Date: February 19, 2009
Volume: 1
Issue: 04
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A Note From Sheila
Hello,
In my last ezine I said that I make a point of not subjecting myself to the negativity in news reports and other media. And while that’s a very useful strategy for me, life still happens. I hear from people all the time who have been faced with an unexpected job loss or family crisis. There have been many times in my own life that a change – unexpected or planned – has turned my life upside down.
While the stories I hear are enough to break your heart, I have a lot of hope. I’ve spent years helping people understand and get through major changes. And in this issue I want to share some of that with you.
Check out my announcement for a very special teleseminar I’m hosting to help women who are going through a career or business change. Then read my article for some immediate strategies you can use to get through these turbulent times.
Nothing helps heal our own pain like helping others and I am honoured to include a recommendation for an exceptional organization called, Ten Million Clicks for Peace. Check them out and become a powerful force for peace.
Warmly,
Sheila Betker
P.S.
I enjoy hearing from you. Whenever you have questions, comment or requests regarding this ezine, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Sheila@freedom-to-dream.com
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Announcements
From Denial to Diva: How to Glide Through Change with Style and Grace Teleseminar
In these turbulent economic times, there is a good likelihood that you’re facing a significant change... or the possibility of one... right now. During periods of commotion and confusion, it’s completely natural to feel lost, angry, overwhelmed – all at the same time. It’s when you feel least able to deal with even one more thing, you’re expected to pull yourself together and get over it... but no one ever tells you how!
In the From Denial to Diva teleseminar, I show you the natural cycle everyone goes through when faced with a change. You’ll learn that your feelings are “normal” and to embrace them with compassion and understanding. Then, even more importantly, you’ll learn specific strategies you can use at each stage of the change process to move yourself forward and avoid getting stuck.
I have taught hundreds of people how to thrive during a change – now I want to share it with you! When you register for this teleseminar you get much more than a call – you get access to the live call plus a guided visualization, a Question & Answer period, a comprehensive workbook, the MP3 recording, and a full month of email coaching!
For all the details about this teleseminar, click here. But hurry...the call happens soon!
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Featured Article
How to Triumph in Turbulent Times
We live in turbulent times. A quick glance at the news headlines tell us change is all around:
• Automaker Slashes 20,000 Jobs
• Consumer Bankruptcies Up By 50%
• Unemployment Rates Increase
• Business Profits 30% Below Forecast
In fact, change is nothing new. In 500 BC the very wise Heraclitus said, “There is nothing permanent except change.” However, there is little argument that the amount and pace of change has increased to unprecedented amounts... and show every sign of continuing to accelerate.
Change takes many forms. Sometimes we initiate the change ourselves; sometimes life throws us a curve ball. Some changes are welcome and positive; others are unwanted and devastating. Often these events seem to come out of nowhere and feel completely unmanageable as we struggle to regain our footing and some semblance of “normal.”
But, like great trees, humans can grow stronger when exposed to powerful winds. That’s easy to say, you may think, as you recall those who did not grow stronger but instead broke in the wind. How do you increase your inner strength and flexibility so that you not only survive the adversity but thrive? Here are several strategies that can help.
Take responsibility. Look at your role in the situation. Was the event, in fact, predictable? You may have had more control over the situation than you realized. At the same time, don’t take more responsibility than is warranted. And don’t confuse responsibility with blame. Be honest, but don’t point fingers, not even at yourself.
Be optimistic and think creatively. Trust that there’s a solution to every problem and let your mind soar. Approach the problem from new and different directions. Be open to testing a variety of solutions until you find the combination that works.
Have courage and speak up. Courage is taking action despite the fear you feel. If someone isn’t taking you seriously, speak up. Be your own advocate. Tell that person what you want and need. Don’t assume he or she “should know.”
Take the long view. Recall the times when you have overcome challenges. How did you do it? Who or what helped you? Who or what can help you this time? Learn from your past successes and apply those lessons as you create your future triumphs.
Maintain a sense of humour. There’s truth in the adage: “Laughter is the best medicine.” Even in the darkest of times, laughter can help ease the pain. During trying times it may be difficult to summon humour from within. That is the perfect time to borrow it from other sources. Watch hilarious movies, listen to stand up comedians, read your favourite comic strip, spend time with a playful friend, surf YouTube for amazing animal videos – anything that will tickle your funny bone.
Get support. No one can handle everything alone – nor should they. When you get that overwhelmed feeling, reach out. Ask for help. Even better, ask for it sooner – before overwhelm sets in. Support can come from many sources – family, friends, coworkers, coach, mentor, or counselor, to name only a few. When you reach out and let others help you, you’ll be amazed by how much better you feel.
Don’t quit. Persistence may be the greatest human quality that helps us overcome adversity. Draw inspiration from the great heroes of the world - Helen Keller, Maya Angelou, Nellie McClung - women who persisted despite the odds. And remember, you’re stronger and more resilient than you think.
You can’t avoid all of life’s surprises – nor should you try. But you can prepare for unexpected challenges by building your personal reserves. Accept that any change is a process and grant yourself permission to go through the emotional journey. Build up your support network with trusted allies. Pack your success toolkit with strategies that resonate with you. And know that you can triumph, even in turbulent times.
I invite you to share your thoughts on this topic. What strategies do you use to survive – and thrive – during turbulent times? To join the discussion, reply to this email or visit my blog.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sheila Betker is founder of Freedom to Dream, a company dedicated to connecting women with their true life’s purpose and helping them build the life of their dreams. To learn more about Sheila and to access great resources to help you live your life on purpose, Freedom to Dream.
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Sheila Recommends
“Peace is not something you wish for;
It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are,
And something you give away.”
- Robert Fulghum
Ten Millions Clicks for Peace
If you've ever wished you could do something about all the violence in the world but thought you were powerless, I found something you've got to see.
Notable people like Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, along with Arun Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Jack Canfield, Deepak Chopra, and many celebrities and sports legends endorse this project.
It's time to make a difference! People are saying enough's enough and I'm one of them...so I joined.
Ten Millions Clicks for Peace
Anyone can help promote peace with just a few clicks of their mouse. And it all makes sense. We don't need to wait for international negotiations. We can create peace ourselves--right now--using the power of the Internet.
The founders of Ten Million Clicks for Peace include an amazing tool, called a "Personal Peace Impact Meter." It shows you the positive difference you're making, along with simple steps to create more peace. I followed the steps, and my peace impact showed up instantly!
The very cool part about this meter is that it also shows all the positive effects of the people I tell, and the people they tell, and so on. Soon thousands of people will be taking positive steps towards greater world peace, all because of a few simple steps I took – and you can take, too. Awesome!
Their idea is simple... teach people all over the world how to become more personally peaceful, happier, and more successful, and violence will disappear. Countries filled with happy, peaceful people don't start wars or participate in violence.
To accomplish that, when you join Ten Million Clicks for Peace you get an incredible personal growth and success course (at no cost or obligation). Additionally, their website has many beautiful and inspiring resources for your own personal peace.
Make a difference. Join: Ten Million Clicks for Peace.
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A Few of My Favourite Things
Here are some resources I just love.
The Masters Gathering - The Masters Gathering is the largest movement in personal development ever. When you visit The Masters Gathering you'll discover how you can: start to see mini-miracles pop up everywhere; learn the methods that naturally trigger your desired behaviours; stay on track and motivated; and a ton more. I have seen a lot of their information and can assure you these folks are committed to bringing you incredible content that will transform your life.
The 11 Forgotten Laws - Every since watching the movie, The Secret, two years ago, I’ve been reading and learning everything I can about the Law of Attraction. However, the more I learned, the more I realized I was just scratching the surface of the topic. Now Bob Proctor and Mary Morrissey share new breakthrough teachings of the Law of Attraction and they teach you the 11 Forgotten Laws that makes the Law of Attraction an unbreakable force. Mastering these laws is the difference between surviving and thriving – getting by and getting rich. Use them to achieve your dearest goals.
Wonderful Web Women – Janet Beckers, founder of Wonderful Web Women, is on a mission to find the most successful women on the Internet, learn their secrets, and share those lessons with you. Janet has created an international community of thousands of women who help each other create their own success on-line. You will quickly see that this is one of the most generous programs available on the internet. My monthly membership fee is the one of the best investments I'm making in my company and me.
The Energetic Edge – Your environment could be sabotaging you and your success right now, and you wouldn't even know it. The Energetic Edge helps you understand why and gives you simple-to-implement Feng Shui strategies to improve the energy and dramatically increase your business success. I’ve had the pleasure of reading The Energetic Edge and can tell you first hand it is full of valuable strategies and suggestions. After implementing several of Linda’s suggestions, I can say with all confidence – you want to read this book and implement these strategies. Here’s to your success!
Life Transformation Tools – Do you have big dreams and are tired of taking two steps forward and three steps back...or no steps at all? Imagine being able to clear the beliefs, the fears and the patterns that stand in the way of feeling free, happy, joyful and completely alive. Stacey Mayo, the creator of the Life Transformation Tools program, is an incredibly knowledgeable and genuine coach and person. I am 11 months into the 12-month program and I highly recommend it. The tools that Stacey has shared have helped me over come fear, make significant progress in my business and improve my physical health, to mention just a few of the benefits I have personally received.
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About Sheila
Sheila Betker is founder of Freedom to Dream, a company dedicated to connecting women with their true life's purpose and helping them build the life of their dreams.
Sheila brings energy, experience and expertise to her coaching, writing and workshops. With over 15 years of experience in the personal development and organizational development fields, she has helped people as they explore career paths, enhance their personal excellence, and achieve their dreams.
For more resources to help you live your life on purpose, visit: http://freedom-to-dream.com
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The Freedom to Dream newsletter is written by Sheila Betker. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: Sheila@freedom-to-dream.com
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