February 2017 - In This Issue:
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WHERE IS THE LOVE?
What would you do if you noticed that the love scale on your dashboard had diminished within the span of a few weeks?

That is what happened to me. In late October I started to plan a six-week workshop based on the book, Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans. I took myself through each of the exercises in the book. One of the first is to complete a simple self-assessment of how you are feeling in four areas of your life (Work, Play, Love, Health).

At that time, I rated "Love" as 90% and my broad definition included love of life, love of myself, my husband, our cat, our families and friends.
Fast forward to January 26th when I completed the dashboard again as part of the "Designing Your Encore" workshop I am leading. To my surprise, the gauge on my "love" category had dropped to nearly 50%. What happened? Where is the love now?

I have been deeply affected by the current political climate. I feel a deep sadness in my core at how some in our country are willing to shut our doors to those in need. Where is the love for the family who desperately wants to come to this country to escape war and starvation? Where is the love for the teenager who has lived in the United States her entire life and wants to continue her education and not be deported?

How do I carry on and not become overwhelmed by the daily news? How do I show love and compassion for myself and others? We all have to find our own balance and make our own choices.

This is what I have chosen. I just completed the volunteer training program for VITA (Volunteer Instructors Teaching Adults). Soon I will begin tutoring either an adult who wants to learn to read or a non-native English speaker. I am looking forward to learning with whom I'll be matched.

I am continuing to work with my coaching clients and lead workshops with a renewed sense of purpose and compassion. I am taking walks, meditating, dancing, listening with compassion and deciding each day how I will live a life filled with love.

How about you? Where is your love?

Lagniappe

The Black Eyed Peas - Where Is the Love

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." The Dali Lama XIV
Inspired thinking
WORKSHOPS
This workshop is for those who want to explore their next chapter. Perhaps you are considering making a job or career change and are not sure what that might look like. Or, you might want to add some spice to your life. Have you considered volunteering or adding a new activity to your life but are not sure what or how? Spring is a time of renewal. This workshop will help you envision your next steps.

We will dive into fun and engaging thought exercises, discussion, and discovery to help you design and build your life.
 
Six-week workshop series, 2 hours per session, $120 for series.

Tuesdays, 6 - 8pm
March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 25, 2017 (Note: we will skip April 18) 

The workshop uses as its framework the book, Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans.

Some of the questions we will answer in the workshop include:
  • What's next for me in my work/life?
  • What action might I take to kick my life up a notch?
  • How may I make a larger contribution in my community/state/the world?
  • How do I meet people who might be interested in my ideas or from whom I may learn?
In a small group, we'll explore these questions and more. We will have fun. We will be inspired and challenged. We will be curious together. The experience just might change your life.
 
Please contact Sue with questions and to register. The Lafayette, LA address will be provided after you register.

If you prefer a daytime workshop, please let Sue know as she will be offering additional workshops soon.

Photo of Sue Schleifer
COACHING AND CONSULTING SERVICES

Would you like someone to listen to you deeply, with compassion, and with questions that will break open understanding and new perspectives?

Would you like a partner to help you develop practices to live a healthy, creative, and vibrant life?

Would you like to feel greater satisfaction in your work life but are not sure how to make that happen?

Perhaps you want to develop better communication strategies with your team or learn how to apply the ideas of  Conversational Intelligence in your work or organization?

Contact me for a complimentary consultation to learn how we might work together for your success and happiness.
 
Cultivating a Mindful Life book cover
The Key to the Castle
BOOKS

Both books are available for purchase from Amazon and Smashwords and other digital download sites.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Sue Schleifer 
Oak Communications Coaching and Consulting
acorns with sprouts
CUSTOMIZED COACHING AND CONSULTING SERVICES NATIONWIDE