IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome
Feature Article - Summer Spirit
Words to Inspire
Guest Column - The Top 10 Ways to Work with Lightness
Resources for You
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WELCOME

Greetings and welcome to all of you. We are delighted to send you another issue of KEYS TO SUCCESS. Thank you for joining us. We hope you enjoy this issue filled with ideas on how to lighten up and enjoy the spirit of summer.

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Summer Spirit

Are you having fun yet? Have you taken the time to enjoy the myriad of summer activities? Summer is the perfect time of year to add fun and playfulness into your life.

It's too easy to get caught up with the demands of work or running your business and forget about the lighter side of living. New clients often tell me they feel guilty when they aren't working. Or they feel too anxious to take a vacation. They live with the fear factor of what will happen while I'm gone.

We think we are really accomplishing a lot by working all the time but studies have shown that productivity actually goes down when we don't take time for a little rest and relaxation. Summertime is nature's way of reminding us to let go and lighten up.

Yesterday's Fourth of July celebrations not only represent independence but also the spirit of summer. Pancake breakfasts, parades and picnics were festivities in most communities. My family attended a neighborhood parade with a 35-year history. There were no marching bands, big floats or fancy cars. However, there were two big fire engines, a police car, oodles of children riding decorated bikes, trikes, and scooters, baby strollers, dogs, parents, grandparents and friends proudly carrying American flags.

The enthusiasm was contagious as the kids of all ages delighted in the fun and spirit of the celebration. No wonder this neighborhood event has become a tradition. Realtors even use it as a selling point!

Let the spirit of summer last more than one day. Any of you remember the song "Roll Out Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer"? Are you ready for those days of soda, and pretzels and beer or to dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer? Those playful lyrics help us connect with the lighter side of life. Here are 10 ideas you can use to initiate adding more play and fun into your life.

1. Sit under the stars at an evening outdoor concert.
2. Have a water balloon fight with your kids.
3. Invite friends to join you for a potluck picnic.
4. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone.
5. Dance in your living room.
6. Attend a local county fair.
7. Read a juicy novel under a shade tree.
8. Dig in the dirt and plant some flowers.
9. Go roller blading or ride a bike.
10. Draw, write, sculpt, or paint.

If these ideas don't strike your fancy, make a list of fun activities you like to do and then do them. Fun and play refreshes your mind and body. Stephen Covey tells us to be more effective in life we need to sharpen our saw with a little rest and recreation.

Be kind to yourself and go have some fun. After all, it is summer! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WORDS TO IN SPIRE

"Life is a game that must be played."
Edwin Arlington Robinson

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
James Howell

"Do not take laugh too seriously. You will never get out of it alive."
Elbert Hubbard
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GUEST ARTICLE

The Top 10 Ways to Work with Lightness by Tara S. Wernsing

1. Keep your perspective.

Even if you do deal with life and death, each of us can only do
the best we can in each situation. On a regular basis, go outside your normal circles to gain a greater perspective on life. Volunteer at local shelters or with children's groups. Hang out with some different people. Keep rotating this.

2. Get your identity from more than your work.

If your identity is too strongly tied to the job you do, that
limits your ability to grow and enjoy the ride. Success at work can
feel like it's necessary for your survival. Get your needs met outside of work.

3. Laugh more.

Schedule time in your day to laugh out loud at the ridiculous
things that happen or people say. Make a list and review it at the end of the day.

4. Take vacations without your laptop.

Or cell phone. This is critical to accessing lightness.

5. Set boundaries.

Let others know what your boundaries are regarding scheduling,
communication, project commitments, etc. and enforce them. Burden,
heaviness, and martyrdom come when you allow your boundaries to be
overstepped or vetoed.

6. Find sources of energy other than adrenaline and caffeine.

Imagine a day generated by natural energy, interest, and
enthusiasm. Take naps!!

7. Don't gossip.

It only adds negative energy to your life and to the
organization.

8. Do work you love, of course.

It naturally feels lighter than the work you are forcing
yourself to do for money or whatever reason.

9. Work with people you like.

Minimize time with people you don't like. And it's OK not to
like some people. Do whatever you need to minimize contact with these
people: set boundaries, request to be transferred, etc. You will
instantly have more energy and lightness at work.

10. Make it a game.

Consider life doesn't inherently have meaning. Remember you
chose this game, and you might as well enjoy it, or choose another.

About the Submitter:
Submitted by Tara S Wernsing, Marketing Consultant and Personal
Coach, who can be reached at LuminousCoaching@aol.com

Copyright 2001 CoachVille
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RESOURCES FOR YOU