Life is a Story
You Decide How to Tell It
|
|
April 1, 2009
|
|
|
I found some Inspiration
|
Remember, "Anything Is Possible!"
|
Ordinarily, this month is my newsletter to welcome Spring. However, since I just came from the park wearing my pink shearling boots and my leopard gloves, I will delay writing about my love affair with peonies and roses until next month.
Some of you are wondering about my 2 1/2 weeks to Fiji. So, I thought I would write of my experience with a little truth and some fiction. Those of you who know me, know I love telling a good story.
My intention for this journey 1/2 way around the world was not only for a relaxing vacation but I needed some sort of muse. With the current economic crisis and overall stress we are all faced with, I was feeling uninspired, bored and restless. I did return changed, re-energized and very appreciative of my life here.
The best headline for my story is something like, "Lucy travels to the South Pacific in search of Pearls and Gold". I don't know how Ricky fits in, but if it weren't for Ethel, I wouldn't be writing this story.
One of the more favorable memories that makes me giggle is when security at the airport stopped me during the luggage inspection. I was pulled out of the line by several security personnel. What possibly for? You can just imagine - me in my pink skirt and pink heels. After all my belongings are rumbled through, the guard takes out of my purse my 6 inch quartz crystal. He looks at me dumbfounded. I tell him - "I heal people with it. And, I use it for good luck". He shakes his head and orders me to move on.
What I didn't realize was that I could get arrested for bringing home driftwood and beach seeds. I was told by a number of hotel guests before I returned home that I would need to claim my ocean gems at customs. I really couldn't see myself doing that so I just rubbed my crystal and made a prayer. My sister and Mother will be happy to receive their smuggled, rustic wind chime.
I did learn through one of my more unfavorable memories that Police officers in Fiji do not carry guns. I do remember the captains name was the same as my Dad's, Bob. However, he didn't have a charming smile like my pop. No wonder why he didn't carry a weapon.
I was prepared for the bug bites. I came with all my appropriate essential oils. The lady next to me on the plane learned a great lesson on how to prevent airborne viruses and colds. I hope she liked the smell of clove. However, I was not aware that from 2 days of flying, my feet were going to swell up and look like my thighs. From that point on, I convinced myself, I was truly a mermaid.
I was indeed mesmerized by the beauty of the land. Most especially, the sea. One night, I decided to take a midnight swim during the full moon. It was magical beyond words. This is what I really needed. And, wanted to do more than anything else on the trip. When, suddenly, BANG. It was abruptly interrupted. I think I hit my head on a rock. Or, was it some sort of cave? For all I know - it was all a dream. I believe I was knocked out. You know when you see stars sparkling around you. My heart was pounding. But, I think I stopped breathing? What just happened? I was so scared. Cold. And, felt a sense of vulnerability I never felt before. Then, I woke up. I opened my eyes and there in front of me was a doctor gently covering me with blankets and reassuring me that I was going to be o.k. My life wasn't over. (Did I mention that he was strikingly handsome. Imagine Richard Gere but with an Australian accent) I digress. I did note that he had the exact same brownish-hazel eyes that I have and his feet weren't swollen.
Several days later, the bump on my forehead disappeared. Some of the hotel guests told me that there was no rock or cave in the water. I thought about that. I was majorly jet lagged. But, I realized it doesn't really matter what others think or what bumps in the road we encounter. What truly matters is knowing we are never, never alone. Just like the doctor said, "everything will be o.k and work out". The key is not to be afraid. The treasure lies in opening our eyes and seeing what life truly holds for us right now in this moment.
Oh, and did I mention there was a gold mine near by. That has nothing to do with anything, but I did come back feeling richer, wiser and, most especially, a better swimmer.
I encourage you to think of ways you can add inspiration to your day...to your week. I have been having fun the last couple of weeks, taking a writing course on putting faith into words. Tomorrow, I begin an acting class. What can you do that will make you smile?
Our program for the Living, Loving & Learning series has changed this Friday night and I'm delighted to welcome Jonathan Sibley who will be discussing dating, intimacy and relationships. Please come join us for an upcoming workshop and be inspired to love the life you live.
Wishing all of you pearls of wisdom and lots of gold,
~Sue
To Register for an Upcoming Workshop ~ Go to Events
|
|
 From Attraction to Intimacy
|
Date: This Friday - April 3, 2009
Presenter: Jonathan Sibley (Psychotherapist and Life Coach)
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Why do we tend to be more attracted to some people than to others? Helen Fisher, the psychologist behind chemistry.com has identified four basic personality types and the ways they tend to interact (for better and for worse).
Once we are in a relationship, why do we seem to have the same fights over and over again and how can we learn to build intimacy rather than chipping away at it? How do some of our most basic needs and feelings lead to strategies that can drive us apart rather than leading to greater intimacy? Jonathan will also discuss the work of ~ Sue Johnson (based on the book, Hold Me Tight). She has studied the way couples fight and how to transform those fights into opportunities for greater intimacy and trust in our relationships.
Jonathan Sibley will lead a discussion focused on what we can learn about dating, intimacy, and relationships.
About the Speaker:
Jonathan Sibley is a trained executive and personal coach and psychotherapist based in Montclair, NJ. Jonathan graduated from Princeton University and went on to get an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France and a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. He has lived, studied and worked in France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Brazil.
Jonathan works with adult individuals and couples in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German to help them become more effective and happier at work and in relationships.
Pre-Pay and Save
|
- ADVANCE Registration is Required
- Call Sue Waldman at (973) 857 - 9090
- visit www.SueWaldman.com
|
LOCATION:
Sue's office in Verona, NJ
|
$28.00 Pre-paid before April 1 ~$40.00 cash at door
|
|
|
|
How Do We Truly Fall in Love?
|
|
|
|
Nurture to Thrive
|
Date: Friday, April 17th
Time: 6:30 -8:00pm
Women are Nurturers by nature. As we strive to nurture our family, our relationships and our career/business amidst the chaos and clutters in the modern world, all too often we lose our balance, our joy and ourselves. As women, we face the special challenge of coping with stress and burnout from giving too much of ourselves, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, remaining passionate for our chosen career, maintaining our inner peace while working in chaos, and caring for ourselves while we care for others. Many women forego their self-care, not knowing they are sabotaging their own success and long-term well-being. Some are filled with anxiety, stress, guilt, or low self-esteem. Or they are simply too stressed and don't know how to get out of overwhelm.
In this workshop you will learn:
-- Recognize the signs & consequences of chronic stress and Self-Care Deficiency Syndrome
-- The importance of Intensive Self-Care and daily practices to nurture yourself
-- How to Stop, Drop & Roll out of being stressed and overwhelmed
-- How to find the missing peace, balance, joy and purpose in your stressful life
-- Essential principles and actionable strategies for creating the life balance that works for YOU
About the Speaker:
Hueina Su, The Nurturer’s Coach is a renowned expert in helping people find the missing peace and balance in their stressful lives. She is a certified life coach, national keynote speaker, president of Beyond Horizon Coaching. She is also the author of Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul: 7 Keys to Nurture Yourself While Caring for Others.
Pre-Pay and Save
|
- ADVANCE Registration is Required
- Call Sue Waldman at (973) 857 - 9090
- visit www.SueWaldman.com
|
LOCATION:
Sue's office in Verona, NJ
|
$28.00 with early registration by Wednesday, April 15th ~ $40.00 cash at door
|
|
|
|
7 Keys to More Success, Joy & Peace
|
|
|
|
Loving The Life You Live!
|
Date: Sunday, April 26th 2008
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE)
Loving the Life You Live! will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated and connected to others.
Join Sue Waldman in a sacred, beautiful space to inspire you to love the life you are living.
LOVING THE LIFE YOU LIVE! is a heart-filled gathering that addresses today's
most meaningful themes:
life, spirituality, relationships, careers, personal goals
and so much more.
Together we will explore the secrets to living a life filled with more joy, less stress and profound inner purpose. Loving the Life You Live! is a monthly workshop designed to enhance your daily journey with dynamic approaches to self empowerment!
This customized "mini retreat" for the soul may include an inspirational talk, guided meditation, thought provoking group exercises and sharing that really reaches home in an empowering, motivational and supportive way.
Loving the Life You Live! is a supportive experience that energizes, inspires and encourages personal and professional growth, spiritual fulfillment and emotional/mental peace.
Pre-Pay and Save
|
- ADVANCE Registration is Required
- Call Sue Waldman at (973) 857 - 9090
- visit www.SueWaldman.com
|
LOCATION:
Sue's office in Verona, NJ
|
$44.00 early registration by April 22 ~ $50 (cash) late reg.
|
|
|
|
A Mini Retreat for The Soul
|
|
|
|
Grief Recovery
|
Date: Friday, May 15th
Presenter: Lisa Athan (Grief Recovery Specialist)
Time: 6:30 -8:00pm
Grief is a normal and natural response to a loss. We all experience loss, yet often feel ill-prepared to help ourselves or others. Losses affect each one of us and come in different forms. We can lose relationships, possessions, jobs, homes, health and more. Most of us don't know how to handle grief, nor do we feel comfortable supporting another griever. Learn that grief has no timelines and no real stages. Hear about the myths of grief as well as learn helpful things to say and not to say to a griever. This workshop will help raise awareness about grief and loss.
About the Speaker:
Lisa Athan, MA is a Grief Recovery Specialist. Lisa is the founder and executive director of Grief Speaks, an organization dedicated to normalizing grief and loss in our "get over it" and "move on" society. Lisa also worked as the Coordinator of Education &Outreach at the non-profit, Good Grief ~a free year round grief support program for children who have lost a parent or sibling. Lisa conducts workshops and presentations on grief and loss all over NJ at schools, hospitals, agencies, organizations and at conferences.
Pre-Pay and Save
|
- ADVANCE registration is REQUIRED
- Call Sue Waldman at (973) 857 - 9090
- Visit www.SueWaldman.com
|
LOCATION:
Sue's office in Verona, NJ
|
$28.00 with early registration by June 3rd ~ $40.00 cash at door
|
|
|
|
How to Heal from any Loss
|
|
|
|
AROMATHERAPY
|
Date: June 5th, 2009
Presenter: Michelle O'Neill (Aromatherapist and Life Coach)
Time: 6:30 -8:00pm
Have you always wanted to use essential oils but didn't know how? In this workshop you will learn how easy it is to use essential oils for various physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues. Come and experience the therapeutic benefits with just one application. Feel confident using a product that's not only good for you but the environment as well. Learn how to strengthen your immune system and heal minor skin conditions. Every attendee will have the opportunity to inhale or apply essential oil samples, ask questions and receive a handout for future reference.
About the Speaker:
Presenter Michelle O’Neill has been using therapeutic-grade essential oils for over 5 years. In addition to personal experience, Michelle has been certified in the Raindrop Technique which is the application of therapeutic-grade essential oils on the spine for structural and electrical alignment. Michelle offers her experience to those who are seeking natural ways to optimize their health physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Pre-Pay and Save
|
- ADVANCE registration is REQUIRED
- Call Sue Waldman at (973) 857 - 9090
- Visit www.SueWaldman.com
|
LOCATION:
Sue's office in Verona, NJ
|
$28.00 with early registration by June 3rd ~ $40.00 cash at door
|
|
|
|
Learn the Basics of Essential Oils
|
|
|
|