"LIFE IN A WORD"

The Word is FUN

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "what provides amusement or enjoyment"

Posted 8/8/22

Two things I have recently taken note of:

1. The summer of 2022 is flying by and

2. The world around us is still somewhat of a mess

So I decided to consciously turn off the noise, take advantage of the outdoors, and search for some good clean fun before the summer comes to an end.

What I landed on was the latest craze - Pickleball. Although it carries, what some might call, a silly name it seems to appeal to every generation and population. A few stories are floating around about how the game got its name. I liked the one that says one of the founders had a dog named Pickles who liked chasing balls. Fact? Fiction? Who knows for sure, but it delivered on my search for something fun. What I like more is the fact that this new sport (a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong) brings people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill sets together to play a game, learn from each other, and most importantly, to have fun.

My Story on Fun

My story begins on a Tuesday morning in July when I visited the recently built Pickleball courts, conveniently located just five minutes from my home. People all around me had been participating in this game for a few years, so when invited by a friend to watch him play, I accepted. Within minutes of my sitting on the courtside bench, a woman sat next to me, and we started talking. I explained that I was there as a spectator, seeking to satisfy my curiosity about the game. She voluntarily began teaching me the basics of Pickleball, the serve, the meaning of the lines, the scoring, and some basic strategies. A few minutes later, someone I hadn’t seen in years, overheard us talking and generously invited me to borrow one of her Pickleball paddles and play! “Nothing like just getting out there and doing it”, she said. Since I have enjoyed playing tennis, badminton, and ping pong over the years, I was all in. Within half an hour of my spectator status, I found myself on a court with three other ladies (only one of whom I knew) playing Pickleball. I had done some reading on the game the night before so I had some sense of what they were instructing me to do. They were patient and shared their insights. In no time at all, I was returning balls and scoring points. Amazing!

So what’s the point of bringing Pickleball into my blog on fun? The point is I see it as an example of what happens when people find common ground and work together. Random acts of kindness (welcoming someone new to the game), educating someone through sharing of information (or a paddle), and inclusion (inviting them to play) might be the best antidote to some of the messes in our world. So I invite you to think about how you might help make someone else’s life better and in the process maybe even have a little fun.

Here’s to Pickles, where ever you are. Thanks for putting some fun in my life as I spend the rest of the summer of 2022 chasing balls, just like you!

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If you (or someone you know) are looking to add something positive to your life, it might be time to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you'll reach out to me. As your coach, we will work together to figure it out. I offer a free one hour consultation to get things started. Please email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com or go to the Contact Page on this website to schedule your appointment. Thank you.

"Life In A Word"

The Word Is: SATISFIED

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: pleased or content with what has been experienced or received

Posted 7/17/22

(Note: I wish it was, but this is not my kitchen)

With all the chaos and uncertainty in the world today, wouldn’t it be nice to find something to feel satisfied with at the end of your day? Going to sleep with a sense of satisfaction is a mindful action I highly recommend. It might even inspire sweet dreams.

My Story on Satisfied

I have a habit of never leaving anything out of place in my kitchen overnight. I fold the dish towels and put them neatly on my countertop. I position the small clay vase on my kitchen table, equidistant from left to right and head to foot. If there are papers on the table, I make one neat pile. Every chair is securely tucked under the kitchen table, and I would never leave a dish or pot in the sink overnight. Is this compulsive behavior? Not really, it takes less than a minute and I see it as more of a habit than anything else. I like to go to sleep knowing the kitchen is clean and neat. Do I do this in every room? Not necessarily, but because I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it provides me with a sense of satisfaction at the end of a long day.

STARTING your day feeling satisfied is just as important as ending it that way, which brings to mind the “four corner, bounce a quarter off the sheet bed-making ritual” the military carries out daily. I heard that by making a perfect bed, soldiers start their day having set the tone for success. Other explanations include the satisfaction of efficiency, uniformity, and teamwork. I'm going to emphasize it's a simple way of starting the day off with a feeling of satisfaction.

So let's review this for a minute. At the end of each day, I feel satisfied when I straighten up my kitchen. Some in the military feel satisfied at the beginning of their day after making their four-square bed. These are not big things. They are simply pieces of the day that deliver satisfaction.

What gives you a feeling of satisfaction? If you don't think you can come up with something I encourage you to engage in this short exercise. I do this with my 90-year-old mom all the time. I ask her to tell me three things she liked about her day. My mom will often say that she felt good after her physical therapy session because she's getting stronger. Sometimes she'll say she liked what she had for dinner. And often- times, she'll say that seeing me was something she liked most about her day. Satisfaction need not come from some grandiose event. It's the simple day-to-day pieces that can satisfy. Our job is to draw them out. I truly believe if you try this exercise, no matter how bad your day might have been, revisiting the good stuff will make a difference and maybe even set the tone for the next day.

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If you or someone you know is having a hard time finding satisfaction either at the beginning of or at the end of the day, it might be time to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you’ll reach out to me. I offer a free one-hour consultation. To schedule an appointment please email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com

"LIFE IN A WORD"

The Word is "TEARS"

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: drops of clear saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland and diffused between the eye and eyelids to moisten the parts and facilitate their motion. A secretion of profuse tears that overflow the eyelids and dampen the face

Posted 7/7/22

I find myself living in survivor mode some days. So I'm writing this blog because I need a break. I need to turn away from the news and flashback to better days, days before the world became so angry and polarized. Today I choose to share stories flowing with tears of joy. I hope they will inspire you to do the same because it's very likely that you could use a break too.

My Story on Tears

Tears of New Life

My son turned 38 last week. Come with me as I flashback to the sound of his first cry. It’s a moment I will never forget. My body and mind relaxed because I knew that sound meant my son was breathing on his own and that shortly I would be holding him in my arms. The connection and the love I felt were instantaneous. My smile was wide and my tears of joy were overflowing. My dad shared an expression that fit that moment and many other happy moments since. He said, “there are times when you smile so hard your jaw begins to hurt! And it's a good hurt". We would look at each other and laugh because we both knew that feeling well.

Tears of Laughter

My next story takes place at a Cheech and Chong concert. The comedic twosome searched for an audience participant and landed on me. Now, if you know Cheech and Chong's comedy, you might remember that they were notorious for putting audience participants on the spot in the most embarrassing of ways. I’ll leave it to your imagination as to what antics they put me through. However, I am happy to share that I was extremely grateful to be there with a friend and not my parents. They had the audience and I laughing so hard that our tears carried throughout the concert hall.

Sweet Tears of Pride

I was bursting with pride and the tears streamed down my face when, of all things, my kids graduated pre-school. The teachers took great care when creating a video filled with playful moments from years gone by. They also took extreme care matching their video to a song that would bring everyone attending the graduation to tears. In this case, the video played to the music of Whitney Houston singing 'The Greatest Love'. If you’ve forgotten the words, let me start you off with the first few lines. You might just want to have a tissue handy if you listen to the entire song by Whitney. I've provided the link below.

“ I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children's laughter remind us of how we used to be.”

Link to "The Greatest Love" sung by Whitney Houston: https://youtu.be/IYzlVDlE72w

I hope my stories bring a smile to your face and possibly a few sweet tears to your eyes. But mostly I hope they inspire you to remember some of your special moments. Take the time to smile, laugh, and embrace the joy of happy tears streaming down your face again. Maybe we will all fare better by taking a break every once in a while.

If you want to make your life better, sometimes all it takes is the right word to focus on. If you need help finding joy it might be time to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you'll reach out to me.

Please email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com for a free one-hour consultation. Thank you.