. Maybe there were lessons to be had. What (besides the cold) made me change my attitude from excitement to dread? I'll let you know when it's over.

LIfe Coaching -- Reality Check

How do you decide on a Life Coach? You've seen a million websites, read all about coaching, even taken advantage of some free trial sessions. But how can you know for sure? You can't. You have to trust your gut, after speaking to a prospective coach, that he or she is the one for you. It is a very subjective decision. Unlike other fields, like medicine or law or teaching, life coaching, a relatively new field, is not yet regulated by the government. But are there things to look for? Definitely! No real life coach promises anything. How can he/she when it is the client who determines the agenda, makes the commitments and takes the action? But, you might want to find out if your coach-to-be walks the walk. Is your coach on time, at an appropriate weight, paying his or her bills, living his or her dreams? Is it fair to ask these questions? Can't someone help you when they cannot help themselves? (After all, how many food critics are chefs)? These are questions you will have to consider for yourself. When I was choosing my Life Coach, I started out with two. Both were very nice, and helpful. But the one I chose was one I felt was more compatible with my lifestyle and closer geographically, in case I ever wanted to meet her. I stay in touch with the other one -- she is very sweet-- but my life coach has taken me places I never dreamed I could go in the coaching process. And I hope that I do the same for my clients, as well

Traveling Lite

I am actually going out of town without my computer. It can be done. My husabnd assures me that I can make it 28 hours without going online. After all, we've done it before, haven't we? The good thing is that, for the first time, I am going on a trip where I didn't buy any new clothes, and I am traveling very light. It is a relief -- going simple. The best thing I'm taking is a nylon Baggallini tote bag that will serve as a shopping bag (first call to duty), pool bag, cosmetics bag and/or purse. It has shoulder straps and a zippered pouch in front big enough for cell phone, keys and lipstick. And, in the event, it's not needed (not likely), it folds up neatly into a small bag that fits into a suitcase. Have a great weekend and remember, keep it simple! Coach Paula

If You Build It, They Will Come

If I didn't believe it before, I do now. I Googled myself, and my Blog and my LinkedIn membership came up. I have been working on this, and it has been happening. When you are selling a service, like Believe and Achieve Coaching, you are selling yourself. You are selling everything about yourself that you have to give. Life Coaching is about helping others make their dreams come true. And in practicing this profession, one is modeling the very same phenomena. In order to coach, you have to be able to produce results in your own life. This is one place where you have to walk the talk. Please visit my Bridal Coaching blog, perfectbridalcoaching.blogspot.com to see what is happening on the bridal front! Have a great day! Coach Paula

Paul Potts Inspires and Wins! Vincero!

This is a video of Paul Potts, winner of last year's Britain's Got Talent. Paul beat the odds and proved the truism that "Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." --Desiderata

Believe and Achieve It -- Your Way

Today I spent most of my time on the computer getting things done. It is truly amazing that most of my personal and business affairs are now handled online. I don't have to drive, park, buy gas, or any of it. I just sit here and type or click. But it took time to get to this stage in the game. (And I don't want to give the impression that I don't go out of the house). One thing I needed to manage in my life was my time. And I was able to do that by handling so many "errands" online. It has made all the other parts of living -- going out, exercising, working -- so much more enjoyable. I believed that it was possible -- and you can, too. Find what will make you comfortable. And give yourself a break today. You deserve it!