PINK HOUSES,PALACES &PRODUCE
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- The Pink House
The Pink House
“PINK HOUSES,PALACES & PRODUCE “
“You can never have enough of what you don’t really want”
It all started with 12 cans of tomatoes. On a cold rainy Saturday, I decided it was time to clean out my pantry. It seemed like a good thing to do, as my social calendar was blank. So I set to work and felt very vitreous.
12 Cans of Tomatoes?
That was, until I found 12 cans of various tomato products in my pantry. What in the world was I doing with 12 cans of tomatoes?
How did that happen? I like tomatoes but I can’t use 12 cans for a long time… what was I thinking? Obviously not much! It was mindless buying with little thought.
Hummm.. it seem like I’ve heard those words before. How often have I bought “stuff” because it was on sale or thought it was a quick feel better fix ? Finding all those tomatoes stacked before me caused me to think about questions I’ve been struggling with recently. How much is too much? When is it enough? How much do I really need to feel satisfied and secure?
Tough questions..
Tough questions for me with little answers. But since we are just past the “too much of everything” season, this seem like a good time to explore them.
The question of “what is enough?” was stirred up with me while reading Geneen Roth’s best selling book,
She is best known for her books and work in the area of compulsive eating. But in this book, Geneen describes her life experiences after losing money with Bernie Maddoff’s investment scheme. The insightful information she provides on “what is enough?” applies to money & stuff, as well as food.
And as often happens after a major loss, Geneen began to explore what is really valuable in her life. Even after her financial loss, Geneen had what most of us would see as wealth. She began to realize that no matter how much of anything (money, food, clothes, clients, etc.) she had, it never felt rich enough for her.
Sometimes I have felt that way too.
An email from a friend in the Peace Corp working in Africa looked at the same question. My friend lives in a small pink house (pictured above) without electricity or running water. At times, she felt frustrated by not having these things even though she has one of the best houses in the village. She felt that way until she met an much older woman doing the same type of work as my friend but for another organization. This woman lived in a very small leaky old tent. After thinking about this, my friend decided her small pink house was really a “palace.” and became deeply aware that she had plenty.
So it seems that no matter what you do or don’t have materially, we are all faced with the question :
What do I need to feel content, satisfied and secure?
A peaceful place in between.
I realize that I don’t often know…in part because I don’t stop to think about or to pay attention to what I already have. I don’t think living in deprivation or martyrdom works either because it makes you deny that you need anything. Denial is always a trap.
But surely there is a peaceful place in between. And I do enjoy many things that make my life easier & will fight if you take my Ben & Jerry’s away.
But very,very slowly, I am finding that simply asking myself..”How much is enough? Makes me pause long enough to explore it. And usually I find that it is not the amount or even what I have, but the delight and appreciation of I have that is the fulfilling & satisfying part.
And I can never have too much of that, including gratitude for Cherry Garcia!
I really do live in a palace…and I’ll bet you do too.
- The Pink House
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Puppy Love
“ Loving yourself is the greatest gift you can give someone else ”
Yep. It’s the “luv’ month and all the ads saying how buying jewelry, candy and flowers is the best way to show your love to someone. And it sure is important to let other know you love them. I even have an annual “Make a Valentine “ party where we create valentines and eat chocolate so I’m all for that.
But it seems to me one of the people we often leave out of the “Love List” is ourselves.
Yes, I know this not what we usually think of because we have been taught that loving ourselves is selfish and self-centered. When in fact, it is the opposite is true. Babies and even plants all thrive more when they get positive energy.
And I know this is true for me. When I feel good about me I am not so interested in finding fault with you.
But most of us don’t even like ourselves much and treat ourselves much more meanly that we would treat anyone else. Regularly. I hear friends and clients say things like “I’m so stupid, so fat , so laziest .” And advertisers want to convince us that we cannot get love until we are much better. …Slimmer, smarter etc.
We seem to have the Marine boot camp view that we have to tear ourselves down before we can built ourselves up…Only we never get to the building up part and seem stuck in tear down.
When Do I get to Perfect?
We think that we can’t be loving to ourselves until we are perfect…. and that day never comes. Yet we often love others who have annoying flaws …but we care about them still. Why not us?
And as I am writing this one of my dogs comes by and stops for her expected pets and praise. And I am happy to give it to her…not because she is perfect (my chewed up shoes and flower beds will attest to that) but just because I love her.
A Wild Thought
And then a wild l thought comes to me…what if I gave myself as some of the appreciation and affection as I give my pets? I could certainly use some more pats and praise not to mention treats and play. And lots of “Good Girl” and other goofy things I say to them would be fun to say to myself.
How about “ Good Woman” instead of “Good Dog” or “What a fine person you are! “ You are so precious” and other silly but loving phrases. I ’m getting the hang of this… it could be a whole new vocabulary.
Smiles & Chuckles
Just thinking of doing this makes me smile and even chuckle. It feels very good.
And when I feel good, I am much less critical and cranky…
And surely, that’s a great gift to others.
And so to answer the question, ”What’s Love got to do with it? The answer is everything!
Please pass the chocolates.
5 Mistakes That Can Cost You Business
I will be giving a talk on this topic to The Midlands Business Association on May 18, 2010 @ 12:00 .
The Midland Business Association has invited me to speak on this topic at their monthly luncheon. In this talk I will discuss the common mistakes in using time, money & reputation that undermine many entrepreneurs and give some simple solutions to avoid them. After making lost of mistakes myself and years of coaching entrepreneurs, I have some suggestions that can help to avoid costly missteps.
This business group is made up of small businesses and entrepreneurs who are located just on the outskirts of Charlotte NC in a fast growing area close to the 485 loop.
I was recommended by Pat Allen, a former SOULO member and owner of Grannanny Soaps & Lotions. Ifelt that I could give useful information to this group and I am delighted to support them since “start up entrepreneurs “ are some of my favorite people to work with.
For more info, contact me or : joyce@weeklypostnc.com
Happy New Year! Start It Right…
WHAT WILL THIS YEAR BE FOR YOU?
You know that every new year you say...
This will be the year I will….
·Get healthy/lose weight ·Find a new job
·Save Money ·Get Organized ·Start my new business
·Have a great relationship
Yet somehow it doesn’t happen.
You don’t need more “self-help” information…you need real-time professional support,and practical ideas + accountability.
Even if you are the most talented and disciplined person on the planet,it is doesn’t work to do it alone.Even great athletes,artists & musicians need coaches and mentors.
Let Dr. Jeannie Fennell of LIFEWORKS give you the support,perspectives,and experienced help you need to make lasting change.
TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT !
CLIENTS SAY:
” Jeannie, I think you have x-ray vision…You were able to see my blocks & fears and help me to move thru them.Sometimes it was gentle and sometimes a push in the behind…I needed this accountability to get going.Thank you” Jim C.
” I didn’t know what to expect …as a guy. it hadn’t done anything like coaching…I should have done it much sooner as it was a big help in getting me motivated.I looked forward to our meetings and will always be grateful for how things have changed for me. My family likes me better now too!” M. G.
“Jeannie has a gentle but powerful way of listening to you and enabling you to get really clear on what you need to do and discerning what keeps you from moving forward. With her help, I have really changed and my life is so much better now”
SUSAN R.
COACHING SALE!
30%-40% Off!
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I Hour = $75.00
2 Hours= $145.OO
3 Hours=$ 199.00
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Two People Signing Up Together Get 10% off Total Price.
Pay by credit card or check.You can pay in monthly installments.
Sign up today and start your year right….
This time next year your life could be so much better!
YOUR LIFE IS WAITING
Get Clear,Get Focused,Get Support and GET GOING!
Contact me for more information: 704 342.1144
Holiday Tips to Save Time, Money & Sanity
Holiday Gifts can be challenging but all of these are easily “doable” & take little Time & Money.
1.Use an “assembly line” to create ready-to-use dry mixes (think: cookies, multi-bean soups, or muffins) and package in attractive containers from art or dollar stores. These are great time savers and easy to create.
2. Plant paperwhite narcissus bulbs in pebbles in pots, water weekly and put in window. They will bloom in Jan. and be a fragrant gift during the winter.( I do this every year for clients, neighbors etc. and they tell me they appreciate them).
3. Make “Gifts Certificates” for your time/expertise. Here are some possibilities:
• Certificate for a favorite/special dish
• Certicate for some hours of “ grunt work” …cleaning garage,painting,raking leaves,etc.
• Certificate for helping with a project that could use your painting, sewing, organizing skills
4. A “PASS” coupon for your kids for chores that kids are usually do; lets them “opt out “ of chore when they use their coupon.
5. “Happy New Year” gifts given in January gifts may more noticed and appreciated and a good way to reconnect after the rush of the holidays.
6. For business customers, give a percentage “off” on your client’s bill or order with a thank you holiday note. Many will appreciate money more than a present.
7.Give a donation in the clients name to a favorite charity, especially if you know of your client’s interests. Often a magazine/newsletter also will be sent & your client is reminded of you all year.
8. Consider a donation where client can “adopt” an animal or land. Rescue/rehab groups or environmental organizations will often send client a picture or certificate and progress reports.
9.Give yourself a present. You deserve it!
