Greetings!  

Greetings to YOU and a Warm Welcome to our resilient community of professional women who desire to create balanced success through a restorative lifestyle by working smart, playing hard, and resting well, even in the midst of life's challenges.

This morning I savored an extra minute at the kitchen table listening to the rain and sipping coffee from my favorite mug which says "Plan B...It's the test of true character."

Now 42 days since my father-in-law had a double heart valve replacement in Philadelphia, he remains in critical condition in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. For every few steps forward, there's been a step back as he's fought first to wake up, then secondary infections, and now to breathe on his own without the ventilator.

With family emotions running high and many miles yet to travel, it's times like these I'm especially grateful for a meaningful morning practice that keeps me present under pressure, making small daily deposits into a reservoir of resilience I can draw from to manage my energy and my attitude more intentionally than ever.

Ironically, past challenges have been the driving force for my success in gaining tools to stay more focused, positive, and committed to my core values no matter what is happening around me. And you can choose for your challenges to become the driving force for your success too.

I don't know what you're facing today. Perhaps you are in the middle of your own trying time?  If so, here are 3 things I'm doing to keep chaos at bay... feel free to use them too!

1. Pare Down

Focus on what I can control  the choices I do have. (Good thing is, it's always more than it seems!) I ALWAYS have control of the attitude I have given my circumstances.  I can choose to feed my faith instead of my fear.  I can choose to say "This is hard, this is overwhelming, but I'm not going to give up. I'm going to keep hoping, and keep being grateful because there is always something to be thankful for.  I can choose to cling to hope.  I can choose to gracefully decline additional responsibilities and set boundaries with my time. I can replace "I have to" with "I get to".

2. Power Up

Avoid the energy vampires of fear and self-doubt by starting my day strong using intention, positive affirmations, and prayer. Get fresh air and exercise, however little at times. Use food as fuel instead of a way to relieve stress. Boost my immune system with extra vitamins, minerals, and omega 3's. Utilize the healing touch of Reiki to keep the energy flowing clean and clear in my mind, body, and spirit. Honor my grief and let it go. Drink more water, Reduce caffeine, and get restorative sleep at night, even if I need to take Melatonin. Keep my Dr's appointments and check-ups. 

3. Pull Together 

Be willing to work as a team with household tasks as well as delegate and ask for help.  Roll my sleeves up and look for opportunities to collaborate. Call my sister-friends and trusted mentors when I need to talk or get fresh perspective. Find common ground when making decisions. Ask clarifying questions. Be quick to praise and slow to criticize.  Forgive fast and offer grace to myself and others. Ask how this can bring us closer and make us even stronger as immediate and extended family. Surrender to what is in the best and highest good of all.      

"Resilience Coach for High-Achieving Women

who want to thrive by building a life, not just a career." 

P.S.S. Ready to create Balanced Success in 2014?  "SOAR" can definitely help you take a lead role in your work and life.  Contact me for details about our upcoming "SOAR" Heart-Centered Leadership Development group in 2014.