Note from Carol

Vacation.

Is this a dirty word for you?
Does it seem counterintuitive coming from a Productivity Coach?

For some of us....it really does seem that way. My client Jill did not really "do" vacation...until very recently.

Her story here is shared with permission.

Jill came to me a few months ago to "get off the hamster wheel" and get more done, in less time, with more ease. When we dug in to seeking her Goals....we found that the articulation of goals became a stumbling block.

Often, and as was the case with Jill...we need to slow down first so we can get to the place where we can truly articulate the goals, then break them down, then speed up....and THAT is where the Productivity, the "more with less, with ease" comes into play.

Jill agreed to go on vacation because that's what her SPOUSE wanted her to do...and in that relationship came a new Jill. A Jill who is so much happier on a core level. Jill is a testimony to what an amazing, trusting relationship can do for a person. And the story continues.

Queen of the Picnic Table, and her Life. Jill Monson-Bishop.

Since she has returned from vacation, Jill has some Firsts.

She rode a bike. She rode a horse. She danced. Went to parades. Even rested on the beach.

And in that rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, not only did she reconnect with her spouse...she reconnected with the her that she had been ignoring for a long time. The slowing down allowed her to access parts of her that could not be accessed before.

Now, the work begins.

The work of dialing into goals, big and small, and breaking them down. The work of relying on her trusty accountability partner in Streamline Your Success (the group coaching program she's in with me and 7 other hardy souls). The work of creating and installing habits to build her Productivity Success Cake.

When we build our Cake, we create our dream life.

I hope you consider taking the chance at building your dream life. You are worth it.

What do you dare to dream? Hit reply and let me know!

Your Dream Productivity Coach of Miracles,

Holiday blues: perspective and hope

Life moves quickly and life is intense. Living our life to the fullest is what I encourage people to do. However, this does not mean “fill your life.” When we find ourselves filling every gap of time we can with something, we are left feeling tired and in true need of a vacation. Add to that the uncertainties of the past year, and if you are taking in the notion of “uncertainty” you will need a break more than ever. But the reality is that January can sometimes be hard and the readjustment to business after a calm period can feel quite overwhelming for some.

So how can you beat the holiday blues and gain perspective to move forward?

Realize that it’s REALLY normal to feel holiday blues – let’s start with this one as for me, it’s the most important. Understanding your feelings is a sign of emotional intelligence and is a quality that all of us should work on. It’s totally normal to feel blue when life resumes itself to the normal chaos, especially when you scroll through Instagram and see others STILL on vacation – that’s all they seem to do right? And here you are, working away, in the same chair, at the same desk, drinking from the same coffee cup as last year. Be kind to yourself, allow yourself some time to reflect and let your emotions flow.
Listen to your mind and body – when was the last time you listened to that clever brain of yours? Did you listen when it was telling you to rest last year or take time out or did you just wait for your body to force you to do so? After a vacation this spring, I realized, when I totally melted down at the breakfast table, that I needed it more than I knew. Always giving from an empty vessel will not help you reach your true potential. Is it time to make a change and listen to your mind? Plotting a day in the near future for YOU, will give you something to look forward to and a change to refill your “tank” before it completely empties again. If you are giving yourself the opportunity to relax, reflect and enjoy yourself on a regular basis, the holiday blues won’t feel as intense when returning to normality.

Special Offer - Planning for Peace e-book

My friend Penny at Pennywise Coaching is offering her insightful 'Planning For Peace During The Holidays' eBook for a whopping 30% off (now only $17) for a limited time.

Planning For Peace During The Holidays provides the emotional advice and financial tools you need to set parameters around the holidays - so you don’t find them sucking your time, money, and energy. Purchase my book today to stop stressing over the holidays.

Get your copy here

One MORE!

Your opportunity to help a child like mine get his life back

You may or may not know that my 14 year old boy has an autoimmune disease called Juvenile Arthritis. While he has it under control now, with lots of help from the Arthritis Foundation, he was, just a few years ago, unable to attend school and in a wheelchair. Now, he plays extreme sports and is quite healthy! As one of my favorite clients says, "Miracles Happen with Coach Carol."

He and his brother started a team, the Jingle Bell Joggers, and will be running a 5K on Dec. 5th at 830am in Manchester NH.

If you want to:

- join them (run or walk)

- volunteer at the event (I am doing this)

- donate

All or some would be so welcome and appreciated!