Issue: Vol. 1, No. 12 |
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Date: July 19, 2007 |
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In this Issue
> Feature Article:
Be the Change You Wish To See
> Teleconferences and Programs:
SPEAK! Andrea’s Laser Coaching Call-in Day
>Andrea’s Bookshelf:
You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls |
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A Note from Andrea  Walking My Talk & Taking Action
Sorry if you missed the opportunity to be live on last week’s “Bored or Burned Out?” teleseminar. I’ll publicize another crack at it later this summer.
Last week, I was interviewed by my “radio guy,” Wayne Kelly. We talked about the importance of taking stock and being sure of what we’re up to when we make big changes in our lives. You can listen to the 7-minute clip of our conversation on my Fearless, Fabulous Project blog.
This week, I walked my talk—literally—and did something that had been on my mind for a long while. I cleaned up a 1.5 mile stretch of a road near my home. It was an inconvenience and I didn’t want to take the time away from other things I had planned to do, but the reward of following through on my good intention has improved my environment for me and my neighbors.
This week, I encourage you to think about what you can do… and then take action!
Teleconferences, Workshops, and Programs SPEAK! Andrea’s Laser Coaching Call-in Day
Want to sample a bit of complimentary coaching?
Next Wednesday, July 25 is my next scheduled “laser coaching” day (usually the last Wednesday of each month). This is a special “extra” I provide to all of my clients whether they are part of a focused membership club or program or they retain me for one-on-one, individualized coaching. Clients can call me for 10-15 minutes of “just in time” coaching on a focused topic. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in a short period of time.
This week I’m extending the offer to all of my ezine readers as well. Call me and try it out!
Laser Coaching Office Hours
Date: Wednesday, July 25
Time: 9 am–12 Noon EST, and 2–5pm EST
Number to call: (603) 478-1388
The dogs still get their long walk and I go to yoga, but these big chunks of time should make it possible for you to get hold of me.
Feature Be the Change You Wish To See
This quote from Gandhi is usually invoked to silence the complainer. You know, if you can’t put up, shut up.
Recently, I received the full quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” at the bottom of an email from my Wednesday night yoga instructor, Tracy. Each time we begin and end a class, we sit in silence and think about our relationship to the natural world and the other creatures in it. It’s a good centering activity for remembering our mutual interdependence and our responsibility for shepherding the good in life.
Having this intention during each class helps me to work on the different poses with more concentration and success. And, I leave most classes humbled by my struggle with the physical practice and also the notion that there is so much more I could do to improve life for myself and others.
But then I’m quickly back in my usual day to day, regularly noting all of the things that are amiss in the world—our dependence on oil, global warming, corrupt politicians, inequity in health care delivery—and not doing much of anything about it all. Except grouse and complain.
Noticing What Needs Attention
Most days, I take my dogs for a circular four mile walk near our home. We begin and end on dirt roads, but the middle of our walk is along a relatively quiet paved road that connects Hillsboro and Washington, NH. It is a residential area, abutting woods and for the most part very pleasant.
However, months ago, out on my own on a slightly rainy day when I left the dogs at home, I counted over sixty bottles and cans, assorted plastic containers, and other stray articles along the route. The counting was simply an exercise to pass the time and a curiosity to me that this tranquil area could be so heavily “trashed” when so lightly trafficked. Angry that others could be so insensitive and selfish, I promised myself that I would get back out there within the week to clean up what I had noticed. I did not.
With three leashed pups in tow on subsequent walks, I let myself off the hook for picking anything up. It would be nearly impossible to carry a big trash bag while busy tending my charges. Besides, I would pick up stray plastic six-pack holders, so that a bird wouldn’t get its neck caught. And I’d also snare pieces of broken glass in the road so another dog or walker wouldn’t get cut. I was doing something. But each day I took that walk, I felt a tug of guilt over my failure to follow through on cleaning up the wake of castaways now buried beneath taller grass.
Vindication by Taking Responsibility
There is much in the world that seems outside of our control. By myself, I can’t change a culture where so many drivers consider their personal automobile space more important than the natural world. Alone, I can’t end teenage drinking. Without everyone agreeing to use fewer disposable products, I can’t stop roadside deposits of refuse.
We often complain on a general level that “the world is going to pot,” but we know to make any more noise would call attention to the fact we haven’t done much toward fixing the things that need attention. That’s a sneaky, contributing source to apathy. How can we stop intense consumerism, blind disregard for the safety of others or make other accountable for their actions in any meaningful, if we fail to take responsibility for what we see?
I can shake my fist and scream, “Don’t be such a pig!” Because it’s not my trash, and I obviously care about the natural world. But where does that get me? Once I see what needs to be done, it’s up to me alone to follow up in any way that I can. If I take action, then I can claim positive contribution and be more at peace knowing that I did make a difference. And then I really can raise a hornet’s nest of complaint, and urge others to do as I have.
Moving from Complaint to Action
So much of what is out of whack is within our control, if we break what seems large and overwhelming down into smaller tasks or projects. Or simply take responsibility for doing our small part.
It took me twice as long to walk that four-mile loop, when I finally stopped to pick up all the trash I’d been noticing for months. My haul was substantial: 60 aluminum cans, 10 whole or broken bottles, 20+ assorted plastic and paper containers, and an ugly pile of other tangible evidence that I noticed and did something about it.
Picking up trash along the side of the road may not seem like much. But every day I take that walk, I enjoy my surroundings that much more knowing that I’ve chosen to be an active steward to keep it clean. If I find a new can or bottle in the days ahead, it will be only one I need to pick up to preserve what is beautiful and shared by all.
Where is Your Next Move?
We can choose to buy and consume differently. We can tutor those who need help. We can teach others what we know how to do. We can give our time and money to causes that respond to our sorrow or outrage, and our sense of what the right thing is to create change. Through our actions—both large and small, we can be the change we want to see in the world.
Each of us notices what needs attention as we move through our days. We really do know what we can do make a difference.
Complacency is easy. What will you do?
© 2007 Andrea R. Williams
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Andrea Williams, personal and small business success coach, is the creator of the Fearless, Fabulous Project, a 12-week, step-by-step discovery and rejuvenation process to help you gain clarity and commitment about what is most important to you. If you're ready to pump your life with more fun & fulfillment, check out Andrea's coaching programs and resources now at www.FearlessFabulousLife.com, and sign up for “Fearless, Fabulous Female,” her free ezine on personal reinvention at midlife.
Andrea’s Bookshelf
You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls
by Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas
From the book flap: When was the last time you dared to dream, learned something new, or did something just for you? What is on your want-to-do list? Things you never thought you’d do when you grew up or got settled, things that you feel envious of other people for doing, or things you resolve to do, learn, or try every New Year’s? Whether it’s running a marathon, learning to sew, trekking in Nepal, or singing on stage, every now and then you look up from your bills and laundry and think, “One of these days…”
With sixty badge activities and expert guidance from accomplished women, You Can Do It! offers practical information, how-to support, and kick in the pants encouragement you need to accomplish your dreams!
You Can Do It! was Grandcola’s idea, begun a year before she died on September 11, 2001, aboard United Flight 93. A former Girl Scout, she saw the book as a way for women to re-create the feelings of accomplishment and community found in the Scouts.
Fearless Quote
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
—Gandhi
About Andrea
Andrea Williams, Personal & Business Development Coach, works with boomers, career changers, and others in transition to reach core issues quickly, to promote their inspirations and aspirations, and to provide unswerving support for ongoing life improvement.
Andrea also offers teleclasses, workshops, and other resources to help individuals and groups achieve greater self-awareness, success, and satisfaction. Learn more now at www.FearlessFabulousLife.com.
Nuts & Bolts
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