Instead, I’ve decided to share something that happened yesterday. Something that moved me very deeply and it feels like I need to put a magnifying glass on it so you can see and feel it too.

Yesterday, when I walked my children to school, I had a few extra minutes so I accompanied my daughter to her second grade class. (There’s been some excitement in her class this week as the children are dressing up in character of someone they’ve written a biography report on and it’s been fun to see all the creative costumes.) I noticed my daughter’s teacher outside the classroom in deep conversation with a boy who was not in costume for his presentation of Davy Crockett. I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation and I learned that this boy had no costume. This child lives in an area of Los Angeles that is economically challenged.

Tears sprang to my eyes. I was overcome with emotion. Every child in my daughter’s class proudly marched into school this week with creative costumes ranging from Jackie Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, etc. This boy made a long bus trip to school knowing that he would be different from the others. He would be the only one to have no costume as he stood in front of the room.

I raced back to my home tears stinging my eyes and blurring my vision. I remembered a costume I had worn in previous years during the Thanksgiving Feast at the school. It wasn’t a perfect rendition of what Davy Crockett would wear but it was a lot closer than the t-shirt and jeans the boy had on. I delivered the costume in a bag and explained to the teacher what was inside.

Why do I share this story? Not because I want you to say or think, “Way to go, Joy!” “What a thoughtful act Joy!” That doesn’t interest me at all. I share this with you because if we as women want to truly make a difference in the world, we have to do it every single day in any single way we can. If you aren’t happy about the way things are, then I invite you to begin walking a path to make a difference. Sometimes you wonder if change is even possible in this enormous world we live in. It is possible. It must begin with You.

Notice What’s in Front of You – Yesterday, I took a small step on a situation that was in front of me. In that moment, I had an awareness that I could help someone and make an impact on his day. We get confused on what charity we should make donations to or where we should place our valuable time to make a difference. Notice what’s in front of you and begin there.

Pass It On – Teach children by embracing small acts of kindness. Let them experience first-hand from you on how to make a difference in the world. Yesterday’s experience was a teachable moment for my children. After school, we sat down and discussed what happened and why I felt called to rush home, find the costume and deliver it to the teacher. I could see the wheels of wonder turning in their mind.

Women must be the change they wish to see in the world…one person at a time.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff
 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching .

In my work with women, one of the most essential exercises that we do together is peel back the layers of their lives and take a look at what’s working and what’s not working. It’s important to take a look at each layer and if necessary trim the excess so you can live each day doing what’s most important to you in your life. The challenge for most of us is in the “letting go” of what no longer serves us. Sometimes there’s so much debris in our lives that we are unable to clearly see how even just a slight trim in one area could create a dramatic, positive impact.

I, too, have been challenged with this in my life at times. Trimming the excess and making room for new growth is difficult for me as well. I will share with you that the most dramatic, positive change occurred in my life once I took this step. When I created the space to trim the excess “layers” from my life, real change began to show up for me.

How about you? Are you feeling like there are areas in your life that you would like to shed? Are there areas where you could “trim” away some of your time to create the space for something new? Not sure where to start? Here are some typical areas that you can take a look at in your life. (I invite you to sit in a quiet, peaceful place with your favorite cup of tea or coffee for this process):

1. Self-Care – How much time are you allocating to You? In my work with women, I often find that this essential practice is not anywhere in the layers of a woman’s life. It was a huge shift for me to make some years ago, however when I did this, it made a huge impact.

2. Spouse/Partner – Do you schedule regular date nights with your spouse or significant other? I find this one area can slip under the debris quickly and I have to trim back the layers and make space for it.  Also, if you don’t have a spouse/partner and would like that, are you taking some positive steps to bring that love relationship into your life?

3. Family – Are you spending quality time with children, parents, siblings? The key here is quality—really “being” with them. My husband and I schedule “date night” with each of our children and this has created a closer bond for us.

4. Friends – Do you find time to see your girlfriends? Make sure your girlfriends are “nutritious”—they inspire you, champion you and give you those big laughs. I really enjoy taking long power walks with girlfriends and “processing” life along the way.

5. Business/Career – Are you doing work that inspires and motivates you? When you leave your business or work, do you feel energized or drained from the day? This created a dramatic shift for me 8 years ago when I changed the direction of my life and began my work with women.

6. Community – Are you feeling “called” to do volunteer work in your community right now? Or, is it time to “trim” back the layers of your volunteer efforts and let someone else serve? We are nurturers by nature and tend to say “yes” too quickly. I invite you to take a look at this and see what feels right for you moving forward.

Now is the perfect time to do this exercise. Autumn is the time of year to shed what no longer serves us in order to create space for the new growth and new ideas that will arrive in spring. I invite you to create some time in your calendar before the holidays to trim back the layers of your life and peel away what no longer serves you. I think you’ll be surprised at how life embraces you when you give it the space to grow.

Anything is possible.  Everything is waiting for you.
*****

© 2010 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at  http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com .

Let’s face it, women have very busy, demanding lives.  We are mothers, wives, partners, daughters, siblings, friends, community activists, employees and business owners.  There are times when quantity is all I have to give because my plate is overflowing with “to-do’s.  I’m there physically but not present in the moment.  I’m busy “doing” rather than “being” because I’m thinking about so many things at once.  Can you relate?
 
Last weekend, I was reminded that it’s about quality time and being present for the important parts of our lives.  As I reflect on my special time with Jenna, I realize that this can be carried over to every aspect of my life.  I can apply this thinking to my self-care, my relationships and my business.
 
Here are a few quick tips on how you can bring more quality time into your self-care, relationships and business:

1.  Your Self-Care – This is typically the last thing on your list—right?  Sometimes, when I talk about nurturing yourself first, I get these weird looks from women as if I’m some sort of an alien.  It’s not natural for women to put themselves before others.  We are nurturers by nature, however it’s essential that you give yourself quality time so that you can recharge your own battery.  By the way, I didn’t truly understand this concept until after the age of 40.  Getting a massage, practicing solitude or taking a bubble bath are great ways to nurture yourself (by the way, I didn’t truly understand this concept until after the age of 40.)

2.  Your Relationships – Spending quality time is so much more important than the quantity of time we spend with our family and friends.  I find that an afternoon or evening with one of my children or husband where I’m truly present is worth more than spending an entire weekend while being distracted by life’s twists and turns.  Schedule some “special” time with those you love.  It will create a stronger bond and you’ll walk away feeling much more connected.

3.  Your Business – If you aren’t careful, you can find yourself working “in” your business rather than “on” your business.  It’s easy to get caught up in all the emails, social media and busy work that is part of running a business.  Every week I have a meeting with myself and get very present about the direction of my business and goals.  I’m checking- in to make sure that the steps I’m taking daily, weekly and monthly are in alignment with where I want to go.  It is only then that I can communicate effectively to my team about the vision of Smart Women Smart Solutions®.

I have the opportunity to work with some amazing smart women. They are women with Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals which means they are leading very full lives.
 
Sometimes the feeling of guilt can creep in when they are on the journey to getting what they want and deserve in life.  I invite you to schedule in some quality time for your own self-care, your cherished relationships and your business goals.
 
Having this realization that it’s about quality time not quantity time sure makes me feel a lot better about all of the roles I play in my life.  It can for you too.

Anything is possible.  Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2010 Joy Chudacoff
 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at  http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com .

In my work with women, one of the most essential exercises that we do together is peel back the layers of their lives and take a look at what’s working and what’s not working. It’s important to take a look at each layer and if necessary trim the excess so you can live each day doing what’s most important to you in your life. The challenge for most of us is in the “letting go” of what no longer serves us. Sometimes there’s so much debris in our lives that we are unable to clearly see how even just a slight trim in one area could create a dramatic positive impact.

I, too, have been challenged with this in my life at times. Trimming the excess and making room for new growth is difficult for me as well. I will share with you that the most dramatic positive change occurred in my life once I was able to do this. When I created the space to trim the excess “layers” from my life, real change began to show up for me.

How about you? Are you feeling like there are areas in your life that you would like to shed? Are there areas where you could “trim” away some of your time to create the space for something new? Not sure where to start? Here are some typical areas that you can take a look at in your life. (I invite you to sit in a quiet, peaceful place with your favorite cup of tea or coffee for this process):

1. Self-Care – How much time are you allocating to You? In my work with women, I often find that this essential practice is not anywhere in the layers of a woman’s life. It was a huge shift for me to make some years ago, however when I did this, it made a huge impact.

2. Spouse/Partner – Do you schedule regular date nights with your spouse or significant other? I find this one area can slip under the debris quickly and I have to trim back the layers and make space for it. If you don’t have a spouse/partner and would like that in your life, are you taking some positive steps to bring that love relationship into your life?

3. Family – Are you spending quality time with children, parents, siblings? The key here is quality—really “being” with them. My husband and I schedule “date night” with each of our children and this has created a closer bond for us.

4. Friends – Do you find time to see your girlfriends? Make sure your girlfriends are “nutritious”—they inspire you, champion you and give you those big laughs. I really enjoy taking long power walks with girlfriends and “processing” life along the way.

5. Business/Career – Are you doing work that inspires and motivates you? When you leave your business or work, do you feel energized or drained from the day? This created a dramatic shift for me 8 years ago when I changed the direction of my life and began my work with women.

6. Community – Are you feeling “called” to do volunteer work in your community right now? Is it time to “trim” back the layers of your volunteer efforts and let someone else serve? We are nurturers by nature and tend to say “yes” too quickly. I invite you to take a look at this and see what feels right for you moving forward.

Now is the perfect time to do this exercise. Autumn is the time of year to shed what no longer serves us in order to create space for the new growth and new ideas that will arrive in Spring. I invite you to create some time in your calendar before the holidays to trim back the layers of your life and peel away what no longer serves you. I think you’ll be surprised at how life embraces you when you give it the space to grow.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2009 Joy Chudacoff
 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at  http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com .

“I don’t have time to go away.”
“I’ve got too much work to do.”
“I don’t have anyone to take care of the kids.” (If it is a get-away just for you or you and your significant other)

When I shared these ridiculous excuses with my husband Greg, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.  We have had this vacation planned and paid for months ago.  It probably didn’t help much that I was still protesting about all the reasons why I could not go even after we had boarded the plane and were heading down the runway for takeoff!

The minute we arrived in Park City, my whole attitude changed.  I was exactly where I needed to be at this moment and time in my life.  I needed a change in environment—we all do.  This is a concept that I often share with the women I serve.  (It is obviously one that I’m still learning myself!)  If we stay in the same environment day after day, year after year, it is a real challenge to see your life in any other way.  I have an exercise that I use in my Women’s Success Circles called “reframing.”  It allows you to “reframe” situations in your life so that you can see new possibilities and silver linings.  This exercise works well if you can do it in a peaceful, reflective environment.  Being in your home or office with all of your “shoulds” and responsibilities can make it a challenge to be peaceful and reflective.

Still can’t get your arms around making that leap to get away?  Here are a few tips that will help you make the decision so that you, too, can get a new, fresh look at your life while enjoying some time off:

1. Get it on your calendar in ink – This is probably the best tip I will give you.  Decide where you want to go and book it.  No matter how many excuses I came up with, the fact was, the airplane tickets had been purchased and the place we were going to stay was paid for.  If none of this had been done ahead of time, my excuses may have won the battle.
2. Go local – If your budget won’t allow for an extended trip right now, no problem.  Just driving one hour from your home and staying in a new environment changes everything.  The women who work with me in both my Success Circles and privately at the B&B by the beach in Los Angeles report that a half-day to 24 hours creates dramatic, positive change in their lives.  They give themselves permission to “reframe” different aspects of their lives.
3. Quality not Quantity – Organize your time away so that it works for you and everyone else that goes with you.  For example, we have our time in Park City set up so that everyone gets plenty of time together as a family and plenty of time alone.  Our kids attend some of the local camps during part of our vacation.  This gives them the opportunity to meet new children and do lots of fun outdoor activities in a group and it gives me some alone time that I desperately need.  The statement I just made is sometimes difficult for women to hear–“alone time that I desperately need.”  Women with or without children who lead busy lives never get enough alone time.  This is a time to reconnect with your Authentic self.  It is a time for you to spend “checking-in” with you rather than everyone else in your life.  This is a crucial action step to take periodically if you have a desire to live a passionate, purposeful life.
4. Limit your Access – Create some “barriers” around your time.  One of the reasons I love my work is that I can do it most anywhere, anytime.  I have some women that I will work with while I’m away by phone and in person.  However, I have designed that time around the activities that I want to do (biking, ice-skating, family, reading, etc.).  Be vigilant about not checking email or voicemail all the time.  Take some time to “honor yourself.”

As I sit here looking at the majestic mountains and gorgeous Aspen trees, it is difficult to imagine that at one point, I could have missed this time in my life.  Don’t miss yours. Smart Women Get Away.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

****

Copyright 2009 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com.

When I was growing up, I don’t remember many conversations about values. I was told to always say please and thank you. Always tell the truth. Always be on time. Respect your elders. These were the basic “values” in our home. Good stuff to be sure, and ideas that I pass on to my own children today. However, the world has changed since I was a little girl. Women today play so many roles. We are creative beings with Big Ideas, Dreams, and Goals. We take care of our spouse or life partner, children, aging parents. We run large and small businesses. We are active in our communities. We are the “glue” that keeps everyone and everything together. (I went to visit my Mom and sister for a few days and before I departed, I handed my husband Greg a 3-page single-spaced document of what needed to be done over the course of 5 days to keep the family running smoothly!)

Women today need to create the time and space to think about what truly holds value for them. They need to know, commit, and practice these values. If you need some support in identifying your own values, I’ve included some ideas for you below:

1. Self-care – Do you take time to value and honor yourself? Spa days, lunch with nutritious friends–you know, gals who champion you and make you laugh. Quiet time just for you to journal, meditate, take a walk or exercise? This is typically the last thing women do–take care of themselves, so I’m putting it first on this list!

2. Couple – Do you make time for date night with your significant other? Time to re-connect is so important. When I get busy and overwhelmed with everything, this can be the area that I neglect. I take my husband for granted sometimes. The reconnection is so important (especially if you have children!)

3. Children – Do you have date night with your children? Greg and I started doing this recently and it has been a valuable experience. We take turns spending time with each of our children alone. Jack and I went to the Dodger game last week and the bond between us was strengthened so much just from that one outing.

4. Family - Having quality time with family is essential. I feel fortunate that both my parents are still living and in good health. Although the East Coast is their home, I make time to call and plan to get together as often as I can.

5. Business and Career – What do you value about your business? What’s the purpose or mission? Why did you start your business? What value are you providing to your clients and customers?

6. Community – What do you value about your community? Is there something that you are passionate about? Are you serving in some way that feels right for you?

In my Women’s Success Circles, we focus on values and what they mean to each woman. The six mentioned above give you a guideline to get you thinking about what’s important. Sometimes we know what they are and we can even verbalize these values. Do you commit to them? Do you practice them? That’s the bigger question. Women oftentimes will say “yes” to something because we want to help others. The challenge is it may not be something that’s on our “values radar screen.”

I invite you to think about what your values are. Know them. Commit to them. Practice them. You’ll feel so empowered, energized, and inspired when you do.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

****

Copyright 2009 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at http://www.ProfitsWithPassion.com.