Wendy Pauls - Life Coach

I would have to say that Spring is my favourite season. True - it may be slushy, stormy and downright unpredictable BUT it also speaks of hope, growth and new life. I love to watch for the first tulips to peek out of the ground or the buds on the trees as they patiently wait to burst open on a sunny day in May. And ahhh, the sunshine! The glorious sunshine! Longer days. Warmer temperatures. The sound of birds singing. The return of green.
Unpacking my sandals. Ah, Spring!



While I love the sentiment in the quote, I ask "why not start now?" It's easy to get caught in the trap of regret and "if only". But the past does not equal the future. Every year...every season...every morning is a new beginning - a fresh start.

So, tomorrow I will smile bigger, laugh harder, breathe deeper, act sillier and thank God for the gift of another day and for all the people in my life that make it richer.

Wow. We're already into the 3rd week of February - where does the time go?

For those of you who have received my eNewsletters in the past, you will know that I truly love good quotes - particularly inspiring, challenging or thought provoking ones. Recently, I read a quote from Helen Keller (what an amazing woman!) that reminded me once again how much I have to be thankful for. She simply states, "So much has been given to me. I have no time to ponder that which has been denied."

Talk about a "glass half full" philosophy!!!

*What would the impact be if we adopted this point of view more often?
*What would happen if we focused our time & energy on the things that we
DO have...rather than focusing on those things we don't?

And some of the "things" we have may be relationships, skills, passions, talents and so on. As humans, we are quick to see what's not working in our lives...what we still need to work on....how far we have to go. Take a moment to think about the following questions and see what comes up for you.

*What is already "working" in my life?

*How can I improve or sharpen or strengthen what already works?

*What do I have (skills, talents, passions, resources) that I am willing to share to make the world a better place?

My wish is that each of you would discover or rediscover or simply be reminded of all that you have, and all that you ARE...and that you would have NO time to ponder that which has been denied!


Happy February!
Wendy

"2008 is gonna be GREAT!" That's the motto at the Pauls' household this year! We have some exciting opportunities and we're dreaming bigger than ever! As we turn the pages on the calendar for another year, I would like to thank my friends and family for your support and encouragement - it makes all the difference!!

AND...to my amazing clients - I applaud each of you...for stepping out of your comfort zones, for demonstrating strength, integrity and courage. You make my work SOOO rewarding! It's a privilege. Thank you for sharing the journey!

2008 can be a year
...to CREATE results, opportunities and ideas
...to DEMONSTRATE what you're made of
...to CONCENTRATE on what's important
...and to CELEBRATE how far you've come!

~What will you make of 2008?

~How will you invest the gift of time you are given?


"Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that is he who is asked." - Viktor Frankl

A few weeks ago I ran my fifth full marathon. (For those of you who don’t know, a marathon is 42.2 kilometers or 26.2 miles) It is a true test of physical strength and endurance not only during the race itself but also in the weeks leading up to the event. I’ve learned a lot during these times - Not simply about running strategies but rather how the training experience mirrors other aspects of my life. During a long run, I often battle the desire to quit. My muscles are screaming, I’m hot, tired, and thirsty, and I wonder why I’m doing it in the first place. Similarly, in the process of establishing my own business and moving toward my dreams I have often fought the desire to quit (or at least put everything on the backburner.) The bills are “screaming", I’m overwhelmed, confused, and afraid and I wonder why I thought I could make it work.

But my training has taught me that endurance pays off....that there are times when my immediate goal may be to simply put one foot in front of the other. It's taught me that I CAN submit my "feelings" to my "will" and that I have a choice with every step I take - quit or keep going. I "feel" like quitting but I "choose" to keep going...and every step I manage to take brings me one step closer to my goal.

Shortly after crossing the finish line I realize what I just accomplished. And I'm grateful for all the mornings that I didn't hit the snooze button, for the three hour runs I didn't skip, for not listening to all the reasons I "couldn't", and for the many hills I had to climb.

And so today, I am grateful for simple life lessons learned from a hobby...and for the ability to view the challenges and obstacles in a different light. The very things that make the journey so difficult - the things I have to climb over, push through or leave behind - are the things that make me stronger and prepare me for what is yet to come.

Wendy Pauls - Life Coach
e-Newsletter
October 5, 2007



A beautiful thought I wanted to share:

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. --WT Purkiser

Warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Wendy

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" or so the commercials say.

A couple years ago, the arrival of Fall got me thinking about change. I was invited to speak at a ladies event and while studying and preparing, I came across some information explaining "why leaves fall". (you know...the type of information you might learn watching "Magic School Bus" or something). I thought it was so interesting - I decided to use it in my talk. Well, the season marked by pumpkins, cool nights and apple pies is on its way once again. So what can we learn from the wise oak...or maple...or birch...??

Why leaves fall:
A tree's roots and branches can endure freezing temperatures, but most leaves are not so tough. On a broadleaf tree, the tender thin leaves are made up of cells filled with water sap, and this sap will freeze in the winter. Any plant tissue (like leaves) that are unable to live through the winter must be sealed off and shed to ensure the tree's survival.
So...as sunlight decreases in the fall, the veins that carry sap into and out of the leaf gradually close. A layer of cells form (the separation layer) at the base of the leaf stem and when this layer is complete - the leaf is separated from the tissue that connected it to the branch...and it falls.

A tree "knows" that there are times when it is best served by letting go of something - for the benefit of the tree itself. Likewise, there may be things in our lives that are no longer serving a purpose - things that if we DON'T let go of could affect our life as a whole. (beliefs, habits, busyness, relationships...)

What is no longer serving a purpose in your life? (or perhaps never did)

What do you need to let go of?