San Francisco Womens Journal » work/life balance

Increase Your Energy by Check’n Out to Check Back In!

SFWJ — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:09:16 +0000

Nikki Anderson

This past week was one of ‘those’ weeks. I had to get a lot done in a short amount of time with less energy than ‘normal’. During these times, there are always two voices that speak to me.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

The first goes something like this, “Just push through it- get another cup of extra strength decaf so you won’t have to feel so tired. After all you need to get this done if you want to be successful.”

The second voice sounds like this, “If you want to do quality work, you need to take a rest and honor your health. Everything will be fine, EVEN if you take a break.” At different times both voices sound incredibly compelling. However, as of late the later has been more prevalent albeit a bit scary to trust.

Listen to What Your Body is Telling You

Sometimes as women, our energy level dips. At least mine sure does. And, I always have the choice to try and mask what my body is telling me with preservatives, caffeine, extra doses of vitamins, and I’m sure I could come up with more ‘additives’ to keep me going.

The thing is do I really want to do this to myself? Is ‘success’ or my ‘image’ so important that I’m willing to sacrifice my health?

Good Health AND Success at Work

Or perhaps I could have both – success and conviction around honoring my health and energy. I forget that this doesn’t necessarily have to be an ‘or’ decision – it’s this way OR that. I can make this an ‘AND’ decision.

That said, I am clear that honoring my health AND my work is not always the easiest or the most convenient choice. Sometimes this means I need to get an extra nap in my day or not stay after a work meeting for the after-work-dinner. Or call it a day at 5PM EVEN when there are a million more things to do.

But in the end, to my surprise, I’m finding that taking the time out for me and my health lets me re-fuel my tank. And it helps me get clearer and more concise about where and with whom I’m spending my energy. The bottom line, I become more efficient when I take time to check out!

Here’s to a time out for both of us! After all, we deserve it and so do our bodies!

Nikki
Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.

Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Work/Life Balance: 3 Ways to Make More Time for Your Family!

SFWJ — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:25:41 +0000

Kristin Southwick

Part 3 of my series on “Work Life Balance, The Juggling Act” is a very critical one…How to create quality time with your family while also meeting work demands, finding time to rejuvenate yourself, and continuing to foster relationships.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I have found that many people I work with struggle to find time to spend with their loved ones. Busy family schedules add to the feeling of impossibility and stress of creating family time together.

However, I think what’s most important is not the quantity of time, but the “quality of time”.

Consider these 3 suggestions to help you create quality family time:

1. Family Dinner Nights

Although schedules can be tricky, make it a priority to have at least three dinners together a week. This will be a great way to catch up on each other’s day-to-day life. It is essential during this time to turn the cell phone and TV off, and put Facebook away!

Use this time to talk with each other and open the lines of communication between family members. Ask each person to discuss what’s important to him or her or something special about his or her week. This is a great time for parents to acknowledge their children and each other for their successes.

One way to engage the entire family is to have each person take a turn choosing his/ her favorite meal and help prepare it. If weekdays are a bit hard to get everyone around the dinner table, take advantage of free time during weekends. This will build a wonderful family tradition that your children will look back on and cherish. And who knows…one day they may even continue the tradition with their own families!

2. Family Trips

Traditional weeklong family vacations may be difficult to take during this economic downturn. However, family trips are a wonderful way to bond, create memories and are something all family members look forward to.

A simple, fun and less expensive alternative may be a weekend trip. Or consider less expensive outings, such as camping. You can always pitch a tent in a back yard or even your living room for a fun adventure!

Encourage everyone to participate in all the details from planning through execution so that they feel their suggestions are important and validated.

3. Family Nights

Planning a weekly evening with the family can be relaxing and enjoyable. Renting movies, playing games, going for bike rides or to the park, picnicking at the beach, attending local sporting events are just some ideas. Allow each member a chance to pick an activity so his or her interest is recognized. This insures that every family member feels included and equally important.

I hope these suggestions spark some creative ideas to help you easily plan and enjoy time with your family. With a little thought, family time can be fun and exciting, without spending a lot of money.

No matter how you decide to spend time with your loved ones, remember to talk, laugh, and turn off all the distractions around you.

Not only will this improve the “quality” of those precious moments, but it let’s all family members know that you cherish your time together!

Kristin Southwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the CA Board of Behavioral Science and received her Master’s from John F. Kennedy University. She has a private practice in San Francisco and Burlingame.

Kristin believes therapy is a meaningful experience that offers a supportive and confidential space to explore aspects of one’s life and relationships. She provides brief and long term counseling services to children, adolescent, adults, couples, and families. For more information regarding Kristin’s practice, please visit her website, KristinSouthwick.com.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

SF Bay Area Featured Artist: Eve Shen

SFWJ — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:46:36 +0000

“I try to live an interesting life, why be boring when you can be exciting?” exclaims the SF BAWJ June feature Artist, Eve Shen!

Eve’s parents set the stage for an exciting life when they moved their family from Taiwan to the United States. She was 11 at the time and her parents settled their family in New Jersey.

Art has always been a part of Eve’s life…starting with coloring books as a child and later as her favorite class in high school. That interest continued into college where Eve attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. Feeling stuck in New York, she eventually moved to San Francisco to pursue her passions and see new things!

Art is Therapy for Eve

Eve describes art as her therapy. When she is creating she is often “dancing” at the same time. Her artwork provides a way to get her energy out and to feel good. It’s also a place where she can explore new things and do what feels right to her in the moment.

Chocolate Rasberry

Being a Mom is a New Kind of Creative Expression!

And lately…her moments have been filled with a new kind of creative expression…a son. Today Eve finds herself in the fulltime role of “Mom”. She happily says that her art right now is finding creative ways to raise her son!

"Bulls Eye" was featured on the June cover.

Art Provides Self-Expression and Life Balance

Visual art still has a place in Eve’s life. She relishes the opportunity for self expression and balance that it brings to her life today. Her son and his wonderful imagination are an endless source of inspiration as well as the simple act of stepping outside and experiencing the natural beauty of the Bay Area.

Eve describes her work as organic, fresh, colorful and happy! To learn more please visit her web site at eveshen.com.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Life Balance: Making Time for YOU!

SFWJ — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:12:18 +0000

Every time you board a plane, you hear the stewardess instruct you to put your own air mask on before helping those seated around you. Many women feel an instinctual desire to help their children and others first.

However the words of the stewardess turn out to be vital…not only in the event of emergencies but also in your daily life.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

You must help yourself first in order to be available and effective…
for those around you!

This is part 2 of a 4 part series on creating life balance. Last month we talked about the Juggling Act between work and home. In this article we’ll talk about an important part of life blance…finding time to nurture and care for yourself.

Consider this, when you are exhausted or overwhelmed, do you feel as though you have the same level of patience or desire to meet the needs of those around you?

Many women may feel guilty about taking care of themselves, or feel that they can’t spare any extra time to attend to their own needs. But if you take time to respect and listen to your body, you’ll have more energy, optimism, and patience for others. You’ll feel less depleted and will be able to create more balance in your life.

Following are 3 simple steps to help you make time to nurture yourself.

1. What’s Important to YOU

Think about what’s important to you…something you love that you don’t get enough of. Maybe you wish you had time to practice yoga, go to the gym, read a book, have a coffee date with friends, take a walk around your neighborhood, or indulge in warm bath with a glass of wine before bed.

These are all simple basic needs that are positive and healthy for the body, mind, and soul.

2. Consider Your Schedule

Once you discover what you would like to do to pamper yourself, consider your schedule.

How much time you would like to take to enjoy yourself so that you get a sense of fulfillment?

For example if it’s going to the gym, figure out what time of day would be best, morning before you get lost in the activities of the day, or maybe lunch time. Perhaps evenings or weekends would work better for you. Decide how long you want to stay, and how many times a week you feel you could participate. You might decide to take an hour right after work twice a week while your children are at day care.

3. Get the Support You Need

Now, talk to your partner about times during the week that each of you could plan something for yourself.

Brainstorm ways you can support each other without the guilt that sometimes comes with putting your needs first.

Perhaps your partner can watch the children so that you can pursue something that relaxes you. It’s so important to communicate with your partner as to what your needs are, and how taking time for yourself will help you and your relationship with those around you.

If you don’t have a partner, ask a family member, neighbor, or make arrangements to extend day care for an extra hour once week. Remember, if people offer to help you, take them up on their offers. They would not offer if they didn’t want to support you.

I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration to plan something for yourself that you love and are passionate about. Taking care of yourself helps you be a better partner, mother, friend, career women, and person.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like Part 3: Creating Quality Family Time!

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Take Control of the Juggling Act: Work versus Home

SFWJ — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:56:32 +0000

Many of my clients tell me that keeping perspective day to day is challenging when you’re managing many different roles. Being a wife, a mother, a friend, as well as managing a career, and finding the time to also honor and take care of your own needs is a massive juggling act for every woman.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

How do you balance these competing roles and keep your head above water without feeling depleted at the end of the day?

This article is part 1 of a 4 part series that will help you learn ways to create structure and balance in your life. Today we’ll focus on the workplace. Future articles will discuss finding time to nurture and care for yourself, ways to balance relationships, and family life.

Career Demands versus Home Demands

A common issue that I often hear is the high-stress conflict of dealing with career demands and expectations while balancing that with home demands and expectations. One of the best ways to help yourself navigate these two key issues is to set boundaries. Start by developing clear boundaries around your work life. Whether in a corporate setting, your own home, or anywhere in between you should be realistic and clear with yourself about what you can feasibly accomplish.

5 Tips to Help You Balance Your Work Life

1. Listen to your body. Your body will give you some great clues into how you are affected by external factors. For example does your stomach turn or do you clench your teeth when you think about the conflict of going home at a reasonable hour versus staying to finish a high priority assignment? Let your body guide you to set limits where you can. If that means leaving at a certain time of day, then prioritize your tasks and focus on what needs to be completed before the end of the day.

2. Create boundaries that will help you manage others who are pressuring you into taking on more than you feel comfortable doing.

For example, if something is asked of you that goes beyond your job role and duties, a clear limit will help you be prepared with an appropriate response. Tell the person you will get back to them with an answer. This allows you to walk away from the situation, take a moment to consider what is being asked, and how long it will take to complete the task. It also provides an opportunity to consider if the time investment is one that will have a positive career impact.

3. Offering to do more than expected at your job can cause you to end up feeling overwhelmed and resentful. But it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and “accidentally” put yourself into that situation. Work at implementing helpful strategies that support you on these kinds of occasions. Try counting to 10 before you jump in or perhaps you need to take 5 minutes to step away, catch your breathe and then decide the next steps.

4. Ask for others to help if too much responsibility is being put on you and be open with what you need to successfully complete your job.

5. Lastly, it is essential to remember that when you have multiple assignments being given to you in a day or even an hour, it’s important to create a structure that will help you manage your workflow. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or that you just need a break then allow yourself to take 5 minutes to just breathe and catch-up. The key is to not procrastinate and to help yourself stay focused and organized.

Renewed Energy

You’ll find an abundance of renewed energy when you take more control of your work life. I would like to encourage you to start by considering these suggestions. Just choose one idea that resonates with you and add it into your day to day responsibilities. You’ll be amazed at how much that one little action will help you to feel more in control of your life and feeling renewed energy for yourself, your family, and your relationships!

If you enjoyed this article, you can find Part 2 of this series on Work Life Balance…Making Time for You here!

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Contributing to Our Communities: Decorative Painters Work Their Magic

SFWJ — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:00:57 +0000

Decorative painters are inspired by the causes they love, the need to give back, the creativity that is released through the act of giving, and the desire to connect to the larger community through their work. Here is an example of Decorative Painting in Action to support the San Francisco community.

by Debra Disman
Decorative Painter and Principal, ArtiFactory Studio

Following is a mural that I did for the wonderful organization Planning for Elders inthe Central City. The Donor Tree was painted on canvass with donor names later added to the bricks and leaves.

The Donor Tree for Planning for Elders in Central City.

Many Ways to Contribute

In last month’s article, I asked three of my favorite artists/artisans from around the country to help me paint a portrait of the contemporary decorative painter working in the U.S. today. Their responses also revealed the many ways they contribute to their communities through their work.

I believe their insights also ring true for all Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.

Following are some of the ways they use their unique skills and talents to employ the magic of Decorative Painting in support of their communities. I hope these insights inspire you!

Supporting Causes Close to Our Hearts

Julie Dexter, Gold Leaf Walls, Colorado Springs, CO

“One of the big events here in Colorado Springs is “The Heart Ball” which supports the heart association. For three years I donated towards their silent auction. The “package” included Color Consultation and $1000 towards labor. This year I plan on doing the same for “The Fur Ball”, which benefits the local Humane Society….a personal favorite.”

The Need to Give Back

Lyna Farkas, The Spirit of Décor, Ashville, NC

“In 2005 over 100 faux finishers worked together to “faux” a house. The experience was made into a book. The proceeds went to fund a Habitat house in New Orleans for a Katrina victim.

In 2009, a dozen faux finishers met in New Orleans to paint together, bringing beauty to that house, and getting to know the owners who would live in it. As Chair of this phase of the project, I recruited local volunteers and interfaced with New Orleans Habitat coordinators. We also supported the NOLA SPCA where we did mural and painted doghouses for their auction. I even found some local young architects to build the doghouses and lined up publicity through the New Orleans press.

Why did I do this? I need to give back in a significant and creative way in order to stay balanced. The artists who worked together on the Habitat project formed a deep bond. Our intention is to find projects each year to work on together and continue to give back with our art.”

Giving Releases Creativity

Joy Conway, Funwalls, Albuquerque, NM

“In January, I completed two murals for the RoadRunner Food Bank here in Albuquerque. This was originally going to be a small project, but after I saw what the food bank was accomplishing, I donated a lot of extra time and creativity.

It came out beautifully, adds a lot to the facility, and I feel really good about doing it. The act of giving seemed to release a flow of creativity for me.”

Thoughts on Giving from Debra Disman, ArtiFactory Studio, SF, CA

Successful artists and entrepreneurs also need to be business people, but the dollar return on every project is not always the bottom line. For many, their deepest fulfillment is to immerse themselves fully in their creative work, and experience the gratification of connecting with others through that work.

By contributing our art and craft to the community, we not only connect to the world outside our studios, we become a part of it, and thus part of something greater then ourselves.

Here is another example of how the magic of decorative painting can give back to the community. This is a Donor Arch that was created for Maitri Compassionate Care, a hospice in San Francisco, CA. The names of donors who contributed to their building capital campaign were honored by adding their name to The Arch!

The Donor Arch, Maitri Compassionate Care.

Here’s to celebrating the power of connection, and the contribution of all of our special gifts to the enhancement of our world!

Debra Disman’s passion is to translate her Client’s inner vision into concrete visual form. She can help you use the magic of decorative painting to transform your home, place of business, even your community!

She is principal of ArtiFactory Studio, a decorative painting company based in San Francisco, CA which provides custom decorative painting, murals, and color consultation to customers from all backgrounds and walks of life. Debra holds a degree in painting from the University of Iowa and has studied in France, San Francisco, and San Diego. She is a provisional member of the International Association for Colour Consultants/Designers. To learn more please visit ArtiFactoryStudio, or connect with her on Twitter or Facebook.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

The New Path to Job Security: Bringing Feminine Power to Work

SFWJ — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:42:07 +0000

With layoffs, wage cuts and foreclosures topping the news, women are learning that they have a secret weapon against the vagaries of this difficult economy: their feminine side.

by Michele Lisenbury Christensen and Sara Harvey Yao

Amelia is a manager at a company that sells images. She recently got a promotion without applying for the new position. “They said I was picked because I know how to connect with people, even while I’m producing results.”

Amelia is one of our many clients – male, as well as female – who are finding that their capacity to bring enjoyment, caring, and ease into the workplace are valued even more now that tensions are running high and resources are scarce.

Feminine + Masculine = Turbo Charged Success

At first, women can be afraid to bring more of their feminine power to work. Women think of their masculine power – driving, pragmatism, focus, providing, and so on – as the secret of their success. And those elements of power are key to producing results.

But when they learn to use both the masculine qualities and their feminine counterparts (receiving, sensuality, holism, and nurturing) women find their success is turbo-charged! A dynamic synergy emerges when both the masculine and feminine powers are integrated.

Melinda, a marketing manager for a wireless company, says

“I’m blown away by how much easier it is to drive for results now that I also use my feminine power. I’ve got more energy, things are more fun, and results happen much more easily.”

Feminine + Masculine in Action

Some of the ways that Melinda and our other clients have learned to bring both Masculine and Feminine power to work include:

Conduct Effective Meetings: When you lead a meeting, run it on time and using a good agenda (masculine qualities). Add the feminine by making sure there’s something visually appealing in the room. Also allow for personal connection and appropriate humor in the meeting. The combination of the masculine and feminine will bring more energy and ease, especially for difficult or complex meeting topics.

Listen First: When employees come to you with problems there is a tendency to offer solutions (masculine quality). But quite often the best approach is to use the feminine qualities of listening, empathizing, and letting the person find their own solution. Often, all that’s needed is the space to vent and then they see the way forward.

Seek Ease: Our work cultures have all of us driving for results and working in a self-reliant way (masculine qualities). While this is an important aspect of success; when it’s the only approach, we end up missing out on other ways to creatively solve the problem. And even more importantly we find ourselves depleted.

When you start feeling yourself “pushing and shoving” to solve the problem, that’s a sign to pause and ask, “How could this be easier?” and “Who can help with this?” That’s feminine awareness in action.

As you start to apply both your feminine and masculine qualities, you’ll find that you produce even better results and feel energized. Your ability to drive for results will be strengthened as you activate your power to receive, to connect, to use holism and sensuality, and nurture yourself and others.

Your enjoyment of your job and your life will expand and your job security along with them!

Michele Lisenbury Christensen and Sara Harvey Yao are the authors of “Succeeding without Side Effects: Burnout-Proof Your Leadership and Life.” They provide executive coaching, training, and lively keynote presentations for co-ed audiences who want more success with fewer side effects. Their retreats and seminars for women are transformative and deeply rejuvenating. They can be found online at WorkingWithPower.com.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Effective Leadership Begins with Knowing Yourself

SFWJ — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:19:08 +0000

When she was five my niece, Riley, launched a question to the front seat of the car. “What is a self? What does it mean when I say, myself?”

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

“That one is for you, Auntie Babs,” remarked my sister, looking relieved to have me along for this particular ride. This question started a conversation between my niece and myself that continued over dinner that night and included her nine-year-old brother.

To Do Anything Well…You Must Know Yourself

We talked a lot about knowing oneself, about likes and dislikes, about preferences and values. It is the kind of conversation that continues with my clients as we explore their experience of leadership.

Riley observed, accurately, that in order to do anything well you must really know yourself. You must know what you like to do and how far you want to take it. You must know what makes you happy and what does not. You must know what makes you feel strong and what depletes your energy.

At this point, Riley was exploring her commitment to soccer and was noticing what makes her a better player. Her brother, Patrick, chimed in with insights about why he likes to write and how he wishes to enlighten and entertain people with his writing.

Both Riley and Patrick are bright, bold and curious people, and great models for anyone in a position of leadership. They are learning about themselves, as you must – by self-exploration.

Self-Exploration Leads to Effective Leadership

No one can teach you about you and how to be yourself. However, through conversation and a willingness to reveal yourself to yourself and to others, you get to know who you are and what’s important to you. Knowing yourself will clarify what direction you want to take and how you to get there.

It is through this ongoing process of self-revelation that you are able to be an effective leader. Without this, you are rudderless as will be your organization.

Begin the Process with these Questions

Ask yourself now:

Who am I?
How do I know that?
How do I feel?
How do I reveal myself to myself moment by moment?
How do I see myself in my actions and my interactions with others?
Where do I want to go?
What impact do I want to have on others and on the world?
What energizes me?
What depletes my energy?
What brings me joy?
What triggers me?
What increases my ability to think creatively?
What shuts me down?

Riley and Patrick are nine and thirteen now. Riley plays soccer with passion. Patrick has written his second book and has sent it to a publisher. They continue to inspire me. Who will you inspire today?

Barbara Mark, Ph.D. is the CEO and Founder of Full Circle Institute. FCI is a leadership development company for female executives. Dr. Mark is a thought leader in the area of Women in Leadership and Leadership for the Future. She has been working with women in business for nearly three decades and is committed to the advancement of women for the good of all. You can learn more by visiting Full Circle Institute.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Recharge Your Life with a Time-Out!

SFWJ — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:38:13 +0000

Every six weeks or so I begin to feel antsy, a little drained and notice myself less energized than normal. Things that would normally excite me or create new ideas for me start to feel bland.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

Nikki Anderson

I used to think this was a sign that I was doing something wrong or that I wasn’t in the right profession.

I’ve since come to realize that what I’m really craving is some time off –time away with a new routine and a change of scenery. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a long vacation or even for several days – a day or two often will do the trick!

Recharge Your Life

There are 5 main things I notice that happen for me when I take ‘time out’ from my day-to-day life. Increased reflection, relaxation, creativity, refueling and desire…which bring me back to a deep appreciation for my life.

1. Reflection

When I get away I have time to reflect on my life. I can think about my relationships, my work, my health, hobbies, etc…. this is an optimal time for me to take stock of how my life has been going and whether there’s anything I want to shift.

It’s also an optimal time to notice the great things that have been happening as I find it so seductive to get caught up in the ‘what’s next cycle’.

2. Relaxation

I don’t even realize how tense I am and how fast I move through my days until I have some distance from my regular routine. When I take breaks I am able to catch this. I can then reign it back in to moving slower, being more deliberate in my actions and feeling more centered.

3. Creativity

When I take time off I’m giving my mind a break. I have less clutter spinning through my head and more space is available for day dreaming. When I allow myself the space to dream, new ideas are generated and I’m once again re-energized and inspired.

4. Refueling

In the daily grind it’s easy to get caught up in all the ways I need to give of my time and energy – forgetting to take deliberate time to replenish. Having time away is a great way to put concentrated energy toward doing the things that refuel my tank – such as: taking a nap (without setting an alarm), taking a bath, going for a hike in nature (with no place I ‘have’ to get to).

Refueling is necessary for me to be of service to others in my life and work without feeling tapped out.

5. Desire

After a “time-out”, I’m more able to clearly see all the great things about life. Because I’m no longer running on empty…my desire for my life – my work, my relationships and my routine all return with new vigor. I now have a new appreciation and feeling of gratitude for my life.

You don’t need a lot of money to ‘get away’ – a day trip or even one over night will do the trick! Don’t let excuses stop you from taking a break and recharging …. You may just wind up with a whole new appreciation for you life! Try it!

Love,

Nikki

Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!

Women in Leadership…It is Up to YOU!

SFWJ — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Let’s take a look at how the year has started for women in corporate leadership. In the month of January well over fifty women were given major job appointments at large corporations.

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

Companies such as Intel, Farmers Insurance Group, Sempra Energy, Associated Press, Microsoft, Citi Private Bank, AK Steel, Procter & Gamble, Gatorade, Scripts Networks Interactive, Westinghouse, TV Guide Network, B of A, McGraw-Hill, Cost Plus, Interpublic Group, Comcast Cable, TIAA-CREF, McDonalds, Credit Suisse, Business Wire, Williams Sonoma, A&P, Webster Financial, Frontier Communications, Accenture, and Private Bancorp, are among the companies who promoted women into to top roles.

This is well above last year and the year before! Women in education, women in non-profits and women entrepreneurs are out there rockin’ and rollin’ as well.

Knock and Opportunity will Answer

The opportunity to lead in large venues is there if you aspire to it. Yes, you have to want it and you have to work hard to get it, but you won’t be stopped by the proliferation of various types of ceilings that used to stand in our way.

Women are gaining ground, credibility and influence. It is a great time for women to express the need for more flexibility, more access to training and more access to coaching to create enhanced opportunities, skills and confidence. These are opportunities that should not be wasted!

Leadership Opportunities Exist in Other Areas of Your Life

And, while these opportunities are out there in corporate America, you can be a leader in many other environments. Look around your life and you’ll find opportunities to be a leader in your family, your neighborhood, your church, and your children’s schools. The list is almost endless.

It is your time to express yourself and contribute in ways that are meaningful to you and to whatever group you choose to contribute to.

Post 2009 Era is Welcoming Women

However, let’s get back to women in corporate America – whether it is your corporation or someone else’s, the post 2009 era is one that is particularly welcoming to women. Women have more economic influence than ever and more women are graduating with advanced degrees. More women are starting businesses and more women are getting advanced to senior levels!

There are sectors that are still a bigger challenge – tech, science for examples – but the trend is started, let’s keep it up.

Lend a Hand-Up to Other Women

As women we can go a long way to support each other and to build each other’s confidence while we build our own.

We have the chance and the obligation to reach out to peers, to co-workers, to direct reports, to our global neighbors and to our young women and girls to show them that we believe in them and ask them to believe in us.

We can mentor and be mentored and we can watch the workforce of women grow at all levels. We can lend a hand out there to make significant changes in the world we live in – to make it the world we want to live in.

Yes we can!

If you enjoyed this article and want to share it with a friend or the world:) …it’s easy. Click on the Share/Save button and you can e-mail, Tweet or Bookmark it!