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Upfront & Personal

Random acts of kindness.  What does this mean to you?

Recently, I've noticed a lot of discussion in the media, and elsewhere, about how we've let civility and kindness take a back seat to our busy, rushed lives.

It's easy to see how it can happen. Stressed lifestyles often result in irritability, abruptness and lack of patience which, quite simply, can lead to inconsiderate and impolite behavior (intentionally or not).

If you do NOT find yourself in this position, and not everyone does, I applaud you.  However, if you or others you know suffer from this current societal malaise there is a cure.  Random acts of kindness.

When you share kindness with others it makes them feel good and it makes you feel good, too. 

Practicing compassion takes slowing down and being fully present to notice, think about and take a positive step toward the well-being of someone else.   And that's fuel for your balance and your soul. 

Random acts of kindness.  They can be visible or done quietly with no recognition.  A smile.  A compliment.  Giving up a parking spot.  Helping someone with a heavy bag.  Anonymously buying someone's dinner.

If being a kindness catalyst appeals to you, I encourage you to start now.  What will be your random act of kindness today?

For a more expanded discussion on civility (or lack thereof) and tips on how to slow down to create the space for more kindness, please read the two articles below.

Wishing you success that's balanced, Lisa

Feature Articles

Leave the juggling for the circus
Helpful tips for working moms

By Judy Stafford, Canadian Health & Lifestyle Magazine 

As a single, working mom keeping it together is a challenge. When my sister said, "There is a big difference between juggling your life and balancing your life, and you juggle." I was surprised.

To juggle, by definition is to hold, catch, carry, or balance precariously; almost drop, then catch and hold again. That described my life. Keeping everything up in the air was exhausting.

To balance is to maintain a state of equilibrium; equal distribution of weight, or amount.

My juggling act, although skillful, was not doing the trick. So I looked for help.

Canadian author of Briefcase Moms. 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers' Lives takes a unique approach. Lisa Martin says, ... "In order to find our balance, we must first go down a journey of self-discovery. There is no magic bullet." What she suggests are lifestyle changes. What works for one may not work for another. And what works today may not work tomorrow. Lisa suggests:

1 Create your 'Yes List'
Make a priority list of what is important to you. Be clear with what's on the list. When you are asked to do something, refer to the list. If the request doesn't fit, you have more power and confidence to say no. Martin says, "No is usually one of the first words that come out of our kids' mouths. We have to tap in and remember that time."

2 Change your expectations
Do you have realistic expectations of yourself? Martin reminds us that guilt resides between our expectations of our roles and our reality. The wider the gap, the greater the guilt. She says, "Sometimes we don't change our expectations even though our life circumstances change. It is important to adjust and be realistic." By letting go of some expectations we feel more balanced, lose some guilt and feel less weighed down.

3 Perfection and balance do not go hand in hand
"If you want perfection, you will be a long way from balance," Martin warns. Wanting perfection is connected to wanting control. We can only control what we think or say. The more we try to control others the more we create chaos. Ask yourself where are you asserting control? Is that connected to where you really want to be? Does having a tidy linen closet balance with your priorities on your Yes List? Or is it better to let someone else put the towels away and let go of how you want it done? Letting go of perfection means better balance.

Click here to read entire article

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To the manner forlorn
Why Cussing Is King: Blame stress, blame gadgets, blame casual Fridays. Somewhere along the line, we've sworn off our Ps and Qs

By Anne Marie Owens, National Post

Click here to read entire article

About Lisa Martin

Lisa Martin is a certified coach who inspires working mothers to achieve success that's balanced.

Author of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers' Lives, Lisa is a sought-after expert and speaker on work-life balance issues. Known for her very personal and practical approach, Lisa coaches working mothers to know what they want and get what they want.

With 20 years of entrepreneurial and corporate experience, Lisa is also the founder and president of Briefcase Moms - a work-life coaching and training company that helps organizations attract, engage and retain working mothers.

A mother herself, Lisa's powerful presentations and programs have helped thousands of women define success and balance on their own terms.

MAKE SURE YOU RECEIVE YOUR BRIEFCASE MOMS®   NEWSLETTER: Briefcase Moms® comes from the address lisa@briefcasemoms.com. 

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Contact LisaMartin
For more information on Briefcase Moms® programs, customized private coaching with Lisa or inviting Lisa to speak to your organization, please contact her at (604)988-9394 or lisa@briefcasemoms.com. Or,visit http://www.briefcasemoms.com

 

 

 

April Balance Teleforum

Title: Get Connected: Build Visions and Networks

Date: Thursday, April 12, 2007 10-11 am PT/1-2 pm ET

The key to balanced living is figuring out how to strengthen the connection between the way you live your life and what you want. Join Lisa as she discusses her practice of Connection. In this session you will learn proprietary techniques to develop a balance vision, improve your relationships and create a more supportive network of people to help you reach their goals.

There is limited seating...so don't delay. Click here for more information or to register.

Briefcase Moms' most popular tools

Book- Practical, entertaining and inspiring, this book is for working mothers who want success in all areas of their lives---career, family and personal fulfillment. These ten transformative and proven practices, designed for women at any stage of working motherhood, are about defining, establishing and maintaining life balance. They will help you make the right choices, take action and live the life you want. Find out why so many working mothers have used this plan to map their path to balance.

Journal - The e-Journal is the digital companion piece to the Briefcase Moms book and helps you put the "Check Your Balance" sections of the book into action. It comes complete with all the "Check Your Balance" questions and assessments and provides plenty of space for your personal thoughts and journaling.

Balance Teleforum™ Audios- Get your copy of the 60-minute Balance Teleforum™ recordings (available to listen on your computer or downloadable MP3 format). The Teleforums are loaded with 'how to' tips and techniques you won't want to miss. Click on a recording below for more information.

Briefcase Moms Community - Become a member of the Briefcase Moms Community TODAY and receive hundreds of dollars worth of inspirational tips, and invaluable tools and strategies that will help you refocus and realign your priorities.

As a member of the Briefcase Moms Community you will also have opportunities to connect and share with other Moms just like you, along with various work-life experts. This is your chance to learn how to achieve personal and professional success - and how to maintain it!

Developed by certified coach, author and work-life balance expert, Lisa Martin, the Briefcase Moms Community is designed to help you make meaningful changes to your work-life balance. You will find guidance, support and fresh new ideas on designing and living a life that's right for you.

As always your thoughts and questions are welcome. Let us know what you think. This space is reserved for subscriber comments. Send us an email.