Look Who's Having a Birthday!

You may notice that this blog is in pink...and you may ask why? Well because its in honor of a very special woman. Its her favorite color. I learned this about her shortly after meeting her at a little dessert cafe called Delice on a Saturday morning. And since we first met, I've learned that she has an amazing number of qualities that makes her special.

Karen...in a word is a terrific woman! She's a mother who loves her four children with an allegiance second to none. I only hope they stop every once in awhile to thank her. (I wonder if they have ever seen their Mom when she's in her Mama Bear mode...you just don't mess with her cubs.)

Did someone say "let's go"? That's all it takes to head out of town on any kind of a trip for Karen. Seeing new places and meeting people works every time. And if there is even a remote chance of sharing a bottle of wine...well she's there!

Karen will surprise you at times. How many women do you know when asked what their favorite holiday is will tell you 'Halloween'? Christmas is a really close second.

From the word go Karen knew she wanted to be a nurse and that is just what she has done with her life...spending the majority of her nursing career with newborns and working in the Intensive Care Unit for babies. She's one smart woman who values education and applying it to help others.

She's a loyal friend to those who have had the opportunity to know her and develop a relationship...some that have lasted for years...(even people from Clear Lake, Iowa!)

She loves nature and making things grow...flowers, gardens, plants...Here's alittle trivia fact about Karen...she loves to cross-stitch and actually went to a "camp" in Arkansas for cross-stitchers! You can't make that up!)

Karen is quite the cook if you ever get the chance to watch her in action...and then sit down to a meal that has you wondering what to eat first and then telling her you've had plenty! From sushi to small town cafes...sometimes its about the food but more times than not its about just the time spent to enjoy life.

So I could go on and on about this lady...but really I wanted you to get to know her alittle bit.

There's much more to her. But on this Thursday, October 28th, find a way to say to this special woman:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN!

You can find Karen on her blog: Karen's Kapers or on Facebook.

Harvest of Hope Conference

This past Saturday, October 23rd I had the opportunity to speak at the Harvest of Hope Conference here in Omaha.  Last year I was the keynote speaker and was blessed to be asked to return this year as a workshop presenter.  I presented "Dads Matter" a workshop designed for fathers dealing with the issues of divorce and their relationships with their children.  Despite perceptions that have persisted for years, many dads understand their role and are more than willing to fulfill it.
It was a great time and the workshop went well.  It was interesting to hear men reveal issues that are important to them when their marriage has ended but their relationship with their children goes on.  My many thanks to the folks at the Harvest of Hope conference.

Seeds of Greatness...Take Your Time

When we were five years old, one year represented twenty percent of our total lives. At fifty, a year represents two percent, or one fiftieth, of our life experience. No wonder it took so long for holidays to arrive when we were elementary school - and little wonder also that after age fifty, when a year represents such a small portion of time we've already spent, it goes by in a seeming blink of an eye. It's alittle like a videotape speeding up as it rewinds and accelerating almost near the end of the reel. So goes your remaining time as it dwindles down.

Take time to hear a robin's song each morning
Take time to smell the roses as you go,
Before you leave, please say 'I love you'
To the ones you know
Take time out for a sunset
And its afterglow.

Take time to climb a tree with the kids this summer
Explore each country back-road you can find
And take a moment now and then
To build a castle in the sand
Take time to hike that mountain
When you can.

Take time to play, your work can live without you
Give up the urgent for the afternoon
And take a loved one by the hand
And slowly gaze at that full moon
Don't let this minute pass you
For the years go by too soon.

And make each day "safari" day
Before this moment slips away.

Take time to live.

3 Secrets to Reinventing Your Life

Michelle Gamble-Risley is not only the owner of a business she successfully reinvented, she's also the author of "Second Bloom: 10 Steps to Reinvent, Rejuvenate and Realize a New Life."
This book provides a 10-step strategic process for reinventing yourself and your life.
Here are Gamble-Risley's top three tips for reinventing yourself:

1. Define Your Values. "Get real about your values." You can say, "My family is really important to me" but if your traveling two weeks a month and working 60-70 hours a week...well, actions speak louder than words. Get real. What truly are your priorities, and what would you like for your life?

2. Know what works. "Figure out what works and what doesn't. If something's not working, don't hold on to it. Find a way to do what you want to do by figuring out what strategy you need to employ to make it work."

3. Get out of your own way. "I watch lots of people chase their own tails. they're fearful, they make excuses, there's a lot of 'I can't because...' You have to go for it and believe in yourself. If you can't do that, then stay where you're at."

ENCORE! Life's Next Act

I'm really excited about a new workshop that I have developed for LifeWorks. Many people, namely baby boomers, have expressed to me that unlike their parents who were of the Greatest Generation, made famous in part by former news anchor Tom Brokaw, that retirement ISN'T the finish line for their lives. Matter of fact for many boomers its a new beginning.

By and large, boomers believe that they can shape their future and that what happens in the future mostly depends on them. Consistent with this view, boomers continue to believe that if that really want to do something, they will find a way to achieve it!

So with that in mind, my new workshop is entitled "ENCORE!" Life's Second Act. The workshop aims to equip and motivate individuals 50+ years of age, first by imagining their possibilities, secondly researching what their personal "second act" (dream/passion) could be, and thirdly creating a plan of action for achieving that goal.

The workshop itself offers:
How to Develop a Reinvention Strategy
A Life Assessment Inventory Survey
A Five Point Personal Action Plan
Educational Blog Articles / Online Support
One Personalized Coaching Session

This is a great workshop for any club, organization, civic group, or church. Matter of fact, Metropolitan Community College in Omaha is looking to add ENCORE to its spring non-credit curriculum.

So if your group is looking for a fun, educational and potentially life changing workshop be sure to contact LifeWorks today. Go to www.thelifeworkscoach.com and contact me today to arrange your event.