Cheryl Richardson's Blog, page 51

Week 26 – Change how you see and the whole world changes

This morning, I sat on a stool in my bathroom for almost thirty minutes watching my cat, Poupon, study the faucet on our tub.

Just before I walked into the room, he somehow managed to turn the knob just enough for the handheld shower to slowly drip, drip, drip water into the tub below. By the time I arrived, he was sitting on the windowsill next to the faucet, trying to figure out where the water was coming from.

As I sat staring at Poupon, I was taken by his intense curiosity, his precise, p...

Week 25 – What’s in your wallet?

One night last week I had a vivid dream that my pocketbook was stolen at a party. It was a business event held in a public building and when I entered the space I placed the bag on a sofa and went to get a drink. Not five minutes later, when I returned to the sofa, the pocketbook was gone.

I couldn’t believe I was foolish enough to leave the bag unattended. I searched everywhere and when it was obvious that someone had picked it up, I also started beating myself up for not updating the list I...

Week 24 – Why you might want to climb a mountain

Last week I spent two days at Acadia National Park hiking with my friend, Melissa. We began our journey on the Ocean Path, a gorgeous trail that took us along the rocky coast of Maine. The smell of damp earth, balsam fir, seaweed, and ocean air was heavenly not to mention listening to the crashing waves, and birdsong as we walked and talked for hours.

My love of hiking was inspired by two women I wrote about in 2013. Here’s what happened…

My sister Kerri invited me to attend a lecture at a lo...

Week 23 – What do you live for?

During the next month I’m finishing up the final edits for my book and have decided to replay a blog to save my hands from typing . I did a random scroll and landed on this one from November, 2011. Enjoy…

~*~*~*~

This morning I made myself a cup of tea and settled on the sofa to have a look through old episodes of Charlie Rose. I found an interview with Joan Didion, author of A Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights. As I watched their conversation unfold, Charlie asked this acclaimed writ...

Week 22 – Don’t put a Band-Aid on a wound that needs surgery.

Nearly two years ago, Michael and I went to a beautiful, seaside wedding off the coast of Maine. Our friends had chosen the most spectacular setting on a bay overlooking islands, ferry boats, and late night fireworks.

During the ceremony, as Michael and I listened to the vows the bride and groom had written for each other, I was transported back in time to our own outdoor wedding seventeen years earlier.

I smiled to myself as I recalled the memory of that day.

Hearts filled with good intentio...

Week 21 – Life hacks, time savers, and a gift that might belong to you!

Earlier this year, I shared the story of learning just how easy it could be to refill the soap dispenser built in to our kitchen sink. As a result, I received lots of replies from people who were grateful to know they no longer had to crawl under the sink . In the spirit of sharing good news, I thought I’d offer a few more tips and one great product I’ve found that I think you’ll love.

Here goes…

First of all, one of my readers responded to the soap dispenser story with her own discovery. Did...

Week 20 – How to get a Masters in the School of Life

This week I’m sharing a commencement address I delivered a few years ago, in honor of graduation week. The lessons are just as relevant today. Please feel free to share it with the graduates in your life.

Dear Class,

For the last twenty years I’ve worked as a coach helping people to create great lives. I’ve guided artists, entrepreneurs, corporate employees, moms and dads through the process of identifying what really matters and I’ve held them accountable as they take steps to honor their va...

Week 19 – Are you a good mother to yourself?

This morning I’m heading out to visit my mom. My sisters and I are taking her to see the movie, Mother’s Day, with Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts, and I’m looking forward to laughing and having some fun.

Since it’s Mother’s Day here in the states, I thought I’d remind you of what it means to be a mature and healthy mother to yourself.

You know you’re on the right track when…

~*~ You stop making excuses for doing what you want to do. You let your desire be enough.

~*~ You choose to disappo...

Week 18 – Here’s what women talk about when they hang out together.

I’ve just returned home from the first “Self Care by the Sea” retreat held at the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine and it was a beautiful maiden voyage.

Fifty-five women from around the US, ranging in age from 34 to 78, spent three days in a gorgeous room overlooking the ocean and we had a ball.

And lots of conversation.

We talked about how to carefully pull the rug out from under our own lives so the Universe doesn’t have to do it for us.

We discussed the hero’s journey and how any challenge –...

Week 17 – What price are you paying for not trusting your gut?

This week I’m sharing a story about the power of persistence and the importance of trusting your gut in spite of the obstacles placed in your path.

When my friend, Carla, purchased a new computer, she installed a battery back up to ensure that her work would be safe in the event of a power outage (a common problem in her hometown). She also added a device that would monitor the electrical power coming into the computer from the wall outlet in her office. Once installed, the device would beep...