Tuesday, January 31, 2006

My Health Has Improved!

Several years ago, I had a sinus infection that lasted for 9 months - yes, 9 full months! I was in bed, on tons of medications and very ill. I had sinus surgeries and I improved but never regained my energy nor my voice, fully.

Last year I began to have problems with my larynx and esophagus and had trouble keeping down food (including water) and would loose my voice many times a day. I had low energy and felt sick all the time. I went for three 4 medical procedures and began to take 7 prescription drugs and didn't improve at all.

I was seeking more energy and to eliminate my health issues. I mentioned this to one of my coaches and he connected me with a simple 5 Step Health Program built on common sense and leading medical research.

I began to see and feel the possibility of creating a healthier life and a life where I did not have to mask my symptoms by filling my body with damaging drugs.

As I researched health conditions of others, I came across some shocking facts from the US Department of Health and Human Services. I won't list them all here, but some of them thatgot my attention:

Diabetes affects 10 million people in the US alone - including my husband:(

High blood pressure affects 2 million people in the US

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death

Cancer is the #2 cause of death

and over 50% of us have chronic digestive disorders

I started on the 5 Step Program and found that when I came to step 3- cleansing my body to get rid of built up toxins that create disease and illness, I began to have some dramatic changes and began to feel better.

When I moved to step 5, a few months ago and matched the right treatment of natural supplements, I woke up one day feeling like I used to and have never looked back! I am eating things like chocolate and tomatoes and having some coffee and citrus fruits and red wine, which I was unable to tolerate for a year.

I then encourgaged my husband Mark to try products for his diabetes. His numbers, in not yet 60 days, have come down and because all the products are natural, there are no harmful side effects that come with traditional drugs, so we both feel confident about our decisions in using these products (and there are clinical studies and listings in the Physicians Reference Guide, too!).

Today I am celebrating that I am feeling rid of my health issues and feeling youthful and full of vitality and believe I have eliminated my debilitating diseases.

What I did to get started was to take a health assessment and if you want to do the same (there is no cost, no obligation, just a free service to spread the health), visit http://www.terrilevine.com/4minhealthassessment.htm.

I want for you and your families to have more energy, to eliminate health issues and to create the lives you desire filled with health and well-being.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Monday, January 30, 2006

Busy Weekend

What a delightful weekend! Friday we signed an agreement for a large expansion to our home, adding on much needed additional office space, meeting space, and a conference area. We are also putting in a private living quarters for my father, so we all have more space and privacy. That night, Mark and I went to dinner to chat about the week and just relaxed and took our time enjoying the night out.

Saturday we met our good friends Elaine and Steve in NJ and had lunch out and caught up on post-holiday events and exchanged our holiday gifts. It was a lot of fun being with them and we laughed a lot - and we ate a lot, too!

Mark and I came home and did some errands and late that night we munched on some Chinese food and then watched TV and cuddled.

I love the weekends as we have alone time and also special time with our friends and family. Sunday, we went to brunch (that is our weekly ritual and my favorite meal of the week) and then relaxed in front of the TV until it was time to meet up with some more friends for a meal where the chef cooks in front of you and does a really funny show while he cooks.

We chatted with them in the parking lot for ages as we had so much to share none of us could pull away to our cars.

I reflected last night on how restful and peace filled the weekends are and wondered if that is why I am always so ready to go on Mondays! My former coach, Sharon Teitelbaum sent me a wonderful book she authored, "Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued" and I read the entire book before bed. It was awesome and she is an extraordinary coach.

This morning I went back to eating light and healthy after that weekend filled with so much food. I planned a super long workout today as it is to be almost 60 degrees in the Philadelphia area today! I don't want to miss out on that, so after I hit the weights I am going to walk in the park.

I am looking foward to another amazing week with my clients and my coaching students. I am listening to my silent affirmations from my Brainspeak program right now and really feeling amped up.

Go create an extraordinary day, too!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Working on Something Major!!

I am really excited and wanted to share some news! I have been working (secretly) with my partner, Peter Julian, on a major breakthrough that will change the world of coaching and self-help forever. It's been a super busy time and for the past months we've been underground developing this and are coming closer to launch.

I don't have time frames yet and when I do, I'll post them here for sure. If you want to be notified directly, just let rachel@coachinginstruction.com know and she'll add you to the project announcement list.

This is really awesome and I am out of breath working on it almost around the clock because I am so excited!

If you aren't doing something that juices you, I encourage you to go for it now!


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

What's missing?

I know that with me, by the end of January I have to remind myself what New Year's Resolutions I've made. It always seems that when we start the New Year we're all excited about our goals for the year. Then we get overwhelmed with other things and our gung ho attitude starts to fade. Face it; we all lead busy lives. But that shouldn't keep you from your goals for 2006.

So how can you go about fixing this problem? What's missing for you? What do you need to do for your business? What goals have you made for yourself? What's not working? The end of January is a good time to reassess your New Year's Resolutions.

What resolutions are working for you and what's not? Which ones are unrealistic? Set time frames for each resolution. Do you have new ideas that you can add? I suggest you give your resolutions a "make over". By the end of January you should have a pretty good idea of what changes need to be made. Don't let your New Year attitude fade!

Here's a tip for you: Are you looking back on your revenue from 2005 and trying to figure out what happened...what went wrong? Are you continually searching for ways to find out what's missing in your business but seem to come up empty handed? I have a product that might be of interest to you. It's called The Coaching Success Profit Generator - and this software program does just that; generates profit in easy steps. I highly recommend this to all coaches who are looking to improve their businesses in 2006. Perhaps this is just what is missing from your business? Read more about it here: http://www.terrilevine.com/software.htm or email me at terri@terrilevine.com

Check out some of my other business building products at: http://www.terrilevine.com/products.htm

What's missing in your business? In your life? What are YOU going to do about it?

Take action and get moving on "making over" your resolutions.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com/

Friday, January 20, 2006

Want to avoid the feelings of stress in the future?

Try these tips:

  1. Get up 15 minutes earlier every morning so you aren't in a rush and can relax before leaving the house. You can eat your breakfast at a leisurely pace.

  2. Exercise daily to unwind

  3. Eliminate the words "ought" and "should" from your vocabulary and make your goals things you really want to do

  4. Skip the daily news - it's full of negative events

  5. Drive slowly and enjoy listening to music while you drive

  6. Meditate or sit quietly for a few minutes every day

  7. Schedule plenty of time between appointments so you don't feel rushed

  8. Learn to say no or to delegate. Don't be a control freak - not only does this annoy those you're trying to control but it sets you up for big time stress!

Life is filled with changes and challenges, many of which you can't control. How you respond to these changes and challenges *is* in your control. Your attitude can determine a situation or you can allow the situation to control your attitude.

It is much better for your stress levels if you can learn to control your attitude so you and your emotions and stress levels are not at the mercy of every outside influence affecting you.

There are many self-help books, tapes and videos as well as live classes and programs to help stressed people deal with it and control it... if you are reading this and you are a stress-ball... you have no excuse! Go get help!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Stressed? What to do about it...

It may sound like a cliché, but techniques such as meditation, relaxation or even exercise does help reduce stress levels.

We're always reading stress advice for career people... but thinking about the lady who emailed me who wasn't sure if she was stressed made me think how this group in our community is so often overlooked.

So, this advice is for the stressed stay-at-home mom... the unsung heroines of our community (or heroes if the stay-at-home parent just so happens to be Dad!)

Take your mind away from what you are doing. Read the comics, take a walk. Take deep breaths. If you're a stay at home parent, take your children to the park, walk slowly and breathe in the fresh air. Find some time of the day to sit and soak in a long warm bath with a good book. If you can't get to a aerobics or exercise class of some kind (that has a creche), buy a video and do it at home. You have to have some special "you" time - this is not being selfish. If you are not feeling 100%, you are not going to be able to give 100% to your family - so you HAVE to take care of you first if you want to be able to take care of others.

It will take some practice but you need to relinquish the "need" for a spotless house - you have children - any mother will tell you, children and a permanently spotless house just don't go together unless you have a full time house-keeper! Train your children to pick up after themselves.

If you're house proud, sit down and make a list of the things you feel must be done to make you happy re your house and then schedule the tasks for the week, making allowances for interruptions along the way. Schedule in children time. Schedule in all the things you have to do. Now somewhere in that schedule, find at least half an hour just for yourself - possibly later in the evening when the children are in bed, or maybe you can get up a bit earlier before everyone else - but it's imperative you find time just for you. Buy one of those soothing meditation music tapes, put it on softly, lie on the sofa with your eyes closed and just listen and relax.

You might like to try a herbal remedy - St John's Wort is excellent and can be found on most vitamin shelves in the stores. Check with a naturopath for their recommendations.

Most of all, enjoy the time you have with your children... blink and they'll be grown up and gone!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Am I stressed?

You don't know? Actually, that's not as silly as you might think. I was once asked "How can I determine what is true stress or if I just overreact to everything. Or does it not matter as long as a person feels stressed no matter what the source?"

This poor woman went on to confide that she felt overwhelmed most of the time. She was a stay at home mom, with 3 kids, ages 12, 3, and 1yr. She said she felt stressed by everyday tasks and events - things that she thought other people wouldn't react to. She also confessed to being something of a control freak and liked things a certain way. She liked a tidy house, but was stressed by having to keep it tidy all the time and also stressed if she didn't do it.

Actually, I think that last part is something most of us can relate to! But back to her stress...

True Stress is that state of overwhelm which affects you physically and mentally and renders one incapable of functioning without that sense of panic and urgency, an inability to relax. Her need to control and have things "just so" was exacerbating her problem. Mind you, not all stress is bad. Stress is your body's response to any change in its inner or outer environment. Even good things, such as a promotion at work or a new baby in the house can create stress. It's when you are faced with one stress period after another, with no time to relax in between, it can affect your physical and mental well-being.

Anyhow, if YOU don't know if you're stressed or not, here are some common symptoms of too much stress and not enough relaxation.

  • Fatigue
  • Sleeplessness
  • Irritability, anxiety or depression
  • A change in appetite
  • Headache, backache or chest pain
  • A noticeably negative attitude
  • Numbness
  • Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
  • Poor concentration
  • Little things bothering you
  • Frequent crying
  • Muscle spasms
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty controlling your temper

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Friday, January 13, 2006

2006 and the State of Your Self-Image

I receive a lot of email about my articles on self-sabotage, grumpy people, combating stress, etc. and a common theme which runs through all the emails is that a lot of people carry around a poor self-image. Ever heard that expression "You ARE what you think!"?

It is as a result of a poor self-image that we believe we don't "deserve", and because of this, we subconsciously sabotage our own happiness.

Typical behaviors associated with poor self-image include:

  • negative self-talk about ourselves

  • jealousy/envy

  • feelings of guilt

  • poor health

  • inability to give affection

  • inability to receive affection

  • inability to give compliments

  • inability to receive compliments

  • not asking for what we want or not taking into account our own needs

  • being highly critical

  • we compare ourselves with others

  • lack of confidence in ourselves

  • pessimism

You can start to overcome these things with practice.

You can start simply, for example, next time you receive a compliment, just say "thank you" and smile. Don't try and put the compliment down or turn it around or poo-poo the compliment giver! Just accept their compliment with a simple thank you!

Some people just burn up inside when somebody says something nice to them! For them, accepting a compliment gracefully and appreciating it is a real challenge. Getting them to BELIEVE it is the hardest part - know why? It's all that negative self-image getting in the way. Because they think they're lousy, no-good, useless wastes of precious oxygen, they think everyone else thinks the same and if they don't, its because they don't know them well enough and they should think the same! Good grief!

And practice giving others compliments.

Whatever your shortcomings, know that we are all human and one of our human traits is that we are not perfect! We all have shortcomings! We don't go around advertising our short comings, and the wise amongst us try to overcome our shortcomings, living lives of continual self-improvement. So stop with the negative self-talk and when you find yourself thinking poorly of yourself, stop yourself and replace the thought with something positive and uplifting. Acknowledge the good things about yourself. Hang around happy people. Don't accept abuse from anybody. Use positive affirmations about all areas of your life. Listen to uplifting tapes and read inspirational books.

You ARE worthy! And that applies regardless of what or who you are... I don't care if you're old, ugly, unemployed, beautiful in a plastic-surgeon-junkie kind of way (conceited), rich and selfish, poor and miserable, in jail, made mistakes... IT DOESN'T MATTER! Some things, like appearances and age, are simply superficial, other things (mistakes we're ashamed of) belong to yesterday and have no place in your thinking "today". Even axe murderers are only punished ONCE for the same crime... how many times do you punish yourself - in thought or deed - for the same mistake?

Here's a nifty trick to make all this easier... picture in your head how you want to be, not how you are now.

I wish you all a HAPPY and successful 2006!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Think Before You Quit

This is one of those times of the year when people start looking ahead and thinking, "Oh my God! There is NO way I can spend another year doing this job!" And thoughts of new careers start filling their heads.

Well, no matter how strong the temptation may be to just up and walk out of your job, have a good long think before you do it. Quitting suddenly without a plan is not recommended. Even though your work position may be impossible to live with a minute longer, you may find being unemployed, with all that entails, even more stressful. Picture it... the long, boring days ahead with no regular income... and looking for work is stressful in itself, particularly if you live in a high-unemployment area.

It doesn't take long for depression and feelings of hopelessness to set in. Believe it or not, most of us are simply not equipped to adapt easily to being unemployed. We are not trained to handle the social and financial adjustments required. Do you have a car loan? Mortgage? Family to support? Any other debts or financial obligations that require you have an income? If you do - don't just quit and walk out!

So, what should you do if your work situation has become so intolerable that you'd consider just walking out the door, never to return? Well, first, consider just what it is that is making you so miserable. Is it the job itself? The department you work in? Your immediate supervisor? Work conditions? Overall morale? Any particular person or people? Now think what can you do that might improve this? Is it possible to transfer to a different department? Apply for a different job? Is there a H.R. Manager you can speak to about your concerns/problems?

If you've tried the "sensible" things like this and nothing can be done or has been done, what do you do next? Avoid acting in the heat of the moment. If your emotional and or physical health and wellbeing is at serious risk where you are, then start looking for a new job elsewhere with a new company. This, in itself, has been known to buoy depressed spirits... you have something to look forward to, and it can make 'hanging in there' more tolerable knowing that it's not permanent.

If you are really suffering, you needn't be 'fussy' about what new job you take if it means having something to go to when you leave. And maybe that is not such a bad thing either, to take a less stressful job for a while, as a filler, to rebuild your strength and give you time to assess where you're going.

And don't forget there are employment laws in place designed to protect not only yourself as a worker, but also the employer. You may, for example, have signed something saying if you leave you will give x number of days written notice. You may stand to lose pay and other benefits if you just walk.

When the temptation to just quit arises, ask yourself if you will manage to live on your savings, because unemployment benefits are not made available to those who quit their jobs. What real benefits do you stand to lose by just walking out the door? How will this affect your family? What are you going to do with yourself? Might seeking the services of a Career Coach be helpful to you in your situation?

Before quitting, try to rectify whatever it is that is making you so miserable and when that is impossible, take the necessary steps to seek new employment. If, while waiting for a new job, things become unbearable, consider taking a part time job somewhere, or a lesser qualified position just so you have something to go to and an assured income to tide you over until you find a 'better' position. But remember, even when doing this, once the initial sense of release and freedom has passed, how will you feel about yourself, your new temporary position, and smaller income?

Get yourself a Career Coach who can counsel you and help you make the necessary adjustments, or speak to a career counselor.

Nobody "has" to stay in a job that makes them miserable, but just walking out the door is not necessarily the answer. As with most things, even quitting your job requires careful planning.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Simplify Your Life

If you're like most people, you probably toyed with the idea of some new year resolutions a week ago. Did you? I admire you if you had on your list things like: get healthy, quit smoking; work on work/life balance, etc. I'll admire you even more if you STICK to it and succeed!

Sometimes the reason we do NOT succeed, even with our most heartfelt desires, is because we are not physically or mentally "ready" and able to. We are tired, stressed, overwhelmed or plain burned out. Well, I'm not... don't know about you!

When people tell you to work on your stress levels they talk about work/life balance, taking extraordinary self-care, learning relaxation techniques and so on… however, a simple, cost-free method to help reduce your stress almost immediately is to simply SIMPLIFY your life.

Sounds easy, but it involves change - for some reason, any form of change just freaks some people out! You'd think you were asking them to sacrifice a limb! By simplify your life, I mean clear away the clutter. Get rid of that and you get rid of the "overwhelm".... and voila! One less thing for you to "stress" about!

So, where do you start? Start with a list. List those activities and "responsibilities" that really ARE necessary and unavoidable... like having to go to work every day, or feeding your children. On the other hand, having to do the breakfast dishes immediately before going to work is something that can go in the unnecessary column. Get the idea? Nobody is going to die, become ill or lose their job if your kitchen isn't spotless every morning after breakfast.

And remember, just because you've always done something or done it a certain way, doesn't mean you have to always do that something or do it that certain way! You ARE allowed to change! In fact, change is compulsory... your body changes every day whether you like it or not!

Remove any unnecessary activity that forces you to feel stressed about having to keep on top of it all. Even if you are not particularly overwhelmed with activity just now, but you are putting aside your own goals and dreams simply because there are not enough hours in your day as it is... Something has to go to make room for the new.

Think honestly about your priorities and start clearing your plate of all the non-essential clutter that has accumulated over the years. Is there an activity around the home or office that could be delegated so you have more time to do other things? Check every activity you are involved in every week - is it done out of habit or is its purpose still necessary? Can it be delegated or modified in some way, or perhaps totally scrapped?

Identify those areas in your life that are complex, time consuming, money consuming or maybe just emotionally or energetically draining in some way, then think of some ways in which you can simplify each of these complex areas PERMANENTLY.

When you simplify your life, you will feel better for it. You'll be refreshed and energized. Less stressed. More efficient. You can slow the pace down and stop and smell the roses! You will be more fun to be around. You will have more time to work on the things that really count, spending quality time on the activities and people that really count, and have time for yourself and your dreams and goals.

In short, you will have a life, not a "to-do" list!

Here's to a successful 2006!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Friday, January 06, 2006

A Little New Year Humor

The following was donated to my newsletter some years ago... I came across it and remembered some of the sour faces I'd seen at the shops earlier... seemed to me that some people needed to start the year off with a smile and a laugh... it might not bring instant fame and fortune, but it will make dealing with whatever awaits you in 2006 a lot easier! So, look in the mirror - if you look like you've just sucked a lemon, read on...

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a flat tyre.

The darkest hours come just before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's milk and newspaper, that's the time to do it.

Don't aspire to become irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

Never forget that like everyone else, you are unique.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

If you think nobody cares whether you're dead or alive, try missing a couple of mortgage payments.

Before you judge someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you judge them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes!

If at first you don't succeed, avoid skydiving.

Have you ever lent someone $20 and never seen that person again? It was probably worth it.

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Some days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

When we are born we are naked, wet, hungry, penniless, and we get smacked on our behinds. From there on in, life gets worse.

And on that note, I wish you ALL a Happy and prosperous 2006 and whatever life throws at you, find something to smile about!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Stretch Yourself in 2006

For no special reason, other than perhaps it's the start of yet another new year, I had a think about all the many wonderful people in the world who, for one reason and another, never realize their full potential.

If you've lived your life so far not realizing your potential, maybe 2006 is the year you should look at yourself in the mirror and discover just who you are and what you are really capable of!

Have you ever thought to think about the boundaries and labels that define your life and your work? There may be geographic boundaries, socio-economic boundaries, industry boundaries, ethnic boundaries. You may be wrapped in the labels of wife, boss, father or employee. You may be believing what your parents or other people in your life have said you are. If their opinion of you hasn't been flattering, this has been keeping you down... maybe it's time you proved them wrong and started living up to your full potential!

Today's world is filled with amazing opportunities. Stretch your boundaries and labels to discover new ways of thinking and being. Stretch for your success.

Here are three easy ways to begin to stretch yourself:

  1. Meet someone new every day. Make a point of saying hi to five total strangers every day!

  2. Read a publication from a different industry. You don't have to buy them, you can read them for free at your local library.

  3. Drive a different route home from work.

Do something differently, just for the heck of it. It really will make a difference. Try it!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

How is 2006 going to be different for you?

Have you set any goals? Have you dreamed big dreams and visualized wonderful outcomes? What bad habits have you decided to do away with? Have you strategies in place to combat these habits? Have you decided to incorporate fun and relaxation and YOU time into your calendar this year?

Once you get back into the swing of things at work, it's easy to make excuses for not finding 'you' time. It's busy, busy, busy. Again, everyone wants a piece of you. Before you know it, you're feeling stressed again and this year is little different to last.

Let me put it like this... if you suddenly came down with a serious illness and your life depended on you slowing down and taking time to smell the roses, you'd find plenty of 'you' time! But why wait until that happens? Do something now!

Just can't relax? Take your mind away from what you are doing. Read the comics, take a walk, or file papers. Take deep breaths. Listen to soothing music.

Try these tips to avoid feelings of stress in the future:

  1. Get up 10-15 minutes earlier every morning so you aren't in a rush and can relax before leaving the house.

  2. Exercise daily to unwind. Even 5 minutes here and there counts. Get a dog and walk it in the evening.

  3. Eliminate the words "ought" and "should" from your vocabulary and make your goals things you really want to do. Think about "wants" this year!

  4. Skip the daily news - it's full of negative events.

  5. Drive slowly and enjoy listening to music while you drive.

  6. Meditate or sit quietly for a few minutes every day.

  7. Schedule plenty of time between appointments so you don't feel rushed.

What ways can you think of, that will work for YOU, that you can make 2006 better than every year that has come before it?

You are important. There is only one of you... that makes you rare and valuable! Take care of yourself!

To Your success in 2006!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com