Ambition Coaching - Jacky Pratt

The dangers of Plan B

2009-11-12T01:42:00.000-08:00

How often do you think "I must keep my options open"? Sometimes, having options to fall back on ensures the failure of the thing you most want to happen. Plan A needs focus, and having a Plan B can ruin your chance of success. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html for more about the dangers of having a Plan B.

Boost your effectiveness

2009-10-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote about how we often need others around us, in order to be really effective at what we wish to achieve. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/index.html. This is based on research which shows that exercising in a group is more effective.

What do you ignore each day?

2009-09-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

I read a fascinating story about a famous violinist playing beautiful music in a metro station - and being ignored by almost everyone who passed by. What thing of beauty are you ignoring today? See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. What are you missing out on?

One good thing about growing older...

2009-08-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

...is that we usually also feel happier. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8183522.stm for more details.

What is your compelling motivation?

2009-08-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been pondering motivation... what creates it and what then helps to retain momentum? Motivation needs to be compelling, in order for us to remain committed to a goal. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html for my thoughts on this topic.

One brave lady!

2009-08-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Lubna Ahmed Hussein? I cannot imagine being brave enough to resign a UN job which provides immunity, and to risk 40 lashes if found guilty. Her crime was to wear trousers in Sudan and I applaud her courage in deciding to make this a test case. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8173714.stm for more details. I will add her to my list of heroes!

Leonard Cohen and the ironing!

2009-07-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Leonard Cohen live… the memory of him at the Albert Hall, maybe 35 years ago, has stayed with me always. One of the best concerts I ever went to, it was also one of the longest… he is generous with his time. So how did I come to miss his recent tour? I still wonder at this, but I have been hugely relieved that modern technology can semi-remedy this… I have just bought a DVD of last year's concert, also at the Albert Hall.

And now I know how to enjoy ironing! He has kept me company, in the most magical way, during this sometimes tedious activity. He has wonderful presence, with a boyish grin and humble thank yous to his audience, and the deepest, possibly sexiest, voice on the planet. Now, at 73, he sounded much the same as my memory of him all those years ago, but he has a bigger team on stage and he takes breaks from singing when others play instruments. I noticed for the first time perhaps why his music has always appealed to me so much – it has such Greek and Gypsy influences. It is music that you feel, rather than just listen to.

I love him all over again and wonder that I ever forgot this. I didn't entirely forget… he has been a soothing and surprisingly uplifting companion at times of trauma in my life, such as when my mother died. Listening to him has always helped me feel at peace. But my husband calls Cohen "music to slash your wrists to", so my listening is somewhat restricted. No more… I just need to generate more ironing!

Dignitas - a story

2009-07-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

I just read this story http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8149166.stm and I am left confused as to what I believe about this. A couple choosing to die together after 54 years, is in many ways a wonderful story of love. But I often struggle to accept the role of Dignitas... I was once in favour, until my parents died. The pressures of these experiences, both very different, led me increasingly to see the dangers of assisted suicide. What do you think of this?

Do you 'sing your music'?

2009-07-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about Michael Jackson's death and I was struck by the thought that he could never be accused of 'going to his grave with his music still in him', as sadly too many people do. This prompted this month's newsletter - see
http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. If you are a fan of the well-known quotation by Oliver Wendell Holmes, have a read. Also, my newsletter promotes a wonderful new interactive online self-coaching programme by Robin Sharma. I hope you enjoy reading it...

Obama's speech in Egypt

2009-06-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to see Obama’s speech (see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/us/politics/04obama.text.html?_r=4 for transcript), that I supported this petition gladly and wanted to spread the word to others who might feel the same. See http://www.avaaz.org/en/obama_stop_settlements/?cl=245929568&v=3424 for details and to sign it.

Happiness tips

2009-06-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

This month I have written my quick tips on being happy - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

MPs' expenses and why it matters

2009-05-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

I saw Stephen Fry interviewed recently, when he said that, really, the upset over MPs' expenses was not appropriate – that there were far more important things to care about. And this made me pause and consider – is he right? But I continued to feel upset by what I see as betrayal of trust and to wonder why this hurts so much.

I have concluded that much of my anger comes from (a) a concern that I can no longer trust people, who succumb so easily to personal greed, to make decisions objectively, since personal interest may sometimes intrude; (b) that is sad that all MPs will suffer being tainted by this (and they are not all greedy); (c) most importantly: there are so many really important things to care about, how dare they distract us and themselves from the job they are supposed to be doing?

This situation also poses a small dilemma for me… my own MP, Philip Hollobone, appears to be one of the decent ones – see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7845210.stm. I don't usually vote Conservative, but I can't help feeling he deserves my vote!

Taking personal responsibility

2009-05-12T07:01:00.001-07:00

An incident with loss of electricity was an opportunity to learn more about taking responsibility for our reaction to events - we may not have control over events, but we do have control over our response to them. See my newsletter for more on this topic: http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

Susan Boyle

2009-04-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

I realise this posting is a little late but I have only just discovered Susan Boyle and the clip of her singing on YouTube.com. I am not a fan of much TV, so I missed her performance on Britain's Got Talent. See her here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY.

I have long been passionate about how unimportant appearance is, in terms of human value. I hate that we are all supposed to fit the same mould, that beauty is defined for us and that this makes so many people feel uncomfortable with themselves. Judging someone based on how they look is ridiculous, but it happens all the time. What wonderful evidence Susan provides that it is best to judge slowly and that we all have hidden value. What a beautiful person she is.

Nurturing relationships

2009-04-06T05:43:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist writing about how great it feels to be happily married for 20 years - see my newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. And of course, I also write about what I consider to be the important tips for achieving a long-term strong and successful relationship, (not necessarily a marriage). It all comes down to a single word: 'nurture'.

Plus a final plea for votes in Britain's Next Top Coach competition!
Many thanks to those who vote for me!

Please vote for me!

2009-03-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Britain's Next Top Coach - my entry

2009-03-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

I find myself in a competition - unusual for me, but I believe it is a worthwhile competition to raise awareness of the benefits of life coaching.

Please watch my coaching tip video on an easy habit which will increase happiness and health. If you like it, I would really appreciate your vote!

Many thanks.
Jacky Pratt

20 years of happiness and a trip to New Zealand

2009-03-13T01:32:00.000-07:00

My honeymoon, 20 years ago, included a week on the North Island of New Zealand. Ever since, we have wanted to return there, but been put off by the distance and our perceived need for several weeks of holiday. Finally, for our 20th wedding anniversary, we decided to do it anyway and spend 15 nights there. Most of our stay was on South Island – the West Coast. What a place! Stunning mountains, lakes, fiords… and exciting things to do on them. The weather was kind to us and we managed cruises on Milford and Doubtful Sounds, hiking in crampons on a glacier, landing on another glacier in a ski-plane and tandem parasailing. We visited wineries and drank wonderful wine, then finished with three days of sunshine in the Bay of Islands. I am now hoping to escape without too much jet lag from the 13 hours time difference! And I am delighted to have returned to a more Spring-like UK than the one I left in late February!

Inspirational stories

2009-03-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

My March newsletter contains a number of short inspirational stories to lift the spirit. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. I talk about how many defeats Lincoln endured before being elected President, an inspirational father-son team, and a Blue Peter story of encouragement. Also, new online self-coaching programmes featuring the work of Deepak Chopra, Byron Katie and Robin Sharma. Please take a look!

The power of gratitude

2009-02-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

We may be living in difficult times economically, but we still have much to be grateful for, and recognising this will improve health and hppainess - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

Obama - my favourite bits of his speech

2009-01-23T07:52:00.000-08:00

It was so inclusive - I know he has to work on America's behalf, but there was a great focus on USA's place in, and contribution to, the world.

My favourite section was:

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

Don't take yourself too seriously!

2009-01-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

This was the topic of my January newsletter - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

We can all be grade A!

2008-12-05T10:13:00.001-08:00

My newsletter this month celebrates the wisdom of Benjamin Zander and his work on 'possibility'. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html for my recommendation to watch him on web-based videos, talking about improving the world using ideas such as making everyone a grade A!

Avaaz.org message to Obama

2008-11-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

Message from Avaaz.org:-
After 8 long years of Bush - a fresh start. The world is seizing this historic and hopeful moment to send a flood of global messages to Obama. Our message and the number of signers, as well as the personal messages sent, are being displayed on a large wall in the centre of Washington DC. (see pictures at right) Over the last 24 hours, the wall has been featured on the front pages of the Washington Post and USA Today (two of the largest newspapers in the US) and on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera and many other press outlets.A massive global response is making this a major moment of unity and reconciliation between the US and the world -- let's get to a million!

I just joined this great campaign to send a global message to Obama and thought you might be interested -- here's the email about it below --
_____
Dear friends,
After 8 long years of Bush – a fresh start!
Entrenched interests stand in the way, but Obama's victory brings a chance for the US to finally join with the world community to take on pressing challenges on climate change, human rights, and peace.
After years, even decades of distrust, let's seize this moment of unity, reconciliation and hope to send a message of warm congratulations and invitation to work together to the new President and the American people.
We've built a huge wall near the White House in Washington DC where the number of signatures on our message and personal messages from around the world will grow over the next several hours. We've also asked Obama to personally receive our petition from a group of Avaaz members. Let's get to 1 million signers and messages to Obama! Sign on at the link below and forward this email to others:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/million_messages_to_obama/98.php/?CLICK_TF_TRACK
This is a time for celebration of democracy, but already the sharks are circling – oil companies, war contractors, conservative lobbyists, and the powerful neo-con clique that brought us the war in Iraq are furiously lobbying to dim the prospects for change. Obama has promised national unity, and these interests will ask a high price for that unity.
Let's act quickly to make sure the people of the world are heard as Obama makes crucial choices in the coming days on how to live up to his campaign promises to secure a strong global treaty on climate change, ban torture and close Guantanamo prison, withdraw carefully from Iraq, and double aid to make global poverty history. Rarely has a US President been more likely to listen to us.
We'll make the point that on most of the pressing issues faced by Obama and the American people – from the financial crisis to climate change -- we need to work together as one world to achieve change. Sign below and forward this message on:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/million_messages_to_obama/98.php/?CLICK_TF_TRACK
With hope,
Ricken, Brett, Alice, Iain, Paula, Paul, Graziela, Pascal, Milena, Graziela and the whole Avaaz team.
PS – Send us a picture of yourself for our wall - email it to obamawall@avaaz.org
PPS – Here's a link to a report on Avaaz's past campaigning – http://www.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2/
PPS - And here's a list of 10 of Obama's campaign promises that concern the world – you can find his full platform here http://www.barackobama.com/issues/:
· Reduce the US's carbon emissions 80% by 2050 and play a strong positive role in negotiating a binding global treaty to replace the expiring Kyoto Protocol.· Withdraw all combat troops from Iraq within 16 months and keep no permanent bases in the country.· Establish a clear goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons across the globe· Close the Guantanamo Bay detention center· Double US aid to cut extreme poverty in half by 2015 and accelerate the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculoses and Malaria· Open diplomatic talks with countries like Iran and Syria, to pursue peaceful resolution of tensions· De-politicize military intelligence to avoid ever repeating the kind of manipulation that led the US into Iraq· Launch a major diplomatic effort to stop the killings in Darfur· Only negotiate new trade agreements that contain labor and environmental protections· Invest $150 billion over ten years to support renewable energy and get 1 million plug-in electric cars on the road by 2015
--------------------------------------

A great shift in the world - great news about Obama!

2008-11-07T01:52:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased with the USA election results. As a passion of mine has long been diversity, this is a wonderful shift towards a better balance in the world.

I wrote about this a bit in my most recent newsletter, which also talks about how the global financial crisis may have hidden benefits for many of us. See 'Bad news can be good news'.

Silver linings

2008-11-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

My November newsletter was all about finding the silver linings in the black clouds around us, now and always. Bad news can usually be good news, if we seek to learn. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

Shocking statistics

2008-10-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

It is odd how often one can read something which is really surprising. As an example: I read today that over 1000 Mexicans have died attempting to illegally enter the USA, compared to approx 300 who died attempting to cross the Berlin Wall during its 28 years of existence. Remarkable! And thought-provoking...

Death of a parent... my book

2008-10-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is probably still some way off but I have decided to definitely proceed with the book that I have had on the go now, since my mother died: "Diary of a death". At the time, nearly three years ago, it was a lonely process and I wished I could read more about what I was going through. I also wished that I could have planned better for this inevitable life milestone. But, like many, or most, I had ignored the possibility of her dying and this increased the pain. Death is quite a taboo, until you get close experience of it. After that, it becomes easier to understand and to talk about. I would like to get people talking about it more so that we all deal with it better.

Please do get in touch if you wish to talk to me about this - about my book or about your experience, now or in the past...

Pondering the economic climate and sundry lessons...

2008-10-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

My newsletter is once again topical - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html. I explored what can be learnt from the recent fiasco when the US Congress voted No instead of the Yes that the government wanted. Going for the win:win and putting oneself in another's shoes is crucial when trying to persuade someone to take your side.

Pondering Olympics, politicians and what we can learn from them

2008-09-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Watching the Olympics was wonderful and it started me thinking about how varied human reactions are to success, limited success and to failure. Then, watching the US Democratic Party convention gave me more food for thought. Read my thoughts here: http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

The power of words

2008-08-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

My newsletter this month is all about a quote by Rudyard Kipling:

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind."

Words can be used as a force for good or for evil. The same applies to our thoughts. We have a choice as to whether we use self-talk in a positive way or a negative way. More details at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

Beating procrastination!

2008-07-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

If you procrastinate - and apparently 95% of us do this - then take a look at my newsletter on beating it at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

Listening to the Dalai Lama

2008-06-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to see the Dalai Lama speaking at Nottingham recently. I have summarised a tiny bit of his message at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html. He was discussing how we can bring meaning to our lives. What a wise and peaceful man he is - it was a privilege to hear him.

The value of appreciation

2008-05-01T01:16:00.001-07:00

Last month's newsletter talked about tolerance being a key requirement for long-term friendships to work well. I had great feedback from readers about this (many thanks!). This month, I wrote about the value we can give to others by showing them our appreciation in some way. It costs us nothing, brings us many benefits and makes the recipient feel great. I can vouch for this, because of how I know I feel when I get positive feedback for my writing!

See my newsletter here http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

You need friends for happiness

2008-04-10T02:29:00.000-07:00

I remember a BBC series on happiness concluding that money did not bring happiness, and that one of the most powerful influences in our level of happiness is our sense of belonging to a community, our communications with friends and loved ones etc. I was reminded of this when I read this little story of a lottery millionaire missing his friends at McDonalds - see http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30400-1310532,00.html.

Making relationships last forever

2008-04-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

I just published my April newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html. If you are wondering: what is the magic ingredient in making a long-term relationship problem-proof, you might be surprised when I say 'tolerance'. Read the newsletter to discover why this is so important.

Giving - a story

2008-03-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

I just read a story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7311933.stm about someone who has won £1.2m at Bingo and is sharing it with her neighbour "because we always share our wins". It turns out she has also been a great neighbour helping out during illness etc.

I love to read stories like this. In a world seemingly full of greed and 'self', it is good to be reminded that real people are still generous at heart. This story has no prominence on the BBC website and I had to search for it. I wonder why 'nice' news stories are not considered newsworthy?

A Boy Called Alex

2008-03-18T06:04:00.001-07:00

I finally watched a documentary that I had taped, called A Boy Called Alex. What an inspirational young man - huge musical talent and battling daily with the challenges of cycstic fibrosis. See here http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article3166508.ece to understand more of this amazing 17 year-old!

Meditation benefits

2008-03-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

Just read a great article about the proven benefits of meditating. See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3554215.ece.

Chiara Lubich

2008-03-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

I just read of the death of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement. This is a global movement dedicated to unity - bringing together people of all faiths and people of no faith, to build a more united world. This is so close to my own heart that I am astonished I had not heard of her and this movement before.

I just read a speach she made (at http://www.focolare.org.uk/ArcImagine.htm), in which she talks of love, of peace and quotes Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.:-

“The golden rule,” said Mahatma Gandhi, “is to be friends of the world and to consider the whole human family as ‘one’.”(See Note 5)

And Martin Luther King: “I have a dream that one day…” all people will realize that they were created to live together as brothers and sisters and that fraternity will become the order of the day for businesspersons and the password for statesmen and women.

What a wonderful woman and what a loss for the world.

Eyelid twitching!

2008-03-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious. A friend mentioned last week that her eyelid kept twitching. I thought no more about this until a few days ago when mine did the same! Since then I have had a few short bursts of my right upper eyelid twitching, so out of curiousity, I looked this up in Google. I guess I should not have been surprised to see that it is everywhere! Popular causes seems to be stress and lack of sleep. I am not stressed and I get enough sleep, so I suspect mine is a 'sympathy twitch' for my friend! :-)

Doing nothing...

2008-03-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have just spent a wonderful 2 weeks in Florida - warm, relaxing and fun. Read a little more about what I learned from this in my March newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

One extra degree - tips for taking action

2008-02-12T02:29:00.000-08:00

My February newsletter is all about how to take action more effectively. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/93328.html.

I also draw attention to two great online videos:
See http://www.nc212movie.com - this is one of the best! What will you do to 'turn up the heat?'

Another stunning video here... If you ever think that something is difficult, remember this video of Chinese dancers - her with only one arm and him with only one leg. Their story is interesting (http://www.52best.com/ballet.asp) and the video of them dancing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c) is almost unbelievable.

Announcing Interactive Coaching!

2008-02-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

For most of the past year, I have been involved with the testing and launch of a brand new concept: online interactive coaching. This is available at 'CoachingInteractive' - a new website which enables people to experience coaching anytime, anywhere, at low cost, since it does not require as much intensive time from a life coach.

To read about self-coaching and interactive coaching, see details on my website at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/92960.html. To explore it straight away, go to http://jackypratt.coachinginteractive.com and click the large orange 'Join now' button. This will lead you to a free taster session of the self-coaching - just a tiny introduction to whet your appetite. After that, you can choose to go no further, or you can buy a programme of your choice, from as little as £25 for a month. And if you pay £65, you will get me responding to you every week via email within the system, helping you to build momentum towards changing whatever you wish to change.

Alternatively, email me (jacky@ambitioncoach.com) and ask for a new free ebook called "So What Is Interactive Coaching?". This has been written by people (such as myself) who have been involved in this new venture. It is a PDF and I can email it to you with no obligation to go any further.

Freerice.com - a success story!

2008-01-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

In my newsletter on 4 December 2007, I mentioned a new website, www.freerice.com, which had resulted in 6 billion grains of rice being donated towards ending world hunger, since the website started on 7 October 2007.

Now in January 2008, I can see that the total is standing at 16 billion and growing! What a success story for word of mouth/email/social networking referral!

Today, USAToday has reported the story. Apparently the total so far would feed 700,000 people each for a day. This is not insignificant and if it continues to grow this fast, must make a difference!

New Year Reflections

2008-01-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

As we start 2008, my newsletter features reflections... on gratitude, appreciation, kindness and also details of a shift of focus in my marketing of my coaching. Although I continue to be a life coach and career coach, my passion is greatest when helping people to better understand their relationships with others. This is all human relationships - with family and partners, with friends and colleagues. So, I will market myself as a relationship coach. Please read my newsletter or website for more details.

Recent newsletters

2007-12-18T02:13:00.001-08:00

I seem to have been a bit remiss with posting these. Recent newsletter topics have been:

December: Decision making made easier

November: The magic of enthusiasm

October: Building strong relationships

You may need to scroll down a bit!

Magic

2007-11-02T03:54:00.000-07:00

Two kinds of Magic today... following on from my previous post, I again enjoyed an evening of live music last weekend: 'Magic...a kind of Queen'. This band are very good. They (sadly) don't look like Queen, but the quality of the music was wonderful.

Another magic: enthusiasm - the subject of this month's newsletter. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html to read it in full. I was really taken by a quote I read:

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to be really happy, is something to be enthusiastic about." Charles Kingsley

Runrig concert

2007-10-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that Runrig have been around for about 30 years! I fell in love with their music about 15 years ago when living in Scotland, so was excited to see them live at Northampton last night. Their performance was professional, polished, truly wonderful! A bit like a Scottish Dire Straits! There really is nothing like good live music to make you feel on top of the world, especially when you sing along!

Neale Donald Walsch workshop

2007-10-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to a workshop in London - from 9am until 10pm, Neale Donald Walsch (author of Conversations with God books) sat in an armchair on a stage and talked to his audience. It was utterly compelling stuff... he speaks with such clarity and it feels so true. Everything that he said resonated for me. He has many messages. I particularly like the idea that we are too attached to things being right or wrong - better to see tham as working or not working. This is less of a judgement and is less likely to lead to the upset that we see in the world, e.g. between different religions. He speaks with great clarity about love, about happiness, about caring for others... and about 'the secret of The Secret'. It was a marvellous way to spend a day and I wish I could attend his 5-day retreat as well. See http://www.lovelightpromotions.com/ for more details and http://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/ for his website.

Several times that day, a wonderful singer called Muriel entertained us with magical, pure songs. See http://www.myspace.com/murielsings for a sample and listen to Be at Peace!

Smileys are 25 years old!

2007-09-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is a feel-good story to read - about the man who may have invented the smiley: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-09-18-smiley-emoticon-anniversary_N.htm?csp=34.

I wonder how many people each day include :-) in their text? I would certainly miss it often if it did not exist!

Send someone a :-) today!

Writing - how it can help

2007-09-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

This month's newsletter is all about different writing techniques, and how they can help in life: to gain more clarity, to make better decisions, to experience more happiness etc. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html for more details.

Big deep breathe again

2007-09-06T03:38:00.000-07:00

After the tribulations a month ago with internet access, parcel deliveries, Sky etc, this week other trials continue. I gave up on Sky and cancelled the agreement. This week I have lost hours to router issues. Today I received a replacement (under warranty) router and after 2.5 hours of lost time, a further replacement is on its way to me.

How to stayt calm? Tricky - step outside and take a big deep breathe and listen for the birds singing. And yes - they are still there and they are still singing. So all is well. Onwards...

Losing time without losing the plot!

2007-08-02T06:06:00.001-07:00

This is the topic of my latest newsletter - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html. I am back in Reston, near Washington DC again, and recent time-wasting frustrations prompted this month's thoughts about how to stay positive when the world seems out to get you. :-)

Live Earth - the work continues

2007-07-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

I seldom receive an email from Al Gore! This one needs circulating widely:

---
Thank you! Because of your hard work, millions of personal commitments have been made via the Web and SMS in 178 countries and 35 territories around the world...
A decade from now, when people look back on Live Earth, what they will remember isn't what happened during the show -- instead my hope is they remember what happened after. More than 2 billion of us joined together on 7.7.07 and with one voice demanded an end to the climate crisis. We now have the responsibility to carry this movement forward and force our leaders to take action.

We need to take the first step today and make sure every single person possible joins us. That's why, right now, I need you to email five of your friends. Ask them to sign the Live Earth Pledge by visiting:

http://www.liveearthpledge.org/

All of the actions we take from here on out to solve the climate crisis will be based on a simple premise: our home, Earth, is in danger. We don't risk destroying the planet, but instead risk making it inhospitable for human beings.

We have put so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that we have changed the heat balance between Earth and the Sun. And if we don't stop soon, the average temperature will increase to levels that will end the favorable climate balance on which our civilization depends.

The world must come together and direct our governments to take on a global challenge. Our leadership is a precondition for success.

We need to demonstrate that we have reached the tipping point where political will demands our representatives take action to solve the climate crisis. That's why it's so vital that millions of people sign the Live Earth Pledge.

The climate crisis offers us the chance to experience what few generations in history have had the privilege of experiencing: a mission; a compelling moral purpose; a shared cause; and the thrill of being forced by circumstances to put aside the pettiness and conflict of politics and to embrace a genuine moral and spiritual challenge.

Please email five of your friends right now. Ask them to join us in this cause and sign the Live Earth Pledge today by visiting:

http://www.liveearthpledge.org/

Our work begins now.

Thank you,
Al Gore
---

Actually, I prefer the more complex pledge found at: http://www.avaaz.org/en/global_climate_movement/b.php?cl=13459495, which is actually the pledge that Al Gore spoke during the concerts on Saturday. It is rather wider in its reach and the wording is at http://www.liveearth.org/thank_you_pop.htm.

Watch your language

2007-07-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

I have just posted my newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html, where I discuss how your use of language can determine your likely success. I discuss Gordon Brown's statement: "I will try my utmost", since my training as a life coach has taught me to challenge people who use the word 'try'. How much stronger to start your day with "today I will strive to..." than "today I will try to...". (But I acknowledge that adding 'my utmost' certainly strengthens this statement. :-))

Annual pilgrimage to Lochnagar

2007-07-05T02:55:00.000-07:00

I have to just comment on my ongoing love for my favourite mountain - Lochnagar near Ballater in Scotland. This year's visit was marred by poor weather. On the last day of our holiday, having waited for good conditions, we had no choice but to set off with the top under cloud. It rained and was cold and windy... the cloud kept dispersing from the top and re-gathering, so we decided to skip the last half-hour of the climb and head down the fabulous path to Loch Muick. Despite these conditions, we had a wonderful walk and I realised that for me, this climb has become something of a personal annual pilgrimage. Long may this continue. If you want to see photos of this amazing place, just email me.

I also realised that the phrase 'it is the journey, not the destination' had renewed meaning for me. Much as I love that moment of reaching the summit and gazing at the views, the climb is a key part of the pleasure. Not reaching the final goal did not matter much at all. So the learning here: set off even if you are not sure whether your goal is achievable, and enjoy the path you travel.

Cultivating dedication

2007-06-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

I have just posted my latest newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html, all about how to cultivate dedication in order to achieve something that matters to you. It also covers whether the pursuit of perfection is a hindrance in this.

New website for the bereaved

2007-06-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

I so wish this site had been around 18 months ago, but better late than never. When my mother was dying, I could find very little to help me. Now Lucie Storrs has remedied this with her launch last month of http://www.thelightbeyond.com - a website that is a dedicated to helping people through bereavement. It is currently a bit US-focused, but will eventually have UK links as well. And much of the content is relevant wherever you live. I hope you don't need this recommendation for yourself, but if you know someone who does, please tell them about it.

Discussing The Secret and the Law of Attraction

2007-05-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

I finally wrote about The Secret and the Law of Attraction in my May newsletter. I say finally because it is a topic that so many are discussing at the moment. But - it is a fascinating and worthy subject to study and I felt it time I added my little bit of support. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html to read more.

When fear threatens action

2007-04-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Following on from the building of the garden shed, our next task was to burn two very large bonfires. For weeks we watched the weather, to get the wind in the right direction (no desire to upset the neighbours!). When the day dawned with no wind and perfect conditions, fear struck when I contemplated the enormity of the task.

Our bonfires measured 10ft and 15ft diameter and towered above me. We started a small 3rd bonfire between them and started to feed this from the other piles. After working non-stop for 3 hours, the fuel ran out, at 22:30. We babysat it for a further 2 hours, then went to bed, satisfied that it was now safe to do so.

Next day I reflected on what a great experience it had been - hard work but so satisfying. The fire had been exhilerating to watch - such power... the heap of grey ash was still red hot in the centre, such that when we uncovered a blackened log, it burst back into flames!

As with the shed, my husband was the driving force behind taking action. I have learnt some key lessons in our garden, to practice what I preach! Fears seldom prove grounded... the reality is usually much easier than expected. I am now cultivating my 'orange' characteristics (see entry re True Colors).

When planning threatens action

2007-04-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

My April newsletter describes an insightful recent experience - building a large garden shed. I was so concerned about how difficult the job might be, that if left alone, I would have not bothered to even try. Thankfully, my husband felt differently... See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html for more on this.

Isabel Losada - my hero

2007-03-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to my friend Chris Rudge, who lent me her copy of a wonderful book called 'A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World: For Tibet With Love', by Isabel Losada. This was a new discovery for me and I have now ordered my own copy of this inspirational book. The title was compelling enough and the book exceeded my expectations. Isabel went on an amazing journey as she attempted (and still does) to change a bit of the world. See her websites at http://www.isabellosada.com/ and http://www.actfortibet.org.

Music can make you feel very young or very old!

2007-03-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I read about Cyndi Lauper launching her True Colors Tour (see http://www.hrc.org/truecolors//). I know so many of her songs, and this made me feel good... I also found the words to her classic hit True Colors and was reminded of how excellent they are:

I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

But then today I read that Kris Kristofferson is 70 years old! This hardly seems possible - I used to love his music and also seeing him in A Star Is Born. Wow!

Diversity in US politics

2007-03-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

What a pleasure to read the following introduction to an article:

"WASHINGTON — History in the making: The first woman may well be elected president in 2008. Unless the first black, the first Mormon, the first Hispanic, the first Italian-American, the first thrice-married man or the first person over 70 is elected instead.
After 218 years and 42 presidents — all of them white and male — the field of White House hopefuls this time includes credible candidates whose race, gender, ethnicity, religion or personal history probably would have ruled them out in the past..."

Read the whole article at http://tinyurl.com/yu4e7w.

The article is not entirely positive, since polls indicate many Americans not comfortable with the choice facing them. However, the overall trend is encouraging.

Of course, so many candidates who break the mould is unfortunate for each of them as individuals - Hillary Clinton must be pretty upset at how things have turned out!

First impressions and whether they should count

2007-02-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

I attended an interesting talk last week about the importance of making a good first impression. I agree that first impressions are supremely important in the world we currently live in, but I am not comfortable with this.

I was being gently cajoled into wearing more feminine clothes, healed shoes (despite a bad foot) and to wear make-up - something that feels (a) a waste of precious time and (b) not in alignment with a core value of mine - being authentic.

This event led to a dinner conversation with friends. One friend felt that my confidence in wearing no make-up was wonderful and should not be tampered with. Another felt that I should experiment and find a 'natural' made-up look... the implication, which I accept, is that I suffer in business through looking 'less professional' than other women.

However, a male client commented that he appreciated my lack of make-up - it makes me seem more authentic and confident in myself...

Today, a similar topic is taken up by USA Today - see http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2007/02/post_28.html. This discussed the merits or otherwise of the constant media obsession with what female politicians wear. The media seldom discusses male suits, so why the attention to female clothing?

I agree - there is no value in discussing how we dress, our choice of accessories, our make-up...

Which brings me to first impressions. I know we all make them. We are all making judgements all the time, leading to prejudice. I have discovered, partly through coaching, that first impressions are unreliable. There is not one person who doesn't possess amazing strengths and traits when you allow them time to shine through, if you can only ignore the temptation to jump to a quick judgement about them.

Whose side is God on?

2007-02-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

Back in the USA and I read a great editorial in USA Today - see http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2007/02/the_danger_of_a.html. This article talks about the dangers of turning a blind eye to Israel's actions against Palestinians. A typical quote from here: "Israeli policy seems to create more terrorists than it destroys". A fantastic article which talks a lot of common sense.

We are all special

2007-02-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

February's newsletter is the first in a 2-parter... on the subject of how special we all are, and the value of not judging ourselves or each other. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/90928.html.

True Colors facilitation

2007-01-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

An exciting 3 days for me last week when I trained as a True Colors facilitator! See http://www.true-colors.com/ for details of this wonderful communication tool. It fits so well with all my beliefs about valuing the diversity of humankind. Hardly a surprise to find that I am a Blue, and then lots of fun getting Ian and friends to find their colours as well.

South American travels

2007-01-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

My recent holiday was perfect. A quick summary:-

- one day touring Rio de Janeiro - beautiful
- approx 4 days in Cuzco and Machu Picchu... the Hiram Bingham train was superb and the Sanctuary Lodge hotel was also excellent. Visiting Machu Picchu was a dream come true for me and exceeded expectations. Particularly enjoyed climbing Wayna Picchu and up to the Sun Gate (Intipunko)
- one day touring Buenos Aires - also a fabulous city
- a day or so in Ushuaia, with a visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park - running out of superlatives
- perhaps the best bit: a 3-night cruise on the Mare Australis from Ushuaia, via the Beagle Channel and landed on zodiacs at Cape Horn - so exciting! Then cruised through Magellan Straits. Stops at glaciers and Magellan island - inhabited by 200,000 small penguins. Off at Punto Arenas in Chile. The crew were wonderful and the trip could not have been better (apart from the man snoring in the next cabin!)
- 3 days in Chile - the Torres del Paine park. Enroute we saw lots of condors.
- El Calafate, in order to visit the Perito Merino glacier: 5km wide and 80m high above water... so blue and beautiful
- Llao Llao hotel at Bariloche - a great place to walk and relax. Beautiful views and scenery but it rained a lot - the worst weather of the trip, which so far had been really good.
- Then, another highlight and another dream come true for me: Iguazu waterfalls, staying at the Sheraton hotel, with wonderful views of the falls. You can get SO close to the falls, on walkways drenched by spray. Xmas morning was spent on a boat trip under the spray... soaked through!
- A final day or so in Rio, then home.

Interesting... this has been a dream of mine for at least 35 years and now I have done it. It feels quite odd.

Newsletters published

2007-01-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

December and January newsletters now at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

Back online after 7 weeks!

2007-01-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

What an eventful time since I last blogged...

On 30 November, I moved house and lost internet access. This has proved hard to regain, partly due to a 23-night holiday which delayed phone lines, then due to delays getting broadband on the line. Ouch!

When I finally downloaded emails into Outlook, I had approx. 5,800. Of these, 2,800 went straight into a spam folder and most of the rest should have done. A slow job sifting through to find the gems amongst the dross...

Spam is a nightmare now. I hadn't fully appreciated how bad it was until this outage. I was unable to use my webmail account as it was too full of emails and just timed out when I tried to access it. I wonder why so much spam is sent - do people really fall for it?

Out of contact for a while

2006-11-29T05:58:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy... big birthday last week, moving house this week, then no phone service until end of December. So if anyone visits here trying to track me down, apologies - 01604 889152 will resume service hopefully on 28/12 and email a few days after this.

Films about inhumanity

2006-11-15T05:47:00.000-08:00

Having visited the US Holocaust Memorial Museum on the International Day of Peace, during my last visit to DC, this visit I brought 2 films along which I have been meaning to watch for so long.

I settled down to watch The Passion on Monday - what an amazing film. For all that I knew the story, I was stunned by the feelings it invoked actually watching the events re-enacted. Powerful and thought-provoking in terms of man's inhumanity towards fellow man 2000 years ago - and how little has changed in many ways since then.

Then yesterday I followed this with The Pianist. Stunning in its straight-forward style, it tells the true story of a Jewish pianist who somehow survives Warsaw between 1939 and 1945 (living then until 2000 when he died age 88).

Both films are harrowing but they both also feature moments of hope - the basic truth that there are some really good people who bravely go against the current tide and stand up for what they believe to be right.

English Al Jazeera

2006-11-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to see the launch of the new English Al Jazeera. This can only help people to understand others better. I so believe - attempting to understand each other... to see things from others' perspectives, is the key to building peace amongst the different people of the world. It gets off to an interesting start - David Frost interviewing Tony Blair this Friday.

Mega-milestones

2006-11-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Oops - no blog postings for ages. It has been a busy few weeks - planning to move house is taking spare energy and time.

I have just posted my November newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. Here, I focused on how much a big milestone can help if you have something you wish to achieve, especially a long-held dream which has seen little action so far!

I think it is fair for me to refer to turning 50 as a mega-milestone! Almost there...

Focus and compromise

2006-10-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

I have just released my October newsletter. We are 3/4 through the year and I wrote of the importance of focus, for achieving goals. If you have been putting something off, there is also a place for compromise, in order to make a start. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html for more on this.

One more posting from the USA

2006-09-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Spotted in a newspaper advert: "The President of the United States has claimed, on more than one occasion, to be in dialogue with God. If he said he was talking to God through his hairdryer, this would precipitate a national emergency. I fail to see how the addition of a hairdryer makes the claim any more ludicrous or offensive." - Sam Harris, author of Letter to a Christian Nation.

This really amused me. Some people in the UK think that Americans are all similar, but a short visit there provides plenty of evidence of an enormous range of thought and opinion - so refreshing!

Holocaust memories on UN International Day of Peace

2006-09-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

As I am again in Washington DC outskirts, I felt it appropriate to visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. What a day... four hours passed in a moment, and then I was outside in the air and sun again. For four hours, I didn't think about eating, or even drinking - nothing is allowed there, so my normal water-bottle companion was left behind. Once inside, my thoughts were entirely absorbed by the exhibits.

It is a monumental display and I was moved to tears many times, despite a grim determination to stay calm. Film footage of the British going into Bergen-Belsen, and the 10,000 unburied bodies they had to quickly deal with was harrowing. All naked and SO thin - being dragged to huge burial pits by their former SS guards, in order to reduce the outbreak of disease.

Odd how small things hit you hard - I watched a lady who survived describing liberation day. An American soldier asked what he could do for her. She requested sugar and long socks, as she was so cold, despite the warm May weather. When he returned, she poured the sugar into her mouth and then cried as she put the socks on and discovered they could not stay up - she had no calf muscles left, just skin over her bones. He then held the door open for her, and this gesture of normality had a huge impact - she had forgotten this was how human beings could behave.

A profoundly thought-provoking experience... There is an exhibit devoted to Darfur and how it is all happening again. Why is man-kind so un-kind?

More from the USA

2006-09-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

I discovered an amusing quote this morning, written in 1920; a statement which is now interpreted by many as predicting the Bush presidency:

"When a candidate for public office faces the voters he does not face men of sense; he faces a mob of men whose chief distinguishing mark is the fact that they are quite incapable of weighing ideas, or even of comprehending any save the most elemental — men whose whole thinking is done in terms of emotion, and whose dominant emotion is dread of what they cannot understand. So confronted, the candidate must either bark with the pack or be lost... All the odds are on the man who is, intrinsically, the most devious and mediocre — the man who can most adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum. The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to such men. As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."

This was written by Henry Louis Mencken (1880–1956), an American journalist and social critic.

Back in Washington DC

2006-09-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm back in DC for a week - time to switch off normal life and take time out to read and write - it feels like 'renewal' time. I've had much to provoke thought in recent days:

- a coaching workshop where Sir John Whitmore described one of the roles of coaching - essentially to inject conscience into business - it was fascinating to hear him dismiss capitalism as failed and certainly not a 'final' economic system
- at the same workshop, Carol Wilson described the excitement of working for Sir Richard Branson some years back - a culture of empowerment, taking risks, encouraging mistakes as part of progress etc.

- then a 'Christopher Howard' weekend which inspired a room of 1200 people to overcome limiting beliefs; to believe they can succeed at their dreams. Some beautiful and powerful music accompanied key moments,including a favourite of mine from http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/.

And now, in DC, I am being inspired by books I am reading and intrigued by newspapers I glance at. People around the world hold all Americans accountable for what they see as a huge mess, but in minutes, it is clear that many disagree profoundly with the actions of their government. An example, from today's USA Today: a full page advert for a campaign to drive out the Bush regime... protests across the country on 5 October, organised by http://www.worldcantwait.org/. At this website, I am fascinated to learn about the Bush Crimes Commission which is calling for public events to expose and denounce the Bush administration's war crimes and crimes against humanity. Strong words, and comforting - regardless of my views on Bush, it is good to recognise that people here can, and do, dissent and that they have the time, inclination and energy to campaign for things they believe in.

This is a good time for me...

UN International Day of Peace - 21 September

2006-09-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Having recently visited Washington DC, I felt inspired to write a lengthy September newsletter, all about peace - to coincide with the UN International Day of Peace on 21 September. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. Whilst researching this, I came across some wonderful people and organisations, such as http://nswas.org/rubrique22.html - a village in Israel, consisting of Jewish and Arab families living together in peace, teaching their children to grow up in peace.

South Downs Way bike ride

2006-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend... 3 days cycling the South Downs Way, between Winchester and Eastbourne.

I cycled Friday-Sunday (11-13/8) in aid of Fairfield School – a special school providing education, therapies and specialist facilities for pupils with severe or profound learning difficulties and/or physical, medical, multi-sensory and communication difficulties. See http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/fairfields/ for details.

The South Downs Way is a 100-mile, mainly off-road route, with approx. 10,000 feet of vertical climb. I lost count of the hills, but we must have climbed close to 15-20 of them over the 2.5 days riding - each one about 500ft of climb followed by a ride along the ridge at the top with gale force winds gusting much of the time, some rain, amazing views and then some scary descents.

My legs were exhausted, along with my shoulders from carrying water in a back-pack for 3 days and my thumb joints from using the brakes so much on some of the descents… not to mention the messed up leg from a fall!

It was a big stretch for me and I was glad when it was over, but I must admit I now see the attraction of off-road cycling... the few short stretches of road at either end were dangerous - some drivers are really unaware of cyclists. They seemed rather worse than in Northants/Leics where bikes are more common on the roads.

A mad world

2006-08-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

How are we to make sense of the news each day - the inhumanity of some individuals around the world?

The disruption today is immense - so many lives affected... The people trying to get to weddings this weekend, the people planning to go on holiday/honeymoon etc, the people flying to see elderly and sick loved ones, possibly for a final visit? The grief being played out globally, because a handful of people wish to blow up airplanes, is unquantifiable.

I dream each day of a world in which we all value each other for our differences, instead of the hatred felt by some, towards those they disagree with. The only way to move towards this world is in tiny steps - for every single person to honestly evaluate their own behaviour towards those around them. Most people are not extremists, but they still harbour bad feelings towards people they don't understand. I am working hard to be kinder and more loving towards everyone, everywhere. If we all did this, think what could be achieved. If we spoke out everytime we heard any level of prejudice, could we change public opiniion, just as opinions about drink-driving were gradually reversed?

Thoughts

2006-08-05T02:02:00.000-07:00

This week marks a milestone for me in a number of ways. Today is 6 months since my mother died - a long, tough time. This week was also marked by me crying for a reason other than her loss... watching the news from the Lebanon is so awful. I listen to quotes about what is going on and wonder at the nonsense of it all. Regardless of who is right or wrong, there is only one way forward - to talk, to negotiate, to look for some measure of win-win. At the moment it is all lose-lose. Where is the common sense, the humanity?

Newsletter for August

2006-08-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

My August newsletter is about the value of relaxing - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

Return to contact lenses

2006-07-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

After wearing contact lenses for 30 years, I was defeated 2 years ago and moved to varifocal glasses, as I could no longer see to read with contact lenses. I am now the proud wearer of a new type of multifocal silicone-hydrogel contact lens, as fitted by Brian Tompkins - they are really excellent. See http://www.tks-optometrists.co.uk/types4.htm for details of where he can be found.

Lessons from Lochnagar

2006-07-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

My July newsletter is now available at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. Here I write about how much easier it is to work towards a goal if you know how wonderful the outcome will be. Strategies to help: don't get into analysis paralysis and make sure you have a support team!

Cycling update

2006-07-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

I did it again! 100 miles in a day, starting at 4am as the sun rose last Saturday. The first few hours of milky sunshine were glorious, then it got hotter through the day until I stopped at 15:00. Second time was easier, knowing that I could do it, yet harder in the heat. No real pain afterwards... I think this tells me that Lands End-John O'Groats is a distinct possibility!

Back to blogging...

2006-06-08T04:53:00.000-07:00

Amazing - 6 months have passed since I put my blog on hold. In that time, my life has changed for ever, as my mother sadly died. While she was ill, I put my work on hold. Now life is returning to a 'new sort of normal'. After nearly 50 years of her in my life, it will never feel quite the same again.

However, I am learning much and I have a renewed sense of commitment. I have finally made a long-overdue update to my website, adding 2006 newsletters. See January - June at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

As I adjust to this 'new life', without the unconditional fan-club that was my mother, I am delaying things less. I finally started piano lessons, which had been a goal for several years. I have done a couple of courses I had long fancied. I am back to regular cycling and planning to do Lands End-John O'Groats in summer 2007.

Blogging on pause

2005-12-15T00:18:00.000-08:00

My mother is very ill - life has changed for me - no time to think about work etc.

December newsletter

2005-12-01T00:19:00.000-08:00

Here is my December newsletter: http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/84225.html.

Bouncing back

2005-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

My article 'Bouncing back after a life crisis' has been published on HRZone - see http://www.hrzone.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=147950.

A day at the Houses of Parliament

2005-11-21T05:06:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful day visit to the Houses of Parliament... a tour around, a meeting with a local MP, then lunch with 4 local MPs. I found myself sitting next to my own MP for lunch in the private dining room we were in, which was a great opportunity to learn more about the workings of parliament. I also managed to get 30 minutes watching the House of Lords and 30 minutes watching the Commons - something I have always wanted to do. The experience was wonderful. I suspect it is as well I didn't do this years ago - or I may have decided I wanted to be an MP!

It struck me that this is something all teenagers should experience... A visit there would help to instill ambition to achieve more from life and a greater respect for history and for government.

We will rock you!

2005-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I was in London to see the Queen musical "We will rock you". I had seen it before, but second time around was even better. There is a fabulous photo exhibition of Freddie Mercury, which includes a wonderful quote by him: "I am possessed by love". I suspect this is why I so admired him - someone with a passion for life and for love, which caused him to sparkle with energy.

The musical features a long list of famous musicians who died young - a sobering and moving moment.

It also hints, not so subtly (I do enjoy Ben Elton's lyrics!), at the damage caused by not encouraging individuals to shine in their own way... music of the future is portrayed as all manufactured, with no creativity allowed - with dreadful consequences.

A good news story

2005-11-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

I so believe that we need more good news in the papers and on TV... our thinking is coloured by what we read and watch, and the 'diet' of gloom that we are fed does not nourish us well. I read a wonderful story at the weekend - see http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-2-1857930-2,00.html.

This is a great story, not just because of the positive attitude of the young Iraqi girl, Hannan Shihab. What struck me most was the strength of Katrina Turner, for taking action, presumably with her friends and family thinking her daft to attempt something like this. Her hard work must have sometimes felt like a lost cause, maybe crazy even. But with perseverance, what a difference she made. I love stories that prove 'the power of one'. I love to be reminded that each of us can make a difference. If we had more of these stories every day in the news, perhaps we would all be inspired to take more action and to make a difference more often?

My November newsletter

2005-11-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

My November newsletter can be viewed at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/84225.html. It has some ideas for how human individuals can raise their game by learning lessons from big business.

I'm with Scooby

2005-10-25T03:29:00.000-07:00

I read at the weekend of the homophobic murder of Jody Dobrowski in Lambeth. Every time I read of such horrors, I become more convinced that we all have a part to play in the prevention of these attacks. I am known amongst my own friends as someone who can be truly painful when they make jokes or comments which are in any way prejudiced… I know they find this frustrating at times, but I will not change on something I consider to be so important.

So, I was pleased to read about the security man at the club where Jody used to work. Known as ‘Scooby’, he said: “I know now that I wouldn’t tolerate a homophobic joke. I used to laugh them off, but it’s just not funny. Even if it was a close friend, I’d have to say: ‘change your tone when you’re around me’.”

I'm with Scooby...

Fragility of life

2005-10-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

I had a reminder of the fragility of life on the M6 just now - an accident on the other carriageway with many police cars, 3 fire engines and a helicopter air ambulance. I don't think I have ever been so close - odd to see the helicopter just feet away. As I drove on, my mind was drawn to the split second upsets that turn life upside down. So many people affected - those killed/injured, their families and friends, the emergency staff dealing with it - and the hundreds of people in the 3-mile tailback that I passed. I hugged my husband when I arrived home, aware of how unexpectedly it can all be taken from us.

School reunion!

2005-10-11T03:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I did something unusual - I met with 4 friends from my school days (which were approx. 30 years ago!). We met in London, some travelling from as far as Newcastle, and had lunch and an afternoon stroll together (Regents Park in the sunshine is really lovely...)

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Before going, I had moments of wondering at the value of a day spent in this way, but I also knew that the reality would be great fun and that I would be very glad I had made the effort. I was right! I must remember to read this blog again and make sure we repeat the event in a year or so.