A New Year, A New Beginning

How many people have I heard say that they are happy to be done with this year? A lot, and, it seems, a lot more than usual. It wasn't, they tell me, a bad year, just a challenging one. Between the economy and personal challenges relating to work, family, illness, finances, it seems that many Americans share the same story. But there is no where to go but forward. Time only moves that way -- in this sphere anyway. So, our best option is to move with it, willingly, happily and enthusiastically even. That is not to say there is no room for realism -- but dealing with "manifest reality" is a lot easier if you go forward knowing how you want to shape the next chapter. The New Year is a time for reflection of what has been and a time to resolve what we are going to do to create what will be. New Year's Resolutions don't have to be formal, nor sweeping. You can resolve to meet every day, one day at a time, with a new attitude and a new perspective. I wish you and yours a Happy, Health New Year, one in which you are able to take whatever comes and with presence of mind, and enthusiasm, turn it into the experience you want. May 2010 be a banner year for you! Coach Paula

I Will Not Complain

This is what a client said to me yesterday, regarding her trials and tribulations at work, with her boyfriend, her landlord, her mechanic, etc., etc. But at times we all want to complain. I had two clients tell me they had termites in their furniture (Is there a conspiracy in the house?), one of them had water damage in her walls, another thought her boyfriend was cheating. One of my brides can't stand her new sister-in-law. But as we deconstructed each situation during Life Coaching, each event, each reaction, the bottom line was, "How will complaining about it serve you?" (Not a question that I asked, only thought about). Although unasked, each answered that very question with a variation on the theme -- their answers paralleling each other to an uncanny degree, "Well, I guess complaining about it won't help." I wish I could take credit for their new awareness(es), new perspectives. But all I did was listen and asked questions relative to how they felt, what actions they were going to take, and what a great (notice I didn't say "satisfactory") outcome would look like. What are the "wages of complaining?" Whiners' Mouth? The contrary to the previous concept is gratitude. You have termites. Be grateful you have a place to live. You have an impossible boss? Nothing says it like, "I'm grateful for my job." Life Coaching is a way in. And a way out of complaining. (This post is dedicated to JT, the model of an eternal optimist).

The Choice is the Road, or Knowing

If I had a nickel for every time a client responds to a coaching question with the words, "I don't know," I would have a lot of nickels. The truth is, they usually do know, they just don't like what they know, don't want it to be true, don't want to do it, don't want to hear it, or don't want to face it. It is possible that someone doesn't know what to do, but when the situation is deconstructed, it becomes obvious -- the answer was there the whole time. If you want to lose weight, you better not eat that piece of chocolate cake. But if you do, know the consequences. But you want the cake anyway. So there you have it -- the obvious answer is that in many, if not most instances in life, you will have to make a choice. And knowing the ramifications of that choice will enable you to understand what you are looking at. It won't make the choice any easier, nor will it in any way guarantee that you make the choice that is likely to have the best outcome for you. Sometimes you can work out the factors to improve your chance of making a better choice, but sometimes there is no one right choice. That is the challenge of living with the inevitable ambiguity that is life. If you know your values and follow them, you increase your chances of having positive outcomes. If you need help with defining and naming your values, try Life Coaching. It works!

Taking the High Road

"When do I have to take the high road?" a client asked me. That's a good question. I would say when you want to hold onto your integrity and increase your chances of a positive outcome. Not everyone agrees with this point of view -- certainly not street fighters, or the "eye for an eye" contingent. But you are the only one who can know the right thing to do. Whether you choose to do it is strictly up to you. The course you decide upon does not depend on what the other person did to you, said to you, etc., only what intention you are willing to hold for yourself in the transaction. If someone does you wrong, you may want to strike back, to seek vengeance. But what will you really have gained? Taking the high road means maintaining your inner equilibrium in the face of outer circumstances. And if you want to learn more about the High Road and how to keep your own peace, try Life Coaching! It works! Happy Holidays from Believe and Achieve Coaching.

Rabbi Pliskin's "Life is Now Favorite Memories

#734 Favorite Memories
If you would like to recall your favorite memories, here are some questions to ask yourself:
1. What are five of my favorite memories?
2. How do I feel when I remember them?
3. What are the main patterns of my favorite memories?
4. In what ways will I benefit from recalling these memories more often?
5. When is a good time to recall each of these memories?
6. What can I learn from these memories?
7. What do I lose out by not recalling my favorite memories?
8. What will help me remember to recall my favorite memories more often?
9. What can I do now to create more memories that I would benefit from recalling?
(from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's book: "Conversations With Yourself", p.160) [Artscroll.com])
See Rabbi Pliskin's new book "Life Is Now"

Change the Situation or Change Your Perspective

#708 If You Don't Like a Situation Change it or Change Your Self-Talk
There are always two possibilities about any unsatisfying situation: Either you will be able to change it, or you will be able to change your self-talk.
Telling yourself, "There is nothing at all I can do to change this situation, therefore I must feel bad," is not based on reality. How can anyone possibly say: "There is nothing at all I can do to change the situation"? You can always pray, can't you? Your Father, your King, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, can change any situation in a moment.
You might find a book or article that gives you ideas that can help you find a solution that you didn't think of before.
You might find a teacher, mentor, coach, or friend who can make suggestions and think of ideas that will enable you to change a situation.
Events might unfold that totally change the situation. The Purim story teaches us that even an impossible situation that spelled total doom can be changed in a single moment.
You might think of a way to reframe the situation so that now you view it differently. What previously seemed like a problem and a difficulty can now be seen as a wonderful opportunity to grow and develop yourself. What was once considered a liability can now be seen as an asset.
You always have a choice of your self-talk. Ask yourself, "What can I think about now that will improve the way I am feeling?"
You can always think, "The more challenging a situation, the more I can grow from it."
The more skilled you are about creating positive self-talk in challenging situations, the easier it will be for you to handle new challenges in the future.
(from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's book: "Conversations With Yourself", pp.78-9) [Artscroll.com])
See Rabbi Pliskin's new book "Life Is Now"

Be the Love You Want

Everyone wants something. If you want it, you usually feel you are missing it -- that you don't have it. The way to have mental and emotional states you want is to create them in your mind. If you want people to be friendly to you, be friendly first --when you are, you show it to the world and attract it back. If you feel friendly, the world is a friendly place. When you feel joyful, the world is a joyful place. And when you feel loving, you attract that love into your life. It's no secret....

One Day at a Time

#699 One Day At A Time
Your life's purpose and mission are the top topics about which to have self-conversations.
You only can live at one time: today. Rejoice and celebrate when you have what you need for today. This way you will be able to experience a sense of abundance each and every day.
Gain the benefits of living with abundance one day at a time. Some people are so worried about the future that they forget to experience the full benefits of abundance day by day.
Remember this rule: Having enough for today gives you abundance for today. Imagine how much you will benefit from living with this attitude.

(from Rabbi Pliskin's new book, Life is Now: Creating moments of joy, courage, kindness, and serenity, p. 71)

This is It

This is the perfect moment. How do I know? Because it is the only one that is here now. It is the only one in which we can give to others, to receive and be grateful and to move ahead with our lives. If you aren't sure about what to do with your moments, consider Life Coaching. It's a way in....

Living Life One Moment at a Time

#678 Living Life One Moment at a Time

Your mind and soul can choose to think, speak, and act wisely and meaningfully wherever you are at any given time. You live your entire life one moment at a time. You only need to choose to think one wise thought at a time. You only need to choose to say one positive sentence (or word) at a time. You only need to choose one meaningful action at a time. These all add up.

(from Rabbi Pliskin's new book, Life is Now: Creating moments of joy, courage, kindness, and serenity, p. 22)

Now or Never

It's almost Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement when the fate of the Jewish people will be sealed for the year. Who shall live, who shall die, who shall become rich, who shall go the other way, etc., etc. So, in thinking about the holiday, I am struck this year with what a Blessed year (kpp) I had. I had so much love, so many happy times....God is good. But I don't believe in punishment based on repenting one day. I think repentance is an ongoing process, as is loving, every day of the year. I think that striving to have good midot (character traits) is a process that supercedes one day of "confession." I think every day is a day of taking stock, every day a day of confession -- and of absolution. The sages say that there are three things to lighten a "sentence" by God -- prayer, charity and repentance (or, an alternate to that is prayer, charity and Torah study). So, every day we have the opportunity to begin again -- to ReDecide -- what we are going to do, what we are going to say, how we are going to live our lives. Ethics, morals and values are not for one day a year -- they may inform that day, but are quintessentially the infrastructure of our lives. Every thought, every feeling, contributes to the overall. This Yom Kippur, I wish you an easy fast, but more than that, I wish for you an easy year to come, when all your decisions lead to joy and ease. I wish you love and peace and candor. I wish you every good thing. And thank you Jamee and Cherrie for your wisdom and caring during this year. Be happy! Coach Paula

Today

Today is usually my day of rest, but today is my day of action. Time to go to the store, cook and finish getting ready for the New Year! Hope yours is Sweet! L'Shana Tova. Coach Paula

Evaluate Positively

#672 Evaluate Positively
Which descriptions do you use more often? (a) "It was awful, terrible, bad..." (b) "It was great, wonderful, terrific..."
Resolve to increase your frequency of positive evaluations.

-- Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

(For a series of probing questions on this topic, see Rabbi Pliskin's "Gateway to Self Knowledge," p.225)

Freedom in Structure

This is a great paradox -- if you want to be truly free -- live by the rules! Create a structure that is based on your values. A client recently told me a great story, illustrating the point. She was going to an afternoon wedding, at which the attire was "open season" according to the bride and the bride's mother. "Well, how inviting was that?" she said to me, with a wink in her voice. She had gone out and bought a beautiful long dress, multi-colored, with beading at the empire line. But she said she didn't feel comfortable. She thought that given the venue, she should tone it down and wear a black cocktail dress. She said that the next step was bringing both dresses, trying on the long dress (which she had conveniently forgotten to have shortened to the right length for her shoes), and deciding that she couldn't go through with it. It was the Bride's day, she told me triumphantly, and the bride would be the star! She said that she always liked to be wearing the prettiest dress in the room, but of course that wouldn't be the case, since the bride would be gorgeous. But it was the motivation, or intention that counted. She said that the extreme pleasure she felt in putting on a simple, but elegant, black street length cocktail dress made her day. No matter what, now, she wouldn't stand out. She didn't have to. I acknowledged her for her incredible insight and ability to put forward her true "best self." This was an object lesson about true beauty -- putting the feelings of others first. This is coaching. Have a great day! Coach Mierel (Paula)

Elul

This is the Jewish month of Elul, the month before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. It is the time to review the past year from the perspective of one's actions and behavior and to take stock of one's life. What did I do these past twelve months? What didn't I do? What can I do better next year?

It is always good to reflect on how one is living his/her life -- all the moreso when one is about to be judged by one's Creator.

I hope I did more Mitzvot, good deeds, than the year before. I hope I helped someone, made someone's road easier.

I pray that I did not cause anyone pain. And I pray that I may live to give, or, as they say, "Merit to do another mitzvah."

Zrizut (rushing) when it comes to doing mitzvot and silence when it comes to saying what should not be said.

May you have a great spiritual experience this Elul as you prepare for the Days of Awe!

Maui Zowie

I'm blogging this as I am getting ready to pack up the computer. Maui is one hell (excuse the word) of a place to leave. It is Paradise -- no doubt about it. The healing winds, the sun, the ocean, the weather, the people. This is a place that gives one hope.

Don't Crack that Joint

If you need a great Chiropractor on Maui, call Dr. Heather Galan (808) 667-2040, hchirogirl1@aol.com. Dr. Heather uses a technique called ART -- Active Release Technique, developed by Dr. Michael Leahy (see activerelease.com). Your knots disappear, your muscles stretch out -- ART is truly an incredible technique. (No cracking). And if other parts of your life are in knots that need to be worked out, call me for some Life Coaching. Coach Paula

Have You Laughed Today?

I try and laugh every day. I love humor. I love laughing. Laughing means being happy -- making life easier. My friend Debby has always had the ability to make me laugh -- she has always been fun! My friend Sinara, of Blessed Memory, always everyone laugh. Anyone can develop the ability to have a sense of humor. Think about it and do it now. Laughter is the best medicine -- for your heart, for your soul, and for your health! More later. Have a good night! Coach Paula

"Baby, It's the Only Way to Fly"

These were the words of my 96-year old mother (kpp) when I complimented her on her positive attitude. I had asked her how she was, and she answered, "Super." Now I know that's not exactly spot on, but she would rather say that than complain. Props for that.

The only way to fly. I'm going to remember that every time I want to complain about some little insignficant thing. Perspective is everything.

Someone (not a friend) recently told me I was "deluded" (and later I believe she used the word "delustional" when I told her I thought of my parents as being in their sixties. (I know their chronological ages). However in spite of the "facts", they are both vibrant, though somewhat slowing down, still laugh at our jokes and have a lot of wisdom to impart. I don't think it is delusional to think young, or think of your loved ones as younger than they are. I think it's a blessing.

My mother is not delusional either -- She is super in every way! Age is only a number. You are as young as you feel. Go and live vibrantly! It will keep you young. And if you want to be coached around age, aging parents, or staying away from name-callers, get in touch with me! Coach Paula

Where Are You?

#663 A Lack In Perspective

Some people make themselves sad over trivial matters. Any objective observer will look on in amazement. This person had the ability to live his life with feelings of happiness, since he truly does have what he needs. Yet he feels miserable because of minor and unimportant things. He views what he is missing as extremely important -- and what he does have pales in comparison! He even thinks that life is not worth living without what he's presently missing!
(from Rabbi Yosef Leib Bloch; Shiurai Daas, vol.2, pp.145-6;

Rabbi Pliskin's Gateway to Happiness, p.175)

Be happy today. All the best, Coach Paula

Sinara and Brad Pitt

No, they weren't an item. Not even close. As a matter of fact, the only thing that Sinara Stull O'Donnell and Brad Pitt have/had in common was Springfield, MO. Brad left to follow his path and find his dream and Sinara went there, leaving hers behind in LA, in order to care for her elderly parents. Actually, they did have something else in common -- both performers, both living someplace in search of an acting career. Sinara did comedy -- stand-up, and she did television -- guest spots on Cheers, General Hospital and To Tell the Truth. Brad left his family, his background, to create a new persona. Sinara had to reinvent herself in Springfield, as well. There were no TV opps here, no agents, no auditions, no more applause, at first. But her mother told her to find her light in Springfield. The same thing that motivated her to act lay within her, only now she had to find another way. And she did. She started going to Toastmasters, a public speaking group, in Springfield, which led her to a new career as a motivational speaker -- with very well paying gigs. She wrote her autobiography, she wrote articles and columns relating to careers and jobs. But, it was a short run. Sinara passed away almost two years ago, leaving a grieving husband, father and about 500 friends. Not many people can say they have 500 friends -- real friends. But she did. She cared about and helped everyone she met. She was responsible for the success of many of her friends, offering encouragement, challenging everyone to go for their dreams. She inspired, motivated and made everyone whose path she crossed feel better for it. When she died after a protracted illness, it was still a shock. She left too soon. She's holding forth in Heaven now, of that I'm sure. Everyone has a purpose; Sinara lived hers. Are you living yours? You don't need to be Brad Pitt to have a great life, you just need to be the best you that you can be. Follow your own light. And I wish for you, my readers, that someday, somewhere, you will find a friend like Sinara. Here's looking at you, kid.

Five Pieces of Paper

If you have paper clutter, start by handling, i.e., working on, filing, or tossing five pieces of paper a day. It adds up. If you can afford it, hire help. If not, ask a good friend to come over for moral support. You will be surprised at how quickly those papers disappear! Coach Paula

Situation Room

You are faced with a crisis. You go into panic mode. Then you remember that panic doesn't help. You get linear and in thinking mode. You come up with a course of action. All of these steps may occur in a blink of an eye. Your Brain is the Situation Room, and sometimes everything you learn comes from your Inner Advisors. You close your eyes and put the situation out in front of you. You ask for help, from someone known or unknown, living or on the other side. Sometimes, instantaneously, you have the answer. It is easy. You trust the Inner Guidance. You do a Reality Check. You move forward and take action. If you need to, you call your Life Coach. You have resolved the situation! Practice this and let me know how it works for you! Coach Paula

Morning Has Broken -- Get It Done!

On the phone, in school. learning, thinking about the day -- all the tasks to come -- I ask myself what is useful -- what is going to be useful today? Prioritize, make a "To Do" list, get things done. Have a good day as you move through everything you have to do, too! Coach Paula

The Play's the Thing

..."wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King." Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Act II, Scene II.

Your life is your Play. The King can be the symbol for your own operating system -- your brain which makes your decisions every day. The "conscience of the King," in other words, your conscience, is the brakes on the motor that drives you. You think you are in control, then you see that you ate that piece of cake, that you took the elevator instead of walked -- you forgot that you were trying to lose weight and get in shape. You bought the dress, you went out with the guy...why? Because you didn't "catch" or control your own "conscience." It's not willpower, it's willingness. It's a decision, nothing more, nothing less. You don't have to be happy about it. You just have to do the right thing. The right thing for you. The right thing for others. Hamlet was miserable, you don't have to be. Re-write your play today. And if you need coaching to help you do it, let me know! All the best, Coach Paula

15 Consequential Actions Later

I heard Sharon Salzman, the well-known (but previously unknown to me) meditation teacher on the radio today. She was talking about how meditation can help avoid the unfortunate results of actions taken in response to negative emotions such as anger, etc.

I had never heard the term "Consequential Actions" before, and thought a lot about it. Actually, every action is consequential -- there is some consequence, or result, good or bad, or neutral.

My computer just went black. I looked down and the power cord had become separated from the adapter. The black screen was the consequence.

Would you take the same actions you take every day if you knew what the consequences would be down the road? Would knowing the future, or potential future change the course of action you are about to follow now? Think about it. I did. I better get a new battery for my computer...

Do You Love What You Do?

When I coach, I go into the Zone, the place where my intuition tells me what to say next, what to ask, where to go with an issue, a question, a situation. Where does that Zone go when I am doing things I don't want to do, like going to Costco. Costco is a great store -- just too many people and too big a space for me. Some people are in the Zone in Costco -- I've seen it -- It's like they are at Disneyland! Does doing what you love put you in the Zone? Let me know. Zoned in, Coach Paula

From the Unclutterer

Simplicity and sincerity
Posted: 29 Jul 2009 04:30 AM PDT
My friend Harry gave me a copy of an out-of-print book from the 1950s that includes a chapter called “Simplicity and Sincerity.” The chapter is actually very short and doesn’t explain much, but the title of the chapter has stuck with me since the first time I saw it.
After taking notice of it, I’ve come to see how simplicity and sincerity are profoundly connected. The choice to live simply isn’t one of denial or exclusion, but rather one of being sincere in all of your actions.
Take for example an offer to sit on the board of a local charity. You might think that the charity does good work. You might want the charity to succeed. You might feel honored that the organization thought of you as a leader. You might even volunteer in single-day events a few times a year. But, if you don’t sincerely wish to partake in all of the meetings, planning, cultivating, and financial development that a position on a board requires, then you would decline the offer. Accepting the position would be insincere, both to you and the organization. In addition to wishing that you were doing something else with your time, you’d be depriving the organization of a board member who would be sincerely committed to participating.
I think about physical objects in a similar fashion. If I sincerely do not wish to put forth the effort to properly maintain and care for the item, then I don’t bring it into my home.
Being sincere with your actions makes it easier to live simply. -- The Unclutterer

A note: Do we count the lies we tell in a day? White lies, harmless lies, self-protecting lies? Is sincerity something that has gone out of fashion as a core value? Is it 1930's radio or 1970's politics? Is anyone sincere anymore? I hope sincerity will make a return as a cultural value. Sincerely yours, Coach Paula

Thicker Skin

One of my clients went to the San Diego Zoo and bought herself a stuffed rhino. I asked what the significance of a rhino was to her and she said she thought she needed to develop thicker skin. So, whenever she saw the rhino, she thought about what she could or would do if someone said something she didn't like. She told me that the first time, she reacted to a nasty remark with her usual feelings, but that she picked up the rhino and she redirected her attention to something positive. Within three weeks, she said, the nasty remarks had stopped. So, maybe the animal icon/symbol changed her energy so that she didn't attract any more nasty remarks. Try it and write me. Have a great day!

Client Slightly Crazy, Slightly Sad

One of my clients called to tell me that she was "slightly crazy, slightly sad." Since I am her coach, and not her therapist, I asked her what she wanted to do about it. She named some self-medicating interventions such as lighting a cigarette, drinking a beer, going to a bar and picking up a guy -- until I asked her what she wanted out of it. "Not to feel bad, of course," was her reply. So, I posed the million dollar question, "Will any of the aforementioned help you?" She laughed as she said no. So, we made a list of other options: shopping, chocolate, going to the pound and getting yet another cat (would be #4). Then, she had an epiphany. "I'm going to run it off -- all the craziness, all the sadness. With all the adrenaline, I won't remember why I went running in the first place." So, she called me two hours later, happily eating a vegetarian sandwich and drinking some healthy tea drink -- telling me that on her run she had seen an old friend and that they were going to get together and create some picture books online together of when they were in college. She didn't do anything -- she did something. And that action created a synergy which led to friendship, collaboration, an art project. She said that she still might be a little crazy, but she wasn't sad anymore. Find a coach and find your way!

Four Little Words

"Will it help you?" I paid $100 for these words of wisdom from a coach-in-the-making. This is a great question to ask yourself before making any decision. If, the answer is "No," then leave that fifth Oreo in the bag. There is an axiom in the Jewish world which says that if you have to ask, "It's already not Kosher," however sometimes you still need to ask. Even if it's asking yourself and answering truthfully. Sometimes, it's not that we don't know the answer, it's just that we still want the fifth Oreo.

Susan Boyle

Watch Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

There are no words -- the ones we have -- fabulous, stunning, breathtaking, inspirational -- don't seem to cover it. You have to experience these 7 minutes!

Coach Thyself

We skipped Napa this weekend to be here for my elderly parents. The time has come for them to have 24/7 care at home, at a price they can afford. Are you listening Universe? I'm putting out my intention that the perfect person who needs this job will be attracted to it in a way that only God knows. As for me, I am learning to appreciate the fragility and richness of life as I watch and participate in my parents' "later years." They are funny, (usually) sharp, and most of all, fiercely independent. They watch the news, read the paper, crossed the street to vote for President and still laugh at jokes. They want to do these years their way. Who am I to disagree? I'm coaching myself to maintain my perspective, trust in God and to manifest what I need here. It will show up. And I'll let you know all about it!

Renewal

Spring is the time of renewal, Easter, the time of the Resurrected Christ. As you approach this day, already into the Lenten Season, reflect upon how you can resurrect yourself. How can you rise and walk? May you experience many miracles this Easter and always. Paula

Good Deeds

#558 Overcome Obstacles to ActionAt times you might have negative reactions when trying to perform a good deed. You might feel rebellious and would rather not do the deed. Do not feel sad or nervous about this. The essence of doing good deeds is the effort, and we cannot expect it will always be easy to do the right thing. Have a conversation with yourself. Ask yourself why you find it difficult. What exactly is bothering you? This will give you personal insight and will help you grow.

(Alai Shur, p.213; Rabbi Pliskin's Gateway to Happiness, p.221)

A Happy and A Kosher Passover

Bring About Miracles

#548 Bring about Miracles in People's LivesBe aware of the positive attributes and behaviors of the people with whom you come into contact and help them build upon their strengths. Encouragement is a much more powerful tool for change and growth than blaming and condemning. You can bring about miracles in people's lives if you believe in their potential.
(Gateway to Happiness, p.388)
--Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

Start where you are

Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.
-- Arthur Ashe

Prescient words for our times. If you "need" something, you may find that you already have it in another form. If you can re-use, re-purpose, re-invent, you are ahead of the game. Want a new book? Look at Trading clubs online. Same for CD's and DVD's. Need a dress for a wedding? Talk to your friend first. That evening dress she may never wear again may be perfect for you. Have skills you can trade/barter?

If you can't do everything today -- do something. Even giving away old clothes puts you in the "prosperity" mode of being ready and able to receive. But more than anything else, "do what you can" means, to me, mitzvot of chesed -- acts of lovingkindness. Have a great weekend.

Once Again

It's been a long time since I've posted. Suffice it to say I've been busy, in a good way. This is my advice -- be kind, be honest, and get organized. Right now I'm getting into my bridal coaching business, Perfect Bridal Coaching. The website will go live in about two months. In the interim, I have a blog, PerfectbridalCoaching.blogspot.com that I hope you will look at. I am taking 2 more Pro Bono Brides for coaching. Have a great week. Paula

Super Bowl Sunday

I love the Superbowl. It is one of those events that brings people together. Almost everyone will be at home, at someone else's home, at the White House, or in a bar, cheering, eating nachos, and rating half-time commercials. It's a particularly American event, like Thanksgiving, that the whole country celebrates. I'm a Steelers fan, myself. I hope that wherever you are, you are having a great day.

Superbowl Life Lessons

Keep your eye on the ball
Don't bet more than you can afford to lose
Serve food that you yourself want to eat
Enjoy the commercials
Be with friends
It doesn't take that much to have a great day!

Until next time, Paula

Happy New Year

I am hiding out in the Desert, awaiting the arrival of the new computer. This one is being cleaned up. One advantage (notice that perspective) of having it go down -- 3 times at least -- is that I got to see my emails for the last few years! Everything came out of it's folder (imagine if it were paper!) and I am getting to sort through it. It is an interesting experience -- deciding what to save and what to keep. My cousins-- first, second, third and beyond (no exaggeration) -kpp- and I correspond, and I like to keep emails.

It is nice to have so many relatives. I have discovered them 10 minutes from the house and across the country. I'm sure if I looked, I would discover them in other countries, as well....I am grateful for all my relatives. And my husband's family, as well. Have a great week! Where are you Cherrie? pk