Issue #15 - April 2005

IN THIS ISSUE
1) Upfront & Personal
2) April TeleForum/Briefcase Moms® Home Study Program/Market Yourself Smarter
3) Feature Article: Find Your J-Spot
4) Briefcase Moms Workbook Gets Results
5) The Balance Zone-I Want Your Stories
6) Out and About

This newsletter is a valuable resource I provide for my coaching clients and coaching groups. It is also available to those who requested it at my website www.briefcasemoms.com or workshops, purchased my book Briefcase Moms or have requested information about my coaching services.


Upfront & Personal

True confessions...I forgot to pick my son up a school the other day.  The really ironic part:  I was giving a presentation on how to find work-life balance while my poor six year-old was waiting patiently at school for someone to collect him.

Of course, the school tried to call me and I was unavailable (cell phone off for obvious reasons).  They called my husband, who called the daycare (who usually picks Adam up) and they weren't answering the phone.  So, my husband (bless his soul) jumped in his car and headed to Adam's school (a 30-minute drive).  He arrived at the school gate just as the daycare van did.  Adam gave his Dad some grief and then happily jumped in the van and zoomed off to daycare. 

All of this had happened unbeknownst to me.  I found out after the fact when late that afternoon I called my husband on my way home from my presentation and he told me the whole story.  I was mortified, embarrassed and regretful.  I felt horrible for Adam imagining how he must have felt coming out of the classroom to no one while all the other children were happily running off with a parent or care-giver.  Well, I'll tell you I went through some intense self-torture for the next 15 minutes as I drove home.  Two things stopped my self-recrimination (read heavy-duty guilt):  1.  A call to a girlfriend; and, 2) Realizing that what happened to Adam was a result of what I call WMADD.

I called my friend Michele who I knew would be home with her newborn (as she says all she's doing lately is breast feeding, breast feeding and breast feeding).  I related the story and after finding out Adam was fine she howled with laughter and said thank you for telling her that story.  She shared a similar story and that helped me get perspective.

After listening to Michele, I realized that we working moms are all susceptible to WMADD (Working Mother Attention Deficit Disorder).  Let's face it with so much on our plates and minds it is easy to miss the occasional thing...yes even forgetting to tell your daycare that your son is on early dismissal that day. 

As I started talking to more friends and clients about WMADD, they began to readily share their stories.  One client confided that she forgot to put on her makeup and didn't realize it until part-way through her workday.  Another said she'd completely missed a deadline for registering her daughter in ballet even after several notes in her calendar and on the fridge.  Many women shared the fact that they go into a room to get something and can't remember what they went there for or dial the phone and can't remember who they are calling.

I'd love to hear your WMADD stories. Have you got any you'd like to share (admit to :))?  Don't be shy...it helps to know that we are not alone.  And it might even make us laugh a little at ourselves. 

Speaking of laughter, this month's feature article is about how to discover what brings you joy and how to make it a reality in your life. It may not be a complete antidote to WMADD but it will sure make it easier to cope on a crazy day. 

Cheers, L. 


Feature Article: Three Ways to Find Your Joy Spot
by Lisa Martin, PCC  

Have you ever stopped to consider what personal interests or passions bring you pure joy? Do you know what your J-Spot is -- that special something that you do only for you that leaves you feeling euphoric and energized? 

More and more women today are looking for ways to add more balance and meaning to their hectic, demanding lives by engaging in personal interests that send them soaring.  Whether it's quilting, gardening, tai chi, hiking, painting or jazz singing, a joy-based activity or hobby can add years to your life.  Is finding your J-Spot like discovering the ever-elusive fountain of youth?   Yes. Participating in joy-based pastimes has many benefits from improved mental and physical health to enriched friendships and increased levels of happiness and self-esteem.  All proven to keep us living longer. 

If you are wondering where to start, here are three steps to help you find your J-Spot.

1.  Create a Joy List

Write down everything you can think of that brings you joy, from eating a chocolate to running your first 10K.  To get started, think of things you used to like doing as a child - you can ask a parent or sibling to help you remember.

2.  Clue into Your Interests

Look through magazines and old photos and pay attention to what sparks you.  What excites you.  These are all clues to what you care about. Perhaps you continually focus on rock climbing...that might be your next passion.

3.  Follow Your Gut

Notice what you get emotional about or feel connected to.  Even if it seem out of the ordinary for you...it is probably something your intuition is directing you to notice.  Ask yourself how you could turn that feeling into something just for you.

Want to learn more ways to put more meaning into your life by finding your unique passions and interests?  Join me on April 19 at 5pmPT/8pm ET for the Success & Balance TeleForum™:  Find Your J-Spot!  Click here to register

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