This blog post is taken from my weekly newsletter, Pop of Positivity, which I send out each week. If you’re not subscribed, please do, so you won’t miss a thing!

I hope you had a wonderfully restful holiday this weekend with your friends and family and those of us in the US were able to take a moment to think about the men and women who gave their life in service to this country.

It’s so easy to take for granted all these sweet freedoms we enjoy, so I find it a blessing to slow down for a moment of gratitude for those who were so important in keeping us free.

For the past almost 6 years, I’ve sent out this newsletter every single week to you, my sweet Pop of Positivity Family. (And then posted it here on my website blog.) During that time, I’ve moved from writing primarily about leadership, customer service, mindset and positive communication to talking about midlife, and then even some about Pickleball.

That means you may be getting this email because you were interested in one of the above things, or if you’re a real OG, then you might be getting this because you heard me speak at a conference or event. (Thank you for sticking with me!)

All that is to say that for the month of June, I’ll be taking a break.

I’m headed to Europe for the month, and rather than just schedule weekly emails to go out, I’m going to focus on other things.

This break is in preparation for when I come back in July.

Upon my return, I will be offering you a specific focus for your weekly Pop of Positivity.

You will have the opportunity to pick which topics interest you most, and receive the newsletter and other offerings around that (those) topic(s).

The specifics are not yet concrete, but right now I’m thinking the topic areas will be:

—Mindset: You want to strengthen your mindset so you can live your best life. Whether taking care of your grandkids, working your heart out or having fun on the Pickleball courts. How we think about things impacts everything, and this newsletter will focus on how you can think to enjoy everything just a little bit better.

—Faith: You love the connection of faith and life and want more about how to do it seamlessly. This newsletter will help you deepen your faith in and strengthen your walk with the Lord.

—Travel: I’ll be doing a lot more traveling in the next few years (more on that exciting news later in the summer) so this newsletter will cover all things involved with traveling. From clothes to packing, flying, cruising, and how to do it all with even less stress and more joy. Of course, this will also include awesome places where I’m playing Pickleball!

I’ve also been toying with the idea of starting a VLOG on YouTube covering the same topics, so I’m excited to hash out the details. I should have more specifics for you throughout the summer.

So for now, I’d love to know what you are doing this summer! You can leave a comment and let me know.

And I’ll look forward to connecting with you again in July.

Until then, please feel free to follow me on ​Instagram​ as I start my trip in Barcelona, and be sure you’ve subscribed to my ​YouTube channel​ too.

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. A small favor: If you’ve purchased one of my Pickleball books, ​Dink Positive Thoughts​ or ​The World of Pickleball Word Search​, if you would be so kind as to leave me a review. I haven’t done much to get reviews for these books, but Amazon really depends on those reviews to share the book with other shoppers. It would mean the world if you would leave me a review! Thank you.

The post A Family Update appeared first on Christy Largent.

As you may remember, I started Cold Plunging back in the fall. I used my backyard pool starting when the water was in the 60s. As it cooled off and we got into winter, I kept at it, and as you might remember from this picture, “swam” all the way down to water that was 32 degrees!

Once the temperature started warming up (here in Texas, that happened sooner than I would have wanted) the pool started warming up, and by March, it was back up into the 60s.

Well, one funny thing that happened as I was plunging, was I enjoyed it more and more. So when I saw the “plunge season” was over, I started bugging my husband about putting in a cold plunge here at the house.

Side note: I did purchase a small blow-up plunge product last year, but the amount of ice it took to cool it off into the low 50s ended up being about $15-$20 a plunge! So that was a no-go.

Being the frugal type, my sweet husband found a local business, “SweatHouz” that offers both cold plunge and sauna. Bingo. So just 10 minutes in the car, and I can have both.

And I love it!

But yesterday, sitting in that 47-degree water, I really didn’t want to be there!

In fact, every cell in my body was screaming “GET OUT!!!!” Tingling legs and toes, labored breathing, spinning head. I didn’t want to be there.

But I knew something.

There’s a magic point that happens in cold plunging. Usually between 60-90 seconds in, as you’ve been breathing to control the shock, everything starts to calm down, tingling recedes, breathing calms, head clears. And then you are able to stay in as desired.

But you have to get through the tough part.

I tell myself to breathe, sink lower in the water, just stick with it a few more seconds.

And I do.

I stayed in a little less than 7 minutes yesterday. And when I got out I felt AMAZING!

And I knew my body was already reaping the benefits of sticking it out.

–Lowered inflammation.

–Strengthened immune system.

–More easily moving joints…and so much more.

So that got me to thinking…

Why is it I can stay in that water?

What are the simple steps I’ve taken that allow me to do something that many, many people tell me they can’t?

And even more importantly, how can I take that willingness to go through the discomfort and apply it to other things in my life? ie., not eating the cookie, or the ice cream, (or purchasing them in the first place) the moment I have the urge.

OK, so here’s what I’ve come up with:

–Notice the feeling.

That sounds really simple, but so often I’ll feel the discomfort but won’t I acknowledge it. I’ll either just act on it without thinking, or I’ll shove it away.

I’ve been doing a lot of work on noticing my emotions. In fact, I was so proud of myself because a few weeks ago when we had a window salesman in our house, he started putting the pressure on us to buy immediately.

I started feeling a lot of pressure in my chest area, so instead of just being uncomfortable, I actually put my hands to my heart and said out loud, “I’m feeling really uncomfortable right now with your pressure to make a decision. This is a big decision, and we’re not going to decide right now.”

Thankfully, he backed off, (and we certainly didn’t buy his windows!) but I noticed that just in saying it out loud, I had a lot of relief from that difficult feeling.

But back to the point at hand. When I have the urge, I think the first step is to notice it.

–Physically respond

For me, that’s breathing intentionally. As a singer, I have a lot of practice breathing well and with my whole body. But I’ve never used that skill outside when singing. But in the cold plunge, I have to physically breathe to calm my para-sympathetic system down.

So I’m trying to use that same calming technique in response to unhelpful urges. The next time I want to grab a cookie, I’m going to notice, then stop and breathe.

–Stick with my decision

I know that unless something really dramatic happens, I’m pretty much going to stay in for my 5-7-minute plunge. That’s the amount of time I’ve set for myself, and I know that those minutes will go by quickly if I just stick with it.

And sure enough, they do!

So maybe next time I get an urge, I can notice, breathe while moving away from the temptation, and just stick with that until the urge passes.

And then, hopefully, my habit of sticking with it will start imprinting, and soon, rather than the habit of “giving in” to the urge, the habit of noticing, then not giving in, will take hold.

I’ll keep you posted.

This life is definitely a work in progress!

What are you working on? What has worked for you in these situations?

Just hit reply and let me know.

Because, as always, I’m Cheering You On!

xo

Christy

P.S. If you want to learn more about the world of Cold Plunging, I highly recommend this book. It’s a GREAT look at the science behind it (by THE Expert in the field), plus, it’s a really beautiful book too.

The post What Keeps You Doing It? appeared first on Christy Largent.

I thought I would do something a little differently this week as I’ve been working on my newest book, Pickleball Evangelism – How to Start, Run and Grow a Church Pickleball Program, and as I was working on it, I thought you might be interested in reading a excerpt from the introduction.

It’s a little bit rough, but I think you’ll get the idea…

————–

“Introduction:

I love Pickleball! The teenager next door loves Pickleball. My son’s teacher loves Pickleball. The grandmother in my Bible Study loves Pickleball. My daughter’s lacrosse coach loves Pickleball. My Pastor loves Pickleball. What on earth is going on?

What is it about this simple sport with the funny name? Why is everyone so crazy about this sport?

When people ask me why I’m so crazy about Pickleball it’s kind of difficult to verbalize. Now, you must know, I’m a talker. I was the kid who got notes home from her elementary school teachers telling my parents I would do great if only I would stop talking! I love and use words every day. Yet describing this feeling I have about Pickleball leaves me speechless. But for your sake, I will try.

What is is about this game? You’re playing with strangers who become your favorite friends. You’re not particularly athletic or competitive, yet still, you love it. You’re using oversized ping pong paddles and hitting a wiffle ball across a net dividing a court 1/2 the size of a tennis court. You’re running, jumping, and more than anything else, laughing.

I think I’ve figured it out. You see, you’re playing like you haven’t since elementary school. Your mind is on nothing but the game. For just the 10-15 minutes it takes to play a game, you forget about doing your taxes. You forget about your troubled child and aging parent. You forget about the dire economy and political strife you’re bombarded with all day long.

For just a bit, you’re that 10-year-old tetherball, kickball-playing kid on the playground again. And now you’re laughing and shouting and moving like you haven’t in years. You’re cheering your partner on and laughing some more. Your heart is full. Your dopamine producers are in full force and you’re suffused with a wonderful sense of well-being.

No matter if you lose or win, you’re in the best mood you’ve been in for days and your only thought as you exit the court is, “When does the next game start?”

You’ve fallen in love with Pickleball.

So what does this have to do with your church? Now more than ever people are looking for Jesus. Because now more than ever, they are looking for and longing for hope in this dark world. What we do, as Christians, in churches all across the world, is give hope through life in Christ.

What is the biggest barrier to people learning about this hope? It’s the idea of coming to church.

According to Gallop polling, the numbers are discouraging. “Two decades ago, an average of 42% of U.S. adults attended religious services every week or nearly every week. A decade ago, the figure fell to 38%, and it is currently at 30%.”

Gallop goes on to say, “This decline is largely driven by the increase in the percentage of ​Americans with no religious affiliation​ — 9% in 2000-2003 versus 21% in 2021-2023 — almost all of whom do not attend services regularly.”

So what if there was a way to invite people into your church in a non-threatening, life-affirming, loving, fun way?

I posit Pickleball is that “Trojan horse” with which we will win souls for Christ.

And how to start, run and grow a vibrant pickleball program is what the rest of this book will share with you.

By the time you finish this book, my guess is you’ll be inspired and equipped to make a real positive impact for good in your community. Let’s go!”

————-

So that’s it for now. It feels good to make progress on this project. What projects are you working on? Can you take 20 minutes and make some progress today? If so, hit reply and let me know.

As always, I’ll be here to Cheer you on,

Love ya,

Christy

The post Something Different Today appeared first on Christy Largent.

This week I was talking with a friend about Pickleball (what else?!) and she said she would like to try it, but she thought she was just too old to learn how. (She’s 62.)

Several weeks ago, I was talking with another friend about her career ambitions. She said there were several promotion opportunities at her company, but she was afraid to apply because she thought she was probably just too old. (She’s mid-50s.)

What do you think?

Do you think that we can be “too old” to chase our dreams?

Do you think there is some magic time in our life where it’s just too late?

I must admit I’m a bit biased on this subject (as you might imagine!)

I changed careers when I was almost 40, and again when I was almost 60…and who knows what’s next…life (Lord willing) is long!

Additionally, my Dad is 84 and still speaking as a destination speaker (which he started doing in his 70’s) for top cruise lines. (This summer I get to go with him as his “plus one” as we explore the Mediterranean on the Celebrity Apex!)

He says his only concern is that “They will find out how old I am and not book me anymore!” Haha. I’m sure they know how old he is, and they also know he is one of their most highly-rated presenters.

So to my way of thinking, it’s not really about your age.

Age truly is just between your ears.

It’s about your desire.

If you desire to learn how to play Pickleball (and who wouldn’t?) go for it! Don’t overdo it, but why not try it?

If you want to do something different with your work, why not go for it? Legally, companies are obligated to consider you for the position no matter your age…

Trying new things no matter your age is a sure way to stay young at heart anyway.

The worst that could happen (usually) is just a “rejection”* or you will discover you don’t really like it after all.

Honestly, as we get older, I think it’s more important than ever to ignore the fear and do whatever you want to do anyway.

God has given you the gifts, talents and desires you have in your heart and it’s your joy to use them and explore them.

And the world will be better for it.

Love you and cheering you on!

Christy

P.S. What would you love to do? What’s holding you back? I’d love to cheer you on if you’ll leave me a reply and let me know! xoxoxo

P.P.S. *A great way to think about “rejection” is this…“Rejection is God’s protection.”

The post Are You Too Old? appeared first on Christy Largent.

Wow! What a lot of “things” are going on in this world right now. If you watch the news at all, it’s not good news for anyone.

Often, when I’m surrounded by negativity, I lament, then I think, “But what can I do?”

And it hit me, that the best thing we can do when everything seems so dark, is to be a light right where you are.

Jesus was giving the Sermon on the Mount and telling people how to live, and following that, he said this:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

What does that mean? “Let your light shine before others...”

Maybe it means something like this:

— Taking flowers to your Jewish neighbor and telling her you are praying for Israel

— Responding with encouragement rather than an eye roll when your pickleball partner hits a shot out…again!

— Asking your teenager for forgiveness after snapping at him on the way to school *Ask me how I know about this!

— Making dinner for the millionth time, even though you don’t want to

— Running errands for your friend undergoing chemotherapy

— Getting together with other friends to pray for our families and this crazy world

— Taking time to have a nice conversation with the check-out clerk at Trader Joes

— Going the speed limit and letting that person merge into your lane right in front of you

You see, these aren’t big things. In fact, some of them are pretty small. But to me, when we live like this, we are being a light right where we are.

We aren’t waiting for some grand gesture.

We aren’t headed to our local campus to get in a kerfuffle with the protestors. (Although some of you may feel called to participate.)

But we are, in the nitty-gritty of life, loving our neighbor well.

And I think that’s being a light.

And that light brings hope to a dark and pain-filled world.

I hope this sparked something positive in you. And that you will be encouraged to let your light shine, no matter where you are.

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you’re looking for a fun Mother’s Day gift, why not give your favorite pickleball-loving mom, my ​Pickleball Devotional​ or ​World of Pickleball​ Word Search? You can click ​here​ and ​here​ to find out more. xoxoxo

The post What You CAN Do appeared first on Christy Largent.

Happy Wednesday my friend!

This week as I was thinking about what I wanted to share with you, it came to mind that one of the biggest joys in my life is something I haven’t shared much about.

Not because I don’t think about it, or because it’s in any way difficult, or it’s something I don’t think you would be interested in, but because it’s such a continuous part of my life, I just kind of forget it’s there.

What I’m talking about is reading.

Most of the time, I have 3-4 books going at the same time. And that will hold true until one of them really captures my attention and I plop myself down and read it until I finish it.

I did just that this past Sunday.

(Our book club is meeting next week, so I wanted to finish up our book, The Women, a novel by Kristin Hannah, and I picked that baby up and didn’t put it down until I got to the end. (I liked it ok, not great, but ok, IMHO.)

The thing with books and reading is it’s such an easy way to add joy to your life. Whether you like mystery (my favorite!) adventure, science fiction (Yuck!) romance, or a combination of all of these (would WOULD that be like I wonder) there is a book you will enjoy I promise.

So much better than watching our screens, reading transports you, reduces your stress, improves your vocabulary, enlarges your capacity for empathy (fiction), and even teaches you things you would otherwise have no idea of!

Plus, of course, it’s fun!

Now I’ve always been a voracious reader. I won reading awards starting in 1st grade and my favorite vacation (to this day!) is the week I spent on the Greek island of Corfu, alone, with just my sunscreen, sunhat and 23 books! (In the days before Kindle, I actually took a suitcase full of books with me!)

If you don’t like the actual reading a book part, I get it (sort of) but lucky you, you can find similar joy by listening to the books. My daughter is an audio learner, doesn’t really like to read, but does enjoy listening to books.

If this is an area you’d like to explore, you can do it easily and for free!

Just google where your local library is. Then go by and get a free library card. Then, you can check out paper books, ebooks, audiobooks, and even access thousands of magazines and newspapers via their online app.

If it’s been a while since you picked up a book just for fun, I’d encourage you to take this email as a reminder of the something magical that’s awaiting you just on the other side of the cover.

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

The post An Easy Way to Add More Joy appeared first on Christy Largent.

It’s one of those miraculous spring days here in Texas with the sun shining in a cloudless sky, the air cool and perfectly warm, with just a hint of a light breeze wafting around your body… (ahhhhhhh.)

And it’s just that “Ahhhhhh” feeling I want to discuss with you today. That “Ahhhhhh” can easily turn into “Awe” and when it does, we’ll be all the better for it.

Psychologists tell us that cultivating wonder and awe are two ways we can all be just a little bit happier. Plus, living in awe and wonder helps us to take our eyes off ourselves, turn our attention outward, and even increase our creativity.

As you can imagine, allowing for space to find that wonder and awe can be a bit difficult in our crazy, overwhelming world.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go on a mountain adventure in Colorado to experience awe. (Although that would be wonderful too!)

It’s finding the wonder and awe in every day that helps you as you go through life.

Don’t wait for the grand moment, instead, you can seek them out little by little:

–While you’re driving in traffic, turn on a classical station and lose yourself in the mystery and magic of music

–When you walk outside to pick up the morning paper, slow yourself to look up into the sky, breathe in deeply, savor the fresh green all around you, and say thank you to a God who gives us all things lavishly.

–The next time you see a soft, round baby in the cart at the grocery store, don’t just rush on by, but stop and smile at that baby. Smile at the Mama and speak a blessing on that sweet family.

And that’s the beauty of it. Wonder and awe are all around us just waiting to be discovered…

Even these little things will bring you wonder and awe.

All of them are reminding you there are so many things much bigger than yourself.

And that’s a great starting point for enriching your life and helping you enjoy life more.

Until next week, remember, as always, I’m

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you’re anywhere near the path of the total eclipse heading our way next Monday, I’d encourage you to take a break, get some ​eclipse glasses​, and go outside to experience the wonder and awe of this amazing world in action!

P.P.S. If this conversation about wonder is interesting to you, you’ll want to check out ​this new book ​by Philosopher Helen De Cruz. She does a really good job of discussing the transformative role of wonder and awe in this uncertain world.

The post Finding Your Wonder and Awe appeared first on Christy Largent.

Let me ask you a question…

When it comes to doing certain things in your life, do you do them because you want to do them, or have to do them?

Let’s take something like making dinner for your family.

I don’t know about you, but I’m responsible for the nightly dinner in our house. When my husband retired, he tried taking over these duties, but I didn’t like what he did, so I took that one back myself.

The thing is, I really don’t like cooking.

At all.

To me, it’s just a lot of time and energy for something that’s over with in minutes. I’d be just as happy (maybe even happier) with a bowl of cereal and toast. (Can you see why I struggle with too many carbs? haha)

Anyway, I just don’t like cooking.

I don’t like the planning, the grocery shopping…don’t even get me started on the Kroger app…the unpacking the shopping…the cleaning…the putting away…the pulling out and prepping…the cooking itself.

I do usually enjoy the eating…

And I really enjoy what happens around the table during and after the eating.

The conversation.

The laughter.

Even the arguments.

And most of all, I love how a full tummy and plenty of time seem to be a key that opens my son’s heart and mouth, and what happens in that golden time is often like a window to his soul.

I still don’t like cooking. (I know, this is just a thought, and I could change that thought if I really wanted to…I’m working on it…)

But I really LOVE what cooking that nightly dinner does for the relationship between me and my son and my husband.

So even though I don’t want to cook dinner for my family night after night. I try to do it at least 3-4 nights a week to get to what happens when I do it.

And suddenly, that “I don’t want to” thought becomes a “I get to” thought.

And as I’ve thought this through (last night was an unusually tasty and fun meal, resulting in my son and husband heading out for ice cream afterwards) I realize that there are many areas of my life, where if I would just push through and DO the thing I really don’t want to do, my “don’t want to” just might change into a “I get to,” and that sounds pretty good to me.

I hope you “get to” do more of what brings you joy this week.

Love ya,

Christy

P.S. I also “get to” write ​books​ about my favorite subjects, God and Pickleball. If you want to take a peek, ​here’s a link​ to make it easy for you. xoxo

The post Why I Do What I Don’t Want To Do appeared first on Christy Largent.

It’s 80 degrees, sunny, and the humidity is still pretty low, and I have to admit I’ve been hit with a severe case of Spring Fever!

I don’t really want to do much but be outside playing in this beautiful weather….

But, clearer heads are prevailing, and instead of being on the Pickleball courts, I’m hard at work on my next book.

It’s going to be a short, fun, read called “The World of Pickleball” and will actually be a companion to my just released word search, which is called…you guessed it…The World of Pickleball Word Search.

I had so much fun putting that book together, I realized I’d love to write more in-depth about the topic. Every day new things are happening in Pickleball, so I figured now is as good a time as ever to dig a little deeper and put it out into the world.

It’s so easy to pass by the great for the good, isn’t it?

It would be easy for me to get sidetracked by the spring weather, or a last-minute call to play, or even heading to the library to pick up a book I’ve been waiting for.

And although all of those are good things, the better thing is sticking to what I planned for myself to do today.

Because although that book may not get a Pulitzer (in fact I can pretty much guarantee it won’t!) it will be a great thing for me to put in effort for.

I know this book will be something that will add value to the world. Something I will use my own unique viewpoint in writing, which will make it unique in the marketplace.

So I’ll count working on that book as a “great” effort on my part for the day. And the more of that I can do, the better it will be for the world.

What do you have on your plate today? Maybe today your “great” will mean a walk in the park to enjoy the sunshine. Or a play date with your grandchild. Or doing that work you are certain God has called you to do, and doing it fully.

Whatever it is, I hope you are full of joy as you do it.

Because working towards great is where we will find our fullest joy.

Cheering you on!

Christy

P.S. If you want to see what I’m talking about, here’s a link to my latest release. And here’s a link to my devotional I released earlier this year…xoxo

The post appeared first on Christy Largent.

Happy Monday from sunny Texas. My 16-year-old is off on a school mission trip to Greece, and my sweet 20-year-old is covering the amazing South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin for her newspaper (The Daily Texan), so Tom and I are enjoying an unusually empty nest this week…changes all around!

It’s March! March Madness is just around the corner and my thoughts go back to watching my college Basketball team. Do you remember the excitement of a close game? Back and forth the score went…up by 3, then up by 6, then down by 4, then back up…it was so exciting!

And then in the final seconds, with just 2 points separating the score, your school’s favorite player grabs the ball, races down the court, stops at the top of the key, sets himself, lifts his arms and lets fly the most perfect net-swishing 3-pointer and the game is yours!

You scream and jump and laugh and hug your friends and scream some more. Your body is suffused with happiness and good feelings! Your energy is off the charts and you, along with all your friends surge forward as one, racing onto the gym floor to celebrate together.

Ahhhhhh – deep breath. It’s so fun reliving that moment in my mind.

And this, my friend, is the magic of fully experiencing your feelings. Your body becomes fully alive and you are completely immersed in the sensations generated by your thoughts.

Hmmmm. So what does that example have to do with your life today?

Just as powerful as your thoughts and feelings were back in college, they are the same today.

You think about all you have to do, and you’re suddenly so tired you can’t move.

You think about the last “discussion” (ahem) you had with your spouse, and you can literally feel your blood pressure rising.

You think about the odd comment the mammogram technician said to you this morning when you got your annual mammogram, and your breathing suddenly becomes shallower and your chest tight.

The key in all these examples is how powerful our thoughts are. And how quickly our body will respond.

So if you’re struggling with low energy, apathy, or lack of motivation, I suggest you might want to take a look at what you are spending your time thinking about.

Because when we habitually think difficult thoughts, or maybe we shut those difficult thoughts and feelings down with buffering behavior like eating, drinking, shopping or gossiping, we are shutting down the energy flow.

Just like the energy flow of positive thoughts is overwhelming and all-consuming and like a supercharge to your system, the effort it takes to stop and block the difficult feelings is like a huge, heavy, wet blanket for your energy.

So the next time you’re feeling sluggish, try these quick fixes:

–Step outside and walk 50 steps in either direction…bonus if you move your arms and clap your hands and smile at the sky. Think about the beauty all around and the gratitude you have for being able to move.

–Stand up from your desk, take a deep breath in, lift your arms and eyes to the ceiling, smile big, and say “thank you” out loud…then let the air out, drop your arms, and repeat several times.

These simple physical movements can refill your energy tank and get you back on track.

Then, the next time you feel yourself wanting to go eat, (my issue), drink, scroll, shop, or whatever your buffering actions are:

–Sit still, take a few breaths, and look deep to see what feeling is actually happening inside. I feel my difficult feelings in my chest and am often overwhelmed with the need to get up from my desk and head into the kitchen when I feel an uncomfortable one…I’m working on sitting still to actually identify what the feelings are.

–Then take another deep breath, let the difficult feelings flow and write down the name of the feeling and the sensations I’m experiencing. Shortness of breath, tight chest, upset stomach, buzzing in my ears…how do your difficult feelings present? There’s almost always a physical sensation to match them all.

–Sit still a moment longer…and often you’ll discover that once you let yourself actually feel the emotion and you identify the physical experience of that emotion, you can be curious about the sensation, and soon the emotion is actually gone.

You didn’t die. Nothing really happened except you allowed the emotion, experienced the emotion, and then moved on.

If you regularly allow yourself to do this exercise, you’ll learn a lot about how your body responds to emotion.

You’ll discover what thoughts generate the various feelings you have, and you’ll learn to notice when your body is telling you something your mind hadn’t even registered.

It’s fascinating, isn’t it?

I hope these little suggestions are helpful for you. The world needs you at your maximum energy output! So put these into practice and let me know how it goes.

Love you and Cheering you on!

Christy

The post How to Find More Energy appeared first on Christy Largent.

This morning I was interviewed for a midlife summit, and we were talking about things that hold us back in midlife.

I actually think these things can hold us back no matter where we are in life, so I wanted to share a couple tips with you too.

If you have a feeling something just isn’t right, maybe now is the time to take a look at what might be causing you to pause.

If you love things fun and exciting all the time, your fears could be:

• Boredom
• Difficult relationships
• Not being liked
• Too much drudgery

If this sounds familiar, you might want to try:

• Take action, don’t just dream about it.
• Add some fun to what you’re already doing.
• Look to experts to help you with the areas where you struggle.

These behaviors can get you moving forward towards something better.

If you love perfection and everything being planned out, your fears could be:

• Not enough resources
• No time to plan properly
• Not enough details

If these sound familiar, you might want to try:

• Setting deadlines for decisions and completing research
• Include close friends in your decision making
• Look for ways to contribute — even imperfectly

It’s by taking these small and effective actions you’ll be able to move forward.

If you love being in control, in full motion, and achieving everything you’re capable of, your fears could be:

• Losing control
• Uselessness
• Invisibility
• Loss of meaning

These fears can really sabotage your efforts, so you might want to try:

• Re-evaluate your current efforts
• Recommit to your relationships – they are maybe even more important than your work
• Remember it’s the journey, not just the destination
• Find ways to share your expertise

These behaviors will definitely get you moving on the right track.

And finally,

If you find yourself seeking peace at any price, wanting a conflict-free environment, and procrastinating in many areas, you might fear:

• Too much pressure and conflict
• Too many expectations
• Lack of opportunity for relaxation

So the best way to avert these is to:

• Explore your desires, what do you really love?
• Stop procrastinating…rarely is it as bad as you imagine
• Look for opportunities to collaborate with others

These simple moves can really help you on your way.

I hope this simple discussion will help you as you seek to live your best life.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, because, as always, I’m

Cheering you on!

xo

Christy

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The day of LOVE….ahhhh.

In 6th grade, I was in love with Russel Roberts. I thought he was just the cutest thing ever with his sweet smile and floppy brown hair that hid his chocolate brown eyes.

I was definitely in the “friend zone” for him, but I was sure that one of these days he would see me for the great beauty and love of his life that I was sure I was. Sigh.

I remember I found a Valentine’s gift to take to him on the BIG day…

I’m not sure why I thought giving him a pair of red heart boxers would be a good idea. But I wrapped them up and took them with me to school.

Thankfully, I chickened out at the last minute from giving them to him, so he never knew how crazy I was about him until we met at college and the tables had turned. Suddenly HE was the one wanting to pursue me. Ha! Ha!

It’s all about the expectations.

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or life, the way we set ourselves up – our expectations makes a big difference.

Do you have “realistic” or “unrealistic” expectations?

I’ve had this conversation multiple times with my girlfriend Jennifer.

She’s someone who naturally sets low or “realistic” expectations for herself so she is not disappointed.

I, on the other hand, routinely have rather high expectations, and sometimes I’m disappointed, but other times I’m delighted!

I believe there’s something bigger that happens when we hope for the best.

When we look and hope for the best, we’re setting ourselves up to find the good side of whatever happens.

When we expect the worst, many times, that’s what our brain finds.

So may I challenge you to look at the way you’re handling expectations in your life.

Are you looking for the best, or expecting the worst?

Whether it’s that Valentine’s “gift” you’re longing for, or the job opportunities that seem just out of reach, by setting your mind to look for the good, indeed, expect the good, your brain will do its best, to find it, no matter what the actual outcome.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I do want to say I love you! I’m thankful for you! And as always, I’m cheering you on,

xoxo

Christy

P.S. If you need a last minute gift, I happen to have a ​cute pair of heart boxers​ for you! Hee! Hee!

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Let me start with a question…

Did you know that your brain will find exactly what it expects to find?

Or put another way, did you know you get exactly what you think about.

So often in life, without even knowing it, we find ourselves creating just the future we don’t want.

For example, (and this is a silly example) I say, “I always get all the green lights.” My husband says, “I seem to always hit the reds.”

And guess what? I do get the greens, and he does get the reds.

But the truth of the matter is, statistically, we both get around the same amount—ish…

And even though statistically we should get the same, it doesn’t seem that way at all.

Because I notice when I get the greens. Just this week, on the way to school dropoff, I’ve gotten almost all greens 2 different mornings!

I think I perceive I get more greens because I NOTICE the greens. And I comment on getting the greens. And I do a little happy jig in my seat when I get the greens. And I look for the opportunity to get the greens. And when I get the reds, I almost always say, “That’s strange, I usually get the greens, or “I’ll bet getting this red is keeping me from something horrible if I had gotten the green.” (Reframing!)

Do you see how this silly little example plays out over and over in our lives?

We get what we’re looking for. And whether we actually do get it or not, our perception and our expectation is that we will get it, therefore, regardless if it’s an actuality or not, we enjoy the positive expectation and personal reality that we “get the greens.”

Our brains are wonderful gifts from God. They work like homing pigeons looking for what we program them with.

I’ve programmed my mind to look for the greens.

And I’ve programmed it to look for beauty.

And I’ve programmed it to look for lots and lots of good in everything. (Even when bad things happen.)

So because I’m looking for all this good, I’m so much happier and more optimistic in my life.

You know it works the other way too…when you look for and expect the worst, you will get it.

What do you want?

Do you want to get the best?

Or do you want to set yourself up for the worst?

The good news is that you get to choose! You get to decide if you will program your brain for “the greens” or “the reds.”

If you need a little help with this, may I recommend (ahem) my new book, ​Dink Positive Thoughts​. Even though it’s written for Pickleball players, it will help you retrain your brain to look for the good and think positive thoughts in your daily life. You can order your copy by ​clicking​ ​here​.

And if you have already gotten the book, THANK YOU!!!, and please, please take a quick minute and ​leave a review.​ It would mean so much to me since Amazon gives priority to showing books that are selling and that are getting reviews…so thanks in advance!

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. ​Here’s that link​ to either order the book, or leave a review. Again, THANK YOU so much!!!

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This semester in my Bible Study we are studying the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon from the New Testament. We’re starting in Philippians.

This week, Paul is writing from Rome, where he is in prison, literally chained up, to his church family in Phillipi.

He’s talking about how the church in Phillipi should stay encouraged by staying unified in Christ, and that they should, like Christ, look for ways to serve each other.

Then he reminds them to keep doing the good works that they know to do…and to continue to do them without grumbling or arguing.

—–

Way back in the day, when my kids were in Pre-K, the teachers taught them 2 simple sayings.

The first: “Delayed obedience is disobedience.”

(I still use that one from time to time with my 16-year-old!)

The second: “Obey with a happy heart attitude.”

This week, as I read this passage from Philippians 2, I was reminded of these sayings and I was kind of convicted.

Do I go through life doing what I’m supposed to be doing, (loving and serving) with a happy heart attitude, or am I grumbling and complaining?

It’s so easy to get sidetracked and head down that negative pathway, isn’t it?

Things like time pressures, disappointments, and even fear of the future can set us off. Then, instead of working with a happy heart attitude, we’re working from a place of arguing, whining, disagreement, and negativity.

The good news is you can change at any time.

When you catch yourself arguing, complaining, moaning, groaning, and just generally being ungrateful for your life, stop it immediately!

Recognize you’ve fallen into an unhelpful thought pattern, and notice instead, all the good around you.

–Take a moment to be thankful.

–Look for the good in the situation.

–Determine if there’s a way to serve humbly, then get busy!

Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ” (NLT)

Do you want to be a light in this dark world?

Do you want to live life with a happy heart attitude?

Later in verse 16, Paul says to “hold on to the word of life” and I believe this is the way we are able to live with that happy heart attitude.

We hold on to the truth we know from the word of God.

We think about things that are good and pure and truthful and loving and kind and generous.

And in this way, we live as children of light with a happy heart attitude.

And just think how much happier we will be, and how much better off our world will be.

All because we purposed to live with a happy heart attitude.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you want to hear a really “catchy” (ear-worm) song from this verse, here’s Steve Green’s version. I used to play this song when I babysat back in the 90’s…and I have never forgotten it. You’re welcome.

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It is a cold and rainy, drizzly Wednesday here in Dallas. Brrrrrr. Not as cold as last week (when I swam in my pool surrounded by snow!) but still so cold I’ve almost forgotten what hot feels like! (Which is saying a lot here in Texas! Hee Hee)

But the first thing I want to say today is a huge thanks to all who have purchased my ​Pickleball Devotional book​ I wrote about last week. Thank you!!! Your support means so much.

Anytime you put something out in the world, there is risk. When my son turns in his homework, there’s risk. His teacher may say he worked the formulas wrong, missed the point of the essay, or fell short somehow of the assignment.

And when we put things out there, we run the risk of negative response as well. Just because we’re not getting “graded” doesn’t mean we’re not running the risk.

So when I told you about my book I had FINALLY finished, I knew there was the risk of a negative response.

From you and my marvelous email friends, from my other friends, from the pickleball community at large…

and yet,

Aren’t we compelled to run the risk anyway? What good are all our gifts and talents if we’re not sharing them with the world?

When God created you, he created just ONE of you. Only you can offer to your family, your community, and the world, the special gifts that only you bring.

I have a friend who is a marvelous cook. She has honed her rough talent for pulling together family meals, into an art due to lots of training and practice. She blesses me with each tip she shares and each meal we enjoy.

I have another friend who teaches pickleball. I’m soooo thankful she’s sharing her hard-learned skills (via 40 years of tennis turned pickleball expertise) with me each week.

And yet another friend is a marvelous artist. She creates amazing watercolors that bless me each time I get to see the fruit of her labor.

What is your gift to share?

It may not be a book, or a course, or a piece of art or a delicious dinner. But I guarantee you have something you were made to offer to others.

So if you’re not sure, may I encourage you to take some time over the next few weeks and make note of these things…

1. What do you really enjoy doing?

2. What things do you spend time doing where the times seems to fly by?

3. What do other people (unprompted) compliment you about?

4. What do you find yourself doing when there’s nothing else to do…but you are drawn towards it over and over again

5. What’s super easy for you to do? (Like falling off a log easy?)

Then pay attention to all these different things. My guess is that you’ll start to see some patterns emerge over a few weeks.

Then, I’d encourage you to see if you can find ways to incorporate more of these things into your life over and over.

You will be able to get more joy, and give more joy, and your life will be happier and even more full of meaning.

And suddenly, the risk holds not quite so much risk anymore because you know you’re doing exactly what you were made for.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

Love you, and as always,

I’m Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. Here’s ​a link to my newest book​ that I talked about last week. Do you know anyone who would enjoy it? It’s a great gift for sure.

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Remember last week, I told you I had ordered the proof…here it is and this is what it looks like.

It’s a little book, just a month’s worth of devotionals, but I think it’s cute and a perfect size for a gift book too!

Here’s a peek at the inside:

I love that there is room for you to jot down your thoughts and think through the topic. Plus, of course an affirmation to help you keep your thoughts in the right place.

I’m so thankful to finally get this finished! Now for the marketing…

But seriously, I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this book.

I’ve been talking about doing it for almost 2 years! Crazy!

But even though it took way longer than I had planned, today I’m thankful to say it’s finished and available on Amazon.

What is a dream you’ve had, that you’ve been thinking is taking too long, and you’re tempted to give up on?

Is there something that you’ve been wanting to do, but so many excuses, and fear and just…life are holding you back?

May I encourage you to take a step towards it today.

It doesn’t have to be a big step, but any movement towards your dream will pay off down the line.

So consider your heart’s desires. Remind yourself it’s not too late. And take a baby step of action.

Then hit reply and let me know what you’ve done. Because, as always, I’m here

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. Here’s a link if you want to see the book on Amazon! The E-book is available right now, and the paperback will be available in just a couple days.

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I’ve spent the morning working on my Amazon Author page, refining the book description and all the tags and stuff that goes on when your book goes up on Amazon.

Normally the publisher would take care of all this behind-the-scenes stuff. And since I’m self-publishing, that means I’m the one doing all that!

Thankfully, I found a person to help me with the formatting, etc., but ultimately, I’m the one who writes all the content and that includes all the marketing stuff.

I tell you this because as I was working on my “About the author” page, I was reviewing the pages of other authors I love. I’m an avid reader, so there are quite a few writers I follow and enjoy, so I thought I would take a look at how they did their pages.

(They all have expensive publicists and marketing people who do this stuff, so I was hoping to gain some best practices ideas to use myself!)

What actually happened surprised me.

I got caught up in comparison and it stole all my excitement and joy right from me!

Because I don’t have…

Well, you fill in the blanks.

All the things I don’t have suddenly became way more important than what I do have.

And I found myself wanting to head for the kitchen…(being honest here)…

But instead, I got back to my own page. And I remembered why I wrote the book in the first place. And I refocused on my future readers and what they need.

Suddenly, what I didn’t have became a lot less important and I was able to fill in what I did bring to the table for my readers.

If this story sounds familiar, it probably is.

Because comparison is the thief of joy and we have all been its victim at one time or another.

So today, if you are struggling because everyone else has started their New Year’s Resolutions and you’re still trying to write yours down….

Or everyone else is … (You go ahead and fill in your blanks)…

Because I know if you will just forget about them and focus instead on what you are supposed to be doing, your joy will return and you will be happier.

Hoping this encourages you some today, because, as usual, I’m here,

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. Dink Positive Books: A Pickleball Devotional really is almost finished, and should be up on Amazon by this time next week. I’ll order a sample book to make sure the printed version looks ok, but I’m guessing by 2 weeks from today you’ll be able to order your own copy!! Yippee!!

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My family and I are taking a little vacation from Texas and enjoying all the beauty of Tennessee.

While we are here we are visiting the Smokey Mountains, trying new restaurants and enjoying the cold weather.

We’re also contemplating the New Year and envisioning what we want this next year to look like.

Our daughter will be graduating college, our son entering his senior year of High School and we know that more quickly than we can imagine, it will be time for something new in our lives.

So I think this New Year is the perfect time to consider baby steps of trying something new.

Are you up for it?

Are you someone who seeks out new adventures and opportunities or someone who wants to stay where you are?

There’s really nothing wrong with the status quo…as long as it’s intentional!

If you’re staying still or treading water because you want to…good for you! Enjoy!

If you’re doing it because of fear of the unknown…well, I’ve got an encouragement for you.

Maybe this is the year you step out and try something new and fun.

–A new volunteer position.

–A new job.

–A new hobby (Pickleball anyone?).

–A new friendship.

–It could even be as simple as a new book.

The common denominator all these have is that these actions are moving you towards more of what will make your life fuller and richer. More of what you were put here on earth to do/be.

Let me encourage you to take the step this week. I promise, it will be worth it!

Cheering you on…with a southern twang,

Christy

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I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was full of family and food, which means I’m currently swearing off both…just kidding!

It was actually really delightful and I learned a new (to me) game called Mexican Train that kept us all entertained and laughing as we “worked” off our Christmas dinner.

Learning new things is such an important part of life, isn’t it? Whether it’s a game with your family or a new skill, keeping your brain busy with new information is one thing I want to do more of in 2024.

Speaking of…you know that saying “Out with the old and in with the new.”? As we finish out the year this week, I’ll be reviewing what I really liked about 2023, and what I want to do differently in 2024.

I’ve been working on this review for several weeks now, and it’s been such a pleasure to realize there were quite a few areas in my life I made real progress in this year.

In the past, I would often set new goals for the New Year without taking stock of the year past. So this exercise this year has been very helpful in preparation for the year to come.

May I encourage you to do this exercise in the next few days and see what pops out? Ask yourself these questions to get going:

–What did I really enjoy in 2023? (What were the highlights of my year?)

–What do I want to do more of in 2024?

–What goals did I accomplish in 2023 and how do I feel about that?

–What went right with my relationships?

–What relationships do I want to work on, and what am I going to intentionally do about them in 2024?

–What areas did not turn out the way I planned in 2023 and what will I do about that in 2024? (Dropping them from your list is always an option.)

Finally,

–What am I looking forward to the most for 2024 and how am I going to get that ball rolling in this New Year?

As I wrap up this last letter of the year, I’ll leave you with our family photo. My family is always at the top of my gratitude list. For so many years I wanted nothing but to be a mom, so even when things are challenging, I still am so grateful for the answer to prayer of my children…

Happy New Year!

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Today I’m busy baking cookies to take to the neighbors. Thankfully I’ve got my Amelia home from college and helping me, so I’m in safe hands. (She actually FOLLOWS the recipes!) Hee hee.

As we wind up our year, I wanted to address a powerful word you can use to help you finish strong and set a good intention for next year.

And that is the word “yet.”

As in, “I haven’t finished my book…yet.”

or

“I’m not at my goal weight…yet.”

or

“I haven’t started the remodeling project…yet.”

The power in that one little word is just amazing!

Instead of just thinking about what you haven’t done, or haven’t accomplished, or haven’t received, by adding the word yet, you tell your brain the story isn’t over.

Lord willing, we will all have time to let the “yet” work its magic.

Let’s look back at the above examples:

“I haven’t finished my book yet,” tells my mind that it can keep working on the project and that it WILL be finished at some point. The story’s not over…yet.

“I’m not at my goal weight yet,” tells my mind to not give up. Go ahead and go for that walk, say no thanks to the cookie and put away the phone, and go to sleep. The story’s not over…yet.

“I haven’t started the remodeling project yet,” reminds me to keep it on the list. To look for ideas and make a budget and make note of the colors that I’m drawn to. The story’s not over…yet.

This year, maybe you can think of some things you thought you missed, or “failed” at and instead of giving up, you can add the word “yet” to the thought and see what happens.

You might be surprised at how your brain comes up with creative ways to move forward on those thoughts.

I can’t wait to see what good things emerge in your life because of it!

Love you and Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. My book is finished and I’m working with a professional to help me get it formatted and listed on Amazon. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s available…hopefully before the end of the year!

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August 14th I started my workout journey with a professional Pickleball trainer. (I know, it’s not a joke, it’s a real thing!)

My trainer,  Connor​ has been sending me workouts every morning via his app. The app includes examples of every exercise. How to do them, what repetition, what weight, and in what amount of time.

I follow the plan.

When I started, I could barely do 1 pushup on my knees (things had gotten BAD!), my knee hurt all the time, and the stretches he had me working on were, let’s just say, not performed to specification! (Ahem.)

BUT…

The good news is that after consistently working out 5 days a week, I’m really making progress.

I can do 5 strict pushups, 20 on my knees, squats with weights, 15 lb dumbbell curls, and a whole lot more, including those all important stretches.

Day by day I’m getting stronger, not to mention the cardio work we include as part of the plan.

I tell you this by way of encouragement.

Sometimes everything feels too overwhelming, and rather than do just a little bit, we just want to ignore it.

But if we take what I’m learning with this training, and apply it, we can all make a little progress each day.

Even during the holiday season.

–Got a project you’ve put off until January because you’re just too busy? Maybe set your timer for 10 minutes and see what you can get done.

–Want to plan your summer vacation, but you’re overwhelmed? Why not set your timer and take 15 minutes to explore travel websites for ideas?

–So tired you fall into bed every night, only to remember you never made time for exercise? Why not take a quick 30-minute walk after dinner rather than sitting on the sofa?

Often in life, change or improvement, or making our life better isn’t really as hard as we make it out to be.

Let me encourage you to take a baby step on something today. I promise it will be worth it!

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

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Here in Texas it’s been so HOT I was afraid to buy pumpkins for the front porch.

(Heat + Pumpkin = Stinky Mush!)

But it has finally cooled off, so I’ve decorated and it finally looks like Fall around here!

On another note, have you noticed that the journey to mastery is a complex and non-linear one?

When I learned flute way back in elementary school, I had to master the scales first. Playing beautiful music was the desired outcome, but the only way to get there was to master the scales so I could play whatever key was required easily and without too much “thinking.”

As I was reminded when my son learned clarinet, the road to mastery is filled with missed notes.

It’s the same in Pickleball. I’ve got to drill the basics, the “dink,” “drop,” and drive,” to such a level that when I’m playing an actual game, these shots become automatic. And even with this practice, I’ll often miss more than I make in a game.

It’s a mixed bag getting to a higher level.

In life, there are a lot of ways this plays out…

For example, you may read a book on communication skills so that when you get into a difficult conversation with your husband, you’re able to have a productive conversation.

But sometimes the conversation with your husband isn’t productive.

Or you practice some cooking basics like chopping and….well, I don’t know what else actually because I’m not much of a cook, but there are probably some “chef-like” skills that would be helpful if you wanted to cook a gourmet meal!

And yet, the table to master chef is filled with inedible food.

This is the truth…when learning new skills, the line to accomplishment isn’t a straight uphill arrow. It’s up and down and up and down and if you stick with it, there’s a gradual movement up and to the right.

So if you’re learning something new, don’t be discouraged if you’re making mistakes and it seems like it’s taking longer than it should.

Keep practicing the basics, getting better and better, honing your skills, and sharpening your knives.

And enjoy the journey along the way. You may never be the “best” at your chosen thing. But you will have had many amazing experiences that enrich your life along the way.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. I’d love to know what you’re working on. What area are you practicing right now? Just leave a comment and let me know. xoxoxo

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This week I’ve been head down and digging deep to make progress on the gift book/devotional I’m writing.

It’s centered around how we can live out the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.)

The plan is to get the devotional up and available for purchase on Amazon by mid-November. (Just in time for holiday sales!)

This is a devotional for Pickleball players who want to do better managing their mind. It’s called “Dink Positive Thoughts.” (A dink is a foundational shot you hit in Pickleball.) Each short devotional will have a verse, commentary, a prayer and an affirmation to practice.

In light of everything that has been happening in the world this past week, I wanted to share one of the devotionals I wrote with you.

Right now I feel somewhat helpless in the face of all this world strife.

But one thing I know is that we have a God who cares. Who loves the people of Israel. And loves us too.

So even though the following devotion is focused on Pickleball players, I want you to think about the ideas I’m sharing and see how you can apply them in your own life – whether you are a Pickleball player or not!

——————————————-

Love – 1 Peter 4:8 TLB

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults.”

***

Most important of all…show deep love. This is so easy to say, yet can be so difficult to do. Especially when we are out on the courts. Our partner makes some dumb shots, they mistakenly call an out ball in, or they hog the whole court leaving you feeling left out.

I don’t know about you, but when people act in “human” ways, I often want to scream. And act snotty. And get an attitude.

Instead, the next time we are tempted to get irritated with our partner, do the opposite. Speak words of encouragement. Cheer their good shots. Physically, turn towards them at the end of the point rather than away from them.

In this way you will be putting love in action…and making up for many faults.

***

Prayer: Lord, help me to be your light shining love on the court (and in this world) regardless of the situation. Let me love like Jesus today.

***

Affirmation: Today I will look for and find ways to show love in action. I will shine the light of Jesus on the Pickleball courts and in my community.

———————————–

Dear one – know you are loved and prayed for. I appreciate you and am so thankful you are reading this. If I can be of any help or encouragement to you today, just leave a comment and let me know.

Cheering you on,

Christy

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I have a quick question for you.

Have you noticed that as we get older, it’s easier and easier to focus our attention inward?

I mean, my knees ache now more than they ever did. And if I don’t get my 7 hours+ of sleep, my thinking is a little fuzzier.

On the plus side, I care less about what other people think, so that’s a relief.

My kids require less time and attention. My work is flowing. I can focus more and more on what I want to do.

But overall, all of this thinking is about myself.

There’s a danger there.

This week in our Bible Study we were reading in Ephesians where the Apostle Paul encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens.”

There was a marked focus on loving each other in their community in real, tangible ways. Ways that helped to lighten the load.

And I was challenged to look for ways I could do more of that in my own life.

Rather than focusing on Me! Me! Me!… I could take a breather and turn that focus outward.

Who can I unexpectedly bless?

Who can I drop off flowers for?

Who can I pray for?

Who can I send an encouraging text or funny card to?

There are a lot of ways we can be a blessing to others if we just remember to get our eyes off our own selves and look for opportunities to serve.

This is the time in our lives we can be a blessing, maybe more easily than ever before.

So let’s hop to it! The world is waiting.

As always, I’m cheering you on,

Love,

Christy xoxo

The post Happiness Through Service appeared first on Christy Largent.

I just got back from the gym and am heading down to Houston later this morning. It’s been a whirlwind!

Today’s image is a shot from my trip to Atlanta and the MLP (Major League Pickleball) event.

I had the BEST time, and I’m so glad I was able to make the trip. Not only did I get to watch the best Pickleball players in the world, but I also signed up for a 3-day clinic given by Teaching Pro Mark Price.

Even though it was tiring driving 90 minutes north to the 3-hour clinic after a full day watching the pros, it was actually such a blessing to be able to learn skills that I had just seen the pros using, so that I could continue working to improve my own game.

And that’s what I want to share with you today.

This morning, as I was at the gym working through my workout, I realized that after 6 weeks, I’m getting stronger and more flexible.

I signed up with my coach, Connor Derrickson, mid-August, and every day I’ve been doing just a little bit more.

It’s not groundbreaking for sure, and it’s pretty tame compared to what I could do in my 20’s and 30’s…but I turn 60 next month, and I’m pretty happy with my progress.

What’s the lesson here?

That just a little bit every day will work wonders.

It’s not overnight.

It’s not all that impressive either.

But over time, it’s tiny, incremental progress forward.

And my friend, I think that’s what will get us all where we want to be.

I didn’t get stiff, overweight, and weak overnight. It was also tiny, incremental movement (backward) over time.

And now, and am experiencing the same only in a positive direction.

So whether it’s a physical goal – like mine is improving my rating and pickleball skills with a stronger, more physically fit body, or something professional – thinking of going for that promotion?, or relational – maybe taking that trip with your loved one, they all have the common denominator that you’ll get there one tiny step at a time.

Hope this has inspired you in some area. If it has, leave a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear all about it!

Love you and Cheering you on,

Christy

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It’s a beautiful sunny, cool day and we are having a great time visiting before I head up to Peachtree Corners for the Major League Pickleball Event. (I’m not playing – heehee) but I’m such a super fan, I’m going to be courtside to see all the top Pro players in the PB world. (There really is such a thing!)

Anyway, Monday back in Texas as I was coming home from taking Graham to school, I was thinking…”What could I do today that would allow me to really relax and enjoy my week in Georgia?”

And what immediately came to mind was to finish, and turn in my book proposal.

Since last May, I’ve been saying I would send a book proposal into a publisher (who requested it!) and yet for some reason, I’ve procrastinated. I’ve worked on it partially, I’ve moved forward in fits and starts, but I just couldn’t get myself to finish the darn thing and send it in!

So I knew I needed to just finish it and get it done!

(Have you ever had something like that?)

So I’m happy to report that by Monday at 3:00pm I had finished and submitted it to the publisher, along with submitting it on a major site that many publishers and agents use to find new manuscripts.

Whew! That felt sooooo goood!!

As I flew out yesterday, I was so thankful I had found my “around to it” to get to.

Really, the victory was in finishing the promised project more than the actual project itself.

As I was mulling over what had held me back for so long, the biggest obstacle that came to mind was this…

Perfection coupled with fear.

Fear it wasn’t, or wouldn’t be, perfect enough.

And if I never sent it, I would never know, right?

So theoretically, I was living in fear of something that wasn’t even real.

I mean, there is no actual downside.

“What if she says no?”

So what? What if she says no?

I don’t change either way. If she says no, then that’s ok, I can find other publishing houses, and/or publish it myself.

So really, there’s no downside.

And the exercise of completing the project was the victory in itself.

What have you been procrastinating on? Are you ready to “get ‘er done” as Larry the Cable Guy says?

This is what I did: (and maybe this will help you too!)

–I set the timer (20 minute chunks of work at a time)

–I focused on the process. There were lots of parts to this proposal, so I just focused on each part – writing, reviewing and editing. One element at a time.

–I hit send. Once the proposal was complete, I was actually second guessing myself – wondering if I should have someone else look at it and “approve” of what I had written. Then I caught myself. That was just another form of procrastination! So I gathered my courage, said a little prayer of gratitude and hit send.

Many years ago I heard the business and marketing strategist Seth Godin coin the term “Just ship it” as an anecdote to perfection paralysis, and I thought it was very useful.

And Monday I found it useful as well, as hitting the send button was a little “Just ship it” to myself.

And hopefully my encouragement to you to “Just Ship It” will help you as well.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If finding a life coach is something you’ve been procrastinating on, I have the perfect opportunity for you! My coach, Edie Wadsworth, is holding a 3-day “Live Your Life Purpose Challenge” event this week, and you can still get in on all the goodness. Here’s a link to check it out.

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I could see this as a disaster, imagine they are trying to “rip me off,” or get angry that this is the recommendation on a relatively new car.

Or, I could see this as an opportunity to explore my options.

That’s what I did, and the jury’s still out, so I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I know I’ll have a good way of framing my choice.

Because I’ve learned that how you think about things changes everything!

This week I started on a nutrition challenge, and one of the requirements is that I track everything I put in my mouth with the “My Fitness Pal.”

Now this is not the first time I’ve attempted to track my food. And always before, I’ve had a couple of these thoughts:

“I’m not a detail person, and I don’t like having to deal with all the specifics.”

and

“I hate tracking my food – it’s just too difficult.”

or the best of all..

“I don’t have time to track what I’m eating.”

So this week, I knew something had to change in order for me to be successful, because as you can imagine, the above thoughts never worked out well.

So this time, I decided I would have some different thoughts…

“I have plenty of time to track my food.”

and

“This is kind of fun, watching the numbers respond as I put in my food,”

and

“This is a cool way to make sure I’m getting all my nutrients in the appropriate amounts…kind of like a game!”

These have been the thoughts I’ve been thinking over and over.

And guess what???

Yup. It’s working!

I have a whole new perspective on tracking, and I’m beginning to see it as a really valuable tool I can use in my quest to be healthier and stronger.

And actually, as I think about this, my mental shift started a few weeks ago when I was researching “macro counting” and came across this quote from ​a blogger, ​

“Luckily, I enjoy this process of tracking and goal setting and experimenting.”

And when I read that, and thought, “Why can’t I enjoy it too?”

Why not? I’ve learned to like new things in my life before (flossing anyone?) so why not learn to like tracking and goal setting and experimenting?

That actually sounds kind of fun! (And I’m all about the FUN!)

And this experience (so far) has been very different than all the times before.

So my friend, what do you need to change your thinking about? Is there an area where you’ve been struggling that would benefit from a different way of thinking?

This works around anything…

• Your Relationships
• Your job
• Your Pickleball addiction

I’d really encourage you to go ahead and map out some new ways of thinking…it’s so worth it!

If you’re stuck, just hit reply and I’ll be happy to walk you through some options.

Because, as always, I’m cheering you on,

xo

Christy

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I thought I’d try something new today.

It’s been bugging me that my weekly emails have been so visually boring…so I decided to try something new!

I’m often stopped in my tracks by trying some new technology. While I wouldn’t call a newsletter template exactly cutting-edge technology, just the thought of trying to find one and figure it out paralyzed me for some weeks.

So this week, when I opened up my newsletter provider, I decided to try one of the provided templates.

I’ve kind of goofed up a couple times while writing it (on the backend) but here I am, making strides towards improving something that’s been bugging me for a while.

How about you – is there something that you’ve been putting off because it feels too daunting?

Here is what I told myself (self talk) before I started this with you today:

1. I reminded myself that past history tells me I’ve been willing to try new things.

2. I told myself I could figure it out, even if it took a bit of time. (Everything is “Figure-outable” – thanks Marie Forleo!)

3. I went ahead and tried even thought I wasn’t sure how it would work.

So you can use this strategy the next time you are stuck with something too.

–What does your past history tell you? (And make it something true and positive and energy giving.)

–What is the power statement that will get you going – for me, it was the reminder I’ll figure it out.

–Just start! Get moving, the momentum will really help you get going.

Your turn…I’d love you to try it, then let me know what you did that you had been stuck on!

Because, as always, I’m…

Cheering you on,

Christy

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I see the images coming across my Instagram feed and the stories filtering over my Facebook page.

Parents hugging, kissing, laughing, sorting, hauling, setting up (exquisite) dorm rooms, exploring, letting go, laughing some more, and crying.

I have 1 heading off for her second full year at UT, and to be honest, I have some really mixed emotions right now.

You see, our original college dropoff was fall of 2021 when we left our oldest as a HS senior for her to attend the Texas Academy of Math and Science up at the University of North Texas.

To be honest, I had an idealized vision of what it would be like to move her into her dorm. I’d use my background as a professional interior designer to help her create a beautiful, charming, inviting place of respite and calm amid the challenges of college.

I pictured helping her move in and get everything settled, pictures hung, lights strung, and a fuzzy throw blanket across the back of her desk chair. Kissing and hugging goodbye I’d cry on the way home, having dropped my eldest off, knowing things would never be the same again.

Well, I cried on the way home, but for a very different reason than I thought I would.

For starters, she wanted nothing to do with my vision of a fabulous dorm room. Utilitarian was her battle cry and she wanted it as sterile and stark as possible. No throw rugs, sparkle lights or beautiful art. Not for this girl.

I finally wrapped my mind around that, and at least looked forward to helping her move in with what she did let me get her.

Instead, as we got there and began unloading, she definitely didn’t want help putting her room together. I kept hovering, trying to help, but she was on a mission. Everything unpacked by herself and set up by herself.

She didn’t want any input or help from me other than taking out the trash.

In fact, she couldn’t get us out of there fast enough.

I get this. I do. This was about her, not me. But it was really tough for me.

That’s how it is with expectations. We have a vision, how it “should” be, of whatever it is…marriage, parenthood, our work, or, more specifically, moving a kid into college, the empty nest, our “retirement” years…

And for some reason, our expectations are way off base.

What do we do then?

It’s how we handle these unmet expectations that can really take our joy in life off course.

But the magic is that this is where we get to practice the skills we work on, our lovingkindness, our generosity, our patience, our trustworthiness.

During the difficult times are when those skills really count.

When we are able to manage our thoughts so they are working for us instead of against us.

When we can generate good feelings for ourselves in the midst of, let’s face it, less than perfect/desirable circumstances.

I’m so thankful that this year I have a lot more developed skills in this area than I did 2 years ago.

Now when Amelia insists on doing everything herself, I can notice her actions and if I start feeling rejected, I can recognize that it hurts, let myself sit with it until that feeling dissipates, then, I can change my thinking and think how thankful I am she’s so self-sufficient and focused on what’s most important to her.

Because when I think how grateful I am she’s confident and purposeful, I feel happy and even more grateful and hopeful for her future, which helps me be a more supportive and encouraging Mother. (Which is what I want to be!)

Oh, and I can have her Dad take her back down to college without me, which will let us all breathe a bit easier.

I know life isn’t like all those pictures I see on my social media. But going through this exercise helps me stay on track a whole lot more, and I hope it will help you too!

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you’re curious about this “Think-feel-act” model I keep talking about, my coach Edie Wadsworth has opened her coaching program for a limited time. You can go here to find out more information. (Not an affiliate, just a BIG fan!)

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In the midst of all this “life” of course, I’m working on my Pickleball program (​Pickleball Evangelism​) as well as a proposal for my book, “Dink Positive Thoughts,” as well as fitting in as much Pickleball as I can while also taking care of the family.

One area I’ve also been working on specifically, as I’ve mentioned before, is adjusting my “Identity” that is, how I see myself being in this world, from a woman who not only works out and eats well but a woman who is an athlete.

And becoming that person, my future self, if you will, is taking some effort and thought work.

At 5:30 this morning as I was driving to my Pickleball lesson, I was listening to a really cool ​podcast​, with a neuroscientist and a psychology professor and they were talking about why we are so darn mean to our future selves. ​Here’s a link ​if you’re interested.

The fascinating thing is that almost all of us do this because of how we see our future self.

I won’t get into all they discussed, but the one thing that stuck out is that basically, when I make a decision that harms my future self (deciding to eat a 1/2 carton of ice cream for example, or at least that’s what I’ve heard some people might choose…ahem) we’re making that decision because the part of our brain working right then, sees our future self as a stranger, and when we see people as strangers, we have less empathy and we care less about them and we are less likely to make a decision in their favor.

Ouch!

Thankfully they gave a few examples of ways we can be kinder and make better decisions for our future self.

1. Make it more personal by changing the pronouns we use for our future self – ie., from “Christy” or “she” to “me’ and “I” which will help us bring it to a more personal level and to a better part of our brain resulting in a better decision.

2. If you find yourself saying yes to things in the future because you’re so busy right now, but then when you get to the future and you’re mad at yourself for saying yes because you’re just as busy then as you are now…instead of saying yes in the first place, go ahead and accept that although you might be uncomfortable and awkward declining now, you’ll be so much happier in the future, when you are free from that undesired commitment.

3. Be more willing to acknowledge and notice the feelings that arise now, rather than push them off until later. And be ok to actually sit with and process the feelings now, then let them pass, even though it’s a bit tougher now.

Creating a future self that is who you want to be is not for the faint of heart!

(For me at least) it takes a lot of work and attention.

But she is worth it. My future self is cheering me on, and yours is cheering you on as well.

Let me know what you think of the podcast. Do you struggle with making the best decisions possible for your future self? What works best for helping you make good choices? Leave a comment and let me know.

Cheering you on my friend!

c

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His glaucoma (pressure on the eye) had not been responding to his daily drops, and his lens was getting cloudy, so the Doctor recommended he get a new lens and while he was in there, go ahead and get some little, tiny, tiny, tubes inserted to hopefully help with his pressure issues.

Isn’t it almost unbelievable what technology offers us today?

Thankfully, he’s home fine, and already on the mend. Amazing!

Some things are so much better than when we were young. And some things are so much harder.

Like making friends.

As a grown woman, it’s sometimes downright difficult to find like-minded friends and many of us are lonely and alone.

We know how important to our longevity strong relationships are. In fact, it seems like almost every day some new study comes out underlining how important positive relationships are for our health and wellbeing.

Making friends is one thing I’ve always been pretty good at, so I thought I’d share a few places I’ve looked for, and found, friends over the years. I’ve grouped them into interest areas.

1. Faith

Join a church.

I’ve gone to church my whole life, and every single time I move, I’ve worked to find a faith family to connect with. Once I found the church, then I start volunteering to get involved.

Here are some of the things I’ve volunteered for at church:

• Choir member
• Small group singing member
• Orchestra
• Children’s choir director
• Sunday School teacher
• Women’s Bible Study teacher
• Home Group attendee and leader
• ESL teacher
• Vacation Bible School musician and teacher
• Outreach activities
• Mission Trips
• Nursery attendant…and
• Greeter

I’m sure there are more, but I list these all out to show how many areas there are to meet new people who can become friends.

If you keep finding excuses why it’s too much of a hassle to go to church, and you find yourself lonely for deep friendships, I’d encourage you to take a deep breath and find a church near you.

You may have to try a few to find a good fit, but I assure you, there are places to serve and connect just waiting for you to show up!

2. Fitness

This is another easy place to make friends. Join a gym. There are about a million options for most of us, and I’ve often found classes to be a warm and welcoming place to meet like-minded friends.

It’s usually taken a bit of time to become friends (in my experience) but with time and consistency, you’ll find your people there, and friendships can develop.

Plus, you’re taking care of your body and releasing all kinds of good hormones into your brain when you work out – so win-win!

I can’t leave fitness without recommending Pickleball! So many friendships have been formed on the courts, and it’s popping up all over the place, so why not try th fastest growing sport in the US? The Places 2 Play website can get you started.

Think of a sport you love, and find a place to play. Future friends are waiting for you there!

3. Hobbies and Interests

Check your local Parks and Recreation guide for a listing of “hobby-type” activities available in your community.

Everything from reading groups to gardening, sewing, crocheting, art, travel, college classes, museums, and so much more are available for a nominal fee or free in most communities.

There’s a place to find a new hobby or pick up an old one, and once again, friends are waiting for you to show up.

Finally, I have to suggest that if you want to have friends, you need to be friendly.

When we moved into our Flower Mound home, I grabbed some bouquets of flowers at the local grocery store and took them, along with our names and contact information written on a card, over to our 2 new next-door neighbors.

One of them, Lynne, became one of my favorite friends and she invited me into her book club, which became another group of favorite friends. The other neighbor was not that interested in becoming friends, but still, we began a sweet neighbor-friendship.

Later my neighbor Lynn told me that she had never met my other neighbor until I introduced them in our front yard, and she had lived there for 15 years!

You might be surprised at the friendships waiting for you as you take the first step.

I hope these ideas stirred up some ideas you might have for making and nurturing your friendships. It’s so worth it, as our hearts long to be connected.

It’s up to us to make it happen, and I believe you can!

Cheering you on,

Christy

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I was thinking of summers past, and all the child-focused activities that used to fill my days. Activities like swim lessons, YMCA camps, VBS and lazy days at the lake.

With the kiddos grown, those days are long gone, but I still want to have a fun summer.

We know that some summer fun happens by magic…but I’ve found, that unless I plan for it, it’s sometimes easier (and less fulfilling) to just sit down for a Netflix session after dinner rather than enjoy some experiences that would be much more fun and definitely more memorable.

So I’ve put together a list of 7 things not-to-be missed for us grownups, and I wanted to share them with you. Let me know if you do any of them, and how you liked it.

Summer Fun for You!

1. Visit a local museum.This is the kind of thing you might do when company comes to town, but I’d recommend you visit just because you can. Thankfully, even the smallest communities often have interesting museums, and this is just the time to take advantage of it.

2. Take in a local concert. When I lived in the Washington D.C. area, going to the free Sunday afternoon concerts at Constitution Hall was one of our family’s regular activities. I didn’t realize until l was grown how unique an opportunity it was to hear some of the great musicians of our time – and I’m quite thankful now. So this summer is a great time to look at who is coming to town, and go enjoy yourself.

3. Visit a local night market. I just love the fun and food that pop up all over our nation on weeknights in the summer. Once again, a time of listening to music, eating fun food, and relaxing in the summer glow while browsing local handmade arts is special and fun, and unique to the season.

4. Sign up for summer classes. Ever wanted to take a painting class, or learn how to calligraphy? Or how about flower arranging? Summer is a terrific time to try something new. Many local businesses offer summer classes, as do most Community park and recreation programs. Check out what’s on offer and jump in.

And speaking of jumping in.

5. Go swimming. Whether it’s your backyard pool, the neighborhood hot spot, or your local YMCA, find a pool and go swimming. It’s such a fun activity, and even if you’re just enjoying a good book along the side and popping in every 30 minutes or so to cool off, it’s still such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Of course, I have to mention reading.

6. Try a new genre you normally don’t read. Are you a fiction person? Then try a biography or autobiography. Is Science Fiction your thing? Pick up a true crime book and see what you think. Romance all the way? Stretch yourself and grab one on self-improvement. You know I love to read, but I must admit, I usually only pick a few types of books. So I’m going to challenge myself to stretch and read something new.

7. Play a sport! Of course, I’m going to recommend Pickleball, which anyone can play no matter their age, size, or abilities. But there are other sports after all, and this summer is a perfect time to seek out a softball league, a volleyball pickup game, or dust off your tennis racquet and head for the courts. Nothing gets your mind moving like a fun game of sport.

There are so many different things I could add to this list, but this should be enough to get you started.

Don’t let work and tiredness cheat you out of having a really fun summer. With a little effort and forethought, this really could be your best summer ever.

Love ya and cheering you on,

Christy

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I was pretty clueless about it until I happened to be invited to a special workshop intensive on how businesses are using it with great success.

Intrigued, I attended the workshop and was absolutely blown away by the possibilities Ai and ChatGPT provide.

Interestingly, when I asked my kids about it, they were (per usual) way ahead of me and gave me many examples of how kids in HS and College are using it. (Some good, some not so good!)

I’m actually in LOVE with it! I can take something I’ve written, put it in, and it will give me an improved version. So in other words, Ai (I call her “Chatty” which drives my kids wild!) will help you be a better version of yourself.

Let me show you how it works using the above paragraph for demonstration:

This is what I put in:

“Please rewrite this to make it better, still with my happy, positive tone of voice. “I’m actually in LOVE with it! I can take something I’ve written, put it in, and it will give me an improved version. So in other words, Ai (I call her “Chatty” which drives my kids wild!) will help you be a better version of yourself.”

And this is what she gave me back:

“I absolutely adore it! It’s incredible how I can input my writing and it will provide me with a polished version. It’s like having a personal writing assistant! I affectionately refer to the AI as “Chatty,” which always gets a reaction from my kids. With this amazing tool, you can enhance your writing and become an even better version of yourself.”

See how awesome she makes me sound? Now to tell you the truth, I would probably take what she gave me (in about 2 seconds I might add) and rework it to make it mine…well, let me show you.

My revised version:

“I’m actually in love with it! It’s incredible how I can input my writing and it will provide me with a polished version. It’s like having a personal writing assistant! I affectionately refer to the AI as “Chatty,” which drives my kids wild. With this amazing tool, you can enhance your writing and become an even better version of yourself.”

That’s so crazy, right?

She can also help you create a schedule, organize your time, plan your meals, and even work out vacation details.

Go to www.chat.openai.com you will see what I’m talking about.

Well, actually, what you’re going to see is a blank screen with a single open prompt line.

Here’s the catch. Chatty gives you NOTHING until you give her something.

She’s super smart…think Google on steroids…but she can’t do anything until you tell her which direction to head.

Just like our minds. We have to feed it the really good stuff, tell it what to think, thoughts that will serve us so that we will get the feelings and output we want. We really are a supercomputer designed by God to do great things.

But for today and our Ai discussion, if you want to get more details on it, I really like this woman who has put together all kinds of tutorials and helps on making the most of ChatGPT. She explains everything so well!

Even if this isn’t your thing at all, I’d encourage you to find something new to try. Whether it’s Pickleball (of course!) or crochet or a new recipe, get your brain moving and juices flowing by trying new things. I think you’ll be so glad you did!

Cheering you on!

Christy

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Speaking of waiting, today I want to talk with you a bit about the big P – Procrastination.

Some of us never struggle with it.

I think of my kids, who hate to procrastinate and like to get everything finished early, so they are not stressed out. I remember when Amelia was in grade school, she was questioning me about getting her the supplies she needed to start a project. I asked when the project was due (thinking maybe a couple of days away,) imagine my surprise when I learned it was due 4 weeks out! She hates to procrastinate!

Alas, her Mother is not like that. In the past, I’ve been a Procrastination Queen. In high school and college, I was the one working through the night before and into the morning of on a paper or project coming due that day.

I have a speaker friend who put it this way…”Christy, I feel like I’m always performing a rough draft. I wait until it’s too late to practice, and then just get up and pull it off, but I know I’m not doing as well as I could be doing.”

Do you ever feel like that?

As we get older, the concept of time becomes even more dear. When we were 30, I’ll bet most of us rarely thought of “how much time we had left.”

But as I’m getting closer to 60, I’m acutely aware of potentially how my days are numbered.

Thankfully, I have long-lived ancestors, but you just never know, right? For any of us, today could be our last.

So I think it’s super important we get a handle on this procrastination thing. So that we live our life making the most of our gifts and talents.

I’ve been working on it and a few things have helped me that might help you too:

At the beginning of the month, write down a master list of what is coming due, what you want to accomplish, and so on. You can use it as a mind dump of all that’s on your heart.

Then go through and pull out what absolutely needs to be done. Maybe move some things to the following month, or months out. Once you get in the habit of this, you can take things that are further out, and stay on top of each of them ahead of time.

For example, if you’re going on a trip in October, there are a lot of moving parts to make that trip come together. You’ve got flights, hotels, excursions, etc. If you wait until September to start thinking about it, then you’ll pay more, be stressed and probably not get all you want out of your vacation.

But if you break it into parts, and add each appropriate part onto your monthly calendar, you’ll be able to get everything accomplished in plenty of time to think, research, think some more, schedule, and then fully enjoy your trip.

I give you this fun example because if you have a habit of Procrastination, then you might procrastinate on the fun as well as the not so fun.

I’ve also found I have had to change the way I think. (Sound familiar?)

Instead of thinking and saying, “I’m a procrastinator,” or “I’m always a day late and a dollar short,” I think “There’s plenty of time to get done what needs to get done,” and “I love getting things done in an unhurried and relaxed manner.”

I think these thoughts and write them down in my planner. And it’s helping.

I sometimes still Procrastinate. But changing my thinking, and doing the simple hack of “calendaring” my activities has really helped me a lot, and I hope it helps you too.

I hope you have a great week! Remember…

I’m cheering you on!

xo

Christy

P.S. I got my bargain value Cold Plunge yesterday! It’s like a glorified pool float with a simple PVC pipe structure, but I’m going to try it today and see how I do. I discovered our cold water here in Texas is only around 65 degrees, and the health benefits of cold water therapy start at 60, so it should be interesting!

The post Overcoming the Dreaded “P” Word appeared first on Christy Largent.

This morning I snuck over to the local Pickleball courts and had several hours of Pickleball play with some new friends.

I have a long “to do” list, but instead of chaining myself to my desk to get it done, I threw on some (warm) sweats and headed out into the chill for some exercise and fellowship.

As I was playing, I hit as many losers as winners. I ran cross court and jumped up in the air for shots, channeling my inner Michael Jordan (I was at least 2″ off the courts!) and I laughed too many times to count.

When I headed home, sweaty and with my emotional tank full to the brim, I knew I would have a productive day ahead.

That’s because, as you well know, Pickleball has quickly become a new passion for me.

And when we make time for our passions, suddenly our other available time grows almost exponentially.

Once I was home, instead of sitting at my desk, struggling to find the words, instead I’m struggling to type fast enough to get the words out.

Instead of worrying about how I’m going to finish the Christmas decorating that’s been laying around 1/2 finished, I whipped out the mantle and cleared up the stragglers in about 15 minutes!

That’s what happens when your tank is full.

So this is my question for you.

What fills your tank?

What’s your passion that makes your heart sing? (At least for right now – Lord knows they change over time), but for today, what is it?

In my course that’s coming out in January, I’ll be doing a deep dive into how to find your passions. Because, let’s face it, between laundry, carpool and work demands, we midlife women often lose our sense of what we absolutely love.

A Simple Exercise

Finding your passions in midlife can be life challenging. But it is key to living your most fulfilled life.

For today, here’s a quick exercise you can try to clarify your passions:

Set the timer for 5 minutes.

Then, I want you to think back when you were between 10 and 16 years old.

What did you love to do? What were you good at and what did you enjoy doing? Which activities took up the most of your time?

Using a pen and paper, write down a list. Sometimes, as you start writing, more and more will come to mind. Write it all down.

Then look over that list and see if there are any common denominators. If so, pull them out.

And ask yourself if any of those things are things you would be interested in doing right now.

They may look different now. For example, when I was that age, I did basketball, swimming, diving, softball, rugby (I know!), cross country, cheerleading, volleyball and tennis. The common denominator was that I played team sports. I liked being on a team and I liked competing in athletics.

Today, I channel that desire onto the Pickleball court rather than all the other sports, and even though it’s a different sport, it’s filling that desire (Passion) right up to the top.

Now It’s Your Turn…

Now you can think about finding your own passions in midlife. And how you can add them into your life right now.

Because one thing I know for sure – this world needs YOU alight with your passion light shining.

Cheering you on,

Christy

The post The Point of Your Passions appeared first on Christy Largent.

If you’re feeling blue, there’s a FREE, quick, simple and easy way to boost your mood and reduce any depression symptoms you might be feeling. And you can do it right now!

According to a recent international study, the #1 thing you can do to reduce your pandemic-induced blues is listen to music.

In light of that, I ran right over and grabbed my favorite Christmas music (from the 80’s) — here’s a sneak pick of them — do you remember these?

I’m sure you have some favorites you can put on right now and feel immediately better. (Just call upon Alexa to play your favorite, or access your favorite way to get music.)

And presto! Your mood will lift all around.

Interestingly, the study also alluded to the possibility cooking could do the same thing (for SOME people-NOT ME!), so if you like to cook, now you have an even better excuse to pull out your favorite recipe and pans and get cooking.

In light of this good news, what are you listening to or cooking up this weekend? 

Hit reply and let me know.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. Here’s a link to the article I read this morning that inspired this email. Susan Pinker gives more details on the study and she’s such a good writer, I’m sure you would enjoy reading it.

And if you want a little nostalgia (and some great Christmas music), here’s a link to Amy Grant’s Home for Christmas CD. And here’s a link to 4Him’s, The Season of Love CD.

(I think both are available on Amazon Music for streaming free as well.)

The post Free & Easy Pick Me Up appeared first on Christy Largent.

Gobble Gobble!

Are you ready for all the goodness of Thanksgiving?

For those of you in the United States, you know tomorrow is the day we typically get together with our family and friends and eat, visit, eat some more and maybe watch and/or play some football.

But just like pretty much everything else this year, tomorrow will look very different for most of us.

So I want to encourage you – in the midst of your day tomorrow, I want you to really take a moment and be thankful.

Yes, I know. The name of the day is Thanksgiving. You’re already thankful. 

But seriously. I want you to intentionally take a moment

–Slip away to the bathroom

–Step outside

–Run out to the car

And take those 60 seconds to really be thankful. To think of all the blessings you have experienced even in this crazy year. 

And let it soak in. 

And then say a word of thanks to God for letting you be alive to experience it all.

And may I challenge you to even be thankful for the bad stuff? 

Because when we are challenged is when we grow. 

If you’ve ever worked out, you know that when your muscles really hurt it’s a good sign that things are changing. 

And it’s the same with us personally. Learning and growing happens most in the difficult times. And if this year has been anything, it’s been difficult.

So my dear friend – take a breath and flex your gratitute muscle tomorrow and be thankful. Then look forward with anticipation at all the good stuff that’s bound to be just up ahead.

Gratefully Cheering You On,

Christy

P.S. If you struggle with justifying gratitude in your life (because, let’s face it, things really could be so much better…) I want to recommend an excellent article by my friends over at PositivePsychology.com. They’ve put together a list of 14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude According to Science. It’s very informative and inspiring. Click Here for the article. 

And, it’s just the kind of information I’ll be sharing in my Midlife Mindset Mastery Course starting in January. So be sure to check it out and start reaping the benefits of gratitude right now. xoxo

The post Your Thanksgiving Mindset appeared first on Christy Largent.

I get regular updates from The Center for Brain Health.

And one of their recent updates clarified something that for years, I had a sneaking suspicion about.

And that is the reality that the more we fill our minds with information, the slower and less effectively our minds are able to work.

In fact, the more we stuff our brain, rather than becoming empowered, we end up with:

–Shallower thinking

–Less logical thinking abilities

and

–An increase in poor decision making.

All of which we don’t want right now!

So instead, as you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad and probably frustrated, what will be more helpful is to limit and manage what you’re taking in.

I mean, I know Netflix is calling for your next binge-watch, but how do you feel after you’ve spent 8 hours watching? At least, that’s what I’ve heard some people do… (ahem)

Instead, try these 3 tips:

1. Limit your exposure to the news. Rather than gorge on hours upon hours (and I know how easy that can be!) set a time that you will get your updates, and other than that, turn it off.

2. Be intentional with putting in uplifting and encouraging information, as well as taking time to just let your mind wander. Read a good book, or find a new cooking blog, or be inspired with a gardening channel. Any, or all, of these will lift you up and allow your brain to refresh, all without adding stress. A long walk in the early morning, or late afternoon is one of my favorite things to let myself have time to “reboot.” More of this please.

3. Finally, try to limit your discussions about Covid-19 and what’s happening right now. It’s too easy to make this current situation your sole focus – which spreads from Facetime chats to your dinner table conversation. Instead, talk about what you’re looking forward to after this is all over. The scientists tell us that when you train your brain to look forward with anticipation, (possibility thinking) you actually become more resourceful and flexible, and we all can use more of that.

Question: What are some of the things you use to help you stay in a positive frame of mind?

The post Eliminate to Improve appeared first on Christy Largent.

As our parents age, we are often faced with challenges we had no idea we needed to be prepared for. We feel confused, sad and consumed all at once as we try to navigate all the ups and downs of this time of life.

Today’s guest, Lori Williams, is an expert in the area of senior living. Having seen first hand the difficulties encountered with getting the services her grandmother needed, she turned that experience into a career direction.

Today’s episode covers her entrepreneurial journey into Senior Services along with her adoption journey and encouragement for our daily challenges.

Key Ideas:

Never be afraid to try new things

Get creative with how you “work around” possible limitations

Links mentioned:

Lori William’s website

The Girlfriend’s Guide to Senior Living Podcast

Books:

Story Brand, Donald Miller.   

Stories that Stick, Kindra Hall.   

Encouraging Words for Working Moms, Christy Largent. 

Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. (Can we link to itunes, or set up a survey page like entreleadership.com did so we can collect their emails…thoughts?)

Text “31Positive” to 44222 for your free download of 31 Simple Ways to Be More Positive

Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com.

The post 056 Lori Williams appeared first on Christy Largent.

Have you ever felt alone and like you’re the only one who is feeling a certain way? If so, then you want to tune in to today’s podcast as we hear from Women’s Wellness Expert, Heidi McBain.

Heidi discusses some common realities for women, especially after childbirth and into motherhood and gives some useful strategies for thriving.

Key Ideas:

“Make sure you’re making time to create real connection.”

“There is huge power to be found in simple routines.”

Resources:

Heidi’s website      

Books:

The One Thing, Gary Keller  

31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent   

Free Download: 31 Ways to be More Positive

Text “31Positive” to 44222

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com.

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 055 Heidi McBain appeared first on Christy Largent.

Are you ready to set your intention for this new decade? Or even this new year? If so, then you want to tune in to today’s podcast as we hear from Financial expert, Linda Lingo.

Linda walks us through common financial mistakes and how to avoid them as well as some strategies for raising financially savvy kids.

Key Ideas:

“Track you spending so you can make sure your spending is aligned with your core values.”

“Giving children autonomy around money helps prepare them for going out into the real world when you aren’t around to help.”

Resources:

Linda’s website      

Schedule your free call or download your money story worksheet there too

Books:

Women With Money, Jean Chatzky.

On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide To Personal Finance, Manisha Thakor & Sharon Kedar,

31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent   

Free Download: 31 Ways to be More Positive

Text “31Positive” to 44222

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com.

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 054 Linda Lingo appeared first on Christy Largent.

Ask for what you want. This simple positivity principle will help you create a 2020 that’s everything you want it to be.

In this podcast, Christy gives 3 simple ways to be clear on asking for what you want so that you get the life you want.

Key Idea:

The best thing you can do is ask. You just might get what you want.

Resources:

Christy’s Website

NPR Kathleen Kennedy Interview

Free Download:

Goal Setting Worksheet – Text “GOALS2020” to 44222

Life Assessment 2020 – Text “LIFE2020” to 44222

Book:

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, Gary Keller

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 5 Minute Motivation – Ask for What You Want appeared first on Christy Largent.

In this episode Christy shares strategies and techniques for effective, intentional Goal Setting

Key Ideas:

“Goal setting is really just a way to be intentional with your life.”

“Positive Intentions can change your life – the way you think, the way you feel and the way you act, so that you can have the life you want.”

Resources:

Christy’s website

Books:

Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life , Sir Ken Robinson

She Did It All Planner, Holly Homer

31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent   

Free Downloads:

Positive Intention 2020 Worksheet: Text “GOALS2020” to 44222

Life Assessment 2020: Text “LIFE2020” to 44222

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com.

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 053 Christy Largent- New Year’s Eve Show appeared first on Christy Largent.

Forgiveness.

It’s so important and yet sometimes so difficult.

In this podcast, Christy tells a story that illustrates the work of forgiveness and the power of freedom and abundance you will experience if you do the hard work of forgiveness.

Key Idea:

Forgiveness is a key to living a positive and abundant life. And you can do it.

Resources:

Christy’s Website: www.christylargent.com

Free Download: Mindset Reset Cards

Text “OPPMIND” to 44222

Book:

Forgiveness Makes You Free, Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 5 Minute Motivation – Forgiveness appeared first on Christy Largent.

In this episode Christy shares from her heart about the best Christmas Gift ever.

Key Ideas:

“We celebrate Jesus’ birth today – and it’s also a celebration of his death and resurrection.”

“You can live every day with joy and gratitude because of this best gift ever.”

Resources:

Christy’s website      

Books:

Women’s Study Bible

Journaling Bible

31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent   

Free Download: 31 Ways to be More Positive

Text “31Positive” to 44222

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com.

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 052 Christy Largent appeared first on Christy Largent.

Think About Good Things. Not always easy, but super important to the outcome of our life.

In this podcast, Christy gives 3 simple ways to think good things.

1. Recognize you have Power over your thougths.
2. Pick the thought you want to think
3. Practice thinking about good things.

Key Idea:

We need to exercise Judgement every day. But we can make it a helper rather than a hurter.

Resources:

Christy’s Website: www.christylargent.com

Free Download: Mindset Reset Cards

Text “OPPMIND” to 44222

Book:

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

(Please link this to iTunes, on my page so they can review the podcast)

The post 5 Minute Motivation – Think About Good Things appeared first on Christy Largent.

If you’ve always wanted to jump into your greatness, then Ashlee Tate and her Social Life Tribe can help you on your way. Ashlee helps entrepreneurs with a purpose unleash their ‘something’ amazing!

Whether you want to build a for profit or nonprofit business, building a brand that connects your purpose to the RIGHT people is her passion.

Today Ashlee and I visit about the reality of being a busy mom and entrepreneur all at the same time.

Key Ideas:

Look for ways to be strategic

Be willing to jump into new opportunities

Links Mentioned

Ashlee Tate’s Website.  

Books:

The One Thing, Gary Keller.   

Essentialism, Greg McKeown.   

Encouraging Words for Working Moms, Christy Largent.  

Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. (Can we link to itunes, or set up a survey page like entreleadership.com did so we can collect their emails…thoughts?)

Text “31POSITIVE” to 44222 for your free download of 31 Simple Ways to Be More Positive Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

The post 051 Ashlee Tate appeared first on Christy Largent.

You know that feeling when you just don’t know what to do? Your kid acts up and you’re stuck. Your marriage is feeling stale, but you have nobody to confide in or get advice from.

Today’s guest, Mona Corwin, The Mom Mentor, is the answer to these very real challenges. In today’s episode, she share tips that have strengthened her 40 year marriage and ideas to make this normally stressful time of year into an opportunity to create meaningful moments with your family. Tune in to this episode to find out how.

Key Ideas:

“Google never had Kids & Pinterest Perfect isn’t Possible.”

“Creating memories with your children happens when you really know them.”

Resources:

Mona’s website       

Books:

Bear Stays Up for Christmas, Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving.

The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger, Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury, Jan Brett 

31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent   

Positivity Principle #8: Look for the Good

Free Download: 31 Ways to be More Positive

Text “31Positive” to 44222

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com.Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 050 The Mom Mentor, Mona Corwin appeared first on Christy Largent.

Judgement. Almost the first thing we think when we’re assessing a situation. The natural first thought. There are 3 ways to navigate Judgement in our life that will turn our judgement into a helpful activity instead of a hurtful behavior.

In this podcast, Christy gives 3 simple ways to incorporate more gratitude into your life.

1. The area of our expectations.
2. The area of our past.
3. The area of our self talk.

Key Idea:

We need to exercise Judgement every day. But we can make it a helper rather than a hurter.

Resources:

Christy’s Website: www.christylargent.com

Free Download: Mindset Reset Cards

Text “OPPMIND” to 44222

Book:

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.

Speaking Inquiries: Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 5 Minute Motivation – Judgement appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

“Perfectionism is your shield from being judged.”

“You can have it all, you just can’t do it all by yourself.”

Resources:  

• Lisa’s website

Books:

• The Possibility Mom, Lisa Canning
• Atomic Habits, James Clear
• Slay Like a Mother, Katherine Winch 

Free Download:

• 31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent    

Positivity Principle #8:

• Be Authentic

Free Download:

• “31 Ways to be More Positive”. Text 31Positive to 44222

Speaking Inquiries:

• Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Enter to Win:

• Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. 

The post 049 The Possibility Mom, Lisa Canning appeared first on Christy Largent.

Gratitude. The foundation for a Positive Life, and the foundation of our Positivity Principles. Gratitude. Easy to think about, but sometimes difficult to live.

In this podcast, Christy gives 3 simple ways to incorporate more gratitude into your life.

Key Idea:

• Gratitude is simple, but takes practice to become a habit.

Resources:

• Christy’s Website

Free Download:

• “31 Ways to be More Positive”. Text “31Positive” to 44222

Book:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

Speaking Inquiries:

• Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Enter to Win:

• Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 5 Minute Motivation – Gratitude appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

You get to create the environment you want to create. Positivity can be learned with work and effort.

Resources: 

• Christy’s website

Books:

• 31 Positive Communication Skills for Women, Christy Largent

Mindset:

• The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck, Ph.D.

Free Download:

• “31 Ways to be More Positive”. Text 31Positive to 44222

Speaking Inquiries:

• Do you need an entertaining and encouraging speaker for your event? Text 530-949-3646 and leave a call back number or email christy@christylargent.com

Enter to Win:

• Rate & Review this episode for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

The post 048 Welcome Back Podcast appeared first on Christy Largent.

Sound familiar? It’s really hard to stay positive when you’ve got anxiety beating down your door – even when you’re trying to sleep!

So I want to give you a few suggestions I have found to be helpful, even when you’re dragging.

“Look at something that makes you smile”

When you wake up anxious and beat down, look at something that makes you smile right away. Maybe that’s a picture of your child or grandchild. Or of a favorite holiday when you all laughed and laughed. Or maybe it’s your silly dog who just jumped up on your bed, tail wagging and trying to lick your face.

Use a physical cue to turn your mind to a happy place. As you look at that picture or hug your dog, take just 30 seconds and enjoy the moment. Take a deep breath and think about that happy vacation or how warm and soft your dog is. As my 10-year-old son says, “Savor the moment, Mama!”

“Take time to be grateful for this”

Using the energy of those happy thoughts, the next step is to start being grateful for this positive thing in your life. You can say it out loud or just to yourself. It might sound something like this…

“Thank you for this sweet dog who makes me laugh. Thank you for her soft fur. Thank you I get to hug her and snuggle her close this morning. Thank you that I have money to take care of her and buy her food. Thank you that she brings me joy.”

I must warn you that what invariably happens is that right about now your anxious thoughts will try to intrude. Our mind is crazy like that.…lost in the moment with your sweet dog, you suddenly start thinking about that horrible employee who is causing all kinds of problems with your team.

So when that person comes to mind, instead of jumping into anxiety about the strife she brings, just picture her. Then control the thought about her intentionally, turning it to gratitude. 

It might sound like this…

“Wow. Carley. Hmm…Thank you for Carley. Thank you for the way working with her is allowing me to learn and grow. Thank you that I get to figure out how to either get her back on track or let her go for career redirection. Thank you that I’m capable and know how to either work through this or get help to work through this…Thank you for my job that lets me use my skills and talents. Thank you that I get to have so many awesome people on my team. And as difficult as Carley is, she just shows me how fortunate I am to have so many other great employees. I’m confident I can handle this today.”

Just writing that made me feel better!

“Repeat as needed”

Repeat as needed throughout the day. During difficult times, I know anxious thoughts are never far away. And when they overwhelm, I find we often allow ourselves to obsess on all the possible things that could/would/might go wrong and it becomes a negative spiral that never ends. It just gets darker and deeper.

That’s why it’s so important to recognize that you can have the victory and find the positive if you choose to. These simple steps…Observe, Give Thanks, Repeat will help you do that.

Have you tried to turn your anxiety around to find the positive? If so, what works for you? Let me know as I’d love to hear your solution.

The post Simple Steps to Turn Anxiety into Positivity appeared first on Christy Largent.

Does this complaint sound familiar? So often we have employees who lose engagement, or worse yet, we find ourselves losing focus and drifting from being engaged.

What’s going on? Why is this happening?

I think this situation is primarily a case of not understanding the “Engagement Style” or more deeply, the Personality, of the person you’re working with. I get this question a lot, and let’s face it – it would be so much easier to do life if everyone could just do it the right way…you know, MY way!

So let’s do a quick overview of how to make sure you are creating the best Engagement Culture for yourself and your employees. We’ll cover it Engagement Style by Engagement Style…

Sunshine Sally stays engaged when the project is fun and I mean fun for her. Filing isn’t fun for her. Her emotional tank is full when she has lots of approval and acceptance and attention. Getting stuck in the back of the office fills NONE of those needs, and that’s why she’s always running to the front. Mary must find a way to get Sally back in the job she was hired for (and was very good at) working with people and talking while doing her other work. Making sure Sally is having fun and engaging with people will ensure she stays engaged. Oh, and I’ll bet her tardies and absences will drop off too.

Perfect Paul’s emotional tank is a little different. He will stop being engaged when he is missing details and doesn’t have enough time to do his work. He wants to make sure he understands the scope of the project along with receiving all the needed details…and he need LOTS of details! That’s because when he does his job, he wants to do it perfectly. And that’s a good thing. So make sure you are giving him lots of details as well as the time needed to accomplish the task.

Action Annie (Mary in our story above) has a deep need for control. She becomes disengaged when she feels powerless. The situation with Sally was driving her crazy because Sally was totally out of her control. Annie likes to be in control because she likes to get things done and she always (almost always) sees the best way to accomplish the work in the least amount of time. She wants her employees to be loyal and hardworking and her bosses to acknowledge the amount of work she does to achieve all that she achieves. Make sure, if you have Annie for an employee, you are acknowledging her efforts and you are providing her lots of opportunity to control the situation.

Peaceful Pete is the balm to every office. Not only does he bring the peace, but he needs the environment to be peaceful as well. He will use procrastination and disengagement if he is stuck in the middle of a tense or conflicted environment. The other day my son Graham, (with a big Peaceful Pete part of his personality) was listening as my daughter (Action Annie) and I were bickering about something. The discussion (ahem) started in the car and carried on as we came into the house. My little Graham took stock of the situation and immediately diffused the conflict with a well spoken “Girls, Girls, Girls!”…Amelia and I both broke down into giggles and remembered how much our own Peaceful Pete hates conflict. So make sure Pete has plenty of calm, a lack of conflict and that you take time to listen to him, and then he will be less likely to procrastinate and will feel motivated to stay engaged.

The happy ending to our story is that Mary moved Sally back into her receptionist position, she moved some of her other employees around to work on the filing and productivity (and full engagement) was restored in the office. Sometimes, all you need is to take a good look at the Engagement Style of you and your team to be able to Live Fully Engaged.

How about you? What engagement style is most difficult for you to deal with?

The post How to Increase Engagement Like Magic! appeared first on Christy Largent.

And I’m so excited to share the result with you today.  I think Chris West and Video Narrative did a really great job! Hopefully, you’ll like it too.  Let me know what you think!

The post Christy Largent Speaker Sizzle Reel appeared first on Christy Largent.

This morning was a rough morning. I woke up feeling crummy thanks to a late night yielding to temptation. The temptation of ice cream. Unfortunately, it was in the freezer. And I ate it. All.

I paid for it this morning.  Headache. Bad attitude. Short temper.

And have I mentioned that my daughter is in 7th grade? She’s a Jr. Higher. Yup. You know what that means. Hormonal. Headache. Bad attitude. Short temper.

And have I mentioned that my son is in 4th grade and is the favorite recipient of above mentioned big sister’s bad attitude and short temper? Yup. You’ve got it.

And have I mentioned that my dear, sweet husband leaves quite early in the morning. He used head out about 7:30 and was able to help get them off to school. But lately I’ve noticed he’s leaving earlier and earlier. This morning it was well before 7:00am… I wonder why? Hmmm…

Which brings me to my topic of the day.

How to say you’re sorry.

Because I wasn’t at my best this morning and I know Mamas set the tone for the day, and Amelia wasn’t a pretty sight. crying as she headed into school and I wasn’t a pretty sight sitting miserable in the car watching her walk away.

I wanted a do-over on the whole morning.

But, of course, there’s no such thing as a do-over. The morning is gone never to be lived again.

But the good news is that there is such a thing as asking for forgiveness. I get to tell my sweet girl and boy, “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry I was so short tempered. I’m sorry I didn’t give you what you needed. I’m sorry I gave into my own issues rather than rising up and loving you through yours. I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’ll try to do better next time. Please forgive me.”

And if all goes well, (this is not the first time they have heard this particular drill,) they will accept my apology as we discuss it, and they will forgive me and we can all run out and jump in the pool and order pizza and family harmony will be restored. At least that’s how it usually turns out if I actually do ask for forgiveness and not just sweep it under the rug to fester and boil.

It’s a 4-Step Process…

1. I’m sorry I…… (Fill in the blank.)
2. I was wrong. (Do not insert a justification here – just say the basic sentence.)
3. I’ll try to do better next time. (This shows you are working towards being a better person.)
4. Please forgive me.

My story from home is equally valid for you at work you know.  That co-worker who asked you to do a favor and you snapped her head off. That boss who you subtly undermined as you casually discussed office politics in the lunch room. That client you told you would do something – only you didn’t.

There are lots of opportunities in our life when we experience brokenness in relationships. Living in the Opportunity Mindset means we don’t ignore the yuk. We see it for what it really is. An opportunity to restore and even deepen a relationship rather than driving separation.

So I hope you will take the opportunity, when needed, to go ahead and say you’re sorry. Then take it a step further and ask for forgiveness. Then don’t do it again.

Now, I’ve got to go and meet the bus…I’ve got a little conversation I’m looking forward to.

Love ya,

Christy

The post How to say “I’m Sorry” appeared first on Christy Largent.

Are you ever frustrated by lack of progress personally or professionally?  If so, then you’re going to love this video!

What is the Opportunity Mindset?  My definition is

“When you choose to live in your Opportunities rather than letting the obstacles of life stop you from living the life you really want.”

I find that there are 3 main obstacles that people let stop them from living in the Opportunity Mindset:

1.  LACK — The “Not Enough” syndrome at work.  A “not enough” mentality will stop you every time.  Your perception that you have not enough time, money, authority, focus, or worst of all, thinking that YOU are not enough.  Living with this mentality will sabotage efforts to move forward.
2. FEAR — So many of us are stopped by fear before we even start!  The most common fears I hear of are fear of failure, fear of looking stupid, (especially in this instantly on social media day and age), fear of other people’s opinions, fear of change and even fear of success. Can you imagine the magic that would happen in your life if you just let go of fear and stepped out as though you were the bravest person ever?  Whenever we see great things happen, it’s because the person moved through the fear into action.
3. OURSELVES — That’s right. Many of us are our own worst enemy.  We let ourselves block ourselves.  It could be our personality, our habits, our friends, our circumstances…all these can be used to stop progress.

So what should we do?  I suggest we pick one area and start working on it. For me, that’s in the area of focus. That’s what I’m working on right now.

Here’s a resource on focus I’ve found super helpful.  It’s called Deep Work, by Cal Newport.  Cal is a researcher and expert on productivity…coming from the field of Math! Can you believe it?  I love his suggestions for carving out time to really focus and get targeted with your work time.  I’ll give more suggestions for implementing Cal’s suggestions in the next few weeks.

Hope you enjoyed my first ever Facebook video! More will be coming in the weeks to come.  Until then…connect with me and let me know how YOU get deep. How do you stay focused? I’d love your ideas and suggestions!

xo

Christy

The post Get into the Opportunity Mindset™! appeared first on Christy Largent.

I know. Crazy! In the middle of a civil war, dreamer Abdelmuttaleb Twigiri  opened his restaurant. He put it this way to Morning Edition host Renee Montagne, “people need places like this “to change the mood, the way of life. People want to go out. They want to dress up, they need to live.”

That’s what I call living in the Opportunity Mindset.  If ever there was a reason for not pursuing your dream, I’d say the obstacle of a civil war ranks pretty high up on the list.

Your obstacles most likely look different. I find obstacles usually fall into 3 categories.

1.  Lack
   • Lack of education.
   • Lack of position.
   • Lack of authority.
   • Lack of resources.
   • Lack of skills.
   • Lack of freedom (rules & regulations can create this).
2. Fear
   • Fear of success.
   • Fear of loss.
   • Fear of failure.
   • Fear of the opinion of others.
   • Fear of change.
   • Fear of the outcome.
3. Yourself (This is the hardest to overcome by the way.)
   • Your personality.
   • Your habits.
   • Your friends.
   • Your family.
   • Your circumstances.
   • Your vision, hopes and dreams.

Where do your obstacles come from?

What’s keeping you from living in the Opportunity Mindset?

As you think of your own obstacles, I’d challenge you to think of 1 thing you can turn into an opportunity. Some quick suggestions for turning obstacles into opportunity…

1. The first step is to assess your situation. Look at all your resources, good and bad, and make a simple list.
2. Pick one thing from your positive side that you can do immediately. Like today.
3. Take action! Do it. Pick up the phone. Visit that website. Write that first chapter.
4. Enjoy the lift this positive action will give you.

You’re on your way to living in the Opportunity Mindset!

Want to hear more? I have the very high privilege of being interviewed today by Claire Diaz Ortiz for her Work by Design Summit.  Click here to enjoy the interview!

The post What Obstacle? appeared first on Christy Largent.

January is almost over, and I didn’t quite finish what I started.

But, here’s the good thing. It’s turning out even BETTER than I had planned!

Starting with the clearing out  — I decluttered extensively and filled my car twice with trips to the Goodwill. Win! The storage closet in which I was planning to store the out of season leftovers, fell down into the clothes closet below. I know. Don’t ask.

But, the positive result will be even better storage once my husband completes the repair project. So let’s call that a not quite checked off the list but well on it’s way to completion success!

If you want to declutter too, may I suggest my friend Kathi Lipp’s easy to read and even easier to put into practice book, Clutter Free. You’ll love it and it will help you declutter your life!

Regarding the second part of my goals…here’s where it gets interesting…

As I was working on the content to be added to my website, I knew I needed video of me speaking, testimonials, information about my programs and an updated about me page. I wanted it to look like a speaker’s site, not a blogger/podcasters site.

I found some super smart people to help me with the technical aspects of this, and I began researching sites of some of my favorite National Speakers Association speakers to see what ideas I could steal borrow and change to make my own.

There are some awesome people out there to emulate! People like Neen James and Connie Podesta and Laura Stack and Tami Evans. And lots more incredible women who are really dominating in the public speaking space.

In the course of my research, I was drilling down to make sure my message was crystal clear on every level. I reached out to Neen James, who is known for her dynamic and fun delivery combined with her stellar content. I had seen her speak this past July at the NSA Convention, and was very intrigued with how she had packaged and delivered her message.

She was so helpful! She basically told me what I had come up with was no good and not unique at all. Boring. Her magic words were, Christy, I looked at your site, and I can’t book you from what you are telling me there. I don’t know what you offer.

Yikes! Just what I needed to hear. (Actually, I thought my site was shaping up nicely! So how awesome to get that kind of honest and relevant feedback!)

So in the past 2 weeks, I’ve gotten to work drilling down to the essence of Christy. Neen asked me, What have you put your 10,000 hours into Christy? What lessons have you learned over and over and over in your life that you can share with your audience? 

I’m still working on teasing it all out, but I am so close! And I’m so excited! Because instead of just being a “High Energy Motivational Speaker who teaches you how to get along and connect” I’m going to be framing it in a personal and more meaningful way that will be much more interesting and unique.

Which means YOU will be getting better content because I’ll be filtering it in a more effective way.

Here’s what I’ve learned from this whole experience. Maybe they will help you too!

1. Even if you don’t know exactly where it’s going to end up, get started getting busy on what you want to do.  The de-cluttering project revealed the storage problem. Had I waited, there would still be piles everywhere and the closet would still be a problem! If I hadn’t begun the research, I would never have seen the huge gaping holes in my website/speaking project.
2. Reach out for help. I knew I couldn’t deal with all the technical changes I’ll be needing in the course of changing my website. I found experts in those areas to help me. That even relates to me reaching out to Neen. (I didn’t know her personally before.)
3. Be willing to look at the same things differently. You know I’ve been speaking on the topics of communication skills, customer service, and personality styles for almost 20 years. This month, I’ve looked at my body of work in a whole new way, and I’m coming out the other end the better for it.

What about you? How did your January go? Are you still on track to make this your Best Year Ever? I hope so.  Let me know in the comments below, or comment on FB.

The post It was Guilt Free and Painless appeared first on Christy Largent.

Nothing spirals downward faster than a negative environment. I knew I needed to fix this situation, and fast!

Here are the 3 things I did. Maybe they will work for you the next time you hit a rough patch.

1. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. What can I change? What is non-negotiable? I stepped back and saw the main things I needed were to get myself dressed, the kids fed and the dog put in the backyard. I also saw that the dark house filled with the noises of anxiety were not helping.
2. Do what you can do and delegate the rest.  I put on some fun music and turned on all the lights. Our surroundings can affect our behavior more than you know. The lights and music helped lighten the tone. I delegated the dog and her “issues” to my daughter and hustled back to get dressed and throw my makeup in a bag – I could finish in the car before my meeting. I had my son pull out the eggs and cheese so I could whip up their breakfast after I got dressed.
3. Focus on the good and enjoy the journey. I did a quick mind re-set while I was getting dressed. I reminded myself that for so many years I had longed for children with a desperate longing…in other words…I asked for this!  I said a prayer of thanks for my kids. I smiled. Yup. A physical smile made me giggle. And when I came back into the kitchen, I sang along to the music while I made the eggs. I forced myself to change my attitude. I know a happy heart attitude is contagious.

[Tweet “A happy heart attitude is contagious.”]

I’d love to tell you my kids started dancing and singing with me and happily gobbled up their breakfasts with words of gratitude on their lips.  That’s not actually what happened.

They were still a bit grumpy. But my attitude was better, so there was less tension and I enjoyed the rest of our time together before school much more. Plus I told myself, often it’s what is caught, more than what is taught that sinks in.

[Tweet “It’s what is caught, more than what is taught that sinks in.”]

So when they think of their Mama today (if they think of me at all!) it will be with the happy smile and kiss that I left them with rather than the surly frustrated face of the earlier morning.

And I’ll call that a win.

How about you? What do you do to shift the momentum when things start deteriorating around you? I’d love you to share! Just leave a comment below.

Love ya!

Christy

The post 3 Steps to Create a Positive Environment appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today I’m writing over at A News Cafe, Northern California’s premier news magazine. I’m writing on how it’s simpler to get started on your resolutions when you do one basic thing…get enough sleep!

To read the article, click here.

Here’s to getting supercharged in 2016 together!

Love ya,

Christy

Join me at A News Cafe!

The post The Secret to Getting Supercharged appeared first on Christy Largent.

Family, friends, food and faith.

Today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I hope you will be spending time with your favorite family and friends.  I hope your tummy will be full of the yummiest food of the season.

But most of all, I pray you will find faith in the perfect God-man, Jesus Christ.  And that in the midst of your gift giving, laughter and fun, that your heart will be drawn to the only one born to bring lasting and eternal peace.

Peace between our frail, flawed humanity and a perfect God. Peace made possible by the baby born in the stable. Peace paid for by His perfect life given as a sacrifice. For you. For me. Peace.

Merry Christmas!

The post Merry Christmas! appeared first on Christy Largent.

Several weeks ago I created my first ever community survey. I wanted to know more about you so that I can make sure what I’m creating is meeting your most important needs.

You responded and I got some surprising results.  Here they are – along with why the information matters and what I’m going to do differently.

Results

• You are a dominantly female audience (97%),  and in your middle years, 45-64 years old (72%).  I knew this intuitively, but it was fun to see the numbers. (You look like me!)

• You value education and have either a Bachelor or Graduate degree (66%) or at least some college 25%. Clearly, you are a lifelong learner.
• Your total household income is more than $75,000 (65%), and  you can be found in a huge variety of job positions, so much so, there’s no 1 thing that jumps out. I love that you bring an incredibly diverse scope of background and skills.

• Social Media Use was my biggest surprise.
  • Facebook was #1 (93% ranked it #1)
  • YouTube (79% ranked #2 or #3) virtually tied with
  • Pinterest (75% ranked #2 or #3).

• You don’t listen to my podcast. (72%) (Many of you said you wanted to listen, but were too busy to fit them in.)
• You want to learn from me…
  •  #1 Communication Skills and
  • #2 Self Development strategies.

• Your Biggest Challenges…
  • Finding time to do what needs to get done (61%) and
  • Desire to improve professional growth (45%), then
  • Life/Work balance (35%).

Your dreams…travel, being fit, creating a business and spending time with your family all rose to the top. We women really do want to do it all!

My top 5 Action Items based on the survey…

1. January 5th I’ll be offering a free webinar to help you dig deep to Discover your Calling and Develop your Plan for the new year.  More info. on that will be coming shortly. (It will have a wonderful name I’m sure, I just haven’t come up with it yet…title ideas welcomed.)

2.  I’ll continue finding excellent outside resources to recommend. The first is available now, 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever, by Michael Hyatt, and then in January there’s a free Peak Performance Summit you can register for here now. More on both of these as we go.

3. I’ll be creating YouTube tutorials focused on communication skills and strategies to help you communicate most effectively (get what you want!)

4. My podcast is going to reformatted into a short 5-10 minute production that you can fit into your busy schedules.

5. Finally, I’m going to send the survey at a different time of year. (Feb or March will be good.)  Late fall is such a busy time of year, I know many of you wanted to take the survey, but just couldn’t squeeze it in. So, next time I’ll find a less “intense” time of year to send so I can get even more feedback.

Thank you so much! I just love connecting with you and I’m excited about the year to come. What are you excited about this for this coming year? I’d love to hear what’s top of your mind! You can comment here or better yet…(see, I’m learning…) “like,” then post on my Facebook Page here.   Love ya!

Christy

The post Community Survey 2015 Results appeared first on Christy Largent.

And that conversation led me to think about the expectations I put on myself.  There’s no life “monitor” waiting to give me a “grade” at the end of my life. Right? Yet I frequently act, that is, think as though I must go through life working for an A+.

And then, when I don’t get the Christmas Cards sent, (Seriously people, this is a challenge for me! Those receiving cards from us this year will be blessed by the arrival of 2014 and 2015’s cards together!), or I don’t hit my target work numbers, or I don’t lose as much weight as I had hoped…well, I just feel like a failure.

This year was a good one for my goals. I found an excellent eating program that I loved and I shed the

40lbs that had been hanging on for about 8 years. I finally finished and published my book.  I managed to step back and take a few months with my kids traveling coast to coast this summer. By any yard stick, I think that’s a pretty good year.

But then I realize that I’ve gained some of that weight back. And I didn’t speak as many times as I had hoped. And the book was only self-published – does that even count? Oh, and the kids fought with each other for most of that enormous road trip.

You get where I’m going?  Do you do this too?  It’s so frustrating! Because I think when we do this horrible downplaying, minimizing what we’ve done and who we are as somehow “not quite enough,”  we rob ourselves of the joy of the “enough.”

So ENOUGH!

This year as I review my goals from last year and step into planning and dreaming for 2016, I will recognize that anything I think worthy of writing down as a goal is enough. The process of completing the goal is enough. And when I accomplish that longed for dream, I’ll do a happy dance and celebrate!

If you want to join me, I want you to encourage you to check out my friend Michael Hyatt’s new and improved goal setting program 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever.  I have used this program for the past 2 years and will do it again this year.

I have used the tools he has provided. I’ve engaged with the ongoing coaching program offered and benefitted from private VIP FB groups and online coaching sessions with Michael.  I believe all of these things have combined to help me achieve some really big goals!  And I love that! And I want that for you too.

Click here to Check it out!

I believe in this program so much, I am an affiliate. That means, if you decide it’s right for you and you purchase the program, I get a thank you payment from Michael. But seriously, even if I weren’t, I would still be encouraging you to check it out.

I think it’s worth your time to at least look at.  There are 3 free videos that will totally help you now, even if you decide the program is not a fit. The free content will help you get get thinking about how you want to set your intention for 2016 and then recognize the cost of each day of your year…so enlightening!

(The kids and I have a cameo in them too — so fun! You must watch carefully to see us — and I’m 40lbs heavier in the pictures since they were shot in July of 2014, so I can hardly bear it…sooooo Embarrassing!)

Ok, I could go on and on! But I won’t. Instead, I’m going to go get busy on my Christmas Cards, say a thankful prayer with every envelope I address, and know that it’s All. Totally. Enough.

Love you!

Christy

ps – In case you missed it — click here — to check out the 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever program. What will it hurt to look it over? And what will it hurt if you don’t?  xoxoxo C

The post When is Enough, Enough? appeared first on Christy Largent.

Would you please take less than 5 minutes and fill out the survey? It’s super quick with just 10 questions plus a bonus…of course I have to have a bonus!

I already have some results coming in from my email subscribers and I’m super excited to see trends emerging so that I can focus on providing what’s most important to you!

Yes! I’d love to give you my feedback!

And then keep a sharp eye out, as I’ll give you the results in coming weeks.

Thanks so much!  Love ya!

Christy

Oh, ok, I’ll stop what I’m doing and take the survey…just because I’m helpful that way.

The post Please Take my 2015 Reader Survey appeared first on Christy Largent.

You can imagine. It’s heartbreaking.

This week his Veteran’s Home brought in a speaker, Heather McKay, MS, OT/L to train the staff on how to work with people with Dementia.  They also offered a special session for families.  My husband and I attended.

Heather did a thorough and thoughtful job explaining the deterioration of a brain beset with the disease of Dementia.  It’s horrifying to see the stark physical differences between a healthy 80 year old brain and the shrunken, deformed brain of an 80 year old Alzheimer’s patient.

Almost the first question after she finished her presentation was “How do we keep our brains healthy?”  Precisely!  How do we avoid the trauma our loved ones are going through?

Heather gave a list of 10 things we can do.  I did 2 Periscopes about it here if you want to see them.  For you readers…here’s what she recommended. (With my additional #1 mentioned first.)

1.  Cut the Sugar, Flour and Eat Whole Foods.  I must admit this is my #1 because I’ve read the work of Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. David Perlmutter and others who have done extensive research into the relationship between what you put in your body and how your brain works on that fuel.  Universally, their #1 recommendation is to eliminate sugar and grains from your diet.  It’s not easy, but a worthwhile goal for your best brain health. In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, I’ve struggled with my sugar/flour addiction for more than 10 years…I still haven’t found my own personal solution…I’ll keep you posted on that one.
2. Read.  Books.  Oh my! I did a little happy dance in my chair when Heather said this.  Sugar is hard. Books are easy.  Read chapter books.  Something like 80% of Americans read less than 10 books a year. How are you doing with your reading?  Situational memory is stimulated when you read, put down the book, do something else and then come back to the book.  As you “get back into the book” your brain works it’s situational memory activities and strengthens those brain cells.
3. Keep a Journal.  If you already do this, you’re on the right track.  If not, Heather suggested something simple to get started – create a “Done List” at the end of each day.  We are all familiar with “To Do” lists, and this is the same but in reverse.  Go back over your day and remember all the things that happened. Process them and plan ahead for the next day. Situational memory is activated and brain activity increased. All good.
4. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand.  Something magical happens inside your brain when you switch things up.  Simple things like opening the door or brushing your teeth with your opposite hand will trigger your brain to get busy and get working.
5. Work Crossword Puzzles.  My husband did the happy dance on this one. I cringed. Heather assured us that even those of us who struggle with these puzzles can start easy and work up.  I put “find crossword puzzle for babies” on my list.  I’ll get started on this right away. Really!
6. Find ways to add vocabulary to your knowledge bank.  Crazy, right? I think if you are reading good stuff, you’ll find new words.  Also, it sounds silly, but keep an old-fashioned dictionary at your desk and in between projects, pull it out and thumb through.  Then try to use a new word in a sentence or email sometime that day.  Oh, and I think crosswords work  for this too.
7. Games.  Do more of them.  Strategy and name and face games are best.  When you are struggling to remember a name of someone, let your brain run and try to remember it.  The brain is searching for a file (names are stored a different place than faces (images) are)…so let your brain search.  It can be frustrating, but the more you allow it to search, the stronger the ability will get. Make a game out of it and it will be even more helpful.
8. Exercise your body.  (You know this already!!)
9. Learn a foreign language.  Interestingly, the year I spent teaching english in Hungary I had the most vivid dreams of my life. Scientists tell us dreams are the way we process all the stimulation of the day. My mind was in overdrive during the day, and rebooting furiously during the night.  I’d say that year brought not only personal growth, but brain growth as well.
10. Learn to play a musical instrument.  Ok.  Put it on the list.

Bottom line as I run through these suggestions is for us to keep our brains working. Any time we bring something new to our brains they do a happy dance. And the more we do it, the happier they are!

I have a feeling I could write on each of these 10 individually – they are all so full of opportunity.  Each one of them is a choice. I was challenged to at least recognize that I have some control now over how my brain might turn out later.

How are you strengthening your brain? Shoot me a quick tweet or leave a comment here. I love hearing from you!

Love ya,

Christy

The post Top 10 Tips for a Super Connected Brain…and Life! appeared first on Christy Largent.

I’m so excited I have so much on my plate.  I mean, I’m really thankful for the work and the opportunities ahead in this last quarter of the year.

But, And, it’s so easy to spin ’round and ’round trying to figure out what’s next.

I know you super organized, focused and driven people don’t even get what I’m saying.  So just skip this post and go get yourself a nice Pumpkin Spice Latte.  But for the rest of us, here’s what helped me today.

As I thought about how to focus in, I combined a strategy I just learned from my friend and fellow professional speaker, Pegine, with one of my favorite action steps taken from Gary Keller’s awesome book, The One Thing, and came up with 3 quick steps to help get me back on track.

1.  Ask Yourself…“What is the one thing I can work on for a concentrated amount of time today that will really move my business forward?”  (Gary Keller’s idea.) This is such a great question because it really helps center your thinking on things that matter.  There is so much busywork that can jump up and grab our time – but when you ask this question, the busywork fades and the best emerges.
2. List the top 3-4 things that come to mind.  I’m sure you have a lot of GOOD things you could do today.  But without a doubt, there are most likely 3-4 things that could be classified as GREAT.  Put a big circle around the one that stands out above the rest. Create a sentence of intention around this one thing.
3. Write it down 10 times.  Yup.  Just like back when you got in trouble (I mean, some other kid got in trouble) and had to write something 100 times.  (Pegine’s idea.)  Just 10 times. It’s amazing how powerful it is to set your intention and then write that intention down multiple times.  I’ve found as I write, I usually fine tune the goal/intention as well.

I’m off to Periscope on this very topic, so if you haven’t tried Periscope yet, be sure to hop over to my Periscope page today, or click over to Katch to see a replay of all my Scopes. (Including Graham’s piano concert last night!)  Once I figure out the technical, I’ll get the scopes posted here on my website as well.  It’s baby steps, right?

Did this exercise help you?  What was your 1-thing today? Give me a quick tweet or you can comment below and let me know! I’d love to cheer you on!

Love ya,

Christy

The post 3 Tips to Go From Overwhelmed to Intention appeared first on Christy Largent.

How did all that happen in just a few hours?  It was a virtual meeting of my Mastermind group.  We 5 women gathered together around our computers.  We’re from 4 different states, yet all united with a specific focus to help each other.  And because we all were focused on helping each other, we obviously were given help ourselves.

Have you ever wanted to be in a Mastermind?  What is a Mastermind?  Basically, it’s a small group of people who commit to helping do all the things I mentioned above.  You usually commit to a specific focus, agree on a specific time frame and then meet together.  Sometimes one person starts it, and charges the others to be a part.  Sometimes the only fee is participation and your time.

I’ve been in 2 other masterminds, and each brought it’s own positives and negatives.  1 was super helpful, the other, not so much.  Typical, right?

I guess the overarching thing is that it’s a tool you can use for growth.  I love taking every opportunity for growth, don’t you?

That’s why I’m so excited to share with you a FREE event happening this week, “Masterminded” by my mentor and friend, Michael Hyatt.  You’ve heard me talk about him so many times over the past few years, and the key thing about him is he ALWAYS over-delivers.

I’m sure this FREE event will be no exception.  The Influence and Impact Summit is going to be a stellar coming together of some of the best and brightest influencers of our day.

People like Dave Ramsey, John Maxwell, Lysa TerKeurst, Jen Hatmaker, Andy Andrews, Glennon Doyle Melton, Jon Acuff, Bob Goff and many more will be gathered together between October 6-13, 2015.  You can watch or listen on your own time as Michael will email you a link to access 3 presentations at a time.  It’s all virtual, so super easy to squeeze in.

You can have access to this for FREE!  Did I mention it was for FREE?  So exciting!  You just need to register here at the Influence and Impact Summit page to get in on the summit.

I’m not an affiliate or anything, I just love all things Michael Hyatt.  And I love the magic that can happen when you are around people intent on giving their best.  Just like in my Mastermind this morning, I know you will find the speakers (and too many to name here, seriously!) will hit on just the thing you need to hear.  Right now.

So don’t miss out!  I want this for you – click here  – to register now for the big event!  I’ll see you there!

Love ya,

Christy

The post Are You Accelerating Your Excellence? appeared first on Christy Largent.

What a year this has been and now here we are just 90 days left until we’re celebrating the entrance of 2106.  Are you ready for all the hustle and bustle of the end of year?

I’ve decided to go ahead and get my Christmas cards sent out in the next few weeks.  You see last year’s cards are still sitting on the office shelf a-waiting their signing and stuffing.  I figure I’ll just write a new letter, snap a few new pictures and add the whole kit and caboodle into last year’s envelope and call it done.  Can you relate?

Actually, that’s what I call falling forward.

Things don’t work out as you had planned.  Your goal to _______________ (you fill in the blank) was missed by a New York mile.  And I figure that’s ok, in fact my experience shows, that’s LIFE.  So, here’s the question. How can we dig down into the essence of it, grab the really important part, regroup and once again move forward towards what we want?

And it’s not just with Christmas cards is it?  That book you started. The weight you had hoped to shed. The garden you had dreamed of getting landscaped. The clients you had hoped to connect with.  All worthy goals.  And yet here we are on October 1st and they are still incomplete.

I want to encourage you to stop and ask yourself what’s really important to you. Once you dial back into that core foundation, then it’s time to figure out what you want to focus on for the next 90 days.  What activities will move you towards accomplishing what you set out to do back last December or January?

It’s not too late.  I promise.  No matter how many times you miss, you can always try again. At least that’s my motto.  Revisit and make sure you really wanted it? Yes! And then once that’s done, get back on that horse. Or should I say, pick up that card, stuff that envelope and stick on that stamp!

I’m SO happy to be back with you.  Let me know what you’ve been doing.  You can leave a comment or just send me a tweet over on twitter.

I’m also Periscoping daily, so I’d love for you to join me there as well!  More on that later.

Hugs,

Christy

The post Fall-ing Forward appeared first on Christy Largent.

My first exposure to a world without freedom was in 1977 Eastern Europe. Bound by the chains of communism, the people had suffered for years at the hands of despots and tyrants.  A Pensione manager whispering from her heart into my mother’s ear,  “We love you Americans but we are so afraid to say so – we’ve had war for so many years…” is a sentence that has stuck in my mind for 28 years.  Border guards meticulously searching our train with mirrors probing underneath and German Shepherds examining within was an experience I’ve not forgotten.

Never should we take the precious freedoms we daily enjoy for granted.  Freedom was not cheap. Freedom was a dream purchased with the blood of our forbearers.  For over 200 years, our freedoms have been maintained with even more blood of our American heroes.

So today, as we celebrate with parades, BBQ and fireworks.  Let’s remember and be thankful.

God Bless America, and may we continue to be the shining example of freedom to bear testimony to the world.

The post 4th of July Thankfulness appeared first on Christy Largent.

Here are the 3 steps I use:

1. Consider where you were when you set the goals.
2. Look at what you’ve accomplished so far.
3. Consider what’s still left to do and readjust if necessary

Encouraging Word for the day:  Psalms 20:4  “May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.”

The post #513: 5 Minute Motivation – Be Purposeful (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

When I say, “I’m responsible for getting the kids to school,” it sure doesn’t sound like much, but I have a feeling you can relate to the way that 1 responsibility can so wreck you that by 7:45am you feel like you are already DONE! (Or am I the only one?)

I’ve been trying a variety of things to create a good morning routine.  I’ve really loved the The Miracle Morning that Hal Elrod put together.  Remember when I talked about it here?

But I still felt like something was missing. And now that school will be out in only 3 more days, I know it’s more important than ever for me to settle in and pick something that will work consistently.

Enter my amazing friend, Crystal Paine.   You know I talk all about Crystal and her MoneySavingMom.com blog all the time.  I just admire her so much.  She’s so disciplined and organized and strategic.  (Don’t we just love our opposites!)

I’m so excited to let you know that she has a terrific course called Makeover Your Mornings that’s been incredibly successful in 2015 and now in 2016.

I went through the whole course and it was so simple and fun.  Using videos that include glimpses inside her real life, I was so engaged, I watched all 14 episodes in just one sitting!  And I have a sneaking suspicion you’re going to love it too.

Crystal has created the Make Over Your Mornings course to help you revolutionize your productivity, streamline your days, eliminate decision fatigue, cultivate your soul, and MORE!

Some of the topics covered in this program include:

• Discovering why a well-planned morning revolutionizes your whole day
• Establishing bedtime routines
• Designing a morning routine centered on your biggest priorities
• Goal-setting
• Setting up a task management system
• Prioritizing exercise and healthy breakfasts
• Creating internal and external motivators
• Establishing accountability
• Battling lies
• Building stamina when things get tough

But what I especially love is that all this goodness is packed into a simple, three-fold approach:  a chapter to read, a video to watch, and a project to complete – all of which will take no more than 15 minutes of your time.  We all have time for that! 

I think this tiny investment — just 15 minutes of your day – anytime of day by the way — can yield potentially amazing results for you and your family.  

But Crystal’s not the Money Saving Mom for nothing!  And this course is unbelieveably priced!

I know! Crazy, right?  I mean seriously, if you get even 1 good tip it’s totally worth it!  So head on over to MakeOverYourMornings.com and get in on the rock-bottom price for this fabulous course!

So as we head into the middle of another month, I know your best first step is to take a breath and discover Crystal’s Makeover Your Mornings program.

Who know what might happen?  It might, just might, be the first step towards making over your life!

P.S. I’m so happy to be an affiliate of Crystal’s on this program.  I believe in the program and am so thankful to be able to share it with you.

The post Makeover Your Morning and You Just Might Makeover Your Life appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today I want to share a few words of encouragement.  Sunday’s holiday used to be one of the saddest days of my year.  I know the pain of dashed hopes and deferred dreams.  And I’ve found some ways to navigate that I think might be helpful to you too.  Listen in for more!

Key Ideas:

1.  Remember – “Not now” doesn’t mean “Never”

2.  Managing Expectations

3.  When the difficulties come, hang on.

4.  Look for the sunshine

Encouraging Word of the Day:  Psalm 37:4  “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you all the desires of your heart.”

The post #047: Encouragement for Mother’s Day (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today I share the “aha” moment I had that has helped me to do a turnaround when in conflict.  Learning how to be transparent can be transformational.

Recommended Books:

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you.  Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

The post #512: 5 Minute Motivation – Be Transparent (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Remember, when giving feedback, it’s important to…

• Be Specific
• Be Honest
• Be Clear

Today is about how to be so clear the other person knows EXACTLY what you want them to do.  It’s the perfect way to complete your thoughts — creating an effective feedback opportunity.

Encouraging Word of the Day:  Ephesians 4:25  “So let us put away the lies, and speak the truth to one another, because we are all part of one another.”

The post #511: 5 Minute Connection – Be Clear (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

So here are the 5 big takeaways…

1. Discover your Assets
2. Broaden your perspective
3. Find ways to connect
4. Surround yourself with people who care
5. Pay attention to your heart

Encouraging Word for the Week:  Proverbs 19:20-21 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.  Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

The post #046: 5 Key Life Skills to Enjoy Life More (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Remember, when giving feedback, it’s important to…

• Be Specific
• Be Honest
• Be Clear

Today is more about how to stay out of judgement or assumption, and instead, Be Honest.

Encouraging Word of the Day:  Ephesians 4:25  “So let us put away the lies, and speak the truth to one another, because we are all part of one another.”

The post #510: 5 Minute Connection – Be Honest (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

This week I’m in Orlando, Florida at the Launch Conference, put on by Ken Davis and his Dynamic Communicators event team.  I’m learning so much, and more importantly, I’m being pushed into action while making connections with top thinkers and doers.

I love this stuff.  That’s because I love learning.  And let’s face it, taking online classes and going to conferences is a heck of a lot cheaper than going back to college!

And the other thing is that I’m putting into practice what I’m learning.  This blog, my podcast, my soon to be published book are all evidence of this training getting put into practice.

So I wanted to ask you…how are you investing in yourself this year?  Have you taken time to read an inspiring book?  Have you started learning a new skill with an online class?

Let’s break it down to the super simple.  Have you Googled or YouTubed how to do something new this year?

You might be living in fear like I was.  Afraid to try something that might be uncomfortable or has the possibility of being imperfect (Gasp!)

But seriously,

The #1 Benefit to learning something new is…

You’ll feel really, really, really good!

My brother has always been the smart one in our family.  He was the math wiz at an early age.  For me however, anything to do with math and I’d run.  Add computer to that, and yikes!  That was a recipe for nightmares in my book.

I developed an aversion to anything that might even get close to doing math on the computer.  And of course, every year tax season was a huge burden as I had to manually deal with all my receipts etc.

This year I was challenged to get a Quick Books program.  I bit the bullet and got the program.  I went to a training and then got some personalized tutoring on how to use it.  I entered my entire year’s worth of data into the program.  And guess what?

It was so incredible!!  I did it!  I printed out my very first profit and loss statement!  And even more amazing…I FELT WONDERFUL!!!  I was so darned strong, happy and empowered when I finished I literally felt like Wonder Woman!  If any bullets had been flying by, I’m sure I could have deflected them with my magical quickbooks bracelets of gold.  Simply amazing!

Seriously.  You HAVE to try this!  I think part of why it felt so amazing was that I didn’t think I could do it, and so when I did it, it was a double happiness hit. Ahhhhh!

I want this for you!  (I know I’m using a lot of exclamation marks today…but I’m sure it’s the only way I can convey to you the enormous mounds of emotion that this achievement raised for me!!)

Do you want to learn how to use a new program?  Are you eager to try a new cooking technique, but been worried it would turn out poorly?  Maybe it’s dance lessons that are calling out to be taken, but you don’t want to feel silly by being the youngest in the class.

Or even more seriously, do you need/want/fear a conversation with your husband about something important and deeply felt by you, but you’re not sure how to say it so you say nothing?  Speaking the truth in love is a skill you can learn…I know how scary it feels, yet how exhilarating it is after the conversation actually happens.

All this I want for you so much.  I want you to experience the rush of adrenalin that comes from actually doing that thing you’ve been fearing.  For me, all it took was that silly computer program. What is it for you? I’d love to hear.

The post The #1 Benefit of Learning Something New This Month appeared first on Christy Largent.

I’m going to focus on 3 main elements of giving effective feedback over the next 3 weeks.

When giving feedback, it’s important to…

• Be Specific
• Be Honest
• Be Clear

Today is all about how to avoid judgement or assumption, and instead, be specific.

Encouraging Word of the Day:  Ephesians 4:25  “So let us put away the lies, and speak the truth to one another, because we are all part of one another.”

The post #509: 5 Minute Connection – Be Specific (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

• How to find inspiration
• Using the calendar to ensure “me time”
• How to keep your husband a priority
• Recognizing seasons in life
• Creative ideas for how to get help

Encouraging Word of the Week:  1 Peter 4:10 (The Voice)  “Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all it’s varieties.”

The post #045: Ask Anna Moseley and Asking for Help (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Thankfully, I have an amazing sister-in-law who reminded me of this yesterday, so I get to share it with you today!

Key reminders about being yourself:

1.  It’s scary.

2.  It’s easier to wear a mask.

3.  It’s totally worth it.

Encouraging Word:  Romans 12:9a (The Message) “Love others well, and don’t hide behind a mask; love authentically.“

The post #508: 5 Minute Motivation – Be Yourself appeared first on Christy Largent.

The post Easter Blessings! appeared first on Christy Largent.

But he was gone.  Buried in a borrowed grave.  It had been a pretty dramatic and disgusting end to the whole thing too.  For Pete’s sake.  Well actually, Pete had his own embarrassing episode during the whole long, drawn out fiasco.

What a waste.  Three long years.  They had walked away from their careers, their families, everything in order to follow their Pied Piper.  He promised.  And now he was gone.

We know they had lost hope because when the miracle happened and He really was gone from the tomb and the women tried to tell the disciples all about it, this was their response, “They did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”  Luke 24:11  Does that sound like men who were waiting with bated breath for their dream to resurrect?

And maybe today, on the Saturday before Easter you have lost hope too.

Maybe your marriage has crashed and burned and all those dreams you had when you were dressed in white are cindered, black and smelly.

Maybe you got that pink slip yesterday.  Your high hopes of promotion and growth and success now seem about as likely as a trip to Pluto.

Maybe, God forbid, your child is gone. And that has torn everything thing you thought you knew to be true into disarray leaving you stripped, barren, broken.

Not a single shard of hope.  You get it.  You know how those disciples felt.  And yet.

And yet.

Their story wasn’t over.  Your story isn’t over.

And actually, all because Sunday already came, you don’t have to be hopeless either.  You can cling to that resurrected reality, even if by the slenderest of threads.

Oh dear friend, cling as hard as you can.  And then, it will be the resurrected Christ who will come and hold you up.  He is the one who will restore your heart.  I promise.  He promises.

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples you know.  They were actually all huddled fearfully together, locked in some hidden room when he came to them.  And the first words out of his mouth were these, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)

Can you imagine?!?  Peace.  After all that.

Peace.

So today as we await our own celebration of resurrection on Easter Sunday, let’s join together and open our weary, discouraged and hopeless souls to his exquisite, soothing balm of peace.

Peace.

The post Hope Lost and Found appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

Part 1 – Interview Highlights

• A funny Alec Baldwin story and her podcast “You’ve Got This”
• Finding your direction
• The role mentors can play in your life
• The true cost of clutter

Part 2 – Decluttering Our Lives

• Making hard choices
• Being realistic
• Staying focused
• Perspective Reset – Tim Challies article

Website Links

www.kathilipp.com

www.clutterfreebook.com

canva.com

Kathi’s Recommended Reading

Clutter Free, Quick and Easy Steps to Amplifying Your Space, by Kathi Lipp.

Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication (North Point Resources), by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones.

The Power of a Positive No: Save The Deal Save The Relationship and Still Say No, by William Ury.

StrengthsFinder 2.0, by Tom Rath.

Connect with Kathi

On Facebook

On Twitter

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Ecclesiastes 5:10  “Whoever loves money will never have enough money. Whoever loves luxury will not be content with abundance. This also is pointless.”         – I know this is not very encouraging, but seriously, doesn’t it just fit perfectly with our discussion today!  It’s about relationships, not about stuff!

Question:  Are you a cluttery person?  How do you manage to keep it down?  I’d love your ideas too!  Just leave a comment below, or on FB or Twitter.

The post #044: Kathi Lipp – A Clutter Free Life (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

This week, I want to give you 2 magic questions you can use when you absolutely MUST give the advice burdening your heart.  Before you speak…

Ask yourself these 2 questions:

1.  What gives me the right?

2.  Is it in the best interest of the relationship?

Listen to the podcast and share it!  I think you’ll enjoy this part 2 of the podcast.  Who knows, it might even change your life!  And feel free to share with your friends!

I’d love to know – do you struggle with giving unsolicited advice?  How do you keep from becoming “that person” who always has a better way of doing something? Please let me know your thoughts!

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Proverbs 12:18  “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

The post #507: 5 Minute Motivation – Be Mysterious Part 2 (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Unsolicited advice will destroy relationships, create conflict, drive division, and push people further and further away from you.  If you want healthy relationships where your friends and family ASK for your advice, then you’d better say far, far away from giving the unsolicited kind.

Today I’m sharing with you a humorous story on this very subject.  I think you’ll love it!…so you have to listen to the podcast.  But if you can’t spare 5 minutes, here’s my advice for keeping yourself from giving Unsolicited Advice:

When you want to start talking, instead, start asking questions.  

I hope you enjoy this today.  I’d encourage you to listen.  It’s short and who knows..it might even change your life!  And if you know someone who loves to give unsolicited advice, please feel free to share this with them too.

Encouraging Word for the Weekend:  Romans 12:18 “If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.”

The post #506: 5 Minute Fridays – Be Mysterious Part 1 (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Or at least it was a blast the last time I took the class.  This morning, not so much.  You see, I’m out of practice.  I’ve been doing other things in the morning.  Specifically sleeping.  So I’m just a tad bit out of spinning shape.

If you’ve ever been a spinner, you know what I’m talking about.  After you’ve been spinning a month or so you kind of find your groove.  You figure out how to push yourself without throwing up.  You know what I’m talking about.

But this morning everything was different.  I was sooooo slow!  My mind said, “Legs, push!”, and the legs surged forward with all the strength of a noodle.  And while I was struggling for breath and willing myself forward, I realized there were a few universal ideas I was being reminded of as I reacclimatized myself into spinning shape.  I thought I’d share them with you.

1.  Your ride is different than the teacher’s and everyone else’s ride.  That’s right.  You have your own rhythm, your own style and your own timing.  Just like in life.  Your  journey is uniquely your own.  It may or may not mirror the journey of your boss or your best friend.  What matters is that you figure out what your ride is and ride it with all your heart.  It will be the best possible ride.  Uniquely yours.

2.  The unknown will bring blessings all it’s own.  This morning Silas played music I had never heard before.  I’m a musical person and I like to think I am sort of connected to what’s happening in today’s music scene.  But this morning I only recognized 1 song.  Out of the 12 or so songs he played, only 1!  I couldn’t believe it!  But you know what, I loved it!  I embraced the newness of that music and reveled in the energy it helped pump through my increasingly tired legs.  The blessing of the unknown kept me engaged to the very end of every song rather than anticipating the ending as I normally would have done.

Often when we are faced with the unknown, our tendency is to avoid, right?  New co-worker.  Walk down the other hall so you won’t have to engage with her.  Or that difficult decision you’re waiting to hear back on.  You avoid checking your emails or voicemails because you don’t want to have to hear potential bad news.  Or how about what I’m struggling with right now…fear of the unknown.  I don’t know how to do some of the technical details required to get my book published, so instead of powering through, I’m avoiding through other activities.  (Like this post if the truth be told!)  Let’s embrace our unknown together.

3.  When you’ve done the hard thing, you will feel amazing!  Yes.  As the hour moved to a close, I was so happy!  Spent. Yes.  Exhausted. Yup. Empowered. Absolutely!  In fact, as I was getting off the bike and grabbing the cleaning papers to wipe it down, I actually thought to myself, “Now, THIS is a way to get my week of to a great start!  I’ll bet I get a ton accomplished today.”

I didn’t think that because I was a seriously good rider.  No way!  I thought that because I did something uncomfortable – several somethings actually…but the end result was what I really wanted.  A stronger heart, firmer legs (maybe someday) and most of all, completion of a desired task.

How about you?  What can you jump into today to give yourself a spin?  How can you challenge yourself to ride your own ride, embrace the unknown and revel in the feeling of accomplishment that will ensue?  I’d love to hear your stories!

The post 3 Lessons from Getting Spun this Morning appeared first on Christy Largent.

1.  Smile

2.  Stick out your hand and introduce yourself.

3.  Lean towards the new person

4.  Look them in the eye

5.  Speak up

Encouraging Word for the Weekend:  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

The post #505: 5 Minute Fridays – Be Friendly (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

It’s the magic of charisma, and I have a few ideas to share with you about how you can get some too!  Listen to the podcast for all the details…

Key Suggestions Discussed:

1.  Confidence

2.  Questions

3.  Listen

4.  Be interesting

5.  Laugh (at yourself)

Encouraging Word for the Weekend:  Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

The post #504: 5 Minute Fridays – Be Charismatic (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

You won’t find sugar coating and happy endings here.  What you will find is HOPE in all capital letters.  Because Michele is not a christian in name only.  She lives a gut wrenching faith through the depths of trial and despair.

Since Michele couldn’t be on the show due to the fact she’s in the middle of healing from her most recent cancer surgery, I decided to review the book and go over my biggest take-aways.  If you read my blog post yesterday, I covered these briefly there, but today I take it deeper.

And I have a special ending where you will hear from Michele herself doing what she does best.  Telling a story.

Key Ideas:

Part 1 – Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life Highlights

• With God’s help, You can do what you never imagined you could do.
• There is good to come out of bad.  There really is a silver lining.
• Don’t wait for everything to be perfect to start! Make the most of what IS.

Part 2 – My Decision before I become Undone!

• Making hard choices
• Being realistic
• Staying focused

Website Links

Michele Cushat

Recommended Reading

Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life, by Michele Cushat

Connect with Michele

On Facebook

On Twitter

On Instagram

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Jeremiah 29:11  “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a future and a hope.”

The post #043: Michele Cushatt – Undone Book Review (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

When I started Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life, I had a tiny idea of what to expect.  After all, my friend, Michele Cushatt, speaker, blogger, co-host of the top rated podcast This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt, MC for Women of Faith, had been diagnosed with cancer last year.  Or should I say re-diagnosed.  So I knew she had some challenging times in her past and present, I just didn’t know how earth shattering those challenges really were.

Most of us would be buried under the weight of those burdens.  Broken marriage. Single parenting.  Blended family.  Cancer.  Rebellious kids.  Foster parenting. Cancer again.  And again.  Oh my!

But the reason I want you to read this book is not because of how horrible it all is, but how incredibly wonderful it all is.  That’s right.  Wonderful.  Because Michele shares the entire story with an underlying peace and calm that’s completely inspiring.  Her faith is deep and her writing is lyrical, so you are carried along.  Even in the midst of becoming Undone, this really is, as her tag line reads, A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life.

She weaves so many ideas throughout this wrenchingly honest and brave memoir, it’s hard to pick just a few.  But of course I did (since I love 3-point take-aways), and following are 3 things I want you to remember the next time YOU are coming Undone.

1.  With God’s help, You can do what you never imagined you could do.  When Michele was struggling with chronic pain, a body that wouldn’t heal, and a root canal in an already raw mouth, she realized she was booked to speak at a huge women’s conference.  This was an opportunity she had worked for and was really looking forward to.  But seriously. Picture yourself in that situation.  As my mother would say, “She was just beside herself.”

But God.  Michele’s prayer, “God.  I have nothing.  Nothing.  You’re going to have to show up in a big way.  The Advil too.  I don’t know how I’m going to do this.”  

Here’s what happened,

“For two days, women who heard my story lined up at my book table, one by one sharing their own stories of heartache;  of broken marriages, wayward children, and the difficult wrestlings of this life of faith.  Again and again, I abandoned a chair to grasp hands with a stranger, close my eyes and pray.  Together we poured out our hearts to a God we desperately needed but didn’t always understand.  Real, broken, in-progress women trying so very hard to live.”

Yup.  What you never thought you could do.

2.  There is good to come out of bad.  There really is a silver lining.  Story after story Michele weaves a beautiful tapestry out of all the yuck she has waded through.

• A failed marriage brought a brand new ministry to single moms.  And more.
• A tough new marriage and blended family brought a new appreciation for  imperfection and second chances.  And more.
• Cancer.  And more cancer.  I can’t even start on that list — too many good things to write down in this post!  Can you even believe that!!  It’s true!

And my biggest take-away of all…

3.  Don’t wait for everything to be perfect to start! Make the most of what IS.  Michele had some of the most magical opportunities presented to her in the midst of her cancer and other challenges.  Many of us might have passed on the opportunities because of all the other stuff going on.  But not Michele.  We can learn from her choices.

When prospects of a quickly approaching empty nest were put to bed on the heels of “one phone call that came with three children,” Michele and her husband moved forward into their new life.  It wasn’t pretty, but they didn’t shun the opportunity because it wasn’t what they had imagined.  Instead they embraced it.   And when you read the book, you’ll understand all the beauty that came (and is coming) from that choice.

Can you tell I loved this book!   If you’ve ever felt just a tad bit “Undone” then get this book.  If you have a friend who is the midst of “Undone”, then get this book and give it to her.  Your friend will thank you.  Michele will thank you.  I’ll thank you.

Because really, isn’t that what it’s all about as we struggle through this life?  Encouraging each other.  Loving each other.  All because HE first loved us.  Making the most of every day because the days are short.

Love ya!

Christy

Question:  What are some of the ways you are able to survive when you’re coming undone?  Please leave your answers below, or in the comments on FB or Twitter.

Note: Quotes are from Michele Cushatt’s book, Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life. All rights reserved.

The post 3 Things to Remember When You Are Coming Undone appeared first on Christy Largent.

“That Feeling” = Tight chest, shallow breathing, head spinning, general feeling of high anxiety about all the things I should be doing, hadn’t done or missed doing.

About 6 months ago, I realized that when my body has this visceral reaction, I needed to pay attention.

It wasn’t just the physical I was experiencing.  Because at the same time, my mind was going wild and I felt:  Overwhelmed.  Ashamed.  Anxious.  Behind.  Embarrassed.  Frustrated.  Scared.  Not Enough.  And again Ashamed.

So I stopped, took a few deep breaths, remembered what I was supposed to, wanted to get busy doing, and thought I would take my own minute of re-connection to re-connect with you and share with you what worked for me, just in case you have ever felt like this too.

1. Stop.  This is where you readjust yourself physically.  You MUST do this first, even before anything else.  Physically stop and breathe.  Close your eyes, sit up straight, gently move your head and shoulders to realign.  Focusing on nothing but the air, breathe in deeply, all the way to your bellybutton.  Do it again.  And one more time.  You should start feeling a bit of relief right away.
2. Think.  This is where you readjust your mind.  Let go of all the negative you just veered off course into. Remind yourself of what you want to do.  Your calling.  Your passion.  Let go of the comparison.  (Yup, my guess is that’s at the root of this particular melt-down.)
3. Act.  This is where you do something positive to move yourself in the right direction.  Start doing that thing you just reminded yourself about.  The old saying, “just do the next right thing” really comes in handy here.  You know what it is.  You can do it. Start.

I hope these reminders helped you.  They helped me.  Now I’d better get back to my regularly scheduled programming.

Love ya!

Christy

P.S.  I’d love to hear your stories.  What sends you into a panic?  What is your trigger?  How do you get out of it?  Please leave your comments below, on FB or Tweet it!

The post I Felt Overwhelmed and Ashamed and How I Moved Past It appeared first on Christy Largent.

Most people pad or hedge with the best of intentions, but what happens is the opposite.

Lesson:  Avoid Hedging and Use Power Phrases

You’ll have to listen to get them — too boring to write here.

Encouraging Word for the Weekend:  Matthew 5:37 (Phillips) “Whatever you have to say let your ‘yes’ be a plain ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ a plain ‘no’—anything more than this has a taint of evil.”

The post #503: 5 Minute Fridays – Be Straightforward (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today’s Tip:  Be Connected!

I want you to grow strong connections.  Here are a few ideas to help you develop strong, healthy connections.  Remember, more details are in the podcast.

1. Decide you want connection
2. Be willing to be vulnerable
3. Be focused on them when you are with them
4. Time — it Takes Time and you must Give it Time
5. Enjoy the fruits of connection

Encouraging Word for the Weekend:  Matthew 18:20  “Where 2 or 3 are gathered together, there I am with them.”

Question:  What do you think about these 5 minute Fridays?  I’d love to hear your comments!

The post #502: 5 Minute Fridays – Be Connected (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas: 

Part 1 – Interview highlights

• Anne’s key activities
  • Delegate Activities
  • Eliminate Decisions
  • Prioritize and ask – “Is This Really Important?”

[Tweet ““I am not here to do it all.” Anne Ricci”]

Part 2 – The Power of Effective Prioritization

• Run your priority selection through My Priority Process

Website Links

Anne’s Healthy Kitchen

Lifespa.com  Dr. John Douillard

Anne’s Recommended Reading

Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder, by Arianna Huffington.

Connect with Anne

On Facebook

On Twitter

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Proverbs 24:27 “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and then after that, build your house.”

The post #042: Anne Ricci – Anne’s Healthy Kitchen and Prioritizing (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today’s Tip:  Listening!

I want you to “Be All Ears”.  It’s amazing what can happen when you stop just thinking about your own agenda and begin really listening and paying attention to those in your life.

• Focus
• Follow
• Feedback

Encouraging Word for the Weekend:  James 1:19  “Know this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”

The post #501: 5 Minute Friday – Be All Ears (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas: 

Part 1 – Interview highlights

• The benefits of an unexpected journey
• Finding Mentors
• Her favorite productivity secret Hint:  It’s painless!
• Friendships – finding honest ones
• How to be totally awesome!

• Part 2 – Set Yourself Up for Success

• Sleep Enough
• Plan, then Schedule
• Clear out the clutter
• Get busy and enjoy it all

Website Links

www.karikampakis.com  All the good stuff from Kari

www.handsfreemama.com  LOVE this blog!

www.jeanniecunnion.com  Another keeper! Wonderful.  And her book is stunning too.

www.thehouseofhendrix.com  So awesome.

I love all of these connections.  Kari’s leading you in the right direction with these amazing women!

Kari’s Recommended Reading

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, by Kari! This is sooooo good!

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?, by Rick Warren

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

Connect with Kari

On Facebook

On Twitter

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  “A Time for Everything”
“There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:
A time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
A time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.”

The post #041: Kari Kampakis and Success Tips (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

This past year, writing a book was on my list of “I want to accomplish this.”  As you know, 2014 was full of blog starting, podcast starting, and more speaking.  When on earth was I going to fit in time to write?

Well, late last spring I sat in on a webinar put on by a guy named Chandler Bolt.  Chandler’s program was how to write and publish a book in 90 days…oh and get that book on the Amazon Best Seller list too.  That sounds good, doesn’t it?  I was really impressed.  Although he’s young, he has an excellent track record of getting his books to the #1 rankings in Amazon.  Not bad, right?

So I signed on for his course and jumped in.  Well, life happened, and I didn’t actually start on the book until mid-fall.  I wrote it in October and November, and my plan is to publish by the end of the February.  Chandler’s program helped me make this happen.

Well, Chandler and his business partner James have put together an updated and fully improved version of their program called Self Publishing School and this new program is why I say Help Is On It’s Way!

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, I’d encourage you to seriously check out what Chandler and James are offering.  It’s not cheap, but I do believe it’s so valuable!  Here are just a few of the things he and his team will walk you through step by step…

• How to get started
• How to write even when you’re not inspired
• How to create a killer title and subtitle
• Tactics for how to classify your book for maximum exposure
• Social media ninja marketing tactics to help you get all your friends involved and supportive
• Finding an editor
• Creating the perfect cover
• and so much more…

If you have a story to share, or if you know a book would be the natural next step for your own platform, I just know you will love this program!  Starting today, February 16th through the 22nd, only, you’ll be able to sign up for this program.  Click through to the program here.  Think of all the lives you will positively affect by getting your story published!

Question:  Have you ever thought about writing a book?  What has held you back? I’d love to hear your comments!

The post Do You Have A Book In You? appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

Part 1 – Interview Highlights

• How to identify who you really are in each of your rolls.
• Avoiding FOMO – Fear of Missing Out
• Being intentional and mapping out your ideal month
• Date night suggestions
• Morning and Evening rituals
• The power of authenticity

Part 2 – My Miracle Morning Magic
(thanks Hal Elrod!)

• Silence
• Affirmations
• Visualization
• Exercise
• Read
• Scribe – (Write)

Website Links

Keeping It Personal – Teri’s website

Clarity to Thrive Course — Starting April 6th!

Miracle Morning

Recommended Resources

Overcoming The Nevers: by Gardening Your Life and Nurturing Seeds of Truth, by Teri Johnson

The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Susie Larson

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM), by Hal Elrod

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Proverbs 11:25  “A generous woman will prosper; she who refreshes others will herself be refreshed.”

The post #040: Teri Johnson and My Miracle Morning (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today she shares her best practices with us for how to live life with faith and without pretense.  You’re going to really enjoy her!

Key Ideas: 

Part 1 – Interview highlights

• Using the 4 Things List
• Being vulnerable
• Mommy Guilt
• 14 day challenge!

Part 2 – Exciting Update!

Website Links

Christine Leeb Website

4 Real Moms Website

Christine’s Blog

Recommended Resources

Christine’s Book: In His Light: Facing Fear With Faith. You’ll love this!

The Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie Ormartian

The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Ormartian

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Psalm 126:3  “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

The post #039: Christine Leeb – 4 Real Moms (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

I got the iPad as a Christmas present.  Actually, I purchased it the day after Thanksgiving during the Target’s awesome Black Friday sale.  So I even got it for a crazy-good price.  But I wrapped it up and even hauled it on our trip with us.

I didn’t open the box until last night.  Why on earth?

I was trying to analyze why I do that to myself.  I put off really good things.  And I do this with blogging, editing my podcast interviews, finishing my book…and the list goes on.

Do you relate?  I think it must be because sometimes, even when new things are really good, the unknown still makes me nervous.  Maybe it’s that I’m just getting too far down the road, wondering about how it’s going to play out, so I stop myself before I even start.

[Tweet “”Even when new things are really good, the unknown still makes me nervous.””]

I’ve decided to turn it around.  And when I feel like putting something off, rather than turn it all around in my head, I’m going to immediately do something positive about it.

This concept is something I’m going to start embracing.  I LOVE what comes after I do these things.  After all, it’s an iPad!  Can you say…easy-peasy?  And yes, I’m already loving it and wondering how on earth I ever did without it and it’s been less than 12 hours!

And with all the other stuff?  Here’s what I’ve come to.  I’m going to quit telling you hard and fast deadlines about my work.  I’m going to do my best to connect with you in a regular way with my podcast and blog posts and Facebook and twitter.  No set schedule.

I know that goes against all the experts.  But seriously.  I am SO NOT these people who are introverts and schedulers and get-it-all-done-at-any-cost types.  I’m just Christy.

My first priority is my family and many most days they take up a lot of my brain activity, not to mention, time.  And that’s OK.  Actually, I’m really AOK with that.

As you may know, I waited a long time to be a Mama, and I want to savor every moment.

And at the same time, I really love you, my encouragers, who I feel privileged to connect with day in and day out.  And I want to give you my best.

So, with that in mind…all my pre-planned schedules I thought I could do this year are going by the way-side.  I’m going to do my best to get you weekend updates, and twice a week posts and weekly podcasts.  Do my best being the operative words in this sentence.

Ahhh, it feels so freeing to say that.  So you won’t be expecting what I can’t, or don’t, give.  How does that sound?

Question:  What do you struggle with putting off?  It’s more than simple procrastination isn’t it?  How have you overcome that tendency?  I’d love to hear your suggestions!  Please leave a note below.

The post The Sweet at the End of the Stuck appeared first on Christy Largent.

Several of her books have been New York Times Bestsellers. She has both biological and adopted kids, and when she adopted, she didn’t go for just one, nooooo, she adopted like 10 (just kidding, I think it was 2).  You get the picture right?

Well, the reason I’m mentioning and linking to that post here, is because it was such a totally clear picture of a certain personality type I just couldn’t stand it!  In fact, her blog post title was How to Choose People Over Projects.

Seriously.

She even made printables to help her remember to do this.

Seriously.

Now some of you are like, Wow, that would really help me.  I always find myself thinking how people get in the way of my accomplishments.  And others of you are like, Are you crazy?  Why on earth would you put a project ahead of a relationship?

And there you have the rub.  The personality conflict that causes just that.  Conflict.

Because you want your office mate to drop her project and join you for lunch at the trendy new hot spot.  And she can’t understand how you can even think of leaving the office for lunch, of all things, when the project isn’t finished.

Or your husband wants to take Saturday and explore a new set of trails and you’re fretting and stewing because the new toilet you purchased 3 weeks ago still isn’t installed.

See where the conflict arises?  It’s simple personality conflict.  I would call it Action Annie vs. the rest of us.

Here are 3 positive ways you can work through this difficulty.

1.  Recognize you have different expectations. You might be tempted to think there is something wrong with the other person when they don’t act the way you would.  After all, they clearly have different priorities than you do.

You’ll be able to reconnect when you recognize that these differences aren’t really wrong. They are just different.

2.  Discuss your differing desires. Having an open discussion of these differing expectations will be very productive for you. Once we name it and get it out for discussion, then you can move forward to a solution.

3.  Work out a compromise.  This sounds a lot easier than it actually is of course.  Maybe you can stay through lunch to finish up the project and then celebrate with a brisk walk around the block together after it’s finished.  Or how about working together to get the toilet installed so you can take the afternoon to explore those new trails.

When we change our perspective on these differences, we will be able to appreciate and actually be thankful for the variety in our personalities.  Try these ideas the next time a conflict like this arises and I think you’ll enjoy the positive outcome.

Question:  What are the typical personality conflicts you deal with?  Do they drive you crazy or have you figured out ways to bring out the best?  I’d love to hear your ideas! Just leave your comments below.

P.S. – If you want to know more about The Personalities, you might want to check out some of my first podcasts here and here where I gave an introduction to the various styles.

The post Psst…Your Personality is Showing appeared first on Christy Largent.

As I was thinking about today’s blog post, I realized how powerful this concept of going with your gut can be in the area of our communication.  Let me ask you this…Have you ever had a nudge to speak with someone, but you resisted?  Have you ever shut down that small, quite prodding and just ignored it?

Usually, your self talk will be something like this:

• She’ll think I’m crazy.
• He doesn’t really want to know this.
• Who do I think I am to tell her this?
• She already gets lots of positive feedback, mine wouldn’t add much to the conversation.
• I’m embarrassed to let him know how he has affected me.

and my favorite,

• I’ll feel like an idiot!

But I’m going to suggest today that there are 3 really good reasons you should go with your gut, your intuition, your heart.

1.  There’s a whole lot of stuff we are not cognitively aware of going on out there which our unconscious is responding to – so we’d better pay attention.  David Epstein wrote in his book, The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, a story about how many professional baseball players were being struck out by softball phenom Jennie Finch.  How could this be?  How were the strongest and best baseball hitters in the world being struck out by a girl?

Well, it turns out that baseball players don’t really watch the ball coming at them – there’s no time.  What they have become expert at, is reading the body of the pitcher – the minuscule body movements are what tells them where the ball will end up.  Obviously, they were not expert at reading a softball pitcher’s body and suddenly they became just like the rest of us.

2.  The more you respond to your intuition, the more often you will hear it.  I’m sure there’s science about this somewhere, but I have experienced that the more tuned in I am to my heart, the more clearly I hear it.  Whether this is to take dinner to my neighbor, have a conversation with my husband, contact that client or switch into the right lane of traffic, I generally try to act on the feeling.  I don’t know why, but it usually ends up being a very needed action.

And most importantly of all…

 3.  Someone needs what you have to say.  Believe me, if you are feeling a prompting to speak, someone needs to hear you.  I love the story of the woman who was at the end of her rope, barely hanging on to her will to live when a stranger blessed her with a smile and a warm greeting.  That’s such a minor thing to do, but reaching out, even to a stranger, will have an impact far beyond what you will ever know.

When I think about how we communicate, I’m convinced we can have an even more positive effect on people if we pay attention and respond to our gut.  There are a millions cues being thrown about all the time.  We don’t see them, but we’re receiving them.  Our gut, our heart, our intuition is receiving them.

So the next time you get a “gut feeling”…Go for it!  And enjoy the positive results that can happen.

Question:  Have you ever gone with your gut and something amazing happened?  I’d love to hear your stories!  Just leave a note below.

The post 3 Big Reasons to Go With Your Gut appeared first on Christy Largent.

We continued with Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids by Sara Young, in the car on the way to the bus stop, and we’re actually having a great time with it – discussing the passage and then praying.  Well, I try to get the praying in while they make comments about my prayer from the backseat.

I’m going to start on a scripture memory project with them this week.  I want to start with Ephesians 6:10-18.  I figure if I can make it into a multi-sensory project, it will be much easier for them to learn the passage.  It’s all about the Armor of God, so I think it will be fun.  I’m planning on starting with verse 10 this week.  I’ll post a picture of how the projects came out next week.

What I finished reading this week:
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creativeby Austin Kleon. I liked this book. Quite a few creative ideas – like separating my work space into creative and non-creative. I’m going to see how I can implement that with my limited space. Quick read and quite thought provoking too.
A New York Christmas: A Novel by Anne Perry. I love this author. Her descriptions of 1800’s England and America are entertaining and educational. This was her typical mystery with lots of hand wringing and agonizing unspoken dramas included. Fast and although not as awesome as her usual ones, I do enjoy these holiday novelettes.
Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Renovation Guide (Better Homes and Gardens Home). We have some renovation work to do on our almost 70 year old mid-century modern home. This is a current publication and I got a lot of good ideas. Although my copy is from the library and I’ll be returning it – when we get closer to remodeling, I’ll get it again. Really enjoyed this.

This week I’ll continue with the ones I either haven’t started or didn’t finish from last week, and I’ve added a few more.
Parenting the Wholehearted Child: Captivating Your Child’s Heart with God’s Extravagant Grace, by Jeannie Cunnion. I’m LOVING this book! I’m so glad I bought it. It has all kinds of great suggestions for loving and discipling your child in a way that makes sense. I highly recommend this! I’m savoring it and taking my time reading it.  I’m going to try and get Jeannie on as a podcast guest to talk about this book.  I think you would LOVE it too!
The Attributes of God: A Journey into the Father’s Heart by A. W. Tozer. I’m so excited to dig into this one. I’m working on the beginnings of a new book idea and this is part of my research.:)
The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)by Hal Elrod. You guys. This book is an answer to prayer! For more than a year I have been saying I want to get into a morning routine…but I just haven’t been able to. I’m not even sure why it’s been so difficult, but I just haven’t been able to dig in. But can you believe it? I finally found the answer.

Last night as I was driving down I-5 headed to speak for a fundraising dinner, I turned on Jaime Tarde’s podcast and heard her talking with Hal. Unbelievable. Seriously. I felt like the heavens opened up and threw down just exactly what I had been searching for. I’m going to start living the Miracle Morning this week (tomorrow!), so I’ll let you know how it goes for me this time next week. Who knows? It could be just what you are looking for too!

And of course, if I have time, I’ll whip out John Grisham’s latest, Gray Mountain: A Novel because seriously, who doesn’t love a good John Grisham?

Wellness Journey
Holy Smokes! What an awesome week it has been! I’ve stuck with my program and as of Thursday the 22nd I was 13 lbs down from January 2nd. Wowzers! I feel amazing. This morning when I woke up I felt like my old self. Super happy and positive and full of energy. I remember when I did a cleanse back in 2013, my husband’s comment to me was “you’re just so nice!” Ahem…could it be that this healthy eating with out sugar and junk is positively affecting my personality and behavior? Me thinks we may be on to something!

• Yoga 3 times a week feels amazing.
• Making sure I get 7-8 hours of sleep.  This is huge because all kinds of research is confirming the negative impact lack of sleep has on metabolism. I’m determined to give myself every possible advantage.
• Exercise is included with my Miracle Morning, so I’ll be looking forward to that as well.

I’m just so happy to be moving forward on this goal you guys!  You can’t know how discouraging it is to week after week not only not lose any weight, but even gain!  Week after week and year after year…gets very discouraging.  I just have a feeling getting this on track is positively affecting everything else in my life.  So thankful.

Professionally:

• This past week I was able to get the 2 blog posts in I had planned as well as the speaking engagement last night.  The funny thing with the speaking event was I had prepared a really neat program – but the woman who spoke before me (it was an event to raise money for victims of domestic violence) said something that pricked my heart and when I got up there I felt impressed to give a whole other talk!  That doesn’t happen very often, but when I’m nudged, I’ve learned to listen, so I gave a presentation on forgiveness.  Nothing like a 15 minute impromptu speech.  Thankfully, I’ve spoken on this quite a few times before, so it wasn’t completely off the cuff but I do think it was the message I was supposed to give.  Never a dull moment.
• I did not finish editing my podcast last week.  I had to let go of the idea I would be able to say, “I’ve released a podcast every single week for _____ years.”  You know what, my life is really full and doing my work is just part of it.  I chose to spend extra time with my kids this week rather than edit – and I don’t regret it.  My pride has taken a hit, but seriously.  What matters is so much more than my pride.
• This week I will edit 2 podcasts and release 1.  I’m out of town the following week, so I need to get it ready to go when I’m gone.  I’m also doing 2 interview with some really interesting women, so there should be more good stuff ahead.
• I didn’t make much headway with my book – will work on that again this week in hopes of finishing it up.

Whew!…This is a long post again.  I hope your week was good.  I guess you’ll need to humor me as I work out this exercise of a weekend review.  It’s a good accountability for me, and I hope it’s encouraging for you.

Question:  How did your week go?  Are you living your life intentionally and with purpose?  I’d love to hear your progress.  Just leave your comments below.

Big hugs,
Christy

PS – There was an article this week that said emoticons were actually positive to use in all types of communication – so now I fee vindicated that I can use smiley faces to my heart’s content.

The post Weekend Update Jan 25th appeared first on Christy Largent.

If you’ve ever worked for or with someone who just bugs you, here are 3 suggestions to help you turn a crummy interaction into something positive:

1.  Recognize your feelings.  This is a new skill that I’ve been working on. When you feel that rush of anger or frustration, instead of grabbing it and massaging it and escalating it, simply recognize it.

Try something like, Wow, that comment hurts.  Or, I’m feeling really mad right now.  There’s something about saying the statement out loud or to yourself that will help you process it.

Identify more about why it hurts or is inflammatory.  For example,  When she said I was a bad team player, I feel unappreciated.  My reaction is to get defensive and lash back at her.  Wow, I’m really uncomfortable.

I also recommend you take some deep breaths as you walk yourself through the emotions of the situation.  Try to pinpoint exactly what it is that’s causing such a strong emotional reaction inside of you.  Now you’re ready to…

2.  Figure out if and/or how you are going to address this with her.  My experience is that sometimes you need to address it, and sometimes you just need to let it go.  Let’s be realistic.  With some people, you could talk until you’re blue in the face and it would do NO GOOD! If that’s the case, please, just give yourself the freedom to experience the emotion and then choose to release it.  You might need to take a few deep breaths and physically open your hands outward – breathing out the release as you fan your fingers open.

But if the irritating person is open to honest communication, you would do well to create an assertive dialogue and let them know how their words affected you.  Both of you will do better after that discussion and you can move forward.

Regardless of which step you decide, I always find it helpful to close the interaction with the third idea…

3.  Look for the good.  Find something you appreciate or like about them.  I know that’s a tall order when you’re not feeling very positive towards them and frankly just the fact that they are still taking up space in your universe grates on you like fingernails on a chalkboard, but I promise you — if you will do the exercise of finding just one thing to be thankful for or that you like/admire about them, it will help.

Some suggestions might be, I’m thankful she takes her job so seriously. Or, I’m thankful she follows through. Or, I really like how she is such a professional dresser or if you’re really desperate, I’m thankful she just left the room…JKLOL…as my 2nd grader says

Do you see how I’m suggesting you reframe your mind?  You can do this!  Even if you don’t feel like it now, by recognizing your emotions, figuring out what you are going to do with them, and then creating a positive feeling to close the experience, you are reframing the whole thing on your terms.  And that feels great!

I hope these 3 simple steps will help you to maneuver through the next time you find yourself in the middle of a muddle.

Question:  What are your coping techniques?  Have you tried any of these and how did they work for you?  I’d love to hear your feedback.  Just leave a comment below.

The post 3 Steps to Turn a Bad Interaction Better appeared first on Christy Largent.

That night at the dinner table as I was telling the story, I made sure to give full expression in the retelling.  Wanting my kids to have the full picture of what happened.

As I gave my response, my daughter brought me up short. “Oh, and did you give her that ugly face too?”

“What ugly face?”

“That ugly face you just did when you told the story.”

I was silent as the truth sunk in.  No wonder my colleague responded like she did.  My face and body had said such a different story than what I really meant to say.  It’s not her fault that we all believe more of what we see than what we hear.

Shamefacedly, I admitted the truth.  Yes, I probably had made that ugly face that morning during the conversation. Yikes!

When you think about effective communication, you might sometimes forget how important your facial expressions are.  Obviously, when you’re online, texting or tweeting, it’s not an issue.  But on the phone or especially in person, you want to make sure your face is giving the same message as your words.

Here are 3 ideas that might help you (and me) match our faces to our words.

Smile.  Obviously you can’t smile all the time, but whenever you are listening, it’s helpful for you to have a pleasant expression on your face.  For most of us, a slight, mouth closed smile gives that pleasant look that encourages conversation.  Also, it’s impossible to smile and frown at the same time.

Clear your forehead.  By this I mean, if you have 2 those vertical lines between your eyebrows, or lots and lots of forehead creases, take a moment when you are in the conversation, or even before, to consciously smooth your forehead.  For me, this means I smile (automatically decreases the center lines) and take a deep breath as I run my left hand across my forehead.

Use your eyes.  The eyes are such a great communication tool!  Have you noticed that when you’re really engaged in a conversation, you’re giving good eye contact.  Not staring, but just following the conversation with your eyes.  You look at the other person for a few seconds and then look briefly away.  And when you smile, your smile reaches your eyes.  I know because an engaged smile includes eyes crinkled at the corners.

So I’m hoping that we’ll remember these simple behaviors.  That way, we can be sure our face matches our message.

Question:  What kind of expressions do you find “pop out” when you least expect it?  What are your compensation strategies?  Please leave me a comment below.

The post 3 Ideas to Avoid Making The Ugly Face appeared first on Christy Largent.

Next week I’m going to clean out Amelia’s closet and room.  The poor thing is living with piles upon piles. I was inspired by Kathy Lipp’s new book, Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps to Simplifying Your Space.  I plan on writing a blog post about the book later this month, so I’ll let you know how the room project goes!

What I read this week:

Of all of these, I actually only recommend two.

Anne Lamott’s Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace. This collection of essays on faith, family and community are so beautifully written it often makes you cry. I do so love her writing. Despite our faith differences, I’m always pulled towards contemplation when I read her words. Beautiful.

I love a good mystery, so Margaret Maron’s Designated Daughters (A Deborah Knott Mystery) did not disappoint.  Entertaining and fast moving, I enjoyed this quick read.

The other books were either trite (Danielle Steel, what did I expect?!…can you say, Escape!), boring, The Book of Jonah, or too difficult to wade through.  I wanted to love Dallas Willards’ award winning last book, but it was so dense I couldn’t stick with it.  I hope I have better luck next week!  Here’s what that stack looks like.  By the way, can you tell I’m a huge advocate of our public library!

What I’m planning on reading next week:

Wellness Journey:  Well, I’ve successfully completed week 1!  I’m so happy!  Here’s how it’s going so far…

• So far the food has been pretty tasty and easy to prepare.  I like most of it.
• My favorite thing is that the week’s eating is all planned out and even prepackaged so it’s easy for me to get the food out the night before and have it ready to go in the morning.
• I’m drinking a lot and even writing down what I eat.   That’s a huge win for me because I generally tend to fight that kind of restriction.  But I keep telling myself this is just for 4 months (my goal!) and is a means to an end.
• No exercise but I did go to the chiropractor and also get a massage.  I liked that because it’s a way of taking care of myself.  On Thursday I stepped into a hole in the road while crossing the street to my kids’ piano lesson.  I really shocked my body…thus the trip to the chiro.  But I’m strong and I’m on the mend.  Next week I’ll add in some yoga and walking.  That should feel great!

I just don’t like cooking.  There, I said it.  The incredible amount of time (even with use of the crock pot) just drives me crazy!  Thanks to Sara Fragoso and Everyday Paleo, I now know how to cook, but I just don’t like it.  I guess I would like it more if that’s all I had to do…but with a messy home and kids to play with and books to read, for heaven’s sake!, I just don’t enjoy all the time I spend in the kitchen.  So, that’s just a little aside that’s neither here nor there, but I thought some of you might be freed to say the same thing by hearing me say it.  And some of you might have suggestions for how I could simplify so that I like it more.

Professionally:  This week was neat because I finally got my first podcast of the year posted, and have set up a new schedule…so that it will be released on Wednesdays from now on.  The frustrating thing is that for some reason my podcasts since December 1st are not showing up in iTunes…so I spent a ton of time trying to figure that out…and it’s still not fixed! Argh.

I also had a productive work session with my tech helper and the support team from Infusionsoft, the program I purchased for all my emailings and so forth.  It’s another steep learning curve, but I’m so excited to have it because it will allow me to offer all sorts of exciting products and programs directly to you in a professional and automized way.

Next week I have a few big things on my calendar.

• Saturday I’m speaking for a local non-profit, Homes of Hope for Vida, which is an organization that helps victims of domestic abuse with long term housing.  I’ll be working on that program this week.
• I’m also planning on finishing up all the edits of my book and starting on the recording.  My plan is to launch on Tuesday February 3rd, so stay tuned!
• I’m also working on learning more of that infusionsoft support program I mentioned earlier.  As I said, that’s a steep learning curve, so I’m trying to do a little bit every day.
• Add in a new podcast and 2 blog posts, a day trip to San Francisco to take my son to a Dr.’s appointment, filming for my TV-Show all morning Thursday and a field trip with my daughter’s class on Friday, and it’s going to be a very full week!  I hope yours will be fabulous too!

Question:  What are you working on?  What are you looking forward to?  I’d love to hear from you.  Just leave your comments below.

The post Weekend Update appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas: 

Part 1 – Interview highlights

• The magic bullet of Sleep
• Why you should just say NO!
• Power in Planning
• Focusing on Wellness not Weight
• Learning lessons from failures

Part 2 – My Wellness Journey

Website Links

Connie Clay Website

Dr. Daniel Amen and Amen Clinics

Recommended Resources

Connie’s Book – Quit Skinny!: 7 Simple, Sane Steps to Wellness

The Amen Solution: The Brain Healthy Way to Get Thinner, Smarter, Happier, by Dr. Daniel Amen

Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body!, by Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism, Jillian Michaels DVD

And I’m adding this since we talked about saying “No” and it’s not easy! The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands, by Lysa TerKeurst

And I’m also adding these – since these are helping me get to the emotional part of why I eat what I eat.
Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food, by Lysa TerKeurst

The Tapping Solution for Weight Loss & Body Confidence: A Woman’s Guide to Stressing Less, Weighing Less, and Loving More, by Jessica Ortner

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Psalm 107:9  “For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.”

The post #038: Quit Skinny with Connie Clay and My Wellness Journey (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Sometimes getting started is the hardest work of all.

Do you know what I mean?  Doing the work is the fun part – getting started is the challenge.  I’m a great one for planning out and creating a big vision broken down into smaller, actionable steps.  But then I have to stop and go get the kids from school or start dinner, or clean up after the dog.

And once I’m stopped, it’s often difficult to get back into the swing of work again.  So, as a practical matter, I’ve decided to use my early morning hours as a kind of “bonus” time for the next year month, and see how it works out.  I’ll let you know!

I’m behind on my podcasts and obviously on my blog posts as well…to be honest, I’ve been a bit distracted as I’m beginning a new nutrition plan. (Notice how I didn’t say “diet”.) After doing all my work on goals and plans for 2015, the one thing staring me in the face was that big-old-fat goal of losing weight!

I know for some of you, you have NO IDEA what I’m talking about.  You never saw a cookie you couldn’t resist.  But many of you will be tracking along with me here. Right?

For some reason, this weight albatross has been hanging around for far too long and I’ve decided to get some help cutting it off…No, not a surgeon!  But I’m working with both a physical coach and a mental coach to get me realigned with where I really want to be.

Last Friday when I walked up the steps to my first appointment with the health coach, my heart was beating a tattoo, my hands were shaking and I had that familiar tight feeling in my chest. (No, not from taking the stairs either!)

As we got into the meeting and she began taking my measurements, she just chuckled.  “You don’t like this much, do you Christy?”  I grinned ruefully as she added, “It’s written all over your face.”

All I could think about was what if this doesn’t work.  What if I fail again?  And what on earth makes me think I can be successful this time when I’ve failed so many, many times before?  And how embarrassing this whole thing is anyway.

But right in the middle of our conversation I realized this is nothing but that ravaging beast FEAR rearing it’s nasty head once again.  Fear of failure. Fear of not being enough. Fear of…well, you fill in the blank.

Because this time my fear was wrapped around the ridiculous obstacle of weight loss.  But what is yours wrapped around? And how can you be brave and fearless in overcoming it today?

My personal prescription for bravery today includes writing this blog post.  Being honest with you about what’s going on with me feels quite scary and dare I say it…vulnerable?

Because, after all, I’m a speaker and trainer on communication skills – not lifestyle blogging or health and wellness, right?

But one thing I know for sure, is that for me, it’s darn near impossible to keep limping along in failure in this one area, while expecting to be able to give you my A-Game in my professional endeavors. Because after 15 years of this gig – I know you can spot a phony a million miles away.

So I won’t be a phony.  I’ll be authentic with all my foibles.  I’ll lay them out on the table, and then after that’s finished, we’ll get to talk about personality styles, and getting along with difficult people, and how to create fantastic customer relationships, and all the other topics I love to help you with.

I have all kinds of exciting things ahead for us this year.  This month I’ll finally release my 31 Positive Communication Skills for Women Devotional.  Next up I’ve got an awesome free webinar I’ll be offering on the topic of Getting Along With Difficult People.  We’ll follow that up in late February with my first ever online bootcamp — Powerful Communication Skills for Women.  More on all of this later…it’s so exciting!

In the meantime, I’d like to re-vamp my blog schedule a bit.  This is what you can expect.

• Monday:  Communication Skills — Strategies you can use
• Wednesday:  Encouraging Words for Working Moms Podcast
• Friday:  Personality Styles — Bring out the best and dealing with the worst
• Weekend: Update on my weight loss getting fit, healthy and strong journey along with periodic updates on what I’m doing and the books I’m reading.  I really enjoy those posts from some of my favorite bloggers, so I thought since I’m such a reading freak,  I’d share my reading adventures with you.

Well, if you’ve read this far…thank you!  I love you too!  Be sure you’re subscribed to my site to get all the updates, new stuff and freebies I’ll be bringing out this year.

Question:  I’d love to know what your challenges are this year.  Are you already off to the races or are you still circling the bay trying to get up the nerve to get started?  What are you working on this year? What’s holding you back?  I’d love to hear from you!  Just leave your comments below – on the blog or FB – either are great!

The post How’s Your Year Going So Far? My Honest Confession… appeared first on Christy Largent.

No longer will you get consumed by the urgency of life. Everything is going to be intentional and designed to move you closer and closer to the life you’ve always wanted.  And best of all, 12 months from now you’ll be looking back on 2015 with a smile thinking about all that you’ve accomplished in 2015.

It truly will be your Best Year Ever.

Sounds wonderful doesn’t it!  But how on earth is this going to happen?  What’s going to be different this year that will make 2015 different from every other year in your past?  How will you approach this year so that these aren’t just good intentions, but rather your new reality?

On Wednesday, January 7th, you can find out.

My favorite virtual mentor, New York Times best-selling author Michael Hyatt will be delivering a special webinar presentation called:

Get What You Want This Year: 5 Secrets for Finally Accomplishing Your Biggest Goals

It’s designed to help YOU make 2015 your best year ever and I don’t want you to miss it!  You can attend (no charge), by clicking the link below:

Best Year Ever Live Webinar

I know you’ll hear just what you need to hear so that you too can make this your Best Year Ever!

Love ya!

Christy

P.S.  This webinar is FREE and I just learned this morning that they are almost full, so I want you to be sure to get in on this since there won’t be a replay.  Better reserve your place fast!

Best Year Ever Live Webinar

The post Making 2015 Amazing! appeared first on Christy Largent.

As I write this, the tail lights of Christmas are dimming and the bright splash of New Years is calming down and I have to ask myself, “If we were having coffee at the local Starbucks right now, and you asked how my year went, what would I say?”  The first thing that comes to mind is that I want you to know how thankful I am to have you in my life.  YOU, our friends and family, are the best part of our lives. Your friendship means so much to us.  That’s the key take-away from this holiday letter – so if that’s all you needed to hear, go ahead and toss this right now.  If, on the other hand, you are curious about what has filled our lives since we last talked, then read on…

You didn’t get a card last year because…oh bother, I guess I was just too disorganized!  We celebrated my 50th birthday in October with a long vacation in Hawaii and it threw everything into a tailspin.  What was I thinking?  The kids missed school so we took their work with us.  Big mistake.  Note to self.  Don’t do that again. But the sun was hot, the resort was cool and all that made turning 50 just nifty. (Where are my hair color and tweezers?!?)

The kids are still enjoying school at Redding School of the Arts.  Graham is in 2nd grade and Amelia is in 5th grade.  They are both in the full Mandarin Immersion program which means they have half the day in English and half in Mandarin.  They also have a full plate of music, art, and all the rest of the regularly scheduled programming, so they’re stretched.  They are also taking piano lessons and that makes for a fun time of chasing them around the house hollering for them to practice magical music at all hours in our house.  Soccer in the spring and swim team all summer keep us in tip-top-shape…as supporters.  The kids love it and we love watching.

On the extended family front, my Mother and Dad are well and doing as much traveling as they can.  My Mother took a few cruises and my Dad took trips to Dubai, Australia, and London. I can’t wait until the kids are big enough to go with them.  We all celebrated together as my brother Craig (who lost his wife to cancer almost 3 years ago) got married in June to a darling woman, Diana.  After such loss before, the celebration was all the sweeter.

When our local Veteran’s Home opened their skilled nursing facility in July, we moved Tom’s Dad up here from his long-time home of Moraga.  It has made for an interesting year as Tom figures out how to juggle the responsibilities of primary care giver for his Dad with those of being husband and dad to his own family.  He’s doing his usual exceptional job with it all. (In my humble opinion.)

Tom celebrated his 30th! year with his company this fall.  He still loves his job and looks forward to going to work.  The forestry and natural resources world is full of exciting challenges – so it’s pretty neat to see all the opportunities unfold.  He has also managed to fit in finding an occasional geocache – one of his favorite long-time hobbies.

2014 was my big, huge, major, changing year.  I decided that I was going to get back to my first love of public speaking.  Wowzer! Had things ever changed in the 8 years I had been away.  So, rather than just get out and speak, I spent my year starting a blog/website, a podcast, which you can find on iTunes, while continuing to host a local TV Show, The Forum, (episodes available on You Tube), writing a book (check my website and Amazon after January 15th), and filling in with speaking as much as I could, including a terrific Spring Women’s Renewal Retreat at my church.

Oh, and I also ran the San Jose Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon and was chosen to be one of Michael Hyatt’s testimonials for his goal setting program 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever.  I think a highlight was having Michael’s film crew come from Canada to film for the day.  When they filmed me running down our street, it was too much for our hyper-vigilant cautious neighbor and he almost ran us off the road with his dually truck – insistently questioning us what we were doing filming on the street!  Excitement all around. Ha.

We wrapped up the year with a Christmas cruise to Mexico and a few days in San Diego.  It was a relief to let Princess Cruises do the decorating and cooking.

So with all of this we are thankful.  Thankful for the December rains, thankful for healthy kids and family, thankful for you!  We love hearing your updates and seeing you when you pass through.  Please don’t be a stranger!

Our homebase for all social media platforms and to stay connected is www.christylargent.com  Be sure to sign up for my email list to keep up with all our happenings!

Much love and hugs from all of us!

Tom, Christy, Amelia and Graham

The post New Year’s Greetings! appeared first on Christy Largent.

Timeless truths I embraced this year…

1.  You can do more than you realize.  When I review what I did during the past year, and all the new stuff I learned, I’m really encouraged.  Just because I’m not in school doesn’t mean I can’t still be learning and growing and this year proved it for me, and it is true for you too.

2.  Get help.  There are so many people who can help you – figure out what you need and then ask for help.  The right person will appear. The book by Amanda Palmer called, The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help is a great resource if you are ready to get inspired to ask in your own life.

Areas to get help:

• Personally – therapist for help with the inside
• Physically – trainer at the gym
• Professionally – help with technical aspects.  Mentor. Professional development via webinars and conferences.  What conferences will you go to next year?  What seminars will you attend.  Who do you want more of?  You are the combination of the 5 people you hang around the most.  Who are you inviting into your life?

3.  It’s never too late to go for your dreams.  Figuring out what you really want to do is actually fun.  Take the time to make yourself a rough sketch and then start.  Don’t wait for perfection.  Lots of people talk about being imperfect and how to manage your perfectionism…get whatever help you need to get started and then start.  Once you start, then the pieces will sort themselves out.  Michael Hyatt’s Best Year Ever will help you get started with your dreams and then help you get started!

Next year – here are the 2 things I’m going to remind myself of daily so I stay focused:

1.  Take care of myself first.  The biggest “fail” of the year was with my weight and health.  Wait, let me rephrase that.  The area where I had the least amount of progress — and maybe even experienced regress was in the area of my weight and health.

I did train for and complete a 1/2 marathon, but at a heavy weight and kind of with the least effort possible principle.  2015 is going to be different.  I’m putting this effort front and center.  I know all the other stuff will fall into place as I figure out this piece of my life.

2.  Do more of what I love.  When I was doing my goal setting I discovered that of all the things I enjoyed this past year, the best part was still what drove me to work in the first place.  Speaking and teaching still top the charts and make me happiest.  So,  I’m going to make sure and do more of that this next year.  All the other stuff will still be there – but as supporting rolls to help create more opportunity to do more of what I love.

More speaking.  More stories.  More entertaining.  More laughter.  More connecting.