Lifecoach advice: Regain control and balance in life

I'm writing this as every news channel is forecasting "doom and gloom" for the economy not just in this little country of ours but world wide… Strangely enough I find myself feeling rather peaceful, recalling nice memories, and simply enjoying a deep breath… always realising that when things seem hopeless there is always chance for optimism and opportunities. When situations seem impossible things can become possible. Here's the thing, it seems that every time the media tells me "you can't", I get stronger. It has become an almost iconic sign of our times - the dreaded stress word, yet it is still an epidemic that nobody seems to know that much about. Pretty much everyone seems to have it, yet nobody knows exactly what causes it, or why. And there is as yet no magic pill we can pop to make it go away! The general consensus, however, is that it is our bodies' non-specific reaction to the demands put on it. Stress seems to affect everyone in different ways - from tension headaches to spot outbreaks of the common cold! So, what can we do about it? This is where the assistance of a Life Coach is welcomed into your life. What does Life Coaching do? Life Coaching offers you that time, space and encouragement to focus on yourself, what your problems really are, and what you would like to achieve. This process facilitates the possibility of real change in your life such as increased confidence, improved ability to communicate, and better relationships. A Life Coach does not provide the answers, as only you know what changes you need to make. Coaching encourages you to figure things out for yourself with a view to leaving the past behind and moving towards a more fulfilled future. Life Coaching is a one-on-one interactive relationship based upon confidentiality and mutual respect where the Coach is a skilled listener hearing all that is said but also that which is unsaid. Your Life Coach prompts you to focus on real issues and encourages understanding and self awareness. Life Coaching is an ongoing process based upon open communication and it is a means of exploring choices and gaining new perspectives in a safe environment. The time for personal coaching is now. The reasons are the ones bouncing around in your head at this very moment. The question now: "Are you ready for the rewards that come with taking the game of life to the next level"?! What is important to remember is that you set the agenda, not the coach. This is about your life. Are there aspects of your life that you feel you have no choices about? Do you know what is really important to you as opposed to your roles (parent, partner, career, etc)? Are you looking over your shoulder all the time at the bad things that happened to you? Is your happiness something that is going to happen when you achieve this or that or when you retire? Do you worry a lot about tomorrow, next week or next year? When you look into a full mirror do you like what you see? In the end, you have the right to be fulfilled and to have an abundance of joy in your life. If you knew that it's only a choice away would you take it? Do you believe you deserve it? Life Coaching is about choosing to be in control of achieving this and whatever your goal is, you set out to achieve. So, what is stopping you? 'You and I are essentially infinite choice-makers. In every moment of our existence, we are in that field of all possibilities where we have access to an infinity of choices.' - Deepak Chopra Time is of the essence in creating a sense of balance in your life. The more you learn how to manage your time more effectively, the less stressed you will feel and you will realise how much more you are achieving. It is easy to put things off and let them build up until they become a big group of unmanageable tasks, but if you get them out of the way as they come along you will find yourself with time to spare for yourself Are you one of the ever-growing number of people who find themselves waking up every morning feeling exhausted? Do most days seem like a constant battle with yourself? Racing against time to get out of the office and collect the kids from school, pick up the dog from the vet, vacuum the stairs, make the dinner and a million and one other thing? Are you fed up with living life in a blur? Don't worry - you're not alone! With the ever-increasing pressures we face in all dimensions of our lives - work, family and social - it is becoming harder than ever to get everything done. But, it is possible to regain a sense of control and balance in our lives if we learn to manage our time more effectively. For more details contact: Nuala Duignan, Dip. Life and Business Coach, Accredited by European Coach Federation Dip. Train the Trainer, FETAC Level 6 at info@nualaduignanlifecoach.com Or by contacting 087 2532675 Further details available at www.nualaduignanlifecoach.com NEXT WEEK: Getting things done and that work/life balance