Dear Friends,

I have a saying that I often share with clients -- "Clarity is usually preceded by a lack of clarity."  In this month's insight, I encourage you to have faith in the future, to focus on the beautiful, and embrace what's positive in your life. A positive outlook does truly beget more positive life experiences.  And while larger economic, financial and environmental forces swirl around us, we are still in charge of our energy, our thoughts and mindset. As much as possible, stay positive!

My best to you!
Claudette

Faith in the Future

"Look at the world. It's so beautiful." I had just sat down to write this column when my six year old son startled me with this statement. Ethan's words were a timely reminder that great changes contain the possibility of something better and greater for all of us.

Change is certainly afoot. We are in the midst of global economic, financial and environmental transitions. We are being called to identify choices, make decisions, and operate differently than ever before.

How do we ride the rollercoaster of these changes? Consider these ideas.

• Harness the power of perspective. What is working? What are the opportunities in your life? Perspective makes all the difference. In other words, when negative circumstances enter your life, a positive perspective will allow you to notice opportunities, listen to your gut, and make choices based in your best interest, rather than on your fear.
   
• Everyone's path is unique and individual. Even if friends, neighbors or family members have lost a job, a house or substantial investments, these events - while very unfortunate - do not mean that you will experience the same losses.
   
• Examine the truth about your circumstances. Look honestly at each domain of your life. Do you have legitimate cause for concern? In what areas do you need to ask for help? Where do you need to take action?
   
• Make a list of what you know to be true about yourself and what you've accomplished throughout your life. If you start to doubt yourself, pull out this list and remind yourself how strong you are.
   
• Understand the psychological process of transition. In his book Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, William Bridges says, "...change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. It is not those events, but rather the inner reorientation or self-redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate any of those changes into your life. Without a transition, a change is just a rearrangement of the furniture. Unless transition happens, the change won't work, because it doesn't 'take'." Bridges' book outlines the contexts of the three phases of transition - I highly recommend this book as a source of support.

While it can be easy to let fear, apprehension and anxiety flood our thoughts, in the long term, these responses don't help us. Try out the strategies I've mentioned and observe what changes for you.  In these turbulent times, let wonder back into your life. Look at the world. It's so beautiful.

return to top

Products & Services

If you liked today's issue, you'll love these services!

• Does Your Team Need A Boost? With the changes in the global economy, teams and organizations are shifting how they operate, mitigate stress and do business. In addition to my individual coaching, I regularly work inside organizations to help teams learn to communicate, manage conflict and hold each other accountable for achieving results. I'd love to help your team! For information, please visit http://www.metavoice.org/consultations/.
  
  

• Coaching with Claudette. What do you want to create for your life this year? I'd love to help you conceive what you want, build your belief that it's possible, and be open to receiving it. Let's explore career options, strategic focus and professional development.
  
  Please contact me today for more information and to schedule your introductory coaching session. Reach me directly at 781.316.1923 or claudette@metavoice.org.

return to top

Useful Resources

• Transitions by William Bridges. Right now, most of us are in one transition or another. I highly recommend Bridges' book: It clearly and cleanly outlines the three phases of transition, what it's like to experience each one and best ways to navigate each phase.
   
• Favorite quote by Marcel Proust: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

return to top