Validation

Christmas has come and gone... and my, what an emotionally rich one, indeed. I hope yours was an upbeat celebration of family and love.

The west coast of Canada has been buried in the deepest snow we've seen in at least ten years and though it is a pain in the "you-know-what" to move around, it is pure magic, too. Here's a shot of our home, taken yesterday (before yet another 8 inches fell!)


One of the Christmas emails I received today is a 15-minute little film called "Validation," all about the magic of looking for the best in people. I couldn't resist sharing it with you, here's the link...


http://www.flixxy.com/validation-short-film.htm?a=0


As we near the end of yet another year, what a great opportunity to reflect on the goodness of your past 12 months and to begin generating images and wishes for your coming year. Next time I write, I'll pose some ideas for you to ponder so you can begin to manifest that which you desire for your health, life and love.


In the meantime, enjoy this film... and if you feel inclined, let me know what you think of it. innerfitness@dccnet.com


Warmly, Carolyn

Confessions of A Work & Life Balance Coach

Okay, I have a confession to make...


... this Work and Life Balance Coach (ME!) is currently a lousy example of work and life balance, living terribly out of kilter and running around in a terrible scurry these last months. I inadvertantly allowed life's craziness to take ahold of me, life's doled out a few hard knocks and I'm still not back in equilibrium yet. THIS is the reason you have not heard from me in a long stretch now.


How can I POSSIBLY write about balance and stillness and applying good practices if I am not congruent to my own message?!?! So, I've simply chosen to not write for this period of time.


I've been asking myself, "How did I let myself get so over-committed in work, work and even more work?"


How did I fall completely off of my fitness over these last eight weeks since our local Curves fitness center closed? (Gee I miss that great little program!)


How did I think it okay to begin eating anything and everything in sight without bathroom scale repercussions these last weeks?!? Eating chocolate every day tastes great but begins to show in the love handles fairly quickly! (How ironic that my last blog writing was about me doing a raw food cleanse for a seriously committed month! Did I EVER spin out from that!)


The loss of my fitness routine combined with the Christmas holidays and all the rich food temptations, my hips have widened by TEN pounds since the summer! I am definitely in a "tight pants" place in my self image again... moan... after I was feeling at my VERY best late July.


SO...


There's my confession! I feel better for it, too. It's just true, I'm no Work and Life Balance saint these days.


Thankfully, a New Year is almost upon us... a time to refocus, set some goals and get myself aligned as we move into spring again. My best "flourishing" happens between spring and late fall each year and I desire to move south for winter from now on. Winter, I recognize is consistently the hardest time of the year for me.

With my 5oth birthday looming next June, it inspires me to get back on the Work and Life Balance bandwagon!

You'll hear from me more frequently now that I've "fessed up!"


Warmly, Carolyn

Carolyn's Christmas News!

Richard and I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Please click on the PLAY button of our special card below, clicking each of the three pages to read our Christmas News.

Thank you for your interest in our Work and Life Balance Blog... and especially for your friendship!

Warmly, Carolyn and Richard Clarke

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

Fitness Is More Than Physical!

I am hanging out with women of all ages, health conditions and sizes at my local Curves fitness club these days and am SO inspired with their stamina and stories of success!!

Most of these ladies are in the 50 - 70 year old bracket, since many of my community members are retired seniors. Their faithful commitment to their three workouts each week are giving them a long list of health improvements, including;

• increased joint flexibility
  
• expanded cardiovascular ability


• muscle tone and strength


• improved stretch and flexibility
  

In addition to these payoffs, these ladies feel that they belong to a fun and friendly community of fitness friends where they can be themselves, no matter their size or condition... receiving incredible support from each other.

I love to watch them as they work through and complete their workouts. Their faces and comments tell me that they leave with a sense of pride in themselves for keeping a commitment to their individual self-care.

Fitness is MUCH MORE than just the physical component! These ladies are gifting themselves with "feel good" attitudes towards themselves, a place to belong, be inspired by others... WHILE they get the physical benefits, too.

I am fortunate to be a part of this Curves companionship... working hard myself and gradually feeling the payoffs, too. You know what... this is making going through the temptations of Christmas much easier.

If you are a woman and haven't checked Curves out, it has a LOT to offer.

Warmly, Carolyn

www.life-balance-success.com

Being Present

Wow, did the west coast of B.C. ever receive a fast and furious blast of winter last week! Within a few hours, SIX inches of snow fell and turned our mountainous neighbourhood into a winter wonderland. THEN, just as fast and furiously, heavy rain and winds and temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius moved in and, within eight hours, the snow was absolutely gone! Now, that's the way to have a winter snowfall!

Changing pace...

"Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you."
Quotation by John De Paola

Does that mean that if I slow down all of the Christmas list of chores will suddenly, magically become accomplished? Wouldn't that be great.

Since my return from The Haven, where I participated in a 12-day seminar and then went to California for the following week, I admit I feel as though I am in time warp. How is it that it is already December 8th with Christmas now a mere 17 days away?!?!

Normally a tremendously organized person, most of my Christmas tasks would be well under way by late summer... after all, most of our gifting goes out by mail. I HAVE to be organized far in advance.

Let's just say, I've changed!

Nope... not worrying and fretting anymore about what I have or have not accomplished. "Doing the best I can" seems to be my new motto. I'm changing the previous way of being and I admit, I'm not sure I like this more casual approach. I keep thinking I'll be letting something or someone down... for example, like when there are no gifts for the nieces and nephews to open this year.

We'll see. Perhaps I am breaking a long spell of being a "hard boss" on myself and am, instead, becoming more balanced and self-compassionate. Heaven forbid I am merely becoming a slouch.

I do admit that I feel I'm missing out on the "pre-joy" of the holiday season. I'm even weirded out as I enter the stores all decked out in seasonal decoration and carols are being played over the speakers.

Whoa... quick... time warp me into December 8th, please! I'd like to be present. Maybe the answer is to put up a Christmas tree this weekend... that will likely help my spirit enter the season.

For now, still back in mid-November, Carolyn

P.S. Don't forget that you have access to a great, smart gift to purchase for your loved ones and co-workers... the "BEST YOU" eBook! http://www.life-balance-success.com/ (There's my Christmas gifting solution, too... everyone is going to receive the eBook!)

Enjoying A Stress-free Holiday

Hi... I'm so glad you're visiting.

Christmas can be one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful. I found a great little video that I couldn't resist sharing with you that addresses this very topic.

Thanks to CBS News for their production and to Real Simple magazine's Kris Connell for offering tips to stay organized this holiday.

Have a look! Just 4:33 minutes long, this little video is filled with great tips from real people... like you!

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=1065737n

Simplify some of the tasks of Christmas and you'll find yourself with more quality time to enjoy visitng and celebrating this special occasion. This is my plan!

Warmly, Carolyn
Inner Fitness(R) Programs
www.innerfitness.ca