Bid Adieu

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

December 17, 2010

Dear Creators,

Have you noticed what is created when you let go; have you experienced a sense of freedom, freshness, and flexibility?

There’s a weight associated with holding on to things, physical things: all those clothes, the books, the papers, the do-dads. And, there’s a weight of obligation with the overcrowded calendar; the busy schedule, the commitments that may be maintained out of habit or a sense of “should.”

There are some thoughts and assumptions that can also weigh us down. We might assume that we have to continue with a role that no longer suites us; we might hold a belief that others are supposed to understand and agree with us, and that it is a terrible thing if they don’t.

This is a perfect time to reflect on some assumptions and beliefs that may no longer serve you. If you experience a weightiness of thought, of worry, consider the thought, the belief, the assumption behind it. Is it true? Could it be different? What would change if you could hold another thought? Be curious. This year is ending. New beginnings are right around the corner. What do you want to carry into the New Year (pack light) and, what do you want to leave behind?

Grateful for the lessons,

Judy

PS : This will be the last message for this year. Will be back with you in 2011!

Want to talk about your life - your challenges, accomplishments, goals, and what’s next?

Contact Judy via www.createanewnormal for a free sample coaching session.

Room for the Best

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

December 10, 2010

Dear Creators,

It seems a bit incongruous to suggest a focus on letting go at this time of year when so much energy, time and attention centers on acquiring stuff, maintaining traditions, and holding on to the past. Yet, we know that things change, evolve; and, we know that we can’t keep adding without letting go. Whenever we say “yes” to something we are saying “no” to something else. We make choices about how, where and when we spend our time, resources, energy.

Today’s reminder is to choose mindfully. Be aware of your priorities; what you want to create; what you want to experience. Spend your time, energy, resources on those things that matter. You could use a ranking scale – 1(low) to 10 (high) to help in defining what you want – what reflects your life now, is congruent with your values. Let go of those activities that don’t rise to the top.

Consider including some open time, some open space in your schedule. What would that give you? How important is that to your well being?

Choose well,

Judy

Want to talk about your life - your challenges, accomplishments, goals, and what’s next?

Contact Judy via www.createanewnormal for a free sample coaching session.

Make Room

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

December 3, 2010

Dear Creators,

Consider this an invitation to begin saying good-bye. It’s December, the last month of 2010. Over the next weeks the focus of the messages will be on letting go – clearing – making space – as we say good-bye to 2010 and in so doing make room for something (even though we don’t know what exactly) in the new year.

This week look around your environment. What is there to let go of? What old mail, papers, notes, reminders, clippings have served their purpose? What closet, drawer, shelf could be sorted and cleared? What can be tossed? What can be recycled? What can be donated? What should be shredded or burned?

I challenge you to make time (even 10 – 15 minutes a day) to clear, to let go of stuff. Do this mindfully, grateful for all you have, how things have served you. Recognize that you are purposefully saying good bye. Envision spaciousness, expansiveness that is open to new possibilities.

Right there with you,

Judy

Want to talk about your life - your challenges, accomplishments, goals, and what’s next?

Contact Judy via www.createanewnormal for a free sample coaching session.

Abundance!

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

November 26, 2010

Dear Creators,

We had the feast yesterday and I am still full. Thanksgiving is a real favorite with me…the food….the focus on gratitude….the smells…..the comfort of gathering around the table…using the good dishes….memories of past celebrations…..leftovers.

This morning has me thinking about abundance. What is in abundance on this day after Thanksgiving? Here are some:

· Food- pie, turkey, dressing, all those leftovers

· Laundry- tablecloths, napkins, dish towels added to the usual

· Advertisements – the newspaper was loaded with special offers; door buster deals; pictures of happy people wearing new sweaters/coats/dresses/etc., shiny, sleek, electrical gadgets

· Noise/chatter from radio, TV about holidays – the bombardment of marketing

· Lists either made or contemplated around who wants what for Christmas

· Thoughts about things to do, expectations around the holiday season

The reminder I would like to cling to and offer to you this morning is that we can be aware during this season. We can consciously choose where we want to put our attention. We can discern what we want to create, what we want in abundance. We can also minimize what we don’t want in order to have that. Unchecked abundance can be overwhelming. Connect with what you really want to create. Be clear. Discern what is aligned with that and what is clutter, distraction, draining – then decide where to put your efforts, time, and resources.

Consider and choose,

Judy

Want to talk about your life - your challenges, accomplishments, goals, and what’s next?

Contact Judy via www.createanewnormal for a free sample coaching session.

Fabulous You

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

November 19, 2010

Dear Creators,

What are the words you are longing to hear today that will remind you of your inner beauty....your spark...your gifts...your uniqueness? What acknowledgement do you want? What do you wish would be expressed, given voice, said out loud? Say those words. Say them now - loud and clear.

It seems that it is normal to put attention on what is missing. It’s hard to tell if this is human nature or if we have been conditioned to this perspective of focusing on lack. Whatever the source, it becomes a habit, it becomes the norm, and we expect to put our attention on what is missing...our weaknesses....disappointments....fears.

The reminder today is that you can choose. Once you recognize the pattern, when you become curious about what is possible, you are capable of finding a new thought, a different approach.

What a gift this can be for yourself and for those around you. Acknowledge the good you have in your life – what you have created. Appreciate that - nourish that – give it some attention. Practice acknowledging those around you...what qualities are they exemplifying...who are they being? Recognize your blessings. You created this. Enjoy what you have right now, in this moment.

Appreciating you,

Judy

Want to talk about your life - your challenges, accomplishments, goals, and what’s next?

Contact Judy via www.createanewnormal for a free sample coaching session.

Flow

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

November 12, 2010

Dear Creators,

Today take a few moments to consider when you experience “flow.” Flow is that experience of being totally engaged in the moment – present – focused. A book I read a few years ago used the example of downhill skiing. If you have ever skied you know that feeling of being totally present – you are using your body, aware of your surroundings, you really have to pay attention in the moment; you lose track of time in the “be-ingness” of the moment When are you in flow during your day? Notice that, appreciate that, for there is satisfaction to be experienced here.

This sense of flow caught me by surprise today as I was exercising. There was a moment when I realized I was finished with the most rigorous part of my routine. It felt great. I had just let my body work, allowed my mind to go, to focus on the moment, to just “be.”

It was serendipity (or not- for all things can be connected) that in today’s paper I read about research supporting the idea that living in the moment is one of the keys to happiness. The research indicated that people were happier when engaged in something that kept their mind focused. People tended to be less happy when their minds were wandering. The researchers found that what people were thinking was a better predictor of their happiness than what they were doing.

What to do with this? Can you expand or increase your times of flow?

Hmmmm….

Judy

Are you consciously creating your life? Having a coach can help create a time and space to capture your inner wisdom, set your course and appreciate the success along the way.

creativity

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

November 5, 2010

Dear Creators,

Take a few moments to consider your creativity. We all have some creative energy. It can show up in lots of ways: giving us ideas, showing us different ways to do things, to combine things, make things, solve problems, look at situations, see possibilities, find beauty, express thoughts, be innovative, recognize patterns, be artistic, eloquent, insightful, have the aha, think new thoughts.

What is the environment that fosters your creative spirit? How do you capture that?

Your creative ideas can offer you insights, be a connection with your inner wisdom. This can be your unique contribution to the world. It’s worth noticing and appreciating. Listen to your inner wisdom; give yourself room to be creative. See with fresh eyes, hear with open ears, be ready for beauty, wisdom, and the unexpected to show up.

Endless possibilities,

Judy

Are you consciously creating your life? Having a coach can help create a time and space to capture your inner wisdom, set your course and appreciate the success along the way.

Becoming More You

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

October 29, 2010

Dear Creators,

Here is a big juicy question to chew on: Who are you becoming? When you think ahead – the next 5...10 years – how do you see yourself? There are some changes you probably expect to occur over this time span – and no doubt there will be some surprises. What is the picture you see of yourself in the future?

It is not always easy to connect where we are now to the future. The notion of creating your new normal is full of paradox. On one hand we say, “Visualize what you want to create.” And, on the other hand we say, “Be present in the now. Now is where you live.” How do we balance being present in the now and creating our future?

I suggest connecting what you want to create with your thoughts and actions here and now. Let what you want to experience in the future provide you with guidance. Recognize the essence of what you want that future to be. What do you want? Then point yourself in that direction starting today. Identify the thoughts, actions, beliefs that are aligned with who you are becoming. Do more of those things that take you in that direction and do less of those that detract, that take you off course. So simple... and yet....it takes awareness....to know what you want; to realize what is congruent with that; and then, to have the discipline to walk that path. Who are you becoming?

Curiously yours,

Judy

Are you consciously creating your life?

Imagine!

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

October 22, 2010

Dear Creators,

Today’s message is a quick reminder to visualize what you want. Visualize in detail so that you get a full dose of having that - that thing, that experience you are wanting. Invest some time and energy to get into experiencing the feeling. Notice what shows up. What does it feel like in your body? Where do you feel this? How would you describe this experience….what color…..what shape….what temperature?

Go from….”wouldn’t it be nice to have xyz” to visualizing having xyz and really being there in your mind and body. Enjoy the experience. Get to know what it’s like.

We know there’s a difference between reality and fantasy, yet we also know that what we achieve starts with vision. See what happens when you consciously commit 5 minutes a day visualizing what you want.

What happens to your energy?

What happens to your priorities?

What happens to your action?

What do you let go of?

What do you start?

Imagine that,

Judy

Want to see how coaching could help you?

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com for a free consultation

Are you consciously creating your life?

Accountability

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

October 15, 2010

Dear Creators,

A lot of what we want to create comes about gradually, bit by bit, step by step. It would seem nice to be able to change something overnight, to wake up in the morning and have xyz (enough money, perfect job, fit body, loving relationship, clean house, plenty of time), but usually things don’t happen that way. It takes time to expand our thinking, our believing and to step by step, bit by bit align what we do with what we want and to experience that in our lives. As we move along, what once seemed so far away becomes believable, achievable. We become ready to make that part of our normal.

The question to reflect on today is, “What keeps you on the path? How do you hold yourself accountable while taking these steps toward what you want?”

There is a blend of action and vision to balance here. It can be challenging to stay the course, so it’s worthwhile to establish some benchmarks along the way and some ways to be held accountable….not in a judgmental way, but in a way that will support the process and the learning.

“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.” Anais Nin

Celebrate the progress,

Judy

Want to see how coaching could help you?

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com for a free consultation and get a free e-book!

Are you consciously creating your life?

Now and Next

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

October 8, 2010

Dear Creators,

This is a beautiful fall day; leaves are bright; air is clear; sky is blue; sun is warm – perfect. It’s especially precious because we know that winter is coming. This is a time to be present, to enjoy and soak in the now while also considering the next. For it is also the time to check the furnace and find the sweaters.

Where are you with being present in the now and preparing for the future? Each of us has their own path to walk and there are times when it’s smart to take stock.

Where am I and where am I going?

What do I see for myself in the years ahead?

Will I be working? Doing what?

What will fill my days?

Where will I be living?

How physically active will I be?

Who will I hang out with?

What will my finances look like?

What relationships will get my time and attention?

The future starts in the here and now with a thought, with focus, with a plan, with commitment, with action. The choices you make now make a difference in what your future will be. How are you balancing- being in the now and the next?

Here’s to now and then,

Judy

Want to see how coaching could help you?

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com for a free consultation

Are you consciously creating your life?

Difficult people

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

October 1, 2010

Dear Creators,

Recently similar issues arose as I worked with people. Circumstances and details were different, yet there were common elements. The individuals I spoke with are smart, capable, creative, and they were faced with finding a way to deal with difficult people. Seems like we all have those times, those instances when we are challenged by people who are behaving badly – for whatever reasons. Our challenge becomes: How do we manage ourselves? How do we interact with this person, How do we stay true to ourselves? What perspective can we hold? What is our plan of action?

How do you manage situations like this in your life? Where do you go to be heard without judgment, in confidence? Venting about the situation can be a first step. Conflicts with people can be complicated – and – it is good to be heard and supported in your perspective, your insight, your reaction, your interpretation. Sometimes that has to happen before you can get to the part of considering strategies. You have to be with what is before you can take steps to move forward, to even see what the options are.

Appreciate and nurture those who listen to you. It gives you a place and room to figure things out, to learn and move forward.

On your side,

Judy

Want to see how coaching could help you?

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com for a free consultation

Are you consciously creating your life?

You + stress

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

September 24, 2010

Dear Creators,

It seems fitting that I am working on wedging in this message between other obligations, places to be, things to do. The message today is about managing stress. How do you manage all of the things you have taken on, the things you want to do, the responsibilities? How do you find balance when feeling pressured to keep up at work, at home, while also having a personal life?

Stress can come from lots of places and be so common place that it is taken for granted. The question becomes, what does healthy balance look like, feel like, and how do you manage to have that?

There can be hard truths to face to make changes that will have an impact on your stress levels. There may be fears to acknowledge and face.

Having a coach means you have a partner in the quest for peace of mind, appreciation for what is, and for the recognition of what you really want. All of which can be a part of a stress-busting routine.

How do you face hard truths? What is the path you are on? How’s your stress level?

Take care,

Judy

Want to see how coaching could help you?

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com for a free consultation

Are you consciously creating your life?

Clear Thinking

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

September 17, 2010

Dear Creators,

This week we continue to look at advantages to having a coach (we’re on 3 of 10). Use these “10 reasons to have a coach” as a way to consider how you do this/have this in your life. Notice what works for you, what you might want to expand or seek out in order to have good support for yourself.

Having a coach means….

You get to say out loud thoughts that have rattling around in your brain. Articulating thoughts and ideas in a safe environment where you are heard without judgment can help you gain clarity.

In a coaching session, keeping the focus on you, listening to the spoken and unspoken the coach uses questions to help you recognize what you really want, what is important, your purpose. You can gain clarity and dispel some of the distractions, and cluttered thoughts that get in your way.

To reflect on this, consider: Where do I feel like I am spinning my wheels? What is my purpose? How do I discern what is important from distraction?

Take care,

Judy

Special for Fall! Use this natural time of change to find focus – what is next for you?

Try a coaching call. You can have one individual coaching session for $10. There are a limited number of appointments available for this offer. Respond soon to reserve your spot.

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com

Are you consciously creating your life?

Step outside the Pattern

Create a New Normal

Reflections

• Consciously create your one great life •

Weekly message about creating your new normal

Judy Panek, MS, CPCC

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

September 10, 2010

Dear Creators,

This week we continue to look at advantages to having a coach. Use these “10 reasons to have a coach” as a way to consider how you do this/have this in your life. Notice what works for you, what you might want to expand or seek out in order to have good support for yourself.

Having a coach means….

You have a way to recognize patterns and to get un-stuck. Often we are so caught up in our perspective, our view of the world, how things are that we don’t see that we have choices.

We can make assumptions and get ourselves in patterns of thought and behavior that we take for granted, feeling that, “that’s just the way it is.” A coach can challenge some of those beliefs and patterns allowing you to make more conscious choices, try alternative actions and attitudes, expanding your repertoire and thoughts of what is possible.

To reflect on this, consider: Where do I feel stuck? What patterns do I notice? What are some other ways to think about this?

Take care,

Judy

Special for Fall! Use this natural time of change to find focus – what is next for you?

Try a coaching call. You can have one individual coaching session for $10. There are a limited number of appointments available for this offer. Respond soon to reserve your spot.

Contact Judy via: www.createanewnormal.com

Are you consciously creating your life?