Staying Grounded During Challenging Times

A warm hello,

Simultaneously, as we adapt, adjust and accept a spousal loss, there are many challenges and changes women face especially during our current challenging times.

I've been speaking with and coaching women who all are facing many changes during these times. Whether a woman is single, divorced, widowed, a career women, a business owner or a stay at home mom, it is certain she is adapting to some sort of change in her life. Perhaps you, as a widow, are facing changes and challenges not only with the loss of your husband (and all that entails), but in other areas as well.

Perhaps you are in the midst of raising small children, teenagers or adapting to foreclosures in your neighborhood. Perhaps you are juggling a career that makes additional demands of your time. Perhaps you have an abundance of new financial wealth or a loss of wealth. Perhaps you strive to make ends meet in today's challenging times. Perhaps you've lost a job or just started a new one. Perhaps you have moved and are starting over in a new geographical location or are adjusting to and re-creating a new life where you currently live. The list of changes and potential challenges does go on and on.

But wait, along with all the changes and challenges, what are the potential rewards?

What are the new opportunities and new experiences that are presented?

How do we stay grounded during challenging times?

How do we learn to stop, decompress, check in with ourselves on what is most important?

How do we want to spend our precious time?

How can we best take care of ourselves and those we most care about?

Finally, how do we stop fear or overwhelm from taking over and gain clarity, focus and inspiration to take bold steps forward?

Tips:

1. First breathe. Yes, breathe. Breathe it in and breathe it out. Have you ever caught yourself with shallow breath or even holding your breath? Take some deep breaths.

2. Exercise some self-care. Get enough sleep, eat healthy and get some exercise. Do something for yourself that brings you joy. Make some gesture in giving back to others. When you give you can receive so much in return.

3. Surround yourself with people who support you and will tell you the truth. Find mentors.

4. Take some quiet time to reflect on your life and your work. Take the wheel of life free assessment on http://www.coachingforwidows.com/. There is a personal wheel and a professional wheel. Complete both if appropriate. This assessment will begin to provide greater clarity for you on what is most important, what is working and what is not. It will help you begin to determine gaps, strategies and action steps for moving forward especially during these challenging times.

5. Once you've determined some strategies and action steps...take action. Thinking about it will not make any change or improvement, taking appropriate action will. If you need help, find others that have the skills and knowledge you need or want and ask for their guidance. Carpe Diem. Seize the Day. Make it Great!

6. Do not forget about engaging in some leisure time. You know, truly non-productive relaxation. Too often women can try to fill time with busy work, always moving and always doing. Some leisure time is important to find a balance that helps you stay grounded.

Here's to you,

Colleen

Colleen Phillips, Professional Coach, CPCC,ACC

For coaching and widow resources visit http://www.coachingforwidows.com/