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Results with Less Clutter 
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Volume 3 |February 2006 |374 subscribers For more information and to view this newsletter online go to our website now !
In this issue:
"Optimism
is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage
and true progress"
- Nicholas Murray Butler
This basis of this newsletter is a poem I have had for many years. I have had this book (There’s a Hole in my Sidewalk) since it was written in the 70’s. I’m not even sure it is still in print. The poem entitled “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters”, from the beginning of this book, is one I frequently use when I speak to groups on the subject of change, the old habits we keep and how we often wonder why nothing changes. As soon as you read it you “get” it. I have seen this move people to tears as it hits the core of many of us at different times in our lives. We have printed it below for you. Click here to find a copy if you wish to print this to keep. I have this printed and easily accessed in my office. It is a visual reminder for me when I feel stuck and it is time to “walk down another street”. Click here to send me an email with your comments about this poem. I’d love to hear from you. - Linda
There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk by Portia Nelson ISBN – 0- 445-03199-9
Last newsletter I said that I would tackle the awkward world of gifts that are neither cherished nor wanted. This is one of my big personal weaknesses. When someone else asks me what to do with their “World’s Best Co-worker – Expo 86 Janitorial Staff” coffee mug I have no problem saying toss it. But in my own life, a multi colored sequin floppy ball cap from my well-meaning (?) mother-in-law is still in my house, albeit in my daughter’s dress-up box. So what can you do when you tear open the wrapping paper and find something that just doesn’t fit in your home, or heart for that matter? Re-gift – Sometimes people get squeamish about re-gifting but I think of it as a type of personalized recycling. Honestly, sometimes it can be more than acceptable. For example a lovely sea foam green turtleneck that makes my hair also look a little green would look fantastic on my girlfriend with dark chestnut tresses. Wrapped in a bow with a nice card explaining the situation and the least loved item in my closet is reborn into someone else’s. It might be a little less socially taboo to give the item to someone out of the blue because you think they would like it and not as a last minute gift for their birthday or other holiday. Charity – Always a great solution because by giving your unwanted items to a charitable organization you are being socially responsible, environmentally friendly and personally liberating. But be prepared to answer honestly (or not) if asked where the miniature pool table lamp complete with all the colorful balls piled on top of each other to hold the light bulb went when the giver comes over to visit. True story – an absolutely bizarre bridal shower present! Garage Sale – Of course this works too but be sure none of your friends or family will be browsing through and recognizing gifts they’ve given you. Return it – Sometimes a gift receipt is a little piece of heaven. If a gift receipt is included then this exchange is guilt free. If not then muster up the courage and return the gift to the giver. This is something that I admit I am terrible at doing. If you are desperate to avoid hurting someone else’s feelings then wait out a firmly set grace period (mine is one year) to see if you can make the gift work in your world. If you feel so strongly for the giver and the time and money that they put into choosing the gift that you can’t chose one of the above options without feeling awful be honest and fess up. Do and say exactly what you would like your loved one to if the situation were reversed. Honesty, vulnerability and humor can work wonders in sticky situations. Some people hold onto gifts that they receive and want to display them because they remind them of the people who love them and the memories they share and that is great. But when these gifts fill our closets, basements, jewelry boxes, closets, bookcases and hearts with dust and dread and maybe even guilt then it is time to de-clutter.
Isn't it time you put yourself first?
Usually January seems so long, although not this month. Have been busy with more individual, group and team work and another coaching skills workshop on Denman Island. T’is a beautiful sunny day as I write today. We had about 2 inches of snow last evening and it truly is spectacular as the sun glistens on the snow today. Have had a wonderful time on two occasions this month to kick up my heels and dance the evening away. I love to dance and seldom seem to have the opportunity. This month was a hit and David & I had a blast. One evening was a client celebration and the other was the annual Chamber of Commerce gala awards dinner & dance. Food, music and company were all outstanding. I really must do that more often. Did some de-cluttering of sorts with my office stuff. Handled a number of little things, which needed to be done that I had procrastinated about last month. Feels good to get them done. In the meantime I discovered that in addition to my Virtual Assistant, I am looking for a person who can do some work for me who lives here in the Comox Valley. I need an administrative type person who excels at and loves administrative type work and the odds and ends that need to get done in order for me to have more time for the work I love to do. I have one person who I think I may be able to contract with for about four or five hours per week. It’s important to me that someone has that amount of dedicated time to do the work I need done. I think it will make a huge difference to me. Finding the right person with the right skills with the right fit is key. I shall keep you posted, particularly around the results for me in having this person on my championship support team. Cumberland Chronicles – Love those Wed. nights at one of our local pubs. David & I are getting into the lovely habit of going to Burger night at the Wave (Waverly) in the Village. Fresh homemade burger and real fries all for $3.00. Can you believe it? Saturday is ½ price appeys, which is delicious on a late Saturday afternoon/early evening when nothing is planned and we can have a big snack and call it dinner, hit the video store on the way home to pick up a DVD and we have a perfect evening. David & I and Misty have been out checking out the many hiking trails around the Village, all within walking distance of home. Did one yesterday while the snow was “pouring down” and we had a great time. Misty of course was in heaven. It is so nice to have all this wonderful fresh air and to be able to see the stars glowing in the night sky. Now if I could just find more real estate to purchase in the Village. Well, at least one property. I’m keeping my eyes and ears open so we’ll see what shows up. Remember, the invite is always there for the taking. Come visit and we’ll take you to the pub and we’ll walk…of course! Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. Celebrate with a friend and a loved one. Hmm - Maybe they are one in the same. -Linda For
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the author are attached. The author is: Linda Oprica and she may be
contacted at oprica@ascentcoaching.com |
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