Over the next three podcast shows, Jen and Leah focus on how to get *unstuck* and move forward in our lives, whether it is personally or professionally. At some time during most people’s lives they feel stuck, and are not sure how to get unstuck. They may know what the end result is that they hope to achieve, but are not clear on what action steps need to be taken to get there. But, first it is critical to identify WHY we are stuck before we can determine HOW to get unstuck.

Jen and Leah have narrowed it down to three primary reasons that people get stuck. On this week’s show they discuss the first reason – FEAR.

Fear, whether real or imaginary, can be paralyzing! It can stop you dead in your tracks. You know the feeling, your heart starts racing, your blood pressure increases, your palms get sweaty, you are scared to death! You are so frozen with this fear that you are literally unable to move forward. To overcome this fear, you will need to determine what it is that is causing the fear. For example, some of the most common things that people fear are: rejection, failure, the unknown, or even success!

Are you in a sales job, and just feel stuck because you are not making enough sales? You may fear rejection.

Are you SUPERMOM or DAD, trying to do everything at one time, but really not doing anything well? You might have a fear of failure as a parent.

Are you in a relationship in your life right now that isn’t totally satisfying to you?, but you are not sure what to do?  You might fear the unknown!

There are many reasons for fear, but the key is identifying what that fear is, and then coming up with the action plan needed to overcome the fear……

As former president Franklin D. Roosevelt said – You have nothing to fear except fear itself!

Listen Now

On this week’s show, Jennifer and Leah conclude their 5 part Balanced Palette series with the Health/Emotion portion of the palette. Busy Dads, and especially Moms, tend to take care of everyone’s needs first. The kids, the family, the co-workers, the friends, etc…..and then at the end of the day they wonder why they have no energy left for themselves!

Leah and Jen stress the importance of making sure we take care of ourselves! In order to be the best we can be, we must be healthy! This means  going to the doctor annually, getting enough rest, exercising and eating right….all of these are the ingredients that go into creating a healthy, well balanced YOU!

From an emotional standpoint, Americans are under more stress now than ever before. Do you know what happens if you don’t handle that stress? it can make us physically sick. There is a direct correlation between our minds and our bodies. We need to commit to taking care of both of them!

As yourself – do you exercise regularly? is your weight within the appropriate range? Are you stressed out and running on adrenaline? Do you *Know Your numbers*, IE. blood pressure, cholesterol, weight?

It might be time to Stop The Madness, and make a life shift to living a healthier and more emotionally stable life. This happens when we set boundaries and live within those boundaries. We start living proactively – with purpose and passion. Instead of reacting to everything that comes our way! We realize the importance of taking care of ourselves, and we make it a priority! Even though we are all very busy, we need to know the importance of making the time focus on our health and emotional states.

v

Leah and Jen continue to discuss the importance of having a balanced palette in life. This week they focus on Spirituality. People define spirituality differently, and that is OK. Your personal spirituality is as unique and different as you are! It’s is basically your connection with a higher power. It is the high standards that you hold yourself to. Your spirituality comes from within yourself. We all have it!

Some people find their spirituality by going to church, others find it by meditating or reading; the important thing is that you slow down enough to find the time to get to know what brings you inner peace.

For Leah, it is taking responsibility for her actions and knowing that right where she is at this given moment is where she is supposed to be. With Jennifer, it is all about thinking positive thoughts and starting each day with some quiet time reading something inspirational.

Special guest on the show this week is Kathleen Hawkins, founder of WOAMTEC (Women on a Mission to Earn Commission) and also co-owner of Jeff Hawkins Photography. Kathleen lives her life by the motto: Faith, Family, and Work. She believes that Faith is the most important aspect of how we live our lives. Kathleen shares some great insight on how to live a balanced life while keeping faith at the forefront.

Kathleen started WOAMTEC last year. It is a networking organization whose goal is to build a positive networking atmosphere where seasoned professional business women can come together to share ideas, offer support, and create solid business alliances. There are already over 300 members in the group in Central Florida.

You can contact Kathleen at <a href=”mailto:Kathleen@jeffhawkins.com”>Kathleen@woamtec.com</a>    Or visit <a href=”http://www.WOAMTEC.com”>www.WOAMTEC.com</a> for more information

Listen Now

Our relationships are what define us. They are one of the most important and rewarding aspects of our lives. But, how often do we take the time to examine our relationships closely to determine how they are working for us? In this segment, Jennifer and Leah explore the Relationship area of the Balanced Palette. They discuss why it is important that our relationships are healthy and are meeting our needs and expectations.

Relationships come in all sizes and shapes…..we have relationships with our parents, children, spouse, co-workers, friends and siblings. But, our relationships are not a *one size fits all* scenario. Each is different and meets different needs  we have in our lives. Relationships must be maintained and evaluated from time to time to make sure they are still meeting  those needs. And, if some of our relationships need to be improved upon, we need to take the steps necessary to do that. One of the KEY ways to do this is through honest and open communication. We all have different needs, and these needs may change as we grow and evolve.

Ask yourself – Do I have a circle of friends and family who love and appreciate me for who I am, more than just what I do? For many busy parents,  there are times when your children  will  treat you  more like a taxi-service, maid, bank machine, and short order cook instead of a loving parent. Although this is quite common, it can still make you feel like you are being taken advantage of. This is the time you need to have the open communication and talk it out.

Relationships….no one said they were easy, but they are one of the most rewarding aspects of our lives, so we should treat them that way.

[audio:cyms_010_-_20090204.mp3]

Listen Now