The Power of Story

The Power of Story

2014-06-19 15.11.30 I recently had a positive experience that reinforced for me the power of story to connect us with others and more deeply with ourselves. The editor of F.I.N.E. Success Magazine emailed me after reading my story on this website. She contacted me about sharing the story with her readers, as she believed it would inspire them. Not long after, one of Vikki’s journalists interviewed me and asked questions about key learnings and achievements in my life. Here’s the link to the article on “Well-Balanced Living”. See pages 32 and 33 and click on a page to increase the font size:

http://issuu.com/finesuccess/docs/fine_success_magazine_-_june_2014/1?e=5615554/8148763

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that when we share our challenges and achievements they inspire others. Reviewing our lives and identifying key learnings and achievements helps us to learn more about who we are and what we are here to do in the world. It also enables us to identify and savour our accomplishments.

So next time your inner critic says “Don’t share that it’s boasting” or “What will people think?” ,  know that when you share your truths (e.g. challenges, learnings and achievements), people will connect with you and be inspired.

Have you shared your story with others? Do you recall how you felt when you first shared a “secret” aspect of your life and/or an accomplishment you were proud of? Did your inner critic “rear its head”? How did the person or group react when you shared your story?

I invite you to share your comments and insights below.

Are You Giving Too Much?

Are You Giving Too Much?

small__11354183834

The act of giving in and of itself is a positive experience. It makes us feel good when we share our gifts, talents, time … with others. That said, often as High Achieving Women we give too much. What are some signs that you are giving too much?

Are you feeling SOOO tired? Do you volunteer on a number of boards and/or committees and have little or no time for yourself? Are you always giving to others yet almost never reach out or ask for support? Do you crave some time to relax, reflect and just be?

I remember a time in my life when I would leave home at 7:30 am and return at about 11:30 pm most week-nights. My schedule was always full with a number of volunteer activities in addition to my full-time job. I would “hit the ground running” every day.

What happens when we give too much over time?

  • We have less patience with and tolerance of others
  • We become more reactive and less responsive in our interactions (e.g. we react to what people say rather than taking the time to thoughtfully respond)
  • We have low energy and feel tired on awakening
  • We become resentful and may feel like a victim; e.g. “I’m always helping Sue but she’s never there for me?
  • Over time we may “burn out” or suffer from an auto-immune disorder such as fibromyalgia

How can you start “receiving” and bring yourself more into balance? Here are some proven suggestions:

  • Treat yourself to a massage or bubble bath
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Treat yourself to a yoga class and be truly present during it
  • Reach out for support when you need it; e.g. “Honey do you mind driving the kids to school today? I have an important meeting and I’d like to get to work early to get ready for it.”
  • Meditate for at least 10 minutes everyday
  • Make a list of the volunteer activities you are involved in. Get clear on which one or ones are MOST important to you and why. Withdraw from the others to create more time and space for YOU
  • Sit down and make a list of at least 5 things you could do to nurture yourself. Begin integrating these into your life and notice how you feel.

Are you giving too much? What impact is your giving having on your body, mind and relationships at home and at work? I invite you to share your thoughts below.