The cookies pictured below are one of the varieties I baked last week for the holidays. One type that I made required that the flour be sifted while the other did not. When a recipe calls for sifting the flour, it’s an additional step in the process that takes a little time. Read more
“I don’t really need the GPS for this trip but I’ll plug it in just in case.” My mother-in-law, Sandi is quite familiar with the predictable explanation I typically offer as we buckle up our seat belts. She gives me a knowing smile and has no issue should a broken U-turn be necessary during our excursion. It’s been eight years now since we moved to Arizona and Sandi was impressed on her most recent visit, commenting to my husband, “She doesn’t need the GPS anymore.” But Jess wasn’t fooled and set her straight: “Do you know how many times we arrive somewhere and Ginny asks, ‘How’d we get here?” Read more
Eleven years ago, in a conversation with my coach, we debriefed the eventful year that was about to conclude. It had been one of the changes beginning with leaving my corporate career to start my coaching business, and then planning a wedding and getting married. As we looked back at the year and reflected on all that had occurred, Tracey commented, “You did it all in a powerfully graceful way.” Without knowing it at the time, Tracey was naming the most important elements of what I would eventually call “living in the current.” Read more
This past New Year’s Eve, after enjoying a delicious dinner at our cousins’ house, I implored our hosts to turn on the TV and, pushy guest that I am, even insisted that we tune in to ABC so I could watch Ryan Seacrest host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Despite the fact that I’ve lived in Arizona for six years, I still say that when New York says it’s midnight, it’s midnight. My husband claims that’s just so I can go to bed early; nevertheless, with ten minutes to spare, I was ready to transport myself to Times Square for the big countdown. There we sat with champagne glasses poised and – zap! The local station cut to the news. What happened to the countdown? What happened to Auld Lang Syne? What happened? Read more
I recently returned from a two-week vacation, visiting friends and family back east. After four years living in Arizona, I’m getting to learn the art of these visits, which includes scheduling just the right amount of activity and not packing too much in — and that goes for my suitcase, too. On this trip I had the pleasure of witnessing a friend’s wedding and spending time with my stepsons, parents, and a few other friends. I also got to escort my niece, Natasha, on shopping trips for college supplies and then surprise my niece, Olivia, by picking her up at camp and seeing her perform in a talent show. Read more
Before setting goals. Before making plans and to-do lists. Before the work that’s been waiting for you since the holidays. Before anything, ask yourself this question: What is it time for?
To hear your deepest answer, try this right now, wherever you are. Close your eyes, just for a few moments, long enough to take a few deep breaths. Ask yourself again: What is it time for in my life? What am I now ready for in a way I hadn’t been until now? Quickly jot down the first things that come to your mind. Read more
I may have chosen this profession because I like to inspire others, however, it’s also true that plenty of times I’m the one who gets inspired. In a year of unique economic challenges, tough employment conditions, and turmoil around the globe, I’ve witnessed friends, family, colleagues, and clients from all corners of the world become more patient, more flexible, more creative, more persistent, more willing, and more courageous. Read more
Last Tuesday was my birthday and I started the day on a fun note being interviewed by my friend, Lin Schreiber, on her new radio show. After the show and despite the fact that it is a busy time at work, I took the afternoon off and had lunch in town at a French bistro, with a friend who was also celebrating a December birthday. We saw waiters delivering sparklers, the 4th of July kind, to a few other tables, apparently for birthday celebrations, at which point we requested ours. This little spectacle —a sparkler stuck in a lemon wedge on a plate dusted with cinnamon and paraded out for the birthday girl— delighted me to no end. Read more
December is both a wonderful and stressful month in one. At work, there is that last push to produce before the year ends and the same is true at home, where we scurry around in holiday activity. So that you don’t fall victim to a race-to-the-finish-line mentality where everything goes by in a blur, here is a simple technique you can use to have more peace and calm. Read more
As New Year’s Eve approaches, it is fitting to take a look back. Where were you as the year began? How did you feel about the undertakings you embarked upon? What excited you? What felt somewhat daunting? What occupied your thoughts and focus? With whom did you spend time? Read more