Oct. 24, 2007 - Time Passes

Seems like just yesterday I was teaching a WCR Class in California when I got the call during lunch that my daughter was on her way to the hospital and my first grandchild was on the way! The sweet people in the class let me leave my cell phone on and good child that she is-she waited until the class was complete. And, Lily Isabella Love Yellott at 4 pounds 8 ounces changed my life! Many of you have followed her last 6 years and I have been appreciative at the support and interest. Those of you who have grandkids understand. Those of you who have only heard about it should know it IS THE BEST!!!! I am continually amazed watching her learn and grow in the perspective of a child. Seeing things for the first time, when all is possible is so refreshing and amusing. I have thought, many days, that if my only accomplishment in my life was being able to help shape the direction and offer opportunities for this child's life, it would be enough! So we celebrate her 6th birthday tomorrow and I've learned a lot of lessons in these six years!

Some Lessons Lily Taught Me

Lily's Mom was not well when she was born and Bub and I ended up raising her for the first two years. Dawn is well and healthy now and they live just a mile up the street, so we see them daily. At first, though, I was completely unprepared to be changing diapers, staying up through the nights and being a 24 hour a day caretaker. A workaholic from my teen years, I was working 50-60 hour weeks and could only see this as a near impossible situation. As reality hit, for a few days I felt resentful my life had been redirected quite out of my control (it felt). And, I did like control! Pretty quickly in the presence of this helpless baby, I GOT OVER IT!

What else was there to do, but accept that what "is" is? So, I decided to give up anguishing over my lost business time and enjoy motherhood again.

Trouble was I was still running a business. I had said for years that I wanted to quit working 50-60 hours a week and maybe work 40, but the tough boss I was working for wouldn't let me. Now, however, I had no choice. Most weeks, I had 30-40 available hours and that was it. Funny thing is, I had my best year ever in terms of income. What I found was that I really did have the ability to work smarter and more effectively. The lack of time was really a friend in making me choose the best way to spend that time. A friend teased that Lily was the Universe's answer for me to have to do it, since I had clearly shown I wasn't walking my talk!

I've also given up my quest for perfectionism. With a baby or 2 year old around, one quickly learns that doing things well may be just fine. Having fun and letting things get a little messy is better in the long run. I still strive to be excellent, but I compare myself to others much less frequently. I have been able to just accept that I am doing my best and it is good enough. Tomorrow on Lily's birthday, I'm going to thank her for helping me become a more effective, more satisfied and happier person. Who'd have thunk I needed a baby to do that for me????

Coaching Questions For This Week:

1. Are you anguishing over anything that is out of your control that just needs your acceptance so you can go forward?
2. Where aren't you walking your talk? Do you need to implement a boundary or a new standard that will make you happier? What is it? How can you make progress toward it this week?
3. Where do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself? Can you lighten up and accept excellent, not perfect?

If any of these questions fit your situation, I ask you, what one step can you take this week that will move you into a happier, more productive place?

Last Calls

1. The Free Fossland's Forum

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3. Plan your 2008 Now: Two choices for great coaching to position you for an incredible 2008:

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Today's Tech Tip

Maps are all the rage and it is so cool some of the ways we can use them. A great tip is to include the maps in your listing presentation. You can go to GoogleEarth (Download from Google) and use their satellite view to give you a view of the house, a view of the neighborhood and a view of the city!

And, Microsoft has jumped into the fray with it's new product www.VirtualEarth.com Take a look!!!!

Until next week....be Beyond Ordinary!!!! It is up to you!

Oct. 26, 2007 - RE: Time Passes

You and Lily have been an inspiration from afar ... she is an amazing child. I'm sure the Universe has a lesson plan with more treats in store. What until she is a teenager!!!!