Brilliant Choices

All of us experience tragedy, unexpected changes and uncertainty numerous times throughout our lives. As these experiences pass through it's how we handle them will make all the difference in the outcome. These events cause us to reevaluate what is important and necessary.

As the outcome of unexpected change transitions into our daily lives we naturally let go of the obvious things and then slowly and intentionally choose to keep the “best”. The question I get asked the most is, “How do you know what is best?”

Here are some tips on how to determine “what is best”.

1. Pray and ask God what he desires for your life; what His best is for you.
   


2. Be willing to listen to the response and be willing to take the next steps based upon what you hear.

Sometimes we don’t hear an answer to the question and there can be many reasons for that. But that is a whole other BIG topic in itself!

One other suggestion that has worked for me; stop doing something you’ve always done. For example, I stopped writing this ezine for 2 months to see how I would feel. What I noticed is that I felt “obligated” to write the ezine, not inspired. I had all kinds of “chatter” in my head about why I “should” write the ezine. “Should messages” can be a sign that priorities are out of line or order.

I encourage you to stop doing something you’ve always done and allow the discovery to guide and direct your next steps to what is “best’ for you. You will notice the changes in this ezine are a reflection of the “best” for me and for you! I know you will benefit from them!

The Wild Thing

Valley Fair Amusement Park in Shakopee, MN has this unbelievable roller coast called the Wild Thing. My three daughters and I love to take this thrill ride. It has two “S” curves, one tunnel and a 360 degree spiral. The coaster attains speed up to 74 mph and the highest drop is 207 feet.

Sometimes people wait in line for hours to ride the Wild Thing. Riders anticipate what their experience is going to be like while their excitement and energy builds in preparation for the ride.

My girls and I get quite a rush from this ride. Our stomachs reach our throats, we hang on for dear life and hold our heads up as best we can. It’s a THRILL

The past few weeks many people have used the following words such as uneasiness, concern, fear, anxiety and panic to describe their thoughts and feelings about the current US financial situation. A client described the last few weeks like a roller coaster ride she had not intention of getting on!

This is an upsetting time for many. How you handle uncertainties, change and loss is a key to surviving these challenging times. People typically respond to change in one of three ways. We fight, we freeze or run away (flight). These are our natural ways of handling stress.

You may find yourself blaming people (fight), such as your financial advisor or government and make hasty reactionary decisions such as pulling (flight) your money out of the market. On the other hand some people have no idea what to do, they feel overwhelmed and they do nothing (freeze).

To keep your head steady on this roller coaster ride take some simple steps.

1. Talk openly with your financial advisor about how you feel, your concerns and ask for their advice. After all that is what you pay them for!. If you don’t have an advisor, find one that you trust. If you need a referral to a financial advisor, call me and I would be happy to pass on some names of advisors who understand financial integration.

2. Review YOUR goals. Unexpected changes and losses in life (like my mother’s cancer) as well as financial losses may push you to reevaluate your needs and priorities. This is a great time to do this!

3. Give me a call and I can help you talk about these trying times in a confidential environment AND assist you in reviewing your priorities and goals.

I am extending an offer to you this week to hire me as your personal coach. My regular fee is $130 hour but if you buy a 6 session package, the fee is $300. A savings of $90. Each session is 30 minutes and will provide you laser coaching that will keep you focused and moving toward your goals and dreams. Email me at lauralongville@inatm.com or call me at 605.342.0478.

Are YOU Listening?

Fall is talking to you. Are you listening? Fall is natures time to S L O W down. If Mother Nature deems it important to slow down; I think we should listen to such wisdom!

Nature has its natural way of taking care of itself. It has a process of change that it organically goes through. Mother Nature can teach you to take the time to turn inward and slow your pace. Doing this when you’re in a transition of some kind, can ease the awkwardness or unfamiliarity that change can bring.

Your valiant attempts to keep life the same despite the change that’s happening can manifest like this:

• Physically tired, sore throat, headaches and tension.



• Frequently feeling agitation and frustration



• Misplacing your cars keys, forgetting appointments or losing your wallet

Typically when we experience these things we try harder or lash out in anger. Why not do something different. Instead of resisting, listen.

Try these 2 things in the next week and see how this might change your life:

1. Notice your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. What are they trying to say to you? Listen to your body. You have a plenty to say to yourself. Nature listens to itself and naturally goes with the change in weather. Why not you?
   


2. Deliberately close to slow down in one area of your life. Be intentional and conscious about where you can slow down. One strategy that can help with this is to listen to soft and peaceful music. Music can help the mind and body slow down its tempo.

When you listen to you, you are attending to your own needs. Doing so through a time of change will help you find new ways to see yourself, your situation and your future. With this new perspective, your transition may become stress-free.

Tuesday's on Purpose

Someone asked if I live on purpose. I flippantly answered, “of course”. But, as I began to deeply ponder how purposeful my days are, I dug a little deeper. Sundays were my first response of living on purpose. Sundays are when many of us go to church with the purpose of growing spiritually. Then I began to ask myself, “What is my purpose for each day of the week?” It helps me to become more aware and conscious of why I am doing what I am doing.

I do have my life scheduled with a system that seems to be working and is productive. Meaning, I plan for Mondays to get caught up at home and do some office work. Tuesdays are my stay at home day where I get all my personal and professional odds and ends completed. Wednesdays and Thursdays are days I am totally dedicated to coaching people from success into significance. Fridays are my day for personal growth, relaxation and connection time with my husband. The weekends are designed for family time. All that is stuff I “do.” What is the purpose of doing those things? I am much more than just a human doing, I’m a human “being”.

I am much more than what I do. Although what I do I love!! SO, the deeper questions may be:

1. What IS my purpose for each day? Why?


2. How can I live purposefully, full of significance and meaning?


3. Am I living my intentions?

I would love to hear about the creative ways you live on purpose. Blog back and let me know.

Are you in a Rut or Routine?

Routine can be productive and useful. It helps us to get many of our mundane and necessary activities completed. It fact, I am getting back into a routine I choose to serve me and my goals.

Yet, sometimes we get stuck in routine that becomes a rut. Like the rut in the road that just sucks you in and it’s hard to get out. Sometimes we’re aware of how we are slowly and mindlessly moving towards that familiar rut. Other times we just seem to get pulled into the rut without our permission. It can be difficult to get out of the rut no matter what.

Here are a few mindful suggestions to keep you conscious about your routine or rut.
1. Be aware of what you’re doing each day. Does your routine or rut move you closer to your dreams and goals?
2. Do you have an action plan for success? Do you have short term and long term goals and dreams? How are you going to reach them?
3. What kind of support and assistance do you have to help you achieve those things that are important in your life? Do you have a coach, mentor or encourager?

Don’t let your mindless and lack of consciousness keep you from your desires. “God never aborts a dream. It's us who aborts. God never gives up on the dream because the seed is in you.” Anonymous. Create your life full of purpose, meaning and significance. We have several opportunities to coach you in living fully alive. Visit the “Offerings” tab on our home page for more information.
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