Paradox of discomfort

Create a New Normal

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

This is a weekly message from Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

August 28, 2009

Dear Creators,

It may seem paradoxical for me to propose appreciation of discomfort, but that is what I’d like to explore today. Having confidence, a sense of purpose and faith that all is well expands what we can deal with and allows us room to grow, to try new things, to stretch even when during the process we may be experiencing discomfort.

Think about exercising. Establishing a pattern of regular exercise has meant for me getting up earlier…leaving the comfort of my bed…..the rigor of 20 minutes of moving at a pace to get my heart rate up…then working muscle groups to the point where I feel a strain. In the moment of doing this there is not much comfort. Yet the discomfort of sweating, the effort of working muscles, the deep breathing all serve to increase my capacity, to strengthen my body. Throughout the day I benefit with increased energy and a sense of well being that I have done something good for myself. The discomfort is worth it….the discomfort is necessary to stretch, to develop something.

So too it can be with other areas of life. To grow, to learn, to develop new skills there has to be a stepping out of the comfort zone. This may not feel easy but it is worthwhile and necessary. There is vitality here, growth, aliveness.

Consider areas of your life that could use some growth, and infusion of vitality. What would you do, where would you focus your energy if your purpose is on experiencing expansion, stretching yourself?

Go for it!

Judy

Of course having a coach can help too – someone who can be there as you reach for that next level.

Transitions are a fact of life.

Create a New Normal

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

This is a weekly message from Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

August 20, 2009

Dear Creators,

Transitions are a fact of life. Some are looked for and expected: the new job, graduation, moving to the new house. Some transitions are unexpected: the job loss, illness, winning the lottery (not all news is “bad” news).

What effect does a transition have on you? Are you able to recognize when you are in transition? What is your default reaction to change?

All are good questions and worth consideration. For recognizing that we are in transition can be a step in navigating the process consciously with less stress. And sometimes it is not so easy to recognize transition. There are times when the transition is the result of something not happening when you thought it would. It sounds like, “I thought I would be married by now – and I’m not.” Or “I thought I’d have that promotion by now – and I don’t.” It’s that sense that when you look around and take stock there is this feeling, “this isn’t what I expected – this isn’t what I ordered.”

Transition is a process of leaving something, being with uncertainty and creating anew. The process is not always easy; growth and learning require effort. Active participation is a must. Choosing how to be with the challenges of transition can make a big difference. Notice what you are bringing to the “game.” What are you facing? Take a breath and be with it. Notice what is there. You have to start somewhere. Allow yourself to be with the situation with confidence. It is OK to be uncertain. It is OK to not have answers. It is OK to be where you are, to feel what you feel, to notice what you notice. It can be a place of opportunity.

Imagining the possibilities,

Judy

Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process. -ANNE WILSON SCHAEf

Recognize the feeling of abundance

Create a New Normal

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

This is a weekly message from Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

August 14, 2009

Dear Creators,

This morning it is easy to get into the feeling of abundance. Trees are in full leaf. Flowers in the yard and deck are freshly washed from last night’s rain. The breeze gently moves the warm air around keeping my body at a perfect temperature. It’s quiet enough to hear bird song and observe one taking a dip in the bird bath. I want to fully experience and appreciate this peaceful moment and too recognize that this did not come about by accident. This too is a deliberate creation.

While I did not act like a movie producer, “cue the birds….get the fans going for the gentle breeze…” I did set intentions around having time and space to work at a pace that is comfortable….to allow myself time to be present….to have a place that has flowers, trees and a place to enjoy that. There is a blending of having a vision, taking action and recognizing that what you want has shown up.

This week, as you are present to your life in each moment, recognize and appreciate what you have created. Notice:

- The fun of time with friends

- The beauty of nature

- The comfort of your favorite chair

- The flavors of a well cooked meal

- The sounds of birds, wind in the trees, rain on the roof.

This too you have attracted to enjoy, appreciate, experience.

Letting in all that good stuff,

Judy

Choose your focus

* Create A New Normal*

live your one great life

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Dear Creators,

There is no lack of information available to us; so much is right at our fingertips. It can be overwhelming. I appreciate that you take the time to read these messages. There are lots of bids for your attention and you have to decide where you put it. We have to choose what we want to focus on at any given time.

Having a focus is also something to remember around deliberate creating. Focus on something, some experience you are wanting. Keep your focus on that “thing/experience” and play with the sensation of having that…..what is that like…..what does it look like, smell like, what are your doing, who are you with. Think about why you want that, what will it give you? What do you love about that? Notice your energy around that.

Try it. Choose something to focus on and deliberately focus positive thoughts, emotions, and energy to it. Then as you go about your day periodically return to the vision, staying with the feel good-ness of it.

Stay open and aware. Be ready for good things to come your way. Be deliberate about where you put your energy, your thoughts, and your focus. It makes a difference.

Finding the feel-good,
Judy

www.createanewnormal.com