Helene Lerner's Blog, page 127

A Holiday Wish from Our Community

We asked our Facebook community, "If you were able to grant a magical wish to people on this planet, what would that be?" Here are some of their wonderful responses:

Vicki Walkden: The understanding of how powerful our thoughts are so people can consciously create more love and peace everywhere.

Laura Newberry: No illness. No overthinking brains...Present moment for all (power of now).

Linda Morales: Peace and joy!

Sherri Bach Ferguson: A cure for cancer.

Julie Jakopic: Peace. And chocolate.

Jolly Singh: Health and happiness...that covers everything.

Heather Palleiko: That no one would go hungry.

Dionne Dent-Lockett: An end to poverty.

Ronna Whitaker: A stress free life for all of us.

Alyson Miller-Greenfield: To end all suffering (I wish - and DREAM - big!)

Shari Greer: That no child would ever face gunfire.

Michele Cundiff Olson: Peace , love, & happiness always!

Vanessa Stitz: That every child gets to experience real love (and all of Maslow’s Hierarchy needs) and secure boundaries before they leave home into adulthood.....because that is where true kindness for each other begins.

Genny Jones: Good health for all!

Brittany Small: A cure for illness.

Kim Nichols: Equality for all.

Romy Moodley: Love and respect for all living things!

Maria V. Torres: That no child would go without food or shelter.

Dimple Israni: An end to the domination of women...equality is must.

Sue Ratkiewich: That everyone would have a comfortable home, great family and friends and enough money to be comfortable for the rest of their lives. One can always dream!

Lauriänn Artress: Peace within themselves.

Theresa Johnson: Good health.

Tammy Sprague-Hardiman: For everyone to recognize and appreciate diversity and to then just move the heck on with life and let everyone live theirs.

Terrie Hofmaister: That everybody would love each other, no matter the race.

Amela Sandra Tavares: Peace. Food. Clean Water. Shelter. Love. Health. Happiness. All of this in one package of a magical wish called: A Good Life!

Sue Cressy Hurrell: Great health.

Bonnie Cehovet: Self-discovery.

Amy Barber: Love, wisdom and health.

Kwame Whyte: Peace and equality; no class distinction.

Holiday Snack Recipe from Gina Neely

Gina's recipes have been so popular--and we have another one for you, just in time for the holidays! It makes a great snack to tide over your guests while the meal is being prepared! And Gina suggests filling attractive mason jars with the leftovers, tying a ribbon around them and giving them away as gifts or party favors.

Ancho-Spiced Nuts

Everybody likes something to munch on for extra energy, or to accompany that glass
of wine earned by a day of unpacking! You may think you'll never find ancho-chile
powder, but McCormick packages it, and it is readily available at most grocery
stores. It's really important to keep the heat on low in this recipe, because the nuts
and spices are inclined to get too brown.

Makes 2 cups

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup pecans
1 cup cashews
2 teaspoons light-brown sugar
2 teaspoons ancho-chile powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Stir in the nuts, the sugar, and the spices, and toast them together for about 6 minutes. Transfer to a sheet tray, and cool completely.

What to do to Keep Your Passion for Your Job

Even if you love your job, there will be times when it feels routine. And there might be disappointing setbacks tha tmake you feeld discouraged. Here are some suggestions on how to hold onto your passion for your work.

Make a list of all your successes.  The human mind is great at focusing on failures; however, remembering and acknowledging past successes ignites the inner fire to keep going.
Ask yourself, what is that one thing you do so well that no one else in your life can do?  Begin by taking an inventory of your strengths or interview people who believe in you and ask them what they see in you?
Look at failures as a milestone for gaining wisdom.  Experience is a wise teacher, instead of judging failures, look at the big picture on how they have shaped you.  
Create ways to be inspired, through books, hobbies, connecting with nature etc.  Insulate yourself from day to day stresses and learn to detoxify through inspiration.  Learning and reading about inspirational leaders who succeeded against all odds is of great help. 
Create and visualize an enticing vision for yourself.  This is a great technique to provide direction to the mind. Small visions provided over time enhance self-image and self-confidence.  
Make time to daydream—this, along with inquisitiveness and curiosity—is what made childhood so captivating. It will keep you moving towards success.  
Believe in yourself. Your belief system is the force that will move mountains in the face of obstacles.      
Honor yourself and have fun.  Self criticism is the number one block in achieving success.  Catch yourself in the act of winning and pat yourself on the back.  Continue to boost yourself and honor the person you are. 

-Neerja Bhatia
Transformational Leadership Coach & Author
Founder, Rhythm of Success
www.rhythmofsuccess.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/neerjaarorabhatia

Qualities of Successful Women: Paula Finn

You’re on a journey no one else will travel and no one else can judge—a path of happiness and hurt, where the challenges are great and the rewards even greater…a journey where each experience will teach you something valuable and you can’t get lost, for you already know the way by heart.

You’re on a journey that is universal yet uniquely personal, and profound yet astonishingly simple—where sometimes you will stumble and other times you will soar. You’ll learn that even at your darkest point you can find a light—if you look for it. At t he most difficult crossroad, you’ll have an answer—if you listen for it. Friends and family will accompany you part of the way, and you’ll walk the rest by yourself…but you will never be alone.

Travel at your own pace. There’ll be time enough to learn all you need to know and go as far as you’re meant to go. Travel light. Letting go of extra baggage will keep your arms open and your heart free to fully embrace the gifts of the moment.

You may not always know exactly where you’re headed, but if you follow the desire of your heart, the integrity of your conscience, and the wisdom of your soul…then each step you take will lead  you to discover more of who you really are, and it will be a step in the right direction on your journey to success.

-Paula Finn
Writer

Excerpted from The Essence of Success: Words to Encourage Every Woman's Path to Success. SPS Studios, Inc., 2013.

Why Our Own Self-Care Needs to be Top of the List

One of the ways we disempower ourselves is to focus on others to the point of neglecting ourselves. Women have traditionally been nurturers, and it is natural for many of us to give, but the problem arises when we take this to the extreme—taking care of our families, bosses, and co-workers and not taking equal time to replenish ourselves. (Some of us even feel selfish when we take time out of our busy schedules to meet our own needs.)

Endless doing for others for others robs us of our power. In a culture that praises doers, many of us feel uncomfortable just resting and relaxing. Our power lies in our ability to give ourselves the care we would give other people. And, ironically, when we take care of ourselves in this way, the people around us also get our very best.

-Helene Lerner

Excerpted from The Essence of Success: Words to Encourage Every Woman's Path to Success. SPS Studios, Inc., 2013.

 

Qualities of Successful Women: Rebecca Shambaugh

Knowing yourself first and then having the focus, courage and commitment to take action toward your goals is the key to success, as well as to satisfaction and fulfillment.

However, let me emphasize that there is not always a linear path to success, even when you know your goals and have your roadmap charted out.

This is why it’s so critical to be aware of the person you are—your core values, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses. You need that self-knowledge to navigate the twists, bumps, and detours you’ll no doubt encounter along the way.

-Rebecca Shambaugh
President and CEO, Shambaugh Leadership

Excerpted from The Essence of Success: Words to Encourage Every Woman's Path to Success. SPS Studios, Inc., 2013.

 

How to Get Closer to Achieving Your Goals

It was the summer of 2005 when I was experiencing some doubts about being a published author. In my vulnerable state I reached out to my coach. I asked her if I had what it takes to be a writer and to my surprise she said she would get back to me in a week or so.  Disappointed and disheartened, I shared the response with my husband.  He immediately responded, "Has your coach published a book?" I said, "No." He advised, "Well then, get back to writing, you have a lot to accomplish!"

As I reflect back, my coach was mirroring my own doubts and fears, whereas my husband was mirroring my deep conviction of sharing my writing with the world.
 
Gaining the courage to take a bold action becomes easier by surrounding yourself with those who believe in you beyond a shadow of a doubt. And becoming aware of your own vulnerabilities as well as your strengths.

-Neerja Bhatia
Transformational Leadership Coach & Author
Founder, Rhythm of Success
www.rhythmofsuccess.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/neerjaarorabhatia

Qualities of Successful Women: Sheryl Sandberg

I do not believe that there is one definition of success or happiness. Not all women want careers. Not all women want children. Not all women want both. I would never advocate that we should all have the same objectives. Many people are not interested in acquiring power, not because they lack ambition, but because they are living their lives as they desire. Some of the most important contributions to our world are made by for one person at a time. We each have to chart our own unique course and define which goals fit our lives, values, and dreams.

 

-Sheryl Sandberg
COO, Facebook

 

Excerpted from The Essence of Success: Words to Encourage Every Woman's Path to Success. SPS Studios, Inc., 2013.

 

MythBusters' Kari Byron on Creativity & Science Education

We recently spoke with Kari Byron, co-host of the Discovery Channel's hit show MythBusters. The show, which tests the validity of urban legends and movie myths, has come to represent the importance of scientific learning and education. And it gives Kari an opportunity to put both her interst in science and her talent as an artist and sculptor to use. Here's what she had to say.

Your background is in art and film. What initially sparked your interest in a creative career?

I've always enjoyed being creative. I remember my dad used to draw little ships on the ocean. I’d watch him doodle them when he was the phone, and I started copying what he did. When I was seven or eight, I would take old pantyhose and sew them into dolls. Later, I became interested in special effects. I’d see something like the making of Thriller and I’d think, that just looks awesome.

Was there anyone early on who supported your goals?

My parents were very encouraging. They never downplayed or said anything negative about whatever I was pursuing with art or other goals. Around Halloween time, I used to tear up our house and turn our front yard into a giant, crazy, decorated monstrosity—and they didn’t make me stop.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your career?

I’ve had such a wealth. Talking to parents who say the show has helped their kids find an interest in science really touches me. At first, having them call me a role model was really intimidating because I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I was just having fun. But now that I have a daughter, I will happily accept the title. And it’s amazing to meet people who tell me we’ve encouraged them to build careers in scientific fields.

                                     
Who have been your mentors?

The general manager at Science Channel, Debbie Meyers, has been an amazing mentor for me. The fact that she’s a woman in charge--in science entertainment--has made her a great role model. When I met her at a party for Discovery, I thought she was incredible and had a lot of passion. I still email her and ask, “Hey, just curious, what would you do in this situation?”

                                         
Your daughter is four years old. Why do you think it’s important for girls to get involved in STEM careers?

It’s crucial to have diversity to solve the big questions and the problems in any field. It’s not just about gender—you want as many diverse backgrounds as possible working towards a solution. I also host the show Head Rush, and one of its goals is getting girls—and all kids—interested in science.

-Sarah Cooke

Job Making You Angry? Get Control Today

We’ve all experienced situations at the office that make us angry. But anger has both destructive and creative energy.  A good way to gauge the energy of anger is by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Do I view this situation at work as an opportunity or an obligation?

2.    Do I feel as if I’m “in the flow” or overwhelmed?

Opportunity and flow are creative qualities whereas obligation and overwhelm are destructive qualities. When obligations are weighing you down and you find yourself feeling angrier than you’d like to on a regular basis, finding a small amount of time each day to access your passion within will impact your mindset tremendously.  The key is to engage in an activity you are passionate about, something that gets you in the flow. This will boost your mood and give you more energy to complete your tasks at work.

The fire is within you, how you use and direct your fire is up to you. 

How will you use your fire today?

-Neerja Bhatia
Transformational Leadership Coach & Author
Founder, Rhythm of Success
www.rhythmofsuccess.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/neerjaarorabhatia