According to the Heart Health ezine, Sunday, May 1, 2011 is World Laughter Day. Now that is a day I can celebrate and encourage you to, as well! I am one of those people who love to laugh and make every effort to do so each and every day. Some days I have to seek out people who make me laugh because, on my own, it's not a day I have laughed. And I know just who to call on when I am in need of a laugh.
I also have a number of people who regularly send me emails that make me laugh, or at least chuckle, so I look forward to receiving those messages, and do admit to sharing them with others in my network. In addition to people I can call on, I have videos of movies or TV shows that make me laugh. So I might sit back, relax, and enjoy a good laugh with some of those favorites. I also have a collection of books in which I can forget my worries, at least for a while, and laugh at, or with, the characters. Because I love music, I also have some CDs I have put together with only upbeat songs. When my spirits need a lift, or when I just want to keep feeling good, I can put on some music and sing my heart out.
Sort of on the opposite end of the spectrum, I also know of some people that I try to avoid in those moments when I desperately need to laugh. Some people are just not as positive as others and some days their negative attitude/approach to life could be a bit more than I can handle. So its important to know who helps to bring laughter into your life. Laughing is, indeed, very good medicine and should be taken on a regular basis. Make sure you laugh on Sunday, World Laughter Day, and as many other days as you can.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change, job search, planning for retirement, returning to work or school, 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 (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Please visit her web site at 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.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
National Volunteer Week
This year, the week of April 10 has been designated as National Volunteer Week. It is a time when we thank all the folks who have contributed time, energy, money, items, etc. to be of help to others. In that regard, I would like to add my thanks to those who do volunteer; whether it is organized through a community agency or church, or just a kind deed for someone in your neighborhood, church, or school, etc. Giving of yourself to benefit others is to be commended. In addition to the assistance, support or encouragement volunteers provide for those whom they serve, the volunteer typically receives some sense of satisfaction or fulfillment as well. That is why volunteering is one of the great ways to meet some of your own personal needs. It may provide opportunities to address values that are not satisfied in other aspects of your life. It may provide opportunities to gain a sense of accomplishment that are not found in other parts of your life. If you are interested in volunteering and aren't sure where to start, you can certainly consider if there are organizations, etc. in your community where you would like to serve and see if they need assistance in some area. You can also check with organizations such as United Way or Volunteers of America for ways in which you can contribute. You can also do a live search on line for organizations or institutions, etc. But by honing some additional skills and developing some contacts, volunteering can also be a great way to meet some career-related needs, as well. That is particularly helpful for those who plan to change to a different career and need a little more experience in that new field. So, if you are planning to make a career or job change and could benefit from additional or more current experience in your chosen field, consider volunteering as a way to accomplish that. Who knows, while you are doing something for you, you could be doing something valuable for someone else, as well. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, retirement planning, returning to work or to school, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Ms. Davis is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
What About My Life, Do I Love?
So, think about it, what parts of your life, the way it is right now, do you love? If you are like some people I have talked to recently, the initial response is "Very little". If, after some consideration, that is still your response, perhaps it is time to look at what you can or should do differently.
In recent posts, I have written about your life wheel and its various spokes. If you have read those, perhaps you have already begun to identify which of your spokes needs some adjusting. If not, you may wish to go back and read those posts. Once you have identified the spokes that are lacking, or out of balance, you may want to begin thinking about what is actually wrong or missing from that part of your life. For example, if it is the Physical aspect, perhaps you actually need to get off the couch and start that exercise regimen you had talked about or remove some of the tempting sweets from your kitchen cabinets. Perhaps you need to reconnect with your spirituality or find ways to add joy to your life. Only you can determine which part(s) of your life wheel need some improvement(s).
Then you would begin to determine what you could or should be doing differently to make that part of your life more to your liking. The more details you can add to that plan, the better. Your plan should include not only the how, but the when you will do whatever steps you develop. Try to be specific in both pieces - the more details you can include, the more likely you will know how to proceed and will recognize when you have attained what you were seeking. Does your plan require the input or cooperation of someone else in order to succeed? If so, also figure out how you can most likely get their 'buy in'. Or consider if there is a way to succeed without their involvement, if necessary.
Also, try to use words or phrases that can be quantified in some way. Indicating that you want to be 'happy' is hard to measure. However, indicating that you need to laugh, at least once each day, that is measurable. Some people find that it helps to make signs regarding their new plan and post them around the house - in plain sight. That way they are reminded of their goals frequently. Some people just write them in their appointment book or journal so when they look at what they have planned for the day, or did for the day, they can determine if they are moving in the right direction or need to work at it a bit more. There is at least one song with lyrics - 'you've only got one life to live..." I encourage you to make the most of what you have.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, coping with a job loss, planning to re-enter the work force or college, non-retirement planning, and other life transitions. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Ms. Davis is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.
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.
In recent posts, I have written about your life wheel and its various spokes. If you have read those, perhaps you have already begun to identify which of your spokes needs some adjusting. If not, you may wish to go back and read those posts. Once you have identified the spokes that are lacking, or out of balance, you may want to begin thinking about what is actually wrong or missing from that part of your life. For example, if it is the Physical aspect, perhaps you actually need to get off the couch and start that exercise regimen you had talked about or remove some of the tempting sweets from your kitchen cabinets. Perhaps you need to reconnect with your spirituality or find ways to add joy to your life. Only you can determine which part(s) of your life wheel need some improvement(s).
Then you would begin to determine what you could or should be doing differently to make that part of your life more to your liking. The more details you can add to that plan, the better. Your plan should include not only the how, but the when you will do whatever steps you develop. Try to be specific in both pieces - the more details you can include, the more likely you will know how to proceed and will recognize when you have attained what you were seeking. Does your plan require the input or cooperation of someone else in order to succeed? If so, also figure out how you can most likely get their 'buy in'. Or consider if there is a way to succeed without their involvement, if necessary.
Also, try to use words or phrases that can be quantified in some way. Indicating that you want to be 'happy' is hard to measure. However, indicating that you need to laugh, at least once each day, that is measurable. Some people find that it helps to make signs regarding their new plan and post them around the house - in plain sight. That way they are reminded of their goals frequently. Some people just write them in their appointment book or journal so when they look at what they have planned for the day, or did for the day, they can determine if they are moving in the right direction or need to work at it a bit more. There is at least one song with lyrics - 'you've only got one life to live..." I encourage you to make the most of what you have.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, coping with a job loss, planning to re-enter the work force or college, non-retirement planning, and other life transitions. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone. Ms. Davis is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/.
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.
Your Life Wheel (part 4)
Although I have talked about each spoke on your life wheel independently, there are many activities that help you tend to more than one spoke at a time. Volunteer activities, for example, could help fill an occupational interest, but certainly could also address social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and/or spiritual concerns. Volunteering could be formal, as in working through an agency/organization or could be informal such as assisting a neighbor or someone in your church, family, school, etc. Journaling is another example of an activity that can fill multiple needs or interests. One other piece that I have not addressed directly is making time to play. Laughing and having fun can also have an immediate impact, potentially, on all six spokes of your life wheel. I believe that life is too short to spend it so seriously all the time. No matter what your age, you still need to have some fun and play. It could be sports, but it shouldn't be highly competitive, as that tends to take the fun out of it. It could be reading or watching something funny, talking to an upbeat friend, even writing about some fun times you've had will likely bring a smile to your face. Smiling and laughing can have an almost immediate impact on our feelings and emotional well-being. Being positive, keeping positive thoughts instead of dwelling on negative things, also add to your mental and physical health. It is important that you take care of you and do what you can to keep your life wheel in good shape. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including job search or career change, retirement planning, coping with loss of job, planning to return to work or college, non-retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets individuals in person and via telephone. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). For more information on her services, please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com. 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.
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