Tips from the Big Top

A newsletter for Mums @ Work

by Kirstin Barton at Alive to Change
www.alivetochange.com
www.facebook.com/alivetochange

Issue 8 - October 2013

TRICK RIDERS

On one of the first Juggling Act workshops, someone came up with a Circus Act I hadn't previously considered - those Trick Riders, the horse riding acrobats who perform daring, almost crazy tricks. On the backs of fast-moving horses.

It reminded me of my early days as a working mum when I often felt that everything was moving so quickly in different directions and I was having to fling myself at things and hang on tight - until it was quickly time to fling myself onto something else. Whilst performing.

We had reorganisations, new projects, new leadership, takeover, merger, government intervention, new projects, new leadership, reorganisations, takeover, merger. Sorry, am I repeating myself here - that's those same fast moving horses coming back around again! And that's without the endless variety of changes that came with the territory of being Mum.

Anyone else had that? Things constantly changing, your balance continuously shifting from moving object to moving object, your aim being to be in perfect sync with things outside of yourself which have (how dare they?!) minds of their own. And perform tricks!
Each trick you're doing is already complicated, and here you are doing it while things are moving underneath you.

Sound familiar?

It's exhilarating. It requires focus and skill. It's more than a little daring. You learn to move quickly, to shift focus and balance.

Needless to say, trick riding is not for the faint-hearted. And you are not faint-hearted - are you?! If you were, you may have chosen to sell tickets to the circus a long time ago. But I bet you anything that there are days when you wish you could just trot your pony slowly around the ring, in your jeans, with a saddle and reins, just smiling and waving to the audience to get your applause!

How do we sustain the energy and focus required to deliver this kind of performance, day in day out?

1. Know your limits. The tricks you can pull off on moving horses may not be the same as the ones you can do on stable ground. Your ability to perform in your roles may depend on what else is happening around you.

2. Adapt.There is energy required to resist change. Find out what the new "horse" is like, and work out what you need to do now.Workplace changes, just like changes in our children, are inevitable. We may want to go back to the "good old days" - but is that an option? Can you use your energy better by working out how to work in this new situation?
3. Smile. Laugh even. Resource yourself up with some good belly laughs. Yes, it is ridiculous that you should be expected to do crazy handstands on a galloping stallion then leap onto another charging in the opposite direction. Or totally redo a project that's nearly finished because something unexpected came along.

4. Tell the Ringmaster when you can see it's too dangerous. This is a risky act and only you know when it's getting too much. Speak up early. Speak up loud and clear.
5. Keep your mind on the moment. Performers can't afford for their mind to wander. So when you're on the "home horse" be fully on it - be totally present to that moment. And at work, find ways of bringing all your focus to the task at hand.

Sunday 20th October
Central Basel
9.30 - 12.00

Beyond the Juggling Act

If you're balancing home and work commitments, you'll know all about the juggling act, and plate spinning, and taming lions . . . as well as trick riding!

This fun and inspiring workshop helps you explore this important topic in a supportive group, gaining new perspectives and ideas about how to make this juggling act work for you.

You'll leave with some great new connections and ideas, with a sense of renewed energy and motivation, and with a real spring in your step.
Reserve your place on the Facebook event page

This workshop costs CHF75 and this includes Brunch, this inspiring group coaching workshop, your coaching workbook and a follow up call. Book your place by Friday 11th, and bring a friend for half price.

Sunday 20th October
Central Basel
9.30 - 12.00

Autumn Coaching Retreat

Dream your way into your own brightest future, in this inspiring and energizing coaching retreat in the beautiful Black Forest.

Connect with others, create a support team, explore what's holding you back and get 'unstuck' during this fun, creative and powerful retreat in the Black Forest with Sharon Marshall and Kirstin Barton.

Learn how to harness the power of your Mind, Body and Emotions to keep you on the path to creating the change you want in your world.

This is a very special Coaching Retreat, for people who really are ready for something to change in their life, and are prepared to invest in themselves to bring this about.

For more details: Autumn Retreat on the website
Or join our community of Dreamers on Facebook

I hope you're still enjoying reading Tips from the Big Top, my newsletter for Mums who are juggling home and work commitments. My aim each month is to explore a different aspect of our lives and offer some timely reminders about the things we can do for ourselves to make our lives as working mums as fun and fulfilling as possible. I use the Circus Theme because there are so many great images and concepts we can relate to in the Big Top!

If you do enjoy it, then so might some of your friends or colleagues - please pass this on to them using the Forward to a Friend button at the bottom.

I'm now getting sign ups for my Autumn Programme (Autumn Programme 2013) of workshops. Please sign up if there are any you are interested in. I can also run these in the evening if there is demand - or 1-1 in a private session.

I launched my new coaching workbook Dare to Dream in September, am delighted with the response to it so far. If you'd like your own copy (CHF15) please let me know. Thursday 19th Sept and also launching Dare to Dream Experience with a friend and fellow Coach, Sharon Marshall. Will you be in our Room full of Dreams - read all about our event on this Dare to Dream Experience Facebook Page.

The next Beyond the Juggling Act workshop (Sunday 20th Oct) - do share with your friends / colleagues if you think they might enjoy this.

If you want to keep in contact with Alive to Change between newsletters, please check out and like (and share) Facebook Page. This is where I post random ideas and inspiration, as well as details of forthcoming workshops.

If you need help in any aspect of your own personal juggling act, and you'd like to find out whether and how coaching could help, I offer a free exploratory session (face to face or on the phone). I also offer coaching workshops in and out of the workplace, and, skill sharpener sessions in groups or 1-1. I'm developing my Life Audit into a Juggling Act audit, so, from now, I'll be offering this service too.

All the best for October,

Thanks for your continued support

Kirstin
www.alivetochange.com

Alive to Change Coaching Services, 7 rue du Landskron, Leymen 68220 France
www.alivetochange.com