The
Trailhead
From Patt Osborne, AdventureCoach.
"Climb Mountains, But Bring a Good Guide"
Welcome to the October issue of The Trailhead!
This issue is the one year anniversary of The Trailhead. Thank you, readers, for all the support and positive comments you have sent to me over the past year. Thank you also for sharing The Trailhead with others. And finally, thank you to all the new subscribers who have signed on. I totally enjoy writing this newsletter and it’s my hope that each issue offers you some food for thought, a helpful resource, or simply some comfort that you’re not alone when facing what life dishes out to us.
If you know someone else that you think might find something valuable in here, please forward this newsletter on.
Each month, you will receive some practical tips on ideas such as eliminating stress, finding your passion, clearing clutter, and maybe even some travel tips and more. Also look for helpful resources including book titles and websites. In addition, don’t be surprised when you find a call to action. I am a coach, after all! I hope you find some useful tidbits. If you decide to take me up on one of the monthly challenges, email me and tell me about it. I would love to hear what you are up to! And remember…the adventure begins at the start of The Trailhead!
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In this issue:
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Welcome to October…and a beautiful change of seasons!
Have you ever had a challenge, a problem, an issue… something you wanted to resolve and despite the fact that you put in unlimited amounts of time thinking, ruminating, and contemplating outcomes, you still felt stuck? You betcha! We all have at one time or another. Some days, it may even seem like its happening more often than not! In our busy, bustling lives when we’re zipping from one activity to another, leaving hardly any room to come up for air, much less contemplation, it’s no wonder we get stuck from time to time.
And that, my friends, is exactly what happened to me when I first set out to write this month’s Trailhead. I was in the midst of a number of work-related projects yet it was time to write this Newsletter. Sure, I had tons of ideas swirling around in my brain, yet I could not seem to land on a topic that really excited me or even interested me. And if I wrote something just half-heartedly for the sake of meeting my self-imposed deadline, that reluctance would scream out across these pages. So…What did I do to resolve this feeling of stuckness? I took a deep breath, pushed away from my desk, threw on my favorite old comfy sweatshirt and headed out the door to the woods, with notepad and pen in pocket. Almost immediately I got into speed walking mode…taking quick strides and swinging my arms back and forth. My mind was racing as I searched inwardly for the perfect topic. Was I relaxed and ready to allow resolution to flow in? No Way! I was bound and determined to resolve this challenge and get unstuck…and the quicker the better! I was on the fast track to continued frustration. Luckily, once I got to my favorite spot in the woods, I sat down and just breathed in the cool, fall air for a moment. In doing so, I began to notice the quiet beauty surrounding me. I heard the distant honking of geese flying overhead. I fixed my gaze on the reds and oranges of the changing leaves. I felt a comfortable, peaceful, feeling embrace me. And that’s when I finally got my focus. By slowing down, getting to a quiet, peaceful place, and allowing my mind to be still for a bit, I found the clarity I had been so forcefully seeking earlier.
What about you? What happens for you when you’re zooming through your life and suddenly (or not so suddenly) find yourself feeling stuck and unable to find clarity on a particular issue? First off, pay attention to the signs that you need to slow down. How do you FEEL? Very likely, your stomach is all knotted up, you may have a quickened heart rate, and you are anxiety-ridden. You might experience tight shoulders and neck, loss of sleep, or that continuous racing mind. You may also have a sense of doom and gloom that whatever is eating at you will never be resolved. It feels different for different folks. Here are a few possibilities to consider that may help get you back on track, feeling focused and calm:
Instead of ignoring the signs to slow down, push your self-care to the top of your to-do list and give yourself permission to stop and pay attention to YOU. No doubt you’ll find focus, clarity, peace, and resolution.
Challenge at the Trailhead:
A good 1st step to take when faced with a gnawing problem, challenge, or situation is to slow down and pay attention to your feelings around it. Once you note that, you are ready to figure out your next move. Choose one or two of the possibilities listed above. Let me know how you made out.
Another choice could be to move onto to something else and come back to it when you feel less stressed.
Why not…
Join Coach Deb Martin and me for a fabulous Coaching Retreat on the beautiful island of St. John to explore the topic: What Are You Doing with the Rest of Your Life?
Saturday, October 25-Wednesday, October 29, 2003.
Does the life you are living reflect your true values and your passions? Or, have you settled for less than you really want and believe in?
What to expect:
Relax and Rejuvenate- With daily, interactive and informative morning workshops, playful activity, and self-reflection.
Pamper Yourself- By relaxing on the beach, snorkeling excursions, hiking, shopping, and much more.
Savor- In the company of others, with plenty of down time, delicious, healthy meals, and comfortable accommodations.
$695 includes your lodging, breakfast and dinner, and all coaching activities and materials. Click here for more details and the registration form. ($100 off if you register before 10/18/03)There are currently great airline prices to the Caribbean so don’t dawdle!
Other Upcoming Events:
Click on the “Retreats” and “Workshop” links on my website
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This Month on the Trailhead Bookshelf:
Slowing Down to the Speed of Life by Richard Carlson (How to create a more peaceful, simple life from the inside out.)
The Women’s Retreat Book by Jennifer Louden (A guide to restoring, rediscovering, and reawakening your true self-in a moment, an hour, a day, or a weekend.)
July, July by Tim O’Brien (A moving yet humorous story of the 30th reunion of the class of ’69 at a mid-western liberal arts college.)
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Trailhead Resources:
www.maho.org (for more info. on Maho Bay Camps on the island of St. John)
www.simonandgarfunkel.com (for ticket information for their US tour)
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Ok…that’s all she wrote! Have an energized and focused October. In the meantime, I invite you to email me with any comments, questions, wins and/or challenges. And thanks, as always, for reading!
Warm wishes,
Patt
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To schedule a complimentary 30 minute coaching phone session, email me at patt.adventurecoach@verizon.net or call 609-953-0027
Visit my website for more coaching info. www.adventurecoach.com
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Please forward this newsletter on to any friends or colleagues who you think may find it useful. Be assured, I will never sell, trade, or give your information to anyone, at anytime, period!
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