Shifting Perspective

Quick Coaching Tip – Shifting Perspective

Perspective is “a way of looking at, or interpreting a particular situation”. Usually it’s a learned reaction we’ve adopted over time.

To shift your perspective, you first have to be aware of it. So, the next time you find yourself reacting to a bit of news, take a moment to consider what’s prompting your reaction. Now try re-framing that to a more empowering perspective.

My mom has admitedly “never been very optimistic”. She has glaucoma and the other day she found out the pressure had spiked. She started praying fervently while holding on to the belief that the worst would happen.

I asked her to take a moment to think about this from the perspective of the Divine. She was begging heaven and earth be moved to preserve her sight and she wouldn’t let go of the negative thoughts. She laughed and admitted that she had put a “but” in the way of having faith.

The next time you find yourself reacting to a situation, remember even the Divine doesn’t want to see your big ol’ “but” getting in the way!

The Gift of Giving

Those of you who know me know I use my BlackBerry for just about everything. For a varity of reasons (a story for another time) it’s easier for me to write my blog post on my trusty BB than to log on to my computer. Unfortunately, I saved this post as a draft instead of publishing it and since I rarely write my blog from the computer it took me a month to realize my mistake. So, in the spirit of better late than never and with appologies to the Shelters of Saratoga for the belated shout-out, I give you the post from August 19th.

August 19, 2010

Tuesday I had the honor of volunteering my services at the Shelters of Saratoga‘s 6th Annual One Fine Day fundraising event, something I’ve done every year since they started.

Attendees are encouraged to patronize the providers’ businesses and we are encourageed to promote ourselves. While I haven’t gotten a ton of follow-up from past events, that is not why I’m there. This isn’t a marketing pitch for me. I participate every year because I get something more precious than business – I receive the gift of being “in service” to a cause I strongly believe in.

After the event a small group of us had an impromptu brainstorming session with one of the board members. What a great feeling to be coming up with creative and out-of-the-box ideas to provide better care and services to those in need in our community.

It doesn’t take much to make a difference in the lives of others - a few hours volunteering services, whether to raise funds or in direct care; a good idea shared with someone in a position to implement it; a lovely summer afternoon spent at a fundraiser. Giving doesn’t have to be a form of penance. Toss the outdated notion of “give ’til it hurts” and try instead to “give to be happy”.

We all left there with hearts full of gratitude for the good we had been allowed to do. And I’ve been inspired to put a self-esteem workshop together for the shelter’s clients.

I encourage you to find your own ways of opening up to the gift of giving. You’ll be glad you did.

Special Announcement!

I’m so excited to tell you about Change is a Gift the workshop I’m co-presenting with my very good friend Joyce Willson RN, RMT at her lovely space The Art of Reiki in Troy, NY on Wednesday, September 29th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Changes are an important, yet sometimes less-than-comfortable part of our lives. This interactive workshop will allow you to tap in to your creativity and experience an evening of light bulb moments with time for reflection and journaling as you discover how to embrace change as the gift it truly is.

There is a $30 fee. Seating is limited and we expect to fill up quickly. Contact Joyce at 518-271-7802 to register

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