Winter News from The Transitions Coach

Greetings!

Having finally recovered from jet lag and the return home from Australia/New Zealand, I'm beginning to process just how much being far away from our routines and 'realities' can affect our personal growth and development. Halfway across the planet, alone (at last) with my husband, I learned more about my self, my ego, and what truly matters than all the transformational trainings and therapy money could buy!

For example:

Epiphany #1: I might avoid approaching serious conversational topics with my husband while he is learning to drive on the "wrong side of the road" and cars are coming right for us. Leave plenty of time to acclimate and for God's sake, don't make this the time to point out that 'if only he'd listened to me, we wouldn't be in this predicament.' He can easily drive off the side of the road and guess who's the first into the ditch?

Lesson: We all have a unique perspective and everyone's perspectives matter. Especially the one who's behind the wheel!

Epiphany #2: When my husband gets motion-sick after a heart-thumping ride over the glacier in a small helicopter, I don't get to use his motion sickness as the root of all our 'issues'.

Lesson: The edges of our comfort zones are as different and unique as we are. Appreciate everyone's limits and remember, everyone deserves compassion. Our hike together after that peak experience was one of the high points of the trip! The peak experiences come from the most challenging experiences. Repeat this mantra going into your next challenge. Repeat this mantra to settle the breath, coming out. The peak experiences also create the best memories.

Epiphany #3: Buying a bigger suitcase after the first one rips open the first week is not a good sign. It's definitely time to simplify. Take less.

Lesson: It's just amazing how little we really do need. "More" is not a sign of intelligence, wit or even success. Explore the fullness of "less." Explore the creativity that springs forth.

Epiphany #4: Get over not looking completely "put together" all the time. I'm vain. I admit it. Nothing I brought was 'right' for any occasion. Besides me, guess who cared? NO ONE! Get over yourself, Darley! I was warm when I needed to be. I had hiking boots, hat and sunscreen. That's all I really needed to be wearing at any given time. (Well, maybe a shirt, some underwear and a bra!)

Lesson: Let's break free from these imaginary worlds where we think people are judging us all the time. Sometimes they ARE judging us, that's true. But more often than not, it's our own inner judge who is the loudest, rudest and most powerful critic of all. And when push comes to shove, "looking good" has nothing to do with the value we bring to the world or our right to be in it. Even as I write this, I notice how embarrassed I am by revealing myself at this level when there is so much poverty and lack in the world, so many more important things... afraid you're reading this and judging me now! Judging myself for worrying about being judged...

and the lessons keep on coming and coming...

What epiphanies have shown up lately in your life?

Still learning and loving the journey,
Lori Darley
The Transitions Coach

Rev it Up!

Coaching Group Starts March 10!

Personal

accountability can sometimes be the most challenging aspect of beginning any new project or starting a new habit. Some people have no problem keeping promises to themselves, but others need support. Here's an opportunity to jump-start your new direction. I'm offering a group coaching opportunity that will not only help propel you in fulfilling on your 2009 goals, but it won't break the bank either.

Here's how it works. You call in 3 times a month for a one hour conversation. Everyone participates. You set your goals and your timeline to achieve them. You bring fun to your game. I facilitate the group discussion with success pointers and requests for action.

Benefits? Too many to count but here are a few:

It's just plain EASIER when you go public with your commitments.
Your success contributes to the group's success and vice versa. And each success builds the momentum for the next achievement. Believe it. It just works that way!
You'll experience true collaboration and idea generation.
It's just more fun!

It's easy, fun AND affordable, and you'll get to dump the "All By Myself" theme song!

See program details on the left. Space is limited!

"The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating -- in work, in play, in love." - Anne Morriss

Illuminations & Ruminations
More thoughts on rest, relaxation and relativity

"Every now and then, go away, have a little relaxation.
For when you come back to your work, your judgment
will be surer." -Leonardo da Vinci

"We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another, unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations." - Anais Nin

"For fast acting relief, try slowing down." -Lily Tomlin

We've Moved!

Just a little "heads up" to let you know that we've moved our offices to West Village in Uptown. For those in Dallas, our office is just above the Mi Cocina (mmm mmm!) on McKinney Ave. Come visit! It's a great space to create and vision together! Phone and email remain the same. Just please make a note of the new address below.

Who is the Transitions Coach?

Lori founded The Transitions Coach in 1998 and has coached organizations from multi-national corporations to entrepreneurial ventures and individuals in non-profits, manufacturing, financial services, management consulting, commercial real estate and the arts. Lori received her coach training from David Zelman, founder of the Transitions Institute, where she also serves as faculty. She is a member of the International Association of Coaches.

Lori Darley is a Certified Somatic Coach and Associate for the Strozzi Institute, where she received her certification. Over the last 25 years, she has trained in a variety of backgrounds, developing specialized training techniques to support her clients in reaching peak performance through dynamic communication, conflict resolution and leadership skills.

I would love to know what you think of this newsletter, and in particular, any feedback, questions or responses you might have to its content. Please feel free to email me at the link below.

With gratitude,

Lori Darley
The Transitions Coach