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"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
Maya Angelou

Once again I was on Denman Island this past month with the same group of women that I have been working with these last three months. Welcome ladies as new subscribers to our newsletter. Enjoy! We’ve been working together on peer coaching skills and the changes I’ve seen as a result have been wonderful. A group with lots of positive energy and participation is definitely a bonus for me.

The other thing I’ve noticed is that we’ve been turning complaints into positive thought and action steps. I have to agree with Maya Angelou about complaints. Who likes to hear complaining? Not I. One of my pet peeves for sure. It is fine to have a place (friend, coach) where you can dump all that stuff. The trick though, is to take that and turn it into action, thinking differently or choosing to let it go.

Complaining is clutter, for others who listen to you, and more importantly for you. It does not help us look at opportunities for change, thinking differently or living consciously and purposefully. It keeps us small in our behaviour and our thinking. Yes, I allow my clients to complain at times and it can prove to be beneficial for a short period. I am sure you could ask any one of them if that’s the case. What’s different is we move our conversation and energy towards making conscious choices and shift the energy to moving forward. That’s the key. Shifting the energy.

Next time you find yourself complaining, stop a minute and think about how you could re-direct that energy to a place more enjoyable for you.

The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz M.D. - ISBN – 1-878424-31-9

This is a great little book that talks about our self-limiting beliefs and how they keep us stuck in an unhappy and unhealthy place. The Four Agreements is just that, four agreements:
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don’t take anything personally
3. Don’t make assumptions
4. Always do your best

Sounds so simple doesn’t it? This book will amaze you with its impact and simplicity. Funny how it takes us so long (sometimes a lifetime) to really “get it”. This is another excellent book for just picking up, opening a page and feeling inspired. A quick little picker upper. Makes a great bedside or desk book. Maybe, even a copy in each. Enjoy.

This past month my home has been invaded by a ridiculously contagious, completely debilitating and absolutely nasty cold virus. In my efforts to soothe myself and my poor sick toddler, I dragged myself to the medicine cabinet for relief. Oh dear, what a mess.

I confess it wasn’t pretty. And because of my little compulsive problem, I tackled the situation head-on; all wrapped up in my ultra-glamorous flannel pj’s with a box of tissue under one arm. Now I am pleased to say I am at peace with another small clutter trap in my home. So I have gathered up some tips and tricks for us to share, and this month I encourage you to organize the medicine cabinet/first-aid center in your space.
Do not keep medications and vitamins in a bathroom medicine cabinet because the humidity is terrible for the lifespan of pharmaceutical products. The laundry room can be a great alternative. (read more)

Kathryn - katchung@canada.com

Communication Clutter

I’ve had some insights about a different type of clutter this past month---the clutter around communication. Communication clutter can come in two forms—too much detail and not enough detail. Either way, the result is that your intended message can become lost. The challenge is to find the appropriate balance between the two. Everyone wants to deliver their messages effectively. Determining how much detail your intended audience needs to hear in order to act on the information is an art, and key to effective communication.

All this came to light for me when I realized that communication styles which had served me well in the past did not seem to be as effective with the groups I now present information to. I tend to provide as much information as space and time allows. Even though the material I’m communicating is well organized and the flow of information is clear, there can be a great amount of detail, and that can be clutter to some individuals. In my current setting, it became apparent that that level of detail was causing people to check out from my presentation. You recognize the signs of inattention—people flipping through your presentation slides instead of actively listening to you speak, checking email on their Blackberrys or Treos, or in extreme cases, the chin dropping to the chest as the person nods off for a few minutes.
(read more)

Dot Snow dot.snow@kp.org

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- Personal Reflections

March was a good month with much to celebrate. For David’s birthday we went to Victoria to visit our grandson Cohen and his mom and dad and celebrated with a yummy dinner and an awesome Chocolate cake. Here’s a picture of grandpa teaching Cohen how to blow out a candle in preparation for his first birthday April 6^th.

The second great reason for celebration is that my sister Kate came to visit for six days from London, Ontario. It was so wonderful to have her here, besides the fact that she cooked a turkey dinner for us. (Thanks Kate - couldn’t have done it without you). We had a great time catching up although it’s always too short and she had a wonderful visit with our mom too. You know how some people are just great company to have? Well, Kate’s one of those people. Can’t wait till she can come back. Here’s a picture of me and my little tall sister.

The third reason for celebration is that Jane and I have started working together and it has been a slice of heaven. She picks up the work I need her to do and brings it back finished. She’s organized most of my tax stuff, my new Rolodex is all up to date and my computer address book is getting there as well. The beauty of working with Jane is that it has freed me up mentally and time-wise to do other things, things like working out in our home gym. We had the equipment for about a month before Jane came and I noticed I spent little time working out. Since then, I have spent at least 20 - 60 minutes most days working on the treadmill, bike and universal gym. My energy is better as is my focus and ability to think. Thanks Jane for joining my support team!

-Linda

- Cumberland Chronicles

Good news and bad news. Good news is that we continue to love living here, enjoying the hiking trails and all the amenities in the Village. Have a new butcher now who is open seven days a week and will be selling locally grown veggies, fresh farm eggs as well as all the delicious meat. We’ve had some gloriously beautiful sunny days, longer now with DST and our evenings are filled with the croaking of a massive unknown number of frogs. What a sound! Apparently they come out each Spring which is a healthy sign that all is well. They initially kept me awake although now I am adjusting to being lulled to sleep by the sounds. I've been hearing my favorite sounds of a loon nearby and the many bald eagles flying in our neck of the woods. That's the good news.

The bad news. STILL no built-ins on the fireplace wall. We’ve had a drawing and a quote from one fellow and have waited and waited and waited for another drawing and quote of a very talented guy who over promises on dates and consequently under delivers. I am ready to pack him in. David sees this differently so we are at the waiting stage till he and I can come to an agreement as to who to work with. Do have some pictures and some flowers on the mantle (?) currently made out of drywall so it does look a bit like home. The clothesline is not in yet nor the landscaping designs presented. Waiting for a call from the clothesline guy and the landscaper I’ll be meeting with next week. So, dirt continues to surround us and the dryer continues to be used. You know those pictures I was going to have for you? Well, let’s all hold a giant intention that there will be one thing completed and I will have a picture for next month.

I am continuing to study and pursue more real estate ideas in Cumberland. Have a couple of people who I may team up with in order to make it all more viable for all of us. Real Estate is so exciting for me, I could spend hours looking at houses and surfing real estate sites and coming up with possibilities. Whether it’s people or real estate I am always working with possibilities. What fun!

- To Reach Linda

For more information on the "More Results with Less Clutter" programs, visit our website at www.ascentcoaching.com. If you would like more information on receiving coaching for yourself, your staff, or if you would like a key-note speaker for an upcoming event email us or call 250-336-2636 or 1-888-391-2233.

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