Sharpening the saw

A few vacation scenes

Do you remember the parable about the woodcutter who had become totally exhausted by his work? He chopped furiously, unwilling to stop for a moment, in a frenzy to meet his quotas.

One day a stranger stopped and observed this frantic pace.  After a few moments, he asked the woodcutter if he could inspect his ax.  The stranger ran his finger along the dull blade and raised his eyebrows.  

"If you take a few minutes to sharpen your ax," he told the chaotic woodcutter, "the work will go much more quickly and easily."
 

"I can't," the agitated woodutter replied.  "I just don't have the time."

Sound familiar?

Are you cutting wood with a dull ax?  Could you move through your day with more efficiency and grace if you just took time to sharpen the ax?  

I was fortunate enough to take a vacation last week and as I return to my regular routine I'm reminded that sharpening our ax doesn't have to be a week away (how often do we get that luxury?).  It can be through exercise, meditation, healthy food choices or simply ten minutes a day of quiet.  Although I have a busy day today, I am planning to take a break a little later to read and enjoy a cup of tea this afternoon before I start my  Juniors class. Believe me, that 20 minute break can be a lifesaver!

Making time to sharphen the ax daily will hel pyou stay balanced and at ease no matter what your day may bring.

When we take time to do things which center and balance us on the inside the things on the outside flow much more easily. 

Shake what your mama gave you

After our zip lining adventure in September, Pina and I decided to bring it indoors for an adventure of a different type.  We headed to Xenia for an evening of Mediterranean food and Belly Dancing by the beautiful Tava.

I've taken Tava's Belly Dancing classes before so I knew were were in for a good show.

We sampled many different types of food (I even tried lamb for the first time believe it or not!) and we were swept away by the beauty and abandon of the dancing.  During the performance Tava pulled several women up to dance.  Even our waitress (who had also taken Tava's classes) joined in the fun.

Even though these women may not have had Tava's blingy costume (or her abs for that matter), they danced with confidence and grace.  They were not self conscious.  They were proud and simply inspiring. 

It was such a great reminder to "shake what your mama gave you!"

“Choose your attitude and your actions and boldy act!”

What keeps you from getting stuck in the mud?  Our Big Fish community is blogging about this topic this week. 

I love Lorin Beller's perspective - "The most frustrated people I know are not in action.  When we get stuck, we often try to think our way into action, but that just gets us even more stuck."  Yep, we've all been there!

Yesterday I spoke to the students at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy about what it's like to own a business.  At the end one of the students posed this question: " If you had everything  you ever knew about business erased from my mind and could only keep one thought, what would it be?"

Tough one!  

My answer was that you need to have passion to be an entrepreneur but you also must plan, plan, plan and be flexible enough to change the plan as needed. 

For me, planning helps keep me in motion. It is the first step to getting out of my head and taking action.  It keeps me engaged in Lorin's four steps for acting boldly:

DECIDE to act. 
DEFINE my goals. 
DEFY my fears. 
DO it.

Without planning  these steps would not be possible and I spend a lot less time spinning my wheels!

What keeps you out of the mud?

 

A look back - 20 years of dancing....and a whole lot more

This week I'm celebrating my 20th anniversary of becoming a Jazzercise instructor and franchise owner.  I never thought at age 24 that this choice would have become such an instrumental part of my life.

As I reflect back there are SO memories, but the legacy for me is all of the lives that have been impacted, in big and small ways.

Obviously sometimes it's an improvement in health or weight loss but many times it's an emotional transformation. Our bodies are a reflection of the life and attitude we create for ourselves and the biggest change is  when a person becomes confident in her body, and realizes all that she is capable of in every aspect of her life.  I am blessed to have witnessed all of these changes thousands of times over the years.

Just like I couldn't put just one class together of my favorite routines, I could never compile 20 years of memories in one simple list.  Yet, I felt an "anniversary blog" was in order.  So here are 20 highlights that come to mind ( in no particular order).

1. Taking my first Jazzercise class with my mom at the Ridgefield Boy's Club with my first instructor Jill
2. Teaching my very first class at the Fairfield Grace Methodist Church to a packed room.
3. Opening Day of the Jazzercise Fitness Center of Stamford on Hope Street
4. Teaching at the Tres Jazz Convention in New Orleans, as well as twice at the Providence Convention .What an honor to be chosen not to mention how much fun it is to be on the BIG stage!
5. Hosting Tim Roberts at my Center (twice!)
6. Traveling to Jazzercise conventions in Boston, Providence, Miami, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, New Orleans to dance and sweat with hundreds of other like-minded women (and men).  Truly exhilarating!
7. Being mentored by the fabulous Donna Duris and Chris Melfi Damon who taught me how to rock the stage.  No one better to learn from than these two!
8. Hosting a fundraiser for 22 families of firemen lost in September 11th.  In addition to the money we raised, having one of the Fire Chiefs who had lost several of his men attended the event in honor of his crew was a real highlight.  Plus a live performance by my friend Kevin Briody singing, The Parade,  with all of the instructors doing the final stretch which I choreographed  to his music.Not a dry eye in the house!
9. My impromptu Bachelorette party (organized by Kara) in Vegas.  A lot of firsts that night, but as you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
10. Spending an afternoon and evening in Kansas City with Jazzercise founder, Judi Shepard Missett (completely by accident!), including a little shopping, dinner and then having a drink while listening to jazz (her favorite of course!). 
11. Our Holiday performance show which featured the ladies from the Senior Center in Stamford, my elementary school Juniors, my  pre-teen class and a performance from our instructors.  Truly rewarding to see that joy through dance and movement IS for EVERYBODY.
12. Mentoring women (probably almost 20 over the years) to become instructors and to realize their potential, achieve a goal and overcome doubts about how great they can really be.  Watching THEM teach is the real gift for me.
13. Our first Susan Komen Fundraiser in 2000 with instructors from all over the area (Alicia, Lynn, Shannon, John, Mary, Deb, Chris, Donna...and who else?).  We raised over $17,000 that night for Breast Cancer.
14. Being inspired by Judi's keynote speech at the Elite Instructor Convention this spring, as well as watching 20 years of her visionary leadership.
15. Participating in countless community events, warm ups for charity walks, health fairs, fundraisers, auctions,
16. Appearing on T.V. on  12 on Health twice as the guest fitness expert (twice!).
17. Having my business story featured in Sixteen Weeks to Your Dream Business.
18. Most recently, being selected as a cover model for Healthy Life magazine in 2011
19. Working with my mom.  What could be better? She's funny, wields a mean Swiffer and is my best friend.   
20. Above all, the relationships created  through this experience have been the biggest blessing of my life.   Not only the friendships I have made, but the friendships I witness being made each day. We have seen each other through marriages, divorces, untimely deaths, health challenges, births, bad hair days and much more.   We are always there to share a hug or shake a hip. And that's what keeps me going.

How about you?  If you have a Jazz-er memory we shared (even if you weren't taking a class, but just remember something about the Jazzer-journey), please add your comment below.

As the cliche goes...... thanks for the memories!

Lessons among the trees

Just over a month ago, my pal Pina & I decided to adventure into the world of zip lining and outdoor adventure sports. 

We headed to Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center http://leadershipsports.com

Here we spent the afternoon traversing suspension bridges 40 feet in the air, climbing cargo nets up into the tree tops and zipping from tree to tree.

 As the name suggests, it was truly an empowering experience..

I definitely learned a few things whilst up in the trees during my zip lining adventure:

1) It's good to be spontaneous.  Pina & I did this on somewhat of a whim.  There wasn't too much advance planning, we saw the ad, acted and went.  Glad I didn't have too much time to think about it!

2) It's healthy to take positive risks.  All too often we get stuck in our comfort zone and it's important to take that leap (in this case literally) to get out of that trap.

3) It's important to challenge yourself physically. I learned that even despite my injuries and health issues over the past year, I am probably in better shape at age 44 than ever. 

 4) As the folks at Nike say....Just Do It. If I thought too much (or looked down too often), I wouldn't have gotten very far. 

Can you find me in the trees?

 5) Sometimes fears is more about what's in your head. If you had asked me beforehand, I probably would have said I'm afraid of heights.  But to be honest, I don't even really know if that's true.  It's just what's in my head.  We've all heard it before - fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Face your fear and you may find it's easier than you thought.

6) I have more strength and confidence than I think.   There are plenty of days when I doubt it, but our adventure showed me I am capable of even more than I thought. 

 

We did it!

What matters more – being kind or being right?

In terms of communicating and negotiating with a spouse or partner, kind will almost always serve you well. If my husband and I disagree, which thankfully doesn't happen too often, it's a case of "pick your battles."   Kindess usually wins.

However, as a step-mother of a 16 years old, choosing right is often necessary, for everyone's sake.

But what about in business?

This is the question Lorin Beller Blake of Big Fish Nation posed in her blog this week.

"I believe the most powerful person in the room is the one who can see all perspectives as possibilities rather than threats – the person who acts first to be kind rather than to be right.  Which person are you?? "

Yesterday I had lunch with one of my oldest and dearest friends.  She is also a successful entrepreneur (twice).  We were discussing this topic and she pointed out that our job in business is really to make the customer right.  Being kind is how you accept and honor another opinion.  And ultimately isn't that the kindest thing we can do for our customer and our business.  Besides, it is more fun to be kind. It is more fun to make other people feel validated rather than inferior. 

Let's be in the business of making the customer right. Who doesn't want that validation?  In fact, it just might bring you repeat business (or even better - referrals).  Then no only have I been kind, but I'm also happy.

And THAT feels RIGHT!

Why thank you.....

These flowers were a thank you from the beautiful Susanah

 

Over the past several weeks I have received some special compliments.  Maybe the planets are aligning in my favor or maybe I've decided to pay closer attention, to actually listen to them, appreciate them, savor them.

Usually if I have ten  positive things and one negative event or comment during the course of my day I go to bed dwelling on the one negative.

Anyone else do that?

So I'm making a conscious effort to change that.  And is that ever a work in progress!!

Reflecting back on these compliments brings a real smile to my face.  I'm not talking about run of the mill compliments on our outfit or shoes (although those are appreciated), but the things that really touch upon what's important to me.  Like how I am supportive as a friend (that was a very special conversation) and  how I have impacted lives through my business.  I am grateful to have recently received three beautiful cards from instructors I work with and several emails or conversations with customers which all touched my heart.  I even heard from two people recently how I have inspired someone through this blog (believe it or not) and one of those people I don't even know.  

I invited you to really listen to what is said to you today and hold on more tightly to the good stuff and loosen your grip on the rest.  And while you're at it, throw as many positive compliments out into the universe as possible.

Only good can come of it!

Standing together

I wanted to share this beautiful letter from our lovely customer, Susanah. I share it not only because I hope that those who are local will consider joining us on Saturday, but also as a testimonial to courage, strength and the power of community. 

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and on Saturday, October 2nd from 10:30 - Noon scores of Breast Cancer Survivors alongside their friends and families will stand in solidarity for those who have struggled with this disease that affects 1 in 8 women in America.  Mayor Michael Pavia and WABC-TV news commentator Bill Evans will be there as well.

Last year, we fell just a wee bit short in completing the Mile.  I am hoping to make "The Mile" (if not more) in 2010.

The event is taking place (right after Saturday's class) at Veterans Park, Atlantic Street, Stamford.

In addition to being an organizing member on the Paint The Town Pink Committee with the Bennett Cancer Center of Stamford Hospital, I am also a survivor and Jazzerciser.  My battle with cancer took place just a year ago and I am keenly aware of the many benefits I've reaped from attending Jazzercise:  The gradual strength that came back over time (my ability to graduate to a 7-lb. weight when the baby 1 lb. pink weights proved difficult last year) and the joy and solidarity that I've always felt being surrounded by "Real Women".  You have all touched me in ways large and small. 

Kristen, you know that we have our share of Breast Cancer Survivors in our Jazzercise classes.  Too many.

I want to dedicate this year's Mile Of Pink to one of "Our" members:  May Marie.

If anyone is unable to attend the Mile of Pink Event on Saturday due to prior commitments, I urge them to purchase a T-Shirt in the effort to help eradicate this disease from our community.  Wear the T-Shirt around Town during October.

Stand in the Mile Of Pink for Jazzercise.

Stand in the Mile of Pink for May Marie.

Love,
Susanah

Mums the word....

 

This lovely fall photo is from Carrie Leber from Bloomalicious.  I love getting her email newsletter because it's always full of juicy beautiful photos.   So I'm 'borrowing' this one, giving her the credit, and using it to kick off the spirit of fall which is right around the corner.


While I hate to see summer fade, I'm getting ready for fall stuff - like a bunch of mums for my front porch, pumpkin coffee,  golden leaves & cozy sweaters.  Fall is one of my absolute favorite things about living in New England.    My hubby even made this deliciously healthy soup today with butternut squash (another fall fave). Yum!


I'm reflecting on what my intentions and goals for fall.  In fact, I'm happy to report that my earlier post on personal September goals a few weeks ago is almost complete, as is my business list (which I didn't post.)    Although I'm still working on that visit with my nephew...


What are your favorite things about fall?  Time to get into the spirit!

Remembering...

Everyone will at some point tomorrow remember where they were, what they were doing, who they called first, who they hugged first.  We will remember and reflect and pray in our own different ways.

At the the time I was fortunate to be part of an international team at DaimlerChrysler Financial. Belonging to an international team added a perspective to this event and provided a sense of support beyond the boundaries of my own country.

I was also fortunate that  my company did everything possible to bring me home safely that week. A long trip from Prague, to Germany to Paris, became even longer when I heard the news while in flight heading to New York. 

There was a uniqueness being on an international flight and sharing this experience with so many non-Americans.  We were also initially removed from the horrific pictures and news accounts, as we remained on the plane until 9/12 and ultimately in the care of the Canadian Red Cross and Navy for several days following. 

While reflecting, I pulled out a folder of emails I received the days following from my colleagues from around the world.

This line came from my boss Stephen Jepsen of Berlin...

"So far as I see, nobody was able to go back to work today without the feeling that something fundamental had changed in our western world in seconds yesterday. ..and  that these buildings, symbols for freedom and pride, don't exist anymore."

 

9/11/01  From the plane window in St. John's Newfoundland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept. 11, 2001

Yes, something fundamental did change that day.  I hope that what we hold on to is the reminder of what's really important in life.  I believe that we can keep the kindness and courage that was shown during that time alive in our words and actions every day. 


The moment that will forever be burned in my memory is finally reaching US soil and seeing the American flag, the true symbol of our freedom and pride, flying brightly.

Guest Blogging

I'm the guest blogger today for Here's to Life Now.

Thanks Susan for the opportunity and a special shout out to the fabulous Heidi and inspirational Anna for their input. http://herestolifenow.com/blog

Read on for thoughts on staying motivated.

Get Entrepreneurial with your Life!

As an entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time on business planning. It's essential to be focused and organized when running your own business.  This way things don't fall through the cracks and I don't get to the end of the quarter wondering where the time went or what happened to the bottom line.  

I also make sure I spend time on the various aspects of business like marketing, PR, staff development, customer relations, promotions, and much more.   If I only concentrated on one area, it wouldn't be a very healthy business. 

I use the same approach with my personal life.  It helps me stay balanced and give energy to what's important in my life.

I decided to to share an example, so here's what's on tap for September....

• 
  
  Solve the water issue in the basement (the joys of home ownership!)
• Do a detox (this is so important for your health plus a great idea to do seasonally. I'm kicking it up a notch this time)
• Plan a Chick Flick Night with my girl friends to see "Eat Pray Love"  (girlfriend time is key)
• Find & register for a class to take this fall - so far I have my eye on Italian Cooking or Wine & Cheese Pairings  (I'm always up for learning new stuff)
• Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen  (giving back is important to me, so I always make time for it)
• Visit my nephew in NJ (oh, and my brother & sister-in-law too)
• Play golf with my hubby (gotta have those dates!) 
• Entertain (this is something I love to do and a great way to stay connected; last month it was a big bash, this month a small family get together)
• Get a massage  (I used to think this was a luxury, but there are many affordable options - look for deals on Local Ginger, Living Social and Spa Finder Deal Days, plus the CT School of Massage offers a very low priced massage to give students practice time - but trust me you'll still reap the benefits)
• Clean out my dresser & chest of drawers  (I'm on a kick to purge and clean out)
• Participate in a Reiki Share (I love giving, &a getting, a session every month; energy is powerful)
• Plan something nice for my mom's birthday (ssshh)  (need I elaborate on this one?)

Of course, just like entrepreneurial life, it's important to make a plan and be flexible enough to change the plan when necessary. 

Finally, create a way to be accountable.  I have Mastermind partners that keep me accountable in my business.  For my personal goals, well, I've just posted them here, I'd say that's definitely putting it out there! I'll be sure to let you know how I do.


So, to recap here's how to get 'entrepreneurial' with your life:

• Plan
• Keep the plan balanced and varied
• Be flexible enough to change it if necessary
• Find a way to be held accountable

Now it's your turn. Create accountability by sending me your ideas for the coming month!

Now it's off to meet with the Roto Rooter man to work on item #1.

Making a difference for good

I received the quote below in an email newsletter and it echoes a sentiment I truly believe.

It is not by accident that the happiest people are those who make a conscious effort to live useful lives. Their happiness, of course, is not a shallow exhilaration where life is one continuous intoxicating party.

Rather, their happiness is a deep sense of inner peace that comes when they believe their lives have meaning and that they are making a difference for good in the world.
- Ernest A. Fitzgerald


It also happened to fit with my day today. Today' was Soup Kitchen Day and I spent time at the  Norwalk Emergency Shelter  volunteering at the Soup Kitchen along with some ladies from my church, my mom and friend/customers Sandra. I've been going there for about nine years and really can say I feel like I've seen it all there!

There have been plenty of heartbreaking scenes and stories, and even though I know they'll never be reading my blog, out of respect, I won't share them. But there have been lots of laughs as well. The real message though, is that as much as I think I'm making a difference for good in the world, I get a lot back in return.

Each time I leave there grateful for the blessings in my life and hopeful that I've contributed something positive to the world.

How will you make a difference for good today?

Authentic Friendship

The last time my friend Beth and I got together was at her wedding three years ago. Before that it was another four years prior at my wedding.

Our friendship now spans 40 years. We've evolved through Barbies, bras, report cards, mortgages, recitals and career changes. During the course of our friendship I think we've lived in a combined total of eight states.

We met recently for lunch, margaritas and shopping when she drove down from LA to meet me while I was vacationing in San Diego. We picked right up where we left off.

We always do.

That is one sure fire sign of an authentic friendship. In catching up, the conversation is immediately real. We do not try to paint a perfect picture of our lives. We do not give all glowing reports about how wonderful everything is, like a Norman Rockwell Christmas letter (you know the ones!). 

We don't need to, because we know better.

Sometimes people put so much energy into projecting a particular image, they may miss out on an truly authentic relationship, conversation or moment.

I am grateful for true friendship and I know authentic friendship, like I share with Beth, is a gift.

It is good to be reminded of this, and so when we said good-bye, we agreed not to let another three years pass.

Change of plans & taking a break

I'm getting ready to head to the West Coast for some fun, so I definitely have play time on the brain right now.

I also had the rest of August pretty well mapped out, but had a big unexpected change in plans.


As the saying goes the best laid plans...


And now I have to be open & flexible to a change in plans for now (ooh, how I hate that!)


So, other than work, I'm faced with a fairly blank slate for a change. Rather than be frustrated (ok, I'm a little frustrated). I decided to embrace the change to take a break, maybe even play a little more.


In writing this I googled Taking a Break (actually I was just looking for a photo to use for this post, but nevertheless...) What did we ever do before Google?

I came up with this information on About.com .

Ten Tips for Taking a Break from Life

If you feel like you can hardly remember the last time you took a break, check the following ten tips to taking a break from life, reality and yourself. You are guaranteed to start to feel rejuvenated, revitalized and ready to take a real break sometime soon.

1. Make a shopping trip especially for something new to wear which is bright, colorful and just perfect for breaks and vacations. Then leave right away and enjoy your purchase.
   
   
2. Take a break from skipping lunch at work and making do with eating fast food. Instead, eat something simple, colorful, fun, exotic or with wild flavors and textures. Enjoy!
   
   
3. Take one day out of your life and vow not to say a single word. Relax, enjoy the peace and silence.
   
   
4. Take a break from routine. Drive to work a different way. Break your usual daily habits. Expect the very best all day and be ready for the unexpected.
   
   
5. Dream a dream of your perfect break or vacation. Promise to put a little money aside regularly to make it happen. You'll be amazed of how easy and painless it is to do.
   
   
6. Take a break from life as you know it by sitting down and being still for ten minutes. Close your eyes and relax. Let your thoughts come and go. Focus on your breathing. Allow your body to relax and your mind soar.
   
   
7. Take a break from the image that you have of yourself and the image that you project. Just let yourself be whoever you feel like being in the moment. Give yourself permission to be you.
   
   
8. Make a regular practice of stopping whatever you are doing and checking in with yourself to feel how, who and where you are in the moment.
   
   
9. Take a break from reality. Look at a simple object, a flower, a tree, or a building. Imagine you are looking at it as if for the very first time.
   
   
10. Take a break from barriers and boundaries. Do something you did not know you could. Overcome your fear and amaze yourself.

It gave me some good ideas and challenged me to come up with some of my own. While I'll still be working, I've decided not to work quite so much during the rest of August, and play a little bit more. Now I'm looking for some creative ideas and maybe some company too.


Anyone up for a play date?

No regrets: An anniversary & inspiring video

This past Saturday, July 31s,t marked eight years since my departure from corporate America. I traded heels, a good benefits package and cubicles for the unpredictable challenging entrepreneurial life.

I can't say it's always been the easiest road, but it was definitely a leap of faith. Single at the time, with a Fairfield County size mortgage, I made the choice to follow my passion.

Why?

I choose to live with no regrets.

My story was featured in Sixteen Weeks to Your Dream Business (McGraw Hill) and I am still proud of my choice.




What choice can you make to ensure you live without regret? It doesn't have to be a dramatic change, and it certainly doesn't mean a job change or giving up a really nice salary (unless that's what you want). But it should be a choice that never once leaves you pondering the question why didn't I ?

And if you need a little extra inspiration, this woman says it best.