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Issue #16 - May 2005  IN THIS ISSUE 1) Upfront & Personal 2) Mother's Day Gift & Sale/May TeleForum/Market Yourself Smarter 3) Feature Article: How Being Intentional Makes You Happy 4) Briefcase Moms Home Study Program
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Upfront & Personal
Well, it's Mother's Day this weekend. If you are anything like me you've got nothing planned yet to celebrate that day. I was at my son's t-ball game last night and I asked a few moms what they had arranged for the big day. Guess what? The resounding response: "Nothing." One mom said to me "that she was drinking a can of Pepsi while watching the game so that was her Mother's Day." The truth is we are all so busy (particularly at this time of year) running around from work, to dinner (maybe) to our children's activities, that it is difficult to plan that far ahead to Mother's Day. It just kind of sneaks up on us. And, let's face it we are often most concerned with what we are going to do for our mothers (and mother-in-laws) this Sunday, not ourselves. Aside from all the commercial activity surrounding Mother's Day, I believe this is a day to honor our role as nurturers and caregivers. That means not only being recognized by our families, but more importantly by ourselves. I want you to take this moment now (no matter how busy you are) to think about how you want "your day" to look like. It is breakfast in bed, cuddling with your children, going to a movie, getting some exercise, being alone in your house for one hour followed by a meal out? You can create the experience you want by being intentional about your desires. In other words, know what you want and put a plan in place to make it happen. In my case, I want my husband to make a pancake breakfast that the three of us enjoy in the loving environment of our home...and perhaps a little champagne and orange juice, too! I'm calling him now to let him know. My Mother's Day wish for you is to enjoy your day and care and nurture you...you deserve it. As being intentional is key to a better balance and generally feeling happier, this month's article serves up some tips on how to become more intentional and less reactive in all that you do. Cheers, L. PS - Thanks to all the moms with WMADD who shared your stories this month. I've included a few below...keep them coming. I love hearing from you.
"Inspiration does not beget action. Action begets inspiration." - Chinese Proverb This proverb succinctly sums up the power of intention. Nothing happens, nothing changes without intended action. An intention can best be described as an aim guiding an action. What you intend, what you truly focus your energy on, will in some form be realized. The thought alone will not make the intention come true--rather, the outcome will be influenced by your desire combined with action steps, small or large. Clear, achievable intentions lead to transformation. When you are clear on your intentions, your expectations become realistic and achievable. That leads to less disappointment and more happiness. How many times have you found yourself wishing you'd done things differently? That party you planned just didn't come off exactly as you'd hoped. Your presentation did not have the desired effect. Your holiday was fun but it was not all you had hoped it would be. If you want things to turn out in your favor start becoming more intentional. Here are three ways to support you to take intended action. 1. Know What You Want As Steven Covey says "start with the end in mind." Whenever you are about to embark on new adventure ask yourself what you want it to look like. Get a clear picture in your mind. If you are thinking about booking your next holiday visualize what you truly desire...the location, the weather, the experience, the connections with people and how you will spend your time. Ask yourself, "What is my overall intention for this vacation." 2. Take Action Knowing what you want is only half the equation. You must strike a plan to make it happen. If your intention is to have a relaxing, sun-filled vacation with your family, you need to share this vision with your family and take the desired steps to make it a reality. It is important to list the actions items that must take place. Then start checking them off, one by one...with some help, of course. 3. Solicit Support Whatever you've got planned for you and/or your family, make sure you resist the urge to take on all the action steps yourself. In fact, be intentional about not doing it all. If your ideal family vacation has been imagined and the steps that need to be taken to realize it listed, then now's the time to get the right support to execute your plan. Maybe you need a travel agent, maybe your partner can research hotels, maybe the kids can start packing their bags. The point is to share the load and everyone becomes inspired and happier as a result. Want to be a Success & Balance TeleForum™guest speaker? Please email me and let me know. Or if you would like to refer someone you know who would be a great guest, I would love to hear from you. Share these TeleForums with your list. Let me know that you are helping me and I will send you our special "Thank You" surprise packed with goodies. Just copy and paste in your ezine and provide the sign-up link. I appreciate your support very much and your willingness to help me is wonderful. Thanks to all! WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can! Just please ask our permission first by sending an e-mail to laura@briefcasemoms.com. Sh
About Lisa Martin
Lisa Martin, PCC, is the author of the acclaimed Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers' Lives. She lives what she writes and talks about. Mother of a six year-old son, a certified executive coach with 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, and the founder and president of Briefcase Moms®, she is all too familiar with the tug-of-war and challenges of work-life balance. Lisa has helped thousands of career-oriented women and men define, establish and maintain work-life success via her proprietary learning systems - 90 Days to a Balanced Life and Briefcase Parent Solutions
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Mother's Day Gift & Sale - May 6 I want to honor all you amazing women who are part of the Briefcase Moms(' community, by giving you more time this Mother's Day. Date: Tuesday, May 17 at 5pm PT/8pm ET Want to be more intentional with your life? Want to find out how being intentional can make you happier? Want to use your intentions to create your best summer ever? Join Lisa for this complimentary Teleforum to learn why it's important to be intentional and create memorable, happy experiences. There is limited seating...so don't delay. Missed the last TeleForum...not to worry you can purchase the CD Find Your J-Spot! here. 
I had many requests for a self-study version of the program from working moms who were unable to participate in the live Briefcase Moms® Program: 90 Days to a Balanced Life due to scheduling conflicts. So, we have created a digitally delivered home study program. You can receive all the benefits of the live program at a time of your choosing and at your pace. The course is digitally delivered and includes audio recordings of the 9 one-hour teleseminars, a PDF copy of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers' Lives as well as the e-Journal/Workbook. This life-changing home study course is available for only $99 US (the live program fees are $500). For more information or to order your copy send me an email.
Lisa, WMADD, that is hilarious and oh boy can I relate.
Canadian Living Magazine - "Find Your J-Spot" - April Issue Woman's World Magazine - " Be in the Moment" - April Issue Sales and Marketing Magazine - "What to do when your manager doesn't support work-life balance." - April Issue Home Business Report Magazine - Coach's Corner Columnist "Create Your Balance Vision" - May Issue CBC Radio - The Almanac - "Mother's Day Tips " - Guest - May 6/05 Environment Canada - "Work-life balance: Do you have it? - Presenter - March 09/05 Success & Balance TeleForum™- "Intentional Summer Happiness" - Presenter - May 17/05-Everywhere Market Yourself Smarter -"Reinventing your goals, career and life plan" - Presenter - May 26/05 - Vancouver Strollerthon - "Balancing Motherhood" - Presenter - June 11/05 - Vancouver Executive Assistant's Forum - "Burnout to Balance" - Presenter - Oct 21/05- Vancouver Queen's Women in Leadership Conference - Presenter - Nov 11-12/05 - Kingston
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