Author Archives: Sheri_LifeCoach

What I Am Becoming is Way More Important than What I am Doing!

Posted in Contentment, Life Coaching, Path of Peace, Resolving Conflict, Simple Living, Simple Wisdom for Living by

A bold statement: “What I am becoming is way more important than what I am doing”.

Yet, in reality, it is freeing. It allows me to stop worrying about producing and pay attention to the things I am learning, the ways I’m being stretched, and what is birthed in the way of fruit as a result of the choices I make in life.

We’ve probably all experienced the George Bailey (It’s A Wonderful Life) moments, where we wonder if our having been born really makes much difference at all. These ideas usually come on the tail end of a season of having things seemingly on a downturn. Much of these distractions, if we choose to focus on them, tend to keep us from happily “row row rowing our boat merrily, merrily, merrily, down the stream”. 

If we can consider that perhaps, what we are becoming through the processes of reflection, growth and change in our lives may be more important than whatever it is we are endeavoring to do, we may be able to endure the challenges of life more patiently.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers”, he identifies the difference in our level of expertise in life according to a 10,000-hour rule. This “rule” is that when you have invested 10k hours in doing something, you are truly an expert at it. He parallels the lives of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, among others. It is a really good read about some interesting success stories, as well as motivational.

The importance is placed on what we are becoming in light of practicing and reading and engaging in repeated efforts around things we are passionate about.  I think of it like learning to write in cursive, or playing the piano, or whatever we endeavor to do well.  We don’t arrive at “being a master”; the art of mastery is in the becoming…the practice, the conscious thinking and focusing on, the commitment to continuing to get back in the ring, on the bike or horse, or at the keyboard, and the willingness to compete with only one…myself…as a means for improving today over yesterday.

It isn’t a striving; it is a growing process. It is natural like learning to crawl before we walk and like acquiring a taste for new things, whether it be food or adventure.

To enjoy life on a broader scale, be open to all things but attached to none.  Being open doesn’t mean you have to “do” all things; the openness (absence of judgment) frees us mentally to focus on the becoming. We celebrate and feel the exhilaration of what “can be” as opposed to fighting what can’t be or feeling hemmed in by all we “can’t do”.

I recently engaged in a conversation with a good friend as we discussed the “bearing of fruit” in our lives versus “producing fruit”. She had spent some time reflecting on her journey and what God’s Word says regarding the difference and it was very enlightening. We often strive to produce fruit. If we can frame our efforts in the matter of “bearing fruit”, it is a natural progression of building on to a well-laid foundation or a well-watered garden.

So, whatever you are facing at the present moment, if you are tempted to stress over all that you are doing, whether or not it is the right thing to do or try, consider that what you will learn in this season is another piece in what you are becoming. We are able to learn from all choices that we make and we benefit from everything we learn, so you can just go with it and welcome the awareness you now have around the art of becoming.

God has ignited a candle within each of us, a passion with potential to burn brightly in our sphere of influence. As we move into the process of becoming and away from the worry of “doing”, we will have more clarity in the many ways He will work in and through us so that we can take our candle and light our world.

What you do, may be forgotten tomorrow, but what you become will make all the difference!

Sheri Geyer is a Christian Life Coach, Writer, Speaker, Wife & Mom

*By virtue of the fact that you are reading this post, please accept my heartfelt invitation to a complimentary sample phone coaching session (no obligation) to discuss what this may look like in regard to your life. You create your tomorrow by what you choose to do today.

 

 

Enjoying the Journey of Not Knowing…

Posted in Contentment, Path of Peace, Simple Living by

Consider: The Advantages of Not Knowing

For me personally, the thing in my life that has the potential to cause the most anxiety is me wanting things to turn out a certain way. I have found myself in the mental trap of “thinking” that I can navigate a particular outcome and so I put on my General-Manager-of-the-Universe-Hat and formulate in my mind all of the amazing things that will happen when I land on the desired outcome for a particular project, person, plan, trip or whatever. It looks something like: Everyone that I love will love me back with love to spare; I will so rock my next meeting that the client will sign up for a lifetime membership and tell all their friends to do the same; from that, I will gain a million clients; then I will evolve into the next latest, greatest, new and improved ME! The next thing that actually happens is that I then begin to fear that it won’t come true…and, then the stress begins.

Funny thing, the stress doesn’t enter because I don’t know everything — it comes into play because I start to believe that I am actually in control of how everything will work out.

The advantages: By virtue of not knowing, I am actually happier, period. When I meet with family, friends or clients, they can feel my happiness. I am cool with how things are going and since this is a positive attribute it is actually one that is very attractive to others. We love rubbing elbows with people who are calm and settled about life in general.

I am totally okay regardless of what happens. Therefore, I am good with any outcome of a meeting, a project, a launch… so no outcome really messes me up. As one of my clients often says, “Just go with it”. So I flow.

Admitting that I truly don’t know nor do I have to know helps me to be truly honest with myself. This honesty flows out to friends and family, readers, clients, new acquaintances, etc. They can learn to trust me by knowing that when whatever happens, I will deal with it according to what is required when it does happen. This is a powerful message for building authentic relationships.

I don’t have to plan as much because not knowing helps me to realize that detailed plans are useless, and actually a waste of time. I am free to spend less time worrying and more time executing. I am no longer consumed by the horrible fear that I may be doing the wrong thing. I just diligently stay focused on doing the next basic right thing and trust the process.

Here are a few suggestions for embracing this journey:

  1. Admit that you don’t know. This is obviously the first step, but it’s hard because we often want to think we know, or at least that we can make certain things happen the way we want them to. We don’t control the future, we can’t know the future. And that is okay.
  2. Tune into the things that cause anxiety. When you start feeling anxious, and that is normal, look inward for the source of the anxiety. What are you hoping will happen that contributes to making you anxious? This awareness is the key to working through the emotions and adjusting to the reality. The thing that changes is the way we perceive it. Once we have a chance to consider a different perspective, we will warm up to the idea.
  3. Remind yourself you’ll be okay. Once you acknowledge a particular outcome you’re hoping for, tell yourself that you will be fine regardless of what happens. Life-and-death situations are possibly the only exception to this, and even in extremely difficult issues, eventually life resumes and we adjust.
  4. Consider worst-case scenarios. Consider the worst case scenario and let it play out in your mind. Once we’ve gone through the emotions in this process, we are more prepared to deal with things than we may think we would be. Honestly, you will eventually make the necessary adjustments and will be fine no matter what. Just be prepared to give it a little time.
  5. Know your principles. If you are not chained to a particular outcome or vision of the future, what are the principles you adhere to? Step back, reflect. What drives you? What do you believe you are most passionate to do or be? You may find the most fulfillment in helping others, extending compassion, enjoying doing work that you love, or building or creating things, etc.
  6. Let your principles, not goals or detailed plans, be what guides you. Once you have your guiding principles, let them guide you on a day-by-day basis, moment-to-moment. You don’t know how something will turn out when you act, but you do know whether this action is in line with your principles.
  7. Learn to relax in the journey. While the journey of not knowing isn’t easy, it can be liberating and transforming. You are in the midst of a turbulent sea, and are afloat without knowing where anything will go. In reality, this has always been the case, you just may not have viewed it through this particular lens. Focus on practicing how you can enjoy the journey. Take small steps. Gain the freedom of viewing the incredible place you are in and get familiar with the new surroundings. Then just relax and go with it.

The freedom of not knowing may become your journey to the best of life. Let it begin now… and Enjoy!

Sheri Geyer is a Christian Life Coach, Writer, Speaker, Wife & Mom

*By virtue of the fact that you are reading this post, please accept my heartfelt invitation to a complimentary sample phone coaching session (no obligation) to discuss what this may look like in regard to your life. You create your tomorrow by what you choose to do today.

Learn to Be Vacationally-Minded as a Lifestyle …

Posted in Contentment, Life Coaching, Path of Peace, Simple Living by

Consider the mindset that you enjoy on vacation. You are free to set your own schedule, not worrying about what you have to do today, not worrying about the time — just being — minus the anxiety. Now imagine the mindset of being busy at work: doing one task while being anxious about many others, worrying that you may not be doing the right task, interrupted by others, distracted and stressed.

These are two different mindsets, and yet, what if we could enjoy the vacation mind while working? Well, we would need to forego the lazing around, but the mindset could be the same. This has the potential to result in a more sane lifestyle, not just living for the weekend or the little vacation time we have, but the ability to navigate life so that we are truly happier every day.

How can this be done? We would need to practice and develop a few small habits, that will make more sense as we go along.

What would the vacation mind look like at work?

Often just thinking about work tasks can alter our mindset from relaxation to anxiety: worry for what we need to do, deadlines, dealing with difficult people, information overload, being on the right task, even concerns as to whether we may be missing out on something important. (A life, perhaps :) !)

A vacation mindset lets that anxiety go and is simply present in the current moment. Time is less important, enjoying yourself is the priority. You let go of the anxiety. You aren’t worried about getting it all done, or doing the right thing right now, or all the things you have to do later. You are immersed in enjoying whatever you’ve chosen to do at the present moment.

So how would this look? You choose to work on a particular task, perhaps writing something. You, obviously, have quite a list of things to do but this is the thing you decide to work on at the moment. Could there be other things you should be doing instead? Of course, there always are and will continue to be. As for the best thing to do right now, the moment of perfect certainty never comes, so just pick something and do it.

Practice being able to enjoy the task at hand. Let other tasks take their rightful place, the time to do them will come. Immerse yourself in the current task. Focus on enjoying yourself as you do it. At times, you may mentally step back, come up for air and take a look at the bigger picture, and then return back to the project. This is what I like to call “laser-focus”.

And you can do this when you talk with a co-worker or client. You can do this with an important email, or processing paperwork/small tasks, designing something, programming, creating art, helping a patient or student. This is a learned strategy / discipline and it is doable.

We can’t just flip a switch and be good at these things today … they take practice, like any other skill. I can say that they’re worth practicing, even if you never master them, because they can transform your relationship with work.

Here are the practices that you can consider working on a little every day:

  1. Pick something, get immersed in the act of being creative. Focus on the enjoyment of creating something that is uniquely your idea. Being able to work from this relaxing mindset affords you the time to think with a higher level of energy. This will play out in everything you endeavor to do.
  2. Let go of anxieties. This takes practice. Learn to recognize when you begin to feel anxious and notice the source of the anxiety. This is typically focusing on an outcome you want to happen, such as, looking good in front of others, being highly productive, controlling a situation, etc. Realize the desired outcome is merely a fantasy, and other outcomes can work out just as well. Realize that holding on to this fantasy of how it should turn out causes stress. Let go and restore your creative energy mindset.
  3. Come up for air and see the big picture. Diving in is great, but it is also helpful to step back at times, and assess what is going on around you. Notice people who are nearby and if anyone needs your attention, how you’re sitting (and whether you’re sitting too long), etc. Is there an appointment you should get to? See the big picture, then go back into immersion.
  4. Be less worried about time. Time is important but we can be mindful of it while not being “lorded over” by it. It matters that we show up on time for appointments we have, paying attention to completion deadlines, billing clients etc. There are times when we can waste time worrying about the time we need to do or not be doing something. Practice a balance of being aware of when time matters and when there can be some leeway.

You may be considering if this is truly doable. The answer depends on you. You’ll be surprised what you can do — if you have the “want to”. 

Sheri Geyer is a Christian Life Coach, Writer, Speaker, Wife & Mom

*By virtue of the fact that you are reading this post, please accept my heartfelt invitation to a complimentary sample phone coaching session (no obligation) to discuss what this may look like in regard to your life. You create your tomorrow by what you choose to do today.

What Are You Doing that’s Hindering What God Wants You to Do?

Posted in Contentment, Life Coaching, Simple Living, Simple Wisdom for Living by

For my life, one of the biggest hindrances is a sense of guilt over things that I perceive other people “think” I need to be doing. 

I am learning that the guilt isn’t necessarily something I am doing wrong — many times it is the enemy trying to distract me from what I am doing right!  He would rather me be so hung up on woulda-coulda-shoulda that I am hindered from doing what God is leading me to do and going where God is leading me to go. If he can keep us beating ourselves up, he achieves his goal of hindering us from being effective and impactful for the purposes God has for us.

I am having to be reminded that the Holy Spirit leads but the devil drives! (Guilt is often the thing he uses to drive). A good way to understand the difference between the two is that the conviction of the Holy Spirit comes before or during the time that we are doing something or not doing something, that God wants us to embrace or relinquish.  Guilt comes after we’ve taken the jump or as a driving force to move us to jump where God hasn’t lead us. Once we understand the difference, we diffuse many of the enemy’s tactics. Another struggle for me is that I am highly attracted to the next shiny object.

I want to sign on for all the opportunities that will let me do what I love… coach, write, speak, coordinate, e.g… I am awesome at sign on but I lack the daily, steady persistence that is required to get the project completed in a timely manner. I am having to be reminded that I need to keep up with some of the important structure and routine that energizes me, such as my morning quiet time, making a list to target what I need to complete … today!  

I need to cease from the proverbial biting off more that I can chew. Sometimes I get so sidetracked trying to knock out as many of the little daily tasks, that I am hindered from making any headway on my long term projects and the ones that ultimately are part of the path to my personal success and fulfillment.

A final challenge for me is to remember that the enemy most wants to discourage me and my efforts by either deceiving me or at the very least, distracting me from my worthwhile pursuits.

One of the greatest ways for me to not succumb to his intrusions in my day is to constantly focus on the plans that God has put within my spirit. I need to consistently renew my mind by reading uplifting messages from His Word,  as well as from other writers who encourage me in my journey as well as surround myself with people who refresh me and challenge me to not settle for accepting life as black and white but allowing my days and my experiences to truly color my world. 

What one thing can you do today that can ignite or re-ignite the candle of passion that burns within?

Take some time to reflect on what you have to offer the people in your sphere of influence, and don’t withhold the gift that you have to bring to the table.

Your voice and your message may be the missing piece(s) in someone else’s life that will make all the difference!

Sheri Geyer is a Christian Life Coach, Writer, Speaker, Wife & Mom

Growing a Faith Bigger than Your Fear

Posted in Life Coaching, Simple Living, Simple Wisdom for Living by

Many times, we find ourselves in a season of worry. We may be tempted to worry over health, finances, family, relationships, career, safety, or various other challenges that we may or may not have to face in life.

Jesus understood that seasons of worry are inevitable in our lives. Because of His humanity, he was empathetic and reminded us in Scripture not to worry about our lives, in regard to what we will eat, drink or the clothes we will wear. He compared the beautiful lilies and how God has decorated each one for the season they are to grow and thrive. His words of encouragement challenge us to seek God first and then He will provide the things we need.

One reason for worry comes from an inability or unwillingness to focus on the place we currently are in life… the present moment. Being in the moment provides an opportunity for learning to enjoy the blessings God provides each day. The challenge is that it requires us to be intentional. We can best remedy this by not obsessing over yesterday and the things that we are powerless to change, or fretting over tomorrow since it isn’t here yet. These habits stir up negative emotions that create a mindset for fear.

Another cause for fear is that instead of trusting that God has a plan for our lives, we fix our minds on all the things that “could” go wrong. This zaps our energy for dealing with the the normal ebb and flow of life and robs us of taking God at His Word and leaning on His promises.

Daily, we are confronted with plenty of concerns that require us to be on top of our game to make decisions in the present that we will be happy with down the road. We don’t need to add regrets from yesterday or the things we may fear about the future.

Divide the things you face into two cateogories: those you can control and those you cannot. Resolve never to waste time and energy on the latter and not to make excuses for the challenges you face on the former.

If you will decide today to take the one step (or do the one thing) that God is telling you to do — and simply trust Him with the outcome — He will reveal the remaining 99 or 999 or 99,000 steps that you need to make to fulfill what He calls you to do with your life. Equipping us for the journey is what He does well, and, if we get hung up on needing to know all 999 steps before we will even take one, we never get anywhere beyond “stuck”. Taking that one step today, and trusting him with the other 99 is exactly what it means to live by FAITH!!

Recognize that there is a very real battle going on within each of us to either live by faith or by fear. If we truly desire our lives to change, we will be required to choose to overcome our fears and grow our faith.

What will YOU choose today? Will it be to Feed Your Fear or Grow Your Faith?

Sheri Geyer is a Christian LIfe Coach, Writer, Wife & Mom

A Person-to-Person Call to God

Posted in Uncategorized by

God has given us a Prepaid Calling Card.  We have the equivalent of a cell phone with unlimited minutes.  We can call anytime, from any location.    The call is free – the answer is priceless.

Prayer Brings God into the Personal Picture of our lives.

  1. His arrival on the scene alters the face of affairs.
  2. We are reminded that someone Bigger is in Control.
  3. Prayers puts us in the right perspective in our way of thinking or acting, concerning our circumstances.

Prayer Causes us to Evaluate our Standing with God.

  1. For us to feel open to pray; we must first confess all sin that the Holy Spirit has pinpointed in our lives.
  2. God, then cleanses, purifies and forgives us.  We are ready to hear His direction and be obedient to His call.

When We Pray for Others, God changes things.

  1. He changes us; the victim, or one who is facing a difficulty.
  2. He changes the offender.  When we pray, we are calling on the Only ONE who can change people.
  3. Or He may change the situation.

God Always Answers Prayer:

  1. He says “Yes”, “No”, or “Wait”.  He hears and responds in  accordance with His will and plan.
  2. A Prayer of Surrender or Relinquishment takes the control out of our hands and causes us to release it to God.  He is Sovereign – and firmly in control.

Our Part in the Process:

  1. We must fully release the people, places, circumstances in our lives over to Him and allow Him to work His will.
  2. We must be willing to accept His direction – this is the place we can learn to trust as never before.
  3. We need to recognize that God is, and desires to be, involved in all the little intricate tapestries that make up our lives.

Remember Prayer is the Language that Communicates our love back to the Father.

  1. Right relationship with Him is best exemplified through communion with Him in prayer.
  2. Praying without ceasing allows us to keep the lines open – we express our love to Him and make our requests.
  3. Make every day a Day of Prayer in Your Little Corner of the World.   

Sheri Geyer is a Master Certified Christian Life Coach, Mentor, Writer, Wife & Mom

Personal Growth…Where Do I Start?

Posted in Uncategorized by

Personal Growth is a phrase that often brings a sense of excitement and may generate feelings of positive forward motion. We grab the thought and think holistically how we can have the best life we can hope for once we take this leap. Or is it a side step. No wait, maybe it resembles a salsa.

Basically, we like the sound of it, but few of us know exactly where or how to begin.

To which I reply, start with a basic inventory…

How connected are YOU?

Getting rightly connected starts as we begin to consider…;

* Who and what is pouring into you? Godly friends and role models? Small group ministry? Supportive family and friends? Or are you receiving most of the info that is poured in via TV,  internet, negative people or unwholesome reading?

* What do your reciprocal relationships look like? With whom do you enjoy “give-and-take” status? Reciprocal relationships involve those who know you and love and accept you as you are. They bring over the pizza or ice cream to share while watching old movies when you may feel a little down. Or maybe they grab the tools and come hangout and work on a water heater in the garage and listen so you can share your frustrations.  The ones you would do anything for and at the drop of a hat. They are the best buds you could hope for.

* Where are you pouring out? Helping? Or rescuing, enabling? On a scale of 1-10, how balanced are your connections? Do you give in to, rescue or support others on a regular basis without requiring much in return? Or perhaps, it is you who constantly needs rescuing?

It is beneficial to bring the balance of who/what pours in — who you reciprocate with — and how and to whom you pour into — as close to equal numbers as possible. It’s not in your best interest to receive at a Level 1, have reciprocals at Level 3 and pour out at Level 10 on a regular basis.  Slide the scale into a happy median and feel the refreshment begin!

How are You with Time Management? 

* Are you usually punctual or often running behind?  If you are consistently stressed or feel you can’t get everything together to get out the door in time, consider going to bed 15 minutes earlier and getting up 15 minutes earlier.  Just move the monitor a bit more into your favor so you can set yourself up to succeed. It really is about being mindful and intentional.

* Are you someone who mostly works to keep or complete your appointments with life? Or make excuses for not enjoying the best of life? When life isn’t so great, do you accept your responsibility in the process or is it consistently, “someone else’s fault”?

* How would you rate your ability to enjoy a healthy balance of saying “no” to some good things, in order to say “yes” to some things that are best? I.e… Are you trading off ‘best’ for ‘good’?  Life can be compared to baseball cards… always focus on making choices that allow you to trade up! 

How Would You Describe the Speed in which YOU Do Life?

* Life balance isn’t about having it all or how many plates you can juggle, but more about relinquishing what doesn’t work for you so that you can be rightly aligned and fully intentional with what does.

Resisting the Hindrance of Resistance…

* Growth requires becoming an expert at navigating inevitable life change by accepting what you cannot change as well as eliminating the excuses for not changing the things you can.

* Where can you be more open to new ideas and not so attached to old habits?

You Are What’s Eating You…

* How much sleep are you losing, or how many ways are you indulging yourself over unresolved issues, relationships or projects? The more baggage we carry, the sooner we show signs of aging.  So travel light to find the fountain of youth.

Live Free…

* Give of your resources generously. The level of your ability to freely give is directly proportionate to how ‘free’ you truly are. We can’t do everything, but we can do something.

* Avoid the temptation to  clutter your life or schedule with unnecessary weight. To the one who has much, much will be required.

Live Out Your Passion…

* Find ways to do and enjoy what you love and share it with others.

* Express love as often as you are able.

* Do all that you do as if God were your employer.

Remember God’s Presence is all around you. Be intentional to stop and enjoy the fragrance of roses, the beauty of a sunset or the warm hug of a dear friend.   The day may come, sooner than you think, that you will be very glad that you made the effort!

Sheri Geyer is a Master Certified Christian Life Coach, Mentor, Writer, Wife & Mom

Weathering the Storms of Life…

Posted in Uncategorized by

How is the weather where you are today? Is it cold, rainy, sunny, cloudy, snowy, windy or perhaps, shaky?  We know that it can change from day to day, or depending on where you are, from hour to hour.

Growing up near Savannah, Georgia, we would jestingly tell those visiting, “if you don’t like the weather, stay tuned, it can change quickly!”

Life can happen just that way.  You can receive a phone call, knock on the door, or a meeting notice than can change everything in a matter of minutes. It can feel like the wind gets knocked out of you.  All of a sudden, you have trouble hearing and comprehending what people are saying. You want to run and hide. You want to stay and resist what you have heard or witnessed and life is never the same.

The storms of life often become life-altering events but the one piece that it takes time to cultivate for a clearer understanding is that God uses every thing big or small, or significant to shape our life into the course it needs to follow. Remember, He is the same One who causes the Colorado River to run uphill near the place it joins the Gunnison River and runs into a desert in Utah.

So, when you receive the kind of news that ushers in a new season of life, trust that God has special places and plans for you that you possibly never would have considered.

Yesterday, I received one of those calls that caused a season in my life to come to a close. The toughest part is realizing that the temptation to be fearful is overwhelming at times. I am a creature of habit and I LOVE my routine. But, I love God more and am open to  all He has for me in the future.

And then today. We recently completed a second of two moves within one month. We sold our home in North Atlanta and took an apartment for a few weeks. My husband began a new job west of Atlanta and so we hitched up the wagons and headed west…okay well we loaded up the truck and moved to…West Georgia!

And today, (1/30/13), the welcome committee was on hand to “sound off” their greeting. Just days after the last few boxes were unpacked… horrific storms spawning tornados are raging all around. As I write this, I am a mere hour outside of the middle bathroom in my hallway where I waited, rather anxiously, while sounds and rains stormed all around.

My little dog, the ever loyal Sammy, was sitting on my lap shivering, probably mostly from nerves, while my cat, Chloe was no where to be found in the house.

As I sat in that bathroom, I remembered the Scripture where Jesus commanded the storm to “be still”.  So, I tried my hand at following a wise example and commanded in a mostly, shaky voice, “Peace, be still, you crazy storm!” Serious confidence lacking here.

What happened next was nothing short of hair-raising. I was on my cell phone with my hubby, who was in North Georgia, the other end of where the storms were raging and we prayed. When I made my daring command, within ONE minute, all was quiet on this western front and I soon resumed my role as a pretty happy camper, answering texts and messages from close friends who know I’ve just moved here.

I am grateful for the example that Jesus taught me in speaking out to the storm(s) in my life that they are to “calm”.   I am MOST grateful that the storm obeyed :) .

So for tomorrow. He is already there and my greatest fear and apprehension comes, only, when I look ahead at my future and picture me there without Him. 

Where are you today? Are storms raging? I have an anchor ~ His anchor holds as I grip the Solid Rock!

Storms cease…and we are stronger because of our experience.   

Sheri Geyer is a Master Certified Christian Life Coach, Mentor, Writer, Wife & Mom

Reflecting on a Year Passing: A New Year Beginning …

Posted in Life Coaching, Path of Peace, Simple Wisdom for Living by

Here we are ~ the end of another year of activities, events, victories, defeats, hopes, plans, some realized, some not ~ the beginning of a new year filled with hope, some trepidation, the ability to start with a clean slate, and the opportunity to grow and learn.

I have pretty much eradicated the making of New Year’s Resolutions from my life. Not so much that I think it’s a bad thing, but I have found that it is an easy way for me to experience a defeat fairly early in the year and I’d like to avoid the disappointment.

So, what I do is journal my thoughts so that I am able to aim my focus on some important areas in my life, namely relationships with those who are significant to me, assessing where I am in my work, writing, coaching etc., determining how I can be simpler, yet wiser in keeping the home fires burning and in maintaining balance in my life.

I like to review each of these important areas and give some time for reflection in how I can learn, grow and more positively impact each area by making better choices or simply continuing with some that are working well. This is a good time for a chat with one of my coaching friends or mentors to determine what I need to embrace, fine tune or remove. This has proven to be very helpful for me.

In the area of relationships, I like balance. Regardless of who I am spending time with my hubby, my darling daughters, my mom, other family members, friends, clients, neighbors etc., I seek to learn more about being fully present in the times I have with them. I do tend to need to pull in and have some solitude, so I want to balance that with giving them my full attention when I get the opportunity to spend time with them in person or on the phone.

I want to spend time reflecting over my life and thinking on the many blessings I have been given. I’d also like to see how to manage the balance so that I can enjoy this new season of life. It is a new year of new beginnings. And I am excited! I hope that you are.

So, if you have ideas of areas in your life to assess to either update, adjust, or remove, I pray that you will spend some time alone with God and ask that He place the people and the things on your heart that He wants to impact through you.

So whatever your year-end tradition, allow your heart and mind to find a quiet place to rest, reflect and be refreshed. As you scan the horizon of 2013, remember that living a life of thankfulness for all God has done and will do, prepares you to face each challenge with an optimistic determination that it will work together for good and then as preparation for whatever is on the horizon for you.

I look forward to growing together in the new year! May yours be the best you could imagine!

Sheri Geyer is a Master Life Coach, Mentor, Writer, Wife & Mom

To see how coaching can impact you and the things that keep you up at night, Click to Schedule online for a FREE Consultation

What Happens When Life Happens?™

Posted in Uncategorized by

As a Life Coach, there is ONE thing I understand… Life happens! 

In the midst of all we plan and hope to execute in our lives, there is no way around it, LIFE is not subject to our plans or convenience. 

In the Northeast US, no one was planning or ready for Sandy, the Super Storm. It is estimated now at $254 billion dollars in damage. Wow!  For the countless families that lived in the path of this horrendous storm, Sandy brought much uncertainty, and a devastating shift in their lives, one that will not be forgotten.

But what about in our own lives personally? What does happen when Life happens in a way that puts us out-of-control? How do we recover from corporate down-sizing? What about the loss of a spouse by death or divorce, or, the estrangement from a child or friend? How do we manage a health or financial crisis?

These tragedies are rarely something we plan? Yet, when they happen, we need a plan!

God often does His greatest work in the seasons that are most difficult for us. We do not go out looking for ways to build our faith muscle, but that is certainly part of God’s purpose for us. The key to a sustaining relationship with God, one that will carry us through the seemingly answerless seasons is getting to know Him intimately, which is the gift above all gifts.

Growing in intimacy with God (which brings spiritual maturity) is not something that you accomplish through self-discipline and willpower; it is opening yourself to receive His blessing. There is no magic bullet to this, neither is it rocket science.  The en route of this is as simple as sitting quietly in the Light of His Presence. Amazingly, you can sense peace growing within you.

Have you ever had a deep conversation with a trusted friend when you were perplexed about something? You probably didn’t walk away with all of your problems and concerns solved, but more than likely, you left with a lighter step and a clearer head. Your friend may have listened to your heart and encouraged you that things will work out.  It felt good to just be heard.

Establishing a deep connection with God, by sitting and soaking in His presence is the best conversation you can have. No need for wish lists, although you can tell Him yours if you have one. You can cry and tell Him life isn’t fair … He understands that, after all, He gave up His Son in an act of complete unfairness. And He is big enough and willing to listen to your heart’s cry.

The amazing thing that happens in these moments is that you clear your mind, and then He transforms it! It is difficult to be open to what good things can come from our struggles when we have so much swirling around in our heads. A daily time and space where we can come in hopes of receiving light for our path, can renew our spirits and give us strength to persevere.

Things don’t change or get corrected over night. But, everything does eventually work out for the best, if we make the best of how they work out.

It is easy to look around and see the obstacles and miss the direction in which we are heading. The obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the destination that you long to reach.

C.S. Lewis once said, “Ink is the cure for all human ills”. I have found that to be true and that is why I am an avid journal-er.  Recently my 7-year old niece visited and I was fascinated that she loved to write. She penned a little note for me and read it to me while I was preparing dinner. She told me that she had made a list of things I could do to keep calm. I was amazed at her insight.

When life happens, we still have choices. When we don’t know what to do… we can do the next basic right thing. That may simply mean to get some rest, eat a good meal, take a long walk or call a friend. It is whatever works for you.

When you realize that the speed of life that is happening in your world, isn’t what you signed up for, remember, God is doing His best work and He is preparing you for whatever is next. He doesn’t waste anything that happens to us.

And who knows, when the storm blows over, you may just discover things that you never saw. Storms cease. Peace remains. Only after you have found it in His presence.

Points to Ponder: Think of a time when it seemed your world fell apart, reflect on what God was doing, how you “made” it through, and what you gleaned from it. 

Case in Point: My husband lost his job in January of this year… after 9 months and countless interviews for a new job, God opened a door of opportunity and Jeff started his own home improvement business. The irony of it is that Jeff loves home improvements and projects that allow him to work with his hands have always been the way he would de-stress from his corporate job (33 years of cube-life). He never dreamed that he could be paid for doing what he loves. But God… had a plan.

So, never underestimate the day of a storm in your life, big or small, God hasn’t forsaken you… He will carry you. And, who knows, one day you may be writing or journalling your own story about what really happened when life happened!

Sheri Geyer is a Master Certified Life Coach, Mentor, Writer, Wife & Mom