Your Life Wheel

From a counseling standpoint, I often help people look at their career direction to determine if there is a different direction they would like to go. Many of the people I have worked with decided they definitely needed to make a change in their work situation or to change careers totally.


But some of the individuals I have worked with decided their job/work is not the problem area in their lives, but something else that is troubling them. One approach I take with many of these clients is to look at their life wheel. There are six areas on a traditional life wheel: physical, spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, as well as occupational. So many people focus so much of their lives on the occupation side of the wheel that they don't really nurture the other sides of their life wheel.


I'm sure you've read information or heard commercials encouraging people to be more active physically. Physical activity really can help improve your overall outlook, as well as your overall well being. It also helps improve your sleep habits, which is very important for your health. Of course, the physical side of your life wheel also includes healthy eating and getting a sufficient amount of sound, restful sleep. So, although the physical side of your life wheel is just one spoke, it encompasses several aspects that effect our well being.

The spiritual spoke on your life wheel could be addressed in a variety of ways. Certainly recognizing and tapping into your religious beliefs can be a source of strength and comfort. But additionally, reading, meditating, or appreciating nature are other ways that can help renew your strength and convictions. Remember or find out what is spiritually stimulating for you.

The social spoke on the wheel is sometimes neglected - particularly in times of transitions. Being with other people can be a boost to your system. Sometimes when we are between jobs or just entering retirement, we reduce our social contacts because we may feel awkward or somewhat out of place. True friends will understand - if given the opportunity to - whatever your situation. This is another instance where being with family is good, but you may also want to spend time with loved ones who are not so close to the situation.


We'll talk about the other spokes on the life wheel in another post.




Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career and job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.


To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourcareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

Did You Return from Holiday Break Needing a Break?

I have heard several people say they were almost glad to get back to work following a 'crazy' or 'hectic' holiday break. It is very easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the season, and not take time for yourself.

If this describes your situation, I encourage you to spend a little time winding down now and plan to handle things differently next time. You probably need to carve 20 - 30 minutes out of your schedule to just sit and relax. This could be in your favorite chair or in a nice warm bath, etc. I know someone who sits in his car to get a few minutes of peace and quiet. By taking a few deep breaths, you should be able to slow your breathing and catch your breath.


Then spend a few minutes thinking about things that went well or moments you enjoyed or should have enjoyed at the time. This might include the look on someone's face as they opened a present, the quiet moments before you enjoyed a holiday dinner, the deep sigh as you kicked off your shoes after a long day, etc. Think about some of the reasons you have to be grateful for each day.


Then spend a few minutes thinking about things that you didn't get done or people you did not have a chance to connect/re-connect with. Are those things you could still do this winter? If so, how? If you know how, then you simply have to decide when. If not, then is it something that must wait until next November/December or could you plan for them for this spring or summer? Keep in mind, some moments are lost and others can be sort of reconstituted.

But whether your holidays were absolutely perfect, or not at all, I would encourage you to remember to do things to take care of yourself on a regular basis. Plan for and build in time in your schedule to do so. That should be more often than once a year - once a week would be good, but once a month is a start. After all, if you don't take care of you, who will?





Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a job change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, non-retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.


To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.