RemarkAble Women Speak

All is Calm; All is Right

They're ba-ack! The days of the year we refer to as the "holiday season."  While the season incorporates many religious and spiritual celebrations, they've been singularly categorized by the retail industry as "holiday season."

However it is that you refer to this time of year, I have one word that will get you through the busy days ahead. Calm. C-A-L-M. Children have demands (I Want!) and retailers have their pleas (Buy Today!). Even shipping companies have their dictates. (Mail Now!)

You don't have to get caught up in the busy pace, the endless requests, and the stress of seasonal madness.

Here's what to do.

• Prioritize. Know what matters most and give it your focus. The rest can wait or be delegated to someone else. You know you can't do it all.
• Stop in the moment. If you feel pressure or stress rising in your body, give yourself a break. Sit   down and be still. Take in some deep breaths. Meditate. Ask yourself, "What do I want right now?" Give yourself permission to do something else, like take a nap.
• Say "No." Well, say it politely, but be honest about your commitments. Even if everyone loves the fancy salad or tasty entree you bring to the potluck every year, if you have neither the time nor the inclination to prepare it, offer another option. Contribute towards the expenses. Bring a store-bought dish. Offer to serve.
• Buy for yourself first. If gift-buying is part of your holiday ritual, buy something for yourself first. Why?  Because you deserve it. And when you feel comforted and taken care of by yourself, you'll likely not be frazzled by taking care of others nor put yourself on the back burner. Sure, times are tight, so it doesn't have to be a high-priced item. Or maybe it's not a holiday gift, but a pedicure or lunch at better than a fast-food joint. Pamper yourself.

RemarkAble Women, ask for what you want. And if it is calmness, make it happen.

 

Stress and Heart Disease in Women

It's comforting to know that research continues to be conducted to determine the levels of stress that women experience, and the impact that stress has on our heart health. A study of over 17,000 women was conducted over a period of ten years.

Some of the research findings were recently published, and not surprisingly, they confirm that female workers suffer from levels of stress high enough to trigger heart attacks, bigh blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Notable among the findings is the high level of stress among women who work in healthcare.

Remarkable Women, what you are doing in the workforce is amazing! Your contributions have led to phenomenal advances in every aspect of society. Whether you are formally acknowledged or not, you know what you're doing to make a difference.

But heed the advice of the findings. Take care of yourself first. Exercise regularly, quit smoking if you do, adopt a healthy nutrition plan, get enough sleep, and practice calmness as often as possible.

 

 

Get Out There

(Note: This is a long post, but it's a story I want to share.)

When the phone call came, I felt a bit of hesitation, then decided, "Why not?" The coordinator at a local hospice organization where I volunteer asked if I would pick up and deliver some medication to a patient. It didn't work out earlier in the week when she called with a similar request, so I wanted to be there for her this time.

When I told her I was available, she thanked me and said, "I know it's not fun to get out there at 3:00 on a Friday afternoon." I really didn't mind, and since I was going to be on the road anyway, I decided I would also stop and pick up a pair of pants at my drycleaner.

On the way to the pharmacy, I was suddenly hit by a thought. Am I not fortunate to be able to get in a car and drive? To leave my home? To enjoy the warmth of the fall sun? What about the patient who is waiting at his home? What are his options? Why would I not want to "get out there," regardless of the time of day? Knowing I would bring relief to someone whose life will soon end is reason enough for me to "get out there."

My attitude, which was already feeling joyful, lightened even more. The wait at the pharmacy was brief, and the patient lived two blocks away. What could be more convenient? A family member answered the door, and I felt humbled when I asked for his signature authorization in exchange for the medication that would bring comfort to his loved one.

From there, I went to the drycleaner. Two customers were ahead of me. The first was having a playful conversation with the owner. Then the second chimed in. I listened with amusement. The first customer left, and the second customer continued his conversation.

All of a sudden, he said something that sparked a recogntion. "I know this guy!" I introduced msyelf by my first name and told him I know a mutual friend. He acknowledged what I said, but I didn't think he got it. I then told him, "I'm Patricia from...," and I explained the circumstances we have in common.

Next thing I knew, he was giving me a hug,and smiling all over, because of the connection. We have spoken on the phone in the past, but have never met. As if that wasn't enough, he said, "Let me get you some candy." He is part-owner of a gourmet candy company that recently earned a contract with the local Neiman Marcus store.

In no time, I was laden with popcorn brittle, pecan brittle, and chocolate shake brittle. I''ll let the website for Cornell Confections describe those tasty treats for you. It's going through a renovation now, so you won't be able to order, but come November 17, it should be ready to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What's the point of all this? When you "get out there," life is full of surprises and nooks and crannies to explore. It's filled with interesting people to meet, to explore along with, to teach and be taught by, to comfort, and to laugh with.

When you "get out there," life looks different. Its face is warm and exuberant, without a hint of judgment. Its brow is wrinkled with curiosity, its ears bristle with new sounds, and its eyes sparkle with the amazement of discovery.

Remarkable Woman, when will you "get out there?"

 

 

 

 

Community in the Round

I went to a networking group of bloggers and writers that has been meeting once a week for a little more than seven months. People come and go as they choose. Some attend more regularly than others. All are welcome and invited to participate in whatever mode is suitable for them. Some join in on the conversation; others sit and listen.

I showed up a tad late and easily slipped into the essence of the current conversation. Other latecomers followed me. After a bit of time, the facilitator offered that we could split into two groups since our size had grown to 24 of us. A quick poll kept us as we were - a community in a circle of connection. Quite interestingly, as I sat there pondering the community we were, I began to hear more mention of that word.

Community. A collection of individuals united in commonality and difference. Common in that all are bloggers or soon-to-be. All are entrepreneurs, even if in spirit and not yet by design. All are eager to share, even in their listening. Different in that the group included a painter, efficiency expert, artist, reflexologist, writing coaches, real estate broker, feng shui consultant, and a host of others amid the variety of participants.

What struck me the most, though, was the visual - the circle. As new arrivals showed up, chairs scooted back to expand the community. Yet, the community remained unbroken. In that completeness, there was a sense of calm that reverberated, despite the shifts. There wasn't any disruption. Smiles were exchanged. Conversations remained whole and intact, eager to offer and receive new perspectives.

Imagine living your life as community in a circle. Allowing for newness to enter without feeling disturbed. Engaging with differences that teach and inspire. Expanding with self-awareness and passion for making a difference.

By the end of our time together, I heard the word community uttered several times over. Some participants left a bit early, but we were still a community, in our circle. The circle was only broken once the chairs were put away.

We didn't need them anymore. Our community had moved to our hearts. The chairs will be brought out again next week, but when we walk in the door, we will already be connected.

Remarkable Woman, how are you in community with yourself? WIth others? What wants to come into your circle? How will you invite it in?